Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Event to benefit When Doves Fly Foundation

In a special tribute to the iconic film โ€œPurple Rain,โ€ Target Center is gearing up to host a momentous event on July 27. The public is invited to a screening honoring the 40th Anniversary of the movieโ€”released in 1984โ€”with all proceeds benefiting the When Doves Fly Foundation, managed by one of his sisters, Norrine Nelson. The foundation’s noble cause of aiding schools, churches, and other organizations that assist the less fortunate has made it a beacon of hope in the community.

The event promises to blend nostalgia and celebration, with tickets priced at $19.99 in homage to the hit song โ€œ1999.โ€ Sharon Nelson, the eldest sister of Prince Rogers Nelson and producer of the event, expressed that the showing caters to both first-time viewers and longtime fans of the beloved classic. 

โ€œAs fans gather to immerse themselves in the larger-than-life theater experience, they will witness the magic of โ€˜Purple Rainโ€™ on the big screen, perhaps in a way they have never seen before,โ€ she said. The 4,000-seat capacity would mark the largest-ever single indoor theater showing of the award-winning film.

Shrouded in some secrecy, โ€œThe event holds tantalizing surprises for attendees,โ€ Nelson expressed. Expect special accolades to be posthumously bestowed upon Prince, with family members present to accept the awards on his behalf. 

Additionally, special guests who played a pivotal role in making “Purple Rain” will grace the occasion, adding a touch of star-studded glamor to the evening. The film, which was a box office sensation raking in $70 million and earning an Academy Award for Best Original Score, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Sharon hinted at a significant surprise tied to the award, keeping the anticipation high among attendees. She also shared rare photographs of a youthful Prince, offering a glimpse into a time before his illustrious career began. 

Reflecting on Prince’s musical genius, she emphasized the influence of their late father, John Lewis Nelson, in shaping the Minneapolis Sound, the musical legacy that Prince helped cement. The evening will be an ongoing reminder of Prince’s unparalleled artistry and enduring impact on the music industry.

From 4 to 8 p.m. fans of Prince will have the opportunity to come together, reminisce, and revel in the magic of โ€œPurple Rain.โ€ The gathering of like-minded admirers promises a night filled with camaraderie, shared memories, and support for a charitable cause. As attendees bask in the nostalgia of the 40th Anniversary screening, the spirit of Prince’s music will undoubtedly reverberate through the halls of the Target Center, uniting fans to celebrate his timeless legacy.

Al Brown is contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.