Ryan Cormier

The News Journal

Four months following the death of Prince, Wilmington funk band The Souldaires will pay tribute at Wilmington’s Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park (Water Street between Market and French streets).

The six-piece funk act will perform Saturday at the city’s annual back-to-school celebration, which will also include fireworks from the city's Fourth of July celebration, which was canceled due to thunderstorms.

“With his passing, playing Prince’s music has become a source of healing not only for fans, but also for the band,” says Souldaires frontman/guitarist Darnell Miller.

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Among the songs slated for the Prince tribute: “I Would Die 4 U” and “Let’s Go Crazy” from “Purple Rain, as well as “Controversy,” the lead single and title track of his 1981 release.

The Souldaires' hour-long set begins 5:15 p.m. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Four other live acts well perform, including John "Sax" Williams, The Sudden Impact Band, Stacia LaChole and Rick Starr and Mystique.

There will also be a book bag giveaway, free food and entertainment, such as carnival-style games, rides, arts and face painting.

Contact Ryan Cormier of The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier), Twitter (@ryancormier) and Instagram (@ryancormier).