Mark Bobby and Wendy at Rehearsal

Dear Friends,

My friend Ms. Sheila E. has contacted me recently with an appeal on behalf of her charitable organization, the Elevate Hope Foundation. One of the beneficiaries of The foundation is the Lincoln Child Center, which has undergone severe budget cuts, and needs our support. Attached is more information on the center, and an appeal from She is also one of the most fearless women I’ve known. I recall a time on tour in Gothenburg, Sweden, back in 1987-88, when we’d all gone to an amusement park. The park was home to the world’s largest roller coaster (at that time.) Not one of the guys would get on the mammoth ride with me, but Miss Sheila E. said “sure, I’ll go!” Truth be told, I’m not sure which of us screamed louder!

It comes as no surprise to me that she has hitched her star to a philanthropic cause. Through the Elevate Hope Foundation, Sheila works ceaselessly to raise funds and awareness for abused and neglected children. Her most recent event, “Circle of Passion, An Evening with Lloyd Klein” brought together celebrities and friends who donated their time and talents on behalf of Sheila’s foundation.

I would like to offer my personal endorsement of Sheila’s good work and genuine concern for the well-being of the recipients of these funds. In support of the Elevate Hope Foundation, I will be the first to write a check to this worthwhile charity, and I hope you will be so inclined to follow my lead. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Harlan (Hucky) Austin

Here is their letter in its entirety:

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The Alan Leeds Group, Purple Rain rooming list. Also first and second Purple Rain tour passes

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Q: What are you up to these days?

Producing, writing and touring - I am also a father of 2 girls – have been married for 16 years this Oct to my beautiful wife Julie. Check out www.stpaulproductions.com

Q: How did you start working with Prince?

Had an audition for the keyboard chair left vacant by Jimmy Jam. I was called home from my vacation after high school graduation. I had to learn 10 songs in 1 night –

I went in – Jesse Johnson was running the show for the Time – he dug what I did –and I got a call back – Prince showed up the next time – I got the gig after that.

Q: How and when did you get in the music business?

I was born into the business – my whole family is in the business (www.ThePetersonFamily.info)
My mom is 85 and is still giggin’ as a jazz pianist and vocalist – and all the brothers and sisters are musicians/singers.

Q: How do you think Prince will be remembered 50 years from now?

He is and will be remembered as a musical genius.

Q: What is your favorite Prince album?

Purple Rain

Q: Favorite bass player?

Marcus Miller

Q: Childhood ambition?

I wanted to either be a professional musician like the rest of my family, or a pro baseball player

Q: What are you most proud of?

My marriage, my kids, and my family.

Q: Do you still work with any members from The Family?

When I am not on the road touring with other artists I have some fun with a band called The Truth (http://www.myspace.com/thetruthmpls). Eric Leeds and Jellybean Johnson are in that band. We are having a blast doing the Family stuff!

Q: Best Prince Moment

I’ll never forget after the one and only Family concert at 1st Avenue – Prince came up to me after the show and hugged me he was so excited.

Thank you Paul. Check Paul out at www.stpaulmusic.com

Here’s some Lovesexy tour history. We stayed in Rome from 9/4//88 to 9/7/88. The show was cancelled because of the poor state of the stadium. Being a national monument it was feared that it would decay even more and rock concerts were forbidden there. The show was to be filmed and broadcasted throughout the world. This being the planned last show of the tour. After the Modena Italy show 9/3/88 we had a choice either go to Rome and hang out, or go to Dortmund Germany 9/8/88. Most of the crew stayed in Rome.
Side notes: The 2 Dortmund shows were added after the Rome concert was cancelled. Most of the tickets to these shows were sold in Holland. The last show was filmed with 17 cameras by a Dutch film crew and broadcasted live or with a little delay throughout Europe.