DPM VINCE INTERVIEW
Your Detroit Story
“Tell us a little about who you are and what first inspired you to invest your energy in Detroit’s community.”
Hi, my name is Vince Paul, and I'm the President and Artistic Director of the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. I've dedicated over 45 years of my life to the arts. Although most of my career was spent in New York City or touring globally with theater, music, or dance productions, I'm originally from Detroit. When the opportunity arose to lead the Music Hall, it felt like an incredible chance to make a meaningful impact in my hometown through the performing arts.
Transportation in Downtown: Then & Now
“In your experience, how has transportation in Downtown Detroit evolved over the years, and what role do you see the People Mover playing in that change?”
Mobility has become a significant topic in downtown Detroit these days. As the Director of Music Hall, I serve on numerous city committees, and in my 20 years here, I've never witnessed so much discussion around public transportation. Audience behaviors regarding travel to and from our venue have evolved dramatically. For decades, the assumption was always that people would drive their cars downtown, but in the last five years, there's been a substantial shift toward alternative mobility options. Audiences are increasingly opting for rideshare services or parking in remote areas and then taking the QLine or People Mover downtown to get to their end destination. The People Mover is particularly valuable for the 22 million business travelers and 40 million visitors to the Entertainment District. Beyond offering convenient transit through downtown, it serves as both a technical marvel and a decorative complement to the incredible architecture for which Detroit is renowned.
Favorite Spot along the People Mover
“Which station or nearby spot along the People Mover route do you love most, and what makes it special to you?”
The Broadway Station, of course! We call it our favorite Music Station. Just think about all it offers when you step off the train: The Fox Theatre, The Fillmore, The Opera House, Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, Ford Field, the YMCA, Paradise Valley restaurants, One Mic, and of course, Music Hall itself. The list of entertainment options goes on and on. Honestly, show me another transit station in America with so many vibrant and exciting venues in one location!
Hopes & Dreams for Detroit and Music Hall
“When you think about Detroit’s future and Music Hall’s future, what’s one message or aspiration you’d share with the community?”
I truly believe Detroit represents one of those unique "American stories" that emerge every generation or so—a narrative defined by remarkable transformation and revival. Music Hall shares a similar journey. We are intricately woven together with the city's story. When Detroit struggled, Music Hall struggled alongside it. Our success has always mirrored the city's own trajectory. If Detroit thrives, Music Hall thrives, too. Our destinies are closely linked. Detroit is poised to become a world capital city once again. What exactly will that look like? I don't know, and that's part of the excitement. The future is a mystery—but wherever we're headed, we're getting there fast!
Fun Finale: Ride with Anyone
“If you could ride the Detroit People Mover with anyone—past or present—who would it be, and why?”
L. Brooks Patterson. Does anybody remember that guy? He was a prosecutor and County Executive for Oakland County from 1992 to 2019. Now, I’m not being political... his negative and hostile rhetoric about Detroit went way beyond politics. I would just love to see his face as we ride the People Mover today. Detroit rises above, and I love being a part of that story.