Minneapolis Star Tribune
Published March 14, 2003

Jon Bream: Variety
http://www.startribune.co...51829.html

Jon Bream: Purple people
Comedian and TV pitchman Fancy Ray McCloney made it to all three nights of last weekend's Greazy Meal reunion at the Cabooze. On Friday, he bumped into Prince leaving the "VIP section" with gregarious bassist Larry Graham, who seemed to recognize Fancy Ray, although they'd never met. McCloney does an impression of the Purple One in a current TV commercial for a Twin Cities video store, a fact that seemed lost on Prince, "who was oblivious to everything going on," McCloney said. An even bigger surprise: The Cabooze has a VIP room? (J.B.)

Jon Bream: SHORT PEOPLE

Prince, who becomes eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, received a little attention at Monday's induction ceremony in New York. Paul Simon gave a very short speech to induct another short Hall of Famer, former Warner Bros. chief Mo Ostin. "Anybody who was at Warner Bros. during the Mo years knew it to be a wonderful time," Simon said, "except for Prince, who was enslaved." (J.B.)

Chris Riemenschneider: RANDOM MIX

http://www.startribune.co...48525.html

Prince has not made any announcements regarding the 2003 version of his Celebration concerts, but fans apparently have been told to set aside June 19-22 as the best dates to be in the Twin Cities this summer. The two hotels closest to Paisley Park -- the Chanhassen Inn and the AmericInn -- are already sold out. . . .