Commemorating hip hop’s 50th anniversary, Grand Rapids-style
The city’s weekend celebration of the genre’s half-century mark starts with a star-studded, hip-hop show at The Pyramid Scheme hosted by Sixman. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Author:
Recent posts by this author:
Jason Isbell showers Meijer Gardens crowd with rock-fueled, Americana gems
With Michigan native Dominic John Davis on bass, Isbell & The 400 Unit ushered forth riveting tunes through a light drizzle on Sunday. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Cool Journey’: The Crane Wives return to the road with sold-out shows, new momentum
With a much-anticipated Grand Rapids show on Saturday, the Grand Rapids folk-rock band is back with a fresh attitude and plans for a national tour. The Local Spins interview, plus a Crane Wives music video.
Dunesville Music Festival 2023: The Local Spins preview, playlist and lineup
Intimate yet with an impressive lineup, this festival near Interlochen will boast sets by The Go Rounds, Act Casual, Chirp and more. Get the preview, playlist and details at Local Spins.
Jenny Lewis brings joy, ‘Essence of Life,’ fiery triumph during Grand Rapids tour stop
The singer-songwriter’s Monday concert at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park delivered a hefty dose of songs from her new studio album. The review, photos and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals
Blues at Buttermilk: Guitarist Selwyn Birchwood hyped for energetic festival set
The much-beloved Buttermilk Jamboree at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids unfurls with more than 50 acts playing several stages this weekend, including ‘Florida Man’ Selwyn Birchwood. The Local Spins interview with Birchwood, plus check out the full festival schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Seth Beck bracing for full-band roller coaster ride of colorful, alternative indie-rock
The West Michigander now based in Chicago returns to Grand Rapids for a special band show tonight, touring behind his latest album. The artist profile at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Max Lockwood’s holistic, ‘full circle’ fusion of singer-songwriter grace and rock ’n’ roll
The Grand Rapids multi-instrumentalist releases a new studio album Friday at Midtown in Grand Rapids. The Local Spins profile of Max Lockwood, along with two tracks from his latest recording.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lindsay Lou: Loving harmonies, energetic late-night jams and celebratory spaces
Michigan-bred singer and songwriter Lindsay Lou opens for The Lone Bellow at St. Cecilia Music Center tonight (Thursday). Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos checks in with the talented, Nashville-based artist.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows
From barefoot in Ludington to cowboy boots in Nashville: Americana’s Chloe Kimes
The Michigan-bred songwriter now based in Nashville has turned heads with her fetching songs and returns to her home state for shows this summer. One of Local Spins’ ‘Emerging Artists to Watch,’ plus videos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Steve Forbert set to usher forth gems from 20-album songwriting catalog in GR
The veteran tunesmith plays Midtown on Tuesday, aiming to ‘keep the singer-songwriter tradition alive’ as he tours behind his latest album, ‘Moving Through America.’ The Local Spins Q&A with a music video of the title track from Steve Forbert’s new record.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
The Rebel Eves super-group: Creating ‘heaven’ and acceptance with ‘killer harmonies’
The vibrant combination of Michigan songwriters Grace Theisen, Katie Pederson and Jilian Linklater is turning heads with a mission of empowering women in music. The Local Spins Q&A with the up-and-coming trio, a video and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Full of colors’: Josh Ritter set to deliver astronomical new songs to St. Cecilia
The acclaimed singer-songwriter plays the Acoustic Cafe Folk Series in Grand Rapids on Thursday. The Local Spins interview, with a chance for readers to win tickets to the show. Plus, watch a Josh Ritter video previewing songs from his upcoming new album.
‘Tour Texts’ with Patty PerShayla: Breaking out of a comfort zone, life as a road dog
Up-and-coming West Michigan-bred rock star Patty PerShayla took time out to take Local Spins behind the scenes of her hectic touring schedule, from favorite foods to the downsides of being on the road. It’s Local Spins’ first ‘Tour Texts’ of 2023.
Gregory Alan Isakov and band unfurl striking songs, heavenly harmonies in Kalamazoo
Wednesday’s concert at Kalamazoo State Theatre displayed the riveting power of the singer-songwriter’s acclaimed catalog. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Inaugural ‘Sounds of the Zoo’ festival raring to make Kalamazoo a music mecca
The brainchild of Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert, the week-long affair at several venues in downtown Kalamazoo will boast vastly diverse performances and a collaborative vibe. Learn more about this first-year event, view the full schedule and listen to a playlist of performers.
Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Celebrating 50 Years: The Intersection revels as ‘godfather’ of Grand Rapids’ music scene
To commemorate the Grand Rapids nightclub’s half-century milestone, Local Spins Rewind today updates a 2017 Venue Spotlight on a hot spot that showcases ‘every genre of music.’ Get the history, take video tours and browse photo galleries at Local Spins.
Matthew Milia Writes Home: Frontier Ruckus frontman talks solo work, roots, Detroit pride
The Frontier Ruckus co-founder sat down with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos to explore his passion for Detroit, and balancing music creation with a financially secure day job. He plays a Detroit festival on Sept. 10.
FINKEL embraces ‘isolated and eccentric’ Mackinac Island for new record, documentary
The Michigan natives now based in L.A. spent a winter on the iconic enclave to create ‘Islanders.’ They screen the film and perform as FINKEL Friday at Wealthy Theatre. The interview and back story at Local Spins.
Norah Jones entrances sold-out Meijer Gardens; Japanese Breakfast lights up Bell’s Beer Garden
The acclaimed pianist and singer celebrated the 20th anniversary of “Come Away With Me” and more at the Grand Rapids amphitheater on Sunday night. The review and photos at Local Spins, with bonus coverage and images from the sold-out Japanese Breakfast show on Sunday in Kalamazoo.
Enchanted Electric Forest: The best of the 2022 festival in words and resplendent photos
The spectacle in the Rothbury woods wrapped up in the wee hours Sunday, sending tens of thousands of revelers home tired but happy. Check out some of the highlights in this recap and browse four photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest ramps up in Rothbury with magical opening-day marvels, uplifting fans
After a long COVID hiatus, the electrifying, electronic music-driven extravaganza in the West Michigan woods launched on Thursday with splendid weather, huge crowds and a celebratory atmosphere. The first-day column by writer Enrique Olmos, with photos by Derek Ketchum at Local Spins.
WYCE Jammie Awards 2022: Multiple voices, inclusive representation, musical collaboration
After COVID delays, West Michigan’s biggest night for music returns Saturday with a full day celebrating regional music. Local Spins checked in with WYCE Music Director Shane German ahead of the very big day, plus get the full performance schedule.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigander, Joe Hertler ‘stoked’ to make human connections at Electric Forest
In a Local Spins interview, the frontmen for both bands talk about playing the upcoming, much-delayed musical spectacle in Rothbury, which will attract more than 45,000 people. The story, videos and full festival schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Camp Greensky: Little Feat and other highlights from the 2022 celebration at Shagbark Farm
Attendance surged significantly on Days 2 and 3 for the return of Camp Greensky, which showcased the legendary Little Feat as well as numerous on-stage collaboration amid a camaraderie-filled weekend. Get the recap, browse the photo galleries and check out some video highlights.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Local Spins Fest weathers ‘vibrant journey of sound’ in celebration of Michigan music
The six-act festival outside Studio Park started in the rain Saturday but ended with sun-splashed, audience-inspiring sets by Full Cord, Public Access and The Accidentals to put an upbeat cap on a week-long commemoration of Local Spins’ 10th anniversary. The recap of festival highlights, with photos and video.
Jake Kershaw & Hank Mowery, Desmond Jones & The Legal Immigrants double down on fun
Enthused, happy crowds cheered Friday’s Local Spins 10th anniversary double-header: Jake Kershaw and Hank Mowery at a packed Tip Top Deluxe, Desmond Jones with The Legal Immigrants at Elevation. Get the recaps and browse photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Public Access super-group set to bring lots of moving parts, rock magic to Local Spins Fest
The guitar-driven, instrumental rock super-group Public Access fires up Local Spins Fest outside Studio Park on Saturday. Writer Enrique Olmos delves into the singular musical magic created by Steve Leaf and this unusual Michigan ensemble. Plus, get more details about Saturday’s celebration in downtown Grand Rapids.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
Detroit’s Greater Impact House aims to fuel a Motor City renaissance for musicians, artists
In its series profiling musicians and projects in Detroit and Southeast Michigan, Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos today spotlights the work of Great Alexander’s Alexander Vlachos and his ambitious Greater Impact House.
Sting brings rock-star persona, enduring spirit, spellbinding songs to Van Andel Arena
Saturday night’s Grand Rapids tour stop had the former Sting frontman unfurling more than 20 career-spanning songs, backed by a top-flight band. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Singer, guitar-slinger Elijah Russ poised to release two ‘fun,’ genre-bending records
In an interview with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos, soul-rocker Elijah Russ reflects on traveling out west, honing his guitar chops, and the joy of video games as he prepares to front a 16-piece, all-star ensemble at Wealthy Theatre.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
Singer-songwriter Lindsay Lou: Giving listeners ‘a bit of beauty’ on stage and in song
Local Spins revisits the Michigan native and bluegrass star, as writer Enrique Olmos and photographer Loren Johnson join Lindsay Lou for a sunny afternoon of thrift shopping and songwriter talk in Nashville. The Artist Spotlight and photo gallery.
Jack White shreds, unleashes career-spanning rock barrage in Grand Rapids tour stop
Firing up Van Andel Arena Sunday on the third night of his national tour, Jack White and company delivered another rock show for the ages. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Uncategorized · Upcoming shows
Indie-folk’s Haley Heynderickx: Being honest and sharing songs from ‘a grounded place’
The acclaimed Portland singer-songwriter plays Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre tonight. She shared thoughts on her music, her upbringing and her performances with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jesse Cook poised to bring flamenco fire and global rhythms to Wealthy Theatre
The universally revered guitarist plays Grand Rapids this week. The Local Spins interview with Jesse Cook, with a pair of music videos that he’s produced himself. Plus, enter a drawing to win tickets to see him in concert.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
Artist to Watch: Max Brown’s ‘wildly successful, whirlwind’ ascent with The War & Treaty
The multi-instrumentalist and Michigan native has found a life-changing groove with Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter, who lead the fast-rising, Nashville-based band earning accolades while touring the globe. The interview, photos and videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Greta Van Fleet rocks GR (again), Lady Ace Boogie + Pals romp in Kalamazoo and more
Frankenmuth’s favorite sons in Greta Van Fleet continued their Michigan homecoming assault at DeltaPlex on Saturday, plus browse photos from a diverse set of shows in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, including Lady Ace Boogie, Jordan Hamilton, Cabildo, Djangophonique, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Between the Buried and Me.
Artist to Watch: Katie Pederson’s ‘one-two punch’ of integrity, vividness in songwriting
Singer-songwriter and Saline native Katie Pederson discusses moving to Nashville, building a community and the joys of running in a Local Spins interview conducted by Enrique Olmos in the Music City. The artist profile, photo gallery and video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Artist to Watch: Kaitlin Rose’s journey behind her ‘fierce’ upcoming record, ‘Acoustic Heart’
With an upcoming performance at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos profiles Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Kaitlin Rose and her ‘honest, healing’ music. Learn more about Rose and listen to her songs.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
John Mark McMillan’s journey through faith, musical success, identity crisis and creativity
The platinum-selling singer-songwriter plays Calvin University on Friday night. In an interview with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos, McMillan covered a lot of bases — from religion to aliens.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Waxahatchee bringing acclaimed, validating, beautiful ‘Saint Cloud’ gems to Grand Rapids
With her tour stopping at Fountain Street Church on Saturday, Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield opens up to Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos about her sobriety, cooking, astrology and songwriting. Learn more about Waxahatchee and watch her videos at Local Spins.
Gibson Guitar Legacy: Kalamazoo to fete 100th birthday of WWII guitar maker Irene Stearns
A renowned cast of well-wishers — including Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Emily Saliers of The Indigo Girls, Tommy Emmanuel, Rosanne Cash and more — will help commemorate the milestone on Sunday, recalling an important era in music history. The event will be live-streamed by the Michigan Music Alliance. Get details at Local Spins and learn more about Stearns and the ‘Kalamazoo Gals’ who built Gibson guitars during World War II.
Artist Spotlights · Whatever Happened To
Whatever Happened To … Joey Frendo of Watching For Foxes: Blossoming as a storyteller
Once the frontman for Grand Rapids folk-rock outfits Watching for Foxes and Winnow, Joey Frendo has since moved to Oklahoma where he’s carving out a career as a solo artist. The Local Spins interview.
Eric Church leads massive Van Andel ‘congregation’ in rock and country revelry
It was a spectacle. For Friday’s Grand Rapids tour stop on his ‘Gather Again’ tour, country star Eric Church uncorked his mix of ‘Country Music Jesus,’ ‘That’s Damn Rock & Roll’ and ‘Smoke a Little Smoke’ for enthused fans. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Features · Photos
The creative, energetic compass of G’itis Baggs and weathering the ‘dark stuff’ of brain cancer
The Kalamazoo musician and co-founder of The Go Rounds has faced terminal brain cancer with fortitude, grace and humor, supported by compassionate fellow musicians. Get the back story at Local Spins and listen to some of G’itis Baggs’ music. .
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Artist to Watch: Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Grace Theisen making hearts ‘come alive’
With a brand new single, upcoming shows this weekend and a soon-to-be-released EP, Grace Theisen is poised for a breakout year with her “exciting” and “upbeat” Americana-hued music. The profile and music video at Local Spins.
Features · Venue Spotlight · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ringing in a new year: DAAC ‘thrilled’ for 2022 at new site, plus Kalamazoo New Year’s Fest
After finally reopening in a new Grand Rapids location this fall, The DAAC staged a New Year’s Eve show that was an all-ages celebration of community and the arts. Get the back story, plus photos of the new space, Kalamazoo’s New Year’s Fest and Motion City Soundtrack at The Intersection.
West Michigan Jazz Society Musician of the Year Paul Brewer: Grateful for a life of music
The respected lifelong musician, educator and jazz trombonist was honored during a special celebration on Monday, joining his wife, Robin Connell, as ‘musician of the year’ recipients. The profile of a istinguished career at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Music and Technology
New Juke app allows fans to request songs in-concert, send tips to performers
Created by a South Bend tech startup, the innovative app is being embraced by some West Michigan acts as a way of connecting with fans and monetizing their performances. Get the details at Local Spins.
The Local Spins 2021 Christmas Gift Guide for Michigan Music Lovers
Back for the 2021 shopping season, Local Spins’ gift guide offers ideas for the music lover on your list: local products, including those supporting Michigan’s music scene along with a bevy of unique gifts bearing a tuneful vibe.
Listen to Local Spins Live
