Dave Santia - Speed Painting

Recently I was introduced to a local artist that happens to be a friend of a guy who plays baseball with my boyfriend. He’s 6’5" and looks like any normal guy you would meet off the street. Although pretty normal on the outside, this guy is brilliant on the inside. I was told over and over to watch his videos on youtube, but of course I never listened. The other night, Dave had a performance. He is a speed painter, and I never understood what speed painting was all about, and how amazing it is until I saw it for myself.

The idea behind speed painting is to paint a picture of an artist by the time two of their songs are done playing in the background. Sounds easy enough? Well, try painting these people upside down in less than 7 minutes. When it was explained to me, I considered it to be damn near impossible. Then I started thinking it may be possible but would probably turn out to be a sloppy mess I could barely recognize.

As I watched Dave in action I was amazed. My favorite part about speed painting is the music involved. The entire time Dave paints, his love for music shines through his paintings. The music is what keeps him going, it keeps him focused. When the painting is done and the music is still playing, it’s easy to see Dave’s energy. His talent is unlike any other I have ever witnessed. 

 Dave put on a show, doing five paintings for the crowd at the Detroit Pub. It took him six to seven minutes to do each painting, and each one was sold before it was even created. When I heard this I knew the man I was watching was a serious artist. People were lined up to purchase $500 paintings that didn’t even exist yet. Dave spoke to the crowd about his love for art and his love for music, and how they go together hand in hand. Dave loves doing 3 or 4 week paintings, working on them night and day, slowly making them perfect, but as he started doing speed paintings in bars, selling them, he realized that was where he needed to focus his energy.

I watched him paint and I was in awe. It was the most amazing experience to watch him in action. Attached are a couple videos of Dave at work. If you get a chance to make it out and watch him perform, it will be the best artistic experience you may ever have.

I come from a family of artists, and I have seen amazing work. Although I have a lot of love for art and music, this experience made me have a deeper appreciation for musicians and artists. The work they do is insane, and music and art go together like peas and carrots. Come see this guy...it will change your life.

ENJOY!

http://youtu.be/_qYlf5NRHog 

http://youtu.be/7dSpNgtZxuQ

Arts, Beats & Eats

 Arts, Beats and Eats is a festival that takes place in Royal Oak from August 31^st – September 3^rd. It is another great way to bring the community together to celebrate our love of music, art and of course, great food. This will be the 15^th annual event for downtown Royal Oak. The event is held for celebrators of all ages. The young and the old are encouraged to come out to show their support of the city, while exploring new insight to the love of art, music and food.

Ten stages will hold over 200 performers for the four day event. It’s an awesome way to support local artists, and find some new music to love. Admission bands for the weekend only cost $3.00, so it is easy to bring the whole family for the weekend, or even for a day.

Along with great music, the streets are lined with amazing art work and artists proud to show off their talents. 135 artists will line the streets with ceramics, digital art, drawing/pastels, fabric/fiber/leather, graphics/printmaking, jewelry, metal, mixed media 2-D and 3-D, painting, photography, sculpture and wood pieces. Supporting the artists of the Detroit area helps them become recognized, and also makes for an exciting weekend for visitors. 

65 booths will be set up with all different types of food venders. This means there is something everyone will love. Adults will be able to explore different types of food they have never tried before, while children will be satisfied with familiar eats from the surrounding community. This is a great way to find new businesses in the area to support.

Arts, Beats and Eats is a great way to present the community with music they may have never heard before. It also gives local restaurants the opportunity to share their love of food and fine dining with the locals and visitors. You may find a new favorite place to eat, a new favorite artist, or your new favorite song! I hope to see you there!

For anyone interested in attending, the event hours are listed below. As you can see, the festival goes from morning until night, so if you only have a couple hours to spend, there will be plenty of time in the four days to make it out and show your support.

 

Event Hours

Friday August 31st	11:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday September 1st	11:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday September 2nd	11:00am - 11:00pm
Monday September 3rd	11:00am - 10:00pm

Detroit International Jazz Festival

For those of you who love Jazz, or haven’t yet been infected by the amazing sounds jazz music brings, you may want to spend your Labor Day weekend at the Detroit Jazz Festival. August 31 – September 3 will be the 33^rd annual celebration of the Detroit Jazz Festival. This festival came to the Detroit area in 1980, and was intended to bring the city together to join in the best of entertainment. Today, the legacy of the festival still lives on.

The festival stretches from Hart Plaza all the way to Campus Martius Park. It is a great way to spend the weekend out on the town, enjoying the riverfront. The venue offers five different stages, two at the North end and three at Hart Plaza. The festival covers two million square feet of downtown, covering three blocks. There is also a Jazz Talk Tent where people can socialize and gain a better understand of Jazz music, musicians, and what the genre of music is really all about.

The most amazing part about the festival is the welcoming areas made just for the kids. The Kid Bop Area not only offers programs for kids, but also offers performances by kids! There is singing, dancing, storytelling and each kid is encouraged to join in the fun. The kids are able to understand jazz and become a part of the magic. The Education Stage was created for the older performers at the middle and high school levels. Not only is the festival a lot of fun, but it’s a great learning experience for adults and children alike.

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center is and has been the official hotel of the Detroit Jazz Festival. The hotel is located in the center of the festival, adjacent to Hart Plaza. When you book a VIP Jazz Fest package by August 24, you receive your room for just $289 per night. The package also includes dinner at the VIP tent, two drink tickets for the night of reservations for the VIP bar and VIP seating at all stages of the festival. This is an amazing deal if you plan on making a weekend out of the event, bringing the family along for the adventure.

The Detroit International Jazz Festival continues of boost the Motor City as a hot spot for amazing music, a chance for visitors to experience young artists, enjoy our casinos and experience the beautiful riverfront. The greatest part about this festival is that it is FREE. There is no charge for admission. The only thing you’ll need money for is food, drinks and maybe some extra spending money to support local venders from the Detroit area that will be selling their goods in tents.

By presenting visitors and locals with free entertainment such as the Jazz Festival, we can help bring awareness to the greatness of the Motor City. It’s important to come together and support our city. This is what keeps the city alive and it cannot be done without love and support for Detroit. Grab your friends, family, kids or elders, and come enjoy the show!

Movement- DEMF

May 26-28, Detroit will host the Electronic Music Festival at Hart Plaza. This festival started Memorial Day weekend of 2000 and has continued to keep its popularity each Memorial Day weekend since.  The festival is designed around DJ’s and artists that live and breathe electronic music. DJ’s, percussionists, artists and producers from all over the world come to be a part of this festival here in the Motor City.

There will be 58 new acts for this year’s Electronic Music Festival, as more and more performers want to be a part of the event. The festival, now called the Movement, is said to be the roots and history of electronic music in Detroit, and the roots of underground techno music.

Although expensive, the tickets are worth the performance you will see. It is $70.00 for a 3-day pass, allowing you to see any performances you want throughout the weekend. VIP passes include VIP bar access for those thinking all weekend, private bathrooms which might come in handy considering the amount of people who attend the festival, and behind the scenes access to the main stage for $190.00.

Hundreds of artists gather to perform at this event including those who return every year, and those who will be performing for the first time. Although each artist has a love for electronic music, each brings their own style, which differ the artists from one another.

I have never been to the Electronic Music Festival, but I look forward to becoming a part of something new and exciting. I am more of a country, classic rock and oldies music lover, but I am always willing to try something new and see what Detroit has to offer for my expansion of musical knowledge. I have heard good things about the festival, and each person I have spoken with who has attended the event always says they will return the upcoming year.

With music, I think it is important to explore different genres that you are not familiar with. It’s a good learning experience and you may find you like something you never knew you did before. Even if you are not into electronic music, the festival may be a great way to get outside of your comfort zone, meet new people, and make lasting memories with your friends. I am looking forward to jumping into something new and exciting, and gaining a new appreciation for a genre of music that I am unfamiliar with.

As a teenager, my sister was really into techno music, and a lot of the songs she would listen to rubbed off on me, and I began to actually like this style of music. I think it will be really fun to spend a weekend with her, enjoying what she loves, and people watching to see the appreciation all of these thousands of fans have for the performs old and new.

If you’re in the Detroit area on Memorial Day weekend and love electronic music, or want to know more about it, this is a great place to go!

the Hoedown

The Hoedown is a music event that starts our summers off in Detroit with a bang. The musical event takes place in the middle of May and has become a tradition. The Hoedown goes down every year at Detroit’s Hart Plaza. It is a great place to catch new upcoming artists, as well as locals who love to perform as well. Over the years the stage has been graced with famous performers, such as Lee Ann Womack and Willie Nelson.

I have a special love for country music, so this concert is by far my favorite of the year. Last year, I attended the venue with a friend who hated country music. Being a good friend, and a friend who was only in town for the weekend, he decided to join me so we could spend some time together, knowing I would never miss the Hoedown. As we drove away from the event, he explained to me that he had a new appreciation for the country genre and the artists who make it possible.

The mood set from the beginning of the event is one all its own. The whole point of bringing the city together is to enjoy the music, and enjoy each other. Everyone there wants to be your friend. No matter which direction you turn, you are greeted with smiles and waves. Chris was not used to this type of musical event, since he’s more of a heavy metal kind of guy. There are no mash pits, no people yelling or fighting, it’s an event all about love and appreciation.  

The great part about the event is that you’re able to watch your favorite performers on stage, and you feel as if you are hanging out with them having a backyard bash. It’s also amazing to watch the local performers shine on the stage as if they are famous too. For a lot of the performers, they are being given the opportunity to interact with their idols, and you can see that from the crowd as you watch the stage. It’s awesome to literally watch these people’s dreams come true.

Like most of the even I’ve talked about, the Hoedown is a great musical event for the whole family. Although there may be a drunken cowboy stumbling here or there, it is a great, safe place to bring the kids, and enjoy family day. Music lovers of all ages are encouraged to come and sing along.

It’s important that we keep the love of music alive in Detroit, and this event is a great way to do that. Every year people from all over the state come to watch, dance and sing along. It’s also cool to see people who feel completely out of their element when they arrive dancing and singing along at the end, completely carefree having fun. Chris may never want to go back to the Hoedown with me, but I know he had a good time in the moment when he was a part of it.

If you’re in the Detroit area in May, and you’re looking for something fun to do, this would be a great way to get your musical string pulling for the start of summer. This year let’s celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the Hoedown together! Come support the people who have helped save the music in the Motor City and also support those who are looking to change the world with the music they are bringing to the Hoedown.

Detroit does Detroit

Detroit does Detroit is something that has taken over the city by storm and continues to grow. Last year, a tradition was started. The first installment of Detroit does Detroit had blossomed. This is an event where local bands came together performing music of their favorite performances that have taken place in the motor cities throughout the years. It was originally created as a one time deal, but the feedback from the performances last years sparked interest in creating a series of Detroit by Detroit. Everyone loved the performers and the support and love of their favorite artists.

This April, the tradition will continue. Detroit does Detroit II will be taking over the city on April 14 at the Magic Stick in Detroit. Last year there were only few performers, as they did not know how the fans would react to the new event. Now that they know the fans are begging for more, there are 16 bands set to perform. Instead of having one stage like last year, the venue has expanded and there will be two stages to view during the celebration of our favorite performers. The event is expanding and the word is spreading.

Anyone who loves music, young or old is encouraged to be a part of this event. It is a $5.00 cover, and although it doesn’t seem like much, the proceeds are benefiting the School of Rock in Rochester, and a small five dollars will go a long way for all the starving artists looking for any help they can get. Grab all your friends and tell them about the experience and support they can give to the city of Detroit, just by showing up and having a good time. Not only will you have an amazing time, but you will be supporting the community and giving back at the same time. What could be better?!

Here is a list of the performers that will be attending this year, and the amazing performers they will be dedicating their renditions to:

Vatican (as Alice Cooper), Mick Bassett (as the White Stripes), the Handgrenades (as the High Strung), the Kickstand Band (as the Amino Acids), Lightning Love (as the Kickstand Band), John Nelson & the New Girlfriends (as Brendan Benson), Duende (as the Oscillating Fan Club), Citizen Smile (as Jesse & the Gnome), Pupils (as Adult), Woodman (as Chris Bathgate), the Ashleys (as Pupils), the Good Things (as the Sights), Skinny Wrists (as Deadbeat Beat), Young Blood (as Bob Seger) and Stephen Schmidt (as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.).

 

Doors open at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 14 at the Magic Stick.

If you are interested in attending this event, here is the address.

Magic Stick

4120 Woodward, Detroit.

313-833-9700. (In case you get lost) 

Friday Night Live!

The Detroit Institute of Arts is an amazing place to visit whether living in the Detroit area of just visiting for a couple days. The Institute offers a daily look into different cultures and history around the world through different time periods. Along with viewing the art of the decades come the opportunities to experience new music you may grow to love, or the chance to see musicians you are already knowledgeable of.

Friday Night Live is an event that takes place at the Detroit Institute of Arts where artists get the chance to share their musical talents with the city of Detroit. The Institute is open late each Friday and musicians from all over the world come to be a part of the event. The institute has great hours regardless, so it is easy to find time to make it downtown to see the institute. The great part about Friday Night Live is that there is a new performer each Friday, so if you miss one Friday, you can always make it to another.

Friday Night Live does not focus on one set genre of music, which is also very cool because you can attend the event each Friday if you choose and always get a new insight to music. From classical, guitar duos to singing trios, you will find it all here at the DIA. 

 If attending an event, you can also make time to see the art institute. The institute offers amazing art work, and is also very interactive for guests. Children are able to play hide and seek games to better understand the artwork they find. Adults and children are encouraged to stay a while, pulling up a chair and drawing the images they wish to recreate on their own piece of paper. It is a great place for the whole family, and everyone can be involved in the fun. There are a lot of activities that are free with admission on well, so you get more bang for your buck. They offer art-making workshops and even guided tours for those who want to know a little bit more about the institute other than what they see while they are walking through.

I recently visited the DIA for a class assignment. I hadn’t been to the institute since I was a kid, and I wanted to go back but couldn’t find the time. This assignment gave me the perfect opportunity to attend and be a part of the motor city. Although I was only asked to visit the art museum and write about my experience, I happened to go on a Friday night, and with my luck, I was able to attend Friday Night Live. I didn’t know what to expect because I had never heard of the event. The lady at the information desk was very helpful in explaining Friday Night Live to me and how it worked. I had never been one for opera music, but this musical experience changed my life. I found a new love for a genre of music I had never really been interested in before. The performer was from Europe, and she was amazing. I thought it was awesome to be able to be a part of the experience, and to understand the importance of the institute, as people from all over the world travel to pay respects and perform here.

To attend Friday Night Live would be a fun night all it’s own, but if you want a fun, exciting family day, there are activities and events that can take up an entire night, and will not only be really fun, but a great learning experience as well. Be sure to check the DIA website for dates and events that might catch your eye if you’re bored and looking for something to do or if you are visiting the area and want to find something exciting to do while you’re in town. Enjoy!

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

 The first time I attended the Detroit Symphony Orchestra was not by choice. I was taking a history of music class at Macomb Community College and one of our assignments was to attend a DSO concert of our choice before the semester ended and write a three page paper on our experience and how the experience related the lessons covered through out the semester. Of course, I waited until the last minute, as I do with everything, and left work early to attend to very last concert available the day before the assignment was due. The concert was held at the Fox Theater in downtown Detroit, and although I was forced to attend I was actually pretty excited about it since I had never seen the Detroit Symphony Orchestra or the Fox Theater and love classical music.

My professor had told the class the dress was “pretty casual,” and I realized as soon as I walked through the door I completely misread what she was talking about. At the time I worked at Moosejaw, a mountaineering store filled with fun loving hippies. We loved to camp, travel and we could care less what we looked like. As I left work that night I figured my Moosejaw hoodie and jeans would work just fine for the “pretty casual event” so my attire was anything but magnificent. When I walked in I felt out of place. As I looked around I realized everyone was dressed to the nine; black suits and long flowing gowns filled the cocktail lobby. I wanted to ground to swallow me; people looked at us like we were lost. My boyfriend at the time worked at Moosejaw too and he attended the concert with me looking a mess, just as I did. We looked at each other and laughed, realizing the only thing that was going to get us through this experience was going to be overpriced cocktails . . . . $9.00 cocktails to be exact.

“Kelly, you know more about classical music than most of the people in this room,” Brandon said to me. In that moment, I decided he was right, and I was going to enjoy the experience and look past the fact that I didn’t exactly fit in with the crowd.

The DSO performance was based on Beethoven, the great, and I was really excited. I grew up with classical music in my home, as my dad played the piano everyday, the guitar, and basically any instrument he could get his hands on. Before I took the class, I knew more about Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky than most people my age because it was a part of my daily life. As I found my seat the feeling of anxiety started to fade. Typically, the wait before a show annoys me; I tend to find myself getting antsy, saying “come on hurry up” in my head, but this time I felt like I needed more than the twenty minutes given to take in everything I was seeing before the Orchestra started. The building was amazing; each tiny square foot of the Theater was intricate, covered in gold, gorgeous statues with hand painted ceilings above.

The performance was amazing too. It’s a blessing and a curse when you can read and hear music as it is suppose to be performed because it makes it easy to find the flaws and pick the performers apart without even knowing that you’re doing it. The DSO never missed a beat; they played each Beethoven piece as if he were standing in front of them, guiding them through their performance. The DSO performs at many different places in the Detroit community, and each performance is just as good as the last. If you ever get a change to see a concert it will change your life. If classical music is not for you, I still recommend attending an event at the Fox Theater, it is an amazing experience and the building is an art all its own. 

"Busk" a Move

One of the most amazing aspects of visiting downtown Detroit is the walk to your destination. Most people go to downtown Detroit for a purpose. Couples may be headed out to a nice dinner in Greek town in cocktail dresses or a nice pair of pants, ready for a fun night out on the town. You may see a group of friends huddled together drinking beers at Cheli’s Chili Bar before the big Red Wings hockey game. Other people are dressed to the nine in gorgeous gowns and suits, walking toward the Fox Theater to catch the show. Others might be running to the casinos to make some quick cash or support bad habits. Walking the streets of downtown Detroit, the city looks beautiful. Tall buildings lead you in mazes as you try to find your way down the right one way street. The sounds of car horns echo between buildings and the lights of offices shine above for those who work later than the typical nine to five-er. People nod and smile as you pass by, and the smell of fresh coney dogs fills the air. If you wanted to you could really spend a whole night just walking around downtown Detroit looking at the architecture and enjoying the sights. Although the sights to see and hear are endless, there will always be one that catches your attention more than the others. Buskers.

Buskers, better known as street performers, street musicians, minstrels or troubadours are people who perform in public places for money and or edibles. Busk means “to seek,” and street performers are doing just that, seeking out their moment in the spotlight, waiting for their shot at fame and fortune. In 1860, busters filled the streets of Great Brittan and today, the legacy still lives on in the streets of the big cities. In Detroit, they are everywhere. The sounds of trumpets, saxophones and guitars fill the streets as you turn the corner. As you get closer to the sound, you will come across a man playing his instrument as if it is a part of him. The street musicians of Detroit perform as if they are standing in front of the entire crowd inside Comerica Park for a Tigers game, even though people may just be listening as they walk pass, or a couple of people stop for a few moments to show their appreciation. Performers empty instrument cases lay in front of them as they play, and they are too busy playing to ever ask for money. The sounds they create are what brings the money to the cases. They are amazing artists, and show it with each song they play. Rain or shine, wind or snow, you will find them entertaining the city. It is an amazing experience to see their love and drive to make music, and if you’re lucky, maybe they will play a song especially for you.

Rockin' the Motor City

Question: What is better than going to a concert and rockin’ out all night?

Answer: Going to a concert and rockin’ out all night with someone who loves your city as much as you do.

Kid Rock (Robert James Ritchie) grew up in Romeo, Michigan, a hop, skip and a jump away from my childhood home. He grew up a rebel child, smashing mailboxes and throwing things at cars as they drove by. Although he loved getting into trouble, he was also a kid who loved rock and roll, urban underground music, and idolized hip hop artists like run DMC. The troubled kid found himself playing shows in basements, focused on his dreams and completely in love with music. In 88’ Boogie down Productions offered him an opening performance that just happened to be watched by Jive records who signed him to the record label that same night. His career sky rocketed from that moment, and he was on his way to stardom. Although he was climbing the ladder, he never forgot where he came from, and never lost his love for the city of Detroit.

I had heard Kid Rock songs on the radio, and I knew the words to the popular songs, like cowboy, all summer long, and picture, but I never really got into Kid Rock. I knew he was a rock star and I also knew he came from the motor city so I liked him just on principle. I decided to go to his concert because it felt like it was a good night to celebrate the city with the man who was able to tell the world how we ALL felt about Detroit, proud. I kind of went in blind, not really knowing what to expect, but I had a feeling it was going to be a really fun time.

People that don’t live in Detroit sometimes look down on it and think the entire city is filled with poverty, drugs, and crime. For those of us who live in Detroit, or in the motor city, we know better. There are amazing sights to see, kind, friendly people to meet, and music to be made. Kid Rock stands by his city and puts on the most amazing concert ever when he’s here at home. 

 "The calm before the storm! C yall' this weekend! One Love Detroit!" - Kid Rock

If you’re living in the Detroit area you have no excuse; but if you don’t live in the area and get a chance to go to a concert while you are here, this is one to see. Kid Rock played at Comerica Park, right in the heart of downtown Detroit, directly in front of the sky line. It was the most beautiful view and I left the concert with an even bigger love for the city we call home.

If It's Good, Do It Twice

 Along with our past knowledge in music comes our future. I was little but I remember it like it was yesterday, my first concert. I was eight and my parents were taking my brother and I to see Jimmy Buffett, the rock star of our household. Being downtown in Detroit was always a blast and I loved walking under the lights of Greek Town, but this time I was on a mission. When we arrived, Hawaiian shirts filled the crowd and I felt right at home. Walking to our seats was like trying to make it through a maze since I was tiny. Once we got to our seats I stood on top of mine so I could see and stared down the stage anxiously waiting. When Jimmy walked out on stage the lights blazed and the crowd went wild. So did I. I knew every word to every song, and it was the only time my Mom let me sing “Why don’t we get drunk and screw,” out loud. I didn’t know what it meant but I thought it was an awesome song anyway. Beach balls crowd surfed from one edge of the stadium to the other, and the guy behind us puked everywhere. I asked my parents what was wrong with him and they told me he had the flu. I believed them and actually felt bad for him. As he continued on, so did I. I jammed so hard that night my throat hurt, and I vowed to never forget it. I never wanted to leave. I thought to myself, “This is paradise…”

By 21 I was working in real estate, smothered in paperwork, in desperate need of a break. That just happened to be the day my cousin offered me two tickets to a Jimmy Buffett concert at DTE because two friends couldn’t make it. How could I say no? Amy, my friend I worked with was down for the adventure, so we shut the office down like we owned it two hours early and headed down 75 toward our escape. It was a sunny summer day and this time I knew my experience would be a lot different. We sat on the back of the car drinking coronas, making friends with any parrotheads we came into contact with. Once we entered, smiling faces lit the way to the Margaritas. They were delicious. Jimmy came out on stage and once again the crowd went wild, only this time I was big enough to see him over the sea of people. My $9 drink spilled everywhere and I could care less. I still knew every word to every song, but this time when I sang “Why don’t we get drunk and screw,” I knew what it meant and thought it was true. A guy hanging over the edge of the fence puking made me laugh out loud because I knew he had the brown bottle flu. Jimmy ended the show singing the Bob Dylan classic “Everybody must get stoned,” and everyone did. As the lights blazed yet again, this time I also saw the blaze of the entire crowd. Everyone was carefree, happy and hammered. I then thought to myself, "O, so THIS is what it's all about?!" It's funny how our views change yet stay the same as the years go by.

The Detroit Shoppe

The Detroit Shoppe at Somerset Mall is an awesome store. The store offers a historical look at all things Detroit, except unlike a museum, you can purchase the items for your very own! I am not much of a shopper, but I spent hours in this store, looking around, exploring our city that had been compiled in to this single space.  

At first glance the store appears cluttered with “old” memorabilia…. it is…. but once you get in and start exploring, you’ll find the clutter is actually an endless amount of really cool, sometimes forgotten things of our past. The best things in this store are like treasures, the more you dig, the more interesting stuff you will find. During the time of the depression, people kept everything, and most stores and homes were cluttered with nonsense, so I guess in a way I understood where they were going with the cluttered look, and realized that was part of the reason I felt like I was taken back through time when I walked in.

As I first walked in I was immediately drawn to the sports section. They had old stadium seats, score boards, and photographs that were amazing. It felt like being at Tiger Stadium in the 1950’s. The store is in sections by certain interests, so next I came to the “Michigan” section. This section consisted of all items born and raised in Michigan. Old Faygo and Vernors glass soda bottles cover the shelves, Better Made products, taffy, and vintage t shirts give Michigan lovers a lot of choices for a treat or even a nice gift idea. It was awesome to see how many different things were actually created in our city. 

Of course, the section that drew me in for hours was the entertainment section. The first thing that entranced me was the pictures. There’s something about old pictures that take you back in time and make you feel like you’re actually there. The section of pictures seemed endless. Although some were expensive since they are vintage photos, I thought it was awesome that each picture in the store was for sale. The pictures were mostly those of performing artists, theaters and actual photos of the city of Detroit in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. It was amazing to see what the city actually looked like that then, what residents wore, and how much has changed since those days. There were even pictures of people on horse drawn carriages before there were cars in Detroit. It took me back in time.

The store also offers a section devoted to music, most of which being Motown music which is directly correlated with Detroit. They have compilation albums featuring the songs of the decades, including all the biggest hits. They also have compilation albums of the most amazing music of Motown. The music section is huge and offers visitors a sample look at the time of Motown, almost like its own mini museum. It’s very cool and you should check it out. 

Motown Museum

When I was a kid one of my most memorable experiences was taking a trip with my Dad to the Motown Museum. Since I grew up in Detroit listening to Motown music, the idea of going to the museum was very exciting. Little did I know what this museum has to offer. I left this museum with a new appreciation for music, and a better understanding of what music is all about and how much goes into making it.

The gallery at the Motown Museum is an awesome way to go behind the scenes and feel as if you’re actually there watching the magic unfold. The gallery displays costumes and uniforms actually worn by performers like the Supremes, the Temptations and Michael Jackson. I’ll never forget how it felt to be arms length away from Jackson’s infamous outfits and sparkly glove.  The original sheet music to Motown’s most memorable songs are on display, including sloppy sketches of lyrics that would one day make some of the most famous songs ever written. Never before seen photos cover the exhibit making you feel as if you’re a part of the jam session you see taking place. Posters and flyers the record label used to spread the word are on display, and the dates of events make you feel as if you are right there in that time, waiting to purchase your tickets. In that moment, you feel like you’re a part of Motown, right there with the artists.  

Another cool part of the museum is the echo chamber.  In the 1960’s, special effect sounds were created in this echo chamber. The museum exhibits the exact chamber the artists used to make their songs. Visitors are encouraged to clap and sing to Motown songs in the echo chamber, making their own music, the same way the artists did. It’s really hands on and I loved being able to actually be a part of making music while I was there.

Visitors are also able to check out the control room equipment originally used to record popular songs like “shop around.” It was very exciting to learn exactly how lyrics and instruments were recorded separately and then later put back together so each part of the song could be perfected.

Motown’s first recording studio, “Studio A,” was the hang out and recording spot for many famous artists. Here at the museum, the recording studio is set up the exact same way it was for the artists of the 1960’s. Visitors are able to stand in the exact same spot as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and many other stars as they recorded some of the most popular songs of all time. It’s an amazing experience to be able to stand in the exact same spot as your idols.

The Motown Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Detroit but even for those who live in the Detroit area, it can be on awesome experience. The best way to understand something that happened is to actually live it. Since we can’t go back to 1960 and relive the magic of Motown, it is nice to know we get the next best thing; the chance to go back and relive it by walking through the exact same rooms and making music the same way the artists did.

The beginning

Before you can understand the impact music can have on a city you have to know where the wave first started, and how it grew to engulf the entire world. On Jan 12, 1959, Barry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Record Corporation right here at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit Michigan. His good friend Smokey Robinson saw an amazing opportunity and urged Gordy to put the plan in motion. With borrowed money, Barry Gordy bought the West Grand Boulevard home and created what would turn out to be one of the most memorable music labels of all time. The music created in the home which would later become “Hitsville USA” moved the nation. Motown songs brought a bright upbeat tempo for listeners with soulful feelings in their lyrically appealing songs about love gone and love for a lifetime.

By 1966 the label was up and running, with 3 out of every 4 Motown songs taking over the charts. “Motown U pros” were the people behind the scenes, styling and making the artists into the stars they became. Motown swept the motor city at the height of the civil rights movement. Since Motown was African American owned business that white Americans could relate to, they couldn’t help but move and grove to the soulful workings of the artists that produced the pop and soul hits that impacted the country. Motown was bringing people together in big ways. 

Vintage Motown: A jam session from the 1960s features Kim Weston (microphone) Stevie Wonder(dark glasses), Berry Gordy Jr. at the piano, Smokey Robinson (center rear) and Marv Johnson, at Gordy's left.

The impact of Motown music, born and bread in our city was much more than radio hits and stars being born, it was the beginning of something bigger. The music changed the lives of those who owned or worked for the company, artists and writers, but it also changed the lives of each person who was moved on the music. Some say Motown died when it moved from Detroit to California in the 1970’s, but if you look hard, you’ll see that Motown and the love of music never really left the motor cities.

What moves you?

I am an elementary education student at Oakland University. I love music both old and new, and I am proud to be born in the city of Detroit, home of Motown, and other amazing music.

I hope to capture and share with you many different types of musical entertainment Detroit has and has had to offer over the years. Music has helped shape our city and it's important to recognize where we came from and where the music of past generations has brought us today.

This blog is designed to give all readers a greater appreciation for the artists who impacted our city in such a great way, and to help those living or visiting in the Detroit area to know where to look to see the magic of the motor cities musical life unfold.