Just read an interview in the local Chanhassen newspaper.
Some new info on events at the Park and release of
The Rainbow Children.
- roxy24

Rock star Prince set for Paisley Park fete
By: Unsie Zuege, Staff Writer June 06, 2001

It's not every day that Prince's publicity people call the Chanhassen Villager and extend an invitation for us to participate in an interview - even if it's an interview by email.
There's no question that Prince is one of Chanhassen's most high profile residents. No matter what your musical preference, you have to admit it's pretty cool to drive past Paisley Park and wonder if he's in there dreaming and jamming.

When the publicity guy from the Xcel Energy Center called last week, of course we jumped at the chance to ask Prince some questions. We were instructed that Prince would only respond to questions about his tour, his band The New Power Generation, his new CD "The Rainbow Children," and Celebration Week at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, from June 11-17.

Fair enough. He is our celebrity after all and that's what celebrities do.

Here's our email interview, complete with Prince's propensity for spelling shorthand, and a reference to his fans as "fams."


Chanhassen Villager: How many people are expected to attend the Celebration events at Paisley Park this year? How many attended last year. Which evening drew the largest crowd and who performed?

Prince: Well, we sold 2000 VIP passes but thousands more came and purchased day passes. The night eye played drew the most people.

CV: Does Prince plan to make "A Celebration: The Rainbow Children" and Twin Cities concert an annual event?

Prince: R original intent was 2 draw attention away from my birthday because eye don't celebrate it anymore. This year, the focus will b on "The Rainbow Children" and the discussions with the fams. We called a lot of the talent that is gracing the stage this year simply 2 invite them 2 the listening parties and 2 take part in the discussions but nearly all of those invited wanted 2 play! A yearly event like this would b very cool.


CV: Based on last year's Paisley Park events, what changes have been made this year's events more comfortable (more seating at the studio, more restroom facilities, safer crowd management practices, etc.) based on fan email feedback on the website?

Prince: There will b more of everything this year; restrooms, seating and fire code safety directed by our security. More reasons 2 come!

CV: Will Paisley Park be open again for tours during June 11-17? How can people become Celebration pass holders and get first dibs on Celebration events and the late night concerts?

Prince: By joining The NPG MUSIC CLUB...premium members get 1st dibs on everything.

CV: As a courtesy to Carver County residents do you have any traffic and parking advisements you can provide us for the week of June 11-17?

Prince: We will b directing r traffic on an alternative route to prevent against congestion on Highway 5.

CV: Do you foresee any traffic or parking problems with the current Highway 5 road construction? What kinds of parking accommodations are being planned for the area around Paisley Park?

Prince: We are providing r guests a parking lot across the street which they will get 2 by using our alternate route. 2 b safe, we urge local drivers 2 drive with caution when around the studio.

CV: When did the current tour begin, when does it end? Is the tour just for the U.S or will you go overseas, too?

Prince: "A Celebration" tour begins June 11 and goes until August 4, at which time we'll take a break, then come back and finish off the U.S. b 4 setting r sites abroad. This is a World Tour!

CV: When was the new CD released and how do people get a copy?

Prince: There is no release planned 4 "The Rainbow Children," but NPG MUSIC CLUB members will definitely get a copy! The club is growing by the thousands every month, so the ideal goal is that all the people who dig the sounds we make will join the club and b a permanent member of the New Power Generation.

So there you have it.

For more information about Prince and Paisley Park, and to get the inside scoop on his music club log onto his website at www.love4oneanother.com


http://www.zwire.com/site...9642&rfi=6