Flywheel

Full disclosure, I am a volunteer at the Flywheel currently.
I attended UMass Amherst in the early 2000s and yearned to see more DIY shows, which were lacking in neck of the woods in Massachusetts. Through word-​of-​mouth, I heard of the Flywheel. I attended some shows at the old space the Flywheel had. I liked the intimacy, atmosphere, and creative outpouring from local to touring underground rock musicians.
Currently, the Flywheel resides in the old Easthampton town hall. It has been there since 2009 I believe. The space is quite impressive; allowing for about 200 people to sit or stand in what was probably an old town hall meeting area. One can see and interact with underground musicians from across the country. while meeting people from across Western MA with diverse cultural, political, and artistic appetites. One enjoyable aspect of the Flywheel is the common area which is where everyone enters. This space has a few coaches where people can sit, a desk area where people can pay the door price and catch some newsletters and flyers, a café that serves vegan food, coffee or tea, and offers merchandise, and a zine library, which feels like a treasure trove of creative expression and writing.
In the end, what makes the space great is its DIY non-​profit status. It is run as a collective, so members can have decision-​making power within a democratically run environment, and profits go first to the artists. The space serves the community by showing affordable musical concerts, plays, or art exhibits within an all-​ages atmosphere. Compared to the 21+ rock/​music clubs in Northampton or metro Springfield, the Flywheel is a treat.
The space touches my volunteerism spirit and emotional aspects to me. I try to spend some free time there to help the collective and, whenever I go to a show, I ask if there is anything I can do. The people, who are just members of the artistic and musical community, are friendly and love to talk to anyone and everyone. I have also seen the music I like, which does not seem well-​represented by the said clubs I referenced earlier at the Flywheel. It is a magical space and I hope many other people would love to catch a show, exhibit, performance, or volunteer opportunity at the Flywheel.

I used to volunteer here, and I had a wonderful time. Flywheel is a non-​profit, collectively run community arts group. They offer live music, art exhibits, film & video screenings, poetry & spoken word, theater & performance art, and children’s events. Local and national artists grace their stage, screen, and walls. Their emphasis is on emerging artists, independent musicians, and other non-​mainstream creative types. A lot of local scenes have coalesced around this place. Admission is kept low making all events affordable for the local community. The venue is supported by door donations, fundraising, and grants. Periodically Flywheel puts on large scale shows featuring acts like Fugazi and Le Tigre. Flywheel is currently on hiatus due to the renovations being performed on their relocation space in the former town hall. Their previous site featured a café, zine library, art gallery, and performance space. Local scenester tip: Don’t call it «The Flywheel». I look forward to visiting them in their new incarnation!