Prince tributes in the Twin Cities
by Hanna Bubser
October 10, 2016
With the highly-anticipated official Prince tribute show at the Xcel Energy Center coming up on Thursday, Minnesota is bursting with events to honor the late, great artist. Here's a roundup of some of the Prince-related events happening at venues across the Twin Cities this week and beyond — and you can scroll down for a chance to win a pair of coveted tickets to the big tribute show!
To celebrate Prince's legacy this week, we're going all-Prince on our Local Current stream of Minnesota music every day through Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to noon. Then, starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 13, we'll play our entire Prince catalog from A-Z — over 24 hours of Prince. Listen on our website and via the MPR Radio app for iOS and Android devices.
Oct. 13-15: Paisley Park tours
Prince's estate planned to open his home and studio for public tours in time for the tribute show, but they hit an unexpected snag when the Chanhassen City Council tabled a request to rezone the facility for use as a museum. Limited tickets are now on sale for tours on Oct. 13 and 15, when the venue has a temporary permit to reopen. Watch Paisley Park's website for information about progress on the zoning issue, and read reports from the opening by Jay Gabler and Andrea Swensson.
Paisley Park, Chanhassen. Tickets $38.50 and $100
Oct. 6-8, 12-14: First Avenue tours
Limited space is still available for behind-the-scenes tours of First Avenue, led by legendary local photographer Daniel Corrigan. One of the world's best-known rock clubs, First Avenue was made iconic by Prince and Purple Rain but it's also hosted many other world-renowned acts for almost 40 years and remains at the vibrant center of the Twin Cities music scene.
First Avenue, Minneapolis, $15
Oct. 11: Judith Hill at the Electric Fetus
While not a Prince tribute, this appearance by Judith Hill is an opportunity to meet one of the artists Prince worked most closely with in the last years of his life. Hill will sign copies of her album Back in Time — produced by Prince and recorded at Paisley Park — and take photos with fans.
Electric Fetus, Minneapolis, noon - 2 p.m., free (CDs available for purchase)
Oct. 12: Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazaoughai (Rain the Color of Blue with a Little Red in It)
Sound Unseen is presenting this African homage to Purple Rain. Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazaoughai is "set among the sub-Saharan Tuareg people, and reputedly the first feature film in their Tamashek language (which has no word for 'purple,' hence the title)."
Trylon Microcinema, Minneapolis, 7:00 and 8:45 p.m., $10
Oct. 12 & 14: Prince movie screenings
St. Anthony Main is hosting screenings of all four of Prince's feature films. Under the Cherry Moon and Sign O' the Times will play on Oct. 12, followed by Purple Rain and Graffiti Bridge on Oct. 14. The Friday screening is a fundraiser for a Chanhassen shelter for homeless youth, while Wednesday's proceeds support music education.
St. Anthony Main Theatre, Minneapolis, $10 per day
Oct. 12, 13, 14: "Dance On 'Til Dawn" Parties
Prince's family is set to host these dance parties at the Muse Event Center. Along with the music, there will be food provided by Paisley Park's WholeSoul and guest appearances by Prince associates.
Muse Event Center, Minneapolis, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., tickets range from $31.21 to $250 (there is also a $600 three-night VIP package available)
Oct. 13: Prince Tribute Pre-Party at the Amsterdam Bar and Hall
Just a few blocks from the Xcel Energy Center, the Amsterdam Bar and Hall is hosting a pre-party for the big tribute concert.
Amsterdam Bar & Hall, St. Paul, 4 p.m., free
Oct. 13: Xcel Energy Center Outdoor Preshow Party
Look for The Current's van outside the Xcel Energy Center as the venue celebrates with a preshow party featuring a DJ as well as food and beverages. All of St. Paul will be feeling the Prince spirit, as the Cathedral of Saint Paul, Landmark Center, the Saint Paul Hotel, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the James J. Hill Center, Central Library, 317 on Rice Park, and Herbie's on the Park are lit purple.
Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, 4 p.m., free
Oct. 13: "Purple Love": A Prince Tribute and After Party
The Minnesota Music Cafe will host this tribute party that includes Sue Ann Carwell (a Prince protege) and Jellybean Johnson (drummer for Morris Day and the Time).
Minnesota Music Cafe, St. Paul, 9 p.m., free
Oct. 13: Prince Tribute Afterparty at First Avenue
"The house Prince built" will host its own tribute afterparty, with music from DJ Jake Rudh (who helped the Revolution rock the joint last month), DJ Espada, and Mike 2600.
First Avenue, Minneapolis, 9 p.m., $5 advance/$10 door
Oct. 14: Susannah Melvoin at the Electric Fetus
Susannah Melvoin, a former member of the Revolution who was very close to Prince in the 1980s, will be at the Electric Fetus to meet with fans, sign autographs, and promote her Starfish & Coffee line (named for the song she co-wrote with Prince) of mugs and t-shirts.
Electric Fetus, Minneapolis, 12 - 2:30 p.m., free
Oct. 30 and onward: Prince: The Tour
Starting at the end of October, this Prince-themed tour will include the Capri Theater, First Avenue, the house featured in the movie Purple Rain, the Electric Fetus, and a drive-by of Paisley Park.
Waconiaville Tours, pick up/drop off at Minneapolis Visitors Information, times vary, $59 per person