For the Seventh episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I’m joined by guests Chez Damier & Alton Miller, representing stories from Detroit. This episode is a special feature on the history and background of the iconic and foundational Detroit nightclub: The Music Institute.

“ The Music Institute, a Black-owned club in the heart of downtown Detroit, emerged as a pivotal player in the rise of the city’s Dance Music and Youth Culture. For a fleeting 18 months, The Music Institute was more than just a club. It became a creative sanctuary for pioneering artists, and a host of influential DJs and producers. They didn't just play music; they created a revolutionary movement that echoed far beyond Detroit's borders. Today, the legacy of The Music Institute is not just a memory of Detroit; it's a chapter in the history of Dance Music worldwide. This club didn't just witness history; it made it, securing its place in it’s evolution and in it’s cultural fabric”

“Tucked away in Detroit's vibrant heart, The Music Institute has earned its place as a cornerstone in the history of dance and electronic music. Founded in the late 1980s by Detroit's own George Baker and Alton Miller, along with Chicago's Anthony Pearson, better known as Chez Damier, this iconic venue quickly rose to prominence as a hub of musical innovation during one of the most difficult economic times in Detroit’s history. 

The Music Institute wasn't just another club; it emerged due to the economic climate, the struggles and was where artists and music lovers gathered to forge a sound and a culture that would leave its mark on music worldwide. It was Detroit's answer to the legendary house and disco clubs of its era, like New York’s Paradise Garage, Chicago’s Music Box, and Toronto’s Twilight Zone. The club stood as a beacon of creative energy, a place where collaboration, expression, diversity and creativity flourished. 

Operating from midnight to the early hours, with a members-only policy and a strict no alcohol and drugs rule, the club set the stage for many of dance and electronic music's most influential DJs and artists. It was more than a club; it was a movement, leaving an indelible impact on the world of music”

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