Lewis Bradford was a minister and radio host who had a dream of “labor peace.” By 1937, he was dead, and the battle for unionization at Ford Motor Company was still waging.
In a story that bursts onto the stage in a passionate display of musical virtuosity and good old-fashioned storytelling, the jazz/blues opera Forgotten tells the story of Bradford’s mysterious death at a Ford plant where he was working to organize workers at the automaker.
Created by Detroit-area author/composer Steve Jones, Forgotten will be presented at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, as part of the And Still They Prospered: Living Through the Great Depression program series at Macomb Community College’s Lorenzo Cultural Center.
“Through a series of exhibits, presentations and this special performance of Forgotten, the college is offering an examination of the events of the 1930s that shaped this region and this nation,” said Geary Maiuri, dean of Community & Student Enrichment at Macomb. “This stage musical not only highlights what was taking place during this pivotal time in the labor movement, but also focuses on the lives of some of the people who were a part of that movement”
Gold circle tickets to the presentation are $30; general admission $20; students, military and unemployed resident tickets are $10. Tickets may be purchased through the Macomb ticket office at 586.286.2222.
And Still They Prospered, which began Feb. 27 and continues through May 8, examines the 1930s and the economic, social and cultural changes that took place during that decade, laying the groundwork for future prosperity in the Motor City and beyond.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, Garfield and M-59, Clinton Township. The cultural center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday; and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information on the cultural center and on the And Still They Prospered program series is available at www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (lorenzoculturalcenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 59,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu