Hot day at Hitsville USA

[DWSheffer]

Hello All,
I enjoyed a nice day at Motown yesterday, although it was a bit warm in the low 90's, it was great as always just to be there. A couple neat items viewed on this trip was Stevie's harmonica used in the early days on the "Fingertips" recording and others, as well as Jack Ashford's tambourine used in many hits.
I think my favorite memory will be the 5 minutes I spent alone down in Studio A. It's awe inspiring each time to stand in that room and "take it all in" so to speak.... so much history there, especially for us fanatics! If you haven't visited the museum yet, I'm sure it's on your bucket list and is certainly worth it.
Darin

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[thommg]

I was also able to have 5 minutes alone in Studio A when I visited the museum. It was almost a religious experience. You can feel the energy just bouncing off the walls, and picturing the setup of the room and hearing the singing in my head, just overwhelming. Yes, I would agree that it is a great museum to visit, especially if you are a Motown baby!

[jobucats]

The above posts about visiting Hitsville USA were very warm reflections of their experiences. Along with visiting the Grand Canyon, Hitsville USA is a placed I've always wanted to experience. I tend to get overwhelmed emotionally when visiting such sites, so I can just imagine the feeling of being in Studio A where, as thommg stated, "You can feel the energy just bouncing off the walls...."

One question to those who have visited. Does the Motown Museum [[Hitsville USA) ever just decide not to open on a day when it is scheduled to open without giving advanced notice on its website? I would hate to travel from Atlanta to Detroit only to find that the facility was closed for the day. [[Of course, I am one who would call in advance.) Is parking an issue if I were to decide to drive?

[daviddh]

On my bucket list

[DWSheffer]

It certainly is an emotional experience jobucats. Early in the tour you watch a movie about Motown. As it was nearing the end of the video, footage of the Vandellas singing "Dancing in the Streets" came on, I actually started to tear up, knowing that in a short time I would again be in the place where this very song was recorded.

The only tips I can offer are to arrive as early as possible. My friend and I arrived at 11 am and the next available tour was 1:30 pm. I called a couple days ahead to see if there were any large group tours scheduled for Friday, which there were not at that time, but tour buses were lined up out front when we arrived. The lady on the phone did advise that the busiest days are Thursday through Sunday, especially for tour bus traffic. You might want to visit early in the week.

I have not heard of the museum closing unannounced. I would certainly call a day or two ahead to check though, as you mention. There is currently construction in the area, some of sidewalk in front of Hitsville was actually removed and being replaced. Parking for us was a bit more hard to find as the whole block was coned off, yet cars were still parking there. Being from out of town we didn't want to take a chance of getting towed so we parked a bit of a distance away and walked to the museum. There is a lot of on street parking around the area, so I don't think it should normally be an issue. Hopefully you can make the pilgrimage soon! :)
Darin

[woodward]

It certainly is an emotional experience jobucats. Early in the tour you watch a movie about Motown. As it was nearing the end of the video, footage of the Vandellas singing "Dancing in the Streets" came on, I actually started to tear up, knowing that in a short time I would again be in the place where this very song was recorded.

The only tips I can offer are to arrive as early as possible. My friend and I arrived at 11 am and the next available tour was 1:30 pm. I called a couple days ahead to see if there were any large group tours scheduled for Friday, which there were not at that time, but tour buses were lined up out front when we arrived. The lady on the phone did advise that the busiest days are Thursday through Sunday, especially for tour bus traffic. You might want to visit early in the week.

I have not heard of the museum closing unannounced. I would certainly call a day or two ahead to check though, as you mention. There is currently construction in the area, some of sidewalk in front of Hitsville was actually removed and being replaced. Parking for us was a bit more hard to find as the whole block was coned off, yet cars were still parking there. Being from out of town we didn't want to take a chance of getting towed so we parked a bit of a distance away and walked to the museum. There is a lot of on street parking around the area, so I don't think it should normally be an issue. Hopefully you can make the pilgrimage soon! :)
Darin

Just curious if you joined the I AM MOTOWN club? It is a very worthwhile project to help support the Motown Museum. Hopefully everyone who loves and respects Motown will join the club. You can find full details on their web site. I am a second year member. They give you a beautiful Motown mouse pad as a gift when you join. I strongly urge everyone to join the club.

[captainjames]

The last time I was at Hitsville I had to go to the back of the building just to see the alley that many of the stars traveled to get to and from there. It was overwhelming.

[DWSheffer]

Hi woodward....No, I am not currently a member. I looked at the Museum's website for information regarding the club. I do plan on joining regardless, but I was curious what "exclusive" membership events you have been invited to over the last year or two? I was hoping that the events might be ones that our favorite Motown alumni might attend.
Thank you for any insight,
Darin