I went to the Franke Center in Marshall for a concert a couple of weeks ago, and you should see what they've done to the place!    They just keep making improvements, at Calhoun County's crown jewel for arts and entertainment.

The basement at the Franke has long been a meeting room for service clubs, and for receptions for shows by the Marshall Civic Players and other groups putting on shows in the auditorium upstairs.   It has a kitchen, and elevator, so it was perfect for a lot of functions.  But, it still felt like a basement.   Not any more!

They've transformed the place into what looks and feels like a big city basement nightclub, called the "Downstage Club".  It's clean, cozy, classy and comfy.   The basement has always had a small stage, that was underused.  The lighting was your typical glaring florescent tubes.  They've been slowly upgrading the space for a while, but took a giant leap recently.   They have padded theater seats, high top tables, and round tables for a variety of seating.  The decor has been spruced up to allow them to showcase community artists and to promote upcoming shows.   The old hanging ceiling is gone.   And best of all, the Franke Center is bringing entertainment to the new venue which compliments the upstairs space nicely.

Franke Center
Franke Center
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This week, the Franke has announced a mini-grant from the Marshall Community Foundation to buy 16 bar stools for the Downstage Club and the new Lobby Bar.

Kathy Seifert and Larry Dingee in this Franke Center photo.
Kathy Seifert and Larry Dingee in this Franke Center photo.
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Go on line to check out the schedule of great shows and events coming up at the Franke Center.  You can even buy tickets on line.

Franke Center for the Arts
Franke Center for the Arts
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