April Newsletter

April The Month of The Prince

Remembering Prince on the 6 Year Anniversary

Candalada, Prince Issa, Candalada’s Dad in Studio B at Paisley Park

Last year July 2021, I took a trip across the country with my dad and my son. I had a grand plan of detouring to Paisley Park as a surprise since they are both Prince fans. Tour tickets were available online for months as well as the day before we arrived to Minnesota. When we finally arrived to our hotel, I went online to purchase the tickets and they were gone!

I got up early in the morning and headed to Paisley Park to explain the situation and see if I could buy tickets on-site. The guard told me to come back around 11am. I arrived at 11am very nervous with my dad and son. A manager came out to see us, I explained my dilemma to him in hopes to get on a tour and he told me “I am unable to accommodate you. You all are welcome to look in our gift shop and hang out in the lounge”. I was so disappointed. I bought some souvenirs, Issa and I took selfies outfront by the Prince symbol but. I could not shake the feeling of dropping the ball. The security guard assured us that Prince would have never turned a child away but it didn’t help.

Once I left, I was stuck between I’m never going back again and I have to know what I missed. This February I decided it was time for a do over. We are all going back and making a day of it. Issa turned 10 in April and it would be a memorable gift.

We took the VIP tour. We had an amazing host, unfortunately it was his last day. In the beginning we were checked by security and my phone was locked in a bag with some type of sensor on top. They checked my Sony camara into a locker and gave me a ticket. I was also informed if I wanted a pic in studio B I had to buy a thumb drive for $10.

In the beginning of the tour I saw Prince’s office, letters from the White House and guitars. In the middle of the tour I saw an insane collection of his shoes, the actual bike from Purple Rain, notes from his note books, took a picture in Studio B and heard an unreleased song. Towards the end they told us we were able to take pictures in the big room Prince used to throw parties in. I was allowed to request my professional camera back and use it.

This tour is very inspiring even if you are not a fan of his music I recommend it because you learn the things that he stood for and the other contributions he made to the industry. He informed artist through his actions and interviews of how to navigate the business side of music industry. The exclusive footage played throughout the tour was my favorite part.

If you would like to coordinate your fits with your visit you can order your Prince gear online before visiting. Some of the items online are not in the Paisley Park on-site store.

Issa’s hat and shirt were only available online. Everywhere we went he received comments and positive responses. The TSA officer even allowed Issa to be fast tracked and go through a special entrance.

Prince Issa Turns 10!!!

This year. I made ten minute video recapping some of the most memorable moments over the past few years. It includes some of the places Issa has travelled and shows the beginning of his love for the guitar.

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