Grand Rapids, MI: Dying No More
If your town were considered a "dying city," how would you
react? Probably not produce a music video. But that's exactly what
the people of Grand Rapids, Michigan did.
When Newsweek.com released its list of
America's Top 10 Dying Cities, Grand Rapids was ranked number
10. Most people would be insulted, but do little else to
remedy the situation. But Rob Bliss, creator and director of
the video, saw it as an opportunity to do something out of the
ordinary. He rallied together 5,000 people to create a larger
than life
music video promoting the city.
The video is a 9-minute long, continuous shot of a Lip Dub to
"American Pie" by Don McLean. It showcases a slice of life in
the small American town, including fire trucks, police cars, the
school marching band, politicians, a wedding and even an appearance
by the Grand Rapids mayor. Assisted by the power of social
media, the video, which premiered on May 26, 2011, already has over
2.7 million views. It has even been named "
the greatest music video ever made" by film critic Roger
Ebert.
I find this video extremely inspiring. It's refreshing to
find a place where people are so passionate and willing to make
things happen. Looks like Newsweek may have to rethink their
characterization of Grand Rapids, since this video shows it as not
only a city full of life, but also a place that has a true sense of
community. With the spirit and creativity that thrives in Grand
Rapids, I don't think the city is "dying" anytime soon.