Gov. Rick Snyder at Wayne State University Online

March 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder announced today that he had determined the City of Detroit is in a state of financial emergency and that he will appoint an emergency financial manager to run Michigan’s largest municipality. Gov. Snyder made the announcement in a special program at Wayne State University Friday.

Gov. Snyder also said Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and the Detroit City Council have 10 days to appeal the decision.

The presentation and discussion was hosted by the MiWeek team – Christy McDonald, Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson.

Detroit Public Television aired the entire address live on our main channel, Channel 56. DPTV also made it available on the web at:  http://www.dptv.org/gov.

MiWeek will air a longer one-on-one interview with the Governor tonight at 7:30 on MiWeek.org.

Public Broadcasting – America’s Best Investment
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Speak up for public broadcasting at 170MillionAmericans.org

 

Filed Under: Community, History, Video, Who We Are Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Becoming Michigan: From Revolution to Statehood

April 25, 2012 By

Michigan Map ca. 1812The new program on Michigan statehood at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, it’s easy to see whyAstronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn called Macomb Community College as good a facility as found at any four-year school and better equipped and staffed than most.

“Becoming Michigan: From Revolution to Statehood” brings the state’s early history to life through a remarkable series of exhibits, presentations, lectures and special activities. The exhibition opens Saturday, Feb. 25 and runs through Saturday, May 5.

Like a good museum, the exhibition presents a clear timeline that highlights salient historic events, figures and cultural influences that preceded Michigan’s entry into the Union. After a tour, people will leave with a sense of understanding how the only state in the nation comprised of two distinct peninsulas to life is truly a special place.

A series of presentations by experts in the field will help preserve the Michigan story, including the infamous Surrender of Detroit, in what is sometimes known as the Second American Revolution. The War of 1812 spawned an upsurge in American nationalism and a symbol to support it, The Star Spangled Banner.

Discover the diverse facets of the state’s early history, including the issues of the times, including the battle for the control of the Great Lakes, the booming fur trade, and the dissension between Native Americans and early settlers. And, uncover the role the Toledo War, the nearly bloodless boundary dispute between the State of Ohio and Territory of Michigan, had in propelling Michigan to statehood in January 1837.

For more, visit the Lorenzo Cultural Center.

Program Schedule

  • Feb. 25 – Becoming Michigan: From Revolution to Statehood
  •  Feb. 29 – How Michigan Got its Land: Indian Treaties in History and Myth
  •  Mar. 1 – Great Lakes Vessels of the Old Northwest
  •  Mar. 9 – Before Michigan was Michigan: Lake Superior from the American Revolution to Statehood
  •  Mar. 11 – The Toledo War: The War Between Michigan and Ohio
  •  Mar. 14 – I’ve Got a Home in Glory Land: A Lost Tale of the Underground Railway
  •  Mar. 15 – Invaded on All Sides: The Story of Michigan’s Greatest Battlefield
  •  Mar. 16 – Mackinaw Mission (1823–1837): Window on Michigan’s Statehood
  •  Mar. 17 – Troubled Waters: The Great Lakes Frontier on the Eve of the War of 1812
  •  Mar. 21 – Rethinking Michigan Indian History
  •  Mar. 24 – It’s Maple Syrup Time: Stories, Songs and Dances of Old Michigan
  •  Mar. 25 – Stevens T. Mason: Michigan’s First Governor
  •  Mar. 28 – Revolutionary Detroit: Portraits in Political and Cultural Change 1760–1805
  •  Mar. 31 – The Invention of the United States
  •  Apr. 11 – Michigan’s Quest for Statehood
  •  Apr. 12 – Mr. and Mrs. Madison’s War: America’s First Couple and the Second War of Independence
  •  Apr. 13 – West to Far Michigan: Settling the Lower Peninsula 1815–1860
  •  Apr. 13 – Triumphing Against the Odds: The Elizabeth Denison Forth Story
  •  Apr. 14 – Turning Point: The Battle of Lake Erie
  •  Apr. 15 – Take Good Care of My Michigan
  •  Apr. 18 – A Hanging in Detroit: The Last Execution under Michigan Law
  •  Apr. 19 – Adventures in Michigan’s Past
  •  Apr. 20 – Journey to Paradise (Michigan!) on the Erie Canal
  •  Apr. 22 – Making Michigan and the Civil War of 1812
  •  Apr. 28 – 1812: American’s Second War for Independence
  •  May 3 – Bunyan and Banjoes
  •  May 4 – What Was it Like in Early Michigan Times?

Speakers and programs are subject to change. Events are free of charge and held in the Lorenzo Cultural Center (44575 Garfield, Clinton Twp.) unless otherwise noted.

Pre-registration is required for all events, excluding exhibits and video showings.

Filed Under: Fun, History, Reviews, Who We Are Tagged With: , , , , ,

Driving America Forward

February 20, 2012 By

The Henry Ford My Collections CardThe Henry Ford Museum has put together something truly special for car lovers. And, hey! Around Detroit, that includes just about everybody.

Billed as the world’s premier automotive exhibition, “Driving America” is filled with a collection of some of the most important and recognizable from century-old electric cars, to old and new hybrids, muscle cars, racers and modern-day SUVs.

That’s a given, seeing how it’s the world-famous Henry Ford Museum. What’s new is the technology and how it’s applied. IT’s all built around…You.

“Driving America is different because it isn’t really about automobiles, but about how much the automobile has influenced American culture,” Bob Casey, Senior Curator of Transportation at The Henry Ford, said. “It thoroughly examines the car from a perspective seldom viewed, that of the user.”

Visitors receive a handy Driving America smart card upon entering the exhibit. A chip in the card stores information about what visitor experiences as he or she walks the exhibit. Various stations around the 80,000-square foot exhibit digitally transfer information to the smart card. Visitors later can download a personalized compilation of digital artifacts for online viewing and storage. Hundreds of artifacts on exhibit have their own digital record, so you can tap and enlarge, view automobile exterior and interior images, look at a 360-degree view, scan through original advertisements, repair manuals and more.

For those that are all about the cars themselves, Driving America doesn’t disappoint, offering up a stellar and unprecedented collection of some of the most important and recognizable from century-old electric cars, to old and new hybrids, muscle cars, racers and modern-day SUVs.

There’s nothing like seeing things with your own eyes. For starters, check out the 1865 Roper, the oldest surviving American car or the 1896 Duryea, it’s the last remaining example of America’s first production car. Also on exhibit are The 999, a 1902 racer designed and built by Henry Ford which helped propel the Ford Motor Company, and Old Number 16, the Locomobile which beat the world’s best cars in the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race on Long Island, New York. Time will stop when you stare at the 1967 Ford Mark IV race car, the first all-American car and team to win at Le Mans.

Driving America is a remarkable mix of hundreds of historically significant vehicles, artifacts, digital media, interactive play and personal accounts, this exhibit is like no other in the museum universe. The exhibition features 20 focal areas that cover everything from hot rods and road trips to road food and racing. Some 18 interactive 42-inch touchscreens are sprinkled throughout Driving America, offering hundreds of additional details, images, videos and oral histories.

Seeing is believing. And you’ll want to see it. The Henry Ford Museum really has put up the world’s premier automotive exhibition. It’s filled with cars, history and you. Click here to visit the exhibit online.

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Enjoy an Artful Staycation

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Cultural Alliance of Southeast Michigan Artful StaycationDon’t worry if you or your family are staying home for winter break this year. There are myriad worlds to discover here in Southeast Michigan. You and yours can find and enjoy them with the Artful Staycation.

This series of special events, performances and exhibits are to help those who stay home during “Winter Break” and “Spring Vacation” find something new and remarkable to enjoy without having to travel hundreds of miles to enjoy.

Presented by the members of the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan, the idea is to help students return to school rejuvenated with feelings of having explored new vistas and expanded personal horizons, even if they never leave the region during their break from school work.

In fact, people from around the world come here to experience world-class performances and enjoy real-life treasures presented by the members of the Cultural Alliance, year-round.

Some of the participating CASM organizations with suggestions for winter and spring breaks include:

  • Anton Art Center
  • Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra
  • Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
  • Chamber Music Society of Detroit
  • Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings
  • Detroit Historical Museum
  • Detroit Public Library
  • Detroit Zoo
  • Heidelberg Project
  • Eisenhower Dance Ensemble
  • Howell Conference & Nature Center
  • Mosaic Youth Theatre
  • Motor City Brass Band
  • Michigan Philharmonic
  • Pewabic Pottery
  • Pro Musica Detroit
  • Troy Historic Village
  • University of Michigan Detroit Center
  • University of Michigan Museum of Art
  • University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
  • University Musical Society

Those who enjoy an “Artful Staycation” will be a different person. Inside their heads, they’ll have minds with expanded horizons. Same story for their hearts, they’ve grown.

Filed Under: Art & Design, Classical, Culture, Dance, Film, For Students, Fun, History, Jazz, Music, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Spotlight, Theatre, Who We Are, Words Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Kroger Wants Scholars!

February 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Scholars WantedThe “I Can Make History” contest is open to Michigan students in the Michigan Kroger Division in the 4th through 12th grades. Kroger will award more than $60,000 in scholarships, laptop computers and family field trips to student winners in four categories: art, essay, music and poetry.

All entries should tie into the contests themes. Artwork entries must be original drawings, paintings, paper collages, and/or photographs. Essay entries must be the student’s own work and at least 500 words in length. Music entries must be an original work and a minimum of one minute (not exceeding four minutes).  Poetry entries must be the student’s original work and no longer than 30 lines in length.

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, February 24, 2012.  Learn more at http://www.icanmakehistory.com

Filed Under: Art & Design, For Students, Music, News, Painting, Sculpture, Words Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

MOT CHILDREN’S CHORUS LAUNCHES H.M.S. PINAFORE

January 31, 2012 By

Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Chorus at Detroit Opera House

Love, silliness, and song will be in full bloom when The Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus (MOTCC) presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” on Saturday, March 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the Detroit Opera House.

Subtitled “A Lass in Love with a Sailor,” the one-act comic opera showcases the talents of 44 young performers, ages 10 – 16.  “The kids experience their own production in a professional environment,” said MOTCC Chorus Master Suzanne Mallare Acton. “Wigs, makeup, wardrobe are all designed by professionals. Parents don’t have to make costumes!”

The story tells of the Captain’s daughter, Josephine, who is in love with a lowly sailor, Ralph.  Her father, however, has other plans for her and wants her to marry the Monarch of Her Queen’s Navy, Sir Joseph.  An elopement is planned, but Dick Deadeye, Little Buttercup, colorful shipmates, and assorted mayhem intervenes.  Fear not though, when the curtain falls, love has found a happy home.

The production is fully staged with a new set design by Monika Essen, who also designed the sets for MOT’s production of “Carmina Burana.”  Suzanna Hanna is the costume director, David Pulice directs, and Dianna Hochella is conducting.  “All the principals in this production are children,” said Mallare Acton.  “Our Sir Joseph is 11 years old and the Captain is 13 years old.  I really hope people come out and see them perform.”

Performance: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24, $15 Child up to age 16, $30 Adults 16+.   After the performance, there will be a Q&A opportunity for the audience to ask the cast questions.

Student Dress Rehearsal: 11 a.m. March 23, Advance Tickets: $10 Student/$25 Adult; Day of Dress Rehearsal:  $15 Student/30 Adult

Tickets may be purchased at MOT Box Office, 313-237-SING.

Audition Information
Auditions for the MOTCC’s 2012-2013 season will be held at the Detroit Opera House on May 21, 2012 4:00-8:30pm, June 9, 2012: 12:00-5:00pm, June 11, 2012:  4:00-8:30pm

For more information or to schedule an audition email Megan Warzecha at mwarzecha@motopera.org or visit www.motcc.org.

Filed Under: Classical, For Students, Music, News, Theatre Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Great Music in a Classic Home

January 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Ever attended the “Palmer Woods Music in Homes?”  It’s a great opportunity to enjoy an intimate concert in a historic mansion.  On Sunday, April 22 at 7pm, you’re invited to see the Stellar Piano Trio.  Detroit Symphony Orchestra violinist Adrienne Rönmark, joins her mom, former DSO cellist Debra Fayroian, and celebrated Brazilian-born pianist Maria Meirelles for an evening of Bach, Beethoven and dazzling surprises.

Adrienne grew up surrounded by classical musicians — both her mom and dad were in the DSO for years. Her mom and Maria have performed together since their college days. Adrienne has now joined their ranks, with impressive credentials — her  chamber music collaborations have taken her across the globe with artists such as Pinchas Zukerman, Nigel Kennedy, and others.

After 30 (stellar) years with the DSO, Fayroian moved to northwest Michigan, where she is the founding director of Chamber Music North and Northern Cello Retreat. She continues to perform with many of Michigan’s leading orchestras, music schools and festivals.

Meirelles appears frequently with orchestras in the U.S. and Latin America and is widely known for her performances of Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas, which are now available on CD at the DSO and Detroit Institute of Arts.

TICKETS are sold in advance only: $35 for concert and reception with delicious feasts (concerts often sell out weeks prior to events). Discounts: $30 each for groups of 10 or more ordered at one time for a single concert (use discount code Group). Visit palmerwoods.org or call 313.891.2514 for more info or for assistance with using your credit card. The event planners will send or email you the address of the concert site, each a gorgeous home in Palmer Woods.

To purchase tickets online, visit palmerwoods.org/events/music-in-homes/order-tickets.

The concerts continue each month through the end of June—featuring world-renowned musicians with Detroit roots who perform in a different fantastic home.

As the days get longer and warmer in the Spring, the concerts move under the stars, into tents set in the gardens of gorgeous mansions: dance to Orqesta La Inspiracion with our Latin feast in May and jazz and jazzy classical during a two-day grand finale, June 22-23.

Homes for this year’s concerts are designed by legendary architects, such as Richard Marr, and are embellished with the irreplaceable artistry of old-world craftsmen. A reception with freshly prepared food, often related to the musical genre, is included with each concert.

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