Concert reviews · Features · Venue Spotlight
Open for just two weeks at restricted capacity, the city’s latest entry in the bar and venue scene has turned heads with its atmosphere and its regular live jazz offerings in spite of COVID. Learn more about the ‘amazing’ vibe of this new hot spot at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The veteran guitarist-singer offered the back story to his first solo album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Major Murphy, Loren Johnson, Full Cord, Dawning, Jeff Troutman, JP Houston, Jobbaloon, Madelyn Grant and The Soods. Learn more about Socia and his album’s all-star cast, plus listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Due to COVID, dozens of performers and thousands of fans won’t gather for the annual WYCE event that would have taken place Friday at The Intersection. But a revised Jammies is still possible. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
If not for COVID, Grand Rapids radio station WYCE, Michigan artists and their fans would be getting ready for the Jammie Awards this week at The Intersection. Instead, let’s revisit last year’s big winners, with updates on what they’ve been up to — along with new music from some of them.
The Super Bowl’s halftime star boasts a soundtrack of hits that’s not only perfect for the Big Game but one that tells the wretched tale of longstanding Lion woes. A special Sunday column and Weeknd playlist for long-suffering fans of a certain Detroit team.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Holland songwriter who fronts the Hundred Star Hotel opened up for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pink Sky, Public Access, The Band Mint, Steve Leaf, Breaker Brothers, I Believe in Julio, Chris DuPont, Medicinal Groove and others. Learn more about Harrell and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
The endearing Grand Rapids garage-rock band’s latest release raced to the top of the January chart, which featured an all new set of regional albums. See the full chart and listen to tracks from all of the featured albums at Local Spins.
It’s Feb. 2, which means it’s time to honor groundhogs, “underground” musical gems we’ve dug up and, of course, that classic Bill Murray movie that most of us have replayed again and again and again. Check out this unique soundtrack at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · In-Depth Report · Upcoming shows
Amid new COVID rules, Michigan bars and restaurants throw open their doors this week at 25 percent capacity, with a few dipping their toes into live music again. See who’s playing at the few West Michigan establishments offering performances.
Concert reviews · Live-Stream Concerts
Friday and Saturday’s unprecedented online benefit for The Ark boasted a record number of performances by local and international musical heroes who offered up 11 hours of intimate, touching sets. The review at Local Spins. The festival continues with a special John Prine tribute tonight.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
This week’s edition of the WYCE show that spotlights Michigan music spanned the state, with tracks from Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Petoskey, Traverse City, Marquette and more. Listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
This week’s Local Spins playlist comes courtesy of the staff at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre, spotlighting songs that represent past concerts, theatre productions and popular film screenings. Listen to the tracks and get an update on the status of Wealthy Theatre at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
Jam-packed with acclaimed international artists, the festival kicks off in virtual, live-stream fashion Friday. The third night will pay homage to the late Prine, propelled by May Erlewine, Joshua Davis, Erin Zindle, Seth Bernard and more. Learn more about the festival lineup with links to streaming passes at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Just in case the COVID pandemic forces a postponement of the Rothbury festival in June, promoters have suggested alternative weekends in August. Get the details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The talented Grandville High School teen was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Neon Birdhouse, Chris Collins, Ardea, Lone Caravan, Wes Millhouse, Mike Ward, Flowers on the Grave and more. Learn more about the up-and-coming Gianna Stansell and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden kicked off St. Cecilia Music Center’s virtual folk-and-blues series on Thursday. Local Spins was there to capture the unusual vibe in an empty auditorium with two veteran West Michigan musicians.
This mid-January roundup of regional releases ranges from Roger MacNaughton’s soothing instrumentals to singer-songwriter Jeff Socia’s debut album to some robust Americana gems. Read the reviews, listen to the music at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The legendary Division Avenue hot spot for teens which staged its last show in 2009 is under renovation by former operator Mark Leech. Learn more about this plan to fill a regional void in all-ages venues and watch some historical show footage at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Playlists
Over the last couple of months, Local Spins has debuted impressive music by new or little-known Michigan artists who deserve more attention. Here are 12 tracks by them that you shouldn’t miss, from Mark Huizenga to L. Supreme to Colt Snuffer & The Dead Horsemen.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Ada composer turned an artist-in-residence project into a ‘beautiful’ song collection inspired by the island. Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted the album and debuted new tracks by Gianna Stansell, Jeff Socia and more. Learn more about the project, listen to a couple of tracks and check out this week’s full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Today, Local Spins rounds up some Michigan-related music news that’s getting national attention, including a new collaboration starring Sufjan Stevens, a pair of big TV appearances for The War and Treaty, and a sneak peek into the upcoming studio album from Greta Van Fleet. Get the updates and watch the videos at Local Spins.
Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
Sunday’s online birthday benefit will feature West Michigan hip hop stars Orlando, Kyd Kane, JRob, Dayz, Callab and others, raising money for targeted aid to the homeless. Learn more at Local Spins.
Led by an ambitious tribute to David Bowie, Local Spins has culled some of the best music videos created by West Michigan artists over the past few months for this January roundup, including videos featuring Jordan VanHemert, Rick Chyme, Wuzee and others. Watch all of the videos and get the back story on Mike Dodge’s impressive video homage to Bowie.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Traverse City singer-songwriter unfurled a touching new song for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pink Sky, Jordan Ellis Mobley, Laurel Premo, The Chinchillionaires and more. Catch up with Davis in this in-depth interview, watch a video of a recent live-stream performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
The historic Grand Rapids venue will ‘keep music alive’ in 2021 by hosting a wide array of virtual shows starring Ralston Bowles, Michael Crittenden, Roger MacNaughton, Rachael & Dominic Davis and many others. Check out the lineup of upcoming concerts at Local Spins.
Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists · Top 10 Lists
A soulful charm marked both releases in this year-end roundup of most-played Michigan songs and albums. The charts also salute popular recordings by The War & Treaty, Cole Hansen, Cameron Blake and Drinking Mercury, along with other West Michigan gems. Check out the charts, sample the music.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Playlists · Videos
In an in-depth Local Spins interview, the Grammy-nominated bluegrass star talks about writing, staying safe in a pandemic and getting ready to hit ‘the ground like a fireball’ when touring resumes. Watch videos of some of his recent performances and check out a playlist of artists he’s currently digging.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The New Year’s Day edition of Local Spins on WYCE not only debuted new tracks by more than a half-dozen Michigan artists, but revisited some of the best music from special guests on the show in 2020. Listen to the full radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Festivals · Summer Festivals
After a year in which nearly every Michigan music festival was canceled, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cast doubt on 2021 events — even though more than 40 festivals currently are scheduled to take place. Get an update on what some festivals are planning, along with a link to Local Spins’ Michigan Music Festivals Guide for 2021.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The coronavirus crisis has fueled the creativity of musicians who’ve turned to humor for survival in 2020. Local Spins’ March roundup of video parodies not only became the No. 1 most-read story of the year, but the most popular post in the website’s history. Revisit this roster of clever spoof tunes, including new COVID-inspired videos we’ve added to further tickle your funny bone.
Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
The Stones were set to mount a 2020 U.S. tour until COVID-19 upended things. To make up for it, Local Spins in June fired up a dozen of the iconic band’s under-appreciated classics for a special playlist that was shared by readers across the globe. Check out the roster of songs and listen to the tracks.
In Memoriam · Local Spins Rewind
The well-loved bassist and Lowell native who performed with Nathan Kalish, Al & The Black Cats and DangerVille passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 24. Friends and fellow musicians were heartbroken. Revisit their tributes in this Local Spins Rewind feature from February.
Concert announcements · Local Spins Rewind · Summer Concerts
The COVID crisis eventually scuttled the shows, but when 97LAV announced in late February its plans for returning that mid-week blues series to Rosa Parks Circle, lots of folks were interested — making it one of the top music stories of the year at Local Spins.
Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” tapped Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics for a recap of Michigan music amid a year short on live music but filled with compelling releases by Michigan artists. Listen to the podcast.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Venue Spotlight
Amid a pandemic that upended the Hudsonville event center, owner Bill Worst debuted a new venture in September with drinks, food and music. The story and photos caught the attention of Local Spins readers.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Christmas Day edition of Local Spins on WYCE kicked off with new holiday tracks and fresh music by Michigan artists, then revisited the best of 2020’s guests on the radio show. Listen to the podcast at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
In late March, Local Spins put out a call to Michigan musicians to submit songs and videos inspired by the COVID crisis. They responded with humor and with poignancy — and readers loved it all. Watch the videos in this Local Spins Rewind feature that earned lots of attention last spring.
Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Videos
This playlist from April honors the brave doctors, nurses and health care workers who have helped heal the nation. From Michael Jackson to Van Morrison to May Erlewine, revisit this Christmas Eve tribute as part of our countdown of 2020’s most-read stories.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
The West Michigan visual artist and musician moved to France in early 2020 and has embraced the vibrant city. Learn more about his relocation and his upcoming Americana/punk album; listen to a new track from the forthcoming release.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
With both Congress and Michigan’s Legislature this week passing relief packages containing funds for shuttered venues, the future for these businesses looks a tad brighter. Get details at Local Spins.
For many, the instruments and musical presents they found under the tree as kids changed their lives and shaped their careers. Plus, see their Christmas 2020 wishes for the world after a very tough year.
The package includes $3.5 million in grants for concert venues, much less than what the Michigan Independent Venue & Promoter Association was seeking. But “it’s a start,” according to one group member. The state House will take up the bill on Monday.
In April, the well-known radio personality kicked off a partnership with Big Event Studios to showcase regional and national stars in a unique way, using a rustic Grand Rapids freight elevator as a backdrop. Learn more about this project and watch a brand new video starring Nathan Walton as part of today’s Local Spins Rewind feature.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The rock band frontman and Calvin University concert booker shares his 2020 experiences for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Gasoline Gypsies, Joose the Conqueror, Jude Lolley and more. Catch up with Droppers and his band, watch a music video for one of their latest singles, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Video No. 5 in the series focused on the plight of Michigan’s closed concert venues showcases Gary and Michelle Hanks’ labor of musical love in Spring Lake. Get the back story and watch the latest ‘Comeback Road’ video at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts
The beloved festival will still take place in late January, but performances by artists will be live-streamed for ticket buyers, with The RFD Boys and Accidentals playing their sets on The Ark stage. Get details and the full performance lineup at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Today, we spotlight the local and regional albums that most dominated the Local Spins Hot Top 5 charts at WYCE-FM during the year of the pandemic, from Medicinal Groove to The War and Treaty, with plenty of gems in between. See which Michigan artists made a splash and listen to tracks from all of the recordings as part of this week’s playlist.
Festivals · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
Hosted by Michigan Music Alliance, the star-studded live-streamed festival in March raised $11,500 in donations for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund to assist musicians hurt by the COVID-19 crisis. Revisit the story in words and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Frontman Jacob Betts opened up about the Grand Rapids rock band for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted fresh tracks by May Erlewine, Steve Leaf, Pink Sky and more. Get the back story about The American Hotel System, watch a video from Dogtown Studio and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Features · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
It’s not a playlist you’ll want to put on repeat. A Paul McCartney dud tops the list of rotten holiday fare after we asked readers for their most hated seasonal tunes and they responded in droves. Check out the full list of “cringe-inducing, inane and repetitive” songs that drive many up the wall every year.
