Tyka Nelson & Friends Presents: A Night of Purple Music

“upbeat and funky… sounds like Prince himself is playing” – Pioneer Press

A very special performance of the music of Prince, performed by those who were closest to him in his final years. Artists include Donna Grantis, Marva King, Shelby J, Adrian Crutchfield, BK Jackson, and a special farewell performance by Tyka Nelson. St. Paul Peterson & The Minneapolis Funk All-Stars will act as house band.

The younger sister of Prince, Tyka Nelson pursued her own musical path. She has released four albums and had a hit single with the Larry Graham-produced “Marc Anthony’s Tune.” She is playing a pivotal role in preserving the musical legacy of her brother.

From 2012 to 2016 Toronto-based guitarist Donna Grantis performed with Prince. She was co-lead guitarist of his funk-rock trio 3RDEYEGIRL and supergroup New Power Generation. Grantis composed the title track to Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL’s album PlectrumElectrum, which reached #1 on the Billboard Rock Chart. 

Vocalist/actor Marva King got her start touring with Stevie Wonder. From 1997-99 she was part of Prince’s New Power Generation (NPG). Marva performed most of the songs on New Power Soul and demonstrated her immense talent as well when she performed live onstage with Prince.

Vocalist Shelby J. has enjoyed an incredible career on the biggest stages in the world. She has performed with Mary J. Blige, Anthony Hamilton, D’Angelo, Santana, and Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor. But her years touring with Prince, including his epic Super Bowl Halftime show, made her a legend.

Saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield is one of his generation’s most prolific and lauded musicians. He is known as the last horn-man to perform and record (2012-2016) with Prince and the New Power Generation. Adrian is featured on many of Prince’s final masterpieces including the 2017 Grammy-nominated Hit-N-Run Phase 2. 

Saxophonist BK Jackson spent four years touring with Prince, from 2012 to 2016. He played night after night as a member of his 11-piece horn section, NPG Hornz. Currently, BK tours with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

St. Paul Peterson appeared in Purple Rain as a teenage wunderkind, playing keys with The Time. He was hand-picked by Prince himself to be the lead singer of The Family (best known for “Nothing Compares 2 U”) on Prince’s Paisley Park label. Peterson is bringing his funk all-stars to rock, playing all the hits from Prince, The Time, NPG and more!