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 volunteers and programs for the organization. A guitarist who holds a journalism degree from Grand Valley State University, Marn focuses on the stories of artists and venues along Lake Michigan.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.’
