Grand Rapids tattooist and songwriter Alex Brooke opens up about her own ink, about tattooing musicians ‘who always look cool’ and about how clients can best prepare for the process. Plus, some Michigan musicians share their tats in words and photos. Get the back story in this special Sunday feature by Enrique Olmos, with a photo gallery by Anna Sink.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts · Photos
The second-year, five-day virtual festival hosted by Michigan Music Alliance drew thousands of viewers and $10,00-plus in donations to aid Michigan musicians. Peruse festival highlights and ogle photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Live-Stream Concerts
The opening-day salvo of Michigan artists performing for the live-streamed Spread the Music Festival attracted thousands of viewers for compelling sets. Check out some first-day highlights and photos, along with picks for other must-see acts at the festival which runs through Sunday.
Concert reviews · In Memoriam · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
One year ago — before the pandemic erupted — West Michigan not only cheered a tour stop by mandolin whiz Chris Thile but mourned the unexpected death of beloved local musician Eric Soules. Local Spins revisits both events in today’s ‘Rewind’ feature.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Features
After releasing a brand new holiday EP, the beloved northern Michigan songbird opens up about musical life during the pandemic in this relaxed, revealing interview with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos. Plus, listen to two classic tracks from her new recording.
From headphones to vinyl to T-shirts to calendars, Local Spins presents its first Christmas Gift Guide: ideas for the music lover on your list that are focused on local products supporting Michigan’s music scene or representing unique gifts recommended by local experts.
Breaking music news · Features
In its 16th year, the West Michigan group that nurtures songwriters has seen dramatic changes in 2020, from COVID-19 to the departure of its much-admired co-founder. Meet his replacement, Julia Yob, and read more about the GRSA in today’s Sunday feature.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
The Grand Rapids collective has stayed safely active during COVID-19 with socially distanced shows and virtual performances while promoting a new EP and workshopping new material for the next one. Delve into the creative world of August in this in-depth Artist Spotlight and watch the video of a performance of a song from the band’s latest EP.
This week, Local Spins spotlights six new releases by Michigan artists, from hip hop to roots rock to folk, and featuring a couple of collections perfect for haunting your neighbors on Halloween. Check out the reviews, listen to songs from each of the releases.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
A half-dozen new releases by Michigan artists — from Detroit’s The Messenger Birds to the U.P.’s John Davey — are showcased via reviews, audio samples and more at Local Spins. It’s an eclectic bunch of albums, from jazz to prog-pop to soulful Americana to vintage country.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Glorious late-September weather provided the perfect setting for several high-profile outdoor shows in Grand Rapids, from Earth Radio to Melophobix. The recaps, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Belknap’s first-ever drive-in show on Friday impressed fans and bands alike with socially distanced fun and music that reverberated through the neighborhood just north of downtown Grand Rapids. The Local Spins review with photos and video highlights.
