POP MUSIC REVIEW : Stevie Wonder a Highlight at ‘Rendez-Vous’

Stevie Wonder gave a momentary Jamaican flavor Sunday evening to a 4 1/2-hour concert designed to celebrate French and American cultures.

Appearing at the “Rendez-Vous in L.A.” music and food fair at the Greek Theatre to accept a humanitarian award, the singer-songwriter backed himself on piano for three songs before leading a sing-along on his new “Tomorrow Robins Will Sing,” which he sang in dancehall reggae-style.

Wonder’s appearance--which also included a relaxed rendition of “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and an acceptance speech incorporating lyrics from another new song--was by far the evening’s highlight.

This showcase for French musicians and Los Angeles-area French restaurants attracted about 2,000 people, mostly fans of Veronique Sanson and Michel Jonasz.

Both singers and their disciplined bands gave performances heavy on theatrics. Jonasz goes for a comical twist on cabaret, while Sanson’s approach to love songs is over-the-top and dramatic.