The Tom Franke Gala is an annual fundraiser event for The Franke Center For The Arts. Join your fellow supporters of the arts for a magical night of music, entertainment, food and drinks benefitting The Franke Center–all in memory of one of The Franke Center’s founders and champions, Tom Franke.
The Gala is a two-part event. The first part is a mixer with dinner, special cocktails, a silent auction, and live entertainment in the Franke Center’s Downstage Club. The second part will be a Mainstage performance by The Dave Bennett Quartet.
THE FRANKE DOWNSTAGE CLUB – 5:30PM
The Gala
Join us for a special evening for Franke Center supporters!
The night will include a delicious catered dinner from 20/20 Bistro (menu coming soon!) and a special musical performance from Franke Youth Theater alum Josh Vreeland, whose bio is listed below.
We’ll reflect on a fantastic 2024-2025 season, announce our next season, and honor a few special individuals. There will also be a silent auction with dozens of fantastic prizes available! All proceeds from the night will go to benefit Franke Center programming.
Gala entertainment
Josh Vreeland
Josh Vreeland is a music director, educator, and performer with deep roots in the Marshall community. Having grown up performing on this very stage, Josh is thrilled to return as a musician, bringing his passion for storytelling through music full circle.
A graduate of NYU’s Steinhardt School with a Master’s degree in Voice Performance and an advanced certificate in Voice Pedagogy, Josh has dedicated his career to shaping young artists while continuing his own performing journey. As a music director and educator, he has led numerous productions, helping performers find their voice and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
Now, coming back to the theatre that first inspired him, Josh is grateful for the opportunity to make music in a place that will always feel like home.
Mainstage – 8pm
The Dave Bennett Quartet
The Dave Bennett Quartet presents an intense and emotional musical experience. Bennett and his band perform hard driving swing, rockabilly, jazz, pop, gospel, and original songs. Listeners will recognize the influences of Benny Goodman, Pete Fountain, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles, Chris Isaak, Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins.
“We cover different genres.” Says Bennett. “So our audiences can have a ball hearing songs that they’ve grown up with and while introducing them to my own original music. My band and I have the greatest job in the world!”
Dave Bennett – Clarinet, Guitar, Piano, Vocal
Jeff Kressler – Piano
Ed Fedewa – Bass
Pete Siers – Drums
