The “Purple Haze” of Jimi Hendrix will give way to the “Purple Rain” of Prince on Friday as Seattle’s colorful EMP museum will celebrate the life and musical genius of the artist who died Thursday at age 57.
EMP is planning free screenings of Prince’s 1984 film in the museum’s Sky Church as a chance for fans of the iconic musician to gather in one place. “Purple Rain” was the first starring film role for Prince. After all, as the trailer notes, “Before he created the music, he lived every bit of it.”
EMP will offer a 6 p.m. screening for all ages this Friday, with doors opening at 5:30. A 9:15 p.m. showing will be 21 and over, with doors opening at 8:45. Tickets are free with RSVP at EMPmuseum.org.
EMP said in a news release that it will also be displaying the cash register (manufactured in the 1960s) used at Minneapolis’ premier live music venue, First Avenue, during the 1980s. In 1983, Minneapolis-born Prince took over the club for the filming of the semi-autobiographical “Purple Rain.”
UPDATE: The EMP Web site now lists the free screening of Purple Rain as sold out.
