Detroit proudly claims the title of Motown, Detroit Rock City and Birthplace of Techno - and that’s just the beginning! There’s so much more to discover about Detroit’s thriving music scene. Join Tiny World Tours (in collaboration with The City Institute) for an exclusive River House resident Detroit tour experience that includes Detroit’s most important musical sites, past and present as well as live music and conversations with world-renowned musicians.

You’ll explore places where some of the world's most famous acts have performed and where new genres were born. Our guides will provide context about how these musical milestones fit into the larger Detroit story and will also introduce you to some of the cultural preservation efforts underway at many of these sites to ensure that Detroit’s music history is celebrated, not forgotten. After this immersive experience you will not just know more about Detroit’s music, people, and geographies, but will understand why Detroit is one of the world’s greatest music cities.

Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to/from Detroit.

Draft Itinerary (may be altered according to unforeseen developments / opportunities):

Friday, October 7th

4:00pm (approximately) - depart Grand Rapids and drive to Detroit (transportation on your own)

6:30pm - arrive at Trumbull and Porter Hotel (located in Detroit’s Corktown Neighborhood at 1331 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216, tel: 313-496-1400) check in to your room (tour price includes a double-occupancy rooms at a ~$300/night room rate including tax, overnight parking at the hotel will be an additional ~$10 per night per car)

7:00pm - join group for an informal dinner (on your own, restaurant details TBD)

Saturday, October 8th

9:30am: Meet in the Hotel lobby for a 2-hour walking Tour of the Corktown Neighborhood (including Ford’s new Michigan Central 30-acre “innovation hub” district) - additional $25 per person charge

12:00pm: Lunch and Detroit Music History Presentation (Corktown restaurant location TBA)

1:30pm: Private Guided Detroit Music Bus Tour: Highlights include (stops in bold):

5pm: One hour break at Trumbull and Porter Hotel

6:00pm: Private Tour bus will pick up group at Trumbull and Porter Hotel (leave your car at the hotel)

6:30pm: Dinner and Show (included) at Cliff Bells (including potential artist meet/greet)

9:15pm: Private Tour Bus will return us to Trumbull and Porter Hotel (9:30 pm bus ending time)

Sunday, October 9th

9:30am - 11am: Breakfast (on your own) / free time & check out of Trumbull and Porter Hotel

11am - 12pm drive your car to: Detroit Historical Museum Music Collection

12pm - 1:30pm: Lunch (included) with Detroit musician(s) possibly one of the following:

  • Motown Funk Brother, Paul Riser

  • Author and Musician, ML Liebler

  • Michelle McKinney, Executive Director of Detroit Sound Conservancy and widow of famed jazz pianist Harold McKinney

  • RJ Spangler of Planet D Nonet

After lunch - drive your car home to Grand Rapids

Please inquire to mark@tinyworldtours.com about the possibility of car pooling.

NOTES:

  • Food and beverages costs are generally not included in this tour except for Cliff Bell’s $25 pp dinner (food only)

  • Tour price includes dbl occupancy hotel room, tour bus, tour guide, Cliff Bell’s dinner (food only), entrance fees, and tour arranging. The single supplement for individuals requiring a solo private hotel room is an additional $300.

  • Booking deadline is Friday, 9 September 2022

  • Maximum of 20 participants.

  • Prepayment is required (see below)

  • Tipping the tour guide and tour bus driver not required although appreciated (e.g. $10-$20)

  • A final draft itinerary will be sent to participants 30 September 2022 (one week before tour start)

  • Cancellation refunds are not guaranteed, and will depend on ability to recoup costs.

Photo credits above include Jeanette Pierce (The City Institute), The Detroit Historical Society, and final image of Cornelius Harris @ Exhibit 3000 Museum by Ryan M. Place

Purchase Tickets Below (availability limited)