Celebrating Prince: Your April guide to events in the Twin Cities
March 28, 2019
Looking for ways to celebrate the life of Prince in April? Here is a list of local events around the Twin Cities.
Prince Family Dance Party 2019
Saturday, April 20
Excelsior Brewing Company, Excelsior
11 a.m., free
This second annual Prince event has everything you need to celebrate, including a Purple-Rain-inspired soda. Dance the afternoon away with the family while enjoying food vendors and face painting. Once the kids are in bed, come back at 8 p.m. for a Prince Tribute party featuring Jacuzzi Puma. Donations accepted on behalf of Purple Playground.
More information about this event here.
Prince Tribute Crawl (2nd Annual)
Saturday, April 20
508 Bar, Minneapolis
4 p.m., $10-$25, 21+
If you want to get some steps in while honoring the Purple One, you may want to join this pub crawl. Participating bars plan to create Prince-themed cocktails as well as provide live entertainment. A ticket purchase allows free cover to all of the venues. Profits go to local charities.
Tickets and information here.
Dearly Beloved: Join us for a Prince Tribute
Saturday, April 20
Pinot’s Palette, St. Louis Park
7 p.m., $38
Get ready to paint the evening purple while rocking out to Prince. Local artists will help you paint a purple masterpiece while you perhaps sip on a glass of wine. Purple attire recommended.
Tickets and information here.
EROTIC CITY ft. Lenka Paris, DJ Shannon Blowtorch, Brother Jules, Mike 2600 and more
Saturday, April 20
First Avenue & 7th St entry/Mainroom
8 p.m., $12 advance, $15 day of the show
Join 89.3 The Current’s own DJ Shannon Blowtorch as she rocks the mainroom with guest DJ’s that include Lenka Paris, Mike 2600, and long-time Prince collaborator, Brother Jules.
Get ready for a night of intense rhythms and beats while dancing the night away at Prince’s original venue.
Tickets and more information here.
Midwest Funk Association FT. Ron Trent (Music and Power, Prescription-Chicago)
First Avenue & 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis
Saturday, April 20
9 p.m., $25 advance/$28 day of the show
Join Ron Trent, guest DJ from Chicago, as well as locals Midnight Music Club and DJ Aaron Brooks as you pay tribute and celebrate Prince's eternal spirit by dancing the night away at his original nightclub.
Tickets and more information here.
Purple Rain (1984): 35mm Presentation
Sunday, April 21
The Parkway Theater, Minneapolis
4 p.m./7:30 p.m., $9
Relive the nostalgia of seeing Purple Rain in 35mm, just like it was presented to eager audiences in 1984. Sip on an originally crafted and movie-inspired cocktail by the Parkway’s mixologist, and soak up the movie’s everlasting influences.
Tickets and more information here.
Prince Sip and Paint Party
Sunday, April 21
Creative Hearts MN and Glow 808, St. Paul
5 p.m., $45/$60
Paint your very own portrait of Prince while listening to a live D.J. inspire you with Prince’s vast catalog of music. Sip on a signature drink, and play Prince trivia while you paint the night away.
Tickets and more information here.
Prince Legacy Tours at the Capri
April 22-25
Capri Theater, Minneapolis
Times Vary, $20
Check out the original theater where it all began: from photos of Prince’s first 1979 gig to an intimate tour of the Capri, this informative experience is a must before the new theater opens in 2020.
Tickets and more information here.
Purple Playground.org “Free Urself Too” Dance Party
Tuesday, April 23
Lee’s Liquor Lounge, Minneapolis
9 p.m., $7
Celebrate the Purple One’s music with DJs Spooky Calavera, Michael Holtz and Danny Sigelman while supporting Purple Playground.
Tickets and more information here.
Purple Family Meet & Greet II
Tuesday, April 23
Bunker’s Music Bar and Grill, Minneapolis
5 p.m., See Website for Ticket info
Meet some of the Purple Family and listen to some funky tunes by DJ Hightop with special guest Martin Kember. Hosted by Tracy Wilson, this second annual celebration is sure to create some great vibes in this relaxed atmosphere.
More information here.
Remembering Prince III
Wednesday, April 24
Carver County Library, Chanhassen
6:30 p.m., FREE
Discuss Prince’s philanthropy, legacy and Purple Playground with Heidi Vader, founder of the fan-based organization. Explore the Academy of Prince program and listen to a performance by current members. Special guests also include David TC Elllis who will discuss his work at High School for Recording Arts. As an extra special treat, the Carver County Historical Society will bring their Prince collection to display.
More information here.
The Paisley 5&Dime Presents: Celebration 2019 Kickoff Party at Gluek’s
Wednesday, April 24
Gluek’s Restaurant and Bar, Minneapolis
6 p.m., $31.21
Enjoy an evening of music and laughter while listening to the comedy of Travis Thurman and Jessica Rivera live on stage at Gluek’s. Join DJ SPooKY, DJ DLP, and DJ Nevermind to celebrate 25 years since the release of The Black Album. Ticket holders will also have an opportunity to participate in a special authors spotlight event earlier that day that includes thoughts from The Current’s Andrea Swensson on her book Got to Be Something Here.
Tickets and more information here.
Starr Party II
Wednesday, April 24
The Pourhouse, Minneapolis
8 p.m., $20, 21+
Celebrate with the Prince community by enjoying an evening of dancing, free henna and free hugs. The second annual event will feature music from DJ Hightop (aka Alphonso Starr), and vocals from Martin Kember.
Tickets and more information here.
Sound 80 Studio Tours
Wednesday, April 24 and Monday, April 29
Orfield Lab, Minneapolis
Times vary, $20
Minneapolis music historian Kristen Zschomler leads tours of the famed studio where Prince recorded his demos, and where Bob Dylan recorded much of Blood on the Tracks.
Tickets and more information here.
The Jellybean Johnson Experience Presents Nothing Compares 2P
Thursday, April 25
Minnesota Music Cafe, St. Paul
7 p.m., $20
Join original Prince band member Jellybean Johnson, as he plays music throughout the evening at this event that features many local bands celebrating not only the life of Prince, but Minnesota music. Bands include iLLism, Seismic City, Corey Medina and Brothers, the Smitty Pit, L*A*W* and the Planet 12 Movement, as well as many other special guests.
Tickets and information here.
Prince 365 Party After the Park
Thursday, April 25
508 Bar and Restaurant, Minneapolis
9 p.m., $22, 21+
If you are looking for an event where you may hear more than just the hits, join DJ Lenka Paris and Peter Bravestrong for a night of dancing and giveaways.
Tickets and more information here.
Celebration 2019
Paisley Park, Chanhassen
April 25-28, Ticket prices vary, per event
Join former Prince collaborators and friends for a four-day celebration at Paisley Park. Events will include live music, panel discussions, and unique presentations about the prolific artist's life and legacy. Several different ticket types are available and depending on which package you choose, it may include entrance to the Prince: In Concert on the Big Screen event at The Armory. Panelists, performers and speakers include Jesse Z, The Revolution, Funk Soldiers, as well as many others who are eager to share this special event with the public.
Tickets and more information here.
Prince: In Concert and on the Big Screen, presented by Paisley Park
Friday, April 26
The Armory, Minneapolis
8 p.m., $65 and up, All Ages
This not-to-be missed event will feature newly remastered and never-before-released audio and video of Prince. An all-star ensemble of musicians who once performed with Prince will accompany the audio and video live on stage. The experience will showcase Prince’s sound and the unique energy that he brought to his audience.
Tickets and more information here.
LP Music Live at the Icehouse
Friday, April 26
Icehouse MPLS, Minneapolis
10:30p.m., $30
Spend an evening with former members of The Family and Prince collaborators Eric Leeds and Paul Peterson as they showcase their new album No Words. With special guest DJ Nevermind, plan on a late night Prince fix while hanging out at this Minneapolis hot spot.
Tickets and more information here.
Prince 365 Purple Perkins Pancakes Late Night Part Deux
April 26-27
Perkins Restaurants, Chanhassen
11 p.m. to 6 a.m., $7
If you have a case of the late-night munchies, you may consider indulging in some purple pancakes while listening to live DJ Brother Jules at this family-friendly restaurant that sits close to Paisley Park.
Tickets and more information here.
Prince Rooftop Celebration: A Purple Dance Party
Friday, April 26
Union Rooftop, Minneapolis
10 p.m., Tickets available soon, 21+
A former Prince DJ, Larry Peace will help celebrate the Purple One by spinning some deep cuts, old school classics and hits. Presented by Flip Phone, this event will certainly help you relive some of your greatest dance moves and grooves.
Tickets and more information here.
Legacy- A Night Supporting Youth Music
Saturday, April 27
Minnesota Music Cafe, St. Paul
7 p.m., $20 advance/$31 at door
Play your hand at winning a guitar signed by Jesse Johnson, while supporting the Purple Playground’s “Academy of Prince” as well as The High School for Recording Arts. Enjoy entertainment by guests Jellybean Johnson, St. Paul Peterson, Marva King, and Sue Ann Carwell. See special guest Lakame, a student at The High School for Recording Arts, perform with his band. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this performance while supporting charity.
Tickets and more information here.
Purple Promotionz- Prince Uptown!
Saturday, April 27
Moxy Hotel, Minneapolis
9 p.m., FREE-subject to capacity
Put on your purple Saturday best for this live social media streamed event featuring music by DJ Wae Fonky and interviews with a friend of the Purple One. Join authors for a special book signing: Allen Beaulieu, Prince, Before The Rain, Kim Berry, Diamonds And Curlz, and Andre Hollingsworth, A Tribute To His Musical Genius. Additional amenities to the evening include a special tribute to Will “Hollywood” Doughty by Terry Jackson, a silent auction, free giveaways, a visual slide-show and Prince inspired local art for sale.
More information here.
Prince Drag Brunch
Saturday, April 27
Union Rooftop, Minneapolis
10a.m./12:30p.m., $12
Starring Vincent the Destroyer, Damien D’Luxe, and Cee Russell, buy your tickets to attend the infamous Union Rooftop drag brunch. Gussy up in your best purple attire and get ready to rock out while dining on the Union’s weekend menu.
Tickets and more information here.
The New Power Generation: Tribute to Prince’s Legacy
Saturday, April 27
The Fine Line Music Cafe
11 p.m., $50/$75/$175, 21+
Once labeled by Prince as his “best band ever,” the New Power Generation will pay tribute to their iconic mentor at a late-night event packed with music. NPG not only have plans to play music from their time with Prince, but hits from all stages of Prince’s career.
Tickets and more information here.
Love 2 the 9’s
Saturday, April 27
The Parkway Theater, Minneapolis
11 p.m., $55/$65
Join Prince’s longtime keyboardist Tommy Barbarella on the grand piano, accompanied by vocalist Julius Collins for an evening of music and storytelling about the life and legacy of Prince. Along with Petar Janic on percussion and Jeremy Ylvisaker on guitar, this late-night acoustic set will be played against an intimate backdrop. The Parkway’s mixologist will also have a Prince-inspired cocktail to sip on while taking in the ambiance.
Tickets and more information here.
