A stocking stuffed with R&B; treats

Stevie Wonder’s seventh annual House Full of Toys benefit concert at the Forum on Saturday offered a holiday sampler of favorite R&B; acts, including veterans Luther Vandross and Teena Marie, hip-hoppers Nelly and Wyclef Jean, and modern romantic soul duo K-Ci & JoJo.

More than 18 acts represented styles from hip-hop to gospel, providing the predominantly black audience an opportunity to celebrate many different bright lights. The show had a moral leg up on some seasonal spectaculars, since its purpose was to collect toys for needy kids rather than to glorify the sponsors or participants. Yet the emphasis on genuine talent was clear, with even marginal artists displaying a level of craft and musicianship not always evident in modern pop.

Although the mood ranged from sanctified to sexual, Wonder set a general tone of peace and transcendence as the nearly five-hour show began. Invoking Martin Luther King Jr., Wonder reminded the packed house that “we should do right by each other, and judge each other not by the color of our skin.” Then he obliquely referenced the recent controversy over Mississippi Sen. Trent Lott, who stepped down last week as Republican majority leader after making what many considered racist remarks at Sen. Strom Thurmond’s 100th birthday party.

Ol’ Trent took more direct hits from host comedian Jamie Foxx, whose between-act riffing made more bearable the inevitable delays, occasionally fitful pacing and long running time. Indeed, the pitfalls were mostly offset by a welcome spontaneity that allowed for Wonder to play harmonica and sing with soul crooner Deborah Cox, lend vocals to gospel-R&B; duo Mary Mary’s rendition of his “You Will Know,” and perform an electrifyingly percussive, unrehearsed give-and-take with tap dancer Savion Glover.

Other surprises included a brief inspirational speech by Jesse Jackson, a quick word of thanks from WNBA star Lisa Leslie, and the pairing of Wonder and young hip-hop soul star India.Arie during his show-closing set. Another unexpected highlight was the giddy impromptu reunion of K-Ci & JoJo with their former partners in vocal quartet Jodeci, brothers Donald and Dalvin DeGrate.

Saxophonists Boney James and Mike Phillips represented the evening’s wide array of approaches and sensibilities. Old favorite James evoked a classic romantic moment with a take on Bill Withers’ melancholy “Ain’t No Sunshine,” while Phillips, a label mate of alternative hip-hop favorite Jill Scott, offered a more avant-garde turn and a conscious message.

The vintage acts proved hard to beat, as Vandross’ silky romantic ballads evoked plenty of screams and Marie offered a dramatic performance that started in the audience and ended on stage with a blazing take on her old hit “Square Biz.”

But the vocal trio NEXT also revved up the energy with an early set of funky hip-hop and sweet ballads, and Nelly fired up the crowd with his current hit “Hot in Herre.”

Veteran duo Chante Moore and Kenny Lattimore also emphasized romance with a smooth slow jam, while young Heather Headley sang of love’s uncertainty with polish, if not much spark. Reminding folks that “Jesus is the reason for this season,” gospel singers Judith McAllister and Donnie McClurkin brought in the church with their respective choirs.

Other inspirational notes came from vocal octet Sounds of Blackness.