The Flint Local 432 (or "the Local") is a non-profit

501(c)(3) A 501(c)(3) organization is a United States corporation, Trust (business), trust, unincorporated association or other type of organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. It is one of ...

all-ages A family-friendly product or service is one that is considered to be suitable for all members of an average family. Family-friendly restaurants are ones that provide service to families that have young children. Frequently, family-friendly produc ...

, substance free

music venue A music venue is any location used for a concert or musical performance. Music venues range in size and location, from a small coffeehouse for folk music shows, an outdoor bandshell or bandstand or a concert hall to an indoor sports stadium. Ty ...

located in downtown

Flint, Michigan Flint is the largest city in Genesee County, Michigan, United States, and its county seat. Located along the Flint River (Michigan), Flint River northwest of Detroit, it is a principal city within the Central Michigan, Mid Michigan region. Flin ...

. The Local's name is a reference to the autoworker unions located in the area. It was founded in the mid-1980s by Joel Rash, for the purpose of providing the Flint area with an all-ages venue for local and national bands to play that was focused on the music. Even though it has faced many challenges and changed buildings multiple times, the Local has continued to survive to the current day and been a home to any band that wants to be heard. In 2011, the Local established

non-profit status by merging with then defunct non-profit Red Ink Flint. After receiving a generous grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Local renovated its permanent space and officially reopened its doors at 124 W. First Street in April 2012. In addition to providing a space for local musicians and bands to play, the Local serves as an incubator for young entrepreneurs seeking to start businesses as shown with the recent opening of Bearded Lady Records, an independently owned record store. In recent history, the success of local bands

Chiodos Chiodos (, ) is an American post-hardcore band from Davison, Michigan. Formed in 2001, the group was originally known as "The Chiodos Bros," the band's name was a tribute to filmmakers Stephen, Charles, and Edward Chiodo, responsible for the f ...

and

The Swellers The Swellers were an American punk band from Flint, Michigan. Their music is influenced by melodic punk rock, as well as alternative and indie rock bands, from the 1990s. They disbanded in 2015. Band history On June 24, 2002, brothers Nick a ...

—who both got their start playing at the 432—has generated a significant amount of fresh interest in the venue. The Local has received positive mentions in many national publications and blogs including

Blender (magazine) ''Blender'' was an American music magazine published from 1994 to 2009 that billed itself as "the ultimate guide to pop culture". It was also known for sometimes steamy pictorials of celebrities. It compiled lists of albums, artists, and songs, i ...

and

Alternative Press Alternative press may refer to: Individual publications * ''Alternative Press'' (magazine), an American music magazine Alternative journalism * Alternative media ** Alternative media (U.S. political left) ** Alternative media (U.S. political r ...

References

Flint Local 432 websiteFlint music history web site

External links

Official Flint Local 432 websiteOfficial Flint Local 432 FacebookOfficial Flint Local 432 tumblr
Michigan culture Music venues in Michigan Buildings and structures in Flint, Michigan {{music-venue-stub