Capri Theatre hosts 'Tales from the Northside' fundraiser for Minneapolis Sound Museum | Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

The Capri Theatre in North Minneapolis buzzed with anticipation as the carpet rolled out for the 2nd annual “Tales from the Northside” event. This year’s gathering featured two distinguished panels of Twin Cities musical royalty: The first panel consisted of members of Flyt Tyme, although not all were original members. The panel included Jellybean Johnson, Cynthia Johnson, David Eiland, Anton Johnson, Robert Martin, Tom Lund, Monte Moir, Jimmie Anderson, Jawanza Everett, Gary McCray, David Wright, and Quinton Speers.

The second panel included David “TC” Ellis, Willie Adams, Terry Esau, Eric (DJ Nevermind) Rogers, Emmanuel Duncan, Sarah Lanier, and Heidi Vader, who focused on youth music development in the Twin Cities. 

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey welcomed the crowd by speaking affirmatively about the cause, the neighborhood, and the event. Notable absentees from the night included Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Alexander O’Neal; however, their contributions loomed large over this night of celebration and nostalgia.

The evening’s context quickly became clear — the event served as a fundraiser for the proposed Minneapolis Sound Museum, a nonprofit dedicated to introducing next-generation talent in the Twin Cities and preserving the rich legacy of the iconic Minneapolis Sound.

As the panelists took the stage, they shared stories and insights reminiscent of those formative years. David “Batman” Eiland captivated the audience, reiterating Prince’s indelible mark on the music world, attributing the patented Minneapolis Sound directly to the Purple One.

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The palpable excitement only intensified with performances from Purple Playground, a group showcasing young, local talent. But the truest magic sparked when Jellybean Johnson and Monique Blakey performed an electrifying duet. Jellybean, renowned not only for his drumming skills but also his exceptional guitar work, along with band members, then delivered a stunning rendition of Prince’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover.”

The execution was so precise that, with eyes closed, fans could almost believe Prince himself was on stage, affirming Jellybean’s standing as one of the world’s finest guitarists. Playing drums and providing vocals was KeAndre’ Mack; on keyboards was Christopher Troy, and on bass guitar was Art Haynes.

Other performers on the night included acts like Zay Starr, Dale, and TY Prophecy, all of whom added flair to the celebration. Event moderators Andrea Swenson and Bianca Rhodes, under the graceful guidance of host Wes Smooth, ensured that the program ran smoothly, with Eric Rodgers seamlessly spinning tracks that anchored the night’s nostalgic yet forward-looking spirit.

As Jellybean concluded his captivating four-song set, an enthusiastic audience demanded more, chanting, “One more!” The call for an encore underscored the music’s profound connection with its fans and the lingering desire for live performances that carry such rich historical significance.

The grand vision for the Minneapolis Sound Museum includes providing an interactive, inclusive space that allows visitors to explore and engage with the extensive legacy of musicians and bands integral to the Minneapolis Sound. This initiative specifically aims to amplify and celebrate the beloved North Side community, highlighting the area’s irreplaceable contributions to music history. The proposed museum aims to educate, inspire, and serve as a transformative cultural hub that celebrates and perpetuates the community’s deep-rooted musical traditions.

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As the night came to a close, the sheer volume of talent paraded on stage underscored the enduring vitality of the Minneapolis Sound. The hometown musicians’ talents have not only continued to strike chords within the Twin Cities but have resonated globally, further testament to the irrefutable legacy created all those decades ago. Prince, a towering figure in this lineage, would undoubtedly beam with pride to see the musical seeds he planted flourish.

The 2nd annual “Tales from the Northside” was more than a fundraiser; it was a poignant testament to the ongoing legacy and the vibrant future of the Minneapolis Sound. Through storytelling, electrifying performances, and community engagement, the event exemplified the enduring power of this unique musical style — proof that the spirit of the Northside and the sound it birthed are alive and as influential as ever.