Hi Guys,

I don't know if anyone here has posted a first-hand account of the show, but I live here in NOLA, and did manage to score a floor seat, all though about 60 rows from stage at around $125. The show just about sold aout making it the biggest draw in Essence Music Fest History. Around 50,000 people attended Prince first concert in the Lousiana Superdome since 1985.

Actually, The band which appeared onstage(prior to The Time) was NPG along with Prince. Nearly all the memebers of the band were in disguise minus with Afro wigs,( Renato, yes, had on a wig), minus Rhonda and Blackwell. The band began playing just as I was walking along the Superdome concourse collecting a beer.... I heard some body singing "No Diggity"(I guess that's the name of the song) . Anyhow, the singer appeared to be the big guy, don't know his name either.

At this point, I was on the floor of the Superdome, and the monitors were zooming in on the Character Who We Would Later Indentify As Prince. He was drapped in a long black robe, I thought he looked like some kind of Kung- Fu fighter. At some point, reconginized the guitar(the blue and white Fender tlelecaster), and his style of play, I also thought, "man, this guy is very slim" he was on roller skates too. : ).. It's quite a shame, because I believe most of the attenddees were not in their seats, and even those who were were not aware of who was on stage.....

Anyhow, it was getting interesting, and soon Kung-Fu guy (Prince ) introduced Sheila E., who performed "The Glamorous Life", which follwed by Kung-Fu guy(Prince bring out Larry Graham who did a medley of Sly Stone hits.

Breaktime.

The Time arrived to play(perhaps 45 minutes). Nothing new to report, except for a new song, "My Ride" being performed. the first half of their performance lagged a bit, as the crowd we not very alert( I guess). Mr. Benton, or Jerome proceeded to walk down to the floor of the Superdome, indicating there was not a enough energy from the audience, he then exclaimed "I am not getting enough colored people participation", the band then launched into "Get It Up", and the crowd was awaken. Morris day left the stage briefly, and then returned the sing 'Gigolo's Get Lonely Too". "777-9311", "Jerk Out", 'The Bird" followed with "Jungle Love" rounding out the set.

Prince then arrived. As PRINCE this time. the format of the "Musicology" tour was in play, as he performed the title track for the new album. "Let's Go Crazy " followed, just as it does in the standard shows, but quietly appearing to Prince's left stood Wendy(NO LISA) on on guitar. Wendy remained for 4 "Purple Rain" era songs, including "When Doves Cry".

A few minutes later Prince perfomed "Feel for You" with Chaka Kahn, a true highlight. Chaka would later return during the accoustic set to perform "Sweet Thing".

The
perfomenace seemed VERY LONG, perhaps 3 hours, maybe 3.5... And many in on the floor in my view were getting ready to head for the exits perhaps because they did not recognize some songs
being played or due to the loud guitar work exhibited by Prince during "The Question Of U" "Joy And Repition" and "Shhhh" Keep in mind. that the typical Essence Fest crowd is a Urban fanbase, and perhaps the "rock music" was not very easy on the ears, just a theory.

Anyhow, Prince then launched into R&B to keep the the people happy
"The One", which was outstanding, and actually brought people back onto the floor. "Kiss" concluded the set.

Prince and the NPG left the stage inidicating they were finished, but there was one song that was missing from the night, according to the crowd anyway.

Wendy returned, strumming
the opening riffs to a 12 minute version of 'Purple Rain".

This would prove to be very last song, of a very long performance. Prince thanked the crowd, and just as he left the stage, Sheila E. walked over to Balckwell's kit and wrapped here arms around him to comfort him, he then emerged from behind his drum kit, to walk to center stage, proudly displying a t-shirt he was wearing with a photo of his late daughter on the front. Applause erupted as a impromtu band rally ensued around Mr. Blackwell. The stage lights dimmed.