Le Temps Passe Vite Quand Vous êtes au Chômage (Time Flies When You're Unemployed)

I suspect I may be the worst blogger in the history of blogging.

It's February 29th (yes, 2012 is a leap year) and I have yet to make an entry on either of my blogs.

I haven't written since the end of October to document my Godmother's passing. And since then so much and so little has happened, that once again, it might be more productive to do this update via bulletpoint...or perhaps break things down by month??? Hmm that might work.

Here we go.

November 2011:

• My birthday month. Had a couple of great birthday get-togethers --- My "Princely" one at Club Head for the Original 7Ven CD release party and my "Salsarific" one at the "I Love Salsa Social" in Corona. 
• Also my brother and brother-in-law's birthday month. We ate out a lot in November. 
• It was my first birthday without Ninang. I missed hearing her voice calling to wish me a Happy Birthday. She never forgot my birthday. 
• We get together 40 days after a person passes to pray, reminisce, and (typically) eat. This was the last time I saw the inside of my Godmother's house. I haven't been back since. 
• Had two interviews right before Thanksgiving --- One with The Creative Group (I finally got registered with them) and the other with a family-owned manufacturing company in City of Industry (a complete waste of time).
• My girl, Miko went home to Chi-Town for the Thanksgiving holiday, so I got a chance to take care of the Larry Bear for a week. How can such a cute face be so mischievous?? 

December 2011:

• My Isaiah turned 3 this month. I can't believe how fast he's growing up. We went to Medieval Times to celebrate. Our knight looked like Kenny G. with a joust instead of his alto sax. 
• I went to Long Beach to see a play with my mom. "Viva Christo Rey" I'm not sure how I got "bamboozled" into going. But it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was quality time with my mom. I can't complain about that. 
• Miko graduated from The Art Institute. Her final weeks there were stressful. I found myself driving out to NoHo quite regularly to help her with her portfolio project and to attend her grad ceremony. I'm so proud of her. I know she's destined for great things. I just hope they happen sooner rather than later. 
• Experienced the first blowup with my Dad since moving back home. It was the first time I really, truly, regretted moving back. The blowup was over something stupid --- as most family blowups usually are. I'm getting to learn the hardest way, that my folks are getting older and they're set in their ways...I'm not going to be able to change this. And sometimes, though it's difficult, it's best for me to just keep my mouth shut, smile and nod, and let things be said and done no matter how insane I think it is. This whole concept is something I fought against when I lived here before. It's something I never mastered. And it wasn't an issue when I lived by myself and my exposure to the family dynamic was infrequent. Now that I'm back, I have to take special steps to learn which battles are worth fighting...and which would be better left alone. I think there's a whole separate and special Serenity Prayer that has to deal with parents somewhere. I need to find that prayer. 
• My mom turned 65 this month. We were planning a huge surprise birthday party for her. But my Godmother's passing threw everyone off-center. There were unexpected expenses and none of us were in the right frame of mind to plan a party when it was time to plan it. The more time we gave ourselves to heal, the closer to December it became. By the time we got back into "planning mode," it was to late. I'm still hoping we are able to put something together for her. We did it for my Dad. It's only appropriate to do the same for my Mom too. 
• Had an interview with MULLIN TBG in El Segundo. The interview, from my POV, went great. But apparently, they didn't think so. I received an official rejection letter from them at the end of January. Nothing says, "You're a useless piece of shit that should just fuck off and die" quite like an employment rejection letter. Thanks bunches, Mullin TBG. 
• NYE was melancholy for me. I was lucky enough to ring in the new year with my parents and Annie, Anthony and the boys. But it was my first NYE without Ninang. I actually went to text her at Midnight and when I suddenly remembered, I started to cry. I started off the new year in tears. 
• All these "firsts" without her this next year are going to suck big time.

January 2012:

• New year...new beginnings, right?
• Over the past year that my bouts with PMS have become considerably bad. The pains, the moodswings, the edginess, the urge to come right out of my skin or run screaming from the building are overwhelming. 
• I've gained weight. I've always been in the same 5-10lb range...fluctuating in correlation with my loathesome PMS and periods. But along with the raging hormones and the weight gain, my body has also decided to revisit Depression-land. I've been sleeping a lot...not wanting to do much of anything. Since I'm sans health insurance at the moment, there's not much I can do except ride things out. 
• Because all I can do is ride things out, I want to disappear for a while and deal with things on my own. I've mentioned "taking a break" to several friends --- by "break," I mean not much dancing...not too many phone calls...and for the most part, everyone seems "cautiously okay" with the idea of me not being in touch for a while. When I say "cautiously," I mean they're okay with it because they have no other choice but to be...BUT they will step in and pull me out of Misery-town if and when they feel I need to be pulled. Fair enough. 
• My Godmother would have turned 71 on the 14th. I went to visit her gravesite that day. I miss her so much. 
• My hooker, Angie turned 40 this month --- I took my mom with me to her house party and we had a blast. It was nice to introduce everyone to her. She finally got to put some faces to the names I constantly mention. 
• Karrie G also turned 40 this month...and her hubby Chris G who hit the fabulous 4-0 back in April. I think most of my friends are turning 40 this year. Hell I'M turning 40. Wow...CRAZY. 

February 2012:

• After a 4-month hiatus, I re-connected with my HS friend, Trish. The last time we saw each other was before my Ninang passed away in October. It seemed like life just took both of us on this rollercoaster ride and we hadn't been able to really get back in touch until now. 
• It's true what they say --- People come into your life, at specific times, for a specific reason. I say this because hanging out with Trish more regularly has been a blessing...if not for anything other than helping me keep my sanity...she has been a Godsend.
• I've been home about 5 months now. And I'm settling into a rough routine. The best way I can describe it...it's kind of like putting on an old pair of shoes you hadn't worn in a while --- you put them on, not remembering why you stopped wearing them in the first place...until you take a few steps...and you spend the next several minutes or hours pushing past the pinches and awkward pain...re-wearing them in. That's kind of what I've been doing these past 5 months...Moving back home...not really remembering why I wanted to leave so badly...and then, after taking a "few steps" realizing exactly why. I've been re-learning how to live with (a houseful of people) my family again. That being said, here's a not-so-random thought --- It's entirely possible to be sitting at a table or in a room full of people and still feel like you're completely alone. 
• Though I'm unemployed, I feel incredibly BUSY with (seemingly) NOTHING. It's so strange.
• All the job openings I'm getting are jobs I've applied for 2 or 3 times already. I really wish companies would update their Career Builder account. 

And with that, consider yourself "caught up." 

My Third "Parent"

My Ninang and me (2010)

One of the reasons I decided to move back in with my family was to be able to free myself up for the next few months from the stress of finding a job so I could focus on spending time with my Godmother/Aunt Dolores who's suffering from Cancer. I figured I could drive out to her home in Placentia and cook for her or take her out for Mexican food — her favorite cuisine — try to get her to eat and keep her strength up because her recent chemotherapy sessions were taking their toll on her body and her appetite.

My Ninang lost her battle Cancer last Tuesday, October 18th at around 4am. The Lord called her home to rest and be at peace. And I am devastated.

We never thought she would leave us so soon. Having just realized the true severity of her condition only 3 weeks ago, we all thought she had some time to consider other avenues of treatment. I knew deep down that she was very sick. I knew she didn't have that much time left. But I never thought I only had a matter of weeks or days to spend with her.

I can still hear her voice in my head...saying my name...asking me to massage her legs or bring her a towel or tissue. We all got together at her home tonight to recite the Novena for a loved one's passing. And as is the usual custom, we all ate together after the prayers. Being there tonight felt so strange because I still expected her to come walking down the hall or to be sitting in her big Lazyboy chair in the living room.

My dad, mom and I have been to the house every night this week to pray the Novena with my other aunts and uncles but it just doesn't feel the same being there without her. We go there to visit my relatives who are living there...but there's no real reason to stay anymore --- or so it feels that way.

My Ninang was truly the glue that held this family together. She took care of everyone around her. It some ways, I think she waited until I moved back home with my parents to leave us. She was very concerned that I wasn't working and I was struggling out on my own in Torrance. She once scolded me, "USE YOUR BRAIN!!! Move back in with your mom and dad. They want to help you." That was just her way --- always taking care of me...always making sure I was alright. She was truly my "other parent." She was EVERYONE's "other parent." And even though I witnessed her funeral, her burial, and my mind knows the reality, I still can't believe she's gone. My heart is broken. And I know for certain that things are never going to be the same without her.

Ninang, may you Rest in Peace — I will love you, think of you, and pray for you until the day we meet again.

Dolores G. Paraiso (1941-2011)
Click here to view video montage.

An Update on Life: Going With the Flow

For those who don't subscribe to my regularly scheduled drama, much has happened to me over the last 6 months. The majority of my posts to this particular blog have been reviews of concerts and events that I've attended. I wasn't sure I wanted my personal bullshit broadcast on this public forum. So my posts thus far have been very audience-friendly...arts-centric ramblings, if you will. But I did intend for this blog to include some personal musings. Sooo here goes...

After the hullabaloo of the Prince concerts this past summer, something occurred that became the catalyst that propelled me to where I am right now.

I got laid off at the end of May. Congratulations to me, I am now a statistic. I can't garner too much sympathy in this arena because there's a large percentage of people who are in the same boat as I.

Against my original mantra to stay at my apartment no matter what the cost, I swallowed my pride, bit the bullet and moved back to Rancho Cucamonga --- with my family --- at the end of September. I'm not quite sure how well I can emphasize it, but this was an extremely difficulty decision for me to make. I lamented about it for months before deciding. What can I say?  It's not easy to give up the freedom, autonomy, and independence of 11 years. And frankly, it's not ideal to be a 38 year old single woman living at home with the 'rents. The relationship I had with my parents before I moved out on my own was far different from the one we had afterwards. And the dynamic this time around may not be as hard, but I know it won't be easy. Above all else, though I also know that I'm blessed that I have the option to move home. Most people don't have that opportunity. So I'm very thankful that I have a family who's willing and able to help me when I need them. I'm not about to take that for granted.

I'm going on about 3 weeks at home now --- give or take a few days. The majority of my "life" is now in a 10'x10'x10' storage unit down the street. I'm deeply missing "my space"...missing my apartment and my independent lifestyle. But all in all, the adjustments haven't been too bad.

• I hate the 100˚ heat here. My poor car is parked on the street w/o any shade...he's going to deteriorate quickly exposed to the elements. :(
• I hate that my showerhead running full blast has the same power as someone holding a watering can over my head. If you weren't careful, you could lose a nipple in the shower I had at my apartment...the most awesome water pressure I've ever had. 
• I hate that I have to lug my computer up and down the stairs whenever I want to be on the computer while I eat or watch TV. I guess this could be worse... I could have an actual tower setup instead of a laptop...Yeah, that would SUCK ASS.
• I hate that I'm so far away from my regular life in LA and OC. I'm not really trapped in the Inland Empire. I just don't like the thought of going out dancing and then driving an hour just to get home. 
• I miss the awesome beach cross-breeze that I had at my apartment. I'm currently having respiratory problems with the dry heat and smog in this area. Quite a switch from the cleaner, cooler, moister beach air.
• I miss my carpeting. It's all hardwood floors and marble here.
• I miss my bed and my couches.

One of the perks to living at home? I get to see my nephews almost every day. That's something that definitely outweighs everything else. I will never get tired of seeing their beautiful faces. There's nothing like having them recognize you and run up to hug you. And there's nothing like having your baby nephew fall asleep in your arms. I'm seeing them grow up...and experience new things. That's the best feeling in the world and right now, I wouldn't trade it. 

My salsa sister, Debbie put it best --- "This move will only be as good or as bad as YOU make it. It's all up to you." And she couldn't be more right. Yeah, moving back home after living by myself for 11 years really sucks. Having to get used to living with a houseful of people isn't my idea of fun. BUT this move, is ONLY A TEMPORARY NECESSITY. The next things that happen to me...the next job I get...could lead to the most amazing place/area to move into. It's all in the realm of possibility. I just have to keep being as flexible and as open to things as I can be. Life is fluid, I'm supposed to be able to go with the flow....and see where that flow takes me. 

Here's hoping. 

iSad

Steve Jobs passed away today at the young age of 56.
As a Apple/Mac enthusiast and graphic designer, this is a great, great loss.
The man's name was synonymous with the words INNOVATION and CREATIVITY.

I wouldn't be the designer I am today were it not for his Apple computer.
I wouldn't be able to take 5000 of my favorite songs with me wherever I go were it not for his iPod.
If not for his "Smart Phone" my phone would just be...a phone.
Most of us heard of his passing via a device HE invented.
He definitely made his mark upon the world.
And now it seems, things won't ever be the same.

Thank you so very much for everything, Mr. Jobs... Rest in Peace.

Getting LAI'd Consistently

[EVENT REVIEW - LA Influence Monthly Social, Long Beach, CA | August 5, 2011]

After a self-imposed 3-month hiatus from salsa, I decided to make my "comeback" last Friday at the LAI Salsa social. It's been a while since I last attended an LAI event but I already knew what to expect and I wasn't disappointed.

What can one expect at this social?

• Packed House --- 280 guests (and counting?) --- although even with the crowd, there was plenty of room to dance.
• Great Lessons --- Peter and his crew delivered a wonderful class...infused not only with clean technique, but also proper etiquette.
• Awesome Music --- DJ Mambo T made it hard to sit still churning out one great song after another.
• Delicious Food --- All that dancing can make a person ravenous and the plate of $1 tacos I had disappeared very quickly. 
• Exceptional Performance --- The LAI team, which doesn't always perform at the social, looked sharp and on-point during their exciting routine. Peter and Ciara did a great job choreographing this piece with touches of rueda, salsa, intricate transitions, and tricks. This team will definitely stand out at future festivals and competitions. 
• Welcoming Atmosphere & Vibe --- When I walked in, I was greeted with smiles and hugs. It felt like I was coming home. The vibe at this social is never pretentious or cliquish. I managed to dance so many times, I lost count...and I was able to get dances in with people I'd never met before. I stayed so long, we closed the place down --- "You don't have to go home, but you gotta get the hell up outta here!!" LOL

All in all, what I found that night (and in the nights I'd attended since February) is that for Peter, Ciara and their team, CONSISTENCY is their key to success. I had an amazing time --- I already knew I would --- and I can hardly wait until next month.

Until then...

Prince @ The Forum: Nuit Dix-Huit

[SET LIST — PRINCE @ the Forum | May 27, 2011]


Opening ::: NIKKA COSTA!!!!
833pm
LIKE A FEATHER
NYLONS IN A RIP
KEEP PUSHIN'
EVERYBODY'S GOT THEIR SOMETHIN
CAN'T PLEASE EVERYBODY

923
Lights come down...new lightning sequence on stage Prince solo entrance, goes directly to the piano for...
Sample Teaser Medley:
WHEN DOVES CRY (whole song)/NASTY GIRL/SIGN OF THE TIMES/TMBGITW/ALPHABET ST./4EVER IN MY LIFE - full first verse and chorus/DARLING NIKKI/HOT THING (messup on lyrics)/I WOULD DIE 4 U


DMSR
POP LIFE (Renato on keys... Band costume change)
MUSICOLOGY/PRINCE & THE BAND (Prince rips shirt open!!! Woot!!!) Maceo Parker on horns!!!!
SHHH (prince hasn't picked up guitar yet) into U WILL B WITH ME back into SHHH extended

Renato on the THE LOVE WE MAKE piano into --- Prince on guitar (finally) --- into TAKE ME WITH YOU
ANOTHERLOVERHOLEINYOHEAD/ROCK LOBSTER ext. ending
PEACH!!!! (Where's my Miko at?? LOL)
(Special Forum talk) into 1999
COOL (Girls sing Don't Stop Till U Get Enough - homage to MJ)
LET'S WORK
U GOT THE LOOK

Break :::
MAKE U FEEL MY LOVE (all girls)
PURPLE RAIN (10 mins long)


ENCORE :::
NIKKA!!!
Beat to CONTROVERSY into LOVE BIZARRE w/ NIKKA and MACEO
CONTROVERSY/HQ chant
Prince pulls an older lady up to dance -- Can U say "GlamSlam Granny???" --- no hotpants, but she was rockin' a leopard print dress!

Celeb sightings --- from crowd pulled onto the stage:::
Holly Robinson Pete
Lisa Kudrow
Celestina -- the Dancer from Musicology & Black Sweat videos --- she was WORKING IT!!!

ENCORE :::
DISCO HEAT
BABY IMA STAR!!! (freaking FINALLY)
KISS


ENCORE 2 :::
NOTHING COMPARES 2 U (with Shelby J)

-------

On NIKKA:
FINALLY!!! After weeks of rumors, she opens for Prince. I happen to LOVE Nikka. Truly, she's the only other artist out there that I would follow like I follow Prince. She's quite a bit easier to "follow" since her diehard fans are faithful, but few compared to Princely standards. I don't have to wait in line for hours on end to get into a venue or to see her take the stage. It was quite exciting to see her in "Prince's House" although a bit bizarre to see her hauling ass across such a huge stage. At one point, as she was strutting down the long catwalk that makes up the bottom of Prince's symbol, she realized that she still had another 50 feet to go and she says into the mic, "Hang on babies, mama's comin!!!" LOL I actually prefer her in a more intimate venue --- especially since the people surrounding me had no idea who she was. "Please stop asking me who she is. Her name is NIKKA COSTA. Google it when you get home."


On MACEO:
Maceo is a legend. And it's always great to see him. Although the addition of him and Mike Phillips late into the LA run was very reminiscent of the MUSICOLOGY tour.

On the AFTERJAM:
I was once again blessed with the opportunity to get into the club. But the crowd was rather large and the afterjam was already underway by the time I got in. Nikka was playing sans Prince and she was rocking the joint. The sound was particularly bad tonight in the club. I'm not sure if it was always this bad, or it just sounded that way because I was way in the back dancing by myself. About 3 songs or so in, Prince sweeps in, flanked by security...sweeps back out after about 2 minutes...and then the show stops abruptly and DJ Rashida starts spinning again. Not sure what happened there, but I'm guessing Prince decided to move the jam session to his house. After dancing for another hour, the club started clearing out and we called it a night.

Prince Turns House of Blues Into House of MPLS FUNK | Nuits Quinze, Seize, et Dix-Sept

Photo Courtesy of Dr.Funkenberry.com/Cody Breedlove

[PRINCE @ the House of Blues | May 25, 2011]

Upon returning to Southern California, Prince threw us his LA fans yet another zinger, by booking three shows in one night — Wednesday 5/25 — at an undisclosed club location. When tickets for all three shows went on sale via Ticketmaster on Tuesday 5/24, fans could still only speculate on where they would be going for the performances. Questions and rumors volleyed about as we tried to solve the big mystery. Would there be three separate locations? Would all three take place at one venue? Are there any venues that have three separate areas?

All the chaos was reminiscent of the LA Live Trifecta back in 2009 — Prince did an unprecedented three shows in one night: The first at Nokia Theater, the second at Conga Room, and the third at Club Nokia — all at the LA Live/Staples Center complex. However, knowing that Prince had since severed ties with AEG — the organization that promotes events at LA Live — we assumed a replay of that unbelievable night was not a possibility.

The only real clue we had was that the second show was said to be in a "Jazz Cafe." So of course, most of us scoured the internet for any venue either named "Jazz Cafe" and any venue within reasonable distance nearby where the 1st or 3rd shows may be. All this being said, ONLY PRINCE FANS would purchase tickets for his shows and NOT EVEN KNOW WHERE THEY ARE. LOL!!!

The location was finally revealed at 3pm on the day of the shows --- THE HOUSE OF BLUES.
The first show ($200) would take place in the main room. The second show ($100) would take place in the restaurant redubbed "The Jazz Cafe". And the third show would be a charity event with an auction-only ticket (starting at $500) in the Foundation Room.

———
On Monday night, after getting my gameplan settled on buying tickets the next morning, I was all excited. But as the rest of the evening wore on, I started to have second thoughts about spending the money. This is my usual M.O. --- I tend to get "Buyer's Remorse" even before I do any "buying." And what's worse, I'd gotten laid off from my job earlier that day (more on that in a later post)...so I started thinking about how much more limited my funds suddenly were...and did I really want to pay $100 for a jazz set?? Even though it's Prince, and I don't like to second-guess myself, I had to talk myself down off the ledge and make the decision NOT to go to the shows. After paying $25 plus parking for multiple shows at the Forum, and even though I had promised myself after the Troubadour that I'd "treat myself" to another club date if he decided to do another on, and even though I LOVE the House of Blues and have had many a great Prince memory there, I had to be responsible and opt out. Damn, I hate being a grown up sometimes.

Once again, I had to live vicariously through my Prince family. But strangely enough, I haven't been able to get a clear setlist for the first or the third shows. But here's the set list from the 2nd show (via setlist.com):

1. Blues Jam ("Jose Can You See")/Star Spangled Banner (instrumental intro) 

2. I Like It There 

3. Endorphinmachine (instrumental intro)/Villanova Junction 
(Jimi Hendrix cover)
4. The Question Of U (instrumental)/The Gingerbread Man/The One 

5. Dreamer 

6. Welcome 2 America/America (instrumental) 

7. She's Always In My Hair 

8. Bambi
9. Colonized Mind 

10. Brown Skin (Shelby J. on vocals)
11. Little Red Corvette (Montreux Jazz version)

LA Gets a Weeklong Break From The Purple Madness

Amidst rumors of a fallout between Prince and Live Nation - the promoters for the tour, and double booking at the Forum (Rammstein was already scheduled to play on Friday, 5/20),
Prince's 21-Night Stand in Los Angeles took a short hiatus.

During the weeklong "break," Prince decided to take his show up the coast and treated Fresno, San Jose, and Sacramento to some MPLS Funk. I spent most of the weekend reading Tweets and Facebook updates from my Bay Area friends who were able to get tickets for the shows. I don't have set lists for these shows, but I suspect, based on what I was told from those who did attend the shows, that he played mostly hits. From what I hear, Fresno only got a 90-minute show. (WTH???) And some further north, while happy to have the "Purple Yoda" all to themselves again, were disappointed that there were no afterparties or afterjams to get into.

As deduced in the past, Los Angeles fans have been treated and spoiled. And speaking for myself and my closest friends, WE DEFINITELY APPRECIATE IT.

Prince @ the Forum: AFTERJAM | May 14, 2011

Through the kindness of a friend with connections, I found myself in the Forum Club for the afterparty once again. Although by the time I got in, the crowd at the stage was at least 8-9 people deep. There was NO WAY I was going to get to the front.

DJ Rashida was spinning the tunes as everyone waited in anticipation to see if Prince would play. At one point, I squeezed towards the front/side by her DJ booth and I was able to see the instruments all set up. But as yet, nothing was happening. Some of the crew got up on stage to take away some of the equipment and a lot of the crowd assumed that meant nothing was going to happen. So the masses cleared out quite a bit. Being in heels that night, the "dogs were barking" so I decided to wander over to the bar with my friend to see if we could sit while waiting for something to happen.

While at the bar, I stopped to chat for a bit with Dr. Funkenberry and a few other friends. And as we were standing there, Prince (flanked by security) floated by towards the club interior. Shortly thereafter, Janelle went by with her own entourage, and I took this as my cue to head back in.

Again, the crowd had gotten thick, and I kind of lost my friend in the mess too, so --- being 4'12" and unable to see shit, even in heels, I decided to find a place sit and listen to the jam session. As it turned out Prince didn't really play --- opting to enjoy from the sidelines while he let Janelle's band jam. I found a spot in the very back of the club on one of the comfy couches and sat to listen to the music. It was actually really great to sit and relax for a while.

After regaining the feeling in my toes, I wandered back towards the crowd as I heard OUTSTANDING by the Gap Band being played. I was dancing toward the back of the crowd when I saw Pej off to the side by DJ Rashida. He motioned for me to come over and when I did, he positioned me in front of him so I could see a clear shot of Prince — looking gorgeous and tight in his baby blue suit — jamming with Janelle and Cassandra on the keys. (Thank you, Pej!)

So Prince didn't play. And Janelle didn't really play much either. It was really just a jam session by the band members. Shelby got up to sing, as did Liv...and lead the crowd in a few chants. Prince was in a playful mood getting up on the mic to say, "We all need to say a prayer for sister Shelby's mom. She fell asleep with a candy necklace on and the ants got her." Overall, it was a cool ending to a great night. And we get to do it all again "later".

And there's that little bit mo'. Good times...
:)

Prince @ The Forum: Nuit Quatorze

[SET LIST — PRINCE @ the Forum | May 14, 2011]

OPENING ACT ::: AMEL LARRIEUX

941p ---

Renato long intro
Mike phillips on sax into
WHEN I LAY MY HANDS ON YOU
Prince appears laying on stage

LAYDOWN
DREAMER
WELCOME2AMERICA back into
DREAMER
ALWAYS IN MY HAIR
FUTURE SOUL SONG Mike on sax
PURPLE RAIN!?!?!? WTF???

GLAMOROUS LIFE (Sheila E.)

SOMEWHERE HERE ON EARTH
Mike on sax
Lyrics I LOVE U BUT I DON'T TRUST U
TAKE ME W U
RASP BERET
CREAM
COOL (girls sing DON'T STOP TILL U GET ENOUGH)
Halle Berry dancing on stage

LETS WORK
YOU GOT LOOK

BREAK :::
Amel Larrieux come out to sing --- not sure what song it is...
Musical break
NOTHING COMPARES TO U (with Shelby J.)

CONTROVERSY
HQ CHANT

ENCORE:::
Sample teaser medley:
WHEN DOVES CRY/NASTY GIRL (Halle dances)/SOTT/TMBGITW/LOVE w/ BLACK SWEAT lyrics/DARLING NIKKI/I WOULD DIE 4 U
IF I WAS UR GIRLFRIEND (Prince messes up lyrics)
INSATIABLE
SCANDALOUS
ADORE


ENCORE:::
KISS
PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC (Once again, Prince pulls Cody Breedlove from the VIP section to do vocals --- GO CODY!!!)
INGLEWOOD SWINGIN

Celebs get pulled on stage to dance --- Susan Sarandon & Chante Moore gets on the mic.

———

On Amel Larrieux:
I can't say how happy I was to finally see Amel perform LIVE. I've been wanting to hear her sing MAKE ME WHOLE for years!!! As I expected, she was lovely, soulful, and beautiful. Her band was great as well and I especially appreciated that her daughter was in the band. I love that younger generations are exposed to REAL MUSIC and can carry on the legacies of the great musicians that are among us. Sadly, most of those around us weren't familiar with Amel and only when she did TELL ME - the song that Groove Theory was most famous for - did the crowd really respond. Upon further research, I'm happy to report that (according to Wikipedia) Amel and Bryce have reunited the original Groove Theory and are working in the studio once again. I look forward to more great things from them!

Prince @ The Forum: Nuit Treize

[SET LIST — PRINCE @ the Forum | May 13, 2011]


OPENING ACT ::: Janelle Monae

10pm --- Prince takes the stage
DMSR
MUSICOLOGY/PRINCE & THE BAND (Mike Phillips on sax)/back into MUSICOLOGY
SHHH/U WILL B WITH ME
GLAMOROUS LIFE (Sheila E.)
SOMETIMES IT SNOWS IN APRIL intro into TAKE ME WITH U (w/ Janelle Monae)
RASPBERRY BERET/CREAM (Prince messes up on lyrics)
COOL (girls sing DON'T STOP TILL U GET ENOUGH)
LET'S WORK
U GOT THE LOOK (Prince messes up lyrics again - rips out earpiece from his ear and throws it on the ground...ends song early and leaves stage.)
QUESTION OF U (instrumental - just the band w/ Mike Phillips on sax, long solo) into THE ONE into U WILL B WITH ME
CONTROVERSY
PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC (Prince pulls Cody Breedlove from the VIP section to do vocals --- GO CODY!!!)
WHICH WAY IS UP
DISCO HEAT (Shelby J on vocals)
"LATIN GROOVE (with Sheila & Mike Phillips) back into
CONTROVERSY/HOUSEQUAKE CHANT

Renato stays on keys...Prince returns amidst lots of fog so all we see is his silhouette...
LET'S GO CRAZY/DELIRIOUS back into...LET'S GO CRAZY/1999
LITTLE RED CORVETTE/SLOW DOWN chant
Mike Philly continues playing even after song ends and goes into...


PURPLE RAIN

ENCORE :::
SUPERSTITION!!!!!!!!!!! WITH STEVIE WONDER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Prince leads Stevie out to center stage...and hands him the mic...
Stevie does a little "Happy Birthday" on his harmonica and then does some vocals EVERYTHING IS ALRIGHT chant into
SUPERSTITION
Then Sheila and Prince lead him over to the keyboards where he continues singing the song and playing the keys. (OMG!!!)

INGLEWOOD SWINGIN'
(Bunch of friends get pulled up on stage to dance --- Miko, Cody, Cheryl Dr. Funkenberry, etc)
FANTASTIC VOYAGE/LOVE ROLLERCOASTER

ENCORE 2 :::
Sample teaser medley:
WHEN DOVES CRY/NASTY GIRL/PARTY ALL THE TIME/SOTT/TMBGITW/BLACK SWEAT/DARLING NIKKI/I WOULD DIE 4 U
IF I WAS UR GIRLFRIEND
INSATIABLE
SCANDALOUS
ADORE

———
On Janelle Monae:
I was very excited to see Janelle Monae perform live. After seeing random TV appearances and music videos, I knew she was going to bring a special energy to the place. Not to impune either Esperanza Spaulding -- She was fascinating to watch. In my opinion, her style of music seemed a bit out of place in a venue as large as the Forum. I'd have loved to see her in a smaller jazz venue...a more intimate space.

As expected, Janelle didn't disappoint. She and her band were on an entirely different plane — wonderfully energetic, crazy weird, and playful. At one point, everyone on stage was supine with Ms. Monae still belting out lyrics. It was all very interesting to witness.

On Prince:
This being the 9th show I'd seen at the Forum, I have to admit that I'm getting quite tired of the setlist. As with the Musicology tour, I've gotten to the point where I'm identifying songs even before he's started playing them. And the $25 I'm paying is truly for that ONE random song he may or may not decide to throw at us. And amazingly enough, even with monitors everywhere flashing lyrics at him, Prince still manages to mess up on some of his songs. What??? I suppose he's allowed some missteps here and there...and his band is bound to miss a cue every once in a while. But still — after seeing this show so many times, (sadly) the errors are easier to notice.

On Stevie Wonder:
Just when I thought I was through and this show was going to blur into my memory along with the other shows I'd seen thus far, Prince throws me a bone. When the symbol lights started flashing to the driving beat of the ever familiar SUPERSTITION, we all lost our minds. Seeing Stevie Wonder play live and in person was one of the items on my musical "bucket list." Watching Prince lead the great Stevie center stage was just EPIC and I swear, even after he had left the stage, I could still feel the beat of the song resonating throughout the place. His presence made that night UNFORGETTABLE!!! In a word? WOW.

But wait...there's a little bit more...

Prince & the Band Invade The Troubadour: Nuit Onze (et Douze)

[PRINCE @ the Troubadour | May 11, 2011 & May 12, 2011]

Page 77 in the "How to be a Hardcore Prince Fan" Handbook states that you must be ready for whenever Prince decides he wants to do an impromptu random club date with little to no notice. True to regular fashion, Prince did exactly this when he booked two shows in one night at the Troubadour. Just as everyone got comfortable with the Forum routine --- shows going on sale at the beginning of the week for THAT weekend, he threw us a zinger to find out who was still awake. And only a select few fans and A-listers were able to hustle and attend these two shows.

Since the $100 ticket price was too steep for me on such short notice, I wasn't one of the lucky folks to attend.

Here is the setlist...taken from setlist.com:


FIRST SHOW:

STRATUS (with One Nation Under a Groove)
POWER FANTASTIC
SOMEWHERE HERE ON EARTH
BOOM
JAZZ SWING IN C
LET'S GET IT ON (Andy Allo on vocals)
COLONIZED MIND (Mike Phillips on sax)
WHEN SHE COMES (new song??)
SHHH/U WILL B WITH ME
CONTROVERSY
MUSICOLOGY
A CASE OF U (Joni Mitchell cover)
POP LIFE
BEGGIN' WOMAN BLUES



SECOND SHOW:

I LIKE IT THERE
ENDORPHINMACHINE
DREAMER
COLONIZED MIND
BAMBI
BROWN SKIN (Shelby J. on vocals)
SAME PAGE (Elisa Fiorillo-Dease on vocals)
MISTY BLUE (Shelby J. on vocals)
MUSICOLOGY
CRIMSON & CLOVER
WAITING IN VAIN (Andy Allo on vocals)
SHE'S ALWAYS IN MY HAIR
WILD THING
PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC

ENCORE:
PEACH
FUTURE SOUL SONG
I WANT TO BE FREE
STRATUS (with Get Up, Stand Up Interpolation)

ENCORE 2:
ANOTHERLOVERHOLEINYOHEAD/ROCK LOBSTER (w/ Let's Go Crazy guitar coda)



IMHO, it seems like the second show was the better of the two, although this would depend on who you ask. I, for one, love it when Prince breaks out the hard core rock tunes at his shows. And while I certainly appreciate it when he is feeling the jazzier grooves, I prefer watching him wail on his guitar like he wants to break it in two. BUT, I wasn't there, so I my opinion really doesn't matter. LOL

As luck would have it, some mystery person was streaming the first show somehow...and I was able to hear some of it. But I'm guessing whatever he was using to stream ran out of steam, because I didn't hear any of the rock-laden 2nd show.

For those of you counting — and with the benefit of hindsight as I'm writing these last few setlist/reviews weeks later — these two Troubadour shows DO count in the 21 Nights...#11 & 12.

Onward!

Prince @ The Forum: Nuit Dix

[SET LIST — PRINCE @ the Forum | May 7, 2011]

Opening Act ::: Esperanza Spaulding

950pm

DMSR

POP LIFE

MUSICOLOGY

PRINCE & THE BAND

SHHH/U WILL B WITH ME

Break ::: GLAMOROUS LIFE (Sheila E.)

TAKE ME WITH U

NEVER B ANOTHER FOOL (Special Guest: Nicole Scherzinger)

"INGLEWOOD" SWINGIN'/FANTASTIC VOYAGE

PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC/LOVE ROLLERCOASTER

THANKUFALLETINMEBEMICELF

RASPBERRY BERET/CREAM/COOL (girls sing DON'T STOP TILL U GET ENOUGH)

RUDE BOY (by Rhianna --- Shelby J. on vox)

MAKE U FEEL MY LOVE (Liv, Shelby, Elisa, & Ida w/ Cassandra on keys)

PURPLE RAIN

ENCORE :::

Lgc Morris long note intro...

LET'S GO CRAZY/DELIRIOUS/1999 (Prince screws 2nd verse)

CONTROVERSY/HOUSEQUAKE chant

ENCORE 2 ::::

Sample Teaser Medley ::: 

WHEN DOVES CRY/NASTY GIRL/SOTT/TMBGITW/DARLING NIKKI/SINGLE LADIES/I WOULD DIE 4 U

IF I WAS UR GIRLFRIEND

KISS

ENCORE 3 :::

LOVE BIZARRE

Prince @ The Forum: Nuit Neuf

[SET LIST — PRINCE @ the Forum | May 6, 2011]

Opening Act ::: Esperanza Spaulding

Prince comes out to jam on guitar with her. 

Show begins at 10pm

LAYDOWN

SHE'S ALWAYS IN MY HAIR

FUTURE SOUL SONG (I don't quite understand the Twins wrapping Prince up in that veil. It's just weird.)

PURPLE RAIN (Seems out of place so early in the show ... No confetti cannons --- is he out of purple confetti???) 

GLAMOROUS LIFE (Sheila!!! I'll never get tired of seeing Miss E!!)

RASPBERRY BERET/CREAM/COOL (with Don't Stop Till You Get Enough)/LET'S WORK/YOU GOT THE LOOK

MISTY BLUE (Shelby hits that last monster note, lays mic on ground midnote and walks away --- awesome!!)

Prince on keys.... 

Sample Teaser Medley :::

WHEN DOVES CRY/NASTY GIRL/SINGLE LADIES/NASTY GIRL/SOTT/TMBGITW/DARLING NIKKI/I WOULD DIE 4 U/HOT THING/ALPHABET STREET

LOVE BIZARRE (with Sheila, of course)

LOVE ROLLERCOASTER into PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC

CONTROVERSY

ENCORE 1 ::: 

KISS (Prince in black plays his bass and goes into FANTASTIC VOYAGE)

ENCORE 2 ::: 

IF I WAS UR GIRLFRIEND

NOTHING COMPARES 2 U (with Shelby J.)

ENCORE 3 :::: 

"INGLEWOOD" SWINGIN' (Chant Moore on mic!!!!)

Prince @ The Forum: Nuit Huit

[SET LIST — PRINCE @ the Forum | May 5, 2011]


THURSDAY 5/5/2011

Opening Act ::: CHAKA KHAN
Surprise Guest ::: WHITNEY HOUSTON

928pm [Prince & the band decked out in Black and Purple]

Renato on keys::: long intro into...
THE LOVE WE MAKE
SHHH
COOL (with girls singing DON'T STOP TILL U GET ENOUGH - homage to MJ)
LET'S WORK (Ida and Prince on bass)
GIVE IT TO ME BABY bassline only (Prince on bass says, "Rest In Peace, Rick James") and goes back into LET'S WORK
U GOT THE LOOK
QUESTION OF U (guitar intro into)/U WILL B WITH ME (Improv or new song??)/THE ONE
Renatto on keys vs Prince on 6-string.
MUSICOLOGY (Prince pulls Whitney onto stage to sing 2nd verse. She doesn't know the lyrics so she leads the crowd into a "Yeah" chant instead.)
I LIKE FUNKY MUSIC chant with guitar line from Ohio Players song??
PRINCE & THE BAND
STRATUS (??)
ARMS OF AN ANGEL (Shelby J)
NOTHING COMPARES 2 U (w/ Shelby J)
SOMETIMES IT SNOWS IN APRIL (Full Version!!!!)
TAKE ME WITH U
RASPBERRY BERET (Cedric the Entertainer comes up to stage to sing...Prince yells "Security!!!" when Cedric starts to reach for his guitar.)
GUITAR
CONTROVERSY
HOUSEQUAKE chant

Morris long key intro
LETS GO CRAZY/DELIRIOUS/back into LET'S GO CRAZY
1999
LITTLE RED CORVETTE/"SLOW DOWN" chant (Prince plays guitar behind his back)

PURPLE RAIN

ENCORE 1:::

Sample teaser medley:::
WHEN DOVES CRY/NASTY GIRL/SOTT/TMBGITW/ALPHABET ST./LOVE BIZARRE/DARLING NIKKI/SINGLE LADIES/I WOULD DIE 4 U

IF I WAS UR GIRLFRIEND
KISS
(Celestina Aladekoba from Black Sweat video comes up on stage to dance)

Show ends at midnight.

Prince @ the Forum: AFTERJAM | April 30, 2011

When I said, "Wait, there's more...." I wasn't joking.

Word has gotten around that Prince throws an afterparty after every show. And since these parties are usually VIP & Celeb A-list only, I had no delusions or intentions of even trying to get in to any of them.

Imagine my surprise --- after witnessing my favorite show of the tour (thus far) --- when I found myself INSIDE THE CLUB after the show. I am still not entirely sure how I was able to get in. A friend of a friend of a friend hooked us up...and when my friend said, "Follow me and don't ask any questions," I did. And next thing I knew, I was escorted through a curtain and into to the afterparty.

Several celebs we saw on stage were already milling about. Maksim from DWTS and his partner, Kirstie Alley...Taraji P. Henson...Juan Escovedo...et al. On my way past the bar, someone yelled out my name and I wondered for a split second, "Who the hell knows ME??? I'm no one special." Turns out, it was my Hanaa, whom I met at one of the LA Live shows. I hadn't seen her since 2009 and I was very surprised and flattered that she remembered me. With her was her friend Carmen.

And after introductions were made, we made a beeline for the "stage" to "mark our spots" just in case Prince played. He hadn't played at any of the 6 previous afterparties...and tonight turned out to be LUCKY # 7 for me because he actually "floated" in behind me to step onto the stage and begin a jam set.

SETLIST:***

• Let's Work --- Extended Groove
• Endorphinemachine (instrumental)
• She's Always in My Hair
• The Walk (instrumental)
• Future Soul Song
• Sweet Thing (Marva King on Vocals)
• Brown Skin (Liv Warfield on Vocals)
• Bambi!!!! (instrumental)
• Laydown
• Which Way Is Up

Prince comes back to jam to the track DJ Rashida is playing ---

• OUTSTANDING by the Gap Band
• Stratus --- extended JAM

Dj Rashida plays

• We Want The Funk

and Prince and Liv return to lead us in the chant...

Cody, off to the side starts us on the FREAKS ON THIS SIDE chant....

And Prince ends the evening by bestowing the tambourine he's playing on the hotness to my left.

Highlights best shared via bullet point:

• The stage wasn't really a stage more than it was a 5-6 inch step up platform. It was like watching him play in the corner of a living room. It was about 7-8 people wide, and the room was rather long and narrow. Starting from the far left (stage right) the front row was made up of Taraji Henson, Miko, Me, Hanaa, and 3 other people I didn't know.
• His mic stand was right in front of me and Tamiko and the half circle of pedals for his guitar was just behind a few feet away. The man himself was about 2 feet away from me for most of the performance. (HOLY SHIT!!!)
• Most of the celebs that attend these parties, don't really know his music very well. I think Prince appreciates it when people DO know his songs and he seemed to feed off of us because we knew the lyrics to every song he played --- even when the jam was instrumental, we were singing along. Several times, Prince would smile and turn his mic towards us. We were singing into his mic--- very cool cuz it felt like we were singing for him.
• When Prince did come towards the mic, he'd swing around and come at it sideways...so I had to back off to keep from getting hit in the head with the neck of his guitar --- If he'd have smacked me, I wouldn't have been mad at him. I'd have cherished the black eye and bruises to the right side of my face. Prince "War Wounds"??? LOL
• Several times during the night, I went from staring at his hands on the guitar to looking up at his face...and every time, I found him looking directly at me...and I'd smile and nod...and he'd smile and nod back. It was the best conversation I ever had!!! I felt connected to him...Somebody pinch me, cuz I KNOW I must have been dreaming.
• He was so close to me, I could smell him ——— Incense and Flowers. Mmmmmm.
• Watching his hands on the guitar and keyboards was mesmerizing. I'd swear he was being guided by an unseen force. I don't exaggerate on this. He is TRULY GIFTED..a MUSICAL GENIUS...Does this man EVER hit a wrong note??? EVER???? He's not even looking at the keys...he just puts his hands down and he's always on the right note. Hell, I need to look down at the keys when I'm playing the freaking chopsticks. The instruments are like an extention of his being....again, not exaggerating.

By the time we left, I was floating to the car and drove home on autopilot. I drove in complete silence --- not wanting to mar the experience with any other music...I was letting the events of the past 2 hours sink in...and wondering...WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED???? I can't believe that I just had that amazing experience. I've witnessed his shows from the front row...I've been close to him before...less than 4 feet and at eye level...But this experience beats any other HANDS DOWN. Making eye contact with him...having him smile and nod back at you??? UNREAL.

I have no idea how I'm going to top this night. I don't think I should even try.

GAME OVER.

"This is not music....this is a trip."

***Since cameras & cellphones were strictly forbidden during his performance, I couldn't very well pull out my cell and start jotting down the song titles as he was playing them. Special thanks to Dr. Funkenberry for tweeting the songs from the back of the club. The set list above was compiled from his posts through the course of the night.

Prince @ the Forum: Nuit Sept

[SET LIST — PRINCE @ the Forum | April 30, 2011]

No Opening Act tonight

Show begins at 9:06pm

• DMSR
• Pop Life
• Renatto Jazz Break
• Musicology
• So Far/So Pleased (with special guest, GWEN STEFANI!!!) --- Never in my life thought I'd hear this song with them together!!! Was kind of hoping they'd pull out WAITING ROOM as well.
• Question of U intro into/The One/Cockeyed Woman
• I Feel 4 U with Elisa, Shelby & Liv singing the chorus from "If I Could Get Ur Attention" (song Prince wrote for Taja Sevelle) -- this one had me racking my brain...I couldn't place the song at first. He reached WAAAAAAY back for that one!!! (Also given to Mayte Garcia and recorded for her album, Child of the Sun, but never made it onto the final track list.)
• Controversy
• Love Rollercoaster/(Housequake chant)
• Glamorous Life
• Nothing Compares 2U
• Medley: Take Me With U/Raspberry Beret/Cream
• COOL (girls singing chorus from Don't Stop Till U Get Enough - homage to MJ)
• Let's Work
• U Got The Look

Encore 1 :::

• Whole Lotta Love (by Led Zeppelin with special guest NIKKA COSTA!!!!) OMG!!! --- It was a bit weird seeing Nikka on such a large stage...considering I've always been right in front of her at the Roxy when she plays. She's LUMINOUS!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE HER!!

Prince goes to piano:

• Something in the Water (Does Not Compute) (slowed down version)
• Strange Relationship
• How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore (with Shelby J)
• If I Was Ur Girlfriend

Encore 2 :::

• Kiss (Full version Prince jamming on keys)
• Purple Rain

Encore 3 :::

• Sexy Dancer Intro into Le Freak (by Chic --- sung by Elisa, Shelby & Liv)
• Play That Funky Music
• "Inglewood Swingin"
• I Like Funky Music

Encore 4 :::

• Sample Teaser Medley: When Doves Cry/Nasty Girl/Party All the Time (by Eddie Murphy)/Single Ladies/SOTT/TMBGITW/Darling Nikki/Hot Thing/Black Sweat/Love (OMG!!!)

Encore 5 :::

• The Bird/Jungle Love/Love Bizarre (Celebs from VIP areas take the stage)

Okay...so I TOTALLY LIED. Tonight's show put last night's show to shame. THIS ONE is now my reigning FAVORITE (so far). "Something in the Water" and "Strange Relationship" on piano AND TWO different surprise guests??? WHAT???!?!

And he didn't actually play them, but he sampled BLACK SWEAT and LOVE from 3121 during his "teaser medley" --- Could he possibly be giving us a taste of what might be on the set list for next week?? Oh please...PLEEEEEASE say it's so!!!!!!!!! LOVE IS MY JAM!!! I guess I'll just have to go to the next shows to find out, n'est-ce pas?? LOL!!!

But wait!!! There's more................... ;)

Prince @ the Forum: Nuit Six

[SET LIST — PRINCE @ the Forum | April 29, 2011]

Opening Act::: MINT CONDITION

SET LIST :::

(Morris Hayes --- long one-key intro into...)

• Medley: Let's Go Crazy/Delirious/back into Let's Go Crazy extended version/1999
• Little Red Corvette (slowed down version)
• Shhh
• Mountains (Only The One chant)
• 17 Days/(girls sing chorus to Lovergirl by Teena Marie)
• Give It To Me Baby (by Rick James/Prince is on the BASS)
• Everyday People
• Play That Funky Music
• Glamorous Life
• Santana Medley
• Beginning of Question of U into The One/Gingerbread Man (Prince crawling on floor ala Alphabet St. --- guess he's hoping the ladies will buy more tickets)/Cockeyed Woman

• Take Me With U/Raspberry Beret/Cream
• COOL (girls singing chorus from Don't Stop Till U Get Enough - homage to MJ)
• 777-9311 (Prince vs Ida on bass --- and Morris jamming the key line from Computer Blue --- I was told I was hearing things, but HE DID DO IT. Another friend confirmed this.)
• Let's Work
• U Got The Look
• Make U Feel My Love (Elisa, Shelby, Liv, & Ida)
• Purple Rain

Encore 1 :::

• Kiss
• Love Bizarre
• Controversy

Encore 2 :::

Lights come up and Prince is lying down in the middle of the stage.

• Sample Teaser Medley: When Doves Cry/Nasty Girl/SOTT/TMBGITW/Forever In My Life/Single Ladies

Prince basically tried to kill us with the funk tonight. I had a few "non hardcore" friends come to the show tonight and I was SOOO HAPPY that they had a fantastic time. So much so, they want to come back again!!

Prince can play pretty much every instrument effortlessly. And I will always love him on guitar...but when he picks up a bass??? Dude. GAME OVER. I'm done. It's just too HOT for words. Somebody get me a cigarette...damn.

So far, I think this show is my favorite.

***Happy Birthday to Christoball***

Prince @ the Forum: Nuit Cinq

[SET LIST — PRINCE @ the Forum | April 28, 2011]

Opening Act ::: Cassandra wilson

Prince comes out to sing WHEN WE'RE DANCING CLOSE AND SLOW.

SET LIST :::

• Joy in Repetition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! --- Holy Shit!!!!
• Brown Skin
• 17 Days!!!!!/(girls sing chorus to Lovergirl by Teena Marie)
• Shhhh
• Controversy/I Like Funky Music
• Which Way Is Up
• What Have U Done 4 Me Lately (girls do Electric Slide)
• Partyman
• It's Alright

• Make U Feel My Love (Elisa, Shelby, Liv, Ledisi, & Ida)
• Misty Blue (Shelby)

(Morris Hayes --- long one-key intro into...)

• Medley: Let's Go Crazy/Delirious/back into Let's Go Crazy extended version/1999
• Little Red Corvette (slowed down version)

ENCORE 1 ::: Purple Rain

ENCORE 2 ::: The Bird/Jungle Love/Love Bizarre

ENCORE 3 ::: Kiss

ENCORE 4 ::: (beginning at 12:15)

• Play That Funky Music White Boy
• "Inglewood Swingin" (Prince on bass --- HOT HOT HOT!!!!!)/(girls sing chorus from Fantastic Voyage)

ENCORE 5 :::

• More Than This (Roxy Music cover) --- his voice was absolutely GORGEOUS and HEART WRENCHING on this. (((sigh)))

A setlist was posted on DrFunkenberry.com prior to the show, but in usual Prince fashion, he changed a few of the songs up. I was far from complaining though --- he did Joy in Repetition and 17 Days!!! What????

Damn. I have to go to work in a few hours.

Aww Hell, Fuggit.

I can sleep when I'm dead.

Prince @ the Forum: Nuit Quatre

[SET LIST — PRINCE @ the Forum | April 23, 2011]

Inglewood, CA | Night #4 of Prince's 21-Night Stand in Los Angeles —

Sadly, I didn't go to this show, so this set list is compiled from the different Facebook posts and Tweets from friends during the night.

Opening Act: Chaka Khan

Set List:

• DMSR
• Pop Life
• Musicology
• Prince & The Band
• Extraordinary
• Mountains (w/ Sheila)
• Everyday People (w/ Larry Graham)
• Thankufallettinmebemiceelf/Rhythm Nation
• Sweet Thing (w/ Chaka)
• Glamorous Life (w/ Sheila)
• Santana Medley
• Raspberry Beret
• Cream
• Sometimes It Snows in April
• Purple Rain
• Adore
• Dreamer
• Love Bizarre
• Eye Like Funky Music
• Inglewood Swingin

...and after that, I don't what happened. People stopped posting. Internet connection at Forum is sketchy at best. So I'm surprised I was able to get this much info.

:(

I missed Chaka Khan.

Krystina mad?

Krystina REAL mad.