Are you up for hearing a little bit of music with your dinner this evening—something that pairs well with both the recipe and atmosphere? Then you’ll definitely be interested in learning more about Betsy Franck Hughes and her upcoming House Concert Series, hosted by her company, BFranck Productions. Merging her passion and experience as a foodie and performer into this innovative new project, Franck has created an awesome live show with a chef-prepared meal, all in efforts to better the community. 

What started with marrying a chef and working in restaurants until she gained traction as a musician, music and food have consistently been intertwined in Betsy Franck’s life. In fact, the places she’s called home—all which have shaped her as a musician—read like the list of top 5 music and food towns in the Southeast: Charleston (SC), Asheville (NC), Athens (GA), Nashville (TN) and Dahlonega (GA). (OK, maybe her latest residence is more accurately on an “up and coming” list but give it time, great things are happening in North Georgia!)

After graduating from Converse College in Spartanburg with a degree in vocal performance, Franck decided to call Charleston home and began living a quintessential food and beverage lifestyle, playing at local bars on most nights. She eventually relocated to Asheville and it was there in the mountains that she honed her craft and developed her original songwriting skills. 

Still, it wasn’t until a move to Athens that she really “cut her musical teeth,” as she explains it — finally forming Betsy Franck & The Bareknuckle Band, recording five albums and touring. 

In between traveling to play music, Franck also began volunteering and working for a nonprofit called Nuçi’s Space (www.nuci.org), an organization that prevents suicide by providing a rock ‘n roll safe haven.

Following the birth of her son, Franck soon craved a more consistent lifestyle with fewer late nights and less time on the road. At that point, she found herself reviewing all of her experiences: organizing festivals, booking music, organizing charitable functions, tending bar, managing restaurants, writing songs and performing. What could she do with those things? Then, like a true “aha!” moment, she was inspired to begin BFranck Productions and the House Concert Series. She realized her experiences could combine into a fun-filled evening that would allow attendees the chance to enjoy a meal and a house concert, plus give back to the community. 

In addition to coordinating, planning and organizing these events, Franck also hopes to promote her latest creation: her EP, with the simplistic yet meaningful title, “Words.” The project is influenced by her journey through early parenthood, which inspired her to choose her words with more intent, knowing little impressionable ears are always close by. In turn, she also hopes “to inspire more thought to the words that all of us speak—giving respect to the roads that we all travel, the baggage we all carry, and the love and forgiveness that we all seek.” 

BFranck Productions’ 2020 House Concert Series will begin in March of this year. The series is slated to include a songwriter round in a beautiful barn in Bogart, Ga, as well as events in Charleston, Savannah (GA), Rosemary Beach (FL), Austin (TX), Chattanooga (TN) and Nashville. The various events will feature a menu provided by local chefs, intentionally curated to complement the live entertainment. Proceeds will benefit various causes, including The Human Yoga Project (humanyogaproject.com) and “BreastFest”, a breast cancer awareness organization with The Tyanna Foundation (tyanna.org).

Each of these events is sure to be unique, expertly planned and inspiring. In a single night, guests will enjoy a fabulous meal, surrounded by excellent entertainment, all while helping out great organizations and causes. To stay informed about details and events, visit www.betsyfranck.com. If you are interested in hosting an event, contact bfranckproductions@gmail.com.  

Finally, to check out Betsy Franck’s latest work, visit http://betsyfranck.com/album/1206968/words and download “Words.” You won’t be disappointed! 

by Katie Kirila