Charles N. Agree Bus Tour

A wonderful time was had on our sold out Charles Agree bus tour Saturday the 20th.
Mr. Agree was, of course, the celebrated architect that created the Grande Ballroom. I had the distinct honor of presenting at the Grande stop to Mr. Agree's daughter, grand children and great grandchildren. It turned out half of the bus was filled with Mr. Agree's wonderful family! We finished up with lunch at Cliff Bell's. Cliff's incredible mahogany accented interior is also one of "Charlie's" designs.

Be it known that the superior sound of the Grande Ballroom was the result of this great man's skills and attention to detail. Its splendid Spanish/Moorish decor and exterior made it a jewel set alongside Grand River and Beverly.
If you would like join Preservation Detroit for the next Charles N. Agree Bus Tour - June 16, you may purchase tickets here:
http://preservationdetroit.org/2012/04/01/charles-n-agree-bus-tour-saturday-june-16th/

Charles N. Agree Bus Tour - Saturday May 19

Charles N. Agree Bus Tour Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 10:00 AM Tour begins at Cliff Bells Join us for a bus tour of celebrated Detroit architect, Charles N. Agree's buildings! You have heard of the Grande Ballroom, the Whittier Hotel, and the Vanity Ballroom .. learn all about the life and work of this incredibly talented architect! The tour will be narrated by Greg Piazza, Rebecca Binno Savage and Leo Early. Lunch is at Cliff Bells (an Agree-designed building) and the talk will be about the Grande Ballroom architectural plans! Cost: $50 per person, lunch is included! Parking is on-street or in one of the area lots. Register Here. Cliff Bells 2030 Park Avenue Detroit, MI 48266 Questions? Send an email to info@preservationdetroit.org

Scott Morgan Benefit

Scott Morgan (ex. Rationals - Sonic's Rendezvous - Powertrane) is suffering from severe liver disease. A benefit is scheduled April 14 to help with medical expenses.

Friends of the Grande now on Facebook

"To preserve the history of the Grande Ballroom and its physical edifice while promoting the Culture fostered by its patrons, performers and promoters." 

If you are interested in supporting this mission statement, please join 

the Friends of the Grande on Facebook !

Michael Davis - MC5 -1943-2012

Sad news from California this weekend.
MC5 Bassist Michael Davis has passed away at the age of 68.


Mike was one of the first I ever heard refer to the Grande as "our palace". I have used that term ever since in trying to describe this fanciful place that I myself had never been, but where the 5 lorded over the local music scene during the ballroom's rock heyday.


Thanks for the music Michael. Rest easy.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/bassist-michael-davis-from-influential-60s-band-mc5-dies-at-age-68/2012/02/18/gIQAyIVeMR_story.html

Building Access

In the 10 years I have been writing and researching the Grande Ballroom I have received dozens of requests for access to the building itself. The present owners do not honor such requests for a number of reasons.
As the result of deferred maintenance, the ballroom's condition is extremely poor. Large holes in the roof allow rain to pour in and missing windows permit wind and snow to blow through. Freeze thaw cycles have caused bricks and 100 pound concrete cornices to crash to the sidewalk. The retail lower floor is now a moonscape of liberated gypsum and asbestos The city of Detroit has placed the Grande on its dangerous buildings list. In its present condition the building is un-insurable and injuries sustained by any visitors could be a huge liability for the owners.
I would like to go on record and state that I don't condone, recommend or permit unauthorized entry into the Grande Ballroom building. It is extremely hazardous and unauthorized access is considered breaking and entering as well as trespassing. Please respect this landmark and its owners wishes. - Leo Early

Dick Wagner Book "NOT ONLY WOMEN BLEED"

Reading my pre-release copy of Dick Wagner's new book: Stay tuned for a review and info on a public release date.




NOT ONLY WOMEN BLEED, Vignettes from the Heart of a Rock Musician


Dick Wagner’s Not Only Women Bleed stands tall among a proliferation of memoirs about sex, drugs and rock and roll. Supported by an edgy and ironic wit, Wagner creates rich visualizations that transport and envelop the reader in place and time. An agile and intuitive writer, Wagner’s phrasing is both colorful and literate. He delivers tales of reckless behavior and intimate debauchery with an emotional reverberation that will resonate with a wide reading audience. 
A man whose fans and friends refer to as  “The Maestro of Rock,” Wagner shares a lifetime of experience as a songwriter, lead guitarist and producer/arranger with top international performance and recording artists, including Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Air Supply, and dozens more. ..