FUNKNROLL said:

Any word on the rumored middle of August tribute in MPLS?

The newly built US Bank Stadium lists Metallica performing Saturday Aug 20th as the "first rock concert" at the new stadium.

Thoughts? Rumors?

Nothing yet. Last I read was that some type of major tribute concert/2 hour TV special was being talked about amongst the family, but no updates since. Hopefully something more is said soon http://www.nydailynews.co...-1.2639842

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The River City will turn purple on Thursday to honor the late singer Prince.

Friends of Hemming Park will host a concert celebration from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the park.

Fans can hear some of the cultural icon's classics from local acts like The Groove Coalition, Stank Sauce and Free Avenue.

The event is organized by musician Cyrus Quaranta. It will include a full lineup of live entertainment, food trucks, vendors and refreshments.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Jazz Foundation of America, an organization Prince personally supported.

The event is free and open to the public.

[Edited 6/2/16 7:26am]

YaThink said:

sonicfreak said:

Well, what does it cost to put on a show like this? It costs $400 an hour to rent the theater plus other fees (right there on the site) They are flying in a musician from LA. 6 or 7 band members, sound folks, roadies, security, DJ, equiptment... How many people can fit in a movie theater? I doubt anyone is getting rich off this.

[Edited 6/1/16 18:55pm]

Just stating facts. Using Prince's image Using Prince's symbol Using Prince's music Charging for tickets, even Prince rarely charged that much for Paisley shows! NOT COOL. That's all.

Why are his former BAND MEMBERS being held to this higher standard than everyone else? This was his band for years!! Sonny T was many times refered to by Prince as "my hero." (or "my idol"?) $45 is not that much if you look at concert tickets today. I'm sure they are pretty much recovering the cost to put on the show. Prince owned Paisley outright and could charge what he wanted... Um... and have you looked at what Prince charged for tix in the past few years? A LOT!!!! The last show was $100 general admission and $250 for VIP!!

I think this is one of the most genuine, heartfelt and VERY VERY COOL tributes out there.

[Edited 6/2/16 9:53am]

Prince's NPG bandmates to remember him 'the best way we know how'

Michael Bland rehearsed with some of his New Power Generation bandmates for this weekend's Prince tribute concerts at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis. Bland had been in the studio again with Prince this past winter.

As they settled into their corner positions in a northeast Minneapolis rehearsal studio on Monday afternoon, the cornerstone members of Prince’s New Power Generation talked about their six-year run in the band like it was a boot camp.

“It was repetitive, nonstop intensity,” said Sonny Thompson, warming up his fingers on his Warwick bass.

“At the drop of a hat, we had to be able to play any song he’d throw at us. We would do recording sessions all day, and then he’d call us up and say, ‘Let’s play tonight.’ ”

Looking out from behind the cymbals of his drum kit, Michael Bland added, “It was grueling, but it was glorious, too.

“It bonded us. So of course we would come together again at a time like this.”

A month and a half out, Prince fans worldwide are still having a hard time coming to grips with his death. So you can imagine how hard it has been for the elite pack of musicians who got to work with the man, and got to know him personally. They’re juggling their own grief with the desire (and demand) to honor him publicly. But they also don’t want to look like they’re out to make money or gain attention off his death.

Thompson, Bland and keyboardist Tommy Barbarella — who played with Prince’s original NPG lineup from 1990 to 1996 and have remained close compadres since then — wrestled with those thoughts and ultimately let instinct take over.

“This is just the best way we know how to go through the grieving process,” said Bland. “We’re musicians: There are things we can’t put into words and can only get out by playing.”

They settled on what seemed like an easy plan to play one show together around Prince’s June 7 birthday at a relatively low-key neighborhood venue, the Parkway Theater in south Minneapolis. When Saturday’s show sold out right away, they added Friday’s performance. That, too, sold out fast, so earlier this week they announced a third Parkway gig for next Wednesday.

“We had like 3,000 people hating on us on the message boards because they couldn’t get tickets,” Bland explained. “But it’s understandable. The fans want to be a part of this, too.”

The original New Power Generation lineup isn’t as high-profile in the public’s eyes as Prince’s “Purple Rain”-era band, the Revolution, whose members announced their own tentative plans for reunion shows later this year. However, Prince’s die-hards well remember the old NPG crew’s prowess as a live act, and the fact that they played on three of his best post-’80s records, the “Love Symbol,” “Gold Experience” and “Emancipation” LPs.

This weekend’s shows will feature tunes from that 1990-96 NPG heyday, when Prince landed his last string of hit singles, including “Diamonds and Pearls,” “Cream,” “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” and “7.” But the guys also plan to cover plenty of Prince standards that predated them, as well as some deep cuts that Prince himself hadn’t touched in decades.

“It’s been fun, because when we played with him he didn’t want to do a lot of the ‘Dirty Mind’-era stuff, and some of these other songs we’re playing together for the first time,” said Barbarella. “Anytime I can play with these guys is a pleasure, but it feels extra good now.”

Another death in the family

Prince’s death was something of a double whammy for the trio since it came just a month after NPG saxophonist/flutist Brian Gallagher died from a pulmonary embolism at age 52. Gallagher and Barbarella played together in the locally beloved R&B/funk band Greazy Meal, and all three of the reuniting NPG members were joined by the late horn player in their gospel Sons of Almighty.

“Both those deaths forced me to think more about that time in my life and what it meant to me,” Barbarella said. “When it was over [in 1996], I just tried to move on and not think about it. But looking back now, I see the significance more.”

Thompson, Bland and Barbarella have played together in many different capacities since their NPG days, including a high-profile stint as Nick Jonas’ backing band, the Administration. They also stayed in touch with Prince, too.

Thompson had known Prince since childhood and remained a friend. He and Bland were frequently called in on short notice to serve as a rhythm section at Paisley Park, including everything from a Sheryl Crow collaboration to a shelved album with Maceo Parker to credits on such 2000s-era albums as “3121” and “Planet Earth.”

“With ‘3121,’ we were just there to get tones for the engineer,” Bland recalled. “Prince came walking in and couldn’t wait to grab his guitar. He said, ‘What key are we in? OK, roll on this.’ It just happened.”

Bland was even out at Prince’s studio drumming for him for some unspecified sessions this past winter. He and Thompson last saw the singer just a few weeks before his death, when he came out to see his old bandmates in their weekly Mambo’s Combo jam sessions at Bunkers in Minneapolis.

“You don’t know who’s going to be here today or tomorrow,” Bland simply surmised. “It’s made all of us be more kind to each other, and appreciate each other more. Which is another good reason to be doing these shows.”

A worthy lineup

Some of the other extended NPG members from over the years — including guitarists Mike Scott and Levi Seacer Jr. and keyboardist Morris Hayes — were invited to play but were unavailable on relatively short notice. As the number of shows has expanded, though, so has the lineup of other musicians who will be involved.

In addition to Greazy Meal singer Julius Collins — who has gigged with all three of these NPG members in different capacities over the years — they have put together a cast of musicians that includes: guitarist Oliver Leiber, a Minneapolis expat who has played with fDeluxe (aka the Family) and Paula Abdul; second keyboardist Corey Eischen, from Sleep Study and the Prince tribute band Chase and Ovation; and backup singers Katie Gearty (Hookers n’ Blow) and Rachel Holder Hennig (Wolverines).

“The game plan is to play music from other periods besides our own to celebrate him, not us — and make it a joyous occasion,” Bland said, emphasizing the latter part as if he was convincing himself of it.

“It might be a little tough,” the normally ultra-tough drummer conceded. “Just the idea of performing ‘Sometimes It Snows in April’ right now messes me up. But we’ve gotta do it.”

Something is definitely in the works for August, but still no complete details. This was just put on the WSJ website yesterday evening http://www.wsj.com/articl...1464905955

UGTL said:

Something is definitely in the works for August, but still no complete details. This was just put on the WSJ website yesterday evening http://www.wsj.com/articl...1464905955

Live Nation Entertainment Inc., the world’s largest concert promoter, is planning a show this summer in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis, according to people familiar with the matter. But Live Nation, which is trying to get Prince’s whole family on board, hasn’t announced the event and could move it to a larger venue in another U.S. city.

Rival AEG Live, the No. 2 concert promoter, is producing a pair of tribute shows in London this month. AEG Live is part of the Anschutz Entertainment Group.

Live Nation’s event likely would feature several Prince protégés, some of whom are already lined up, one of the people said. While the bill isn’t completed, artists whom Prince mentored in recent years include his backup band 3rd Eye Girl, Cameroonian pop-rocker Andy Allo, R&B singer Liv Warfield and funk-soul artist Judith Hill, who co-produced her 2015 album “Back in Time” with Prince. None of the artists could be reached to comment. Ms. Hill, who worked as a duet partner for Michael Jackson and a backup singer for Stevie Wonder, said in a video tied to the album’s release that Prince contacted her after she said in a TV interview that he was her dream collaborator.

Do not go to the AEG Anschutz Entertainment Group Tribute Shows in London! Randy Phillips The entertainment side CEO Murdered Michael Jackson! Phillip Anschutz is a Right Wing Fundermentalist Republican. Only come to the Family Authorized Sheila E, Wendy and Lisa one in MPLS!

[Edited 6/3/16 16:37pm]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_PRINCE_PARTY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

The Associated Press is reporting on Spike Lee's street party in New York for Prince's birthday.

BBC One Music Day on right now...

Duran Duran just dedicated 'Save a Prayer' to Prince, complete with purple stage lighting, etc.

Seemed an appropriate choice of song, given P's request for fans to 'save their prayers'...

http://www.startribune.com/all-star-band-pays-tribute-to-prince/381904761/#1

The Minneapolis Star Tribune has written a review of the NPG shows.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BET_AWARDS_PRINCE_TRIBUTE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

The Associated Press is reporting on the upcoming Prince BET Awards with Sheila E., D'Angelo, Janelle Monae, and The Roots.

The Festival international de jazz de Montréal, where Prince have played some historic concerts over the years, will pay tribute to him with a free performance by the funk band The Brooks, with invited guests. Check them out, there are good!!! July 8th at the Metropolis, same stage where Prince played for 4 hours two nights in a row in 2011...

http://www.montrealjazzfe...x?id=12500

bilbolives said:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BET_AWARDS_PRINCE_TRIBUTE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

The Associated Press is reporting on the upcoming Prince BET Awards with Sheila E., D'Angelo, Janelle Monae, and The Roots.

Of course on every news release about anything pertaining to prince they have to remind everyone that he died, when and how he died as if we didnt know already and we have to be brainwashed into believing how he died Same shit all over again.

Here's a gorgeous tribute from the singer Petra Haden - an a capella Sometimes It Snows In April, with her singing the instruemental track.

https://soundcloud.com/pe...a-cappella

University of Minnesota planning "stellar" summer tribute concert at Northrop Auditorium. Includes some mention of other LiveNation, AEG events rumored to be happening.

http://www.fox9.com/news/...1608-story


.
[Edited 6/13/16 18:27pm]

http://www.startribune.com/c-j-chanhassen-has-a-secret-of-its-own-about-prince/383196301/

I wasn't sure where to post this. The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that an artwork of some kind and a tribute to Prince for the public to attend is in the works, apparently on private property somewhere in Chanhassen. Keep checking the Minneapolis Star Tribune for updates, apparently with news coming next week of details.

panpac777 said:

-- He did a lot of shOws with AEG live so I think he would be okay.

Someone earlier said they would not like Maxwell to be included and I disagree.

They did work together (the song IF comes to mind), but also, Maxwell has a brilliant falsetto and I think he is one of the few who wouldn't butcher those Prince high octave classics.

And I think other artists he collaborated with or helped would be nice to have along side with the members of Revolution/NPG etc. Like Alicia Keys. Lenny Kravitz. Seal. Kind of a blend of all the ways Prince impacted/influenced us all.

But maybe that's just me.

If some concert promoter is putting together a tribute show and the family allows it to be anywhere other than Minneapolis that would be criminal. I can't even believe anyone would even entertain the idea.

Heads up ya'll on VH1 Classic they are showing Graffiti Bridge TONIGHT (1hour til movie begins) followed by a 2 HOUR Prince Tribute. I'm currently watching the tail end of Purple Rain while waiting for Graffiti Bridge to start.
[Edited 6/21/16 17:14pm]

Here is an original tribute to Prince. I think the he was all about the music and self expression. He wanted to inspire and bring out the music in all of us..

https://www.facebook.com/tharrow.pegues/videos/1363205547030005/

justAmeda said:

Heads up ya'll on VH1 Classic they are showing Graffiti Bridge TONIGHT (1hour til movie begins) followed by a 2 HOUR Prince Tribute. I'm currently watching the tail end of Purple Rain while waiting for Graffiti Bridge to start. [Edited 6/21/16 17:14pm]

Thanks for headsup

ForeverPaisley said:

justAmeda said:

Heads up ya'll on VH1 Classic they are showing Graffiti Bridge TONIGHT (1hour til movie begins) followed by a 2 HOUR Prince Tribute. I'm currently watching the tail end of Purple Rain while waiting for Graffiti Bridge to start. [Edited 6/21/16 17:14pm]

Thanks for headsup

You're welcome! I was shocked when flipping through my tv to see that because I had not seen any posts about it before hand. I DVR'd the tribute show because it was airing at 10pm and I get up at 3am for work during the week. Will watch it when I get home tonight.

justAmeda said:

Wait, two hour tribute?! That wasn't shown here. (that I know of), do you think it was streame? What was it called - just Prince tribute - might be harder to find among the others

ForeverPaisley said:

justAmeda said:

You're welcome! I was shocked when flipping through my tv to see that because I had not seen any posts about it before hand. I DVR'd the tribute show because it was airing at 10pm and I get up at 3am for work during the week. Will watch it when I get home tonight.

Wait, two hour tribute?! That wasn't shown here. (that I know of), do you think it was streame? What was it called - just Prince tribute - might be harder to find among the others

It was aired on VH1 Classic channel on TV Monday night at 10pm Central Time/11pmEastern Time. (got it DVR'd but haven't seen it yet) Someone said in another post that it was a compliation of videos and award show performances mainly. Yes it was just called Prince Tribute.

justAmeda said:

Awesome, thanks again for that. Will put my sleuthing to work tonight

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BET_AWARDS?SITE=WNYC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

The Associated Press is reporting Stevie Wonder is joining the BET Awards on Sunday to honor Prince. A host of other artists is listed in the article.