*Prince lovers from around the world gathered at Paisley Park to celebrate and honor Prince’s life on what would have been his 65th birthday and 7th year of his passing.
The 7th annual Celebration event was a major success thanks to star-studded programming, uplifting performances, and engaging panels, all in celebration of Prince’s outstanding legacy and once-in-a-lifetime cultural impact.
Over June 8-11, Paisley Park hosted exclusive presentations of unreleased music from the famous Prince Vault and special appearances by and conversations with Grammy-winning artist Chaka Khan and Hip-Hop legends Chuck D and Doug E. Fresh.
Guests were also treated to live performances from powerhouse Minnesota super group Sounds of Blackness, R&B star Stokley of Mint Condition, artist, DJ, and producer D-Nice, members of Prince’s band New Power Generation (NPG), Prince protegé Shelby J, and Minneapolis youth choir Known MPLS, and an exciting showcase of new artists Nunnabove and Nur-D. Supporting new, and young artists was something that was extremely important to Prince, and remains one of Paisley Park’s core values.
The celebration included a special Prince Legacy Tribute to one of the founding members of NPG—the beloved vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Rosie Gaines, accepted by her daughter and grandson. The event also honored both Prince and Tina Turner through a unique tribute led by Prince’s longtime DJ and collaborator DJ Rashida.
Attendees were gifted special cassette-shaped USB keys with two previously unreleased tracks from the Prince Vault– “All A Share Together Now,” recorded on September 4, 2006, and “7 (E Flat Version),” recorded on August 9, 1992. Both tracks are set for a worldwide DSP release on July 7, 2023.
Prince’s former attorney, manager, and friend, L. Londell McMillan on Celebration 2023: “Thank you to all who contributed to a monumental Prince Celebration 2023. We celebrated Prince and lifted his name, in his house, with many who loved him, on the 7th Anniversary of his transition — we miss him dearly. The music, conversations, events, food, and fellowship were all done with love and gratitude to honor Prince. We look forward to Prince Celebration 2024, the 40th Anniversary of Purple Rain.”
Below is a rundown of the weekend’s highlights:
Thursday, June 8 · VIP exclusive listening sessions of Prince Music from The Vault & rare archival concert footage viewing.
· Exclusive interview with Prince’s luthier Andy Beech, who was behind many of Prince’s iconic ‘Cloud’ and ‘Symbol’ guitars.
Read more about the kick-off in Star Tribune here.
Friday, June 9 · A One on One conversation between 10-time GRAMMY Award-winning Chaka Khan and Shelby Morrison, Director of Artist Relations & Curatorial Operations at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Chaka reflected on Prince, her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the 25th anniversary of her album Come 2 My House, which was recorded at Paisley Park and released on NPG Records.
· Hip Hop 50 Panel: Prince’s Evolving and Complex Relationship With Hip Hop, presented by The Source Magazine and Paisley Park moderated by Prince’s longtime friend, and attorney. L. Londell McMillan. Panelists included Doug E. Fresh, Chuck D, and Tony M. from NPG. After the conversation, fans were treated to an impromptu Doug E. Fresh performance.
· DJ D-Nice hosted the first inaugural Sexy MF Dance Party.
· New Artist Showcase featured performances from Nunnabove and Nur-D.
· Shelby J. performed onstage.
Saturday, June 10 · Club 3121: Tribute to Prince and Tina Turner led by DJ Rashida and Shelby J.
· For the FAM Panel: A discussion on Prince’s legacy. The conversation featured panelists Casey Rain, Kim Camilia, De Angela Duff, Rodney L Fitzgerald, and Dr. Funkenberry.
· Stokley and Sounds of Blackness performed live.
· 7 Panel: An exploration of Prince and the significance behind the number 7 moderated by WCCO’s Reg Chapman. Panelists included DJ Rashida, Tony M., Levi Seacer, Jr., Morris Hayes, Damon Dickson, Michael Koppelman, and Latoya Gaines.
· Rosie Gaines’ daughter Latoya and grandson Andreas accepted a legacy award tribute on her behalf.
Sunday, June 11 · VIP Gospel brunch catered by Prince’s private chef Juell Roberts and Ray Roberts with Peoples Organic. The brunch featured a performance by the Known MPLS Choir. During the brunch L. Londell McMillan announced that the Known MPLS Choir would have the privilege of recording their next album at Paisley Park.
· Prince’s sister Norrine Nelson gave a heartfelt sermon.
About Paisley Park
Paisley Park is Prince’s private estate, an active museum, a state-of-the-art recording studio, and a concert venue in Chanhassen, MN. The museum is open for public tours, giving fans of the music icon the unprecedented opportunity to tour the legendary, 65,000-square-foot complex that served as the center of Prince’s creative universe.
Guided tours lead visitors through the extensive spaces of Paisley Park, including studios where Prince recorded, produced and mixed many of his biggest hits; exhibit spaces that chronicle films like the global hit Purple Rain; Prince’s private NPG Music Club; and a massive soundstage and concert hall where Prince rehearsed for concert tours and held exclusive events and concerts. For more information about Paisley Park, visit PaisleyPark.com.
Source: Mike Jones | mjones@shorefire.com
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