Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.
As the grief surrounding Prince's death begins to be subsumed by medical and legal turmoil, the City of Los Angeles has decided to honor the late singer's life with a free tribute show on the steps of City Hall on Friday.
Faith Evans, Aloe Blacc, Eric Benét and Capital Cities' Sebu Simonian are all set to lead a concert that should strike a soulful but celebratory tone (though maybe not quite a party-like-it's-1999 vibe). Purple Rain backing band the Time are also expected to appear along with BJ the Chicago Kid, B Slade, Deitrick Haddon, Timotha Lanae, Marva King and more. Mayor Eric Garcetti and a crew of city council members will host the evening.
The concert takes place on the Grand Park-adjacent side of City Hall (200 N Spring St) from 5 to 8pm. Though the event is free, attendees are encouraged to RSVP. Additionally, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson sent out a reminder that it's a family-friendly celebration with security and baggage checkpoints. Alcohol, chairs and coolers are prohibited.
So why City Hall as the location? The white concrete tower lit up purple following Prince's death, and its interior served as the backdrop for a 1991 music video. “Our very own City Hall was the prime location for the “Diamonds and Pearls” video,” reads the event announcement. “The City of Los Angeles is proud to have been the home away from home for a tremendous talent that touched our city. We look forward to celebrating his contributions to music, Los Angeles, and the world.”
Check out the full music video below.
