Inside Detroit’s Coliseum Club

Detroit, a city synonymous with innovation, resilience, and a vibrant cultural heartbeat, has long been a crucible for American entertainment. From the roaring sounds of Motown to the soulful depths of jazz and blues, the Motor City has hosted countless legendary venues. Among these, one stands out for its diverse history and enduring impact: the Coliseum at the Michigan State Fairgrounds.

While many might envision a singular "Coliseum Club" as a jazz or blues haven, Detroit's entertainment landscape was more nuanced. This article will take you inside the storied history of the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum, a true multi-purpose arena that, for nearly a century, was a cornerstone of Detroit's public events, from thrilling concerts to prestigious car shows. We'll also touch upon the broader, equally rich tapestry of Detroit's historic jazz and blues clubs, setting the scene for a city that truly knew how to entertain.

The Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum: A Century of Spectacle

Built in 1922, the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum was far more than just a building; it was a grand stage for Detroit's public life. This 5,600-seat multi-purpose arena was a central component of the Michigan State Fairgrounds, the site of the nation's oldest state fair until its final run there in 2009. For decades, the Coliseum buzzed with activity, becoming a cherished landmark for generations of Detroiters.

Its robust structure, designed by Lynn W. Fry, stood proudly for almost a hundred years, witnessing countless moments of joy, excitement, and community gathering.

Beyond the Fair: Diverse Entertainment at the Coliseum

The Coliseum's versatility was truly remarkable. While it was undeniably the heart of the annual Michigan State Fair, its calendar was packed with a wide array of events that showcased its importance to Detroit's entertainment scene:

• Circus Spectacles: For many years, the Coliseum was the long-time Detroit venue for the thrilling Shrine Circus, drawing families from across the region.
• Musical Performances: The arena hosted a variety of concerts, welcoming big-time stars like Louis Armstrong, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green to its stage. Imagine the energy of those performances echoing through its expansive space!
• Sporting Events: Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Coliseum also served as a significant sporting venue. It was home to the Wayne State University Warriors ice hockey team for several seasons between 1999 and 2008 and even hosted Extreme Championship Wrestling house shows.
• Automotive Excellence: Perhaps one of its most unique and prestigious roles was as the home of the Don Ridler Memorial Award. Since 1964, car enthusiasts flocked to the Coliseum at the Michigan State Fairgrounds to witness some of the wildest hot rods and custom cars in the Motor City, competing for one of the highest honors in the show car world. This blend of automotive passion and entertainment truly cemented its place in Detroit's cultural fabric.

Detroit's Legendary Music Hubs: Paradise Valley and Black Bottom

While the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum was a grand venue, Detroit's entertainment story also includes the intimate, vibrant jazz and blues clubs that thrived in neighborhoods like Paradise Valley and Black Bottom. These areas, particularly Hastings Street and St. Antoine, were the pulsating heart of Black culture and entrepreneurship from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Paradise Valley, often dubbed "Detroit's Las Vegas," was a hub of "black and tan" venues where both Black and white audiences could gather to enjoy performances by jazz and blues legends. Imagine the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Miles Davis gracing the stages of clubs such as:

• The Paradise Theater: Housed in the former Orchestra Hall, this venue was a jazz mecca in the 1940s and 50s.
• Baker's Keyboard Lounge: Detroit's oldest continuously operating jazz club, Baker's opened in 1933 and hosted major acts like Art Tatum, Dave Brubeck, and Miles Davis.
• The Flame Show Bar: A leading entertainment spot and a showcase for African American musicians during the 1950s.
• Cliff Bell's: An iconic Art Deco jazz club established in 1935, which still operates today.
• The Blue Bird Inn: Where jazz greats like Miles Davis and Charlie Parker cultivated their careers.

These clubs, though distinct from the large-scale Coliseum, formed the gritty, soulful heartbeat of Detroit's musical legacy, profoundly influencing American music, including the blues, Big Band, and jazz.

The Coliseum's Enduring Legacy

The Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum, a landmark for nearly a century, faced its final curtain call in early 2022. The site of the former fairgrounds, including the Coliseum, was demolished to make way for a new Amazon distribution center. However, a portion of the building's facade is planned to be preserved, a nod to its architectural and historical significance.

While the physical structure of the Coliseum may be gone, its legacy as a cornerstone of Detroit's diverse entertainment history lives on. It represents an era when the city was a dynamic hub for everything from agricultural showcases and thrilling circuses to high-octane car culture and unforgettable musical performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What was the primary purpose of Detroit's Coliseum at the Michigan State Fairgrounds?

A1: The Coliseum at the Michigan State Fairgrounds was a multi-purpose arena primarily known for hosting the Michigan State Fair, the Shrine Circus, concerts, sporting events like hockey and wrestling, and the prestigious Don Ridler Memorial Award car show.

Q2: Was the Coliseum at the Michigan State Fairgrounds a jazz or blues club?

A2: While the Coliseum hosted musical acts, including jazz and blues artists like Louis Armstrong and Marvin Gaye, it was a large arena and not a dedicated jazz or blues club in the same vein as the more intimate venues found in Detroit's Paradise Valley or Black Bottom neighborhoods.

Q3: What happened to the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum?

A3: The Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum was demolished in early 2022 to make way for an Amazon distribution center. However, its facade is planned to be preserved.

Q4: What were some other famous historical entertainment venues in Detroit?

A4: Detroit was home to many legendary entertainment venues, especially in the Paradise Valley and Black Bottom neighborhoods. Notable examples include the Paradise Theater, Baker's Keyboard Lounge, the Flame Show Bar, Cliff Bell's, the Blue Bird Inn, and the Graystone Ballroom, which hosted a plethora of jazz and blues greats.