What: “Prince: Before the Rain” exhibit opening

When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019

Cost: Included with $6-12 museum admission

What: Prince Panel Discussion with Allen Beaulieu, Dez Dickerson & Kevin Cole

When: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, 6:30-9 p.m.

Cost: Free, admission to the History Center museum is free Tuesdays, 3-8 p.m.

The History Center is offering two upcoming programs that will help fans better understand who Prince was in the early years of his career, before his blockbuster hit, "Purple Rain."

On Sept. 21, explore the new exhibit “Prince: Before the Rain” by Minnesota photographer Allen Beaulieu. As Prince’s personal photographer and friend from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, Beaulieu worked closely with the artist, helping to transform Prince from rising star to superstardom. Through it all, he had access to the musician that few photographers have had, before or since.

Based on the new MNHS Press photography book, "Prince: Before the Rain" by Allen Beaulieu, visitors to the exhibit can view 50 digital prints, including the album covers of “Dirty Mind,” “Controversy,” and “1999,” promotional photos of Prince and The Revolution, Morris Day and The Time, and other artists, as well as rare behind-the-scenes candids. The exhibit is included with $6-12 History Center admission.

Then on Oct. 1, join Beaulieu, Dez Dickerson, guitarist for The Revolution, and Kevin Cole, veteran First Ave DJ, for a panel discussion about Prince's early career. Moderated by The Current's Andrea Swensson, the panel will discuss the emerging R&B, punk and new wave sounds that emanated from Prince's hometown when he was just starting out. Cole will also DJ in the gallery from 6:30-7 p.m. This program, and History Center admission, is free.

These programs are offered in conjunction with the exhibit "First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota's Mainroom."