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First details emerge about October 13 Prince tribute at US Bank Stadium

by Andrea Swensson

August 30, 2016

The first details have been confirmed regarding the scheduled Prince tribute at US Bank Stadium on October 13. The information emerged in a somewhat roundabout way, appearing in a newsletter from the Minnesota State Arts Board that was circulated among the artistic and nonprofit community Tuesday.

"An official Prince Tribute Concert will be held on October 13, 2016, at U. S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. It will feature members of the iconic Prince Family, including Morris Day and the Time, Sheila E, The Revolution, and New Power Generation, featuring prominent pop stars of today on guest vocals," the newsletter stated.

Update: Statements issued since the MSAB newsletter have clarified some facts about the details shared in this newsletter. Read more at the bottom of this post.

Although the big-name pop acts — not to mention any information about ticket sales, despite the fact the event is six weeks out — have yet to be announced, this is the first public confirmation that Prince's closest purple associates from throughout his career will indeed be appearing at the official family-sanctioned tribute show. This news comes on the heels of a moving Morris Day and the Time show earlier this summer at the Minnesota Zoo, the NPG's three sold-out tribute shows at the Parkway Theater, and Sheila E's triumphant and blazing tribute to Prince at the BET Awards; and just ahead of this weekend's sold-out shows at First Avenue from the Revolution with special guests André Cymone, Dez Dickerson, Apollonia, and afterparty DJ Questlove.

The reason for the State Arts Board's involvement in this announcement? The tribute is seeking input and involvement from local artists, arts organizations, and performance communities.

"Organizers are looking for proposals from community groups for ways they could be involved in the event. It could be something that occurs at the event itself (an art installation, performance, etc.), a related event occurring in conjunction, or other ideas you might have. Participating groups will have access to discounted and/or free tickets for the event depending on their level of participation."

Proposals for involvement in the event are to be directed to Sean Jameson of the talent management company NorthStar Group.

Update: L. Londell McMillan, who owns the NorthStar Group and has a hand in organizing the October 13 tribute, has told the Associated Press that an official announcement about the tribute will be coming after Labor Day.

In a Facebook post, Morris Day and the Time have confirmed that they are part of the October 13 tribute.

And Sheila E has said that, contrary the information provided to the State Arts Board by the NorthStar Group, she is not involved in the October 13 event. Her representatives provided the following statement: "To provide clarity and to avoid confusion, I am not scheduled to perform at the Prince Tribute Concert currently planned for October 13th."

"In these months after Prince's passing there is still much being sorted out and discussed," she continued. "Among them are performances and tributes which have taken place and planned among many different groups and organizations. It is appreciated that each of us; family, friends and fans find ways to display our respect and admiration for one who gave so much to so many. In the course of the days, months and years ahead I like many of you will continue to honor Prince in various ways. I thank you all for your consideration, love and support of me, all of the Paisley Park families, and the Legacy of Prince now and in the future."

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.