An investment in our community is an investment in our future.
The River Raisin Ragtime Revue has begun work on our biggest project to date. Partnering with PlaneWave Instruments of Adrian, Michigan, we have undertaken the task of renovating the historic chapel (c. 1879) on the PlaneWave arts and technology campus, carefully and respectfully converting the chapel to use as a community performing arts center. This beautiful venue will be home to R4 and will host a multitude of performing arts events. Alongside the existing Adrian Center for the Arts and the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, the new performing arts center establishes the PlaneWave campus as a community arts resource and destination for visitors from far and near.
The PlaneWave campus is located on the former site of the Adrian Training School, originally founded in 1879 under the guidance of abolitionist and suffragist Laura Smith Haviland. Haviland spent her life advocating for the equality of all people. She started the first school in Michigan to accept Black students; was a friend and colleague of Sojourner Truth; and spoke beside Frederick Douglas at the Chicago World’s Fair, where she was named the “Mother of Philanthropy.” An important figure in the Underground Railroad, Haviland helped free many slaves. Her impact was so significant that a Southern slave owner offered a $3,000 bounty for Haviland to be kidnapped or murdered — the equivalent of $100,000 today. In recognition of Laura Smith Haviland’s work, we are christening the new performance venue Haviland Hall. We feel privileged to continue our work in a place associated with Haviland’s legacy.
R4 has already completed considerable work on this huge project. We have put together an extensive business plan, detailing the long term sustainability of a new performing arts center in Lenawee County. This new business plan includes an expansion of R4’s programming, especially for area youth. It also includes the creation of two music festivals: The Maple Leaf Ragtime Festival (Adrian is known as “Maple City”) and an annual Latino Music Festival (Latinos comprise 20% of Adrian’s population). We have met with community leaders, local foundations and state agencies for assistance and guidance as we look at expanding our role. R4 and PlaneWave have contracted an architect who has begun drawings for the renovation. We are submitting grant requests to local, state and national foundations and agencies for funding assistance. There will be many opportunities to support this growth financially as this project moves forward.
The pandemic limited our performances significantly. We pivoted as best we could, setting up our first livestream concerts and expanding our YouTube channel archive. We are thrilled to announce that the constraints of the past two years have not limited our vision of a strong tomorrow. Stay tuned for more updates; we’re excited, and we hope you are, too.
You can make a difference in this project by donating here:
The pandemic limited our performances significantly. We pivoted as best we could, setting up our first livestream concerts and expanding our YouTube channel archive. We are thrilled to announce that the constraints of the past two years have not limited our vision of a strong tomorrow. Stay tuned for more updates; we’re excited, and we hope you are, too.
You can make a difference in this project by donating here:
