Escaping the Pandemic with a Purple Paisley Reunion — PPB’s Under The Cherry Moon 35th Anniversary Party
Guest article from Jeffrey Paul Bobrick.
On July 2, 2021, The Purple Paisley Brunch, created by Tonya Giddens with assistance from Jill Monroe, Alec Turner and Tony Griffin, celebrated the 35th Anniversary of Prince’s Under The Cherry Moon. This hybrid event, part virtual and part in person, took place in Brooklyn, New York (at night, despite the brunch name) and also online. Many fans attended in person and it felt like a major celebration to be out and about during this transitional moment, especially amongst lovers of the genius of one Prince Rogers Nelson.
Under The Cherry Moon is more than a cult classic. It’s a hotly debated, brilliant, magnificent commercial flop by one of the great geniuses of all time. Some say it’s one of Prince’s biggest missteps, while others consider it one of his great works, an even better film than the more celebrated Purple Rain. For those in attendance, there was no debate about the film, only appreciation.
Ms. Giddens told me: “Before this film was released we only saw glimpses of his humor. This film definitely showed another side of him and his interaction with Jerome Benton (“Tricky”). The synergy between the two of them was clearly evident, and it also showed us the rapport they shared on and off camera.”
Ross Wilson, who co-moderates the Prince Facebook group Prince fans of PA and NJ, told me he has seen UTCM more than 100 times. “This film inspired me to take French in high school, appreciate fashion, travel the globe, and chase beautiful women around the world.”
Women (not girls) ruled the night. The event was organized by women, and every woman, including special guest Emmanuelle Sallet, was stunning. Purple shirts and dresses were everywhere, as were outfits more specific to the film. Women in Parisian flapper outfits filled the dance floor, as the men tried to keep up! There was a Best Costume Contest, won by Valerie Faulk (a lady in purple, of course).
Among the beautiful women in the room was Prince discovery, singer Sueann Carwell. Although not in the film, Sueann was every inch the star, adored by each and every fan who got to meet her. She seemed more than happy to pose for pictures, say hello, and give fans a connection to royalty.
The event was a vibrant and festive party! Upon entering, fans were given glittery signs connected to the film and posed for photos. Yes, every guest had a photo op! Many wore costumes inspired by the film or by the artist himself. Attendees showed off their moves on the dance floor, and enjoyed a Prince themed henna tattoo station, classic drinks and buffet style dining on delicious soul food (I was reminded of a story Fred Armisen once told about Prince eating Mac and Cheese, but I digress). The evening was elevated by some special in person attendees, as well as virtual interviews with two stars of the film, Jerome Benton and Emanuelle Sallet.
At the VIP table, costume designer Vaughn Terry, dressed in a signature purple outfit, sat next to Ms. Carwell and held court. “Were there casualties?” asked Mr. Terry. “Many! Setbacks? Quite a few. Prince must have fired me a thousand times! But I’m bold. His talent brings us all along, both admirers and detractors alike!” Despite any past drama, there were truly only admirers here, including Mr. Terry.
Speaking with attendees and and appreciating the camaraderie, I realized I was not simply seeing a fan community. I was seeing a family, and the family has layers. Singers, designers, artists and creators who knew and worked with Prince attended the event. Others are part of a family of fans who love and connect with Prince, some who even saw him at the Bottom Line in New York in the 1970s.
Many of them come to PPB events every year and develop bonds of friendship. When I asked what brought her out tonight, fan Deanna Martin told me “We love Prince, but once we saw it was Under The Cherry Moon and we could dress up, we had to be here! This is purple history!” Traci Humphrey told me she has now been to all four PPB events, including the first one, a celebration of Jerome Benton’s birthday, and the 2020 virtual event. “We all haven’t seen each other in person in over a year. It’s really special.”
DJ Chris Rob shared loving thoughts about Prince’s music, and the varied and powerful song selection for the evening: “Prince was like a heartbeat as far as music is concerned. He was dedicated to find new ways of giving us funk, soul and R&B from every inch of his heart. There’s a song for every emotion you want to go through.”
As the evening continued and the interviews with Sallet and Benton began, it started to pour outside. The sky darkened and became, yes, almost purple or cherry colored. Most people inside barely noticed, because they were enjoying the food, the fun and the family atmosphere of the event.
“I’m hoping that the Purple Paisley Brunch in some way can help people regain that light that has been dimmed,” organizer Tonya Giddens said to me after the event. Perhaps she meant the light dimmed by the pandemic, perhaps she meant the light dimmed by the loss of the Artist. In either event, she has succeeded. This event, like the film it celebrated, was an eccentric escape from our everyday realities.
Ross Wilson summed up the night with one of his favorite moments from the film. He said: “If you still want to know why I’m here, to quote Tricky: ‘Because it’s a full moon and I’m a werewolf bitch, kiss… my… ass!’”
Disclaimer:
The Estate of Prince Rogers Nelson is not affiliated, associated, or connected with The Purple Paisley Brunch™.
The Purple Paisley Brunch™ is an independent event supported by corporate sponsors, private donors & attendees of our events.
The Purple Paisley Brunch™ is based from New York City, New York.