Welcome to our arts and culture issue. This month, we celebrate the endeavors of the creators in our community. I’m excited for readers to delve into the life of Paul Peterson, whom I first met at a Rotary Club of Edina meeting. He was the club’s president at the time and would start every meeting by serenading us. Another person sitting at my table asked me, “You do know who he is, don’t you?” I replied, “Paul Peterson.” “No,” they said. “That’s ‘St. Paul’ Peterson. He used to play with Prince.” And then it clicked. He’s the guy in the orange suit in Purple Rain! But he’s not the type to boast about it. He is more likely to chat about his podcast or his work at the Church of St. Patrick–Edina. Our writer Jennifer Pitterle beautifully captures how music has influenced Peterson’s life. We also delve into the history of another local icon, the Westgate Theater. While the building is no longer standing, its legacy endures. Author Jon Gaspard has penned a book that chronicles how the theater gave Harold and Maude
