Under the enchanting June 7th Minnesota sky, Riley Creek, near Paisley Park, came alive with a purple celebration that DJ Alphonso Starr, the maestro of beats, took charge as the host, orchestrating a non-stop Funk N Roll extravaganza from early evening until dusk.
This annual gathering at Riley Creek has become a cherished tradition, where people from around the globe reconnect with other purple family and new connections are created with people hailing from every corner of the world. The vibrant energy of the beats, plus Martin Kember singing a few songs, created an atmosphere of pure joy. It even rained ever so slightly for a bit, even though rain was not in the forecast. (So, yes, we all refer to it as Purple Rain, especially on June 7th right outside of Paisley Park).
Other festivities honoring Prince's birthdate of June 7, 2023, included a dance party at First Avenue, concert at the Parkway Theater and also an event at the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis, which was a fundraiser for the Minneapolis Sound Museum. Notably, a special gathering that brought people together from the Northside, who witnessed firsthand, the birth of the groundbreaking, Minneapolis Sound. This nostalgic reunion invoked memories of the legendary music scene of its beginning and how it continues to thrive, filling the air with tales of inspiration and creative brilliance.
Celebration 2023, a four-day event at Paisley Park is an annual gathering that brings together people from all over the world to honor Prince's life, creative works, and outstanding legacy and share stories about his creative and cultural impact. Some of the acts performing during Celebration were Chaka Khan, Sounds of Blackness, Nunn Above, D-Nice, Doug E Fresh and Stokley.
The city of Minneapolis even lights up many of the office buildings Purple at night on June 7th in honor of Prince Rogers Nelson and the legacy he has left the world through his creative artistry.
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