Editor’s note: Please find our 2018 list here.
The Twin Cities will be full of celebrations this week to honor the life and legacy of Prince, leading up to the one-year anniversary of his passing, April 21. The celebrations will include Minneapolis landmarks lit up in purple April 20-21. Some events have already sold out, but there’s still plenty of purple fun to be had around town to honor the artistic and philanthropic legacy of Minnesota’s favorite son. Below we’ve compiled a list of a few events in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Remembering Prince with Jim Walsh – April 17; 6:30-8 pm
Jim Walsh, a former music critic with the Pioneer Press, will discuss his book Gold Experience: Following Prince in the ’90s at the Chanhassen Library. There will also be artifacts on hand from the Carver County Historical Society, pictures from Paisley Park and plenty of Prince stories and memories. Free. Go here for more details.
Chanhassen Library, 7711 Kerber Blvd., Chanhassen
Purple Rain Suit & Memorabilia Display – April 18-23
The Minnesota Historical Society will honor Prince’s memory with a display featuring the suit he wore in Purple Rain, plus other items. Viewing is free during regular History Center hours. Go here for more details.
Minnesota Historical Society, 345 Kellogg Blvd, W. St. Paul
From the North Side to Paisley Park – April 19; 7-9:30 pm
Hosted by Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, Kristen Zschomler, a professionally registered archaeologist and historian, will present her place-based research to connect Prince’s Minnesota connections — where he lived, went to school and performed. The event takes place at Sabathani Community Center, which was once Bryant Junior High, where Prince attended school. Go here for more information.
Sabathani Community Center, 310 E 38th St, Minneapolis
Prince, An Evening of Memories & Images – April 19; 6:30-8:30 pm
Celebrity Hairstylist Kim Berry and Photographer Allen Beaulieu will reflect on their time working with Prince. NPG makeup artist Donna Gregory will host, with Dj Stevie Ray Rangel spinning Prince tunes. Wear purple and come prepared to hear cool stories. Go here for more details.
Studio 1414, 1414 Marshall Street, NE Minneapolis
Shelby J CD Release – April 19-20
Singer, songwriter, social activist and New Power Generation member Shelby J, will be at the Dakota celebrating the release of her new CD. $40-$60. Go here for more details.
Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant , 1010 Nicollet, Minneapolis
Lizz Wright – April 20
Lizz Wright’s soulful and sultry vocals return to the Dakota. Prince was reportedly a fan, as he took in her April 18 show last year at the Dakota prior to death. $50-60. Go here for more details.
Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant , 1010 Nicollet, Minneapolis
Celebration 2017 – April 20-23
Celebrate 2017 gathers people who knew Prince best — former band mates, associates and friends —to discuss his artistry and influence. In addition to panel discussions and presentations there will be live music. VIP passes are sold out. Of the general admission passes, only the Track 1 tickets at $549 remain. Go here for details.
Paisley Park, 7801 Audubon Road, Chanhassen
Late Night Dance Party – April 21; 9 pm
A late night dance party featuring DJ Espada, Lenka Paris, DJ Jake Rudh (Transmission), and DJ Smitty; $10; Go here for more details.
First Avenue, 701 N. 1st Street, Minneapolis
Prince Series Opening Reception – April 21; 6 pm
To celebrate Prince’s musical genius, painter Linda Clayton is displaying 22 paintings inspired by his music. She has named each of her paintings in this series after a Prince song and has headphones attached to enable fans to fully experience the inspiration behind the work. Free admission. Go here for more info.
Studio 390 in the Northrupking Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis
Book Discussion with Alex Hahn and – April 22; 3-6 pm
Authors Alex Hahn and
Country Inn & Suites, 591 W 78th St, Chanhassen
Thee Beautiful Ones Dance Party – April 22; 9 pm
Featuring Prince-inspired music on two levels, this dance party will celebrate with former Prince DJs Chuck Chizzle and Fundraiser. Proceeds of the event go towards the Billingsley School of Music and Arts, a nonprofit that enables free arts access to people of all ages. $15-$20. Go here for more details.
Five Event Center, 2917 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis
Memorial Street Party – April 22; 5 pm
Billed as a free but ticketed event, this street party is in the spirit of the emotion-filled gathering that took place immediately after Prince’s passing last year. According to the website, tickets are already sold out, but who can stop you from dancing on the sidewalk? The event is co-hosted by The Current. Visit the website for more details.
7th Street near First Avenue, downtown Minneapolis
Late Night Dance Party – April 22; 9 pm
Dance the night away to Prince-inspired tunes with DJ Keezy, DJ Verb X, Shannon Blowtorch and Cloud; $10; Go here for more details.
First Avenue, 701 N. 1st Street, Minneapolis
PRNFamily Presents: Dance On ‘Til Dawn 2017 Celebration After Party – April 22-23; 10:30 am-4 am
In the spirit of Prince’s famous after parties, Prince fans are invited to “dance ’til dawn” with live music from 12-4 am. The event features MPLS Own: G Sharp & The Bizne$$ and DJ Lenka Paris, with special guests André Cymone, Jill Jones, Jellybean Johnson, Dez Dickerson, Marva King, Apollonia Kotero and more.
General Admission tickets at $43 are still available, as are Early Entry 2 tickets at $125. Go here for more details.
Metropolitan Ballroom, 5418 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley
The Purple Party – April 23; 9:30 pm
Lee Liquor Lounge’s purple party features GSharp & The Bizne$$; Tickets are $10-$20. Go here for more details.
Lee Liquor Lounge, 101 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis
I Would Dance 4 U Dance Party – April 23; 10:30 am
A family-friendly Prince celebration at First Avenue with free admittance for kids, $5 for adults. Go here for details
First Avenue, 701 N. 1st Street, Minneapolis
Commemorating His Purple Reign: A Textural Tribute to Prince – Through April 29
Juried and curated by Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, this exhibit features the work of 24 quilters from around the nation, including members of the Women of Color Quilting Network. Admission is free and open to the public. Visit the website for more info.
Textile Center, Joan Mondale Gallery, 3000 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis
Jesse Johnson at Bunkers – April 20-22; 9:30 pm
Original member of the Time, ace guitarist and solo artist Jesse Johnson will appear at Bunkers for a three-night stay. $30; Go here for more details.
761 N. Washington Ave. Minneapolis
This list will be updated as we learn of more events; feel free to send your suggestions to msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com or use the comment section.
Check back as we continue to celebrate and honor Prince’s legacy throughout the week.
Paige Elliott is the digital editor at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.