The beat goes on as new performance and events venue opens in Old Town

Everyone wants a space they can call their own for that very special event, performance or meeting.
 
Now you can have it.
 
This March, long-time Old Town developer, resident and advocate Terry Terry will open the UrbanBeat Event Center—an intimate gathering space that can be customized to suit your needs.
 
"It's been a dream of mine for a long-time to have a big space that reflects the character of the area where you can see great performances of music, poetry and theatre or hold events from weddings to fundraisers to corporate meetings," says Terry. "UrbanBeat will be that unique space, that clean palette you can decorate as you like and make it your space while you're there."
 
Terry has created what he says is Mid-Michigan's first intimate, bookable performance and events space with partners John and Joni Sztykiel, the couple behind Created to C—a new boutique marketing and branding company in Old Town.
 
UrbanBeat occupies the former footprint of The Mustang Bar—a legendary, rowdy hangout of the "Old Old Town." Terry acquired the abandoned storefront about seven years ago, and steadily made improvements to the upstairs including a loft and studio space. In the past year, he began gutting the downstairs interior to build a 3,000-square foot space with seating and staging areas, a bar, a catering kitchen, and a "green room" for guests and performers—all while maintaining the building's historic integrity.
 
Individuals and groups renting the space can "do-it-themselves" by providing their own furnishings, amenities and decorations, or bring their vision to life by drawing on the basic furnishings, equipment and services provided by staff. Customers can also leverage state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting, a garage-door size glass back door for easy access, and removable panels for subdividing space.
 
"We have the added benefit of being urban-centered in a unique neighborhood," Terry adds. "Wherever you come from, you'll enjoy not just the space in UrbanBeat, but the clubs, restaurants, shops and all the additional things to do in Old Town."
 
UrbanBeat will accommodate about 175 people per event, and will be serviced by a staff of 10 people.
 
Source: Terry Terry, Co-Owner, Urban Beat Events Center
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor

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