Music mavericks, A-list New York media--and yes, GLARE--were among the privileged guests at Jimmy's Uptown in Harlem last week for a listen to Prince's first-ever live performance recordings.

The three-disc box set "One Nite Alone ... Live," available later this fall, features classic hits and new music from stage and after-show concerts off his North American tour last spring.

With "One Nite" providing party ambience, lots of mingling and munching (on scrumptious veggie dishes per the no-meat order from his royal purpleness) took place with hip-hop soul brothers Common, Pharoahe Monch and Amir Questlove (of the Roots); Janice Combs ( P. Diddy's mom), concert photog extraordinaire Kevin Mazur and too many more to name.

"American Idol" finalists Justin Guarini, Nikki McKibbon and Tamyra Gray were there in superstar mode flanked by bodyguards, but cut loose when the DJ played some disco and house music that made this Chicagoan feel right at home.

As artists such as George Clinton, Cassandra Wilson, Musiq, Meshell Ndegeocello and Doug E. Fresh continued to file into the VIP area, the anticipation grew for the guest of honor's entrance.

Arriving in New York fashion (three hours into the party), the artist formerly known as "The Artist" held court from a cordoned-off corner.

Prince beckoned celebs over for individual sitdowns, while everyone else pressed against the roped-off section hoping for a glimpse, a touch or a glance from his musical majesty.