I grew up hearing When Doves Cry, Kiss, and Little Red Corvette on the radio 24/7, wondering not who, but what in the world was behind that voice. Every time that voice came on, I stopped everything and listened. I didn't come to find out who Prince was until years later.
I'll spare story, but I'll share that it started more recently than you might think. Nevertheless, doing an event to commemorate him and his music felt like something I needed to do, and I decided in 2023, I would do it.
Cosmic Day was lifted from a later-released tune of his to become the event name. It aligned perfectly with the vibe of my show Lunar Rotations. What was accomplished was a magnificent feat, and it shone throughout the night.
I'm doing this recap over a month after the event, so this journey of words and memory is only a scratch of the immense energy experienced that night. Thinking of it now, I realized I have still not had a chance to take it all in. But here is my attempt to share how it went, sparing you the juicy, very juicy details...
Scratchmaster, producer, engineer and turntablist extraordinaire DJ dahJah set us off into the stratosphere, playing the favourites, the hits, and deep cuts for every level. I wouldn't trust anyone else in the city with the job of opening up the vibes of such an important night. dahJah was the 1.
Coming into the vibe of ZeigelHaus was an experience itself. Purple Rain (Hibiscus) from beTEAS flowing, everyone dressed 2 the 9s, and a delectable mix of mystery, unfolding adventure, and eros in the smokey loft. A real Lunar Rotations x Cosmic Day welcome.
Having an intentionally late start (in the name of fighting FOMO) gave way to a full room watching the premier of my interview with Dr Susan Rogers, which you can find on the Podcast page of this site, Youtube, and Vimeo. Dr Rogers was Prince's staff engineer during his most iconic years, working at his side perpetually during Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day, Parade, Sign O' The Times, and the curiously-fated Black Album. The hour-long conversation defies words. Just go watch it, please.
Next was the record pull, which was personal, real, and hilarious. A good friend shared how a pre-teen friendship with his ex-wife's niece led to many run-ins with Prince, including being driven around the streets of Toronto not with him, but BY him. Another shared her experience of dancing onstage with Prince during a show, feeling the chronic pain of a leg injury disappearing with every move. The stories moved the room, affirming Susan's recollections of working with him into localized, intimate levels of experience.
Last and maybe most, the band. Possibly the greatest elevation of the night began with a procession led by myself, Rosie B, Mai, and Irene. Styled by The Jumpoff London and Sha Choix, this part of the night channelled the intensity and scantily controllable fantasies embodied by Cat Glover in the Sign O' The Times movement. The vibes brought on by Juice Joint, the house band, and Rosina AKA Rosie B, the featured songstress, just took OVAH. I repeat, they TOOK. OVAHHHH. Again, you just had to have been there. Rosina and JJ took us through an ingenious medley of Damn U and 1999. And it was upwards from there.
We danced until 4 in the morning. I had hours of songs and mixes prepared to DJ, but ended up curating the vibes from the dance floor. I couldn't help myself. And I don't think anyone had a question as to why.
Thank you to everyone who came to the event, and to all the performers for sharing your talents. Big thank you to ZeigelHaus for hosting us, and most of all, thank you to Prince Rogers Nelson for un-defining what's possible.
We love you.