Heidi Vader — Founder, Purple Playground and Academy of Prince
Heidi Vader

Heidi Vader

Minneapolis, MN
Founder, Purple Playground and Academy of Prince
onprofit fan-based group

Music makes me who I am — my mother says I sang before I talked — Prince entered my life in 1980 and has remained. I started Purple Playground in 2017 because I wanted to keep his legacy alive. We teach students and Academy of Prince how to collaboratively write and record original songs inspired by Prince and his musical methods. Through doing this they make lasting friendships, increase their self-esteem and create some seriously great music. We also host parties to fundraisers. Willie Adams is our Education Director and he envisioned Academy of Prince. With the help of fam and musicians who worked with Prince we have completed eight years of programming. Elisa Fiorillo and Adrian Crutchfield both serve as Musical Directors. Special guests over the years have included Jellybean Johnson, Bobby Z, Matt Fink, Paul Peterson, Michael Bland, Andy Allo, Liv Warfield, Shelby J, Andre Cymone, PaviElle French, TC Ellis, Kebbi Williams, Andrea Swennson, Jon Bream, Jim Walsh, and more.

Purple Playground envisions a world where Prince's legacy of positivity and giving continues in perpetuity. We formed our 501(c)3 nonprofit fan-based group to honor Prince's legacy and inspire as he did — with funds from our events used to create our tuition free Academy of Prince music program for teens. Listen to Academy of Prince's Finding the Funk playlist on Purple Playground's Spotify and Apple channels.

At the Museum — Roberts Gallery

Event photo — Heidi Vader at The People's Museum for Prince
Photo credits
Connect with Heidi Vader — www.purpleplayground.org
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