From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore, Saturday’s Record Store Day — after a stifling pandemic — brought throngs, live music, a parade and more to indie record stores. The report and photos.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Robust ticket pre-sales on Saturday for Meijer Gardens members led to sellouts of one-third of shows scheduled for summer 2022 and by Sunday, three more concerts had sold out. See which concerts have sold out thus far.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a new album on the way, the West Michigan band unfurled new tunes for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Elijah Russ, Zebra 3, Ajax Stacks and more. Get the back story on the new FlyLiteGemini recording, watch a video of the band’s latest single and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The rambunctious Grand Rapids rock, blues and rockabilly duo celebrates release of a new recording with a robust, three-band show Saturday at The Pyramid Scheme. Learn more about Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s return to the studio and the stage.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Playlists
It’s only apropos that on a holiday of sorts for many, Local Spins would re-publish its 2021 4/20 Playlist created through a New Standard/Agri-Med contest asking for readers’ favorite cannabis-inspired tunes. Oh, and yes, It’s smokin’ hot.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Emerging and veteran jazz stars lit up stages this past week, with folk, Americana and rock artists adding to the musical groove from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
The all-star band playing Listening Room next week was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by Whorled, Chain of Lakes, Laura Rain, Pieces, The Mulberry Wolves and more. Learn more about Big Fun and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
View another batch of free community concerts being hosted on weeknights across the state in summer 2022, with a wide range of regional acts performing at 11 different series. […]
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The series announced today features a record 33 shows, including the return of Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Goo Goo Dolls and The Decemberists. Fans can expect higher ticket prices, too. View the full schedule and get details at Local Spins.
It’s an uber-diverse, early April roundup of new Michigan albums, from blues to rock to hip hop to adventurous classical music and compelling gems from Annagail and Brian Koenigknecht. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Michigan-bred artist plays West Michigan this week with a new album on the way. Learn more about Nathan Kalish and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE show which also spotlighted Jack White bassist Dominic Davis and debuted tracks by several regional acts.
Familiar names populate the March Hot Top 5 Chart, but the resurgence of the Kalamazoo hip hop cellist’s year-old instrumental album also mirrors his comeback from a devastating accident. Get the back story at Local Spins and listen to tracks from all of the charted albums.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jack White’s bassist and tour music director Dominic John Davis reveals the story behind the Michigan native’s new studio albums and his upcoming 2022 tour, which stops Sunday in Grand Rapids. The interview and concert details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features
The nonprofit Michigan Music Alliance is surveying the state’s musicians in hopes of targeting their most pressing concerns as it prioritizes future programs. Take the survey here at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features
The celebrated bluegrass guitarist and Ionia County native was featured on the nationally televised evening spectacle, but lost out in two categories to fellow nominees Bela Fleck and Jon Batiste. Learn more at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Cinematic rock, indie-folk, lively bluegrass, funk-rock: All of it and more was on display this past week in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, recapped in photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Kalamazoo singer-guitarist’s latest album is spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuts tracks by Larry McCray, Avalon Cutts-Jones, Chirp, DL Rossi, Steve Rivers, Carrie McFerrin, The Soods & more. Learn more about Brian Koenigsknecht’s new project and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In a Local Spins interview, Elton’s bassist and Detroit-area native Matt Bissonette opens up about his career, his love of the Lions and the ‘crazy’ fun on stage with a rock icon. Elton’s farewell tour stops at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. Learn more about Bissonette and watch videos of recent performances by the Elton John Band.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After releasing its full-length debut album late last year, the Traverse City band with a ‘Midwest rock sound’ has a busy year of performances ahead. Learn more about Stonehengz and listen to their music.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tonight, Michigan Music Alliance and Grand Rapids singer Sarena Rae stage “Music That Raised Us” at Listening Room — a tribute to influential black female artists. Before that, Sarena Rae shares a compelling soundtrack of female icons, from local favorites to internationally acclaimed stars.
Artist Spotlights · Videos · Whatever Happened To
Our series exploring the whereabouts of West Michigan bands and artists who once reveled in the limelight checks in with the duo behind 2012’s ‘Local Spin of the Year.’ Read what they’ve been up to and listen to music from the band’s award-winning release.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The early June festival at Shagbark Farm south of Grand Rapids will feature Greensky Bluegrass, Peter Rowan, The Wayword Sons and more. Plus, Memorial Day weekend’s Buses by the Beach has revealed its lineup of regional stars, too. Get the lowdown and ticket information at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins today highlights the veteran Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and ‘Songtellers’ host, plus debuts tracks by Eric O’Daly, Kanin, Tiny Car Army, The Heiden Underground, Luke Winslow-King & more. Listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast and learn more about Thomasma and his ‘Songtellers’ series.
The highly rated, family-friendly music festival at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids will fire up with more than two dozen regional artists after a two-year COVID hiatus. See the initial lineup at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Get ready for summer: Grand Haven’s Friday waterfront series boasts the likes of Albert Lee and Kim Richey; Lowell, Sparta & Kentwood will host acts ranging from The Accidentals to The Soul Syndicate. View those schedules & more.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Today, Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Channing Lee — who’s also a member of The Verve Pipe — offers up the recordings that have influenced her the most. Listen to tracks from all of her picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations may have been the focus for many, but West Michigan’s live music week also delivered country, indie-pop, metal, blues, alt-country and world music charm. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
‘All roads lead to Blissfest’: The festival near Cross Village resumes July 8-10 for the first time since 2019 with a robust roster of artists. Get details and view the lineup.
Breaking music news · In-Depth Report · Local Spins on WYCE
Founders Brewing will resume shows later this month after two years of silence, another example of live music’s robust return this year. Local Spins revisits how West Michigan venues are coping, the challenges that remain and what fans can expect.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins’ 10th anniversary celebration will light up a half-dozen Grand Rapids venues with a diverse mix of performers and feature an outdoor mini-fest headlined by The Accidentals. Check out the schedule and full lineup for this milestone event.
As an online ‘talent show’ of sorts, more than 40 Michigan bands and solo artists have submitted videos to NPR’s popular annual competition. View the Michigan entries here.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Christian music star Jeremy Camp also is among touring artists announced for N. Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Festival. Details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
As part of the West Michigan trio’s busy week — including SpeakEZ Lounge’s return of Local Spins Wednesday – Selkie visited with Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted a host of Michigan-made tracks. Read the profile of Selkie and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Returning for the first, in-person South by Southwest fest in three years, Michigan’s presence takes on a regional flavor with plenty of Mitten State performers in the mix. Learn more about the pop-up venue in Austin and see which Michigan artists will be performing there this weekend.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The 2022 edition of the northern Michigan music festival will also boast appearances by Lindsay Lou, May Erlewine, Larry Keel Experience, Mark Lavengood, Full Cord, Airborne or Aquatic and more. Learn more at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
As Lady Ace Boogie prepares for an all-star Kalamazoo show on Saturday, she reveals the albums that have influenced her at key points in her life and career. Listen to essential tracks from the albums at Local Spins and learn more about the weekend concert at Bell’s.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The venerable band jammed out Saturday to memorable songs from ‘Waiting for Columbus’ for a gleeful, near-capacity crowd that reveled in its revisiting of genre-spanning gems. Review, plus photos from several West Michigan concerts, including Mitchell Tenpenny, Martin Sexton, May Erlewine, Kanola Band and more.
Friday night’s live music lineup included emerging acts competing in the first night of a March battle and seasoned, acclaimed songwriters unfurling poignant, harmony-hued tunes in an intimate setting. Get the show recaps and browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Local Spins’ February chart based on WYCE airplay features repeat entries by three strong releases from Greensky Bluegrass, Kanola Band and Normal Mode. Listen to tracks from all of the charted albums.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Releasing a new ‘Time Out’ EP today, the Traverse City-bred musicians play Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo this weekend with three iconic fellow songwriters. Local Spins on WYCE spotlights the new project and debuts tracks by several other Michigan bands. Learn more about the ‘Time Out’ project and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Kicking off with five bands on Friday, the month-long contest culminates in the finals on March 25, with cash prizes for winners. Get details and the band lineups at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In an interview with Local Spins, the legendary keyboardist talks about the “Waiting for Columbus” tour and Little Feat’s special place in rock history. Plus, watch videos from the anniversary tour and listen to a new recording of “Fat Man in the Bathtub.”
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The Grand Rapids heavy metal festival announced its lineup this week – from Three Days Grace to Heartsick. June’s long-running Charlotte Bluegrass Festival also revealed its roster. Get details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With educator/musician Glenn Bulthuis hosting a Motown class in March, Local Spins on WYCE digs into Motown’s impact while also debuting new music by several Michigan artists. Learn more about Motown and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Michigan’s summer festival season shapes up as the busiest since 2019’s pre-COVID days. Check out lineups for three returning festivals, plus details about applying for June’s Festival of the Arts.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
This week, Local Spins probes the intriguing musical influences of the multi-talented Grand Rapids artist Dante Cope, who propels the Les Creatif ensemble. View — and listen to — his picks for recordings that shaped him, along with the latest tracks from Les Creatif.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos · Whatever Happened To
A rising West Michigan mainstay more than a decade ago, the folk-driven Potato Moon hints that its first album in 10-plus years may be in the works. Find out what band members are up to now in the latest installment of our “Whatever Happened To” series revisiting once prominent regional acts.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
The band led by Karli Morehouse aims to ‘hit the ground running’ with shows and new music this year. Plus, Local Spins on WYCE debuts fresh Michigan-made tracks, from Steven Malcolm to The Good Old Days to Fake Baseball and Grace Theisen. Listen to the full radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens also plans to expand its Tuesday Evening Music Club Series, according to today’s teaser announcement. Get more details at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The northern Michigan venue and arts academy today revealed the first two of its summer 2022 shows, with more in the offing. Details at Local Spins.
