First Avenue Kickoff Party and Maya McClean Experience Sold Out; Single Tickets Remain Available for Celebration of Life Concert, Club 3121 and Select Events City of Minneapolis Proclaims June 1–7 “Prince Celebration Week” as Fans Gather for Prince Celebration's 10th Anniversary Concert, Club 3121 and Citywide Events CeeLo Green, Meli'sa Morgan & More Headline Free Block Party and Inaugural Prince Sing-Along on June 6 Prince Celebration 2026 Tops Previous Attendance Records,

We’ve just received the official details for the Prince Celebration 2026 Block Party — a free, all-ages outdoor event and one of the highlights of this year’s celebration. Taking place on Saturday, June 6, 2026 (one day before what would have been Prince’s 68th birthday), this massive downtown Minneapolis event will run from 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM CT at the Prince Mural (101 North 9th Street). Performers include: CeeLo Green Shelby J Kris Kollins Jada LaFrance Monique Blakey Bakk

A June 7, 1993 feature in the Star Tribune marking Prince’s 35th birthday, reflecting on his career, public image, and pondering what the next chapter might hold for the artist. Publication: Star Tribune Date: June 7, 1993 Country: United States Section / Pages: Feature / Entertainment Title: HAPPY BIRTHDAY: FACE THE MUSIC THE STORY The article discusses Prince turning 35 and questions whether he is entering “middle age.” It explores his recent comments about possibly quittin

A landmark Billboard cover and major feature celebrating Prince and the explosive rise of the Minneapolis Sound as America’s newest musical wonderland. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Billboard Date: April 25, 1987 Country: United States Section / Pages: Front Cover + Interior Feature (two-page spread) THE STORY This iconic issue of Billboard shines a national spotlight on Prince and the vibrant Minneapolis–St. Paul music scene. The striking cover features a dramatic portrait of

Concert review of Jesse Johnson’s Revue making their local debut at First Avenue in Minneapolis, following the breakup of The Time. PUBLICATION: Date: May 31, 1985 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / Review (Page 2C) Title: Johnson revue a bit short in local debut THE STORY Jon Bream reviews Jesse Johnson’s Revue performance at First Avenue. While noting Johnson’s charisma, strong backing band, and hits like “Be Your Man,” the review criticizes the show fo

A hometown report in the Star Tribune covering Prince’s private 25th birthday concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis, where he performed new material from his forthcoming feature film Purple Rain. Publication: Star Tribune Date: Friday, June 8, 1984 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / Local News Title: Prince celebrates 25th birthday with a private concert THE STORY The short article notes that Prince, the Minneapolis-born rock star, celebrated his 25th bi

A short entertainment brief noting that Prince was filming “Purple Rain” last week on Hennepin Ave. in Minneapolis, while also mentioning Andre Cymone’s recent chart success and production work (including a group positioned as a counterpart to Vanity 6). Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune (Star Tribune) Date: Sunday, November 13, 1983 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / In the wings column THE STORY T he item reports that Prince was actively shooting scene

A local announcement in the Star Tribune detailing casting calls for extras in Prince’s forthcoming feature film Purple Rain, to be shot in Minneapolis with a budget of approximately $3.2 million. Publication: Star Tribune Date: Friday, September 30, 1983 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / Local News Title: Purple Rain movie casting information THE STORY The article reports that Prince’s first feature film, a musical titled Purple Rain, is about to begin

A hometown preview in the Star Tribune by Jon Bream enthusiastically promoting Prince’s upcoming concert at the Met Center, hailing the 24-year-old Minneapolis artist as a major force in popular music and the inspiration behind Vanity 6 and The Time. Publication: Star Tribune Date: Friday, March 11, 1983 Country: United States Section / Pages: Critic’s choice / Music Title: Critic’s choice/Music THE STORY Jon Bream praises Prince as Rolling Stone’s Artist of the Year for 1982

A hometown review in the Star Tribune by Jon Bream of Prince’s double album 1999, praising its danceable grooves and sexual energy while noting its lyrical and conceptual complexity that can “muddle the brain,” positioning it as another bold step from the 24-year-old Minneapolis artist. Publication: Star Tribune (Minneapolis Star and Tribune) Date: Sunday, November 28, 1982 Country: United States Section / Pages: Record Reviews Title: Prince’s new album motivates body, muddl

A strongly positive album review in The Marion Star celebrating Prince’s Controversy as a bold, frank exploration of sex, religion, and politics set to a funk beat, praising the young Minneapolis artist’s provocative “libidinous exercise” and soulful delivery while noting its ability to shock and offend. Publication: The Marion Star Date: Saturday, December 26, 1981 Country: United States Section / Pages: Albums Reviews Title: Prince Controversy (Warner Brothers) THE STORY Th

A hometown album review in The Minneapolis Star by Jon Bream examining Prince’s provocative third album Dirty Mind, praising its musical maturity and standout tracks while noting the explicit lyrics and album cover that make it unlikely for mainstream radio airplay. Publication: The Minneapolis Star Date: Tuesday, November 18, 1980 Country: United States Section / Pages: Music / Album Reviews Title: Prince’s new ‘Dirty Mind’ album unlikely to find a band on radio THE STORY Jo

A sharply critical album review in Minneapolis’s Star Tribune dismissing Prince’s Dirty Mind as seedy and vulgar, focusing heavily on the explicit sexual themes and provocative album cover while acknowledging his talent but finding the overall presentation sensationalist and off-putting. Publication: Star Tribune (Minneapolis Tribune) Date: Friday, November 7, 1980 Country: United States Section / Pages: Records / Music Reviews Title: Seedy, vulgar sex songs don’t make Prince

An early April 14, 1978 announcement in the Star Tribune highlighting the release of Prince’s debut album For You, praising the 19-year-old as a remarkable multi-instrumentalist who wrote, produced, arranged, and performed the entire record himself. Publication: Star Tribune / Minneapolis Tribune Date: April 14, 1978 Country: United States Section / Pages: Music / Record Notes Title: Record notes THE STORY The short note announces the release of Prince’s debut album For You o