Remick Music Shell to Be Restored

By: Deekah Wyatt

A group of music enthusiasts have joined forces to restore the Jerome H. Remick Music Shell, commonly referred to as the Band Shell on Belle Isle. A brother-sister duo, Johnny Washington, III and Karinda Washington, in partnership with the City of Detroit Recreation Department are leading the effort to redevelop the structure that once played host to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Concert Band.

Their company, BOTS Entertainment utilized the Shell during the summers of 2005 and 2006 for their annual talent showcase. Their discovery of unused dressing rooms, a rehearsal room, and restrooms, which are housed under the stage, is what inspired them to breathe life into the Band Shell.  “So many of our favorite attractions have closed on this island, if we can help it, the Band Shell will provide live entertainment for years to come” states, Ms. Washington.

So Who Was Jerome H. Remick, Anyway?

Jerome Hosmer Remick, a native Detroiter, published sheet music under his company, Remick Publishing Company. His most notable projects were “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover,” and “Babyface.” Remick was noted for his support of African American composers like Harry P. Guy, and was supportive of the Ragtime musicians, in addition to George Gershwin.  He was a man of many trades, by serving as president of the Detroit Free Press, raising the initial funds to erect Orchestra Hall and even owning farm land, in an area that we currently refer to as Macomb County. Eventually the Remick Publishing Company was sold to Remick’s partners, who then sold the company to the Warner Brothers Corporation.

For more information on the Band Shell Project, please visit www.bots-ent.com or call 313.743.3870.