People with Sway: Frank Francis

8 July 2011 No Comments

Occupation: owner and operator of Toronto’s Trane Studio. Celebrating its eighth year, Trane is one of the few live entertainment venues that embodies the true supper club atmosphere by featuring jazz, spoken word and performance art.

Contribution: Francis’ willingness to open his doors to the new sounds of international acts has provided Toronto audiences with access to cutting-edge artistry, while his commitment to providing a performance venue for local talent has supported the growth of emerging artists from across Canada.

Inspiration: “My children inspire me. Understanding the context of where they are and what they will embark on as the next generation really inspires me. We have to take notice of and listen a lot more to our children. In a lot of ways, they are hip to things that I’m not hip to. The ways they communicate and the things they are doing today are bridging the gaps in our universe.”