Intimate Venue. Ultimate Experience.
CONCERTS/SHOWS
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6 SHOW PACKAGE
FLEX TICKET
6 shows starting at $132
The Franke Center is back with our most diverse, 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!
SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 | 8PM
MICHIGAN RATTLERS
COUNTRY ROCK
Part of the Michigan Stars series, Rolling Stone named Michigan Rattlers one of their “Ten New Country Artists You Need To Know.”
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | 8PM
PETE SEEGER TRIBUTE | 3LB CUT & FRIENDS
FOLK
Celebrate the music of folk icon Pete Seeger, writer of classic songs such as If I Had A Hammer, Where Have All The Flowers Gone and Turn, Turn, Turn. The show will feature Marshall’s own band “3LB Cut”, which includes Kjell Croce, Adrian Bagale, Derek Smith, and Alvin Lautzenheiser, with other special guests.
NOVEMBER 20,2021 | 8PM
JOE LOUIS WALKER
BLUES
Joe Louis Walker, a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and four-time Blues Music Award winner, celebrates a career that exceeds half a century. Within the Blues world, he is described as a “living legend” and has performed at many of the world’s most renowned music festivals.
JANUARY 15, 2022 | 8PMIRISH PUB NIGHT
FEATURING BLACKTHORN
Featuring traditional songs combined with some of Ireland’s best contemporary songs, Blackthorn creates a musical experience that captures the history and legend of Ireland and its people.
JANUARY 22, 2022 | 8PMWOLF TREE FILM FEST
SHORT FILM VIEWING
Featuring traditional songs combined with some of Ireland’s best contemporary songs, Blackthorn creates a musical experience that captures the history and legend of Ireland and its people.
FEBRUARY 5, 2022 | 8PMICE, WINE, BEER & BLUES
MATT SCHOFIELD
Experience a night of exceptional blues from Matt Schofield, a member of the British Blues Hall of Fame
FEBRUARY 26, 2022 | 8PMJACKSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
CLASSICAL
The Jackson Symphony Orchestra has a rich and vibrant history serving the Jackson area since 1949. The orchestra has performed with many legendary figures in the world of music including Dizzy Gillespie, Grant Johannesen, Ralph Votapek and Ian Hobson. www.jacksonsymphony.org
APRIL 23, 2022 | 8PM
DEAR OLIVIA
FOLK-POP
24-year-old singer-songwriter Olivia Dear (formerly Olivia Millerschin) hails from Detroit. Her unique folk-pop style features thoughtful songwriting powered by her perfect, moving vocals and multi-instrumental prowess.
MAY 6, 2022 | 8PMGILMORE KEYBOARD FESTIVAL | YOUNG ARTIST TBA
CLASSICAL
The mission of The Gilmore is to promote and develop world-class keyboard musical experiences that inspire present and future artists and audiences. The Gilmore Young Artist Award is presented every two years to single out the most promising of the new generation of U.S.-based pianists, age 22 and younger.
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3 SHOW PACKAGE
BLUES SERIES
3 SHOWS STARTING AT $92
The Franke Center 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.
OCTOBER 23, 2021 | 8PM
SAVOY BROWN
BLUES
“Legendary …A blues/rock institution … true innovators” – words used to describe Savoy Brown and leader Kim Simmonds, the longest-running blues band in history. Their hit singles “I’m Tired”, “Tell Mama”, and “Run To Me” are on Billboard’s Hot 100 all-time hit list, and they have released an incredible 38 albums in over 50 years of performing.
NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | 8PM
JOE LOUIS WALKER
BLUES
Joe Louis Walker, a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and four-time Blues Music Award winner, celebrates a career that exceeds half a century. Within the Blues world, he is described as a “living legend” and has performed at many of the world’s most renowned music festivals. Don’t miss his live show on the Franke Center’s intimate stage!
FEBRUARY 5, 2022 | 8PM
ICE WINE, BEER, BLUES
MATT SCHOFIELD
A member of the British Blues Hall of Fame, Matt Schofield is considered one of the top British blues guitarists of all time, alongside icons like Eric Clapton and Peter Green.
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The Verve Pipe
THE VERVE PIPE
ALTERNATIVE ROCK
OCTOBER 2, 2021 | 8PM
PRESHOW IN THE DOWNSTAGE BAR 7 PM: CHAMELEON
ADV. $40 | DOOR $42
Icons of the alternative rock scene, Michigan’s own The Verve Pipe has journeyed from their roots in East Lansing to the top of the charts with hits including The Freshmen, Photograph, and Colorful. The Verve Pipe is known for powerful live performances, and this is one you won’t want to miss. Part of the Michigan Stars Series.
Preshow in the Downstage Club is Marshall’s own rockers Chameleon starting at 7pm.
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Beauty and the Beast Jr
TICKETSBeauty and the Beast Jr.
Directed by Josh Vreeland
Music Direction by Marguerite Grupke
Choreographer Elliana Ebner
October 14-16 | 7PM
October 17 | 2:30PM
Based on the original Broadway production that ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and the Academy Award-winning motion picture, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. is a fantastic adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. features some of the most popular songs ever written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice.
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
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ENTER AND WATCH!
We challenge you to a dance battle . . . to benefit the arts!
The way it works is simple.
- -You create a video of yourself dancing (or yourself and your crew!)
- -Register at the link below and upload your video.
- -Your video will be shared on The Franke Center’s website and social media. You’re encouraged to share your video on social media too, and your friends and fans can vote for you by making a $5 donation to The Franke Center. Your supporters can vote as many times as they want. Tag your friends and challenge them to a virtual dance-off with the hashtag #FrankeCenterDanceOff.
- -The cost to enter the contest is $20, and all funds will go to benefit The Franke Center for the Arts.
The winner will be crowned The Franke Center Dance Off champion. They will be honored during a video award ceremony and will receive two tickets to any show during The Franke Center’s current season.
If you had fun with our Mask & Mic competition, you’re going to love the Dance Off! We hope this will be a fun way to entertain our community while also raising funds to keep the arts alive in Calhoun County. Scroll to the bottom for official rules and to watch the videos!
Sign up for the contest and upload your video here.
Here’s our executive director to explain the Dance-off– and to lay down a the first challenge!
Watch the Videos
Click here to vote for your favorite dancer(s) with a tax-deductible donation to The Franke Center!
Contestant #101 Clarabelle
#102 Dancing Queens
#103 Claire Peters
OFFICIAL RULES:
- Individuals or groups of any size are allowed to enter.
- The entrant must be the person dancing in the video or a parent or guardian of the person in the video. (You may not enter a video of another person dancing unless you are their guardian.)
- Minors must have permission of a parent or guardian to enter the competition.
- Entrants give The Franke Center permission to share their video via social media and understand that their video may be shared by others.
- No explicit lyrics are allowed in the songs and no nudity or explicit gestures are allowed in the videos. This is a family-friendly competition.
- Videos are limited to five minutes in length.
- The public will be able to vote online by making a donation and specifying the contestant number of the contestant they’re voting for. Each $5 donated equals one vote, and there are no limits on how much or how often a person votes. You may also vote for yourself if you wish. All donations are tax-deductible and will go to support The Franke Center for the Arts, a 501c3 organization.
- Winner(s) will be announced Wednesday, September 15th. Voting will close on Sept. 13th at midnight.
- For group contestants, winners will receive one ticket per participant up to a maximum of six tickets.
FAQ
Q: What is the due date for video submission?
A: There is no due date, but voting will close on Sept. 13th. The sooner you have your video submitted, the more time you have to get votes from your fans!
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SAVOY BROWN
SAVOY BROWN
BLUES SERIES
OCTOBER 23, 2021 | 8PM
PRESHOW IN THE DOWNSTAGE BAR 7PM
ADV. $34 | DOOR $36
“Legendary …A blues/rock institution … true innovators” – words used to describe Savoy Brown and leader Kim Simmonds, the longest-running blues band in history. Their hit singles “I’m Tired”, “Tell Mama”, and “Run To Me” are on Billboard’s Hot 100 all-time hit list, and they have released an incredible 38 albums in over 50 years of performing.
Unfortunately, our opener Jimmie Stagger has had to cancel his appearance. Keep checking back and we will announce a new main stage opener soon!
Opening on the Main Stage is Keith Scott. Scott is a Chicago Blues musician and a pioneer if his own style, which he has dubbed “heavy blues.” He has played with greats such as Johnny Littlejohn, B.B. Odom, Eddie Taylor, Little Milton, and Jimmy Dawkins.
Our Downstage Club preshow for Savoy Brown is Battle Creek native Sam Luna, whose soulful guitar and vocals blend modern pop music with flavors of blues from past eras.
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JOE LOUIS WALKER
JOE LOUIS WALKER
BLUES SERIES
NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | 8PM
PRESHOW IN THE DOWNSTAGE BAR 7:00PM
ADV. $30 | Door $32
Joe Louis Walker, a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and four-time Blues Music Award winner, celebrates a career that exceeds half a century. Within the Blues world, he is described as a “living legend” and has performed at many of the world’s most renowned music festivals. Don’t miss his live show on the Franke Center’s intimate stage!
Opening for Joe Louis Walker is local favorite Kjell Croce. Kjell Croce is a fingerstyle guitarist performing acoustic country blues. He has opened up for blues men Lonnie Brooks and Jimmie Johnson, and is thrilled to open for Joe Louis Walker.
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BLACKTHORN
BLACKTHORN
IRISH PUB NIGHT
JANUARY 15, 2022 | 8PM
DOORS AND BAR OPENS AT 7:30
GENERAL ADMISSION
ADV.$22 | $24
One of The Franke Center’s most popular annual events! Featuring traditional songs combined with some of Ireland’s best contemporary songs, Blackthorn creates a musical experience that captures the history and legend of Ireland and its people.
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WOLF TREE FILM FESTIVAL 2022
Wolf Tree Film Festival 2022
SHORT FILM SCREENING
JANUARY 22, 2022 | 8PM
DOORS AND BAR OPENS AT 7:30
GENERAL ADMISSION
ADV.$15 | $17
In its fourth year, Wolf Tree Film Festival showcases films set in the Great Lakes region or that include themes or topics related to the region, as well as the work of filmmakers who reside in or grew up in the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes region is defined as any state or territory that touches one of the Great Lakes (including Ontario, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York).
Submitted films should be no longer than 30 minutes, and all genres will be considered.
The festival will take place at The Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall, MI* and will include screenings of each selected film, a Q&A with select filmmakers, an awards presentation, and a filmmaker roundtable with industry professionals.
The Wolf Tree Film Festival is housed in historic Marshall, Michigan, a gorgeous small town with a vibrant artistic community. Hosted by the Franke Center for the Arts and Marshall’s Youngish Professionals Committee, the festival is held at Franke Center, originally a church built in 1921, now an arts complex that is the proud home of world-class concerts, inspiring theater, and award-winning movies.
*The festival will adhere to all public health and safety recommendations at the time of the event
Key Dates:
October 1, 2021: FilmFreeway open for submissions
Dec 12, 2021: FilmFreeway deadline for submissions
January 5, 2022: Filmmaker Notification date
January 22, 2022: Wolf Tree Film Festival at the Franke CenterFor more information on submission rules and awards, please visit FilmFreeway.
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Ice, Wine, Beer and Blues Festival 2022 – Featuring Matt Schofield
Ice, Wine, Beer and Blues Festival 2022
Featuring Matt Schofield
FEBRUARY 4 & 5, 2022 | 8PM
ADVANCE $28 | DOOR $30
A 2-day celebration of winter, booze, and blues! Choose to attend one or both nights of fun.
Friday’s popular festivities feature a wine and beer tasting throughout Marshall’s beautiful downtown. Stroll through shops and enjoy delicious appetizers, craft beers, and specially-selected wines, as well as live ice sculpting.
Saturday, experience a night of exceptional blues from Matt Schofield. A member of the British Blues Hall of Fame, Schofield is considered one of the top British blues guitarists of all time, alongside icons like Eric Clapton and Peter Green. His concert is part of the Franke Center Blues Series.
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JACKSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2022
JACKSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
FEBRUARY 26, 2021 | 8 PM
PRESHOW: JOSH VREELAND 7 PM
ADV. $26 | DOOR $28
The Jackson Symphony Orchestra has a rich and vibrant history serving the Jackson area since 1949. The orchestra has performed with many legendary figures in the world of music including Dizzy Gillespie, Grant Johannesen, Ralph Votapek, and Ian Hobson. Mannheim Steamroller, Ann Murray, and the Manhattan Transfer have invited the orchestra to do multi-state regional tours with them. The repertoire of the orchestra has been adventurous (including two entire seasons where every piece performed was from the 20th Century) and has drawn national attention as evidenced by frequent grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. The orchestra has premiered works by such distinguished composers as Jeff Beal, Crawford Gates, David Gibson, Robert De Gaetano, Falla Guitar Trio, and its own composer in residence, J. Bruce Brown. Operas including Tosca, La Boheme, Merry Wives of Windsor, Die Fledermaus have been presented in fully staged productions and eight different collaborations with the Indianapolis Ballet and Grand Rapids Ballet have resulted in magical productions of Sleeping Beauty and Nutcracker. www.jacksonsymphony.org
Josh Vreeland is a native of Marshall and a recent graduate of Western Michigan University. Josh is no stranger to the Franke Center and has been performing on the main stage since he was a child. This is his first time performing in the DownStage, and he is so excited to share an hour of music with you!
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A Franke Center FUNDRAISER
The Second City
A Franke Center Fundraiser
Comedy
April 9, 2022 | 8PM
Dinner and raffle will take place in the Downstage Club starting at 6pm. Upstairs doors open at 7:30 pm.
ADV. $45 | DOOR $47
In this season’s annual Franke Center Fundraiser, legendary improv troupe The Second City takes aim at Marshall and West Michigan. The Second City finds laughs in local history, events, hot-button issues, and headlines from the hometown newspaper. Experience the classic Chicago-style sketch comedy and improv created by some of Second City’s most lauded alumni, including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, and Bill Murray. Cap the night off with a dinner and raffle supporting The Franke Center, and it should be an unforgettable evening!
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OLIVIA DEAR
OLIVIA DEAR
FOLK / POP
APRIL 23, 2022 | 8PM
DOORS AND BAR OPEN 7:30 PM
GENERAL ADMISSION
ADV.$16 | DOOR $18
Olivia Dear (formerly Olivia Millerschin) captivates audiences with her celestial voice, wrapping them in a gossamer blend of modern pop with a pinch of folk. Her last record Look Both Ways was nominated for a 2018 Independent Music Award. Dear has won two John Lennon Songwriting Awards, the Great American Song Contest, and she was a quarter-finalist on America’s Got Talent. Backed by TIDAL streaming services and distro partner EQ, Olivia Dear is ready to make a statement with new releases in 2021. Part of the Michigan Stars Series and Music on Tap Series.
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GILMORE KEYBOARD FESTIVAL
GILMORE KEYBOARD FESTIVAL YOUNG ARTISTS – TBA
CLASSICAL
MAY 6 | 8PM
ADV. $15 | DOOR $17
The mission of The Gilmore is to promote and develop world-class keyboard musical experiences that inspire present and future artists and audiences. The Gilmore Young Artist Award is presented every two years to single out the most promising of the new generation of U.S.-based pianists, age 22 and younger.
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FEATURING THE ACCIDENTALS
Michigan Music Video Awards
featuring The Accidentals
May 14, 2022 | 8PM
ADV. $40 | DOOR $42
TICKETSThis star-studded new awards show will celebrate the year’s best music videos by Michigan artists and feature a live performance by folk rock masters “The Accidentals.” Enjoy a screening of the video finalists, watch artists accept their awards, and mingle with some of Michigan’s greatest musical talents and video directors.
The Accidentals are a multi-instrumental songwriting power trio. They kicked off 2018 with the release of their debut album on Sony Masterworks. Composing, arranging, and playing tracks for bands like BTS, Keller Williams, and Flint Eastwood, while also scoring an indie film, teaching workshops across the country, and playing alongside symphonies, this band is only just getting started.
