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Michigan Central Station reopens, in photos: Detroit brings joyous noise

Thousands turned out in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood on Thursday for a concert commemorating the reopening of Michigan Central Station. (Bridge photo)

Michigan Central Station reopened with a 90-minute concert and party on Thursday night, bringing 20,000 revelers and a Who’s Who of talent to Detroit.

From Diana Ross and Eminem to Barry Sanders and Jalen Rose, Detroit luminaries showed the city heaps of love during a televised show to celebrate the restoration of the landmark that had fallen into disrepair after closing in 1988.

“For most of my life, it was just a big eyesore,” said one performer, Big Sean, who grew up in the city. “What’s cool about the train station is it’s been through every era of Detroit. It really is a diamond that came out of the rough.”

Diana Ross was the first performer on Thursday during a concert commemorating the reopening of Michigan Central Station. (Screenshot)

He and other artists performed on a stage in front of the train station, which Ford Motor Co. bought for $90 million in 2018. The Dearborn-based automaker invested some $950 million to refurbish the 1913 building and intends to use it as a tech and mobility campus.

The free concert kicked off a public celebration that continues Friday with free public tours that last through June 16. All are sold out.

Beyond performances from artists including Common, Slum Village, the Clark Sisters and others, the event featured several Michigan celebrities including actor Taylor Lautner, TV judge Greg Mathis and Detroit Lions players including Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Eminem, who co-produced the concert, closed out the show on Thursday with fireworks and his song, "Not Afraid." (Screenshot)

“Right behind me is the greatest symbol of how far we’ve come,” said retired Lions running back Barry Sanders.

The concert ended with a performance from Eminem, who was accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He closed the show with fireworks and a message that was bleeped on television.

"Our city’s up!" he said, adding a profanity for effect.

Eminem performs at the Michigan Central Depot reopening concert. He was accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. (Screenshot)

Check out more images from photographers Jasmine and David Sumlin:

Singer Jelly Roll and Melissa Etheridge performed a tribute to Detroit rocker Bob Seger.
Diana Ross started the show.
Eminem closed the show accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and fireworks.

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