Edmonton on May 31 (12 reports)

from Sandy

Hi there: i know this is a little belated but i did want to send this on....

1 week, 4 days, and 3 hours have passed and i remain in a Prince and NPG heavy musical euphoria since the Edmonton One Night Alone concert. i feel like i can't get enough. The music is alive in my blood and i love it.

i must say that the ensemble, chemistry, music and messages of the night tapped the 'something' in me that i felt had long disappeared and i welcome this awakening with open ears, heart, and mind. i (along with countless others) am so glad Edmonton got this visit.

i rave?our seats: the NPG music club member seats were fan-tas-tic. Thank u. The purposeful connection to the fans speaks volumes. From reading the fam reports, many upon many are being touched in a very special way. It is very cool to follow an artist you have revered over the years. An artist with music that can challenge you and love you at the same time and always take you to the place where you want to be. Real music is truly a gift to the soul. Highlights from the night: sound check, Love Roller Coaster, 1+1+1 is 3, Take Me With U, Strange Relationship, Family Name, The Other Side of the Pillow, Anna Stesia, the guitar action the horns and oh a falsetto to give you goose bumps (you just want to take the man and spin him...!).

Prince is a master of his craft and an inspiring model for our generation and those to come. If you have the opportunity, go to the concert. Embrace it, and let it take you for the funk, rock, reflective and thought-provoking trip it will. Music lovers do indulge and enjoy the Night.

i thank u

Sandy Volume (Edmonton, Alberta)

from Amy J

I have been a faithful fan for over 15 years and never go anywhere without my collection of Prince discs, his music hits me the way nothing else can. There are no words to sum up the concert in Edmonton, as the curtains flew up so did I out of my seat to see him standing center stage in all his splendor! The tunes as always were so fresh and exciting.....real music.....real musicians.....real issues.... and really him! I was captivated by his every move and every word, there stood the entertainer and musician yet to be topped! I was probably the ony woman 8 months pregnant there dancing and sing nonstop. (I know that my baby was getting it's little funk on too) I have dreamed of the day to see him before my very eyes, but this was no dream I couldn't dream it to be that amazing! The sound was spectacular, he is beyond gifted, it is as though the guitar and piano are parts of his body and soul being poured out like a flowing river. This was the best birthday gift I have ever recieved, thanks to my husband! I will be seeing Prince again in Regina tonight (my home town)and am more excited after the way he delivered on Friday. I am sure he will wow me once more with his funkolish melodies! Go all of you and get yourselves tickets don't miss the preformance of a lifetime! Thank you Prince, you truly are and will rein forever as the Prince of Funk!!! See you tonight!

from M. Risling

It is now 3 days after the concert and I am still on a total Prince high. I've waited 25 years to see Prince in person (I should mention that I don't even turn 25 until next week.)!! It was SO worth the wait and hopefully I won't have to wait that long again. WHAT A SHOW!!

I am still absolutely flabbergasted! I think that seeing this concert was probably the high point in my life and I sincerely believe that it is all downhill from here. Never again until the day I die will I be in the presence of such greatness.

I haven't had the opportunity to hear such talented musicians or such great REAL musik since the B.B. King concert my dad took me to when I was a little girl. No gimmicks, no slutty dancers, no useless regurgitation or pretend musik, just complete genius with an important and much needed message.

Most kids dream about running away with the circus, but I’ve always dreamed about running away and touring with Prince, even if the only job I could get was filling his water glasses or shining his shoes. After seeing him live I know that I was right, and I would give up everything to be able to hear great musik like that 4ever.

"If the name of God was important to Jesus, it should be important to us." - Prince, May 31, 2002

from Scott McNally

What a show! What a band! The funk *was* in the house! I was so glad to see Prince with this band perform jams like the Everlasting Now and Family Name - that album is the best since Lovesexy!

So many things to say. The piano encore was beyond description, so many gems that have meant much to me throughout my life. Anna Stesia and the closing chant "love is God, God is love.." was powerful and relevant ... long live the NewPowerSoul!

from Brian

First of all, a thank you for providing the NPG members with an unique and wonderful experience. I have been going to concerts for twenty five years and Prince is the only artist I have not seen that I have truly wanted to. He did not disappoint! One of the best experiences of being a fan member is meeting other fan members. My cousin Warren and I were the 4th and 5th people in line. Dan, his brother Jason and Dallas who were in front of us were great individuals and fantastic people in general. They are truly die hard fans and shared special stories and great experiences with great enthusiasm. Dallas in particular. He came to the Edmonton concert by himself and had purchased another ticket for the Calgary show. A very smart move. After seeing the concert, I wish I had the done the same. He traveled by himself to Hawaii to see Prince and spent a week last year in Minneapolis. He also purchased tickets for last years Montreal Jazz festival but couldn't afford the air fare and had to give the tickets up. If you are reading this and haven't been to the concert , get to know the NPG members and share stories.

We had expected to enter the auditorium at about 5:00 but were told Prince was running late. We didn't enter until 6:00 (show started at 8:00). The anticipation was running high prior to being let in but as we entered, the atmosphere had a very cool and calming effect (subtle purple light and burning incense). We were truly amazed when we were escorted to the Orchestra Pit and not the front row. Prince would be performing only a couple feet away from us. It was as if we were on stage with him. I was able to sit dead center in front of the stage. The New Power generation did a quick Jam and Prince came to the front of the stage and nonchalantly asked where the after party was. He said he didn't know the city. We thought he was kidding and didn't respond. This turned out to be a fatal move as there turned out to be none. I was going to mention the Sidetrack Cafe where a hot guitar player named Jack Semple (formerly of the blues/funk band "The Lincoins") was performing. I must apologize to the fan members in Edmonton for not speaking up. We had all assumed Prince had something planned or would come and talk to us after the show. If he asks this question to other fan members in the future (especially small Canadian cities) don't make the same mistake. Jason who was sitting two seats away from me asked Prince if he could come on stage and play. Prince didn't really answer and jammed with his band for 5 minutes. He then handed his guitar to Jason and came down and sat in Jason's seat in the front row with us. This is where Dallas said the classic line to Prince, "sorry this seat is taken". Prince had a good laugh. He allowed Jason to play for a few minutes and then took the stage and played a phenomenal version of Led Zep's "Whole Lotta Love". It was now 6:30, the band left the stage and prince came down and talked with us. He started off the conversation stating he was concerned with the potential war between India and Pakistan and asked us "what was up with that". We discussed Religion and in particular about Prince being a devout Jehovah Witness. We also talked about where he was on September 11 (a safe place mentally) and a future live recording (I think he said Toronto and Montreal). I personally got to ask him four questions and felt very privileged. He talked to us until 7:00 (one hour prior to the show). Having this one on one session was worth the price of admission and I would have went home very happy even if there was no show.

The show itself was a true work of art. The stage was very clean and The New Power Generation was in fine form. John and Rhonda laying down the funky groove, Maceo and Greg on the horns and Renato on keyboards. Where was Candy? I was especially looking forward to seeing and hearing her perform. Prince had the perfect selection of songs starting with material from Rainbow Children. "Rainbow Children" and "Mellow" were especially good but "1+1+1=3" really stood out. While performing this song, Prince seemed to play tribute to the godfather of soul James Brown's classic 60's stage performance where James Brown kept leaving the stage and coming back to perform. Prince claiming that there was no good Funk on the radio anymore brought his own traveling road show "WNPG" and played late 60's and early 70's classics. He played "Roller Coaster", "La La La means I love you" and a blistering hot version of Sly and the Family Stone's "Sing a Simple Song" where different members of the band sang different lines of the song. Prince closed his concert by playing solo on the piano. Beautiful versions of Diamonds and Pearls, Starfish + Coffee and Purple Rain really stood out. The concert ended perfectly with the audience singing "Love is God, God is Love, Girls and Boys, Love God Above.

Come back soon. Brian

from Tooch

The first thing that must be said is this....

Anyone who loves real music, and who can appreciate real artists entertain you with their gifts from God, go see the One Nite Alone show. If this show doesn't get you off your ass and dance, nothing will. Being a member of the club, I was able to sit and talk with my biggest musical hero, and it was like talking to a friend. A night of true magic was had by all there!!! Please come back again, so I can experience this all over again. Thank you.

from Jill Davies-Shaw

All I can say is I'm speechless...the Edmonton show was absolutely the most intense and amazing musical experience of my life. Is Prince the only man in the world still making real music? He is a talented, charismatic, genius! I left feeling more fulfilled than I ever could have imagined. The balance between old and new was perfection and his voice was euphoric. It was as though he asked me...what would you like to hear because every song I've dreamed of hearing live was done to perfection...starfish and coffee.....adore....nothing compares 2 u....how come you don't call me....I've seen him live before but this intimate setting was a dream come true and the vibe it created was truly heavenly. His deep charismatic spiritual message combined with his energetic soulful presence made the whole room fall in love with the moment he created. Thank you Prince for coming to Edmonton, for sharing your gifts, for rocking the house, and for spreading a message of love and truth. "you were the best...you were every fantasy..."

from heather

i have dreamed of the day of finally getting to see PRINCE. The concert in edmonton well surpassed any of my dreams and expectations ( however, i could watch PRINCE and the band perform all night) my next dream is to see him again in concert and meet him. my friend got the funky privilege of meeting PRINCE and couldn't stop saying how nice you are! PRINCE is bigger than life. you are so amazingly talented!! thank you for sharing with us, and for funking up the place!! it's nice to hear some REAL music!!!! You sure know how to put on a show. a ROYAL fan:) :) :) heather

from Margaret

I have to admit that I was never a really big fan of Prince. Yes, I liked some of his music but would never have thought I would be attending one of his concerts. My husband, on the other hand, really likes Princes' music and has always wanted to attend a concert.

We attended his concert in Edmonton on May 31. What an experience! I am completely impressed! Prince is a fantastic musician, entertainer, works with the crowd and down to earth! I love his new music and am now a fan of funk!

I have never had the opportunity to attend such an incredible concert. If Prince is ever back in Edmonton, I will be the first in line for tickets!

I do, however, have one question . . . what type if incense was he burning? My husband and I burn a great deal of incense and we loved what he had.

Thanx for a wonderful experience!

from Victor

Thanks for coming to Edmonton. Thanks for going to all the small Canadian cities that get overlooked by all the "radio friendly" artists. The show was absolutely funktastic. The band was simply incredible...esp. Greg Boyer...but where was Candy Dulfer? Truly, Prince is underated as a guitar player, his special Symbol guitar completely shook the house down that's usually built for lame high school graduation ceremonies!!! And it looked like most of the crowd thought they were attending one but man, His Purpleness changed all that. I was one of the few who was getting my boogie on all nite long. Rock on Prince, Rock on! Hope to see Prince in town again soon.

from Trevor Iampen

hello from edmunfunk...

stripped down, way tight and outta sight! wow! thanks for slippin' some funk our way prince...and for slippin' us some sly...the insane funkaliscious grooves were had and felt by all...and playing joni...nice touch to hear one of our own...but you've had a thing for her jams for quite some time...

finally, thank you for bringing the Word into the show - 'twas very important... merci beaucoup for sharing your gifts with us...keep on keepin' on brother...i feel enriched...

Acts 26
22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen-- 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.

Genesis 9
12 And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." 17 So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth."

God blessings and peace
Trevor Iampen

from Rob

What a night for live music. This is my second time seeing Prince in concert and I was blown away again. I haven't bought the Rainbow Children CD but after hearing the music I am definitely going out to get it. His show being in a smaller venue was very intimate and full of FUNK. The biggest thrill for me was when taking from is older material Prince played all of my favorites: Adore, Starfish and Coffee, When You were Mine, Raspberry Beret, Sometime it Snows in April (which it frequently does here. I was with the crowd in Edmonton, they just didn't get all the music and could only keep Prince playing for two and a half hours. It looked like Prince was having a lot of fun with the virgin crowd. The other surprise was that Candy Dulfer was not on stage. I was looking forward to hearing her and Maceo Parker. I love the jazz funk influences for the whole show. I can't wait for Prince to come again.

[Back 2 Top]