Belle Isle’s Remick Bandshell to be restored

Brother and sister duo Johnny Washington, III and Karinda Washington have taken on the task of restoring the Remick Music Shell on Belle Isle to its former condition and usefulness. Karinda Washington explains that the goal of their company, BOTS Entertainment, is “to bring it back to its former level of caliber, so that people are able to utilize it to bring entertainment back to the island.”

BOTS’ restorative efforts have been sanctioned by the Detroit Recreation Department after a series of presentations and meetings. Washington says they explained their goals and how they would go about the work. “We’re really in position now that the city has said ‘go for it.'”

Their first major undertaking took place March 11 through 14 with the assistance of Wayne State University and University of Minnesota volunteers. They were able to clean out the five rooms — two locker rooms, two restrooms and a rehearsal room — inside the bandshell. Next steps include installing new bathroom stalls, forced air and glass block windows and working with interior designers to determine the best use of the space. They hope to be finished by the Grand Prix.

Washington envisions the bandshell as an integral performance space on the city’s roster, “an alternative to Hart Plaza and even Campus Martius,” she says, explaining that not all productions can afford those larger city-owned venues. She envisions music, outdoor theater and film screenings on Remick’s calendar.

The bandshell was named after Jerome H. Remick, a notable local music publisher of the ragtime era. It was once in frequent use as a music venue, even hosting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for some time. Part of BOTS’ mission has been to collect information on Remick himself as well as memories of events that occurred at the bandshell over the years.

BOTS will hold a fundraiser and informative event at the end of July,
hopefully at the bandshell. They would then hold a grand opening
celebration in September, a musical revue featuring music from Remick’s
ragtime era all the way through to current genres.
 
Source: Karinda Washington, BOTS Entertainment
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh