ASSEMBLE AND THE DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO HOST PUBLIC TALK WITH SUSTAINABILITY AND MOBILITY LEADER, ENRIQUE PEÑALOSA
DETROIT, (August 8, 2014) – ASSEMBLE, Detroit’s grassroots organization, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) present ASSEMBLE @ The Max: Transit & The Equitable City featuring Enrique Peñalosa, on Aug. 20 at 6:45 p.m. in the Music Box at the Max M. Fisher Music Center.
Peñalosa, former mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, brings his conversation about sustainability and mobility in urban areas to Detroit, as the city undergoes the early stages of construction for the M-1 Rail project. Peñalosa is responsible for numerous changes to Bogotá, including promoting a model that gives priority to children and public spaces, restricting private car use and building hundreds of kilometers of sidewalks, bicycle paths, pedestrian streets, greenways and parks. His work has been featured in several mediums including TED Talks and the popular documentary, Urbanized.
“This partnership with ASSEMBLE has allowed us to bring some of the world’s brightest people to the Max M. Fisher Music Center to discuss issues that are impacting Detroit,” said Lindsey Evert, DSO’s Patron Engagement and Strategy Manager.” This is a very timely discussion as Midtown starts the construction of the M-1 Rail.”
Peñalosa’s talk will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local stakeholders in the transit and mobility conversation, including Sue Mosey of Midtown Inc., Todd Scott of Detroit Greenways, Andy Didorosi of The Detroit Bus Company and Packard Plant Developer Fernando Palazuelo. With these local perspectives, discussion will relate to the impact of the M-1 Rail project on mobilization in the city of Detroit, as well as broader issues surrounding sustainability and equity in urban development.
“The arrival of a long-anticipated M1-Rail groundbreaking presents us with a unique opportunity to hear from one of the world’s leading voices on the topic of mobility and equitable development,” said Garret Koehler, ASSEMBLE Co-Organizer. “More than simply a public transit advocate, Mayor Peñalosa brings a
holistic and practiced vision of what it means for cities to transform and connect spaces in ways that empower all citizens.”
The event is sponsored by the Michigan Municipal League.
PAY WHAT YOU WANT ASSEMBLE @ The Max is introducing a “Pay What You Want” pricing model. ASSEMBLE and the DSO believe price should not be a barrier to participation in discussions that impact our collective future, so tell us what price works for you. Chip in what feels right, and know that your support helps make these events possible. All tickets are general admission, with prices ranging from $1-$50. Tickets can be purchased at dso.org/mix.
ABOUT ENRIQUE PEÑALOSA
An advocate for sustainability and mobility in the cities of the future, Enrique Peñalosa, mayor of Bogotá, Columbia from 1998 to 2001, is one of the globe’s most respected urban thinkers. Mr. Peñalosa sees urban transportation not as a matter of convenience and economics, but as a matter of justice and equality for every resident. “While mayor, Peñalosa was responsible for numerous radical improvements to the city and its citizens. He promoted a city model giving priority to children and public spaces and restricting private car use, building hundreds of kilometers of sidewalks, bicycle paths, pedestrian streets, greenways, and parks.” – Big Think
ABOUT ASSEMBLE
The question is not whether Detroit is rebuilding itself. The question is, what do we actually want to build? ASSEMBLE convenes people around that question using physical experiences and digital content.
ABOUT DSO
Hailed by The New York Times as “cutting edge,” the internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra, is known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and an unwavering commitment to Detroit. Esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, called “America’s Music Director” by the Los Angeles Times, became the 12th Music Director of the DSO during the 2008-09. Acclaimed conductor, arranger, and trumpeter Jeff Tyzik serves as Principal Pops Conductor while celebrated trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard holds the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair. The DSO’s performance schedule includes Classical, Pops, Jazz, Young People’s, Neighborhood concerts, and collaborations with chart-topping musicians from Smokey Robinson to Kid Rock. A commitment to broadcast innovation began in 1922 when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a radio broadcast and continues today with the free Live from Orchestra Hall webcast series. Making its home at historic Orchestra Hall within the Max M. Fisher Music Center, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact and serve the community through music. For more information visit dso.org or download the free DSO to Go mobile app.
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