A regular act at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Purple Reign was named by LA Weekly as one of “16 Things You Can’t Afford to Miss in Las Vegas.” The show Friday night proved that they are not only professional performers of the highest caliber, but they are also professional musicians. The band came out and attacked hits and booty shakers like “Raspberry Beret,” “Little Red Corvette” and “Delirious,” capturing the frenetic funk of The Revolution. Purple Reign didn’t only jam the songs, they acted them out through their stage presence and sexiness, just as Prince would have done.

The concert’s backdrop and weather couldn’t have been better with a cool breeze blowing through the Rock Yard, glowing palm trees of differing colors, old movies being projected high up on wall of the casino itself, and four well-stocked bars with little to no lines. From almost any position at the Rock Yard, there was a clear view of the stage, even with all the many people dancing in front of it.

But the show wasn’t just about the hits of Prince and The Revolution, it was about the world of Prince, and this is where Purple Reign differs from most other tribute bands. After “Prince” would do a handful of songs, Morris Day would step out with his entourage and perform some Morris Day & The Time tunes like “The Bird” and “Jungle Love,” playing up on his arrogant and conceited character from the movie “Purple Rain” by cutting the music in mid-song to have his dancer hold up a mirror for him to fix his hair. Also making a surprise appearance was “Lenny Kravitz,” who performed his own hits, “Are you Gonna Go My Way?” and an even more rocking version of “Fly Away.”

“Prince" finished the show with a whopping four costume-changes, which tended to get more revealing with each. After Purple Reign played their final song, the crowd wouldn’t go away and they began chanting for more. A couple of minutes later, the emcee of the evening, the valley’s own Brad Mercer from Eagle 106.9FM, took the stage and offered us a choice, “When Doves Cry” or “Purple Rain.” The decision was unanimous and so the band broke into an epic, soaring version of “Purple Rain” that ended with "Prince" wailing out a solo that made one girl burst in tears.

The next “Rock Yard on Steroids” event is on May 30 and will feature Damage Inc., an early Metallica tribute band. Come out and enjoy the free live music in the great setting that the Rock Yard offers.

To see more Stephen Torres photos of Purple Reign, click here.

For more about Purple Reign, click here.

For more about Damage Inc., click here.

For more about Brad Mercer, click here.

For more about Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, click here.