A Grand Rapids transplant from Jackson, Ricky has written for Mlive Media Group, provided freelance content for clients regionally and nationally, and currently is creating multimedia content for local artists and small businesses through Furniture City Media. A musician, he plays keyboards with Watching for Foxes, singer-songwriter Jonny Carroll, is half of the Jackson-based folk duo, The River House, and is working on a solo EP.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
The Crane Wives’ Emilee Petersmark hosted a “Stay in Your House Show” with a handful of W. Michigan acts on Friday — all streaming sets from home. Local Spins was there to capture the vibe of the ‘new normal’ when it comes to the live music that we’ve got these days. Browse a photo gallery from the live-stream setup.
Announcements · Breaking music news
With hundreds of concert cancellations and today’s statewide bar closure order dealing a blow to bands, the new relief fund is seeking donations which will help Michigan musicians who qualify via applications to recover some financial losses. The lowdown at Local Spins, with links to donate or apply for assistance.
In the first of two nights at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, the much-heralded South African male vocal group delivered engaging vocals and a stage presence to match. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Chris Thile’s sold-out show Tuesday at St. Cecilia Music Center was an uplifting, mutual love affair between the performer and his fans. “Your town is crushing it,” Thile raved at one point. The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Making its debut at Listening Room for the Local Spins Michigan Mondays series, the Kalamazoo psych-pop/rock band fired up new tunes and old classics for an attentive, enthused crowd. The recap, photo gallery and video of The Go Rounds performing a new tune, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows
After a Sunday night stop in Fennville, the inventive Kalamazoo rock band will play Grand Rapids’ intimate Listening Room for the first time on Monday, part of Local Spins’ Michigan Mondays series. Revisit our December interview with this risk-taking pop-rock powerhouse and listen to the band’s music.
Accompanied by her husband, John Leventhal, the iconic singer-songwriter unfurled classics new and old during the sold-out Acoustic Cafe Folk Series show at St. Cecilia Music Center on Wednesday. The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows
Formed by Tim Perry and Jeff Oxford more than 15 years ago, the GRSA is back for monthly meetings at Schuler Books & Music, where budding songwriters test their material for other tunesmiths. Get the back story and view photos from a recent GRSA session.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With the Colorado band’s world tour stopping at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos chatted with Jeremiah Fraites about the group’s third full-length recording, “III,” and much more. And watch videos from the powerful new album.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Kalamazoo
A track by the Kalamazoo singer and guitarist who shares his music with seniors across the Midwest will be featured in a radio release from Kentucky’s “Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour.” Get the back story and listen to the song at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Hundreds of revelers and runners gathered outside the Comstock Park brewery Saturday for sets by The Crane Wives, Hacky Turtles, Melophobix and Crosscut Kings. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Kalamazoo-based rock band plays its final show of 2019 at The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday night, as it eyes a new studio album in 2020 and continues to take devoted fans on a psychedelically powerful pop-rock journey. The Local Spins interview, plus videos.
