It’s been seven years since Prince Rogers Nelson left us and the significance of that number in his life and career are not lost on the Twin Cities. For what would have been his 65th birthday, DISPATCH has a roundup of seven notable parties, remembrances, and tributes to the Purple Yoda, the glyph, the artist forever known as Prince.
Celebration at Paisley Park June 8-11
It would stand to reason that the largest celebration of Prince’s life would take place at Paisley Park, and whaddya know? The three-day tribute includes special appearances from the likes of Chuck D and Chaka Khan, and performances from Sounds of Blackness, Stokely, The Steeles, members of the New Power Generation and more. A single day or weekend pass will get you in for these special guests, in-studio recording sessions, and the opportunity to hear historical performances from the man himself. The estate is supporting his legacy by keeping the sanctuary alive and making it a living creative space for us all. THURS-SUN, various times + prices
Dr. Mambo’s Combo-Forever In My Life: A Birthday Tribute to Prince
Prince’s friends and fellow architects of the Minneapolis Sound, Dr. Mambo’s Combo pay tribute to the Purple One with a night of music at The Parkway Theater. Famous for their Monday night residency at Bunker’s (since 1987!), the Combo is used to famous friends dropping in to jam, and Prince was no exception. They remain one of the closest connections to his music to this day, making this the most authentic of appreciations. WED 6/7, 6:30, $40, All Ages
Prince Trivia
Trivia Mafia teams up with AxeBridge Wine Company for a night of Prince-themed trivia! A DJ will be spinning Prince and Prince-influenced music all night. You’ll want to get an advance ticket for this one, as it’s sure to fill up fast. WED 6/7, 6 PM, $5, 21+
All 7 Years: The Past, Present, and Future of Prince Studies
With an artist as prolific and influential as Prince, there is of course a wing of academia dedicated to his work. The International Centre 4 Prince Studies gathers today with panelists all over the world to discuss the last seven years of Prince research and where it goes from here. The discussion will center around conferences and symposia, syllabi, podcasting, and books and publications. This is for the most serious of Prince scholars, as the event is during school hours at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center. WED 6/7, 1 PM, All Ages
The Dance Electric – Celebrating the 65th Birthday of You Know Who
That place formerly known as Uncle Sam’s, which was also a bus depot, is hosting a dance night to celebrate the 65th birthday of that one guy who did the soundtrack for 1989’s Batman. Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks with DJ Dudley D and DJ Espada. WED 6/7, 8 PM, $15/$20, 18+
Purple Ones – Prince-Inspired Fashion Show
Tonight at LUSH, local fashion designers showcase 2 different looks inspired by His Purpleness, a pre-show look and an after-show look. Presenters also will have a special gift for the guest who inspires them the most with a Prince look of their own. WED 6/7, 7 PM, $20-$50, 21+
Purple Rain
Emagine Willow Creek has two screenings of Purple Rain for The Kid’s birthday. See him go up against that wily Morris Day and fight to keep his band’s slot at the nightclub known as First Avenue. The Oscar and Grammy winning movie and soundtrack made our man a household name during one of the biggest years the pop music world has ever known. WED 6/7, 3:20 + 6:10 PM, $10, Rated R