Saturday, March 31, 2012

Airport Shuttle Information for Lamp Post Inn - an Ann Arbor hotel

A new airport shuttle service begins this week.    Please go to the website http://www.myairride.com for all information regarding single and round trip costs, drop off locations, etc.   We are extremely fortunate that this new shuttle service will work extremely well for our customers and we recommend the shuttle for those that wish to avail themselves of the public transit option.   Please note that since the main bus route in Ann Arbor (#4) goes directly past the Lamp Post Inn you will find that you can easily move around Ann Arbor from our ideal location.  Route #4 will link at two separate locations to the new airport shuttle service.

There will be twelve shuttles per day between Ann Arbor and the airport.  All twelve of these will go directly to the Blake Transportation Center but four will also stop at the University of Michigan Central Transportation Center.

Anyone wishing to use the shuttle should go directly to the website http://www.myairride.com to make reservations and to verify schedules.

People using the shuttle to get to the Lamp Post Inn should take the shuttle from the airport to:

  • Blake Transportation Center and then transfer to either route 4A or 4B and head to the Lamp Post Inn (less than a 15 minute ride).  The charge will be $1.50. or
  • University of Michigan Central Campus Transportation Center and transfer to bus route #4B (less than a five minute ride to the Lamp Post Inn) again a charge of $1.50.

The same information applies to people leaving for the airport (just reverse the process).

Please note that the Ann Arbor Public Transportation website theride.org has a planning tool on their website.  Unfortunately, when typing in our address of 2424 E. Stadium you will need to use the zip code 48108 (instead of 48103 or our actual zip 48104).   There seems to be some confusion on the zip code map and we would prefer that you arrive at our hotel instead of the party store on the other side of town.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Esperanza Spalding to perform at Ann Arbor Summer Festival on June 21

Esperanza Spalding - Bassist, vocalist, and composer Esperanza Spalding has quickly emerged as one of the brightest lights in the musical world. With a unique and style-spanning presence, Spalding became the first jazz musician to receive the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2011. Spalding tours in support of her newest album, "Radio Music Society."

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is proud to announce that Ms. Spalding will be performing on June 21 at the Power Center at the University of Michigan.   The nearby Lamp Post Inn will offer special overnight hotel rates using promo code SUMMERFEST. 

 

Wikipedia has this to say about Ms. Spalding's artistry:

Influences and attitude toward music and jazz

Spalding cites jazz bassists Ron Carter and Dave Holland as important influences on her music; Carter for the "orchestration" of his playing and Holland for the way his compositional method complements his personal style.[52] She has described the saxophone player Wayne Shorter,[13] and singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento, as heroes.[53] She has also noted her preference for the music of Brazil.[13]

Spalding says she loves fusion music and was influenced by a "wonderful arc that started 40 years ago where people kept incorporating modern sounds into their music."[29] She has expressed concerns that jazz has wandered from its roots, suggesting that jazz has lost its street value and its relevance to "the Black experience to the Black Diaspora and beyond" now that has been co-opted by the "seasoned 'art' community".[7] She notes that in its early days, jazz was "popular dance music" and "the music of young people who considered themselves awfully hip", and believes "hip-hop, or neo-soul [...] is our 'jazz' now as far as the role these genres play in the music genre lineage".[7] Spalding, who has expressed a desire to be judged for her musicianship rather than her sex appeal, believes that female musicians must take responsibility to avoid oversexualizing themselves.[29][13] and that in order to write original music, one must read and stay informed about the world.[13] She has said she models her career on those of Madonna and Ornette Coleman.[12]

Ms. Spalding is just one of the numerous artists performing this summer at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival.  Be sure to check out their website at Ann Arbor Summer Festival.

Bonnie Raitt and Marc Cohn to appear May 25, 2012 in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Bonnie Raitt and Marc Cohn to present kick off event for Ann Arbor Summer Festival.  The Lamp Post Inn, a nearby hotel will offer special hotel rates the evening of the concert using promo code HILLEV.

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival  has announced that Bonnie Raitt will perform at Hill Auditorium on May 25th.  This will be a "pre-festival" event for the Summer Festival.   She will be accompanied by Marc Cohn, The Slipstream Tour. 

The Festival Website describes the concert as:

More than just a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer, and accomplished songwriter, Bonnie Raitt has become an institution in American music. With a unique style that blends blues, R&B, rock, and pop, she was a cult favorite for twenty years before breaking through to the top in the early 90s with her Grammy Award-winning albums, Nick of Time and Luck of the Draw, which featured hits such as "Something To Talk About" and "I Can't Make You Love Me." 

With nine Grammy Awards under her belt and a long history of social activism, Raitt tours regularly incorporating many benefit concerts into her schedule. After a brief hiatus, she is back and recharged with a batch of great new songs to play in her live set along with the tried and true favorites that have treated her very loyal following to countless memorable shows through the years. 

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's nineteenth album, Slipstream, is daring, bluesy, and steeped with the inimitable slide guitar and soulful vocals that could only be hers. Out April 10th, Slipstream marks Raitt'sfirst new album in seven years, and the debut for her new label, Redwing Records. 

Opening the concert is singer and songwriter Marc Cohn, who combines the precision of a brillianttunesmith with the passion of a great soul man. Cohn will play from his new album, Listening Booth: 1970, where he transforms songs from such artists as Cat Stevens, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and 
Van Morrison. Cohn is best known from his critically acclaimed debut album and the song “Walking In Memphis.”

Please note: At the artist’s request, fifty cents of each ticket sold for this concert will be donated to the ARIA Foundation, which will distribute grants to local charities at the end of the tour.

Bonnie Raitt's website is http://www.bonnieraitt.com

Marc Cohn's website is http://marccohn.net/

 

The Lamp Post Inn will offer special overnight rates for those attending the Bonnie Raitt concert.   To obtain the special pricing please use the promo code HILLEV when placing your housing request for May 25th on our website Lamp Post Inn (http://www.lamppostinn.com)

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Ann Arbor Summer Festival announces Main Stage Events for 2012

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival has announced their full schedule for 2012 and it sounds like one of the most ambitious festival's ever.    Beginning with a pre summer kick off with fan favorite Bonnie Raitt, most of the events are huddled in the three week period beginning June 15 - July 8th.   In addition to all of the main stage events, there will of course be the  huge number of special evening activities including live outdoor entertainment, movies and kid's activities.  The Summer Festival is a wonderful part of our summer in Ann Arbor. 

Please find below the synopsis of the events as posted by annarbor.com.    The Lamp Post Inn will offer a special 10% discount to anyone attending any of the special main stage events.  Please use promo code Summerfest.

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival, now celebrating its 29th season, today announced the headlining indoor lineup for its 2012 season, running from June 15 to July 8: indie-pop sensation Feist with special guest The Low Anthem, Tuesday, June 5 at the Power Center; gospel and soul legend Al Green, Saturday, June 16 at Hill; bassist and jazz dynamo Esperanza Spalding, Thursday, June 21 at the Power Center; public radio favorite Ira Glass, Saturday, June 23 at the Power Center; modern dance illusionistsPilobolus, Sunday, June 24 at the Power Center; eccentric songbird Nellie McKay with special guest Sneakin’ Out, Wednesday, June 27 at the Power Center; the master storytellers of The Moth Mainstage, Thursday, June 28 at the Michigan Theater; theatrical-pop crooner Rufus Wainwright, Saturday, June 30 at the Power Center; political satirists The Capitol Steps, Wednesday, July 4 at the Power Center; the bemused B-movie bashers ofCinematic Titanic, Thursday, July 5 at the Michigan Theater; and acclaimed contemporary circus troupe Circa, Friday-Saturday, July 6-7, at the Power Center. 

 

The festival had earlier announced a warmup concert with blues-rock icon Bonnie Raitt with special guest Marc Cohn, Friday, May 25 at Hill Auditorium.

The Summer Festival mainstage performances take place at the Power Center, Hill Auditorium and the Michigan Theater.  All are located approximately 1 1/2 miles from the Lamp Post Inn which will offer special rates using promo code SUMMERFEST for all main stage presentations. 

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Michigan Softball begins season on high note

The women's softball home softball schedule got off to a huge start with three weekend games.   Each of the games was stopped early because of the Mercy - rule.

 Michigan Softball should be in for a great year.  Fans and parent's attending home softball games  and staying at the Lamp Post Inn ( 1 1/2 miles from Wilpon Center) will receive a 10% discount on their room rates by using promo code SOFTBALL (excludes April 29-30).   Guests are welcome to leave their car in our parking lot and walk to the game. 

Details of the women's softball schedule can be found at the University of Michigan Athletic Website.   

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Blackthorne will perform March 25th in Ann Arbor

Blackthorn - <i>A fundraiser for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network </i>

Blackthorne will perform March 25th.  Proceeds will be going to the benefit of the American Cancer Soceity.  

According to The Ark Website 

The Ark is proud to announce that there is a special benefit for the American Cancer Society scheduled for March 25th. Tickets are limited but you can still go to The Ark site to secure last minute tickets. For those guests of the Lamp Post Inn that will be attending the benefit please use the special discount code arkevent when booking your hotel reservations and receive a special 10% discount. The Ark webpage notes the following regarding Blackthorne A musical ramble across Ireland Blackthorn has been offering their uniquely rich tapestry of Celtic music around the Great Lakes since 1984. Traditional songs of emigration, sea shanties, lively jigs and reels, and haunting ancient airs combine with some of Ireland's best contemporary songs for a musical experience that evokes the beauty, history, and legend of Ireland and its people. Each member of the band plays multiple instruments, including wooden flute, accordion, tin whistle, five-string banjo, cittern, bones and more. These instruments complement the lead vocal of Belfast native Richard McMullan and the band's tight four-part harmonies. Based in Detroit, Blackthorn can usually be found at O'Mara's Pub and Restaurant in Berkley, and their appearances on WJR's St. Patrick's Day show are a Michigan Celtic tradition. This evening they lend their talents in support of ACS CAN-- the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society that holds lawmakers accountable for their words and their actions. ACS CAN asks that our leaders not only talk about fighting cancer, but take real steps toward decreasing the number of people suffering and dying from cancer. Please assist in the fight for Cancer and consider attending this special fund raising opportunity.

The Lamp Post Inn has announced that anyone attending the benefit may make reservations at the Lamp Post Inn website using promo code arkevent to receive a special 10% discount.  

New Ann Arbor shuttle to assist Lamp Post Inn guests

Beginning in early April, 2012 there will be an official  shuttle, The Michigan Flyer,  between Ann Arbor and the Detroit airport (DTW).   The bus will pick up and drop off passengers in several different locations in Ann Arbor including the Blake Transportation Center and the Central Campus Transportation Center.   Both drop off sites are really very convenient for guests of the Lamp Post Inn. 

For those of you that are staying at the Lamp Post Inn, you may wish to take the Michigan Flyer shuttle service as an alternative to a rental car or shuttle service.    The Michigan Flyer is actually a very good option since in fact the two main stops in Ann Arbor are on the Ann Arbor Transit Bus Route #4 and the Lamp Post Inn is located on this same bus route.  

The best choice of stops is the Central Campus Transportation Center.    Bus number 4 passes one block from the Center and if you then pick up the Ann Arbor Transit Bus #4 at the corner of  Washtenaw and South University (one block away), the ride will be less than 6 minutes to the Lamp Post Inn.   You can also walk from that location, less than 1 1/4 miles.  

The Blake Center is also convenient.   It is the downtown drop off stop for the Michigan Flyer and you can simply pick up bus route #4 right there at the center and proceed along Huron and Washtenaw Avenue (detouring through the hospital area) and will be at the hotel in about 15 minutes.  

Eastbound from Ann Arbor to DTW Airport

Schedule AA/CCTC
Central Campus
AA/BTC
Blake Transit Ctr
Kensington Hotel DTW/McNamara
Intl Arrivals Level
DTW/North
Grnd Transporation
8002 4:45 AM 5:00 AM 5:35 AM 5:25 AM
8004 6:15 AM 6:30 AM 7:00 AM 7:10 AM
8006 7:45 AM 8:00 AM 8:30 AM 8:40 AM
8008 9:30 AM 9:45 AM 10:15 AM 10:25 AM
8012 10:20 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:15 AM 11:25 AM
8010 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:15 PM 12:25 PM
8014* 12:40 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 1:40 PM
8016 1:15 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:10 PM
8020 3:15 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:10 PM
8018 4:20 PM 4:30 PM 4:45 PM 5:15 PM 5:25 PM
8022 5:20 PM 5:35 PM 6:05 PM 6:15 PM
8024 7:25 PM 7:30 PM 7:45 PM 8:15 PM 8:25 PM

* Please note the 8014 begins at BTC and travels to CCTC, not vice versa.

Westbound from DTW Airport to Ann Arbor

Schedule DTW/North
Grnd Transportation
DTW/McNamara
Intl Arrivals Level
Kensington Hotel AA/BTC
Blake Transit Ctr
AA/CCTC
Central Campus
8001* 7:20 AM 7:00 AM 7:50 AM 8:05 AM  
8005 9:10 AM 9:25 AM 9:55 AM 10:10 AM  
8009 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM  
8003 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:40 PM
8013 1:05 PM 1:20 PM 1:50 PM 2:00 PM  
8007 2:05 PM 2:15 PM 2:45 PM 3:00 PM 3:05 PM
8017 3:00 PM 3:15 PM 3:45 PM 3:55 PM  
8019 5:15 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:10 PM  
8011 6:15 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:20 PM
8021 7:15 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:10 PM  
8015 8:45 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 9:40 PM 9:50 PM
8023 9:45 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 10:40 PM  

* Please note the 8001 begins at DTW/McNamara and travels to DTW/North, not vice versa.

 

Blake Transit Center (BTC)

337 S. Fourth Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Stop located between Liberty and William Sts.

 

Central Campus Transit Center (CCTC)

1109 Geddes Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
University of Michigan's Central Campus
Stop located between Church St. and Fletcher St.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Dexter Wellness Walk - March 24, 2012

Dexter Michigan has certainly dominated the news the last week and now comes an opportunity to assist the community and enjoy a wonderful activity at the same time.

Last week tornadoes ripped through the Dexter area and  leveled many homes -  creating havoc, hardship and problems for the entire community.   The damage was extensive and the memories of those damages will forever scar the individuals and communities.

As an individual that typically visits Dexter once or twice a week I was truly proud and warmed by the way the community reacted to the extreme problems thrust upon their community.  Less than 24 hours after the devasation had appeared, the community was already in an all out process of recovery.  While the devastation was still apparent, the fact is that 24 hours later there were dozens and dozens of new temporary blue roofs in place, wobbly structures had been removed, debris had been stripped from the roads and trees and the community was actively revived. Hardship still existed, but what was apparent was the spirit of the community and the agencies involved.   Dexter did not come to a halt while requests for aid went out  - instead it reacted the way a wonderful energetic community should - neighbors flocked to assist in food, water and clean up.  Rebuilding progressed methodically and with determination and less than 24 hours later I was truly awed by the realization that even though the devastation had been horrific - the community was already well in the process to a total rebuilding.   This was a community that reacted on it's own and vendors in the community and small shopkeepers instead of taking advantage of the situation, reacted by donating and giving supplies free to anyone needing assistance.  Local hardware stores, restaurants and small business people did what only they could do - gave 100% to a quick rebuilding of faith in their community.

Now, less than one week later I notice that the community is sponsoring and celebrating the opening of a new river trail which, although having nothing to do with the tornadoes, is just another step in what the community is trying to do - get life back to normal and make Dexter the outstanding community that it has always been.

A special walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 24th and a local charity is giving a $20.00 donation to the community  for everyone who participates in the walk.  Details of the walk are available through the Dexter Wellness Walk website.

Come out to Dexter and see a vibrant community, a community on the mend, and a community that speaks for everything that we love and are proud of in America.  

During the actual tornadoes the Lamp Post Inn had several Dexter  residents that came to our hotel for the evening and we are truly hope that we could make their evening a little more comfortable.    In the spirit of the rebuilding that is taking place in Dexter, The Lamp Post Inn we will join in the fund raising efforts as well and for any of our present guests that decide to participate in the Saturday walk, please simply show us a copy of your registration form for the walk and we will make a special additional donation to the tornado relief in Dexter just for your participation in this heart warming experience.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Special Housing options for students of Hollander's at Kerrytown

The Lamp Post Inn offers special hotel rates for those individuals attending the various workshops and courses given by Hollander's. Year after year we have seen the number of individuals increase, and we welcome back our returning guests, and say a hello to new participants in the Hollander's courses.

The Hollanders website lists the dozens of courses that are being given this year but for those of you who are not familiar with Hollanders, here is a short synopsis that appears on their website.

Since 1991, when Hollander's first opened, the store has become one of the largest sources for decorative papers and hand bookbinding supplies in the country.  In addition, Hollander's School of Book & Paper Arts is nationally known for its workshops.

Located in the historic Kerrytown Shops in Ann Arbor, Michigan,  Hollander's also offers a wide selection of stationery items, journals, photo albums, gift wrap and cards.

More recently, in 2009, Hollander's opened a kitchen store,  located on the second floor and directly above the paper store.  It features cookware, kitchen tools, table top accessories and a schedule of regular cooking classes.

The Lamp Post Inn offers special hotel rates to those that are attending the classes.   Go directly to The Lamp Post Inn website and use the promo code HOLL.

 

Monday, March 5, 2012

Ross Executive MBA Housing Package Available

The Lamp Post Inn is located within 1 1/2 miles of the Ross Business School, and is therefore a perfect choice for those attending the monthly Executive Sessions.

We have been very fortunate over the last several years to have a number of University of Michigan  executive MBAcandidates staying with us for the entire length of their course and we have developed a special package that is available for one simple bulk rate.  We realize the difficulty that participants have trying to guarantee rooms for all twenty sessions with any hotel in Ann Arbor since many of these weeks conflict with sold out football games, special concerts, etc.   Therefore, we take pride in pointing out that each of the students that is part of our "Graduate School Program" has never been denied a room.   What's more, they always get it at the same rate.

We put together your entire 20 week package for the rate of $1,000.00 (50.00 per night).  You are guaranteed a room for every class session and you are also guaranteed that if you decide to stay over an extra day or two from time to time you will receive the same daily pricing, even if it is home football game.

*We can put together a special program similar to this for any specified class schedule for any of the undergraduate or graduate program.   Each package will vary, depending on the length of the course, the dates of each class session, etc., but our goal is to make the Lamp Post Inn your home when you are in Ann Arbor.  No changing rates, no black out dates, we appreciate our long term customers and will see that you are given top access to our inventory for all of your class dates.

To obtain a quote on your special situation, please drop us a note at our email at lamppostreserve@msn.com and tell us about your course and your class schedule.  We will provide you with the ready made solution.   Or, give us a call on our toll free number at 877-971-8001 and we will be glad to chat with your regarding the various options.

 

 

Sunday, March 4, 2012

ICPSR Courses set for Jun 18 - Aug 10, 2012 - Special hotel rate for participants

Each summer the ICSPR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research sponsors a series of summer courses.  ICSPR  is generally regarded as the preeminent training facility for methodologies and technologies of social science research. 

The Lamp Post Inn has been very fortunate to host many of the hundreds of students that arrive during the summer to take the various courses.   We have in fact, offer a special rate for those that are taking any of the four week or eight week courses.  Special rates for these students, scholars and professors are accessible at our website Lamp Post Inn.  Please use the promo code ICSPR.   For those students that may need to make special arrangements for housing that are not shown in the promo code specials, please contact us direct at lamppostreserve@msn.com and we will do everything possible to coordinate and price your stay properly.  

As outlined on the ICSPR website, this summer's structure will include the

Traditional Core; Two  Four Week Sessions beginning June 18 to July 13 and July 16 to August 10, 2012.

The type of classes to be included are - Statistical workshops, lectures, substantive workshops and the Hubert M Blalock Lecture Series  

For further information regarding the ICSPR program for this summer go to ICSPR website .  For special housing rates at the Lamp Post Inn go to our website and use promo code ICPSR

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Luck of the Irish - St. Patrick's Weekend - special hotel rates

My spouse is very Irish and very thrifty - both good traits I should interject.  It is therefore appropriate that the Lamp Post Inn offer a special pricing for those people who will be in Ann Arbor to celebrate the St. Patrick's Day weekend.

To help celebrate St. Patrick's Day,  the Lamp Post Inn of Ann Arbor, Michigan will offer a special 10% Internet discount for all stays of two days or more during the period of March 15-20.    In order to obtain the reduced rates simply sign onto the Lamp Post Inn and put in the dates of your say (between March 17-20.  Add the promo code IRISH underneath in the promotions box and click.   You will be directed to a special web page that includes our 10% blog special for St. Patrick's Day

Friday, March 2, 2012

Ann Arbor Marathon Scheduled for June 17th - Special hotel rates for participants

The Ann Arbor Marathon, a new event, will take place June 17th in Ann Arbor.  The event will be sponsored by theChampions for Charity, a local organization that indicates that all proceeds will be given to the local schools (  Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation

The race is scheduled to begin at 6:45 a.m. in the morning and has the support of the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.  The marathon will be limited to 2,500 participants.  A second race ( a 1/2 marathon) will have a 5000 per capacity.

The route will be begin at the corner of The Big House and continue through downtown Ann Arbor, through central campus,  across the crosswalk near the campus bus station and then head out Geddes to Huron Parkway and Plymouth Road.  After a turn, the route will be generally similar as it heads back to

According to the plan approved by the city, marathoners will start on Main Street at Keech Avenue and head north toward downtown, turn right on Liberty Street, right on State Street, left on North University to the crosswalk by the bus station there, left to a pedestrian bridge, right on Observatory, left on Geddes and north on Huron Parkway to Plymouth Road with a turn around at Gallup Park.   The route back is completely different but again combines various locations on campus, South University and finally Eblel Field (for the finish line).

The Ann Arbor Marathon scheduled for June 17th will draw a number of people that require overnight accommodations.  The Lamp Post Inn will have a special rate for race participants.  Please use the promo code BIGRACE.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Dexter - Ann Arbor Run and 1/2 Marathon - June 3 = Special hotel rates

The annual Dexter-Ann Arbor Run will take place on June 3, 2012.   The Lamp Post Inn is pleased to welcome back our annual runner-guests and also wants to take this opportunity to indicated that any participants may obtain special rates the night before or after the run by simply going to our website The Lamp Post Inn and using the special promo code DEXANN.

The official Dexter- Ann Arbor Run website indicates the following:

The hills, trees and backwoods riverbanks of Michigan's Huron River Drive are the setting for the annual Dexter to Ann Arbor Run, a road race event with a half-marathon, a 10K, a 5K and a kids fun run that takes runners on a course exactly as its name suggests, from the town of Dexter along an eastward route along the Huron River to the finish in downtown Ann Arbor. The event also includes a separate 10k, the USATF 10k Masters Championship that starts 2 minutes before the regular 10k.  The Ann Arbor Track Club manages the entire event and is hosting the Masters Championship for the 3rd year in a row in 2012.

http://www.lamppostinn.comThe Lamp Post Inn