Almost two years since surviving a heart attack -- and just a few days off watching his former boss attack the Dakota three nights in a row -- former Prince & the Revolution drummer Bobby Z has announced details of his second annual American Heart Association fundraiser, Benefit 2 Celebrate Life.
The March 9 concert at First Avenue will feature "Up All Night" sitcom star and "SNL" alum Maya Rudolph in her Prince tribute band Princess, co-led by L.A. jazz/funk singer Gretchen Lieberum, along with an all-star jam featuring Prince Fan No. 1, Questlove, other ex-Revolution players Dez Dickerson and Dr. Fink (Matt Fink), Prince-associated singers Alexander O'Neil, Andre Cymone and Stokley Williams (of Mint Condition), plus other surprise guests. As was the case last year when the full Revolution lineup reunited -- a concert that fans were still gushing about at the Dakota last week -- Prince himself will be invited but may choose to leave the spotlight all to his old friends.
Tickets go on sale Friday at noon for $65 general-admission or $150 VIP (remember: It's a fundraiser). Click here for more info on First Ave's site, or from Bobby's own My Purple Heart organization. Prince-affiliated blogger Dr. Funkenberry will conduct a Spreecast with Bobby to discuss the show Wednesday at 9 p.m. Central Time.
There's more big news for purple-blooded fans this morning: A new official Prince website is up, http://20pr1nc3.com/, which is usually a sign that a new album is about to drop. It features a lyric video of a new song he played with his all-female band 3rd Eye Girl at the Dakota last week, the sly, innuendo-filled "Screwdriver," plus a trailer for a new concert movie based off his pair of 2009 shows at the Montreaux Jazz Festival. A third video touts the album by his latest protégé, Andy Allo. All of this coincides with the buzz off the Dakota shows and the news that Prince will be given an Icon Award and perform at the Billboard Music Awards.
Looks as if '13 could be a lucky year for the Royal Faithful.
