Michigan Theater to kick off Blues and Jazz Festival

By Lisa Hoffman

Daily Staff Reporter

The Michigan Theater will welcome audiences through its newly remodeled entrance this Friday to kick off the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival in a concert featuring Erma Thompson and Ruth Brown.

Construction on the front vestibule and facade began in May as part of the theater's $6.2 million summer remodeling to restore the building's original design.

After 15 years of refurbishments, including the addition of the movie screening room, installation of a new heating and cooling system and work on the Grand Foyer and the auditorium, the theater has been restored to resemble the building to its original 1928 appearance. Work on the balcony and stage is scheduled for next year.

After being abandoned in 1979, the theater began operating as a nonprofit organization, and $13.1 million has been raised since 1986 to preserve the building.

Russ Collins, executive director of the theater, said he attributes the fundraising success to the "ability and leadership" of Ron Weiser, the volunteer chair of fundraising for the theater.

"The town's terrific support for the arts and specifically the theater also played a large role," Collins said. "Neil Construction has done a wonderful job and contributed part of their fee to the theater."

Patrons of the Red Hawk Bar and Grill on South State Street also contribute to the theater every time they order a Fundraiser sandwich. The restaurant donates a dollar of the $7.75 cost of the bavarian ham-and-turkey sandwich to the theatre.

Students also noticed the construction that now blocks the area around 603 E. Liberty, but many don't find it to be much trouble.

"I think it's good. With all the tradition being thrown off campus, money needs to be spent to keep the past," LSA senior Dan Levine said.

Matthew Nagle and David Hong, also LSA seniors, agreed.

"The construction is only a minor inconvenience," Hong said. "The theater is a historical contribution to the community life, and it's important to restore the history of Ann Arbor rather than replace it with corporate buildings."

Collins says he hopes students will find the theater appealing.

"We have a huge number of films this year along with many rock and roll events," he said.

The Ann Arbor Symphony also resides at the Michigan Theater, as well as University a cappella groups including 58 Greene and Amazin' Blue.

"It's a beautiful, old-fashioned theater that is amazing to play on, and something that deserves to be preserved," Music sophomore Rachel Parker said.