For Immediate Release:
Wednesday October 7, 2009 will mark 43 years since the Grande re-opened as a Rock Venue
and 40 years since the evolution of new shows at the Eastown and Grande Riviera.
Today one venue has been razed and two of these pivotal rock palaces languish in ruins.
The Grande Ballroom edifice is especially in dire straits, its current owners electing to not pursue renovation or demolition. Having collected 100's of petitioners online, the Friends of the Grande group has had efforts at nominating the Grande for the National Historic Registry blocked. The current owners are uninterested in the Grande's history and the fiscal benefits a registration would afford the property. The building's days are now numbered.
As such, limited opportunities remain to photograph and document the Ballroom and the respect many Detroiters still have for this address.
As webmaster of www.thegrandeballroom.com I am compiling 5 years of research, photos and interviews into a comprehensive book entitled.
"Ghosts of the Grande - A Complete History of Detroit's Grande Ballroom"
I have been honored to speak and correspond with countless folks who were part of the Grande experience. I would like to invite each and every one of my Grande friends to stand in reverence and silent protest of the Grande's condition as we image a "Grande Class Photo" which will appear in the book.
I hope you all can join me one more time at the corner of Grand River and Beverly...
Where: Grand River and Beverly - Detroit, Mi.
When: Wednesday October 7, 2009 - 6:00 P.M.
What: Grande Class Photo
Cheers,
Leo
