I attended a similar symphony event where they showcased the music of Earth, Wind, and Fire and Michael Jackson. We took a youth group and they absolutely LOVED it.

This is probably the only kind of tribute I'd ever go to - because I wouldn't have to listen to someone else sing his songs.

Genesia said:

pah said:

(Mods, please move this to another forum if necessary.) Our local symphony will be doing the Music of Prince as part of its pops series in a couple of months. It looks like there will be a rock band that is accompanied by the orchestra. I have mixed emotions on whether or not to spend the money on it. I do enjoy the symphony, and I have heard really great settings for pop/rock music for the Beatles, Sting, and others, but I'm not sure how well Prince will translate. I also don't think I really want to hear someone else sing his music, but I can imagine the concert being mostly/entirely instrumental. Has anyone seen this show? I know it's touring.

Good morning, pah - I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to respond to your question. I've been a long-time lurker and signed up when I saw your post, however, as you know, you must wait a few days before you can reply to posts. So, here you go...

I saw Windborne's Music of Prince at the St Louis Symphony on Oct. 9. It was the premiere show and the lead vocalist was Jason Tenner (Purple Reign - Las Vegas). Brent Havens of WBorne conducted and he brought a rock band along with Ann Marie (female vocalist) and, of course, the SLSO.

I know that some people on the org have seen JT in LV, however, I had only seen him in a TV Concert on AXS. He did not wear his LV costumes (thankfully) and looked very sharp in a three-piece suit and hat.

It was clear that he missed his usual gig but he had agreed to the terms: no costumes, no acting, tonight is about the Music of Prince. The phrase "tonight is about the Music of Prince" was repeated numerous times...and each time, the crowd cheered its approval. Brent Havens came across as a fan.

The setlist was classic Prince. Started with Let's Go Crazy! and, as you can imagine, when the elevator part came...the crowd roared "punch a higher floor" loud enough that the Heavens shook. This made a tough moment easier for me. The crowd did get pretty loud at times and, thankfully, JT did not sing Sometimes in Snows in April.

So, before I digress too much, there will be vocalists and a band as well as the symphony; I must say that everyone was excellent. If the show returns, I would go again. I think JT was disappointed that the audience was a bit subdued, however, this is a symphony hall and not LV, we are still grieving the loss of our Prince...and, sorry Jason, but...you're not the man.

One highlight for me was a touching moment from keyboardist Justin Avery (I think I have his name correct); he told us about his reaction to April 21 and then sang his favorite Prince song "How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore" and his falsetto was INCREDIBLE! I enjoyed the evening, but it was Justin's vulnerability (which was present in his falsetto on THAT song on THIS night) that brought tears to my eyes.

The audience mix surprised me...I expected older people but I was not expecting people in their late 70s and 80s.

As we left, my husband mentioned how wonderful it was to be in such a diverse crowd where everyone was happy, singing, dancing, and, yes, getting along. It was so wonderful to see that in my city (where much needs to be corrected) the love of God, as well as the spirit of Prince could be experienced through his music. I bet he was proud...

Hope this helps!

pah said:

Thanks so much for taking the time to sign up so that you could answer my question. It really means a lot to me to get a first hand opinion of the show. It sounds like everything is handled nicely -- I doubt the program will change, given the style of the show. I'm also glad that they skipped Sometimes It Snows. So now it looks like I just need to decide how much I mind hearing someone else sing Prince vs. how nice it would be to share the experience and sing along with other like-minded individuals. I guess that's everyone's conundrum these days, right? Thanks so much for the info. Your willingness to go see it a second time may top the scales for me.

You are very welcome; I'm glad I could to offer a bit more information to help with your decision.

Truthfully, I think JT believes that he has the old Prince charisma...sorry Jason, not for this girl. I think Prince would have enjoyed hearing his music played by the symphony...the strings played beautifully.

Well, that's all I can tell you...oh no, wait...you've probably guessed that the last song is Purple Rain. Funny, I don't recall seeing people pull out their cellphone flashlights at the symphony before, but they sure did for the Music of Prince!

Good Luck!