Celebrating Prince

The man we’re referring to is New York City promoter Michael Dorf, founder of the Knitting Factory and co-founder of the Digital Club Network, who opened City Winery in 2008. Dorf has been organizing these tributes for years and past honorees include The Who, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell and R.E.M. The Prince tribute will mark Dorf’s ninth annual concert in the series.

Artists who have played Dorf’s tribute concerts include Jackson Browne, Rickie Lee Jones, The Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson, Steve Earle, Taj Mahal and Marianne Faithful.

Of course, honoring an artist and doing the show at Carnegie Hall doesn’t necessarily mean the honoree will be present. Dorf talked with Pollstar earlier this year, telling us which artists came to play and which came to watch.

“Bruce Springsteen came and played the encore,” Dorf said. “What was amazing to me was that in two songs he had worked up a full sweat. He stood out because he caught a private plane after the show to catch up with his family in Florida. He made a major effort to be there. He was amazing.

“R.E.M. came and played the encore. Bernie Taupin came to the Elton John tribute and enjoyed the show. Simon & Garfunkel came and enjoyed their show.”

All the proceeds from Dorf’s tribute shows always benefit various charities. For the upcoming Prince tribute the recipients include The American Symphony Orchestra’s Music Notes, Church Street School Of Music, Young Audiences New York, FIKS (Fixing Instruments For Kids In Schools), Little Kids Rock and the Center For Arts Education.

Tickets, including VIP packages are on sale now. Click here for more information.