Minnesota Black Music Awards returns

After a 12-year hiatus, founder Pete Rhodes has revived the Minnesota Black Music Awards with an industry symposium, VIP reception and, of course, an awards ceremony recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Minneapolis Sound. Prince, the architect of the Minneapolis Sound, and the Steeles, the siblings who mix soul and gospel with spirit and flair, will received legacy awards. Other honorees include R&B band extraordinaire Mint Condition, the Grammy-winning choir Sounds of Blackness, hip-hop heroes Heiruspecs, the quartet known as the Ladies of Jazz and R&B party band the New Congress. The 2 p.m. symposium -- featuring Grammy-winning producer Andre Fisher, former Prince drummers Bobby Z and Kirk Johnson, Mint Condition frontman Stokley Williams, singer Jamecia Bennett and Sounds of Blackness director Gary Hines -- is free at Seven Ultra Lounge, but reservations should be made at 612-341-2447. (8 p.m. Fri. Pantages Theatre, 705 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., $25-$50.) JON BREAM