Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Kalamazoo

"Save the State": that was the rallying cry in Kalamazoo in 1982, as local arts groups and city officials spearheaded efforts to save the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre from demolition. And it was more than just a building the community sought to save. Since it first illuminated its marquee in 1927, the State Theatre had hosted countless vaudeville acts, operas, big bands, and bands with tiny drums, and had served as a cultural fixture for the city. Fortunately, the campaign worked. The venue was purchased in 1985, and after undergoing renovations, the State Theatre once again began housing entertainment ranging from rock concerts to live comedy for the citizens of Kalamazoo.