St Paul and the Mpls Funk All Stars

Birds Basement, 11 Singers Lane, , Melbourne

After tearing the roof off Bird’s Basement out front of fDeluxe in October last year St Paul returns with the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars to commemorate the 1 year anniversary of Prince's passing on April 22, 2016.

A member of The Time in the hit movie 'Purple Rain' and lead singer of the first group signed to Prince’s Paisley Park label, St. Paul is one of the finest musicians to have emerged from the Twin Cities. The original singer of the timeless classic 'Nothing Compares 2 U’ St Paul will perform a selection of Minneapolis funk plus cuts from The Family/fDeluxe, The Time, his solo career and more as well with a special tribute to the legendary Prince.

Invited by The New Power Generation to sing at the upcoming Paisley Park Celebration (April 20-23) St Paul has instead opted to return to Melbourne where he was so warmly received last year with fDeluxe. Under the banner of the MPLS funk All-Stars St Paul brings an authentic lineup of artists with deep connections to Prince.

Ricky Peterson (keys/vocals) - co-producer of The Most Beautiful Girl In The world, the song that established Prince as an independent artist, Ricky is acknowledged as one of the finest keyboard players in the world. A former staff producer at Paisley park and currently a member of Stevie Nicks touring band Ricky’s resume is long and impressive. John Mayer, George Benson, David Sanborn, Steve Miller, Annie Lennox, Joe Sample, Chaka Kahn, Fine Young Cannibals, Mavis Staples, Al Jarreau and Larry Graham are just few of the names to which he is a musician and producer.

Mike Scott (guitar): Best known for his work with Prince and Justin Timberlake Mike got his break after moving to Minneapolis and working within the city’s thriving funk scene. In the past 20 years, he’s graced the studio and/or stages alongside the likes of Michael Jackson, Rhianna, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige, Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, Luther Vandross, New Edition and many many more.

Joey Finger (drums) A native Minnesotan Joey has worked with countless different bands and artists both live and in the studio having the privilege of recording for, among others: Ricky Peterson, Boz Scaggs, David Sanborn, Jonny Lang, Kenny G, Joe Sample (The Crusaders) and of course Prince (Batman). - See more at: http://birdsbasement.com/show/248/st-paul-and-the-mpls-funk-all-stars#sthash.ndmvRqOV.dpuf