His brief appearance in the owner's box at the last party and the heavy airplay for his new songs weren't enough to get Prince to commit to perform for the Current's sixth birthday party at First Avenue on Jan. 21, but the lineup still promises an impressive display of local rock royalty: Cloud Cult, Jeremy Messersmith and those Minnesota-bred Philadelphians in Free Energy will share the stage that night.

A fourth act of major interest to Current listeners was also supposed to be announced on air today, but its involvement is now up in the air for health reasons. Either way, expect at least one other name to be added and maybe another surprise or two. But don't wait to find out who before nabbing up tickets. They go on sale to Minnesota Public Radio members for $12 next Wednesday, Dec. 15, at noon, and a small number will be left to the general public for $14 on Dec. 17 at noon. On both those days, 200 tickets will be available in person next door to First Ave at the Depot for the folks who refuse to pay Ticketmaster fees. This year's party with Solid Gold, Mason Jennings and P.O.S. sold out quicker than it takes Mary Lucia to name her favorite GBV song.