How on earth did I wind up here?

I knew the Sons of Ra weekend tour would take us to Minneapolis. I also knew there was absolutely no way we’d have time to make our way to Paisley Park Studio, where Prince lived and did some of his best work. I floated the idea to the band, knowing what the answer would be, and I was right. One of my biggest bucket list items would have to wait.^

Sons of Ra was sharing the bill with Colorado-based trio Source. Benjamin Gleason (guitar and vocals), Pascal Faurie (bass), and Justin Mirarck (drums) are not only incredibly talented, but really great people. We’ve met before and the laughter and fun haven’t subsided.

Since I knew there was no time for a museum visit, I went back to focusing on business. By the time we arrived in Dubuque, Iowa, I’d all but forgotten about Paisley Park. I had photos to take!

Source closed the evening in Dubuque. I like to be helpful when I can, so I hung around the stage to see if I could carry anything to the band’s van. They didn’t really need me. In fact, they knew about my back problems and forbade me from helping out.

As he packed, Ben said something most unexpected to me. “I told the (Sons of Ra) guys we have tickets to go to Paisley Park on Monday,” he said. “But Erik said you guys had to be back early that day. I told him that was a real shame, because I knew Cedric would enjoy it.”

I felt a little strength come out of my legs as I turned into a slightly whiny teenager. “Awwwww, MAN” was all I could utter. How could I get this close to achieving one of my goals, only to watch it slip past me?+

“Do you have to go back with them?” Benjamin asked. “Do you want to go with us?” Of course I did! But there were a couple of hurdles to clear first. How would I get back home? “We can drop you off. We’re going through Chicago!” And then there was Sons of Ra? What would they think about me abandoning them for Source?

I’m a firm believer in “dancing with who brung ya,” so I thought it best to talk to Erik, Keith, and Mike. As far as I was concerned, what they said, went. I was rather surprised by their, response. “You should go,” Erik said. “I know you’ve always wanted to go. We just don’t have time. Go and enjoy it!” The other guys said pretty much the same thing. So, I decided to stay with Source. But I still felt a little guilty. Keith laughed when I shared that thought. “Dude, don’t even worry about it,” Keith said. “Go and have fun!”

It was decided. I’m going to Paisley Park!

The complex was twenty minutes or so from where Benjamin’s parents lived. (Did I mention that the band housed and fed me? Cooler people would be hard to find!) I’ve seen my share of landmarks, so I was able to maintain my cool as I saw the white, sharp-cornered complex as we pulled up to it. Still, I knew it was gonna be a fun adventure.

Our tour guide was a very nice young lady. She struck me as being new, as she looked just a little nervous. Paisley Park employees look almost like U.S. Secret Service agents. They were all dressed in sharp-looking blazers and slacks, and walking about with radios complete with earpieces.

If I had any issue with the tour, it was the narrative. Our young guide was plenty enthusiastic about walking us around, but I could tell that her speech was scripted. She kept pausing while she spoke as though she was getting the narrative from her earpiece.

I also figured it out when we were taken into a small viewing room to watch a live performance of “When Doves Cry.” We were able to ask questions, and I felt the need to help our guide because she didn’t have the most boisterous audience.

I raised my hand and mentioned how interesting the video was because the song now had a bass line. The original recording intentionally did not. Our guide perked up and started sounding like what I assume is her natural self as we discussed Prince’s recording choices. Once we left the room, she fell back into her more subdued tone. That’s a shame because I have no doubt that she was sitting on a pile of personal knowledge dying to come out.

I wasn’t surprised to know that, for the most part, photography was forbidden. Truth be told, I was kind of glad. Paisley Park should be experienced in person, giving visitors a chance to soak everything in up close. Still, there were a few spots where we could take pictures, and I couldn’t help myself.

We were taken around the complex’s first floor, where we were shown displays of Prince’s instruments and clothing. What I couldn’t and can’t get past is how incredibly small Prince was. I mean, the man was just tiny! He stood just 5’2” with a waist the size of my thighs! How could you pack so much talent into something this size?!

What we were able to see was fascinating. It will surprise no one to hear that my favorite sites were of one of the recording studios, complete with the gear Prince used to make those amazing records!

It was a really solid tour with a lot to see. That I was so engrossed speaks to the lack of photos. But again, this should be experienced in person anyway. Naturally, there was a stop by the gift shop. I managed to control myself and just buy three sets of guitar picks. A couple of them are now affixed to my guitar amplifier.

Anyone afforded the opportunity to visit Paisley Park should go! Do not hesitate! When casual fans will find things to grab their attention. I can’t thank Benjamin and the guys for letting me tag along.

And I can’t wait to go back.

^ — This is actually my second trip to Minneapolis. The same thing happened the first time. That’s the way it goes on tour.

+ — I also told myself to calm down and count my blessings, since I’ve already seen a show at Red Rocks this year. Things could be much worse.

#cirdecsongs

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