Amazing!! The whole night was a great experience. I won't go over the set list because it's listed in uptown's report. Here are a few things I can add: We arrived at the Ohio Theater around 5:20pm and a group of about 75 npgmc members were ushered inside for soundcheck. That in itself was an experience. Prince was very personable and it was a trip to see him invite fans on stage to perform! He seemed to have fun with it, despite the fact that when the "fan band" started playing the woman singing didn't know the words to his song! (She improvised it well, though!) At the end of the sound check Prince asked npgmc members where their tickets were. He said he wanted his fans to be close to him during the concert. Then Billie tried to upgrade those in the balcony seats to closer seats on the main floor. That was very cool!

The concert was amazing. My seats were great. I was in row A, right behind the two rows of folding chairs in the orchestra pit. Great seats! Two "fan band" members were sitting next to me at concert -- the drummer and guitar player. I don't think there were many other diehard fans in that area, but everyone seemed to enjoy the concert. The funky stuff he played was off the hook and the crowd loved it! My favorite part was when he sat down at the piano and played ballads. You could tell from his expressions that he loved it too -- the songs were so moving. It was strange to be in the third row at a Prince concert and actually sit down during the concert! In fact, at one point Prince went into a slower song and told people to sit down and relax and enjoy the music. What a musical treat it was.

Columbus gave Prince and the NPG much love - I didn't hear people complaining about the music selection not being "greatest hits." (Nobody was yelling for Purple Rain for the encore, thank goodness!) My husband was the one with the cowbell who got everyone clapping and saying "We Want Prince" before he came out for the encore! I feel like the concert has opened Prince's music to a whole new audience. I talked with a college student who, before the concert, thought of Prince music as "Raspberry Beret." After the concert, she asked me the name of his new CD because she planned to buy it today.

Where was everyone after the concert? The afterparty was at the Brickyard. When we arrived and there wasn't even a line at the door - so there was no need for a VIP line. The npgmc laminate got myself and one guest in for free. (Cover would have been $20 each.) People were dancing and having a great time, but the place didn't ever get crowded. I don't know if it was because it was a Tuesday night or what... Prince's DJ, who I think is one of the band members from the Fonky Bald Heads, played a lot of Prince remixes. Prince showed up around 1am, but didn't stay long.

I can't wait to do it all again in Cleveland on Sunday night!!
Lisa

I'm glad you had such a great time!