[This was sent from a reader without a computer with them, they trekked to a Mall w/internet access to contribute this. Thanks so much for the extra effort! -Ed.]

Some thoughts and information on the Celebration this year.

Organisation is good, and compared to last year the atmosphere is more relaxed. Security is positive and helpful, and you are allowed to wander arond a fair bit of the Park unsupervised (ground and first floor) on trust. You were advised which rooms you could and could not enter - then off you go. Very lttle inside has changed from last year.

The first listening party was not an easy affair, and although the facilitator attempted to manage the contributions, the idea of a discussion was just too ambitious. Despite what has already been said, I have spoken to a fair few people here who enjoyed the music. It is varied (first track is jazz fusion, there is funk, gospel tinges, a fair bit of guitar - and the last track is a rock/gospel ballad.)

The main focus of debate was the lyrical content which inevitably reflects Prince's thinking over the past few months. During the discussion, people were asked if they considered themselves as 'individuals' - I think most people said they believed this (and at this point I thought we were going to be treated to the scene from 'The Life of Brian'). The facilitator 'informed' people that, if you break the word down, it reads 'in-divide-u-all' - and we were 'advised' that it is important to go back to the orignal source. This was the low point of the discussion for me because it seemed to suggest that eveyone there should be relinquishing their individuality - but based on another misunderstanding of language reminiscent of how the word 'CONtract' has been manipulated to deliver a message. I have no problem with fun word play which sheds light on something or at least provokes thougt, but when it is fed to me as 'the source of truth' but is clearly fabricated (do some real language study please), then the material loses credibility rapidly.

The first listening party was also punctuated with several egos who had to hog the limelight, with one notably vacuous performance from one individual (I wll not name him - because he wants that sort of publicity) who decided to turn his back on the audience and provide the facilitator with his own problems as a Prince fan (which were largely irrelevant to the debate) and then ask about "High" rather than the music we were there to discuss.

Later in the morning, Pince chatted wih a few attendees, and he had clearly been given feedback after the listening party. On Tuesday, Prince greeted a number of the people personally who attended the listening party. There was a suggestion that he and Larry Graham would also host a further discussion in the afternoon but it was later announcd that this would not take place.

People were given a colour print of the album cover just before the discussion. Someone else will no doubt post the artist and title - very like Marvin's 'I Want You' cover - features jazz quintet.

The tour (unguided) of Paisley covers the same areas as last year, bar the basement / vault area. Twenty costumes are on show (I think all the same as last year - no vehicles out).

Retail - a numbr of clothing items (I think the Rainbow Children T-shirt with album cover looks very good) and Cds - I was told the Hit 'n Run single stock had all sold by Tuesday.

Other major improvements on last year

- Prince has performed to visitors (the rehearsal on Monday afternoon; Monday evening/ Tuesday am set after Amel, guesting with The Time and Maceo pn Tueday evening / Wednday am

- using the soundstage room for the evening - it is so much better than the smaller room - there's even some seating!

- despite the comments about audience reaction at the Monday rehearsal on alt.music.prince - people did behave quietly and calmly (yes, some people shouted - hey, they even applauded at the end of the songs!). To my mind people have been more respectful of Prince as a person i.e. last year the 'let's spot Prince and follow him or scream' behaviour is far less in evidence. This could be for a number of reasons, but it makes the whole affair more relaxed and enjoyable.

- and on a personal note, seeing and hearing Morris, Jerome and the crew - and George Clinton, and Maceo, and Prince all in one night's performance in this setting was a special night - I think they enjoyed it as much as me.

Got to get some sleep.