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 in the 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 and 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, André Cymone, PaviElle French, TC Ellis, Kebbi Williams, Andrea Swensson, Jon Bream, Jim Walsh, and more.
