I had been in contact with Emily Jeal, a researcher for the BBC in London. Emily and her production team are making a 1 hour television film on Detroit music. Her request for access to the building could not have been more perfectly timed considering the new partnership with the CHMBC and the F.O.G.
Dr. Smith's office graciously made arrangements for us to meet a representative from the Church at the Grande site.
I arrived at the site a little early to discover Emily and her crew interviewing a certain white haired gentleman on the open field across Beverly. His name was John and he was spinning tales from ages past that had the Brits spellbound.
As we needed certain safety equipment to enter the building, I had asked F.O.G. member Tom Lubinski to pop by. Tom graciously provided hard hats etc. to keep everyone safe from the odd falling plaster nugget.
We were pleasantly surprised to see that the Reverend Dr. Smith himself visited the shoot to meet Emily and company. As we had some time before the interview session was finished, it was decided an "advance inspection team" would tour the building including the Dr. Smith, Tom, Myself and four of CHMBC's trustees and deacons.
I spoke with the Reverend about the water damage and the challenges in sealing the building as tightly as possible while still allowing ventilation. The Reverend was impressed with the remaining architectural details and showed concern for their restoration and or salvage. Mr. Lubinski and I made some suggestions and offered help and donation of materials. I hope to arrange another meeting of concerned parties with the Reverend very soon. We spent about 20 Minutes in the building, then it was time for the next group.
The Reverend and his crew handed off the hard hats to the BBC and we were off. The BBC rolled footage all the way of what turned out to be John Sinclair's first visit to the building since 1972. We tromped through the dark musty lower level to the sound of John's raspy "wow" every so often. Cameras blinking, we ascended the staircase into bright sunlight streaming through the open windows. 39 years ago to the day, and Elektra records and their remote truck were setting up outside to record: MC5 Kick Out the Jams
We talked in whispers as the camera crew stalked John around the ballroom. I would have liked to have talked with John more, but deferred to the BBC and tried to stay out of the way. While cameras were being reloaded, we did manage to chat about the Translove concessions outside Russ Gibb's former office.
The Minister of Preservation with the Minister of Information.
"If these talks could wall"I hope to get more feedback and reactions from John in the days to come when schedules are not so tight.
Today was the first day for key members to seriously begin assessment of the building's viability. Stay tuned as we continue to work with the CHMBC to hopefully stabilize this asset.
Please continue to respect this property that has suffered greatly over the years at the hands of material scrappers, souvenir hunters and architectural salvagers.
Cheers,
Leo B
Webmaster
Coordinator - Friends of the Grande
