New York, NY—Mar 2, 2009
Screenvision and Universal Motown Records Partner to Debut Music Legend and R&B Icon Stevie Wonder’s “Live at Last” Concert Throughout Theaters Nationwide
Screenvision has partnered with Universal Motown Records to present the national premiere of Stevie Wonder’s concert, Live at Last, on March 4, 2009. Part of Motown’s 50th Anniversary celebration, the concert, which was filmed in October 2008 at the London O2 Arena, marked Wonder’s first performance in Europe in over a decade and was filmed during his “Wonder Summer Nights” tour.
Screenvision’s alternative programming division will make the concert available through its exhibitor partners in 10 top DMAs across the country including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, Washington D.C., Detroit, Seattle and Denver.
“We are committed to creating additional revenue streams for our exhibitor partners and through the right and most compelling alternative content we are able to bring new audiences into theaters in creative and innovative ways,” said Darryl Schaffer, executive vice president, exhibitor relations for Screenvision. “Live at Last provides the type of exciting and quality entertainment that will resonate with theater goers on a national basis and we look forward to working with Universal and our partners to promote it.”
The alternative programming division was launched in 2007 to enable exhibitors to attract additional audiences during off-peak movie timeframes. Screenvision’s presentation of the La Scala opera series, UltraMarathon Man:50 Marathons • 50 States • 50 Days, Ballet Shoes, its partnership with the New York Mets for “Mets at the Movies,” the Phillies’ World Series film with Major League Baseball, the Boston Celtics championship season documentary, Return to the Rafters, and MSNBC’s coverage of President Obama’s Inauguration are examples of previous successes.
"We are thrilled to partner with Screenvision to bring Stevie Wonder's first filmed concert to cinemas across the U.S," said Sylvia Rhone, President of Universal Motown Records. "Stevie is a cultural icon who represents a brilliant musical legacy and the deepest roots of Motown. A Stevie Wonder show is not merely a concert, but a major event from a consummate performer. Screenvision, with its extensive theater network, is providing a fantastic opportunity for us to bring Stevie's timeless music to new audiences throughout the country."
The set list traces a lifetime of innovation and achievement and features iconic hits including “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” “My Cherie Amour,” and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” The concert also includes other classic hits that redefined pop and R&B music including “Superstition,” “Higher Ground,” and “Living in the City.” Highlights of the concert include a 14 piece band as well as Wonder’s daughter Aisha Wonder on backing vocals.
