Meijer Gardens fans brave rain for uplifting night of ‘Magic’ from Andy Grammer
Music won out over weather Monday when the multi-platinum-selling pop singer-songwriter from California returned to Grand Rapids. The review and photos at Local Spins.
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Matt Marn
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matt@localspins.com Returning to his native Michigan recently after four years in Arizona, Matt Marn has written for online music and arts magazines, including YabYum Music and Arts and AZCulture.com. Marn also wrote for Benevilla, a local nonprofit organization, helping spotlight...
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Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat crowns Izzy Joy winner of heated 2025 competition
Saturday’s festival on the city’s East Side featured performances by more than four dozen Michigan bands and solo artists in sunny, super-hot weather.
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Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat festival primed for 49-band ‘street party’
Saturday’s return of the popular Michigan festival and band competition will rev up two dozen venues on Grand Haven’s East Side. The lowdown and schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Simply in Time wins Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat amid festival’s biggest-ever turnout
Hundreds upon hundreds of fans “walked the beat” to view performances by 56 Michigan bands on Saturday, with the city closing down a major street to give it a “true festival” atmosphere. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat Fest to close street for sets by 56 Michigan acts
The unique festival and band competition returns to Grand Haven’s East Side on Saturday, pumping up more than two dozen locations. The schedule and details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top 20 Stories of ’23: Buddy Guy at 86 bids lively, blazing blues farewell at Meijer Gardens
A capacity amphitheater crowd reveled in the iconic blues guitarist’s farewell performance in Grand Rapids last June. Revisit the 12th most popular Local Spins post of the year.
Announcements · Photos · Summer Festivals
Pocket Watch wins Grand Haven’s 2023 Walk the Beat amid sun-splashed milieu
The up-and-coming, jazz-fueled Grand Rapids band outpolled more than 50 other Michigan acts performing on Saturday while music lovers strolled outdoor venues in the lakeshore town. The story and photos.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat Festival 2023: ‘Growing the community through music’
Local Spins previews the unique Saturday event taking place on Grand Haven’s East Side, with 56 Michigan bands and solo acts performing while music lovers stroll from venue to venue. Get the schedule and full details.
Loud, proud and legendary: Buddy Guy bids adieu with blues salvo at Meijer Gardens
A capacity amphitheater crowd reveled in the iconic blues guitarist’s farewell performance in Grand Rapids on Friday. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artemis super-group brings winter flurry of jazz delights to Grand Rapids
New York’s all-female jazz ensemble delivered a rare, awe-inspiring set Thursday night at St. Cecilia Music Center. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Soggy Sonatas: The Crane Wives, Walk the Beat power through pesky rain for fervent fans
Despite rain and unseasonable temps, The Crane Wives played their first show in more than two years in Grand Rapids, while on the east side of Grand Haven, solo performer Ryan Lynch won a wet edition of Walk the Beat. Get the recaps, browse the photos and watch the videos at Local Spins.
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat, N. Michigan’s Farm Fest aim for robust weekend return
The weekend festivals boast live music with a bit of a twist: Grand Haven’s affair has fans voting for their favorite bands, while Farm Fest rolls out under new direction with a more laid-back vibe. Get the lowdown on both events at Local Spins.
NEEDTOBREATHE delves ‘Into the Mystery’ in acoustic fashion at Fountain Street Church
Packed with fans, the downtown Grand Rapids church offered up a unique setting for NEEDTOBREATHE’s Tuesday tour stop. The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Larkin Poe ignites Fountain Street Church with Southern-fried blues-rock gospel
The Grammy-nominated, sister-fronted band embraced the unique surroundings for a rousing Halloween eve concert in Grand Rapids. Plus, check out photo recaps of weekend shows starring Chuck Prophet, The Way Down Wanderers, Stovepipe Stover, Emilee Petersmark, Mushmen, Wavves, Lisa Can’t Sing and more.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Stone Soup & The Broken Teeth take top prize in return of Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat
Hundreds of fans strolled the streets on Grand Haven’s East Side on Saturday in the return of the popular one-day festival which raises funds to assist young musicians. Recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram set to deliver ‘old soul’ blues with a twist in Grand Rapids
The rising, 21-year-old, blues-rock guitar star plays The Pyramid Scheme tonight after earning universal accolades for his music. Read the Local Spins interview with Ingram and check out videos of his recent performances.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Crane Wives, Billy Strings, Five Strand Fusion energize sold-out crowds
This week’s concert recap focuses on three shows in particular that celebrated the talents — new as well as experienced — of West Michigan artists. But there are images of Raul Midon, Fatoumata Diawara, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Dave Bruzza and more, too.
David Wax Museum relishes ‘real treasure’ at Listening Room’s official opening
The ‘Mexo-Americana’ group and singer-songwriter Heather Maloney earned a warm welcome from fans who braved early season snow to attend Wednesday night’s concert at the downtown venue. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Features · Kalamazoo · Photos
Great Lakes Music Camp and a GLAMA-versary: Learning the ropes, jamming and acoustic glory
The third annual Great Lakes Music Camp along the Lake Michigan shoreline drew dozens of ‘pupils’ for workshops and even more acoustic music fans for a packed Saturday night concert starring instructors. In Kalamazoo, meanwhile, the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association also celebrated acoustic glory at its GLAMA-versary event. Story and photos at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Features · Videos
May Erlewine offers ‘Second Sight’ as instrument for healing, change, connecting
Michigan’s leading folk-singer activist this week mounts a Michigan tour behind a powerful and political new album. The Local Spins interview, with review of the new album and a new video for the single, “Whole Again.”
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Leftover Salmon to headline Saturday’s ‘feel-good’ Spring Lake fest celebrating Earth’s Edge
The “adventurous” event at Mill Point Park also stars The Way Down Wanderers and Arkansauce. Get the lowdown about this first-time event at Local Spins and watch videos of the featured performers.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Joshua Davis, Luke Winslow-King, Crane Wives to fire up Grand Haven’s Music at the Museum
Kicking off in December, the series will also feature Way Down Wanderers, Roosevelt Diggs, Earth Radio and a songwriters-in-the-round show. Details at Local Spins. SCROLL DOWN FOR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST[…]
Cosmic Knot wins Grand Haven’s 2019 Walk the Beat in sun-splashed fashion
With 46 bands playing 23 venues on Saturday, the unusual Walk the Beat event returned to this lakeshore community after a one-year hiaturs and boasted another first: a tie for second place. Get the complete lowdown with a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Gipsy Kings bring wild and memorable dance party to Meijer Gardens
The weekend-ending soiree featured the amphitheater debut of the legendary French ensemble which had hundreds fans gyrating in front of the stage. The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Firefall, Poco, Pure Prairie League relive country-rock’s glory in sultry Grand Haven
The second big national concert at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium packed the riverfront venue with baby boomers who reveled in classic tracks ranging from “Amie” to “You Are the Woman” and more. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Walk the Beat festival set to return to Grand Haven in August with 46 bands
After taking a hiatus in 2018, the popular and unusual festival featuring local and regional acts playing nearly two dozen venues is back in this lakeshore community. See the lineup, get details at Local Spins.
Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd prove ‘blues is alive and well’ at Meijer Gardens
The Monday concert paired one of music’s most influential bluesman, Buddy Guy, with a blues-rock virtuoso, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, for a night of guitar-driven joy. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
High-intensity guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela get ‘warm and cozy’ in rain at Meijer Gardens
A weekend of impeccable weather came to an end with rain Sunday, but it didn’t deter the phenoms or their fans from reveling in dazzling, acoustic guitar-driven rock. And they even gave an unusual local musician some stage time. Check out the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Walk the Beat festival set for return to Grand Haven in August
After taking a year off, the popular and unusual competition featuring dozens of West Michigan acts playing a host of different venues on a single day is back. And Walk the Beat is hosting a benefit concert on Friday. Get the lowdown on the return of Walk the Beat at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Local Spins Rewind: The jazz advocacy of revered West Michigan pianist Robin Connell
With much-respected jazz pianist Robin Connell playing several upcoming shows in Grand Rapids this week, Local Spins today revisits the profile it published in 2017 after she was named West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year, along with a podcast and in-studio performance
Great Lakes Music Camp Revisited: Acoustic jams and a spirit that recharged batteries
Held along Lake Michigan south of Grand Haven, last weekend’s classes, workshops, performances and jams by all-star musicians at the Great Lakes Music Camp brought a rootsy flavor to Camp Blodgett and raised money for a good cause. Check out the recap and a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Jake Kershaw, Crystal Bowersox, May Erlewine part of Music at the Museum Season 4
The five-concert series at Grand Haven’s Tri-Cities Historical Museum kicks off in December with regional stars. See the full schedule and ticket sales information at Local Spins.
Great Lakes Music Camp strumming ahead for robust second year along the lakeshore
With a full slate of campers and well-known instructors, the second edition of the weekend at Camp Blodgett Oct. 11-14 boasts workshops, special performances, a benefit concert and plenty of jamming. Get details and ticket links at Local Spins.
Albion’s version of Walk the Beat promises ‘Disneyland’ of regional music
Kicking off Friday with a concert by The Accidentals, the festival follows this on Saturday with 46 Michigan performers playing various stages and vying for a $3,000 prize. Get details at Local Spins about this spinoff of the original Grand Haven Walk the Beat.
Sound guru Bill Chrysler’s Third Coast Recording set to ‘put Michigan on musical map’
After extensive construction, the world-class Grand Haven recording studio is impressing those who bring projects through its doors. Get the back story on Third Coast Recording, browse a Local Spins photo gallery and take a video tour of the facility operated by Chrysler and Joe Sturgill.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat festival replaced with new concert starring past winners
Although Grand Haven’s multi-venue Walk the Beat fest won’t fire up this August, Saturday’s ‘Keep the Beat Alive’ concert will rock the city with popular acts from past events, including Jake Kershaw, Melophobix, Cosmic Knot and Dave Palmer. See the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Buttermilk Jamboree 2018 Revisited: ‘An incredible Michigan experience’
The eighth annual music festival at Circle Pines Center thrived in spite of some rainy disruptions, celebrating three days of vibrant, diverse music. Relive this special West Michigan festival via words, photo gallery and video.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lifting the next generation of artists and poets: Fable the Poet and The Diatribe’s quest to give West Michigan students a voice for their art
The grass-roots nonprofit group will host a Teen Poetry Slam at the Kentwood library on Thursday, followed by a fundraising masquerade party to help make a difference in youths’ lives. Learn the story behind The Diatribe and its inspiring work to showcase student creativity in the Grand Rapids area.
Grand Haven’s Jessica in the Rainbow tackles unique year-long writing challenges to grow as musician and person
West Michigan songwriter Jessica Fogle recently wrapped up a 365-day challenge of writing a song a day, and now she’s ready to launch into another year-long musical project. Read the story of her musical journey, then check out her songs and videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Jammie Awards 2018 revisited: ‘So much’ talent, energy and fun boost West Michigan’s biggest night for music
Take a gander at Local Spins’ exclusive, expanded coverage of the WYCE Jammies with a robust photo gallery, video and reactions from winning bands recapping the 19th edition of ‘West Michigan’s biggest night for music.’
Chris Stapleton lights up Grand Rapids with songs to ‘drown out all the hate in the world’
The award-winning country singer brought his “All-American Road Show” to Van Andel Arena on Saturday, with icon Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb in tow. Check out the recap, photo gallery and set list from the sold-out show at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
‘Michigan Loves You’: The Accidentals revel in spirited and collaborative homecoming shows
After a Western tour, the band’s album-release shows in Kalamazoo and Muskegon on Thursday and Friday nights were exuberant displays featuring guests such as The Crane Wives and Rick Chyme. Read the recaps, browse the photo galleries and check out the video of a special on-stage pairing of The Crane Wives and Accidentals.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven’s Music at the Museum series returns with Joe Pug, Scythian, Way Down Wanderers and more
The Red House Concert Series has announced the third season of concerts boasting a diverse lineup of national and regional acts playing the Grand Haven museum. See the full lineup at Local Spins. Season passes go on sale later this month.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Melophobix and Cosmic Knot top bands to win Grand Haven’s 2017 Walk the Beat competition
Two Grand Rapids-based bands took home the top prizes in what organizers called the biggest and most successful Walk the Beat ever, with thousands of fans strolling the city’s east side to vote for their favorite performances. Get the details, watch video highlights and browse the photo gallery from Saturday’s event.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Walk the Beat to hoof it up Saturday with more than 50 acts rocking Grand Haven
The fourth annual festival and competition awards prizes to the best band and song, with attendees voting for favorites and winning merchandise, too. Get the lowdown, map and list of performances, plus a video from this week’s Local Spins Live performance by Walk the Beat participant Christopher C. Cordle.
Lifehouse, Switchfoot ‘come alive,’ get up close and personal with fans in Grand Rapids show
The rock bands’ co-headlining summer tour made a stop Monday at a sold-out Meijer Gardens amphitheater. Check out the show recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Barenaked Ladies make fans feel like a million dollars at steamy Grand Rapids tour stop
The sold-out crowd of fans at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday embraced the heat and their humor-laden Canadian heroes, who even spent time at The Pyramid Scheme after the show. Check out the concert recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Great Lakes Music Camp opens registration for October weekend of acoustic music lessons, all-star concert
The three-day camp in West Olive will offer ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ guitar, mandolin and fiddle instruction for adults and youths from award-winning musicians, plus a concert starring Matt Flinner, Don Julin and Fauxgrass. Read more about this new camp and find links to register.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
B93 Birthday Bash hits 25 with Big & Rich and more; Buttermilk Jamboree wraps up in inspiring fashion
Two major music festivals unfurled south of Grand Rapids on the same weekend with distinctly different vibes: Country music’s B93 Birthday Bash in Martin and the eclectic Buttermilk Jamboree in Delton. Browse photo galleries from both events that took place just 14 miles apart.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Buttermilk Jamboree set for weekend of ‘awe’: National and regional stars, art, family-friendly atmosphere
New York’s Slambovian Circus of Dreams leads a lineup of more than four dozen acts playing several stages this weekend in a scenic setting south of Grand Rapids. Get the schedule and details at Local Spins.
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