Intimate Venue. Ultimate Experience.
CONCERTS/SHOWS
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MONOLOGUE WORKSHOP
Conquer the Monologue
Write & Perform Your Own MonologueDates
September 7, 8 and 9
Times: 4-6pm
Age group: 7th – 12th GradesThe Franke’s Youth Theater brings the teaching team of Dan Kitrosser and Jennifer Conley Darling back for a three day workshop on Conquering the Monologue! Students will write and perform their own monologues over the course of the three days.
Students MUST attend all three sessions.
A maximum of 20 students will be accepted. No experience writing or performing necessary.September 7, Session 1: Generating and writing the monologues & in-session workshop
September 8, Session 2: Students will break into groups to review monologues and provide feedback and direction
September 9, Session 3: Students will perform their monologuesCost: $100 per student
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2022-2023 Blues Series
The Franke is known as one of the finest blues venues in the Midwest. Each year, we select standout artists from across the world and bring them right here to Michigan.
Get 3 phenomenal blues shows with one convenient ticket.
TICKETSKING SOLOMON HICKS
SEPTEMBER 17, 2022
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW – CHRIS CANAS | 7PM
24-year-old blues star King Solomon Hicks started playing guitar when he was six years old and was on stage at the Cotton Club when he was 13.
ALBERT CUMMINGS
OCTOBER 1, 2022 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW – VOODOO TONIC | 7PM
With mesmerizing extended guitar jams, Cummings’ Fender Strat sings while he takes you on a twisting, turning blues roller coaster. Albert Cummings is a masterful guitar player who burst onto the blues-rock scene in the early 2000’s and almost immediately began gaining praise for his versatility as both a singer/songwriter and live performer.
Nora Jean Wallace
February 4, 2023 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW – KEITH SCOTT | 7PM
Chicago-based blues queen Nora Jean Wallace has toured Europe, Canada, and the United States, and appeared at many major festivals including the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AK, the Chicago Blues Festival and the Pocono Blues Festival.
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2022-2023 FLEX TICKET
The Franke Center is back with our most exciting season ever!
The season FlexTicket season pass allows you to pick any six from a wide range of world-class concerts and performances.
Choose what inspires you!
ALBERT CUMMINGS
OCTOBER 1, 2022 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE BAR PRESHOW: VOODOO TONIC
With mesmerizing extended guitar jams, Cummings’ Fender Strat sings while he takes you on a twisting, turning blues roller coaster. Albert Cummings is a masterful guitar player who burst onto the blues rock scene in the early 2000’s and almost immediately began gaining praise for his versatility as both a singer/songwriter and live performer.
NY NY DUELING PIANOS
OCTOBER 22, 2022 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE BAR PRESHOW: JACK AUSTIN 7PM
Join New York, NY Dueling Pianos for a night of piano party madness, as these internationally renowned performers take all of your song requests in a clap-along, bang-the-tables-along crazy fiesta where anything can happen.
THE SKIVVIES
NOVEMBER 19, 2022 | 8PM
The Skivvies are singer/actor/musicians performing stripped-down arrangements of eclectic covers and eccentric originals. The Wall Street Journal calls them “smart, sophisticated…ingenious.”
THE ELIJAH RUSS COLLECTIVE
DECEMBER 10, 2022 | 8PM
An ambitious performer and songwriter, Elijah Russ’ sound ranges from modern funk to lo-fi blues to cinematic soul-rock.
IRISH PUB NIGHT
KENNEDY’S KITCHEN
JANUARY 14, 2023 | 8PM
Kennedy’s Kitchen is family and friends, rooted in traditional Irish music, jigs, reels, hornpipes, recitations, stories, songs… and adding their own compositions along the way.
WOLF TREE FILM FESTIVAL
JANUARY 21,2023 | 7PM
In its 5th year, Wolf Tree features standout short films and talented filmmakers from across the Great Lakes Region. Enjoy screenings, networking mixers, awards, and more.
NORA JEAN WALLACE
FEBRUARY 4, 2023 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: KEITH SCOTT | 7PM
While touring Europe, Canada, and the United States, Nora refined her performing skills and developed an international fan base. She has appeared in many major festivals including the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AK, the Chicago Blues Festival and the Pocono Blues Festival.
ADA LEANN
FEBRUARY 25, 2023 | 8PM
17-year-old singer/songwriter Ada LeAnn captured the world’s heart as a semi-finalist on NBC’s “American Song Contest” with her song “Natalie.”
SWEET WATER WARBLERS
APRIL 15, 2023 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: GRACE THEISEN | 7PM
Comprised of Michigan songbirds Rachael Davis, Lindsay Lou, and May Erlewine, the folk trio’s organic vocal harmonies and seamlessly interwoven instrumentation leaves listeners breathless.
THE BIG FAT MEANIES
APRIL 22, 2023 | 8PM
Voted “Best Rock Band” in Central Pennsylvania, Big Fat Meanies offers a high-octane dose of horn-driven progressive rock with each impressive performance.
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2022-2023 Michigan Stars Series
You shop local. You eat local. You drink Michigan craft beers. But do you listen to Michigan music?
Our new Michigan Stars Series brings you the Michigan artists you need to know—from new innovators to established legends.
Get 3 phenomenal shows for 1 ticket.
THE ELIJAH RUSS COLLECTIVE
DECEMBER 10, 2022 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: 7PM
An ambitious performer and songwriter, Elijah Russ’ sound ranges from modern funk to lo-fi blues to cinematic soul-rock.
TICKETSADA LEANN
FEBRUARY 25, 2023 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: 7PM
17-year-old singer / songwriter Ada LeAnn captured the world’s heart as a semi-finalist on NBC’s “American Song Contest” with her song “Natalie.”
SWEET WATER WARBLERS
APRIL 25, 2023 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: GRACE THEISEN | 7PM
Comprised of Michigan songbirds Rachael Davis, Lindsay Lou, and May Erlewine, the folk trio’s organic vocal harmonies and seamlessly interwoven instrumentation leaves listeners breathless.
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King Solomon Hicks
KING SOLOMON HICKS
SEPTEMBER 17, 2022 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: CHRIS CANAS | 7PM
24-year-old King Solomon Hicks started playing guitar when he was six years old and was on stage at the Cotton Club when he was 13. During high school, he played as part of a 15-piece band playing there three nights a week. “The owner saw I was serious and genuinely loved the music,” Hicks recalls. He also learned a great deal from playing rhythm guitar at first, gradually developing his lead and soloing skills at gigs as well as at private parties and open jams — the latter of which provided a kind of master class for the developing artists.
“I wouldn’t know the song or the key of the song; They’d say, ‘Hey, go…’ and either you sank that day or you swam, and if you didn’t get it you got to try to come back the next week and do it again,” he remembers.
Hicks, not surprisingly, stayed afloat during those encounters, building a reputation on the scene that began to spread outside of the New York area — while his home turf expanded to venues such as the Iridium, the Red Rooster, Simpson’s Sugar Bar, Terra Blues and more. After high school Hicks began playing in Europe, opening for Jeff Beck and Ringo Starr, playing festivals in Spain and France, as well as at the Cotton Club in Tokyo, and being booked on KISS Kruise V in 2017 and on this year’s Joe Bonamassa Blues Alive at Sea Cruise. He’s shared stages with the likes of Tony Bennett, Beth Hart, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Mavis Staples, Paul Shaffer and others.
His acclaimed album “Harlem” came out in 2019.
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Albert Cummings
ALBERT CUMMINGS
OCTOBER 1, 2022 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: VOODOO TONIC | 7PM
With mesmerizing extended guitar jams, Cummings’ Fender Strat sings while he takes you on a twisting, turning blues roller coaster. Albert Cummings is a masterful guitar player who burst onto the blues rock scene in the early 2000’s and almost immediately began gaining praise for his versatility as both a singer/songwriter and live performer.
“This recording [Working Man, 2006] is the calling card of a blues star who has arrived. Cummings’ guitar work is sizzling. This is one of the top blues albums of 2006.” – Billboard
“His muscular guitar work is simply outstanding. He’s a great blues singer as well with passion for the tunes inherent in his full throttle approach.” – Rock and Blues Muse
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NY NY Dueling Pianos
NY NY DUELING PIANO
OCTOBER 22, 2022 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: JACK AUSTIN | 7PM
Join New York, NY Dueling Pianos for a night of piano party madness, as these internationally renowned performers take all of your song requests in a clap-along, bang-the-tables-along crazy fiesta where anything can happen. 2 performers, 2 pianos and an unforgettable night. Click here to see more: http://nynyduelingpianos.com
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The Skivvies
The Skivvies
November 19, 2022 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: 7PM
The Skivvies are Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley, singer/actor/musicians performing stripped down arrangements of eclectic covers and eccentric originals. Not only is the music stripped down – cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica – but the Skivvies literally strip down to their underwear to perform.
The Wall Street Journal calls them “smart, sophisticated…ingenious,” and Out Magazine says, “The Skivvies have managed to carve out a niche that we never knew needed to exist: part Weird Al- parody and part sexy burlesque…and unusual explosion of satire and sultry.” People Magazine named The Skivvies “The Most Playful Performers” in The Most Talked about Bodies issue and Sports Illustrated named them “Favorite New Band”. The New York Times calls them “a hot musical comedy duo specializing in unexpected arrangements, incongruous mashups, and of course, highly toned displays of skin.” They were also nominated for a MAC award for show of the year.
Molina (Broadway’s Rock of Ages, Sweeney Todd, Mary Zimmerman’s Candide – Helen Hayes Award, Marry Me A Little) and Cearley (Broadway First National All Shook Up, Pageant, Buyer & Cellar) met in 2003 performing in Theatreworks USA’s national tour of the “Just So Stories”. Quickly becoming best friends and musical collaborators, they began performing together in the city, with clothes on. The Skivvies were born in 2012, when they became YouTube sensations with their unique covers of artists like Robyn, Carole King and Rihanna. The videos led to live shows, and now this “musically thrilling”, undie-rock, comedy-pop duo continues to perform to sold-out audiences in New York and beyond.
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The Elijah Russ Collective
THE ELIJAH RUSS COLLECTIVE
DECEMBER 10, 2022 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: HARD TIMES | 7PM
An ambitious performer and songwriter, Elijah Russ’ sound ranges from modern funk to lo-fi blues to cinematic soul-rock. A veteran of the West Michigan music scene and a standout guitarist, Russ has played with such bands as Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Melophobix, The BlueWater Kings Band, The Legal Immigrants, and Harper and the Midwest Kind. His albums include The Elijah Russ Collective (Live), Sandcastles, and Wandering. For more information, visit: https://www.elijahruss.com/
DOWNSTAGE 7PM PRESHOW
Hard Times was formed back in 1989. It was originally developed by four musicians who shared a love for the Blues and Rock n Roll. With influences like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Tom Petty, ZZ Top and many others. There was so much music to learn and explore. Like a lot of bands Hard Times lineup has changed and evolved over the years. The band called it quits in the mid 90’s only to reemerge in 2012 to do a reunion show and they had such a good time that they decided to bring back Hard Times. After a few lineup changes the band has become a force in the Blues/Rock scene in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas. The current lineup consists of Jon Gates/Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar. Matt Houchin/Bass, Vocals. Bob DeYoung/ Lead Guitar, Lead and Backup Vocals. Larry Sams/ Drums, Percussion. With its current lineup Hard Times has been able to branch out and explore a mix of both Progressive Blues and Rock. Hard Times has always been a band that has tried to appeal to everyone with variety while staying true to what they love.
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Irish Pub Night – Kennedy’s Kitchen
IRISH PUB NIGHT
KENNEDY’S KITCHEN
JANUARY 14, 2023 | 8PM
Kennedy’s Kitchen has been making music and telling stories together since 1998, everything from backyard birthday parties and weddings to concert halls and festivals. We have released six CDs along the way, including our acclaimed 2019 release, The Whiskey of Truth, and our 2013 release, The Birds Upon The Trees, now with over 2.5 million streams on Spotify. Our local home is the best public house in the lower 48, Fiddler’s Hearth, and you’ll find us atIrish festivals such as Michigan Irish Fest, Milwaukee Irish Fest, The Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, PA, Erin Fest in Peoria, IL, Dayton Irish Fest in Dayton, OH, Chicago’s Irish American Heritage Center Irish Fest, LaCrosse Irish Fest, and Osh Kosh Irish Fest. We’ve a modern sound, deeply are rooted in traditional Irish music… jigs, reels, hornpipes, aires, stories, and songs; but it’s all about having a good laugh, and if needed, a good cry. Much of it is original: songs and recitations as well as newly composed jigs, reels, and aires. From toe-tapping to deeply moving, it’s always fun. The band is lead by joHn Kennedy, award winning singer and guitar player. It’s Kitchen Music from the home, the hearth, and the heart.
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WOLF TREE FILM FESTIVAL
WOLF TREE FILM FESTIVAL
JANUARY 21, 2023 | 7PM
In its 4th year, Wolf Tree Film Festival features standout short films and talented filmmakers from across the Great Lakes Region. Enjoy screenings, networking mixers, awards, and more.
The mixer begins in the Downstage Club at The Franke Center at 6pm. The screening will begin on the Mainstage at 7pm.
Sponsored by:
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ICE, WINE, BEER + BLUES FEATURING NORA JEAN WALLACE
NORA JEAN WALLACE
FEBRUARY 04, 2023 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW – KEITH SCOTT | 7PM
Featuring a Friday night beer and wine tasting in downtown Marshall and a Saturday night concert featuring blues queen Nora Jean Wallace, IWBB is a can’t-miss winter event!
Friday evening join your friends in downtown Marshall to sample beer and wine at 10 different business locations. Enjoy appetisers, mingle with friends, and watch live ice sculpting. Each tasting ticket entitles you to ten samples, one at each location.
Saturday’s concert features blues queen Nora Jean Wallace.
“Nora Jean sounds just like I did when I was her age. She is one of the new upcoming women that’s singing the real blues. I know she is going to make it.” – Koko Taylor
Nora Jean Wallace (formerly Nora Jean Bruso) is a Chicago Blues singer with deep Delta roots. Like so many blues greats that hail from the Delta of Mississippi, Nora Jean Bruso was born and raised in Greenwood, a town in the heart of this blues-rich region. From birth her father, Bobby Lee Wallace, a professional blues singer and sharecropper, and her Uncle, Henry “Son” Wallace, a blues singer and guitar player, infused the blues in her soul. Also contributing to her musical education was her mother, Ida Lee Wallace, a gospel singer, and her grandmother, Mary, who ran a juke house. As a child Nora would sneak down to her grandmother’s place on Friday and Saturday nights and listen to her relatives sing blues classics. It was during these years that Nora developed a love for the music of Howlin’ Wolf that has continued to the present day.
Nora’s singing career in Chicago began in 1976 when her Aunt Rose heard her sing at home and brought her to several clubs she was promoting. It was at the Majestic on the West Side of Chicago that Nora sat in with Scottie and the Oasis. She was invited to join the band and spent several years with them before Scottie’s unfortunate passing.
During this time many local Chicago musicians, most notably Mary Lane and Joe Barr, encouraged Nora and taught her the finer points of her craft.
Nora’s big break came in 1985 when Jimmy Dawkins saw her perform at a local Chicago club and invited her to join his band. For the next seven years Nora toured and recorded with Jimmy and his band and appeared on two of his CDs, Feel the Blues (JSP, 1985 & 2002 with a bonus NJB track) and Can’t Shake These Blues (Earwig, 1991). She also released a single, “Untrue Lover” (Leric, 1982) and her first solo release in 2002, Nora Jean Bruso Sings the Blues (Red Hurricane).
While touring Europe, Canada, and the United States, Nora refined her performing skills and developed an international fan base. She appeared on many major festivals including the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AK, the Chicago Blues Festival and the Pocono Blues Festival.
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Ada LeAnn
Ada LeAnn
FEBRUARY 25, 2023 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW | 7PM
17-year-old singer / songwriter Ada LeAnn captured the world’s heart as a semi-finalist on NBC’s “American Song Contest” with her song “Natalie.”
Born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan and recording music out of Nashville, Ada LeAnn has drawn comparisons to Taylor Swift with her phenomenal voice and her ability to write emotional and relationship based lyrics that are real and relatable to her audience. She has released 2 EP’s and multiple covers, which are available on all platforms.
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Michigan Music Video Awards
MICHIGAN MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
APRIL 8, 2023 | 8PM
This star-studded awards show will celebrate the year’s best music videos and feature show-stopping performances by Michigan artists. Don’t miss the pre-party and your chance to share the red carpet with some of Michigan’s most talented performing artists.
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SWEET WATER WARBLERS
SWEET WATER WARBLERS
APRIL 15, 2023 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: GRACE THEISEN | 7PM
If the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, then The Sweet Water Warblers are no exception. Comprised of Michigan songbirds Rachael Davis, Lindsay Lou, and May Erlewine, the folk trio’s organic vocal harmonies and seamlessly interwoven instrumentation leaves listeners breathless.
The Sweet Water Warblers came together in 2014, for a single performance at the Hoxeyville Music Festival upon request by the promoter. From the beginning, there was a unique connection between the three artists, a bond forged by a mutual passion for social change and expansion of the soul through music. Each of the ladies’ brought with them a regarded solo career within the Americana and roots worlds, and with them individual perspectives on traditional music. Whether it was the gospel and soul-laced melodies uncovered in Davis’ music, the Appalachian folk and country-leaning ballads belted out by Erlewine, or the versatile country soul and bluegrass roots of Lou’s band it was clear from the beginning that the culmination of their talents would be unparalleled.
With three-part vocal harmonies that are sublime, the singing sirens and multi-instrumentalists saw the release of their first EP, With You, in 2017. The repertoire swinging from gospel and bluegrass to soul and even joyful interpretations of pop, AmericanaUK called it, “top drawer roots music.”
The Warblers released their first full studio album, The Dream That Holds This Child, in May of 2020. Produced by Dan Knobler (Lake Street Dive, Caroline Spence), the album serves to empower and uplift spirits, and offer refuge, solidarity and support through its focus on modern femininity.
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Big Fat Meanies
BIG FAT MEANIES
APRIL 22, 2023 | 8PM
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW | 7PM
Voted “Best Rock Band” in Central Pennsylvania, Big Fat Meanies offers a high-octane dose of horn-driven progressive rock with each impressive performance. The independent eight-piece ensemble hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania wields an on-stage energy that can only be matched by their catalog of exhilarating songwriting. Drawing inspiration from genres of all nature – including pop, punk, funk, metal, ska, and even musical theatre – Big Fat Meanies’ signature episodic songwriting archetype blends the varied musical backgrounds of each member in perfect harmony.
With each performance Big Fat Meanies presents powerful vocal lines, shredding guitar solos, and cinematic horn parts that emphasize refrains with glamorous ferocity. Their collective attention to detail shines through lyrical storytelling, captivating rhythmic structures, and sophisticated instrumental lines. The band uses every tool in their artistic arsenal to inspire feelings of both passion and catharsis. Big Fat Meanies’ live performances and studio recordings offer energetic talent and a wide array of inspiration that is sure to connect with each listener in a unique way. The band has been described as “off the wall”, “refreshingly different”, and “a gut punch of danceable high energy.” No matter your musical background, Big Fat Meanies is sure to move you and to make you move. Their latest EP Bad Hand is available to stream on all platforms.
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