Fargo, ND – Fargo Underground is excited to announce the Purple Rain 40th Anniversary Celebration, a grand event honoring the legendary album and movie by Minnesota’s own Prince. Join us for a weekend filled with art, culture, and community in Fargo-Moorhead.
The festivities begin with a special screening of the movie at the historic Fargo Theatre on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, at 7 pm. Following the screening, fans can dance the night away to Prince’s hits at The Aquarium. This event is a perfect gathering for fans to celebrate one of the greatest artists of all time.
The Fargo Theatre, a beautifully restored art deco building, is an iconic landmark in Fargo. This event offers a unique way to experience its charm. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable night of music and celebration!
In 1984, Prince and his band, The Revolution, released Purple Rain, a groundbreaking album and film that became a cornerstone of 1980s pop culture. The film opens at the First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis, where The Revolution performs “Let’s Go Crazy.” The lead character, The Kid (played by Prince), captivates the audience with his energetic style. Aspiring performer Apollonia arrives at the club, seeking the manager’s attention, while rival singer Morris Day and his band, The Time, add tension to the scene.
The Kid, struggling with an abusive home life, navigates a complex story of self-destructive behavior, romance, and musical ambition. He meets Apollonia, and together they face challenges of talent, love, and personal connections. The film intertwines themes of music, passion, and redemption, all set against Prince’s electrifying performances.
The Purple Rain 40th Anniversary Celebration is on June 15th. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the milestone and immerse yourself in Prince’s timeless masterpiece. Tickets for the special screening go on sale May 31st on The Fargo Theatre website. Tickets for the Purple Rain Dance Party will be available at the door at The Aquarium.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Purple Rain for the first time, this anniversary invites us to relive the magic, music, and impact of Prince’s masterpiece. Let’s celebrate four decades of creativity, inspiration, and artistic brilliance!
Join us for an electric evening honoring Prince at 54 Below! This year marks the 40th anniversary of the prolific motion picture and album release of Purple Rain. Since its release in 1984, Prince’s influence has inspired the music industry by adhering to true musicianship regardless of genre norms.
Purple Rain’s vitality and power lie in its songwriting, blending R&B, funk, country, heavy-rock, and pop into a creative abyss. Hear timeless classics like “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Kiss,” and many more! This show will surely get you “partying like it’s 1999!” Produced and directed by Solana Blu, this show celebrates African American Music Appreciation Month. Come out for an evening paying homage to the legend, his music, and his legacy that continues to inspire generations of creatives. Don’t miss this show-stopping event!
Prince Rogers Nelson, born 66 years ago this month, entered 1984 as a budding star and ended it as a worldwide phenomenon. Purple Rain, both the film and the soundtrack, propelled him to great heights. The Twin Cities are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain in numerous ways, from free dance parties to live performances to a new book filled with rare photos and interviews shedding light on Prince’s creativity.
After signing a record deal at 19 that gave him creative control, Prince spent his early career establishing himself as a musical genius and a provocative performer. By 1983, the mainstream was catching up with Prince, thanks to his double album 1999 and its hits. But Prince wasn’t one to take the easy route. He insisted on a starring role in a studio film, which led to Purple Rain, a loosely autobiographical film set in Minneapolis.
Filming took place mostly in Minnesota, including 25 days at First Avenue, home to the movie’s memorable concert scenes. The stark single “When Doves Cry” set the stage for Purple Rain’s arrival in summer 1984. The film grossed ten times its budget, while the soundtrack spent 24 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, sold 25 million copies worldwide, and won two Grammys and an Oscar. It helped cement the Minneapolis Sound, a groove chased by many artists.
Prince wrapped 1984 with a victory lap tour, including five shows at the St. Paul Civic Center. While he could have ridden Purple Rain’s success longer, Prince defied expectations and forged new paths. Prince may have been allergic to nostalgia, but his fans are not. Here are some ways to celebrate his achievements from 40 years ago.
Watch Purple Rain, currently available for free on Pluto TV with ads. Major sites like Amazon Prime and Apple TV offer rentals and purchases. Warner Bros. is releasing the film in 4K Blu-ray on June 25.
Celebrate Prince on the streets at the free Prince Celebration Block Party on June 22 outside the Prince Mural in downtown Minneapolis. The event features music, an art installation, food vendors, and dancing. Wear your favorite Prince gear and celebrate all things purple.
Attend the annual Celebration at Paisley Park and downtown Minneapolis from June 20-24. The event features live music, celebrity panels, exclusive concert footage, and tours of Prince’s home and studio. General admission is $750, while VIP tickets are $1,350. See paisleypark.com for details.
Other events include The Revolution headlining First Avenue on June 22, Prince Celebration 2024 at the State Theatre, and Dr. Mambo’s Combo performing at Bunkers Music Bar and Grill. Local music journalist Andrea Swensson’s new book, Prince and Purple Rain, offers a deep dive into Prince’s life and career.
To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Purple Rain, Paisley Park and the Prince Estate have unveiled a chance for fans to stay at the Purple Rain house featured in the film. As part of Airbnb’s Icons program, the home will be open to the public for the first time. Fans can immerse themselves in experiences mirroring The Kid’s onscreen life during their stay. Hosted by Prince’s Revolution bandmates Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman, the stay includes spending a night in The Kid’s bedroom, enjoying rare Prince tracks, and a private tour of the house.
“Forty years ago, Prince revolutionized culture with Purple Rain. This year, we honor his legacy with events inspired by Purple Rain. Join us in Minnesota for an exclusive opportunity to delve into the genius behind the music,” said L Londell McMillan.
Sam Sklover added, “It’s exciting to reintroduce fans to one of the most iconic homes in music and film history. The restoration stays true to Prince’s vision, and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy a unique experience celebrating his legacy.”
For more information and to reserve a night at the iconic residence, visit: airbnb.com/prince
Purple Rain is a cultural phenomenon, regarded as one of the greatest musical films ever made. Released in July 1984 by Warner Bros, the film was Prince’s debut. In 2019, the Library of Congress added the film to the National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
Prince and The Revolution’s Purple Rain soundtrack, released in June 1984, received numerous awards and remained at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for 24 weeks. The album is certified 13x Platinum and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide.
Paisley Park will honor Prince’s legacy this summer during its annual Celebration from June 20-24, 2024. The event will feature Purple Rain-themed programming, performances by The Revolution, Morris Day, New Power Generation, and more. The Airbnb Icons experience will follow later this summer.
Early bird Celebration tickets are sold out. Limited tickets remain at: paisleypark.com/celebration-2024
