Let’s Be Alone Together
An afternoon spent with four amazing artists looking to keep you company with live music while staying safe in your home. Featuring Matthew Fowler, Megan Slankard, Max Gomez, and The[…]
Tagged: Local Spins
Singer Macy Gray talks new music, CBD line and being present
In a Local Spins interview, Macy Gray, one of Founders Fest’s featured acts this weekend and a Grammy-winning artist, said she plans to release a video for her single, “Buddha,” in July and tour Europe, with ‘a proper U.S. tour next year.’ The story with videos at Local Spins.
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Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
Trampled By Turtles take over Bell’s Beer Garden with fast grass, haunting melodies
The rains lifted just in time for the second of two Duluth, Minn., bands to rock the sold-out beer garden. Offering up a perfectly balanced, nearly all-original setlist, TBT performed its share of classic cuts, new numbers and a rousing Pixies’ cover to close it out. Photos, videos and review at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Summer Festivals
Discovering Utopia – Kalamazoo band takes step toward 2019 Cowpie Music Festival
When all the votes were tallied after Saturday’s semifinal play-in competition, judges and fans at Arcadia Brewing Co. settled on sending Kalamazoo’s Utopian Party on their collective way down the ‘Pathway to the Pasture.’ The foursome netted a close win over Grand Rapids’ Drew Phoria and Bay City’s Barbarossa Brothers and is one step away from earning a slot at this August’s festival in Caledonia.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Summer Festivals
Hot weather and hotter picking followed by cool, stormy and soulful finish in St. Joe
Thousands flocked to St. Joe for the 7th Annual BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Fest as Nora Jane Struthers, Che Apalache, JD McPherson and more delivered an afternoon of music at Whirlpool Centennial Park. Photos and review at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Diff & Dudley tap love for vintage, classic country on star-studded debut album
The West Michigan band fronted by Jack Leaver and Mitch Wood plays its only summer show tonight (Wednesday) at SpeakEZ Lounge, but the pair vows there will be more performances and another album to come. Read how this super-group was formed and listen to a track from the upcoming debut album.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
Red Legs staying true to its mission: Original, driving, melodic and ‘organic’ alternative rock
With an EP and full-length album under its belt, the Grand Rapids band kicks off a Midwest tour with a show Thursday night at The Pyramid Scheme and “high hopes” for the future. Read the story, listen to the podcast from this week’s Local Spins Live radio interview and check out the videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Thirsty Perch Blues Band still cranking it out swimmingly for its school of fish
One of Grand Rapids’ most popular blues outfits plays a Local Spins show at SpeakEZ Lounge on Thursday night. On Wednesday, they stopped by News Talk 1340 AM WJRW. Listen to the Local Spins Live radio podcast and watch the video of their in-studio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Elroy Meltzer: ‘Weird folk,’ humor and compelling indie-rock stories (Video, Local Spins on WYCE podcast)
The new Grand Rapids duo of Elroy Meltzer is readying release of its debut album and ramping up its gigging schedule for 2016. Check out the interview and performance, plus listen to tracks by a host of West Michigan artists, from Drew Nelson and Joshua Davis to Boy From School and Big Boss Blues.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Vox Vidorra, Dave Hardin share Local Spin of the Year honors for riveting 2015 studio albums
Vox Vidorra’s “Promise Land” and Hardin’s “Magnolia” showcase different genres, but both boast brilliant songwriting, performances and production to top a banner year for West Michigan music. Read the story behind these recordings, then check out videos and audio samples from the award-winning albums.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rochelle & The Spoilers add twist to classic blues and ‘forget-your-troubles’ originals
The hard-driving, female-fronted Grand Rapids blues band working on its second EP is one of four regional acts playing a West Michigan Blues Society benefit on Sunday at Billy’s Lounge. Read the feature story, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video of an acoustic performance.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
An Dro pulling out all the stops for Fountain Street Church CD-release show
The Celtic music faves discussed the ambitious new album during this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Brotha James, Dave Hardin, Bootstrap Boys, Major Murphy and Lapdogs.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Brother Adams, plus new tracks from Poor Boy Romance, Watching for Foxes, Olivia Mainville, The Crane Wives
Chock full of invigorating new material from local and regional acts, the July 31 edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an animated in-studio performance by Holland’s Brother Adams and the debut of music from upcoming albums. Listen to the podcast and view the video of Brother Adams unfurling a new song.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The ‘wicked sweet’ rock of The Legal Immigrants: Local Spins Artist Spotlight and Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids band celebrates release of its new album on Saturday at Founders Brewing. But before that, the group fronted by Joe Bockheim stopped by WYCE to rock Studio X. Read the story, check out the video and listen to the full Local Spins on WYCE podcast.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Hot hip hop to powerful pop to punchy rock: Local Spins’ Festival 2015 music picks
With hundreds of West Michigan performers jamming stages in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend, Local Spins spotlights some must-see acts in this guide to “the best of Fest,” courtesy of Local Spins writers and some well-known local musicians. See who’ve they’ve picked.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Holland’s Great Notion crafts original music to expand its Grateful Dead tribute act approach
Headlining Saturday’s Bob Dylan Tribute show at Founders Brewing, the band with a Deadhead following also hopes to start recording a studio album of its own material later this year. Read the band profile, listen to the podcast and check out the photos at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: The Appleseed Collective, Moxieville, ElectroCats (April 24, 2015)
Episode No. 35 of Local Spins on WYCE was a rollicking double-header with in-studio performances by The Appleseed Collective and Moxieville, plus a chat with Craig “Griff” Griffith of the GR Musician Collective. The show also debuted a song by his duo, The ElectroCats, Grand Rapids jazz singer Kathy LaMar and northern Michigan’s Crazy Chestur. Listen to the entire podcast and check out a video of The Appleseed Collective’s performance.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Mustard Plug, plus a recap of nominated albums by new artists
Episode No. 25 of Local Spins on WYCE was “the Jammie Awards” edition, with special guests David Kirchgessner and Brandon Jenison of Legacy Award winner Mustard Plug, plus tracks from best new artist album nominees. Listen to the podcast here.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The Soil and The Sun’s ‘Meridian’ honored as winner of 2014’s Local Spin of the Year
The ethereal Grand Rapids rock band’s latest album tabbed as best regional album of the year, with the acclaimed group eyeing another recording project for 2015.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Kate Johnson: At 15, Spring Lake singer-songwriter eyeing bright musical future after releasing first studio EP
Mentored by veteran musician and producer Mark Lamm, the teen already has opened for a national act and is working on songs for a follow-up album. (Story, podcast, video)
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
Traverse City phenoms Billy Strings and Don Julin wrap up tour with bluegrass legends as live album soars up charts
In the Local Spins Artist Spotlight: The buzz about the fiery Michigan bluegrass duo keeps growing. They play northern Michigan this week, with December shows at Rockford Brewing and Founders Brewing.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
My Brightest Diamond, Chuck Prophet, The Crane Wives Trio and Max Lockwood turn mid-week shows into weekend-styled parties
From Wealthy Theatre to the Tip Top to SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids’ Wednesday night was firing on all cylinders: The Local Spins roundup and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Watching for Foxes: Story-telling through the lens of harmony-driven folk-rock (Story, podcast, video)
The award-winning Grand Rapids band recently added singer and instrumentalist Olivia Mainville to its lineup. The group plays The Pyramid Scheme Friday, opening for Larry & His Flask.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Brad Fritcher + trois and its invigorating, genre-blending jazz: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
With a new studio album on the way, the Grand Rapids jazz quartet is growing its audience and exploring side projects at the same time. (Story, podcast, video).
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
The Mainstays: West Michigan’s soulful funk-meisters just keep the dance party going
This week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on a band that picked up where Kalamazoo’s Funktion left off, led Fennville native Andrew Schrock. (Story, podcast, video)
Brett Mitchell spreads musical message with catchy pop-hued rock: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
The award-winning northern Michigan singer-songwriter has ridden the highs and lows of the business to build an avid fan base. He plays Grand Rapids’ Elk Brewing Thursday. (Story, video, podcast)
Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys’ ‘full-bore, crazy’ country music with Michigan roots: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Playing country with a Ted Nugent roar, the Grand Rapids band fired up another big crowd Wednesday by opening for Florida Georgia Line at Allegan County Fair. (Photo gallery, videos)
Red Tail Ring’s old-time folk revival with a gorgeous spin: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
The Kalamazoo duo of Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo has wowed audiences across the country and in Europe with its ‘tight sound.’ They play Wheatland for the first time this weekend.
The Soil and The Sun’s most excellent new adventure: Taking “Meridian” on the road
The widely admired Grand Rapids ensemble this week unleashed its much-buzzed-about new album and took time for an exclusive in-studio performance on Local Spins Live. (Video, podcast)
The irrepressible charm and talent of Edye Evans Hyde: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Even brain surgery couldn’t slow down the popular Grand Rapids jazz singer who performs Saturday with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra at GRandJazzFest.
Northern Michigan’s budding singing star: 14-year-old Lexi Schaub in the Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Story, video)
Performing in public since she was 6, the Lake Leelanau singer, keyboard player and guitarist returns to play the Sparta Celtic Festival on Saturday. See the full festival schedule.
Grand Haven soul and sax man Andy Frisinger: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Two years in the making, the new retro-flavored R&B/funk album from the well-traveled musician boasts a who’s who lineup of Michigan talent. Frisinger’s band plays shows Thursday and Friday in Grand Haven.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Valentiger unleashes ‘Stray Animals’: Striving for honest, song-centric pop-rock with a good vibe
The Grand Rapids trio spent more than a year on its new studio project, which gets unveiled Saturday prior to a national tour. Check out an exclusive video in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
West Michigan’s Kris Hitchcock on the trail to country stardom: Lighting an ‘American Fire’
On the cusp of moving to Nashville, the award-winning singer and songwriter sat down to talk with Local Spins about the next step in his burgeoning country career. (Podcast, video)
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Monica da Silva’s ‘indie nova’ charm: Holland singer-songwriter making a splash with multi-cultural pop
One of da Silva’s songs has been licensed for use by ESPN during World Cup coverage and the singer is finishing up her third album. She plays The Pyramid Scheme on Friday. (Podcast, video)
Singer-songwriter David Molinari: Letting ‘a song be what it wants to be’ in compelling fashion
This week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on a versatile multi-instrumentalist from Grand Rapids with a penchant for musical story-telling. He plays One Trick Pony tonight.
Heaters: Firing up the jangly rock furnace with surf, garage and psychedelic sparks (Story, podcast, video)
The Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on an in-demand Grand Rapids rock band, a fresh trio with two EPS under its belt and two more albums on the way. They play Founders Thursday night. (Podcast, video)
Rick Chyme: Grand Rapids hip hop’s poet, storyteller and master collaborator
The Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on an award-winning rapper with a basketball teamwork mentality who plays Festival and the Local First Street Party this weekend. (Podcast, photo gallery)
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Holland’s Kanisha K: How a small-town girl became a budding international pop star
Flying under the radar in West Michigan, the 21-year-old singer already has racked up hits on the pop charts and worked with Grammy-winning producers. She’ll debut her live show this summer. Check out the exclusive in-studio video.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
From Ringo Starr and Gerry Rafferty to Drive South and The Wilenes: The ‘amazing’ guitar work and powerful songs of West Michigan’s Roger Brown
A hidden gem along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, the guitarist with an impressive past shines these days as a vintage country music artist. (Video)
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Truckfighters, Fitz & The Tantrums, Grand Rapids Songwriter Showcase, The Wallace Collective, The Legal Immigrants: The Weekend Photo Gallery
The weekend started early with some soulful Fitz and continued with rousing celebrations: Seven Steps Up’s 100th show, GR Songwriters Alliance’s 10th anniversary and Local Spins’ rollicking second anniversary rock show.
‘Reckless on stage’: The Legal Immigrants’ raw rock power in the Local Spins Artist Spotlight
The Grand Rapids rock band headlines Friday night’s free Local Spins Live show at Rockford Brewing, and judging by their track record, fans can expect a scorching, high-energy affair.
Beer and Americana music: The Carboys in the Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Story, podcast, video)
The rootsy five-piece Grand Rapids indie-folk/country band releases its debut album at Founders on Saturday. Read the story for a chance to win a copy of the new CD.
The rhythm-happy musical ‘gumbo’ of Junior Valentine: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
The veteran Grand Rapids guitarist, performer and instructor fronts an intriguing new trio with mandolinist Jason Wheeler and percussionist Brandan Grinwis, mining American roots gems. (Story, podcast, video)
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Traverse City teen string duo The Accidentals: ‘Rocking it out,’ turning heads and dropping jaws
Savannah Buist and Katie Larson have generated a buzz with their catchy folk-rock, caught the ear of Marshall Crenshaw and built a solid fan base. Their One Trick Pony show marked their Grand Rapids debut.
West Michigan’s Mystic Dub: Spreading reggae’s positive sounds and ‘heartbeat rhythm’
The Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines this week on a Grand Haven-area trio with a wildly diverse background and an uplifting message. Mystic Dub plays Odd Side Ales on Saturday.
The ‘fuzzy warm sound’ of rock/pop’s The B-Sides: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Grand Rapids’ answer to the British Invasion of the ’60s will uncork its ultra-energetic, throwback ditties during Friday’s Jammie Awards show at The Intersection. (Podcast, video)
The Billies’ upbeat Celtic folk and rock: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Story, podcast, video)
Boasting a new studio album, the five-piece Grand Rapids band which embraces musical camaraderie already is gearing up for another busy St. Patrick’s Day.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Midwest Skies: Craving that pop-punk energy
With a new album and an upbeat attitude, the trio aims to build its fan base across the Midwest and beyond, starting with Friday’s Pyramid Scheme show. (Podcast, video)
Jimmie Stagger, Drew Nelson and Jen Sygit lead song-driven night of ‘glorious’ music
St. Cecilia Music Center’s singer-songwriter night also spotlighted the music of Josh Rose, Hannah Rose Graves and Mark Sala.
Listen to Local Spins Live
