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‘Prince wanted this event to happen’: Mixed Blood Theatre’s Paisley Park gala will go on as planned

by Jay Gabler

April 26, 2016

Minneapolis company Mixed Blood Theatre has announced that a benefit gala at Paisley Park on May 14 will go on as planned. The event may now be the first time Prince's Chanhassen venue is open to the public after Prince's death.

The party was originally announced on March 16, with an afterparty subsequently announced April 4 — just over two weeks before Prince died last week, at Paisley Park, at age 57. Located in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis, Mixed Blood is known for creating and hosting inclusive theatrical productions that engage social topics such as race and class.

Both the gala and the afterparty were planned to take place at Paisley Park. The company reports that "Paisley Park staff has assured us that 'Prince wanted this event to happen.' With that in mind, Mixed Blood looks forward with humility and delight to celebrating 40 years of art and social justice."

The benefit gala, as planned, will begin with a reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by a gala event: "Tempt your taste buds with food stations from around the world, start the party with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, experience live entertainment from Mixed Blood's favorite artists, put in a bid on one of the silent auction's unique experiences or start planning your next grand adventure thanks to an exciting live auction."

The afterparty will now be a Prince tribute, DJed by Breakbeat Lou. Tickets for all three events are currently available. According to Sheila E. and others, Prince's survivors are planning to continue with the star's long-term plans to turn Paisley Park into a museum.

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