  Legsdiamond Member Username: Legsdiamond Post Number: 30 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 216.222.168.183 |
I'm coming to the Preservation Wayne Theater Tour on the 12th...flying in from Minneapolis just for the occasion. So looking forward to it, mostly because of all the info I've acquired on this forum and others. Got a room at the Ren Cen (I know what my other options were, but I thought I'd enjoy the view), checking out all the restaurants, investigating the club scene. This'll be my first time in Detroit. All my friends here think I'm weird and no one wanted to come with me. So screw 'em. Any suggestions for what else to do on that weekend for a solo guy? Thanks in advance! -Mark | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 1240 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.129.146.186 |
You've already made reservations for the tour, right? You should if you haven't yet. | ||
Legsdiamond Member Username: Legsdiamond Post Number: 31 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 216.222.168.183 |
Yeah I have. Time slipped up on me and I was freaked out that I might not be able to get a spot--but thankfully, I did. I'm on the 10:30. | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 2060 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.150.244 |
Why does your user name sound like a bad strip club? | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 334 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 67.107.47.65 |
Or maybe a heavy metal band. Welcome to Detroit Legs. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2533 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.230 |
Legsdiamond, welcome to Detroit! I will be the on-site guide at the beginning of the tour at the State Theatre. For your 10:30 tour your walking tour guide will be Rebecca Binno, one of Preservation Wayne's most accomplished guides. She is also the president of the Detroit Area Art Deco Society (DAADS), and is a wealth of information about the buildings of Detroit. Go check out the other forum "DETROIT CONNECTIONS" thread "PAGING GISTOK". A forumer from Brooklyn NY mentions that he brought his family here last year and loved the tour. You won't be disappointed in the tour.... the highlights will be the Detroit Opera House theatre museum display... and of course the creme-de-la-creme... the "absurdly spacious" and opulent Detroit Fox Theatre (at 5,174 seats... America's largest surviving 1920's Movie Palace). Looking forward to meeting you! | ||
Detroitej72 Member Username: Detroitej72 Post Number: 13 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 66.184.3.44 |
Legs, You have to have a pizza at the original Buddy's on 6 Mile and Conant. Also take in a Tigers game and see the best team in the majors! (been a long time since we could lay that claim!) | ||
Legsdiamond Member Username: Legsdiamond Post Number: 32 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 216.222.168.183 |
Just FYI, "Legs Diamond" was apparently a fsmous Chicago gangster in the 20's (at least in the movie version)--no strip club connotation intended. (And a flop Bway show starring Peter Allen...which my parents dragged me to when I was like, 14. I loved it.). Now it's my fav screen name. The Tigers game sounds like a go. I have looked at your beautiful city for far too long on my computer screen. I can't wait. | ||
Detroitej72 Member Username: Detroitej72 Post Number: 19 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 66.184.3.44 |
In Detroit we had a gangster in the 20's named "Legs Leman". Also welcome to Detroit Legsdiamond. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7645 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
I think we have a gangster called Legs Lemmons. | ||
Xd_brklyn Member Username: Xd_brklyn Post Number: 170 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.88.89.94 |
Yes, Legs you are in for a treat. Had Rebecca Binno as our guide last year. She knew her stuff and has a real love of the theaters she describes. Also it was extremely hot, like now, but Preservation Wayne had plenty of water ready for everyone. Definitely a good time. | ||
Rsa Member Username: Rsa Post Number: 917 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.215.246.138 |
you won't be disappointed. i've taken it (and was a guide) several times and learned something new each time. actually, the largest surviving movie palace is radio city music hall with a seating capacity of 5,900. but, the fox is the largest remaining 1920's movie palace AND the largest movie theatre in america (radio city removed their projectors in the 1970's). | ||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 498 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 65.185.132.134 |
Radio City did not remove their projectors--I was in the booth in 1996 (my second visit) and they were still there. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2537 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.108 |
As built the 5,888 seat Radio City Music Hall was NOT planned as a movie palace, but within a year had movies. And the 5,920 seat Roxy Theatre, and 5,260 seat Capitol Theatre (both in NYC, and both larger than the Fox) no longer exist, having been pounded to rubble in the 1960's. | ||
Legsdiamond Member Username: Legsdiamond Post Number: 34 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 216.222.168.183 |
Thanks for the welcome, everyone...now if I can just figure out the best way to get from the airport to downtown...  I seem to find no shuttle service.. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2545 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.125 |
The largest venue (in a theatre style) in the country is probably the 6,717 seat Shriners Auditorium in Los Angeles. Although not a movie palace per se, it did have a movie palace elegance to it. It was the venue for the Oscar ceremonies for many years. However the new Kodak Theatre (only about 1/2 the seating) now handles the Oscar ceremonies. | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 1107 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 24.231.189.137 |
The RenCen Marriott has shuttle buses, I dont know if they carry to the airport, but I would certainly think so. | ||
Baltgar Member Username: Baltgar Post Number: 17 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 67.149.94.127 |
If you are a sports fan try to scalp a ticket or get standing room (seats are sold out) for the Tigers v Indians on Sat. night. Either way check out the Elwood bar or Cheli's Chili before the game. Great places to get a brew with all the Tigers fans. The Elwood is located next to Ford Field and Cheli's is on the opposite side of CoPa right across the street. After the game go for a drink at either the Greektown area if you want to be around a crowd. The old Shillelagh is always a good place. If you are into a more laid back jazzy type crowd then check out Bookies Tavern, Cliff Bells or Centaur. For non sports entertainment you can also take a short can ride to Pewabic Pottery on Jefferson or the art district (DIA & Detroit Historical museum) on Woodward. Also you could visit the New Center area with the famous Fisher building and the Model T factory on 411 Piquette Avenue. The T-Plex gives tours on 1st Sat of the month for $10. | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 340 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 67.107.47.65 |
That's nice. So what's the food like? I'm a vegetarian and wondering if the box lunch is veggie friendly. | ||
Harmonie Member Username: Harmonie Post Number: 606 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 198.109.32.15 |
There is a wonderful veggie sandwich. When registering just request the veggie option. | ||
Jenay Member Username: Jenay Post Number: 148 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 68.41.224.19 |
I was looking forward to this all year and I'm so bummed that I'm not able to go (scheduling conflict). :/ Maybe next time. | ||
Detourdetroit Member Username: Detourdetroit Post Number: 232 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 152.163.100.8 |
We look forward to seeing you next week. There are still limited tickets for one of Detroit's most unique tours...  And after the tour, stick around for Woodbridge's Summer Fest http://summerfest2006.blogspot.com/ and for a little more, join us to wish for the "End of the Suburbia" at the Detroit Film Center... http://www.detroitfilm.org/ | ||
Legsdiamond Member Username: Legsdiamond Post Number: 36 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 216.222.168.183 |
This all sounds fantastic. I need to rent a car, right? | ||
Kilgore_south Member Username: Kilgore_south Post Number: 142 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 24.176.20.117 |
Renting a car would probably be your best bet. Doubtless you've seen the ranting around here about Detroit's (lack of) public transit. You can get a shuttle from the airport I'm sure, but if you want to explore anywhere outside downtown you're gonna need some wheels. Welcome to Detroit, have a blast! | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2558 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.13 |
Legsdiamond, few sights anywhere in the country are as moving as the former Michigan Theatre, which is arguably America's largest interior ruin. The former 4,050 seat Michigan Theatre had a narrow auditorium, which made it very deep and very high. The auditorium's ornate plaster ceiling is still suspended 9 stories up. Although Eminem showed the former Michigan to the world in "8 Mile", the theatre space has attracted visitors from around the world for decades. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2584 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.149 |
This Saturday's Preservation Wayne's Detroit Historic Movie Palace Tours will have a different "tone".... The movie palace memorabilia exhibit will not be seen at the Opera House this year, probably because Michael Hauser is busy with new exhibits for the reopening of the Detroit Historical Museum next month. But in place of that exhibit, tour members will be given a rare treat at the Fox Theatre. The Fox's mighty behemoth, the 4/36 Wurlizer Organ will come alive for a short recital by famous Detroit area theatre organist John Lauter. Mr. Lauter knew many of the great silent picture theatre organists (in their later years) such as the great Gaylord Carter. The Fox's Wurlizer Organ is one of the largest theatre organs in the world. This is the first time in my 8 years with the tours, that the mighty Wurlizer will come alive for the tour attendees. For ticket reservations call Preservation Wayne at (313) 577-3559. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2588 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.98 |
I just got word that the 9:00AM, 9:30AM, 10:00AM and 10:30AM theatre tours are completely booked (no walk-ins). So call for your reservations for this Saturday! | ||
Legsdiamond Member Username: Legsdiamond Post Number: 37 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 12.27.2.2 |
Folks, I gotta tell ya...Detroit is one beautiful city. I had a blast on my first day here--from the excellent food, to Greektown, to the awe-inspiring view from my room at the Ren Cen, to the unexpected treat of seeing Blue Oyster Cult at that free concert tonight. Who knew? Can't wait for the tour tomorrow (today, I guess). | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 352 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 4.229.72.30 |
I went on the first tour this morning. Unfortunately the person I rode with had to leave a little early so we missed the Fox and the organ player. Too bad they didn't do the Fox earlier in the tour. Otherwise, no complaints, cool tour. Thanks Pres. Wayne folks. (Also met my first forum person in real life-Gistok) | ||
Gargoyle Member Username: Gargoyle Post Number: 17 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 24.192.189.109 |
Glad you had a good time, Legs. I'm really sorry I missed it (work conflicts) but it will be on my list next time. I haven't been in some of those places since the sixties and would love to see them. Kudos to Preservation Wayne for making such opportunities possible. | ||
Legsdiamond Member Username: Legsdiamond Post Number: 38 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 12.27.2.2 |
The tour was wonderful; and Gistok, you were right: I wanted to cry when I first saw the Michigan Theater. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful over-all experience. And not only was the tour wonderful, but I got a guided road trip from a fellow tour-er of many sights (Brush Park, the train station, Woodbridge, Wayne State, Mexican Town, Tiger Stadium, Orchestra Hall, several churches) before winding up with dinner at the Pierogi Festival at the beautful Sweetest Heart of Mary Church. This was a great weekend. Last thing on the list is tomorrow's service at Mariner's Church (it's right across the street, and I'm sorta walked-out...) Again, thanks to all involved. I love Detroit and I'll definitely be back. And Gistok, it was great to meet you too! | ||
Digitaldom Member Username: Digitaldom Post Number: 463 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 24.192.148.150 |
Yeah I had a good time too on the 11am tour! I will be posting some photos a bit later.. Took a ton.. Have to dither them for this site.. and sort through 150 or so shots.. | ||
Digitaldom Member Username: Digitaldom Post Number: 464 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 24.192.148.150 |
Sorry for the bad quality.. But I am forced to get creative with my dithering... Enjoy...               | ||
Digitaldom Member Username: Digitaldom Post Number: 465 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 24.192.148.150 |
Set #2                   | ||
Digitaldom Member Username: Digitaldom Post Number: 466 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 24.192.148.150 |
Sorry for the quality I had to really screw with the pics to even post them.. This is my 5th time trying to post my photos.. The outdoor ones are sweet.. But I will post them in another thread... | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2623 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.3.117 |
Thanks all, I enjoyed this year more than any other that I've been involved with the tours. For one thing, the weather was the best in the 8 years I've been doing them. Usually it's 85 and 90% humidity during our tours. This year the weather was spectacular. I got the pleasure to meet, Pam, Digitaldom, and our Minnesota "newbie" Legsdiamond! And of course I saw our other PW guides and Forum posters Bob_j and Harmonie. My favorite part was hearing organist John Lauter playing Phantom Of The Opera on the mighty Wurlizer at the Fox. Bravo all! | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 356 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 4.229.81.205 |
I mentioned to our tour guide that I had been to a concert at the Madison in the early 80's. (XTC-1981) She didn't know it had ever been used for concerts. Does anyone else remember other concerts there? | ||
Ramcharger Member Username: Ramcharger Post Number: 34 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 68.42.78.175 |
I don't remember concerts at the Madison. They used to have concerts at the Grand Circus Theater, now the Detroit Opera House. I remember seeing Beatlemania there around 1985. | ||
Legsdiamond Member Username: Legsdiamond Post Number: 41 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 216.222.168.183 |
Hi everyone. I just posted my pics from this trip. There's some repetition, and I haven't had the time to caption them all yet (but you'll no doubt know what you're looking at...) They're at the following addy: http://faculty.uwstout.edu/pru ettm/detroit%20pics%20for%20we b/ Hope the link works... | ||
Digitaldom Member Username: Digitaldom Post Number: 501 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 69.220.232.235 |
Great Photos! Yeah the link works! Yeah I had real problems with my camera and low light.. Hence one of these days.. Gotta get a better one.. |
