Forgotten in the worries about musicians and concert venues ravaged by the coronavirus crisis has been the devastating impact on sound techs and engineers who’ve lost essentially all of their business. Local Spins takes a closer look at the uncertain future for these critical players in the music industry.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids band plans an energetic ‘wave of emotion’ at Saturday’s Pyramid Scheme show. The in-depth and revealing Local Spins interview with lead songwriter Brady Stablein, with an exclusive performance video.
Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos attended David Bazan’s weekend concerts at Listening Room and he spent time with the noted singer-songwriter. This is his report, with photos by Kendra Petersen-Kamp.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The acclaimed and controversial singer-songwriter plays twice this weekend at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, with screenings of the documentary about him, “Strange Negotiations,” before each show. The Local Spins interview with director Brandon Vedder about this incredible film and the difficult journey of the artist that it portrays.
Hundreds of folk-hued artists in town for the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference have created an ear-pleasing smorgasbord of music. Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos sampled some of the offerings.
For the second year, the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference will host seminars and performances by hundreds of touring musicians in Grand Rapids. Get the Local Spins preview, schedules of performances and details about this week’s “truly real” event.
Led by Timothy Showalter, the Philly-based band made a memorable tour stop at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, with Showalter’s mom even making a guest appearance. Find the review and photo gallery, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Last weekend’s Earthwork Harvest Gathering endured rainy weather to roll out a host of memorable performances by Michigan artists for a record crowd, not to mention a wedding and more. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Despite a few imperfect moments and an early departure by some attendees, Wednesday’s collaborative performance served up fresh and captivating songs. Get the review and a photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The 46th edition of this much-admired Michigan music festival rolled out last weekend with a hefty slate of national and regional roots music stars. The recap by Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos, with photos by Anna Sink.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
The North Carolina indie-folk group made its Meijer Gardens debut on Wednesday, touring behind its latest studio album. Check out the review and a photo gallery, plus a Local Spins Q&A with the band.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The Hoxeyville Music Festival in the Manistee National Forest near Wellston wrapped up Sunday with two memorable sets by bluegrass star Billy Strings. But Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos found plenty more to like about Hoxey 2019, with photos by Anna Sink.
Hoxeyville Music Festival unfurls this weekend in northern Michigan with a who’s who lineup and lots of groovy activities. Local Spins and some festival performers preview the three-day affair. Check out the Hoxeyville schedule which you can save on your smartphone to take along and listen to a playlist of festival performers.
On another splendid summer evening, Meijer Gardens concertgoers were treated to an intriguing double-bill that spanned vintage country and California-bred folk-rock. Get the review and peruse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
Amid steamy temps at Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden in Kalamazoo, Kurt Vile & The Violators didn’t “Bottle It In” musically, but delivered smoldering “indie-rock glory” for a sold-out crowd. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
The alt-rock band’s return to the sold-out amphitheater on Wednesday came amid splendid summer weather. Check out the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
The Irish singer-songwriter brought his “Wasteland, Baby!” tour to a sold-out 20 Monroe Live on Wednesday night, with New York’s Bailen getting things started. The review, photos at Local Spins.
The much-beloved organizer of Skitchin’ Fest and publisher of Skitchin’ Music Zine is preparing for the third incarnation of the Grand Rapids punk festival that takes place over two days this weekend at The Pyramid Scheme. Read the inspiring back story about Tyler Dykema and get details about this weekend’s festival at Local Spins. And see how you can win tickets to Skitchin’ Fest.
Breaking music news · Features · Venue Spotlight
After years of searching for a permanent space, the arts collective and all-ages venue has acquired and will renovate a building on Plainfield Avenue in the Creston Neighhborhood, launching a new era for The DAAC. Read more about the plans and future for this much-beloved collective.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The lineup for the August music festival on a Jackson County farm features a who’s who roster of regional favorites. Check out the full list of performers and other details about the 2019 event.
Backed by an orchestra featuring members of the Grand Rapids Symphony and other musicians, the iconic British band led by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey rocked a career-spanning set at Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. Read the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
A fixture on West Michigan’s music scene, Nicole LaRae has brought an impressive roster of national stars to Grand Rapids while bolstering local acts on stage and on radio. With The Pyramid Scheme celebrating its eighth anniversary this month, Local Spins profiles this champion of the musical arts.
Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Top 10 Lists
With the mammoth South by Southwest festival wrapping up in Texas over the weekend, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos looks back at event highlights — some with a Michigan flair.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Brother Elsey, Jordan Hamilton, Jack Droppers, Michigander, Stef Chura, Steppes and more closed out the Michigan House run in Texas with a diverse showcase Monday at an Austin nightclub. Get the recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
Local Spins’ intrepid SXSW correspondent Ricky Olmos recaps the opening salvo of Michigan bands at South by Southwest as 10 acts prepare for a big Michigan House showcase. Check out today’s recap and photos.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW
Heading on tour? Trying to survive SXSW? We asked Michigan musicians heading to Austin to list the tour necessities they won’t leave home without. Their answers are revealing and entertaining.
Saturday’s tour stop for an enthused 20 Monroe Live crowd showcased a high-energy set in which singer Jon Foreman cut his finger, something which didn’t slow him — or the band — down. Review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
The California indie-folk duo — backed by a three-piece band — regaled a near-capacity crowd with harmony-driven magic and their trademark sense of humor on Thursday in Grand Rapids. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With the California alt-rock band making a Grand Rapids tour stop Saturday, Local Spins chatted with bassist Tim Foreman about the group’s early days, its recent hiatus, the new studio album, the process of healing and connecting with fans. And check out the band’s video for “Native Tongue.”
The South Carolina alt-rock and Christian rock heroes brought their “Acoustic Live” tour to Grand Rapids on Saturday, delivering fan-pleasing renditions of songs new and old. Relive the evening in this Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In advance of the award-winning South Carolina rock band’s sold-out acoustic show at Fountain Street Church Saturday, lead singer Bear Rinehart chatted with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos about a wide — and fun — range of topics.
Artist Spotlights · Top 10 Lists
Local Spins continues its Top 10 countdown of the most-read stories of 2018, revisiting writer Ricky Olmos’ candid February interview with Flint Eastwood’s dynamic Jax Anderson. Check out the in-depth interview and listen to Flint Eastwood’s music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Midnight Hour collective’s Pyramid Scheme tour stop was just part of this week’s eclectic image recap that includes Cody Jinks, Marcus King Band, Dacia Bridges Project, The Hill People, Weezil Malone & Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Browse the images, watch the videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Day 2 of Kalamazoo’s Audiotree Music Festival drew even bigger crowds who cheered the likes of Grand Rapids’ Major Murphy plus Chicano Batman, Real Estate, Slow Mass, Blitzen Trapper, REZN, Lume and headliner Father John Misty. Read the Local Spins review, ogle the photo galleries from Sunday’s finale.
Local Spins’ September roundup of recent releases hones in on War and Treaty’s “Healing Tide,” Seth Bernard’s final Eggtones installment, Red Legs sophomore effort, Pack Sounds debut LP and Chris Cranick’s latest work. Read the reviews, listen to the music.
Matt Johnson, one half of the popular indie-pop duo Matt and Kim, spoke recently to Local Spins about the band’s 14-year-long career, returning to the road after Kim’s onstage injury, and the ‘slow burn’ success of the song “Daylight.”
Gary Clark Jr.’s musical conversation proved to be a powerful, dynamic dialogue of groaning blues, searing rock ’n’ roll and riveting soul Monday night at 20 Monroe Live.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Attendees to the 45th Wheatland Music Festival filled the site outside Remus and found warmth amidst chilly temps as they celebrated one of Michigan’s finest festival traditions.
