WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Music legend Stevie Wonder performed in D.C. Monday morning in a mini-concert that was free to the public.
He played two to three songs at the Armory Mall at 2400 East Capitol Street SE starting at 10 a.m. The first 1,000 people to arrive at the concert received donuts.
The concert was part of a news conference promoting his "Songs in the Key of Life Performance" tour. Wonder and his 22-piece band will perform at the Verizon Center on Oct. 3.
Love one another was the tone the event took on through Wonder's music and laughter with the crowd, but he was also not shy to take on issues like the national gun debate and recent police brutality cases covered in the media.
Wonder told the crowd he hopes to start a "Claim the Bullet" campaign.
"I'm hoping that there will be a way where people can have whatever and however in making sure that they're eligible to be registered with these guns, and that they're responsible and that everyone is accountable for the guns that they have" Wonder said. "And for those who have the responsibility of protecting and serving, they have to be people who really are committed to doing something to perpetuate life, not taking it."
"I think it's wonderful but we already know how Stevie feels about that already!"
Regina Bryant wishes someone would've asked Stevie to say her name instead but others like Aaron McNeil, tell me Wonder said today really resonates.
"He permeates everything that art and music and love is and he's the epitome of everything that's good. Why not, I mean, he's a minister of his own right. God bless him a-hundred fold squared," said McNeil.
"He definitely inspired me, to understand how wonderful people are," said George Darden, who tells WUSA 9 he is disabled and is also viewing Wonder as a champion for those like himself.
The concert only lasted around an hour, but Wonder still also made a point to mention the recent death of civil rights activist Julian Bond. He told the crowd the way to honor Bond's life is by doing something to make a difference.
Before picking up a few more sets to end the show, Wonder said a last message towards the youth of America.
"We must become a united people of the united states and don't fall for people that are trying to divide people and all that kind of craziness. Understand the significance of Black Lives Matter and understand that all lives matter but the only way we can really show that is by putting value on every single life," Wonder said.
The final run of the tour will stretch to 20 North American cities beginning September 30 in Montreal, QC. Wonder returns to Washington D.C. on October 3rd with the tour expected to finish its run at New York City's Madison Square Garden on November 24th.
Stevie Wonder earned 25 Grammy Awards, an Oscar and a Golden Globe. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll, Songwriters' and NAACP halls of fame. Wonder became the youngest recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors. He has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and is a designated U.N. Messenger of Peace with special focus on persons with disabilities.
Like this story? Like us on Facebook.
PREVIOUS STORY: Stevie Wonder welcomes 9th child
