Why are all the great Motown performers doing gigs in Canada and not Detroit?

[jive_turkey]

I could not help but notice yet another billboard from Ceasars Windsor Casino featuring an upcming show by Smoky Robinson. What's the reason for the artists nor perforimng at our local casinos?

Cheers!

[marv2]

That is interesting. I would love to know that.

[randy_russi]

They are not booking them!

[jobeterob]

Well the Canadian Dollar has been worth slightly more than the US Dollar in the last few months and it's worth a lot more than it was in most of the last 10 years. Canadian Casinos are generally very nice and attract a very nice crowd. Are American ones the same?

[theboyfromxtown]

Are there many theatres in Detroit?

There are many original Motown artists would love to perform in Detroit but I am not sure there any venues.

[topdiva1]

First off they are not willing to book them for the money the performers feel they are worth. And in addition the demand and financial foundation is just not there.

[Kamasu_Jr]

How do you know?

[topdiva1]

^^^I could ask you the same with all the things and reports you post. But I won't brother - for I could care less.

However to answer your question directly - I have what I feel is a great "UPCLOSE " type source.

[juicefree20]

Could it be because unlike most of us, they've grown up being around many of these artists, have seen them countless times & the allure isn't quite the same for them as it might be for many of us?

As Topdiva correctly states, the economics of Detroit doesn't help, as I don't believe that the local economy can support a whole lot of shows. Here on the East Coast, fans may be willing to make a trek of a few hours to see an artist, but, how wide is the base of people whom would drive into Detroit in order to watch a show? Would folks from Canada be willing to journey into Detroit in order to watch a concert?

How is the casino situation in Detroit? In A.C., the casinos don't make their money off of ticket sales to the shows, they make their money from people who not only watch the shows, but those who hang around afterwards to gamble for a few hours. Do the folks stick around & spend enough money to make bringing in acts feasible?

Another thing to be considered is aside from the show, what other activities & venues are in the surrounding area that will draw people to the event? Most people want to make a night on the town, a night on the town. In order to do that, there have to be restaurants, things to sight-see, which will make people want to come out. Additionally, as many of the fans of these artists often come from outside of the area, will they feel safe venturing out into the city?

I've been to Detroit a few times lately & it seems to me that aside from the casinos, many businesses close down fairly early on the weekend. Detroit doesn't seem to be like an L.A. or N.Y., where the city never sleeps & there's always somewhere to go & something to see. And while I believe it to be unfair, there seems to be a stigma towards Detroit. Visit our sister site DetroitYes & read some of the commentary written from those whom have left, as well as from some who still live there. Had I not visited for myself & simply relied on what I'd read, I'd believe that it's all gloom & doom, which I don't believe that it is.

Other than that, I believe that it's economics, as well as there being much fewer venues for these shows.

With that said, I could be wrong!

[marv2]

^^^I could ask you the same with all the things and reports you post. But I won't brother - for I could care less.

However to answer your question directly - I have what I feel is a great "UPCLOSE " type source.


Please do not even go there with him. LOL!

[marv2]

Well the Canadian Dollar has been worth slightly more than the US Dollar in the last few months and it's worth a lot more than it was in most of the last 10 years. Canadian Casinos are generally very nice and attract a very nice crowd. Are American ones the same?

It's back to flucuating above and below the value of the U.S. dollar. True 8-10 years ago the Canadian dollar was worth approx. $0.67 to the U.S. dollar regularly.

The Casino in Windsor opened in the late 90's before the temporary, now established casino's in Detroit. I have been to all of them and the one in Windsor started off pretty plain looking inside and the newer ones in Detroit match or surpass the one in Windsor in every way. They stay packed!

[Kamasu_Jr]

I can believe the economic explanation rather than someone's simple AND INACCURATE assessment that Motowners are not getting paid what they believe they are worth. How does someone know what someone else feels or thinks? YOU NEVER SEE ME STATING AS FACT WHAT I THINK SOMEONE ELSE FEELS OR THINKS BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW.

[marv2]

Could it be because unlike most of us, they've grown up being around many of these artists, have seen them countless times & the allure isn't quite the same for them as it might be for many of us?

As Topdiva correctly states, the economics of Detroit doesn't help, as I don't believe that the local economy can support a whole lot of shows. Here on the East Coast, fans may be willing to make a trek of a few hours to see an artist, but, how wide is the base of people whom would drive into Detroit in order to watch a show? Would folks from Canada be willing to journey into Detroit in order to watch a concert?

How is the casino situation in Detroit? In A.C., the casinos don't make their money off of ticket sales to the shows, they make their money from people who not only watch the shows, but those who hang around afterwards to gamble for a few hours. Do the folks stick around & spend enough money to make bringing in acts feasible?

Another thing to be considered is aside from the show, what other activities & venues are in the surrounding area that will draw people to the event? Most people want to make a night on the town, a night on the town. In order to do that, there have to be restaurants, things to sight-see, whih will make people want to come out. Additionally, as many of the fans of these artists often come from outside of the area, will they feel safe venturing out into the city?

I've been to Detroit a few times lately & it seems to me that aside from the casinos, many businesses close down fairly early on the weekend. Detroit doesn't seem to be like an L.A. or N.Y., where the city never sleeps & there's always somewhere to go & something to see. And while I believe it to be unfair, there seems to be a stigma towards Detroit. Visit our sister site DetroitYes & read some of the commentary written from those whom have left, as well as from some who still live there. Had I not visited for myself & simply relied on what I'd read, I'd believe that it's all gloom & doom, which I don't believe that it is.

Other than that, I believe that it's economics, as well as there being much fewer venues for these shows.

With that said, I could be wrong!

Juice, you are right. There is a stigma towards Detroit and it is very intentional! There is still lots to do there and yep, even into the wee hours of the morning but it is more underground there now than here in New York. It's almost like Detroit has returned to the old days in that regard where you either have to "know someone" to find where the party's at!

I spent my time in Atlantic City and it's casinos from about the mid -80's into the early 90's and that was all there was to Atlantic City in those days. You could see a good show or just party at the Sands that is no longer there or just go from casino to casino , hotel to hotel. The boardwalk was still real scuzzy in those days hehehehehe.....

It is totally different scene and vibe in Detroit. Lots of folks from Detroit, Toledo and Cleveland use to charter bus trips to Atlantic City. Now that the casinos are local, they go to them as much as they can leaving less money to go to shows, concerts outside of them. Things are still tough, yet improving slowly.

[robbert]

Please ignore Topdiva, ignore Kamasu. Let them fight their own battle AWAY from this forum. Thank you.

[smark21]

Perhaps the classic Motown acts aren't drawing in US Casinos like they used to? Or drawing people who won't stay to lose their money, I mean gamble. BTW, Smokey Robinson just played the Apollo the other night and got a rave review from the NY Times, fwiw.

[jobeterob]

Quite a few Motown acts have hit Vancouver casinos over the last 5 years.

The last year has been another bad year for tours; Billboard has regular articles on this being a very bad year with cancellations and plenty of lack of success.

That might be another reason acts are moving into Casinos and into Canada.

[juicefree20]

The last year or two has been some of the worst years for Soul Music shows. The economy has hurt a lot of acts & have drastically affected bookings.

I hope that things improve & soon.

[midnightman]

Detroit hasn't booked them. That's simple considering the financial situation.

[smark21]

OUt of curiosity, what bands and performers are booked to play the casino showrooms in Greektown?

[Kamasu_Jr]

please ignore topdiva, ignore kamasu. Let them fight their own battle away from this forum. Thank you.
Excuse me. I've been a part of this forum for longer than you. I asked how it was possible for someone to know what someone else feels or thinks. What was said was directed at the intended person, not to you or anyone else. Mind your business..

[topdiva1]

The last year or two has been some of the worst years for Soul Music shows. The economy has hurt a lot of acts & have drastically affected bookings.

I hope that things improve & soon.


You are VERY CORRECT with this statement. Even the usually lucrative overseas markets have tightened up.

[1382hitsville]

Even the Detroit Princess River Cruise sells a Motown Cruise.

But I don't know these so called "Motown" songs....

http://www.youtube.com/TheDetroitPrincess#p/u/14/jrANLjtYDKw

[motown01]

Fine by me, I'm Canadian - and loving being able to see all of these great performers.