Big Laughs Ahead at The Franke Center with TV Comedians Yassir Lester and Henrik Blix on November 22

Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter at the Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall, Michigan. The venue is set to host a comedy event featuring two nationally recognized performers — Yassir Lester and Henrik Blix — on Friday, November 22, at 8 p.m. on the main stage. Tickets are now available at TheFranke.org or by calling the box office at 269-781-0001.

According to Jacob Gates, Executive Director of The Franke Center, audiences have been asking for more stand-up shows. “One thing we always hear from people is that they’d love to see more stand-up comedy,” he said. “So we’re super excited to offer this show this year, as well as The Second City on March 6. It’s going to be a great year for comedy at The Franke!” The event is part of the Center’s growing focus on live comedy, backed by funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Yassir Lester, a comedian, writer, actor, and director, has built an impressive résumé across television and film. He’s best known for starring in Showtime’s Black Monday, appearing in Fox’s Making History, and recurring on NBC’s Champions. Behind the scenes, Lester has written for a lineup of hit shows including Kenan on NBC, Girls on HBO, The Carmichael Show on NBC, and Black AF on Netflix. His career continues to expand — he is currently writing the upcoming Marvel Studios feature Armor Wars, which is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and is set to star in the animated Sausage Party series coming soon to Amazon. You can explore more about Yassir’s work on IMDb.

Sharing the stage with Lester is Henrik Blix, another standout in the comedy scene. Blix has written comedy for television and performed sketch, improv, and stand-up across the country. Most recently, he worked as a writer for The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+, where he contributed to one of the most respected current-affairs comedy shows in recent years. Blix also honed his performance skills with The Second City in Chicago — one of the most prestigious improv theaters in the country — and has written sharp, witty headlines for The Onion, America’s iconic satirical news outlet. He continues to perform live comedy regularly in New York City and shares material with fans through online platforms. Learn more about Henrik’s performances and writing at The Second City.

This upcoming event underscores how much comedy is in demand at The Franke Center. The inclusion of both national touring comedians and an upcoming Second City show signals a broader effort to make stand-up and sketch comedy a core part of the venue’s cultural offerings. With established television talents like Yassir Lester and Henrik Blix on stage, audiences can expect a night that combines quick wit, clever writing, and sharp observational humor.

For fans of smart, modern comedy — whether you know these names from TV, streaming platforms, or the late-night circuit — this is a must-see show. Mark your calendar for November 22, grab your tickets early at TheFranke.org, and get ready for an evening filled with big laughs in Marshall, Michigan.