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Details of the Paisley Park annual Celebration tentatively emerge with the event due to take place over four days from 8 to 11 June. The theme for 2023 is the number seven – the years since Prince’s passing in April 2016, plus that he was born on June 7th hence defining the week Celebration now marks, and of course recalling his cryptic 1992 single 7. The artwork for this year’s event is the winning entry from an open competition incorporating the theme, won by UK designer Tora Borealis.
The Prince Estate invitation promises Celebration 2023 will feature “live music, celebrity panels, in-studio recording sessions, and special opportunities to see and hear historical Prince performances.” The topics the panel discussions will explore are; the titular number 7; Diamonds And Pearls; Prince and his relationship with hip hop’ and; his “fam” legacy (Prince lingo for fans). There will also be a testimonial to Rosie Gaines although it is unclear whether she will appear in person.
The tickets come in two bands, VIP and General Admission packaged Diamond or Pearl. VIP is priced $1100 and GA $550 plus fees and taxes and are on sale now. The Diamond package is currently outselling Pearl. The difference between Diamond and Pearl are to manage groupings for numbers and timings only. An announcement detailing the full schedule is anticipated to coincide with confirmation of Diamonds And Pearls Super Deluxe as rumoured early in March for release sometime in July.
27 April update
In a highly unusual move to have the tickets on sale prior to giving any details of the event’s line up and schedule, the schedule was finally confirmed on 27 April as the following:
It will begin with an exclusive screening of footage from the Parade Tour of 1986 and a tour of the Paisley Park Museum. Then there will follow the Hip Hop Panel comprising Chuck D and Doug E Fresh (for panel discussion on Prince’s relationship with the genre). Chaka Khan will take a conversation on her memories of Prince. Those performing will be Prince inspired Stokley, and NPG’s former backing singer Shelby J. Two dance parties will also take place with DJs D-Nice (Friday) and Rashida (Saturday). The Steeles and Sounds Of Blackness will close out the event with a Gospel themed brunch on Sunday 11th. The main event is the 7 Panel, this will comprise band members of the NPG: Tony M, Levi Seacer Jr, Morris Hayes and Damon Dickson, plus producer Michael Koppelman. Rosie Gaines will be represented at the event by her daughter LaToya Gaines to receive a special honour from the event’s organisers.
There is no substitute for the real thing, but Prince left a legacy of thirty-nine studio albums, released 100 singles, as well as created many albums for other artists. Prince is one of the most prolific and successful songwriters in history.
