Detroit

USA and Canada (April 1 - June 4, 2009). Special concert for fans in NYC (February 19). Concert reports, set lists, photos, media coverage, multimedia links, recollections...
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panjandrum
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Detroit

Post by panjandrum »

We decided to go ahead and get tickets for the Detroit show since they were easily available. Anyone else here heading to Detroit? We've been to Chicago many times, but never to Detroit, so we're looking for suggestions regarding things to do in the vicinity (walking distance) of the Fox Theatre. Suggestions for a good (but reasonably-priced) restaurant would be appreciated.

P.S. I'm sure this will offend Detroit natives, but what is the neighborhood around the Fox Theatre like? I'm assuming it is a nice area of Detroit, but as I mentioned, we've never been there so we really have no idea what to expect.
Walsh75
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Re: Detroit

Post by Walsh75 »

Hello I live about 15 mins. from Detroit itself. I will be at the show too.

Where The Fox area is, it is very safe. Matter of fact, the police tend to that area more than the rest of the city because of all the venues and events.

The Fox is located right next to The HockeyTown Cafe (literally two or three steps away) which is where I plan to go eat before the show. I hope others LC fans will join in.

Right across the street from The Fox, there is Comerica Park (where the Detroit Tigers play) and right next to THAT is Ford Field (where the Detroit Lions play).

Down the street from HockeyTown Cafe, there is The Town Pump Bar. And across the street from that is the more upscale Centaur bar.

All of these places are in quick walking distance to each other, not even 5 mins apart.

And a bit of trivia, Mike Illich and his family are loyal to the city. Without them it would be nothing. He owns the Little Ceasars pizza chain, the Tigers, the Red Wings, MotorCity Casino, AND The Fox. I'm not sure, but he probably has something to do with HockeyTown Cafe as well.

Hope this helps you.
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MarieM
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Re: Detroit

Post by MarieM »

I'm sure this will offend Detroit natives, but what is the neighborhood around the Fox Theatre like? I'm assuming it is a nice area of Detroit, but as I mentioned, we've never been there so we really have no idea what to expect.
I'm in Detroit and I'm not offended. You are right to ask. Detroit is no different from Chicago or any large city. There are areas you don't want to go into. The area around the Fox is fine. Parking is nearby, next door and across the street. The Tigers will be out of town but the Red Wings might be home in a playoff game. Hockeytown Cafe is right next door to The Fox so that could increase the size of the crowd considerably. In any case, it is a concentrated area so there will be plenty of people around before and after the concert. The downtown area is as a safe as the suburbs.

We are actually putting together a little list of places to eat and things to do which we will post here when the time for the concert gets closer.

If you'd like to discuss hotels, send me a message. Detroit is not a mass transit city so your choice of where to stay really depends on if you are renting a car or plan to stay downtown and walk everywhere.
Marie
Speaking Cohen
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MarieM
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Re: Detroit

Post by MarieM »

And a bit of trivia, Mike Illich and his family are loyal to the city. Without them it would be nothing. He owns the Little Ceasars pizza chain, the Tigers, the Red Wings, MotorCity Casino, AND The Fox. I'm not sure, but he probably has something to do with HockeyTown Cafe as well.
I second this. Mike Ilitch began his efforts at the revitalization of Detroit by restoring the Fox Theatre and moving Little Ceasar's HQ above it. The Fox is a jewel and it will be such a treat to see Leonard in a venue so beautiful and accoustically perfect.
Marie
Speaking Cohen
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lizzytysh
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Re: Detroit

Post by lizzytysh »

All these phenomenal venues we're getting ~ Place des Arts in Montreal; The Beacon Theatre in NYC; and now The Fox in Detroit 8) . We are so privileged.

Thanks for your comments regarding Detroit, Marie and Walsh. Originally being from Michigan, I'm very aware of the abyssmal lack of employment there during this economic period; so inquiring as to safety issues is excellent thinking.


~ Lizzy
"Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken."
~ Oscar Wilde
allan1
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Re: Detroit

Post by allan1 »

lizzytysh wrote:All these phenomenal venues we're getting ~ Place des Arts in Montreal; The Beacon Theatre in NYC; and now The Fox in Detroit 8) . We are so privileged.

Thanks for your comments regarding Detroit, Marie and Walsh. Originally being from Michigan, I'm very aware of the abyssmal lack of employment there during this economic period; so inquiring as to safety issues is excellent thinking.


~ Lizzy
Lizzy!

This is Allan, who long lamented passing up a Leonard concert with my eventual wife in Ann Arbor back in the 70's. You were very kind consoling me. I can't remember my account info, so I created another.

I hope you will be attending - Dinner would be on me. Needless to say I will be correcting my folly of youth for passing up my earlier opportunity.

Hope all is well with you - We are still keeping our heads up in the D.
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panjandrum
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Re: Detroit

Post by panjandrum »

Thanks for all the prompt responses. It sounds like we will have a great time exploring the area around the Fox Theatre for a while before the show. We paid to park at the venue (didn't want to bother hunting around), and will probably try to arrive at the earliest hour parking is permitted. We are directly across the state in Grand Haven (almost exactly at the opposite end of 96), so the trip is only about 3 hours. That's a lot shorter than the 7+ hours I drove to see him in Toronto! We are not intending to stay the night though - just going to come in for the day and then head home after the show.
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lizzytysh
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Re: Detroit

Post by lizzytysh »

Oh my gosh, Allan! It's So GOOD to see you here!! This is feeling like old home week tonight. And whoever dreamed Leonard would EVER arrive at your own back door 8) , eh :D !?! I'm of course glad to know that wisdom has won out with you over the years; though, I never doubted that you would seize the opportunity, were it ever to appear again :D .

Yes, I will definitely be attending... and what a totally unexpected and unanticipated offer of dinner! Those plans have yet to be firmed up and it's wholly possible that I may take you up on your kind and generous offer :D ! Only because there are a couple other folks in the sphere of things, already previously there, that I cannot say with absolute certainty at this very moment. Please PM me or vice versa so we can speak more directly about it. What a lovely offer 8) ... I sure didn't expect to see anything like that in this thread! It would be my pleasure to eat with you, Allan [and . . . ].

Yes, all is well with me... and may your heads stay up ~ right where they belong. Your area has much to be proud of.

Isn't this just amazing... Leonard touring. Carpe diem, Allan... as you have this time.


~ Lizzy
"Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken."
~ Oscar Wilde
Walsh75
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Re: Detroit

Post by Walsh75 »

No problem Panja..

To better help you, I'd suggest going to Goggle Maps and putting in the address to The Fox : 2211 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201

You can do a 360 view of everything around it. One side you can clearly see Comerica Park.. Another view shows the half hidden sign of HockeyTown Cafe.

Also here is http://www.hockeytowncafe.com/dynamic.a ... ive%20Menu

That shows the menu AND prices for HTC.

Not sure if Town Pump or Centaur even serve food. And if they do, it's probably basic fried bar food. But I'm sure you can Goggle if they have websites too.
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MusicCityGypsy
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Re: Detroit

Post by MusicCityGypsy »

Is there really a Coney Island restaurant near the fox theater? oh wow, i've been to one near farmington and fell in love!
I really hope so!

also what about the people mover, would any of you suggest using this before and after the show if staying at a nearby hotel?? I checked the people mover and it looked like there was stop close to the fox...
we are thinking about staying at one of the casinos if we can find a decent rate
(we will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary as well as seeing Leonard Cohen, it just worked out that way!)

Thanks.
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MarieM
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Re: Detroit

Post by MarieM »

MCG, the People Mover is an excellent way to get around the city. The station is about a block away from The Fox. Stations are monitored via videos and are very safe. If you are planning to stay at a casino, do not choose Motor City as it is not on a People Mover station. Choose either Greektown or MGM. However, Motor City might offer you the best deal especially if you tell them you are going to a Fox show as the same people who own the Fox own Motor City.

Detroit has a whole big battle between the Lafayette and the American Coney Island which sit right by each other downtown. They are within walking distance of The Fox, a bit of a hike, but I would not recommend walking to them after the show. Go during the day.
Marie
Speaking Cohen
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