The Hip Places To Be In The D History

Graystone Ballroom – Located on Woodward Avenue near Canfield, the Graystone Ballroom was one of the most renowned dance halls in the nation during the 1920s and 1930s. it served as the home base for McKinney’s Cotton Pickers and welcomed national jazz acts such as Cab Calloway and count Basie to its stage. The building was demolished in 1980, after decades of neglect.

The Roostertail – Named for the spray created by the wake of a fast-moving boat, The Roostertail has been one of Detroit’s premier waterfront destinations since 1958. The venue was a favorite stop for many of Detroit’s twentieth century musical icons, from Motown great Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

Flame Show Bar – Located at the corner of John R and Canfield, the Flame Show Bar was one of the leading entertainment spots in Detroit’s and a showcase for African American musicians during the 1950’s. The club’s bandleader, Maurice King regularly welcomed headliners like Billie Holiday, Della Reese, Sam Cooke and Dinah Washington.

DTE Energy Music Theatre – Opening as the Pine Knob Music theatre in 1972, this outdoor Amphitheatre located in Clarkston MI seats more than 15,000 people and is considered to be one of the country’s top outdoor music venues. Each summer it hosts concerts my local favorites, including Kid Rock, and national acts ranging from Jimmy Buffet to Aerosmith.