Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
Day 1 at Electric Forest was about the fans. Day 2 was about the bands, with Traverse City’s Accidentals making a significant splash while being awed by the wondrous spectacle of this festival in the woods. Read the story and check out the photo gallery and video highlights.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Descending once again upon the tiny community of Rothbury, north of Muskegon, 40,000 wild and exuberant fans from across the globe created a special vibe on Thursday as the four-day festival kicked off in glorious fashion. Check out the amazing photo gallery by Anthony Norkus of Local Spins and come back all weekend for more coverage.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Benefiting two charities, the jam at the Ionia Free Fair also will feature Steve Azar, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Kari Lynch, Steve Rivers and Shelby Ann-Marie. Tickets go on sale today. Read more about the inaugural event at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
The gracious Austin-based guitarist and his band reflected a “beautiful, amazing” vibe at the outdoor amphitheater on Wednesday, uncorking a show to remember. Read the review and check out the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
‘Mind-blowing’ West Michigan festival led by String Cheese Incident and Bassnectar creates ‘strange wonderland’ starring select regional acts, with Grand Rapids’ Rick Chyme set to join The Accidentals on stage. Read the story and check out the weekend performance schedule for The Accidentals, The Ragbirds and Flint Eastwood.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Playing with West Michigan’s Junior Valentine and Hank Mowery in the ’90s helped set the stage for the Austin-based musician’s fortuitous relationship with Clark, who stops at Meijer Gardens Wednesday. Read the exclusive Local Spins interview with Bradley, who’s spent the past five years in Clark’s band.
Concert reviews · Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue’s debut at Meijer Gardens was just the capper on a music-filled week in the Grand Rapids area, captured in images at Local Spins. Check out the review of Sunday’s show, along with photos of concerts from the past week, including the Battle of the Bands finals at The Intersection.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
After returning from Scotland, the couple takes its folk/bluegrass duo project on the road, with plenty more Flatbellys travels on the horizon. Read the back story about Time & Luck and learn what’s next for The Flatbellys.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Several thousand music and beer fans once again jammed streets outside Founders Brewing on Saturday for sets by Nahko, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Gringo Star, Elephant Revival, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Devin & The Dead Frets, Organissimo and those lovable FBC All-Stars. Read the round-up and check out the photo gallery and video.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids old-timey folk group Hawks & Owls came in to perform and chat about the upcoming Grand River Water Festival, while electronic/rock duo AOK talked about their upcoming video release party at Mexicains Sans Frontieres. Plus more local gems. Listen to the entire podcast and check out a video of Hawks & Owls performing in-studio.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Ignoring a little rain, a hefty throng of blues fans and bikers embraced the relocated Blues on the Mall series, while others cheered a much-beloved Atlanta folk-rock duo at the Meijer Gardens amphitheater on the other side of town. Check out the photo gallery, video and reviews.
Here’s a great soundtrack to kick off the summer, courtesy of folk-rock’s The Crane Wives, with My Morning Jacket, Lake Street Dive, Radiohead, Shakey Graves and more spotlighted in their Guest Playlist. Check out all the tracks, videos and a Spotify version to play.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Now based in Traverse City after years in Grand Rapids, Stover is recording a new studio album at Amber Lit Audio and literally writing ‘365 Songs for 365 People.’ He plays Elk Brewing on Thursday. Read the back story of this remarkable one-man band and watch a video of him playing his contraption.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Despite some rainy weather, the shows must go on. And they did, with country’s Jake Owens and more in Martin, regional stars at Circle Pines Center, rock and blues in Rockford, and indoor gems in Grand Rapids. Check out three full photo galleries from all the events and a roundup of the week’s musical action at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The super-deluxe, star-studded edition of Local Spins on WYCE (Episode No. 42) boasted in-studio appearances and performances by acts offering up house concerts in a WYCE auction, plus brand new music from Scott Pellegrom and The Tosspints. Check out the podcast and watch the video of the first-ever live collaboration between Big Dudee Roo and Rick Chyme.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The renowned, in-demand Spring Lake percussionist who likes to ‘take risks, jump off the ledge and even be chaotic’ hosts a CD-release show at Founders Brewing on Saturday. Read the back story behind the drummer’s new recording.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Videos
Sparked by his third-place finish on the NBC show, the Traverse City singer-songwriter has a crazy Michigan summer concert schedule ahead. Tickets for the Grand Rapids show go on sale Friday. Get details and information about other upcoming Davis concerts.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Set in an out-of-the-way camp between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, the three-day fest boasts sets by Billy Strings & Don Julin, The Crane Wives, The Accidentals, Alexis, Maraj, Brown Rice Family, That 1 Guy, Sparky & Rhonda Rucker and more. See the full schedule and save it on your smartphone.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Psych/garage/surf rock’s Heaters kicked off the Local First Street Party, then plan to head to the East Coast. But first, they stopped by Local Spins on WYCE to play a brand new spacey song in Studio X and talk about their music. Check out the exclusive video of an unreleased new song and listen to the radio podcast, which features new material from The Legal Immigrants, The Accidentals and much more.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Grand Rapids overflowed with outdoor stages and nearly non-stop live music this weekend from a mind-bending array of artists. Check out the Local Spins photo gallery and some video highlights from Festival and what was likely the biggest Local First Street Party ever.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
In another exclusive video performance and interview, Traverse City’s hottest trio talks about being on the road as minors, an upcoming new studio album and being ‘socially awkward.’ And check out in-studio performances of brand new unreleased songs.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
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.
The Grand Rapids taproom’s special Sunday night show packed the place with fans of the celebrated indie-rockers. Check out the photo gallery and roundup of the concert.
Commentary · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Despite some detractors, the intimate outdoor amphitheater unleashes its 13th season with a Michigan classic rock band and follows that with an eclectic mix of acts, old and young. Read the Local Spins commentary, and see which 15 concerts already have sold out.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Crane Wives, Max Lockwood and Tom Hymn packed Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge like never before, while The Outer Vibe celebrated release of its new album with American WiFi, Desmond Jones and Watching for Foxes. Check out the photos and video, plus images from concerts by Wayland and Sepultura,
Commentary · Concert reviews · Videos
The band’s first-ever Grand Rapids appearance on Friday night was a show unlike anything this reviewer has ever experienced. Check out the Local Spins review and video snippets from the show.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Playing Rockford Brewing tonight (Friday) with his band, the drummer and guitarist continues to churn out catchy pop-rock. Watch a video of a new song and listen to the radio podcast of Local Spins on WYCE No. 40 with the debut of new tracks by Peat in the Creel, Bong Mountain, Rochelle & The Spoilers and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Holland-area rock band unveils “Dear Fate” June 3 at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, aims to never play ‘the exact same show twice.’ Read the story and listen to a track from the upcoming new album.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Weekend Photo Gallery
The third week in May revved up with Ryley Walker, the return of Nathan Kalish & The Lastcallers, Buses by the Beach and the Local Spins Third Anniversary Celebration at Rockford Brewing with Devin & The Dead Frets, who also appeared on the 39th edition of Local Spins on WYCE. Check out the photos, listen to the podcast.
Breaking music news · Features
In a Local Spins interview, the northern Michigan singer-songwriter says it’s ‘really good to be home’ and planning his next move after a star-studded experience on the NBC show. But would he do it all over again?
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Michael Boxer and Laura Crosswait, formerly known as Fiddleface, already have one album under their belts with another in the works. They play Rockford Brewing on Thursday night. Read the back story about this fast-emerging band and check out an exclusive video of a new song.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The band closes out this weekend’s Buses by the Beach benefit along Lake Michigan, with The Accidentals, Roosevelt Diggs and more also performing. Rootstand releases a new EP this summer, followed by “focused” touring. Read the Local Spins feature and see the full Bus Benefit lineup.
Breaking music news · Commentary · Videos
Michigan songwriter Joshua Davis made an “incredible” run to the finals of the NBC singing competition. Finishing third is actually a plus: He’s now a national star with a bright future. Read the Local Spins commentary and check out a video of Davis’ on-air debut of an original song.
The week started with the Pigpen Theatre Company’s theatrical folk and kept rolling with Brad Fritcher’s MOODS, Pokey LaFarge, Billy Strings & Don Julin, some mid-May festivals and plenty more, captured in images at Local Spins.
The death of the legendary bluesman earlier this week is being mourned by Michigan musicians influenced by his music, including Jimmie Stagger, Greg Nagy, Jim Shaneberger and more. Read their tributes.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
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.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Summer 2015 heats up with return of several popular music-related events and series in Grand Rapids, Walker, East Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Sparta. See the full lineups and details.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
After 23 years, there will be no more Blues on the Mall in downtown Grand Rapids. Instead, the Wednesday night series kicks off June 17 outside the DeltaPlex and will feature beer sales. Check out the details and the full 2015 lineup of acts.
Breaking music news · Commentary · Features · Videos
Traverse City’s Joshua Davis was saved on Tuesday, after a week in which he also sparked more attention for West Michigan’s burgeoning music scene. See what other regional roots acts are on the cusp of a national breakout.
This live music week in West Michigan also boasted shows by The Accidentals, Fauxgrass, Hey Marco!, Full Catastrophe, Hall & Oates and, yes, a Traverse City homecoming bash for “The Voice’s” Joshua Davis. Check out the full photo gallery at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Episode 37 of the show also featured the debut of songs by Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish and Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, with a cover of May Erlewine by Sawyer Fredericks on the “The Voice.” Listen to the entire show podcast.
May’s batch of Local Spins album reviews covers the gamut from soul to folk, a round-up that also includes new releases from Plain Jane Glory, Watching for Foxes and Complicated Animals. Check out the reviews, with links to audio samples and upcoming gig schedules for the featured bands.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
With so many “killer” grooves and “mind-blowing” sounds shaped in a Kalamazoo studio, the Grand Rapids folk-rock band decides to drop not one but two CDs, with first out in late August. And check out a video for their new song, “Turn Out the Lights.”
“The Voice” and Sawyer Fredericks showcased an Erlewine tune this week, making it a Top 10 iTunes hit. She returns the favor by spotlighting Joshua Davis and other Michigan artists on a Local Spins Guest Playlist, including Joshua Davis.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids drummer turned troubadour has gotten well-deserved attention for his solo work, with planning for another studio album under way. Read the story and check out the video and Local Spins Live radio podcast.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Viewers voted Tuesday to send both singers on to the next round after Frederickson soared up the iTunes chart with a May Erlewine song and Davis scored big with The Beatles. Read the back story and watch the video.
Breaking music news · Features
Update: Song soars up singles charts. Erlewine joins Joshua Davis as Michigan’s second Earthwork Music singer-songwriter spotlighted by the NBC show, with Fredericks getting special permission to perform the tune. Read the back story about how the tune was chosen and what it means to Michigan’s music scene.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Episode 36 of Local Spins on WYCE brought an in-studio chat with harmonica player and singer Hank Mowery who talked about his new album, with two new tracks spotlighted on the air. The show also featured songs from JOE, The Rockit King, Dante Cope and more.
The shock of a Michigan earthquake and temperatures in the ’70s notwithstanding, it was another week of diverse live music, captured in images by Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
The veteran smooth jazz producer, guitarist and singer tops the 2015 lineup with Edye Evans Hyde and the GRJO, Walt Gutowski, Mike Frost, Grupo Aye and more to play Rosa Parks Circle. Check out the complete roster of performers.
