Pop superstar Stevie Wonder will perform a free concert outside Ravens stadium on Saturday night, filling in for Aretha Franklin, who was originally scheduled for the event, but fell ill.

Wonder will perform with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on the plaza and parking lot north of the new stadium, beginning at 8 p.m.

The show will cap a day of events celebrating the official opening of the stadium on Sunday.

The Ravens contacted a number of artists after Franklin dropped out, and were happy to find Wonder available on such short notice, said Ravens spokesman Kevin Byrne.

The team had approached Wonder before signing Franklin, but was told he was unavailable to perform.

Wonder's schedule cleared in the ensuing weeks, and he and the team struck an agreement yesterday for the appearance.

"He does not make many appearances, and the fact that he is going to perform with the BSO adds to the luster of our opening of this wonderful stadium," Byrne said.

Pub Date: 9/03/98