Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Described as a fierce, truth-seeking powerhouse, the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter hosts an album-release show Thursday at Wealthy Theatre. The Local Spins interview, with a track from the album and a video from a performance at The Ark.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The roots-rocking, bluesy, fast-rising, Nashville-based band plays Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids on Saturday, part of a tour that’s crisscrossing the country. The fronting sister duo of Rebecca and Megan Lovell chatted recently with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter plays a solo show at Calvin University on Wednesday night. He took time out to chat about his music, his tour and more with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
With ArtPrize returning to Grand Rapids this week, Eli Kahn of South Bend’s After Ours brings a unique composition to life at the Muse GR gallery with texture and movement that immerses its listeners. Learn more about this ArtPrize entry — and one that has guitarist Tom Wall making music with plants — at Local Spins.
The all-ages club on S. Division Avenue in Grand Rapids hosted its first show in 12 years on Friday. Local Spins was there to capture the energetic vibe in the packed house and the images from the inaugural celebration.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Michigan band going ‘really hard’ this summer will join three other regional faves at the unique West Side venue on Friday. The Local Spins interview with frontman Joe Hertler, plus show details and ticket information about the event hosted by Fans of Valley Field.
The band’s sold-out show Friday at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was filled with soul and charisma on a muggy August night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
The acclaimed songwriter unfurled the first major concert at DeVos Performance Hall since early 2020, a rescheduled show heavy on material from his band’s latest album. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Not surprisingly, multiple performances by Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings topped the roster of memorable moments at a northern Michigan festival that returned after a one-year hiatus. Browse the weekend highlights, pore over the photos and view videos from an action-packed Hoxey.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
It’s back for 2021 in the Manistee National Forest this weekend with national headliners and regional favorites, including a bluegrass singer who adores Hoxey and all it entails. An interview with Lindsay Lou, along with the festival schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Emerging Detroit rapper and pop/R&B artist Tiny Jag performs tonight at Studio Park with Michigan alt-pop star Jax Anderson (formerly Flint Eastwood) in an event hosted by Michigan House. The Local Spins interview.
“Falling in love with the process”: Muskegon photographer Nathan Purchase helms the Music Portrait Project, a film-camera series showcasing regional music industry professionals. Learn more about this endeavor and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Behind the glamour: In today’s essay, musician and Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos reveals his struggles with mental health and explores this important, oft-neglected subject with other musicians and experts in the field. Plus, find links to mental health resources.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Thursday night in Grand Rapids unfurled as a tale of two outdoor milestones: the first ‘Blues on the Grand’ show headlined by the Eric Gales Band and another full house at Studio Park with sets by Michigander and Lipstick Jodi. Check out the show recaps, browse the photo galleries and watch video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The first Tuesday Evening Music Club show in nearly two years filled the amphitheater for sets by The Accidentals and Roosevelt Digs. Get the recap, view the photos and video exclusively at Local Spins.
Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The charming and unique ‘right-on-the-water’ club in Douglas bids farewell at the end of the season after hosting regional bands and national touring acts for more than two decades. Discover the back story and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
’Finally, the music is back.’ The inaugural festival in Trufant reveled in good weather, camaraderie and the return of live performances. Get the recap, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
With release of the band’s third full-length album, “Dad Rock,” Droppers opens up about getting in trouble while growing up in Florida, being a new father and crafting a record during a pandemic. Learn more about the project, view the videos and browse a photo gallery from the band’s recent record-release show.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
With a brand new self-produced record, “Twelve Songs,” the guitarist sat down with Local Spins to talk recording, West Michigan’s inspiring music scene and the sad late-night food offerings in Grand Rapids. Plus, listen to tracks from the new album.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
One of Grand Rapids’ newest music venues emerges from the pandemic with four nights of shows each week, including open-mics hosted by Melophobix and Raven Griffin. The venue spotlight at Local Spins, with a photo gallery and listing of upcoming shows.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
In a wide-ranging conversation, Mikeyy Austin expresses his love of black culture, Lansing, tacos and more. Learn more about this emerging hip hop artist and listen to his music in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight by writer Enrique Olmos.
Features · Live-Stream Concerts · Videos
From hip hop’s Mikeyy Austin to rock’s Patty PerShayla, the Grand Rapids recording studio has helped fill the pandemic void of live music by providing constant, creatively produced live-stream shows and videos starring Michigan acts. Learn more about Dogtown, watch recent videos and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Friday night’s inaugural show at the baseball stadium on Grand Rapids’ West Side drew more than 100 people who soaked up the live music and unique outdoor atmosphere. The concert roundup and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Today’s Local Spins Rewind feature looks back to May 2019 when classic rock icons The Who opened their North American tour with help from Grand Rapids Symphony musicians. Fans are still arguing over this one. Revisit the review and an interview with The Who’s creative director, browse the photo galleries, video and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
The Jackson band recently released a new album, “Sitting With the Unknown,” and continues to play shows and find inspiration in its hometown. Learn more about LVRS in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight and listen to music from the band’s latest album.
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.
Labor Day weekend’s last blast of summer gave hip hop fans plenty to applaud in downtown Grand Rapids, with the Studio Park piazza show heating up the city’s month-long “The Bridge” celebration. Get the recap at Local Spins and browse the photo gallery from Saturday’s concert.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
On another pleasant summer evening, The Verve Pipe frontman regaled fans Thursday with songs new and old as part of Listening Room’s ‘Listening Lawn’ series in downtown Grand Rapids. The review, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Summer Festivals
If not for COVID-19, Hoxey would have been reveling today amid northern Michigan splendor. So, Local Spins looks back at the 2019 celebration that boasted plenty of “beautiful” musical highlights – in words and photos.
Local Spins delves into some brand new Michigan-made releases — from a jazzy and soulful new Erlewine project to a Lansing band hitting its stride. Read the reviews, listen to songs from each of the featured albums.
COVID-19 silenced live music downtown until Thursday when the first “Listening Lawn” show regaled a sold-out crowd outdoors on the piazza at Studio Park. Check out the review and photo gallery exclusively at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Features
The longtime Michigan music collective re-emerges today after a two-year overhaul with a revamped organizational structure, a slate of new artists and some live-stream performances. Get the full story at Local Spins along with some videos of Earthwork artists.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
In an interview with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos, Nathan Kalish opens up about his new album, cooking for himself, and the way the coronavirus has ravaged the music industry. Learn more about the West Michigan-bred Kalish and listen to songs from his latest release. And he plays a live-stream concert tonight.
The current COVID-19 crisis hasn’t silenced West Michigan artists, who’ve been busy releasing new albums. Here are five to check out, including a tour de force from Jake Kalmink’s Further Closer and a much-anticipated sophomore release by Political Lizard. Listen to tracks from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.
