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I'm in Grand Rapids for a couple of meetings over four days with a lot of time in between. Is there anything related to York instruments left to see around here? (Or any music related something to see or do, for that matter?)

There are some good breweries out in Grand Rapids, aren't there? A good tour might be quasi-tuba-related...?

I don't think there is much music related left in Grand Rapids. The home of Ferrees Tools is in Battle Creek. It's a fun place to visit if you're into repair work.

Mammoth2ba is 30 minutes from Grand Rapids and knows the area very well. If he doesn't 'chime in'... perhaps you could send him a message.

Also... there is a Legion Band in Holland that might be receptive to having you sit in. One of the ladies from my community band is a member. I think they rehearse on Tuesday evenings.

talleyrand wrote:I'm in Grand Rapids for a couple of meetings over four days with a lot of time in between. Is there anything related to York instruments left to see around here? (Or any music related something to see or do, for that matter?)

The Grand Rapids Symphony is doing a John Williams concert this weekend (8 pm Friday and Saturday, 3 pm Sunday):

http://grsymphony.org/

If you have the time you may want to seek out Dwight (Monty) Burch,
tubist with the Grand Rapids Sym.
Monty is a great player and one of the most generous and friendly
people I ever knew.
Last time I was in Grand Rapids he had one of those Conn
Grand Orchestra BBbs (in pieces) in his basement.
Worth the effort,
Tim

bloke wrote:Just as with many other U.S. manufacturing facilities in urban centers, I believe there is still a multi-story empty shell there.

Here in Houston, those "empty shells" are transformed into high-toned lofts!

JJ

bloke wrote:

TUBAD83 wrote:Here in Houston, those "empty shells" are transformed into high-toned lofts!

JJ

' high-toned folk who are investing in Chinese factories ?

Absolutely!...its called the GLOBAL economy for a reason.

JJ

bloke wrote:

TUBAD83 wrote:

bloke wrote: ' high-toned folk who are investing in Chinese factories ?

Absolutely!...its called the GLOBAL economy for a reason.

JJ

Once the dollar collapses, are you planning heading over there to become a cog in the machine, JJ?

Like those high toned guys who invested in an East German tuba before the wall fell?

The old York building does still exist, however it is just sitting abandoned. If you are really into York stuff, then it might be worth your time... Yamaha also moved out of town a few years ago, so that is strike two.

I can't say enough good things about Monty Burch, he is a great guy. And if you are around when the orchestra is playing then I would recommend checking them out.

As for other activities in GR, here's a short list.

Yesterdog is a GR classic for got dogs. This was the the inspiration for the hot dog shop in the movie American Pie.

Grand Rapids Art Museum is right down town, if that is near your meeting stuff. It is a decent place that sometimes has live jazz on the weekends.

Founder's Brewery is a fun place to hang out if your looking for some good beer. They often have local groups playing including the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra one weekend every month.

This group is doing a lot of interesting stuff lately... Including a few national tours. Very underground, but they play with a live pit which I think is cool. NSFW

San Chez Bistro has tapas food, and is one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat. Fun place with great food.

Cottage Bar is probably more up your alley if your looking for a burger and a beer. They are an old bar that has some of the best burgers in the state.

Drop me an email if you have any questions, and enjoy your time here!

Thanks to all who know this city for the responses here and by email. I'm going to check out a couple of restaurants and the orchestra concert. I think I'll pass on the empty York building, but I am glad it's still standing for some reason.

If you are in Grand Rapids you are about an hour and change from the Traveler's Club and Tuba Museum in Okemos. See the EEflat sousphone and have a good meal and enjoy a beer. Their beer list is one of the largest anywhere. They have a lot of horns hanging on the walls to look at while you wait for the food. The food is reasonably priced and pretty good. It will be a fun trip for you.

NABBA's there this year.

Grand Rapids Sym. -- I have their
Aaron Copland - American Images CD.
Monty Burch on tuba.
Enjoy!

Nothing left of the old York Factory. It was torn down a few years ago and now the site is an empty lot for storage trailers. Interestingly though, there was a "York Heating and Cooling" outlet across Division Street from the York Factory, and that building now offers rooms to rent for bands. As to converting into lofts, that has happened to some old warehouses/factories in Grand Rapids, but those are closer to the downtown area of the city. The old York factory is in a old pre-1920's industrial area, and the the surrounding neighborhood wouldn't do too much to attract investors. With Yamaha leaving its Grand Rapids (Kentwood actually) assembly operation for lower costs in the Pacific Rim, there is no large scale manufacturing of musical instruments in Grand Rapids. A gentleman named Karl Hill, formerly of the GR Symphony, does build some very nice (and expensive) french horns and lives in the city. Monty Burch of the GR Symphony also does some repair and customizing of tubas. Being a resident of GR and seeing the transformation of Downtown GR to a vibrant area, it has become a nice city to visit. Not much for tuba sight-seeing though. The GR Symphony is an excellent regional orchestra and would be recommended as a sight /sound to see.