24 years ago in Metro Times: "In a large and venerable old laboratory on Woodward Avenue, an experiment is being conducted which will attempt, through recombinant techniques, to graft two previously unmelded properties. They are both uniquely American traditions: bowling and rock and roll," Bob Gordon writes as he describes what was then the Garden Bowl. The music may change, but it seems as though the experiment has worked as Garden Bowl is still kicking at the self-proclaimed oldest active bowling center in America, and it's part of the sprawling and successful Majestic Theatre Complex. What was happening: Aretha Franklin at the Music Hall, Van Halen at Joe Louis Arena and A Flock of Seagulls at the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
11 years ago in Metro Times: Herb Boyd remembers Ken Cockrel Sr. on the 10th anniversary of his death. Cockrel, who was a local attorney, was also a staunch political activist as a member of DRUM (Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement) and the League of Revolutionary Black Workers. Cockrel's legacy was carried on politically by current City Councilman Ken Cockrel Jr., who had a stint last year as interim mayor. "No one understood the machinations of downtown Detroit as well as he did. The land development schemes, the termination of Recorders Court, these were things he foresaw and struggled to retain for the sake of a democratic Detroit," Boyd wrote of Cockrel Sr. What was happening: Lagwagon at St. Andrew's Hall, GWAR at Harpo's, and W. Kim Heron, current MT editor, hosted his weekly live jazz show on WDET with guest Andy Bey.
6 years ago in Metro Times: Charles L. Latimer sits down with Baker's Keyboard Lounge co-owner John Colbert and jazz historian Jim Gallert as the club celebrates it's 70th birthday. Colbert and Juanita Jackson purchased the club in 1996 from Clarence Baker, whose father Chris opened the club in 1934. What began as a restaurant, slowly transformed into one of America's premier places for jazz talent that included such national jazz icons as John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson. The club celebrates its 76th anniversary on May 24, with festivities on May 1, 4 and 5. What was happening: Nelly Furtado at the Michigan Theater, Savion Glover & Bobby McFerrin at the Fox Theatre, and Blondie at Clutch Cargo's.
