Hi all... I sent this to the news editors on Saturday evening, but they're not posting it for some reasons. Anyway, here's my review of the Saginaw show. Not a lot of different information than Dennis' report, but some of my impressions are present.

Look for a more detailed review in the next issue of UPTOWN

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ONE NITE ALONE TOUR
Heritage Theatre
Saginaw, MI, U.S.A.
March 1, 2002

Concert began at: 8:04pm
Concert ended at: 10:45pm
Length of concert: 2h41min
Attendance: ?? (SOLD OUT)

Band members: Prince, Rhonda Smith (bass), John Blackwell (drums), Renato (keyboards), Greg (trombone), Maceo Parker (saxophone).

Tracklisting:
Maceo Parker Sax Intro
The Rainbow Children
Muse 2 The Pharoah
Xenophobia
A Case of U
Mellow
1+1+1=3 - Rollercoaster of Love
The Other Side of the Pillow
Strange Relationship
Sing A Simple Song (cover of Sly & The Family Stone)
La, La, La (Means I Love You)
Didn't You Know (duet w/ Rhonda Smith, cover of Erykah Badu)
When You Were Mine
Avalanche
Family Name
Take Me With U
Raspberry Beret
Another Star (I didn't catch this, but I'll take dendmmr's word for it)
Santana Medley
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ENCORE:
Free
Starfish & Coffee
Sometimes It Snows In April
I Love U, But I Don't Trust U Anymore
Adore
How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore
Anna Stesia
Love Is God/Rise Up Chant over TGRES drum loop
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Impressions:

* Some snippets of the Xenophobia album were played overhead before the show - not at all like the song Xenophobia played in concert. These snippets were much funkier instrumental with only a slight jazz tinge.

* The Work Pt. 1/U Make My Sun Shine single was only $5, not $25 as previously reported.

* The audience was, surprisingly, predominately white. Saginaw has a high African-American population, but this audience was certainly not like at Detroit shows.

* The first 4 rows were full of NPG Music Club members. Dauphin - I know what you look like now - I was sitting just behind and to your left (Row B). I also saw the two guys from Switzerland - much props for being die-hard fans. Nice to meet you finally Dennis!

* Not a single hit or song before 1997 was played until 1h10min into the show. The only Purple Rain song (Take Me With U) was played 1h50min into the show.

* The orchestra level of the audience was up the entire night, but the balcony was seated until Take Me With U was played (for the most part).

* Avalanche was preceeded by a rather enlightening (racist) quote by Abraham Lincoln stating his preference for segregation. Many in the audience looked at each other quizically. Prince sang this song in a very sad, slow tone as if he was upset to educate us all on someone Americans consider liberator of the slaves. This songs would fit perfectly on One Nite Alone (judging by the songs released on the NPGMC).

* Prince handed out instruments (cowbells, etc.) for the Santana medley. I managed to get some handheld cymbals and played along with him. This was magical. I always fantasized about playing with the NPG during the Santana Medley - granted I imagined myself playing electric guitar and Prince looking on in awe, but this was a great experience. And I got a souvenir!

* Anna Stesia was sung by Prince with his eyes closed almost the entire time. He was really into this song.

* There was not a mention of God or religion until the Love Is God chant at the end. Prince was not preachy in the slightest. This portion was much closer to the Lovesexy-era philosophy of all of us believe in God and treating each other properly. He really let his music do the talking during this show.

* The opposite of NATO is... Prince!

* During Family Name, Prince found a white guy with the name "Rhodes" and changed his last name to Lynch. He then found a black guy at front row centre and told him he was now named "Rhodes". Interesting....

* Renato is a great keyboard player for the jazz-styled show. He's not as charismastic as Morris was, but he's very technically adept.

* For a tour opener, there were surprisingly few technical problems. Prince seemed to have problems with his earpiece for much of the night, but the sound of the band and instruments were fantastic.

* Much of the audience seemed disappointed to not hear the hits. This did not include members of the NPGMC who (as far as those I spoke with) were thrilled with the show. Classic quote from an older fan in line at the afterparty, "All I wanted was Purple Rain and some Hennessey. How could he not play Purple Rain?"

* The afterparty was held at Decades, right across the street. Admission was $20, with proceeds going to charity. The DJ played The Hits videocassette for the first part of the night (which got people dancing a little on the floor), and then played a lot of different stuff (including Prince, R&B and hip-hop). Prince arrived at around midnight, and was greeted by the Hot 107 FM DJ who welcomed Prince back to Saginaw. He had not been in Saginaw since the 1999 tour. Prince promptly retired to the VIP room where he remained for at least 2 hours. We left before seeing him come out. There was no stage at the club, so definitely no aftershow performance.

* Props to the many Canadians that came from Saginaw. Lots of people from Windsor. We were from London, so I think we drove the farthest of the people we met. Switzerland has us beat, though! There were also lots of people from Chicago and other locations.

Anyway, that's it for me! Enjoy the rest of the tour!

Was Anna Stesia the full version like on cd or was it a half assed 2 minute version?

BTW - Great Review!

Anna Stesia was a full version. I think all the lyrics were sung - killer guitar solo too!

nice review and I'm glad you had such a great time!