Flywheel's Last Show

Flywheel is a volunteer-run arts and performance space in Easthampton that grew out of the Valley Arts and Music Alliance. It was formed as a collective where both visual and musical artists could have shows independent from more established venues and outlets. They opened their doors to a welcoming scene on March 20, 1999, and I happened to be there photographing the bands and other goings-on.

They've outgrown their original space and will be moving to CitySpace, the old Easthampton Town Hall, later in the year. They had one last show in them, though, which took place on March 17th, almost 8 years to the day they opened. Like the other half of a bookend, I shot the closing event for MassLive, which has photos posted here, though it was a pretty long day so here are some more you may not have seen…

Scene-staple Dancing Larry stands next to one of the original flyers for Flywheel's first show 8 years ago. Helen Harrison, one of the people responsible for bringing Flywheel to life, is in the background.

No smoking allowed inside.

Jeremy was checking the sound levels while the bands performed.

Thrillpillow was one of the many bands that played throughout the day.

Peek-a-boo.

Steve relaxes in the zine library between bands.

Original flyers, posters and other items from Flywheel's past were hung in the back gallery.

The youngest drum tech I've seen yet.

It was pretty chilly after the previous night's snowstorm, but it didn't keep the crowds away.

Dingo Roi reunited after a several-year hiatus to play a great set.

Drum-guitar-noise improv group Vashni Bashers performed later in the evening.

More noise back in the gallery before the last band went on.

The two brothers from Holyoke who comprise HNATIW closed out the night with a great high-energy electronic set.