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Flywheel Arts Collective announces monthly 'Saturday Morning Music Party'
February 1, 2012-Easthampton, MA Known to its neighbors and fans for boisterous concerts and a DIY aesthetic, the Flywheel Arts Collective of Easthampton may not immediately spring to mind when considering a venue for a family-friendly activity for the kids. But with the announcement of the 'Saturday Morning Music Party,' a free monthly breakfast bash featuring a variety of activities, performances and diversions for kids (to run from February through May, initially), Flywheel becomes just that.
Partnering with Hilltown Families and The No-Nap Happy Hour, the first of four installments of the Saturday Morning Music Party kicks off on February 11 at Flywheel's Easthampton location in the town hall building at 43 Main St. in Easthampton. Subsequent events take place on March 10, April 7 and May 12. Each month's bash features a pancake breakfast followed by musical performances, various activities and guided arts and crafts.
Following breakfast, the first installment features a screening of an episode of Pancake Mountain, a Washington D.C.-based, public-access, Saturday morning TV show hosted by a goat puppet who often features indie rock bands as guests. After the show, kids join DJ Youthelectronix for the "best ever dance party before noon".
Dj Youthelectronix, a.k.a. Jeremy Smith, a veteran Flywheel volunteer, led the effort to organize the Saturday Morning Music Party series, which is funded by a grant from the Easthampton Cultural Council. Driven to recreate the success of similar Saturday morning activities at Flywheel's previous location, Smith says, "Offering unique and creative activities for families and kids while providing an outlet for artists to connect with the community falls exactly in step with Flywheel's mission." He's particularly proud of the "diverse programming" to be offered, which is anything but the rote kids' fare.
Subsequent month's events will include live performances by Uncle Rock, R.O.C.K., artist-led arts and crafts, and other fun activities. The Saturday Morning Music Party is free, but occurrences featuring live musical performances suggest a donation to cover band expenseFlywheel Arts Collective hosts holiday fundraiser to improve facilities
December 6, 2011 - EASTHAMPTON, The success of Flywheel Arts Collective's first year in the Easthampton town hall space has proven that the volunteer-run non-profit has legs. After a brief hiatus, the 12-year-old initiative moved into the town hall at 43 Main Street in Easthampton, and continued in its efforts to provide an alternative, independent concert venue and arts space to the community. In order to make improvements to the space, Flywheel is currently holding their first annual winter fundraiser to run now through December 28, featuring incentives of one-of-a-kind ephemera, local crafts and exclusive music collections.
Concerts and events at Flywheel this past year have been well attended, though a hot summer in the space uncovered a need for a much improved air conditioning system. Sound and lighting equipment upgrades and sound-proofing would also go a long way toward improving audience experience, as well as that of our residential neighbors.
Because Flywheel keeps door prices low, does not have a bar that serves alcohol and operates with a volunteer labor force, the organization relies on community support to maintain a calendar of quality musical performances (which have included internationally renowned acts like Fugazi and Ted Leo), art events, and family-friendly events (like the new Saturday morning dance party for kids), which is why Flywheel is hosting their first annual winter fundraiser. Donations to the fundraiser will help make Flywheel the most fun and comfortable alternative music venue in the Pioneer Valley.
Flywheel has leveraged their relationships with some of the top independent record labels and musicians, as well as local artists to curate a selection of incentives for donors. Including (but not limited to) signed LPs from the likes of Jeff Mangum and Yo La Tengo, a K Records sampler, two limited edition skateboard decks from Ecstatic Peace and Shut Skateboards, and signed albums from local heroes J Mascis and Thurston Moore, each incentive will be awarded to the highest donor to express interest in it. A full list of prizes can be found at http://www.flywheelarts.org/support.php.
Donors and community members are invited to help us celebrate and culminate our fundraising efforts at a party on December 28 from 5-7 pm at the Flywheel space in the Easthampton Town Hall. The winners of the raffle will be announced there.
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The Flywheel Arts Collective is a collectively-run, not-for-profit space aimed at building community and giving artists of all types the opportunity to craft, practice, and perform their work in an environment where creativity is valued over profit. Volunteer-run and governed by consensus, Flywheel believes that art and information should be equally accessible and affordable to all people. For more information, visit http://www.flywheelarts.org.
FLYWHEEL ARTS COLLECTIVE HOSTS JANDEK CONCERT IN EASTHAMPTON
(Press Release)
The reclusive Texas musician will make a rare live appearance, and will collaborate with a number of local musicians who have been sworn to secrecy.
Presale is now closed for this show. There will be about 100 tickets left on the night of the show. Show up by 7:30 to ensure you get in.
After more than a quarter-century of making music, the reclusive Houston musician behind Jandek played his first live concert, unannounced, in 2004 at a noise and music festival in Glasgow, Scotland. As the artist started in on his set, audience members slowly recognized the corroded, bluesy sound as that of the mysterious but marveled-at artist.
Before Jandek’s debut as a live performer seven years ago, the public identity of the artist was almost entirely kept secret. Jandek has self-released over 60 albums since 1978 under the guise of Corwood Industries, an apparent record label (with no other known clients), that is cloaked in as much mystery as the musician himself. Besides only the occasional interview and a few cryptic correspondences via snail mail, neither Jandek nor Corwood Industries have offered much if any insight to their motivations or backgrounds. Infrequent performances over the past seven years have done nothing if not add to the mystery, each one confounding audience's expectations.
On October 1, Easthampton, Mass. will be added to the short list of locations where Jandek has performed since his initial appearance in Glasgow, as Flywheel Arts Collective hosts a rare live performance. Flywheel is honored to present this very special evening of music in which the "represtative from Corwood" will be collaborating with a few of the area's best musicians who have been sworn to secrecy about the details of the performance, and as such their identities will be kept secret until the night of the performance.
In spite of his proclivity to cloister personal information, (or perhaps because of it), Jandek has developed a devoted cult following over the past 33 years with his mutant strain of folk music. Astructural and atonal, Jandek’s style is a distant genetic relative of Texas blues and folk that’s been spun through a centrifuge and spit out as the murky, protozoan sound his fans have come to revere.
Members of the press are encouraged to seek out Corwood Industries at your own risk. You may get lucky. Flywheel Arts Collective member Nick Williams, responsible for booking the performance, will be available for comment about the show and its circumstances. A member of the Flywheel Hub will be available for questions about the organization.
The Flywheel Arts Collective is a collectively-run, not-for-profit space aimed at building community and giving artists of all types the opportunity to craft, practice, and perform their work in an environment where creativity is valued over profit. Volunteer-run and governed by consensus, Flywheel believes that art and information should be equally accessible and affordable to all people. For more information, visit www.flywheelarts.org
Flywheel Record Fair!
This is going to be really great: lots of vendors, lots of friends of Flywheel. Come out and get your vinyl on! There will be everything from obscure punk and psych records, classic and affordable favorites to the cutting edge of the contemporary underground. Surely worth your time and money. The event is happening on Sunday September 11th from 10am to 3pm, right here at the Old Town Hall in Easthampton, home of Flywheel.
The Kanazi Gallery
Gallery dedication event to honor the Kanazi family
Flywheel will be naming our Art Gallery in honor of of Dr. Shawki Kanazi and his Family. Dr Kanazi was Flywheel's former landlord and benefactor at our original space on cottage street. There is no questioning the fact that Flywheel would not exist today without his generous support.
Please Join us for the gallery dedication event to honor the Kanazi family Sunday June 19, from 3 - 4:15 Food and drinks will be served.
Get Into It
About Flywheel
Flywheel, a collectively run, not-for-profit space, aims to build community and give artists of all types the opportunity to craft, practice, and perform their work in an environment where creativity is valued over profit. Volunteer-run and governed by consensus, Flywheel believes that art and information should be equally accessible and affordable to all people. The all-ages, alcohol- and drug-free space features a cafe, zine library, performance space, and an art gallery. LEARN MORE ABOUT FLYWHEEL.
Events Calendar
Keep an eye on this space for info on upcoming meeting dates, events, and performances.
February 10, 2012
7pm $8
Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra
HVGO is a true avant-garde community orchestra, comprised of 20 talented, enthusiastic, acoustic and electric guitarists from widely varied traditions. HVGO creates new and beautiful music that could only come from such an eclectic melange, inspiring musicians to work together who might otherwise never collaborate.
February 11, 2012
10:00 am Free
Saturday Morning Music Party
Join DJ Youthelectronix for the best ever dance party before noon!
Free pancakes!
Kids activities!
Pancake Mountain
A locally produced DIY kids show based in Washington DC. We will watch one episode while we eat pancakes!
Event #1 in our 4 part Saturday Morning Music Party kids music series. Sponsored by Flywheel, Hilltown Families and Spare the Rock, Spoil The Child. Join us for pancakes, activities and DJ Youthelectronix
8:00pm 8$
Riverside Arts benefit concert
Every individual has the potential to flourish through the creative process. Participating in the arts gives individuals the sense of purpose, self-empowerment, and community. Exhibitions of work are opportunities to share these accomplishments thereby fostering awareness in the broader community.
body/head
kim.g and bill nace will throw down some guitar wizardry
dredd foole
dan ireton will blow us all away..
honeysuck
up the ponx.
readings by byron coley and c.s. ward
Folks are also encouraged to bring art supplies to donate to Riverside Arts!
February 12, 2012
6:30 pm
Flywheel General Body Meeting
8pm $7
Brilliant Colors
Inspired by post-punk fervor, the spiky pop of C86 & early Flying Nun/Creation label output, the ladies of San Francisco’s Brilliant Colors (on the esteemed Slumberland Records label) spiked their punk-pop swirl with their own special grit.
Potty Mouth
Four Western Mass grrrls named after a Bratmobile album. What's not to like?!
Speedy Ortiz
Step into the time machine & travel back to the lo-fi '90s. Boston Music calls them "a defeatist Helium or a sunburnt Pixies" - we approve.
Baby Barnyard
Amanda will charm you with some psychedelic dream-pop straight out of David Lynch.
February 16, 2012
7:00pm
Booking Committee Meeting
February 17, 2012
Whistle Jacket
Whistle Jacket, once described as "whimsical ambassadors of good cheer" play rock and roll in a way that is odd and familiar, but not oddly familiar. They might make you dance even if you can't dance and sing along even when you don't know the words.
Henning & Lesa
Lesa is the leader of The Fawns. Henning is the headmaster of School for the Dead. Tonight they combine their songs into a pared down intimate performance.
Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith, or "Hoonah" is a whisperer in the night who soothes with the power of 20 bear paws.
Young & Old
Young & Old plays rock music in an interesting yet uncluttered manner leaving some place for dancing should you be so inclined.
It's the fourth annual "Great Mix-CD Mix-Up". We ask those in attendance to create a mix cd or tape (artwork is appreciated) to exchange for a mix made by someone else.
February 23, 2012
Michael Haleta, Matt Wellins and Sarah Halpern
February 26, 2012
1-5
Private event
February 27, 2012
TEENAGE COOL KIDS
AMPERE
GLOBSTERS (kentucky)
LIMBS BIN
TWERPS (amherst)
February 28, 2012
8:00pm SHARP $7
Rangda
"Sir" Richard Bishop (Sun City Girls), Ben Chasny (Six Organs of Admittance) & Chris Corsano. Psychedelic guitar rock of epic proportions. These guys killed at Flywheel back in September 2010 and they shall kill again. LP/CD still available on Drag City
Bunwinkies
Western Mass maestros of the mystery-volk gesture. Named after some well-bred rabbits of Martha Burr Banks’ invention, related by birth to Jow Jow Feath Knell Rung, many of the questions here are posed by Beverly Ketch’s plaintive vocals, all of them edged with a wide-eyed wonder I suspect was a ruse if I didn’t know her. Some of the bits ring like a full-fledged folk-rock oyster. Very goddamn elegant... -- Byron Coley
Flaming Dragons of Middle Earth
Turner Falls’ Flaming Dragons Of Middle Earth. Led by wheelchair-bound ‘band shaman’ Danny Cruz and consisting of a rotating group of non-musicians, psychedelic drop-outs, teenage metallers, kids with Down Syndrome etc, Flaming Dragons play a form of super crude/sophisticated free rock ala The Godz or even a punk-primitive Arkestra but with Cruz’s stunning, oracular vocals giving them a mainline to the freak flag style of prime Captain Beefheart, Roky Erickson and Wasa Wasa-era Broughton. Cruz’s instant lyric inventions are as mind-boggling as your favourite medium while the group lurch around on staggering brokedown rhythms somewhere between early-Sabbath, Robbie Yeats of The Dead C and The Shaggs. Their material ranges from stripped-down raps to lumbering psychedelic rock, as well as free-form freakouts w/lyrics that obsess over murder, bloodshed, astral creeps and, uh, Joni Mitchell... indeed Cruz makes most ‘sound poets’ sound like children’s entertainers. -- David Keenan
February 29, 2012
5:30-8:30 pm
Eca forum
March 4, 2012
7pm free
"HEAD" film screening
"Head" is a psychedelic, non-linear motion picture starring... THE MONKEES. While not participating in a traditional narrative, the film retains a cyclical structure. Cyclical, in this instance, by that one can take nearly any scene, rearrange it and the action will still relate and have meaning in its new place. Is it a Western? A comedy? A drama? A musical? A war story?
Bob Rafelson, a co-creator of the Monkees television series, made his feature directorial debut with 1968's Head. He co-wrote the film with the then obscure Roger Corman school B-movie actor Jack Nicholson.
Although, in 1968 the film proved to be an immense commercial failure, "Head" has become a cult classic and an excellent artifact in the colored history of the Monkees. Rafelson continued his maverick approach to cinema and is now considered one of the most revered directors and producers of his generation.
The screening will be preceded by a short lecture from celebrated songwriter/drummer and Monkees enthusiast Brian Marchese.
March 9, 2012
8pm $7
MV & EE
Steve Gunn
tba
March 10, 2012
8pm $5
Four Eyes
Hyperactive mid-90s indie rock revivalism from Somerville/Brooklyn. Dust off those Superchunk cassettes & dig out your raggedy Dinosaur Jr. t-shirts.
Dig Safe
Heavily catchy noise-pop from four fine Boston gentlemen, some of whom play in Luau & The Big Big Bucks.
Psychic Blood
Scabby Corsage blog described them thusly (and aptly): "fuzzed out sittin’ on a beanbag staring at a lava lamp in a cloud of bong smoke thing in your best friends parents basement back in 1989 listening to your friends' older brothers' copy of EVOL (without his permission) because the girl on the front makes you feel weird".
Missing Data
Three kids, three copies of "Our Band Could Be Your Life". Alternately: Someone recently told them they were reminiscent of Unwound.
March 11, 2012
6:30 pm
Flywheel General Body Meeting
Open to all
March 16, 2012
7pm $12
Eisley
THE VALLEY: a low point between peaks. That’s where the DuPree sisters who front Eisley were as they crafted their third album: Sherri enduring a failed marriage; Chauntelle, a broken engagement; and Stacy, a painful breakup. The only relationship that ended on their terms was the split with Warner Bros. Records. Arising from the depths, Eisley has reappeared with new personal relationships, a new label (Equal Vision Records) and a new album completed on their own: “The Valley.” Promising to bring listeners through the band’s darkest and most trying times, “The Valley” reveals their strength, patience and perseverance. It signals a victorious climb out of their darkest valley. With it, Eisley has managed to put forth their greatest and most personal album yet.
Marksmen
Alternative/Indie rock from Tampa,FL
Christie Dupree
Christie DuPree is a singer-songwriter from Texas. She is the younger sister of Chauntelle, Sherri, Stacy, and Weston DuPree and the cousin of Garron DuPree - all members of the band Eisley.
Tickets for the show will be pre-sold via PayPal. They are $12 with a .75 service fee. No physical tickets will be mailed, your name will appear on a list at the door the night of the show.
March 17, 2012
7:00 $8
Lich King
Return of the Pioneer Valley thrash titans!
Katahdin
First Flywheel show since the release of their split with In Human Form and Aoi
Crypter
Teenage headbangers rock like Kreator!
TBA
March 31, 2012
6:30
BLACK PYRAMID
SPOKEN LIKE A TRUE HERO
HYDROELECTRIC
ROADHORSE
Roadhorse was formed in 1989 as a heavy rock/metal power-trio. Attracts a younger crowd, and bikers! Some of the artists opened for: Wasp, Metal Church, Overkill, Quiet Riot, Thin Lizzy, Doro Pesch.
THE UNCOMFORTABLES
April 7, 2012
10:00 am FREE
R.O.C.K.
The Royal Order of Chords and Keys is a family music "kindie" band featuring Aric Bieganek on vocals and guitar, Hans Dalhaus on drums and David Picchi on bass. Together they form the hardest rocking band for families in the world. Period.
Event #3 in our 4 part Saturday Morning Music Party kids music series. Sponsored by Flywheel and Spare the Rock, Spoil The Child. Join us for pancakes, activities and live music.
April 13, 2012
Drs: 8:00pm Shw:8:30 $7
Citay
Structured around the songwriting of Ezra Feinberg, this formerly San Francisco-now-New York-based collective has been releasing music on the Dead Oceans record label since 2007 that integrates the sounds/styles of "Led Zeppelin, Eno/Fripp, Thin Lizzy, Pink Floyd, Popul Vuh and ELO". Epic, catchy. and dreamy!
PG Six
Pat Gubler is no stranger to Flywheel. As a solo artist and a member of Tower Recordings he has been performing his unique blend of 60s British folk, country rock, & experimental music for 18+ years.
Trummors
April 18, 2012
OUTLOOK
HC on tour from Olympia, WA
April 27, 2012
Jack Burton vs. David Lo Pan
+tba
April 28, 2012
Ladyfest Easthampton benefit show
More details to come!!
April 30, 2012
7pm $7
POST TEENS
on tour from gainesville, FL. (membs of Torche, Dead Friends and Asshole Parade)
May 4, 2012
8pm
Thick Shakes
Farfisa-drenched, Nuggets-worshipping garage rock by way of Boston. Billy Childish would be proud.
Radio Control
Punk rock pop duo from Somerville. Sort of like the Ramones meets Beat Happening, with a lot of sugar consumed.