BHSU alum produces Minnesota Vikings U.S. Bank Halftime Show honoring Prince

Black Hills State University alum Michael Shann produced the Minnesota Vikings halftime show honoring musical artist Prince earlier this fall. Pictured here, Shann accepts an Honorary Doctorate at the 2015 BHSU Spring Commencement Ceremony.

Athletic and music fans alike are taking notice of one of Black Hills State University alum Michael Shann's latest projects.

Shann, world-renowned producer and stage director, served as Executive Producer of the halftime show for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers NFL game earlier this fall. More than 66,000 people watched the show that honored musical artist Prince, a Minnesota native and supporter of the Vikings.

Rolling Stone reporter Scott Rafferty reviewed the show, writing that "the most memorable moment of the night might have come at halftime."

As Executive Producer, Shann and his team orchestrated a striking tribute to Prince in the second half of the show to the tune of his hit song "Purple Rain." With the stadium drenched in purple lighting, the Minnesota Orchestra joined Prince's former collaborators and the rhythm section for New Power Generation, Prince's backing band, in honor of the musician's memory.

View the Prince tribute: https://vimeo.com/183261066

Shann graduated from BHSU in 1970. He received an Honorary Doctorate from the University in 2015 in recognition of his career producing large-scale events worldwide including the Closing Ceremony for the XXII Winter Olympic Games, the Closing Ceremony and Opening/Closing for the 2015 Pan Am & Parapan Am Games. Shann also produced the Mason's National Day of Celebration event at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in September.