Published Friday, December 31, 1999



Spirit in the night: Music was alive & well in '99, but you
had to be there



Vickie Gilmer Casey / Star Tribune



Prince (September, Paisley Park):
This is a cheat because the public wasn't invited. As I was
leaving Paisley Park after interviewing the Artist, I was
invited back in to hear the band rehearse a couple of
numbers for his upcoming set at the Mill City Music
Festival. Sitting next to him as he moved among keyboards,
guitar and microphone, the man's energy and sonic precision
was electrifying. While I wiggled to the rhythm in my
chair, he leaned over and told me I could dance if I wanted.
No way was this girl gonna try and get funky in front of
the king of the Minneapolis groove. And as I watched the
rest of the rehearsal, none of the nay-saying about his
recent recordings, name change or personal philosophy
mattered a whit. Without a doubt that was the most genius
I've ever heard in my life.