Impact Detroit Magazine Impact Detroit Holiday Issue 2013 | Page 20

Baker’s
Keyboard Lounge

Filming of Sparkle – Hugh W. Smith III – co owner Bakers Keyboard Lounge
The experience was simply lightening in a bottle. First, Sony and the production crew were a group of highly skilled
professionals, very user friendly. We enjoyed watching the transformation of the World’s Oldest Jazz Club to a big screen
movie set. With the precision of a surgeon, before our eyes emerged a setting for the gambit of stars to perform their roles.
Bakers welcomed the actors and actresses into its rich Jazz history. They all embraced the moment, eager and almost
regal, but with a synergy, they were down to earth, very accessible and focused thespians. Take after take no complaints,
whining, or dissension. Everyone seemed to want to do their best for the good of the project. Mike Epps abilities really
were something to behold. Jordan Sparks’ energy and Carmen Ejogo style and grace electrified the set. The community
embraced the event spectacular and marveled from every vantage point. The extras were lined around the corner, waiting
for a chance to add their contribution to, as we know now Whitney’s’ last performance. What I take from this enormous
experience being the Owner of Bakers Keyboard Lounge is this, I have the responsibility to operate and maintain this
venue and its legendary history. And now this opportunity to be a part of another historic event humbles my very soul. My
faith and my life is truly a testimony of the power of prayer. What’s next? Bring it on…
Hugh W. Smith III – co owner Baker Keyboard Lounge

Was two-fold – Eric J. Whitaker - co owner Bakers Keyboard Lounge
It was certainly an electric atmosphere from the time the stage crew started to change the decor and pictures the day
before the shoot, and the first trucks arrived in our parking lot at 6:30am and began to transform our club with all kinds
of wiring and equipment as they started to prepare for the acting crew to begin doing there thing! Both the cast and crew
where wonderful to work with throughout the shoot experience, and I can't say enough good things about the location
folks I worked with to make it happen here at Bakers! I must say that it was a arduous experience as well, with all the
things required to make sure each take came off without a hitch no matter how many takes it took! Sometimes I was
bouncing across the bar into the kitchen, running outside to make sure the cast was positioned properly, or working with
the techs to make sure wiring was not being disturbed or disconnected. All in all, I would do it again in a heartbeat if the
opportunity presented itself, especially with the wonderful people associated with Sparkles.
Thank you Sony for allowing us to be a part of this production!!
Eric J. Whitaker - co owner Bakers Keyboard Lounge

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