Dan and Holly Carmichael of Lead Balloon Productions have purchased the historic Kalamazoo theater, with plans to renovate and reopen the landmark for concerts and comedy shows. The story at Local Spins.
More to Come: The scene inside Kalamazoo State Theatre during the venue’s last show in November 2024. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
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Closed since November 2024, Kalamazoo State Theatre is poised to begin a new era under fresh ownership by a Sturgis-based production company.
The historic theater’s longtime owners announced in a press conference today that Dan and Holly Carmichael of Lead Balloon Productions had purchased State Theater, with plans to once again stage concerts and comedy shows at the nearly century-old Kalamazoo landmark.
“The curtain is rising on a new chapter for the historic State Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo,” the Lead Balloon website proclaims. “Built in 1927, the State Theatre has stood as a cultural beacon and community gathering space, connecting generations through shared live experiences. Dan and Holly are thrilled to be the new stewards of this venerated space.”
While a date for the theater’s reopening hasn’t yet been set, the purchase was touted as part of downtown Kalamazoo’s revival, with a new $515 million arena set to open in fall 2027 on W. Kalamazoo Avenue.
The 1,524-capacity State Theatre hosted its final show on Nov. 23, 2024, after Roger Hinman, president and CEO of Hinman Co., announced he would be seeking new ownership for the venue after four decades at the helm — this after theater bookings had ebbed substantially over the previous year.
Another Chapter: New owners Holly and Dan Carmichael. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
“This place matters. We love this place. We want what is best for not only the building but the community as well,” theater executive director Stephanie Hinman said at the time.
Legendary performers — from B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Little Feat to Dave Matthews, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Spoon — have graced the State Theatre stage over the years, and the Carmichaels have plans for “restoring and enhancing” the historic building “as it prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027.” Boston’s Wilson Butler Architects have been engaged to “support their restoration efforts” for the theater that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The State Theatre website notes that the Carmichaels — who now call Kalamazoo home — are “focused on preserving the building’s historic architecture, enhancing usability and flow for guests and performers, and carefully integrating modern technology” into the venue. “Their vision is to preserve the magic of The State while creating a renewed gathering place where community, culture and unforgettable experiences come together.”
In a prepared statement, Dan Carmichael, who’s also a comedian, noted that walking into the theater “feels like stepping into another world. We want to keep that sense of wonder alive. We know what this place means to Kalamazoo and beyond — to both patrons and artists. We are committed to honoring its past while creating a space for incredible new experiences.”
At a morning press conference, Holly Carmichael called the theater “a hub for our community … where Kalamazoo gathers and allows our guests to come. We really, really can’t wait to dive in. We love this place.”
Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson noted that the theater “has long been a cornerstone of what makes Kalamazoo a great city” and that the Carmichaels have joined “a collaborative community of highly engaged leaders who are committed to the arts and to reinvigorating our downtown. … I am excited about this for the community.”
The Carmichaels already are working with booking agents for “their inaugural season when doors reopen,” with updates available on the State Theatre website. A purchase price for the theater wasn’t revealed.
The news was immediately greeted with excited comments from music lovers on Facebook who called it “awesome news” for “one of the best venues in Michigan.”
A True Landmark: State Theatre’s iconic marquee. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
PHOTO GALLERY: State Theatre Ownership Announcement/Press Conference
Photos by Derek Ketchum
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