"We approached Mr. Park and told him the story about his kids hanging out and his daughter’s favorite character not being Darth Maul."
De Angela L. Duff
Traveling to Paisley Park in April has become an annual pilgrimage. This year it was hard to not be at Paisley Park on April 21. I had grown used to being there the past two years. Because Celebration was later than usual due to Easter, I was anxious to get there this year. The day one highlight for me was by far Jesse Johnson’s performance at Paisley Park, a perfect way to begin the Celebration. Jesse Johnson was on fire. Hearing “Addiction” live from his second solo release, Shockadelica, was truly special.Casey Rain
Celebration 2019 was firing on all levels. After 2018, I’d actually sent Paisley an e-mail of suggestions, and at the top of that list I asked them to try and book Jesse Johnson. His talk was incredible, sincere, cathartic, and heartfelt. To truly understand Prince we must acknowledge all sides of his personality, and with Jesse we have two people who both loved each other and clashed with equal force. Both his talk and his electric performance were healing for both him and us. Other highlights for me include the showing of August 14, 2007 footage from London. Not only was I at that show, but that was the night I met Prince, so to see it again was deeply emotional for me. Finally, between the Revolution and the Funk Soldiers you get both the hits and the jams. The Revolution doing “Computer Blue” and Funk Soldiers pulling out “Old Friends 4 Sale” were mindblowing to see. Thank U Paisley Park, the family, the Estate; and thank U to all the incredible purple fam we met this week. Most importantly, thank U Prince — we love U.Kim Camilia
My highlights were the showing of the Musicology LA show, particularly the acoustic part where Prince joked with the audience and seemed really happy. All the concerts are where Paisley Park really comes alive, and I loved seeing the Revolution up close, especially their emotional performance of “Purple Rain.” Also loved hearing Jeff Katz tell the stories behind iconic photos from the Parade and Sign O’ the Times eras. Jesse Johnson’s performance and talk really set the tone for the whole event too and seemed to give him a chance at closure and healing. Thank you to Paisley Park, everyone involved, and, of course, to Prince for bringing us all together."When he was six years old, I was able to take him to Celebration IV in Los Angeles for two days,” Queen says. “Lucas had drawn pictures of many of his favorite characters and he was able to meet and present his drawings to some of the celebrities, including the Fetts, Jeremy Bulloch and Temuera Morrison. More recently, Lucas and I have also been able to spend time together at the last two U.S. Celebrations [Anaheim and Orlando]. As costume and prop builders, Lucas and I have enjoyed checking out many of the costumes, droids, and props on display, which provide inspiration for our future builds."
Lucas, named after George Lucas, was born a year after the release of The Phantom Menace. He was just the right age to watch Star Wars: The Clone Warson television. “Lucas has shared my love for Star Wars since he was little. Getting to experience Star Wars Celebration with my son is simply the best,” Queen says.