Ottawa on June 16 (7 reports)

from Fernand

Just got home at 3:00 a.m. Wasn't able to make it to the regular show (my brother is visiting with his wife and three kids!), got a call from a friend after the main show at the Arts Centre, and found myself heading off to Carleton University to see Prince - for the first time!

Words fail me. It will take a while to process what just happened; I'd read about his shows since about 1982, had friends who had experienced them, but I'd never had the fortune. Thumbnail sketch: everyone owes it to their soul to catch one of these performances. It's difficult in a stodgy city to break through stagnant energy and let yourself be transported and move along to a wave of energy, but that's what happened.

Three staggering sets; the whole band was playful, confident, in command of their craft, and sent forth so much love and energy that one was left in awe at the potential of humans to create and execute art; art that can transform as much as it can make one feel.

I'm sure everyone who had a chance to get there feels as blessed as I do to have been able to bear witness to one of the most uncompromising, yet consummate entertainers of our generation. To see Prince and the band smile and make a face is to see the joys and glory of music in human form -

Thank you to anyone involved in making this happen - I'm joining up as a member!

Cheers -
Fernand

from Lisa

I just got back from the concert of a lifetime, words cannot express the music that is Prince. Thank You

from Sylvia

Dear Prince:

What can I say? After seeing you for the seventh time I didn't think this show would top the show from the "Warehouse" a few years back, but you continue to surprise and astound me. Last night's show was the most emotionally charged, spirtitually uplifting and most of all just down right FUN show that you have ever performed! The best thing about the whole evening was meeting all the wonderful NPG members. It felt like a real family and I thank all of you! You have been my idol since I was 17 years old. Your talent is unsurpassed by any artist on any "record label". Keep true to your heart and please come back soon!
Peace
Sylvia

from Luk

Funk/Music - AGREEment/Harmony

What a night! Ottawa SURRENDERED to PRINCE and the NPG! My scuba gear was not good enough for the deepest funk that awaited me! So many moments, So much good music.. my soul is still sitting in the concert hall waiting for more!

Most of the concert was simply pure enigmatic funk from the Rainbow Children and Jamming like I'd never hurd before. MACEO PARKER was all over the place! Playing from the isles then playing from one of the balcony's wich was pretty cool! Larry Graham showed up on stage for one song..He could of stayed longer!ehehe! Maybe next time!

Even if PRINCE said : "If you came here to get your Purple Rain, you're in the wrong house!", managed to squeeze-in a few gems: When U Were Mine, Adore, Strange Relationship, Take me with you, The Beautiful Ones, The Ride, Raspberry Beret, Diamonds and Pearls, and Oh yes... Purple Rain! I might be missing some since I was Hypnotized from the beginning and could not keep a straight mind trying to figure out evey song they played!

The message that PRINCE left us with about AGREEment and Harmony was magical! Black and White, Young and Old listened carefully to everyword that came out from the man's mouth... well except for a few "wildcats" in the crowd!

I could not describe what he said or did but prefer to let the PPL find out for themselves. But here's a hint:
"Imagine just for a moment, If we were the only ones on this planet..."

I could never thank you enough, Prince and the NPG!!!

Please come back to Ottawa in this lifetime!
Luk.

from an Ottawa fam

Just wanted to say that being a member really does have it's priveleges! Sitting in on about 60 minutes of the soundcheck was just an awesome experience. Prince chatted with the fams, asked us questions about the music we listened to and truly wanted to get to know us. We, in turn, got to hang with a living legend and hear him jam classics like "Pop Life" and "Days Of Wild". Personally, I really enjoyed watching the process behind the band learning a new song - in this case, Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why".

The actual show was just amazing, I really can't find better words to express it right now!! The band seemed to really be having a great time in our small town. And being pulled up on stage to dance during 1+1+1=3 was pretty cool too! Hearing those tracks from The Rainbow Children live was incredible, and Prince went into the catalog a bit with "When You Were Mine", "The Beautiful Ones", and "Purple Rain"... too many hits too little time - that's right.

I didn't make the afterparty... can't wait to hear about that! Please come back to Ottawa real soon!

from Brownsugar

I attended the Ottawa show last night and all I can say is WOW!!!!!! To have Prince here in my hometown, to have such an uproar of pure unsurpassible talent in front of my eyes leaves me speechless. I never laughed, cried, screamed, clapped, danced so much in my life. He was full of life and phunk, and released so much energy and life to the crowd. I still have goosebumps, my heart is still pounding a mile a minute and I'm smilling ear to ear. He, I believe is the only person (musician) that can mix the new and the old, the younger crowd and the older crowd, the black-white-yellow-pink-purple together and make love with it all. Prince is the remedy for a broken heart, the receipe for love and bounce in our steps.

May we all gather in unity...
Brownsugar

from Dan

I had the complete privilege and honour of witnessing Prince last night at the NAC in Ottawa(June 16.2002). It was a night I will never forget. I have to admit that I had no idea what to expect, because Prince is always full of surprises. At first the Ottawa crowd(very reserved) was a little shy, and not quite certain how to respond to the funky, jazzy sound of Rainbow Children. But before long every person was on their feet, arms swinging high, asses swinging low, gettin' down right dirty and funky to the raw beats. Prince, in my opinion, is probably one of the few living true musical geniuses. His voice evokes pure energy and emotion, his baritone ranging low and overpowering, his falsetto so incredibly polished and controlled. Guitar wailing, voice sailing, he pushed and pulled with the crowd, singing only of love and peace. He is a soldier of peace, a messenger of the word of God, a true believer in good will toward all mankind. He dominated the arena, complete control, complete confidence, incredible guitar playing. He made no bones about wanting to sing new material, and pushed the crowd to open themselves up to any musical path he brought to the table. His diversity, and incredible ability to dominate any genre of music is simply stunning. The band was nothing short of brilliant, laying down the funky bass grooves, soulful sax and trombone, beautiful keys, and warp-powered drums without blinking. Musically speaking, this was without question one of the most uplifting experiences of my life. The blusey "ride" was gritty, dirty, guitar on fire. An extended take of "Rollercoaster" was funk perfection. The acoustic set to end the evening highlighted his wonderful touch on the keys, and gave the audience an opportunity to here every nuance of his masterful vocals. He surprised by playing "Nothing Compares 2 U" and "Purple Rain" which he said was his gift to the audience. His musical abilities and soul are stronger than any castle wall. He is a true inspiration to all musicians, particularly independent ones like myself who do not wish to sell their souls to monster corporations for financial gain. He has complete artistic control over everything he does, something I have so much admiration for. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to witness this event, and please come back to see us again. You truly are the one and only, PRINCE.

a very devoted fan,

Dan

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