In January, millions of people around the country will celebrate and honor the work and the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering and participating in special events. The federal holiday is observed on the third Monday of January, which is around King’s birthday, January 15. Here’s what’s happening in Greater Flint.

Photo by Kayce McClure

At noon on Wednesday, November 7, the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the Flint Repertory Theatre. The new Flint Rep is the exciting expansion of the Flint Youth Theatre and will bring original, professional theatre to the city. Students, professionals, and patrons of all ages will be able to learn, create, and enjoy the performing arts in a myriad of ways. The Flint Rep will feature both child and adult musicals, plays and workshops designed to entertain and teach. A new feature of the theatre is the addition of adult classes with such subjects as improv, character building and Shakespeare. “Our new mission is to provide the community with highly imaginative, thought-provoking theatre that is challenging, entertaining and inspiring for all ages,” says Michael Lluberes, Producing Artistic Director.

Located two miles north of Downtown Flint on Leith Street, Buick City Event Center is the new, premier entertainment venue in Genesee County and the State of Michigan. “There is a big investment here and we want to provide the venue of choice for entertainment in Greater Flint,” says Owner, Scott Williamson. With a 1,000-person capacity, the facility is one of the newest in the state and compares easily to iconic venues like The Fillmore in Detroit and The Intersection in Grand Rapids. Buick City Event Center (BCEC) provides a large main floor and an enormous stage, with spectacular lighting and state-of-the-art sound. “The sound system was designed by a technician who is affiliated with a major band,” informs Williamson. “What we have here for sound is fantastic.”