MUSIC HALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Annual …...reverberates, and the voices of Eartha Kitt and Ella Fitzgerald have reached into the rafters. Traces of Marcel Marceau's silent

MUSIC HALL CENTER

FOR THE

PERFORMING ARTS

Annual Report

2018-2019

THE HISTORIC MUSIC HALL, THROUGH ITS PRESENTATIONS AND PRODUCTIONS (INCLUDING COMMISSIONS OF ORIGINAL

ARTISTIC WORK), PROVIDES SE MICHIGAN WITH HIGH QUALITY PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION THAT REFLECT

THE DIVERSE MIX OF CULTURES THAT MAKE UP OUR COMMUNITY. MUSIC HALL IS DETROIT’S “PEOPLE’S THEATER” – THE PLACE

FOR HIGH QUALITY BUT NON-ELITIST PERFORMING ARTS AND EDUCATION WITH AN EMPHASIS ON DANCE, THEATER AND MUSIC,

PARTICULARLY JAZZ. MUSIC HALL AIMS TO BE THE MOST ACCESSIBLE, INCLUSIVE AND CULTURALLY DIVERSE PERFORMING

ARTS INSTITUTION IN THE COUNTRY.

MUSIC HALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

AT-A-GLANCE*

E V E N T S & A U D IE N C E

100 MAIN STAGE EVENTS 135,000 MAIN STAGE AUDIENCE 150 JAZZ CAFÉ EVENTS 15,000 JAZZ CAFÉ AUDIENCE 50 3 FIFTY TERRACE EVENTS 50,000 3 FIFTY TERRACE AUDIENCE (EARLY EVENING, MID-, AND LATE-EVENING SEGMENTS) 300 TOTAL EVENTS

250,000 TOTAL AUDIENCE

1M+ WEB HITS

56,000 EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS

20+ ORIGINAL COMMISSIONS

C A S T & C R E W

22 FULL TIME EMPLOYEES

280 PART TIME EMPLOYEES

66 TRUSTEES

1,321 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

3,200 TOURING ARTISTS

1,200 LOCAL ARTISTS

75 COLLABORATING ORGANIZATION PARTNERS

300 VOLUNTEERS

S U P P O R T E R S

225 INDIVIDUAL PRODUCERS

30 CORPORATIONS

9 FOUNDATIONS

3 GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

DEMOGRAPHICS

STUDENTS AUDIENCE

56% AFRICAN AMERICAN 40% AFRICAN AMERICAN

7% LATINO 5% LATINO

34% CAUCASIAN 39% CAUCASIAN

1% ASIAN 9% ASIAN

2% MIDDLE EASTERN 7% MIDDLE EASTERN

P E R F O R MIN G A R T S E D U C A T IO N O U T R E A C H 7 EDUCATION PROGRAMS

22,000 STUDENTS

32 SCHOOLS

38 CLASSROOMS

30 EDUCATORS

140 TEACHERS & CHAPERONES

F IN A N C I A L

$7 MM BUDGET

$17.4MM AGGREGATE ECONOMIC IMPACT

800 SUPPLIERS

* A L L NUMBERS REPRESENT ANNUAL TOTALS

ANNUAL REPORT Table of Contents Pages A Brief History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 3 Special in 2019: Building Mural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Special in 2019: 90th Anniversary Archive Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2019 Season: OnStage & Season-At-A-Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6 - 8 2019 Season: In The Classrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 - 11 Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 - 14 Narrative Income Statement Balance Sheet

The People Behind the Scenes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 - 18

Governance Administrative Team Resident Artists

Legacy and Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 - 20 2019 Building Improvements

Addenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 - 25 Executive Committee & Partner Organizations

Board of Trustees

Season Highlights

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts 350 Madison Avenue Detroit MI 48226 - www.musichall.org Page 2

A BRIEF HISTORY

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts opened as the Wilson Theatre on December 9, 1928 with a production of Florenz Ziegfeld’s ‘Rosalie’. Designed and built as a ‘legitimate’ theater (for live performing arts) amidst many new 1920s movie palaces, it is the creation of Matilda Dodge Wilson, who envisioned a top tier venue that welcomed men and women of ALL ethnicities to its audience and its stages. Her commitment to a standard of inclusion, unheard of in its day, remain central to our current mission and work. The building is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Detroit, and most of the original elements – wood paneling, silk drapes, torchieres –remain today.

Fred Astaire and the Ballets Russes have left footprints on our boards, the swing of Count Basie still reverberates, and the voices of Eartha Kitt and Ella Fitzgerald have reached into the rafters. Traces of Marcel Marceau's silent magic linger, and Ray Charles declared us one of his all-time favorite houses to play!

The name was changed to Music Hall when it became home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (1944-1953), broadcasting the Ford Sunday Evening Hour to the nation. In 1953, a giant curved Cinerama screen was installed, along with custom surround projection and sound, drawing fans in such numbers that films ran for a minimum of six months. Michigan Opera Theatre was launched here in 1971, adding opera to the mix of Mrs. Wilson's vision for an inclusive variety house. A courageous band of civic leaders and Trustees saved the building from the ill-conceived civic wrecking ball in 1974.


In 2006, under the new leadership of Vincent C. Paul, a former cloakroom was converted to a second stage: the Jazz Café. In 2018, the venue was re-christened ‘Aretha's Jazz Café’ in honor of the Queen of Soul's wish for a downtown venue to carry on her legacy. A

third stage was also added in 2014, when we opened 3Fifty Terrace on the building's seventh-story rooftop – a

seasonal hotspot nestled among the City’s architectural gems.


SPECIAL IN 2019 : STEVIE WONDER MURAL ON SOUTH WALL Serendipity happens. We’re paraphrasing, but it’s the sentiment of UK-based muralist Richard Wilson, who contacted us last year following his participation in Eastern Market’s murals program. As one of Stevie’s most ardent fans, Richard had his eye out for a canvas large enough to realize his vision. He was stunned to learn that the wall he spotted and had his heart on belonged to one of Detroit’s most iconic music venues. We said ‘YES’ and the rest is history. Arriving in the spring, Richard set about the enormous task of

creating an 8,000 square foot likeness of a young Stevie at the Clavinet. We are simply in awe, and take joy in the great numbers of people who come by or simply stop in their tracks. It’s that amazing!


SPECIAL IN 2019: GRAND OPENING OF 90TH ANNIVERSARY ARCHIVE GALLERY

On December 9, 2018, we celebrated a very special moment: ninety years to the day when Florenz Ziegfeld presented the very first production onstage at the Wilson Theater, so named for the visionary woman who created it – Matilda Dodge Wilson. The Gallery is open to the public every day free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the Skillman Foundation and DeRoy Testamentary Foundation. It contains many hours of enjoyment and learning about Detroit’s history as a world performing arts capital. In addition to physical artifacts such as vintage tickets and programs, there are twenty interactive digital screens with thousands of poster images, organized by decade as well as by topic area. Explore the days of Cinerama, take a turn conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra from Eugene Ormandy’s podium, or sit down next to Billie Holiday at her makeup table as she prepares to go on!


OUR WORK: ONSTAGE & SEASON-AT-A-GLANCE

Our ‘onstage’ work is in in three main categories -- PRESENTATION & ENGAGEMENT, CREATION, and EMERGING ARTIST DEVELOPMENT. Our year-round audience base numbers approximately 250,000 and is spread among our three stages (Main Stage, Jazz Café, and 3Fifty Terrace.)

PRESENTATION & ENGAGEMENT Four content Series comprise the bulk of our programming.

The Lear Family Theater Series consists of ‘page to stage’ creations of classic children’s literature, such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Diary of a Worm. It draws families together and inspires an early love of live performance. The works are created by companies dedicated exclusively to children’s theater, understanding exactly how to show kids that there is life beyond screens! The Contemporary Dance Series, recently including such companies as Diavolo and Complexions, keeps Detroit tuned into the global dance scene and connects us with the region's large dance student community. Another recent highlight was Shen Wei Dance Arts, headed by the choreographer who staged

the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, Jessica Lang Dance, MOMIX – all are companies that see into the future of dance as it is shown on the world’s biggest stages.


The World Cultures Series offers culturally significant, world-class productions drawn from across the globe - engaging with the full spectrum of Detroit’s rich demographic mix and affirming that all groups are important to Detroit’s growth. Recent examples include Dance Cuba, Taj Express Bollywood, and the Haflah Arab Fusion Fest. From the Scots Guard to Spanish flamenco, the Polish Baltic Orchestra to Cirque Chinois, the Series brings the world to Detroit – no passport required. The Music Series includes both established and emerging artists in our Jazz Café and on

the Main Stage. Recent examples include: Raul Midon, the Stanley Jordan Trio, Ethan Bortnick, and Cameron Carpenter. Still humming in our ears are the sounds of Hugh Masekela, Allen Toussaint & the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Gino Vannelli, Stanley Jordan, Jean-Luc Ponty…the Series also has a history of tapping artists just on the brink of fame, such as Jon Batiste (now of The Late Show with Steven Colbert) and Esperanza Spalding.

ORIGINAL WORK CREATION Each year, we commission and present several brand-new works, varying by genre according to the availability of talent and that season’s planning. One of this season’s most highly-visible new works is ‘Woke’ – a work choreographed for the artists of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Woke is a bold, physical, socially-conscious reaction to the daily news with a vision of enlightenment via divine human movement.

EMERGING ARTIST DEVELOPMENT We believe in doing all we can to keep a full pipeline of that extraordinary Detroit talent. Singers, dancers,

instrumentalists, poets, and actors can practice their craft here, building their skills and developing their talent as far as it will take them. Our Jazz Café stage serves as their proving ground at least 4 nights a week, year-round. Main Stage use is also available at cost (mainly consisting of labor) to larger groups. The majority of participants are young Detroiters of color from low-income backgrounds. Approximately 1,200 artists per year take part.



OUR WORK: IN CLASSROOMS We synergize our stage presentations with our performing arts education classes, reaching approximately 22,000 students each year, ages 4-18. The five programs are conducted mainly in the Detroit public schools and have served the District for over a decade. Music Hall’s teaching artists have the rare privilege of working in the classrooms during the school day, thus reaching full classes as contrasted with elective after-school programs. The programs are established for all ability levels. The District’s new leadership, Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti, has confirmed that our programs will continue to be an important part of its in-school curriculum. The programs are the core of our efforts to ensure arts access for underserved communities, as well as to cultivate the next generation of performing arts fans. We know that for many of these students, our programs are their only structured exposure to the performing arts – a discipline proven to benefit students’ academic and eventual career success. The programs are: Jazz Vocal Education, Theatre for Young People, Jazz for Young People, Dance Master Classes, and Jazz Jam Mentor Sessions.

JAZZ VOCAL EDUCATION Now in its twelfth year, our audition-based Jazz Vocal Education program was launched in 2008 under the guidance of Anita Baker and is now led by none other than Scott Gwinnell, the well-known and highly-acclaimed orchestra leader, composer, pianist, and university professor. Mr. Gwinnell creates and implements curriculum, auditions and instructs students, and prepares and presents the culminating performances. Mark McGruder, Ibrahin Jones and other musicians complete the faculty roster, helping the program to expand its reach. The mid-year and year-end vocal recitals in the Jazz

Café are a moving reminder of the power of music to transform young lives. Receptions for friends and family follow each recital, honoring and celebrating the students’ achievements. In the spring, all the students from all the schools are invited to audition before a three judge panel to be cast in Music Hall’s annual gala evening on the second Friday of June.

Cass Technical High School * Cody Academy of Leadership * Duke Ellington High School * Detroit School for the Arts* East English Village * Gompers * Martin Luther King Jr. High School

* Renaissance High School * Spain Middle School


CONTEMPORARY DANCE MASTER CLASSES

In conjunction with our Contemporary Dance Series, which connects Detroiters to the world’s global dance scene, we bring teaching artists from our touring companies together with the area’s aspiring dancers. We scan the globe for dance that represents our region’s diverse cultures as well as work that keeps Detroit in the loop with the latest developments in contemporary choreography. Recall that Sonya Tayeh, of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and now a sought-after Broadway choreographer, emerged from Detroit’s creative dance pipeline.

JAZZ FOR YOUNG PEOPLE We have recently completed our 16th year of this jazz appreciation course, based on the popular concert series from Lincoln Center. The curriculum is flexible for elementary - middle school students. Lessons explore core concepts and major figures in jazz, and use interactive components to enliven this rich cultural heritage. The form’s definitive musical elements are taught, as well as its relationship to current culture and music. Interactive multi-media components bring this rich cultural heritage to life. In addition to learning the form’s definitive musical elements, connections are made to its influence on current culture and music for an up-to-the-moment relevant experience.

Beard Elementary School (2) classrooms * Duke Ellington at Beckham Academy * Blackwell Academy - Detroit (2) 5th Grade Classes * Burton International (5) classes * Carver STEM

Academy (5) classrooms * Amelia Earhart Elementary (2) classrooms * Emerson Elementary/Middle school (2) 6th grade classes * Fisher Magnet Lower Academy * Golightly Education Center * Munger Elementary (2) classrooms * Pasteur Elementary (2) classrooms *

Pulaski Elementary (2) classrooms * Priest Elementary/Middle School, and Schulze Elementary/Middle School


JAZZ JAM SESSIONS The jam session has always occupied an important place in the history of jazz education, giving young musicians the open-access training they need to develop their craft while learning from more experienced peers. Students develop the confidence needed to survive the night, playing different tunes in unfamiliar keys, with difficult tempos, in front of an audience, oftentimes alongside virtual strangers –

they begin to speak the language that only other jazz players understand.

THEATER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE In addition to beauty, wonder, and creativity, the arts bring proven academic benefits to pre-school children, demonstrating marked improvements in learning ability and developmental milestones. Our early childhood literature and theatre program was begun through a partnership with the PNC Foundation, which initiated a multi-city national effort to effect positive change in the school readiness of children in low-income communities. Our longstanding working relationship with the Detroit Public Schools system allows our instructor Jason Smith the rare privilege of working ‘in residence’ in 14 DPS elementary schools each week, rotating among 29 classrooms and reaching 2,000 children per year. Building curriculum around a classic story to be presented on Music Hall’s stage as part of our Family Theatre series, he brings a book to life with interactive play and lessons that build comprehension. Each child receives a copy of the book to share with family, and at the end of the eight weeks, the children and their families are invited, and transported by bus, to experience the live theatrical interpretation of the story they have studied. The program is rigorously studied and evaluated and is a national model of successful intervention that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond as fully engaged active learners.


FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CURRENT Music Hall is audited each year by the Montgomery Associates Certified Public Accounting Firm. We ended fiscal year 2019 with a major cash surplus, and expect to end 2020 with a substantial surplus as well, marking ten consecutive years with net positive cash flow -- an extremely positive indicator for success and sustainability into the coming decades. Our overall capacity is demonstrated by the consistent production of events on all three stages, as noted above. This success is based on a business model that continues to develop diversified revenue sources including a parking lot, rooftop venue, advertising video board, a community festival, and increased relationships with local and national promoters. Notably, 2019 marked the sixth successful year of operations of the 3Fifty Terrace, an important revenue-generating space that thrives in the warm months when theatres traditionally go on hiatus. In addition to its weekly programming, the Terrace is rented for weddings, concerts, corporate parties, and dance events.

FUTURE All signs for 2020 trend positive and demonstrate a steady increase in community impact. Our three stages are in constant use; our building is a hub of cultural exchange and discovery. As Detroit experiences a rapid rate of growth and reinvestment, Music Hall finds itself in the midst of an increasingly vibrant downtown Theater District, and we are excited to serve this dynamic and growing population.




THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES: GOVERNANCE

Mr. Alex L. Parrish, Mr. Vincent C. Paul, Chairman President & Artistic Director

Mr. Leland Bassett, Mr. Elliot Hall, Mr. Cameron Duncan, Mr. Shaun Wilson, Vice-Chairman Vice-Chairman Treasurer Secretary Music Hall is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. It is governed by a 66-member Board of Trustees, which is led by a 17-member Executive Committee. Our Trustees are leaders in the business and cultural communities and – as with our staff – reflect the true demographic diversity of the community in which we live and work. The staff is comprised of the President / Artistic Director, 22 full-time artistic, operations and development professionals and approximately 280 part-time staff of ushers, stagehands, bartenders, servers, cooks, electricians, marketing, maintenance staff and artists. Our current annual budget is approximately $7MM. The key staff at Music Hall have a minimum of seven full years of working together – a tight and supportive group focused on furthering our mission. With an extensive network of contacts throughout the community, our team makes sure that Music Hall is continually operating at peak performance.

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Vincent C. Paul, President and Artistic Director International performing arts specialist with 30 years’ managerial experience Karen McBride, Main Stage Director of Programming, Education Director National and international performing artist management specialist with 35 years’ experience


Ted Nagy, Jazz Café Director of Programming Local and regional music specialist with 25 years’ experience PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING Maria Petrenko – Graphic design, branding, marketing, program direction Rick Manore - Media and press relations Molly Sute – Digital media Jerald McBride - Media purchase & placement specialist PRODUCTION Keith Miller – Technical Director JAZZ CAFÉ MANAGEMENT & CONCESSIONS Derek Gillis - Food & Beverage Manager Colin Casey – Executive Chef OPERATIONS Bob Johnson - Front of House Manger Cindy Morgan - Box Office Manager DEVELOPMENT Julie Gervais – Director of Capacity Building Latasha Burnett – Trustee Relations Manager & Development Specialist EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Scott Gwinnell - Jazz Vocal Ed. and Jazz for Young People Programs Director & Instructor Jason Smith - Pre-K instructor & Coordinator / Grow Up Great and Instructor / Jazz for Young People Jordan Schug – Jazz Band Ensemble Instructor and instrument tutor Curtis Boone – Choir Director Sean Perlmutter – Percussion Instructor Angela Barrow - Professional Development / DPS teachers / Theatre

ARTISTS – IN - RESIDENCE

Scott Gwinnell, Music Education Director Scott is a pianist/composer/arranger/educator from Detroit. He has performed, recorded, and/or toured with Aretha Franklin, Vanessa Williams, Roberta Flack, Rodney Whitaker, Marcus Belgrave, Delfayo Marsalis, and many more luminaries. He has played on over 20 recordings and has five records to his own name. His trio is the Friday evening house band at the historic London Chop House, and he was the first artist signed to the Mack Ave. subsidiary label, Detroit Music Factory. As an 11-time award-winning BMI composer, Gwinnell has written over 400 compositions and arrangements ranging from solo piano to

symphony orchestra. He has taught music full and part time at the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, and Wayne County Community College. In addition to his Music Hall position, he is the Ensemble Director for MSU Community Music School and a lecturer at Oakland University.


Kern Brantley, Leader of House Band ‘KINGDOM’ Performing in Aretha’s Jazz Café as his touring schedule permits, Kern serves as the bassist and musical director for some of the biggest names in music today. His extensive resume includes work with Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Mary J Blige, Ne-Yo, Destiny’s Child, Chris Brown, Chinese superstar JJ Lin, and many more. He has performed in over 2,000 live shows, including 20+ concert tours. He has 50+ TV appearances including the Grammys, Oscars, The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, Ellen, Oprah, SNL, and more. He has over 100 recording credits that include Grammy-winning and multi-platinum selling albums. Kern cites his Detroit upbringing and influences with the inspiration and direction for his style & mastery of the electric bass.

Michael Ibrahim, Founder & Music Director, National Arab Orchestra Founded in 2009, the NAO was originally a takht – a small chamber music group comprised of oud (Arab lute), qanun (Arab harp), violin, nay (Arab reed flute) and riqq (Arab tambourine). As it grew to become a full orchestra comprised of musicians of both Arab and non-Arab backgrounds, the NAO became Music Hall’s resident orchestra in 2012. The Orchestra is committed to presenting both traditional and contemporary Arab music and to bridge social and cultural barriers.

BAIRA Movement Philosophy Recently returned to their hometown from NYC, BAIRA is a Detroit based dance-theatre company under the direction of Shaina and Bryan Baira. Born circa 2014, their approach to movement harmonizes entertainment, social consideration, and artistic innovation and is rooted in extreme athleticism, refined sensitivity, and a deeply evocative, personal theatricality. BAIRA productions revolve thematically around relationships and life, seeking to inspire consideration for the potential of our human experience. They work in the belief that while art may not change the world alone, it will inspire the next conversation, idea, or person who will.


Gwen Foxx, Vocalist in Residence: Foxxy Gwensdays An exhilarating song stylist, Gwen specializes in R&B, jazz and classical standards. She has performed at the "Gospel Mega Fest" with T.D. Jakes, at the Atlanta CNN Conference Center with KEM, at the Blue Note Lounge with Chaka Khan, at Aretha Franklin’s Annual Christmas Celebration, at the "Essence Music Festival" with Luther Vandross and many more. Miss Foxx served as vocal director and background singer for Mary J. Blige on her ‘Share My World’ Tour. Her solo debut CD "Quiet Storm" on Milan Records represents a beautiful mix of velvety jazzy R&B with a hip hop flavor. The title track "Quiet Storm" is a mid-tempo delight pulls at your heartstrings as her voice guides you through a quiet storm.

Joel ‘Fluent’ Greene, Poet in Residence Joel Fluent Greene is a Detroit based Poet, Author and Event Curator. A ‘Spirit Of Detroit’ Award winner, Joel was the long-running host of Detroit’s iconic Cafe Mahogany poetry nights and has shared the stage with acts as diverse as The Roots, Pharrell Williams, The Last Poets, Big Sean, Saul Williams, jessica Care moore, and The Detroit Red Wings. He has also acted as Master of Ceremony at events for Fiat Chrysler Corporation, 100 Black Men of America, Inside-Out Detroit, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and Music Hall Center for

the Performing Arts. As former director of Music Hall's Words and Rhythms of the D outreach program, he has held workshops and performances in over 50 schools in the Metro Detroit area. Author of four collections of poetry: WAXING/waning, Poems of Bungalow & Concrete, Somewhere In The Middle/ Love Poems & Felt. A Collection of Personal Favorites. Joel is currently creative writing instructor at Mariners Inn, a shelter and treatment center located in Detroit. He performs at least once a month in Aretha’s Jazz Café, also serving as impresario for the perpetually sold out poetry series, ‘A Man Can Change’.

Igor Gozman, Puppet Artist in Residence Under Igor’s Artistic Direction, PuppetART has been delighting family audiences in downtown Detroit’s Entertainment District for 20 years. When development usurped their longtime space in 2017, Music Hall welcomed the creative team as Artists In Residence. PuppetART’s repertoire is rooted in classical European puppetry, mixing favorites such as Snow Queen and Crane Maiden with original creations such as Banana for Turtle. Igor & his team work with Music Hall educators to create engaging family activities. “… from the Universe perspective, humans are the

microbes designed to convert material into spiritual”.


LEGACY AND ARCHITECTURE Beginning in 1924, a team of architects lead by William Kapp from the renowned firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls traveled to London and throughout France, Italy and Spain. Their patron was Detroit's visionary heiress Matilda Dodge Wilson and their mission was to visit the great theaters and opera

houses of the day, taking note of the best acoustics, sightlines, technical capabilities and décor. This would inform their creation of a world-class variety performing arts theater in Detroit, Michigan. For $1.5MM, they created The Wilson Theater, a house equal to any of the world's finest live performance venues. Inclusion and accessibility were key to the Theater’s original mission. As a participant in the fledgling auto industry, Mrs. Wilson had witnessed the impact that cultural diversity played elevating Detroit in innovations and technology, and she believed that theatre must be made available to everyone regardless of their race, culture or financial means. The theatre was constructed as a 100' x 160' rectangular, six-story Art Deco Theater with walls of light colored stone. Orange and tan brick were used as ornament and the building is trimmed with colorful mosaic tile inside and out. The entrance facade is divided into several bays by wide stone pillars topped by theatrical terra cotta masks representing comedy and drama by Italian sculptor Corrado Parducci and thin pillars separating window bays. The stunning interior, decorated in an elaborate Spanish Renaissance style, seats 1701 guests. At its debut, the venue boasted perfect sightlines, polycylindric walls for impeccable acoustics and not one seat more than 77 feet from the stage. On December 9, 1928, the grand opening of The Wilson Theater in downtown Detroit set in motion a 91-year legacy with an opening gala presentation of the Ziegfeld Follies. Florenz Ziegfeld himself was one of the first members of the board. This legitimate theater originally housed touring Broadway productions in Detroit's main theater district. The name was changed to Music Hall when it became home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra - from 1944-1953. In 1953, Music Hall became home to CINERAMA, and quickly built a following that commanded six-month runs of the popular CINERAMA pictures. In 1974, city planners slated Music Hall for the wrecking ball in order to merge Madison and Gratiot Avenues. A concerted intervention by the loyal board of Trustees, The Detroit Renaissance, Kresge Foundation, and community leaders succeeded in saving this historic theater., which received its historic State marker on September 12, 1976 and was added to the National Historic Landmark registry the following year (Site ID#P25287). In 1986, a 5-year strategic business plan was formulated and a $6.5MM facility restoration campaign commenced, which returned the classic Art Deco hall to its original grandeur. Since then, numerous restoration projects and exacting general maintenance have kept the Hall running and looking beautiful.


2019 BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

In recent years, Music Hall has been the grateful recipient of a wealth of donated labor and materials in service of ensuring the building’s safety, comfort, and overall excellence. It is the work of Integrity Building Group, led by Trustee Brian Mooney, and in 2019 numerous significant projects added to the portfolio. To see the sum total, you must pay a visit but we’ll list a few highlights here!

Aretha’s Jazz Café, renamed to honor the Queen of Soul and her wish for a downtown venue that would carry on her legacy, received a stage renovation, a new limestone bar top, decorative wood paneling that echoes the original Wilson Theater ‘WT’ logo. The artists’ greenroom, a revered space where performers prepare themselves to go on, break bread together and generally support each other, was completely renovated. Warm wood paneling, comfortable plush seating, a well- lit kitchen island that echoes the comforts of home – all are features that have won wide acclaim from the artists that utilize the space (including Snoop Dogg, who added his signature tag to one of the walls – probably never to be erased!).

And a special feature from the bygone days – the speakeasy corridor entrance that brought patrons into the entertainment spaces with the greatest of discretion via the side entrance, was returned to its mysterious glamour and atmospheric charm. To Brian and his crew, we say the biggest and most heartfelt THANK YOU from one and all!


ADDENDA

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mr. Alex L. Parrish, Chairman

Mr. Leland K. Bassett, Vice-Chairman Mr. Elliot Hall, Vice-Chairman

Mr. Cameron Duncan, Treasurer Mr. Shaun Wilson, Secretary

Mr. Vincent C. Paul, President Mr. Julius Combs

Mr. Gordon Follmer

Mr. David Gaskin Mr. Brian Mooney Mr. Roy Roberts Mr. Allen Ross

Mrs. Michele A. Samuels Mr. Ricardo Solomon Mr. Jeffrey Vanneste

Mr. William Patrick Young PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS CORPORATE SUPPORTERS AAA, AARP, Absopure, Adams Outdoor, Ahee Jewelers, Avis Ford, Bank of Ann Arbor, Bassett Business Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Bridgewater Interiors, Broadway in Detroit, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Comerica Bank, Detroit Athletic Club, Dana Corporation, DTE Energy, Detroit Regional Chamber, DTE Energy, DIME Detroit, Emerald City Designs, Energy Design System Services, Fifth Third Bank, Ford Motor Company Fund, Greektown Casino-Hotel, Global Alliance Automotive, Henry Ford Health Systems, Honigman, Integrity Building Group, ITC, Johnson Controls, Kenwal Steel, Lear Corporation, Masco Corporation, Mercedes-Benz of St. Clair Shores, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan Chronicle, Morgan Stanley, Netlink, PNC Bank, PWC, Quicken Loans, Rock Ventures, Sue Ellen Eisenberg & Associates PC, Strategic Staffing Solutions, UAW, UHY Advisors, Warner Norcross & Judd, Xeeva MEDIA PARTNERS Arab American News, Between The Lines, BLAC Detroit, CBS Outdoor, Chinese News, Crain’s Detroit Business, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Detroit Media Partnership, Detroit Public Radio, Detroit Public Television, El Central Hispanic News, iHeart Media, MetroParent, MetroTimes, Michigan Chronicle FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT PARTNERS ArtsMidwest, Bloomberg Philanthropies, City of Detroit, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Detroit Downtown Development Authority, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Detroit Theater District Business Association, Detroit Public Schools Community District, DPS Foundation, DeRoy Testamentary Foundation, Erb Family Foundation, GM Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, New England Foundation for the Arts, Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation, Milner Hotels Foundation, Skillman Foundation





Documents

MUSIC HALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Annual …...reverberates, and the voices of Eartha Kitt and Ella Fitzgerald have reached into the rafters. Traces of Marcel Marceau's silent