FRAMINGHAM — An old firehouse is the last place you might expect a dynamic night scene, but that is exactly where to find live music and entertainment almost every night of the week in this town. The brainchild of music impresario and executive director Michael Moran, Amazing Things Arts Center serves up folk, blues, jazz, rock, cabaret, and comedy shows, drawing local and nationally known performers and musicians to its 200-seat venue.

Founded to bring together and create community among artists, musicians, arts supporters, and appreciators, the center also hosts exhibitions in its 1,200-square-foot gallery and sponsors programs for children. In 2007 the Town of Framingham leased the historic downtown Hollis Street Firehouse to the center for 50 years for $1 per year, and as a result quality is high while ticket prices are low. A bonus: plentiful parking.