Gary Clark Jr. makes triumphant return to 20 Monroe Live with guitar wizardry
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.
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Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Wheatland Music Festival celebrates 45th weekend of music, ‘peace and love’
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.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Tour Texts · Videos
Tour Texts with Mike Mains & The Branches: Dream gig, underrated veggies, road necessities
Local Spins exchanged a series of fun, on-the-road texts with the Michigan indie-rock band as it prepares to play a Monday show at Calvin College with John Mark McMillan. It’s an entertaining, behind-the-scenes glimpse into life on tour.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Wheatland offers unparalleled, summer-ending tradition, ‘dream come true’ for local artists
National stars may get top billing, but plenty of local favorites — from Nicholas James Thomasma to Steppin’ In It — aim to make Wheatland 2018 a festival to remember this weekend. See the schedule at Local Spins.
Holler Fest 2018 Revisited: Impressive setting and turnout, memorable performances
With a bevy of Michigan performers, last weekend’s Holler Fest in Jackson County powered up another musical showcase to remember and treasure. The Top 5 recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Cowpie Music Fest set to unleash ‘weekend of positive intention,’ national and regional stars
With new stages, enhancements and a robust lineup, the three-day ‘granddaddy’ festival on a cattle farm in southern Kent County this weekend shapes up as the best yet. Get the preview, full weekend schedule and forecast, plus a festival playlist at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Mo Pop 2018 Revisited: Captivating soul, pop, rock and weird stuff from The National
An odd, abrupt finish by Matt Berninger and The National wrapped up the spirited, eclectic Detroit festival in “an iconic place.” Check out Local Spins’ review and photo gallery of a second day that featured St. Vincent, Daniel Caesar, Portugal. The Man and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Bon Iver mops up magically at Mo Pop 2018’s dazzling Day 1 in Detroit
The first day of the music festival in Detroit’s West Riverfront Park boasted summer sun, thousands of attendees and a diverse mix of acts, closing with the enigmatic and powerful Bon Iver. Check out the Day 1 recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Mo Pop 2018: Top 5 reasons to attend this Detroit spectacle, plus a festival playlist
Now a proven festival attraction, Mo Pop is set to roll out Bon Iver, The National, St. Vincent and Michigan favorites like Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. Mo Pop takes over downtown Detroit this weekend. Preview some highlights and a festival soundtrack.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Holler Fest tradition continues for Michigan’s ‘friendliest, most down-to-earth festival’
May Erlewine, Appleseed Collective, Wire in the Wood, Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish, Barbarossa Brothers and many more regional favorites will play the Aug. 24-26 fest in Jackson County. Get the Holler Fest lowdown and scan the roster of 2018 festival acts at Local Spins.
Flint Eastwood finds ‘Real Love,’ reveals struggles of growing up gay
With her new pop single, “Real Love,” directly addressing the trauma of being gay in the evangelical church, Local Spins revisits its candid February interview with Flint Eastwood’s Jax Anderson. And as a bonus, the “Local Spins Rewind” feature gives you a chance to listen to Flint Eastwood’s new song.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest Weekend 1 Revisited: An escape from reality, a splash of Michigan roots music
Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos plunged into the magical world of the music festival in Rothbury, caught up with the Michigan Rattlers at their Forest debut and got high, literally, in a hot-air balloon. Relive the weekend in words and photos at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Electric Forest 2018: A guide to the life-changing Forest in words and music
This year’s edition of the two-weekend music festival in Rothbury kicks off Thursday afternoon. Get a musical preview via two Local Spins’ playlists, check out valuable links and a map for your Electric Forest visit and find out why so many fans come back to this special place year after year.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Donna the Buffalo, Luke Winslow King set to electrify Buttermilk Jamboree with upbeat vibe
This weekend’s family-friendly festival at Circle Pines Center boasts more than three dozen mostly regional acts, including The Accidentals, Mustard Plug and Joshua Davis. Check out the schedule and save it on your smartphone; read more about Donna the Buffalo and Luke Winslow King; watch videos of some featured bands.
Album reviews · RSVP Music Chat · Videos
Michigander’s ‘Midland’ and Jason Singer’s life on the road to anthemic pop glory
RSVP Music Chat sat down with Michigander for an in-depth and upbeat conversation about his music, his touring, his quest as a career artist, his favorite coffee and why it isn’t “Michiganian” or “Dad Jokes.” Listen to the podcast, read a review of Michigander’s new EP.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The Hacky Turtles’ obsession with hacky sack, jamming, ‘bass rap’ and ‘highly emotional’ genuine music
Local Spins sat down with the eclectic Grand Rapids band, which just released a new single, has an album in the works and is playing a series of May shows, including the Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight (Wednesday). Check out the Q&A with The Hacky Turtles and listen to the single, “Grace.”
Lord Huron gets folky and psychedelic for Michigan homecoming show (Review, photos)
Michigan native Ben Schneider and his band created trippy soundscapes during Friday’s sold-out show at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live — a concert marred briefly by an altercation between some fans that was quickly taken care of by security. Get the recap in the Local Spins review and browse the photo gallery.
Sylvan Esso channels powerful energy, incites wild dance-club vibe at 20 Monroe Live
The North Carolina electro-pop duo’s return to Grand Rapids was full of catchy material that inspired the young capacity crowd to heat up the dance floor. Relive the evening of music in the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Commentary · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
The Best of SXSW: Local Spins’ Top 5 performances from Austin 2018
Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos ventured into the giant South by Southwest fest for the first time this year. Here are his highlights, plus images by photographer Anna Sink of some of her favorite SXSW sets.
Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
West Michigan musicians’ ‘freaking incredible’ experience at SXSW (Story, photos, videos)
Mark Lavengood, Seth Bernard, Lady Ace Boogie, Alexander Lynch, The Accidentals, Billy Strings, Major Murphy and more are embracing SXSW 2018, enamored of Austin’s rousing environment, its tacos and all the musical action. Discover their impressions of the gargantuan festival and conference, ogle the photos, watch the videos.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Tunde Olaniran, water protection, ArtPrize challenge pump up Michigan House at SXSW
Wrapping things up with a music showcase boasting sets by 10 Michigan artists tonight, Michigan House has once again showcased the Great Lakes State in Austin in a variety ways over the past few days. Check out the recap and images from Texas at Local Spins.
Festivals · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
A ‘powerful music scene’ on the rise: Michigan bands ready to shine at SXSW in Austin
Dozens of Michigan acts – from The Accidentals to Seth Bernard to Tunde Olaniran to Oliver Houston – are headed to Texas to strut their stuff, with Michigan House set to showcase Great Lakes State music, expertise and more. Read about the impact they’re hoping to make and see a list of bands who will be performing in Austin next week.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Flint Eastwood reveals struggles of growing up gay in a religious environment, embracing her mom’s spirit and, yes, ditching the hat
In a far-reaching interview with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos, Jax Anderson of pop’s Flint Eastwood opens up about her past, her love of Detroit and her mission to do “as much good as possible” with her emerging stardom. Her tour with PVRIS stops in Grand Rapids this weekend. Check out the video for her single, “Monster.”
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows · Videos
Tunde Olaniran, Lady Ace Boogie, Major Murphy, Bernard, Lavengood & Stovetop ready to make waves at Michigan House SXSW
Michigan House once again aims to offer ‘breath of fresh air’ and ‘authentic’ Mitten State vibe amid the craziness of world’s largest music festival and conference in Austin next month. Get the lowdown on the 2018 events and lineup at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Public Access amps up ‘freeing,’ giant rock machine for sophomore release
The West Michigan super-group plans an ambitious ‘immersive experience’ for its release show at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre on Saturday. Learn the back story of this unusual project and read the Local Spins review of the new album.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Albion’s The War and Treaty talks touring, their uplifting musical mission and playing Ann Arbor Folk Festival with John Prine
It’s been a whirlwind year for the engaging and soulful Americana duo with more thrills to come: They’ll make their debut at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Bonnaroo and more in 2018. Learn more about that and their work in Nashville in this exclusive Local Spins interview.
Greta Van Fleet: Rock ‘n’ roll heroes aim to ‘change the world for the better’ after year of explosive success
In a Local Spins interview, the modern-day rock stars talk about life on the road, their classic influences and a year of sold-out shows stretching across the country. Get the back the story behind this young, international phenomenon and watch new Greta Van Fleet videos leading up to their big show at The Intersection on Saturday night.
Lamp Light Music Festival set for sixth year of illuminating creativity, culture, community
The unique Grand Rapids house concert festival will showcase 29 acts over three days in three Eastown neighborhood homes, spotlighting emerging and well-known acts from across the region. Get the lowdown on this weekend’s festival and a schedule at Local Spins.
Crafting songs with ‘big crowds in mind’: Michigander’s musical quest to conquer a national audience
In an immersive interview, the unassuming Jason Singer talks candidly with Local Spins about his musical endeavors as Michigander while making the rounds to a few of his favorite Grand Rapids hangouts. Check out this week’s “good read” in this profile of a fast-emerging regional artist by Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos.
Willowsong Music Festival prepares to play its first note Saturday north of Grand Rapids
The brand new music festival on a Sidney farm will features performances by a dozen regional acts, including Red Legs, Nicholas James Thomasma, Eric Engblade, Patty PerShayla, Deerfield Run, Stovepipe Stover and more. Learn the details about this inaugural event at Local Spins.
Gary Clark Jr. cranks up otherworldly musical magic, blues-drenched fire in Grand Rapids
In what was also a homecoming for West Michigan native and bassist Johnny Bradley, Clark electrified an appreciative crowd with his bluesy rock attack at 20 Monroe Live on Tuesday night. See what critic Ricky Olmos had to say in the Local Spins review, with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Commentary · Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Wheatland Music Festival 2017 Revisited: Rocking sets, an electric, unforgettable atmosphere and ‘a lot of love’
The 44th annual celebration of folk and roots music outside Remus last weekend was another camaraderie-filled, upbeat festival for the ages. Soak up the recap and photo gallery — only at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Holler Fest: ‘Huge party’ on the farm and hidden gem of Michigan’s music festival scene
For the 11th year, this mid-Michigan music festival will unfurl on a working organic vegetable farm with weekend sets by Breathe Owl Breathe, The Whiskey Charmers, Appleseed Collective and many more regional acts. Learn more about how this charming festival has grown and download the full weekend schedule on your smartphone.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Sparta Celtic Festival to host 8th celebration of Celtic music, food, culture and ‘smiles’
With more than 30 performances over the weekend, Sparta’s Rogers Park in northern Kent County will immerse festivalgoers in all things Celtic in what shapes up as the biggest festival yet. See the full schedule.
Andrew Bird whistles, fiddles, strums, loops and croons way into Grand Rapids fans’ hearts
The innovative singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s return to Meijer Gardens on a picturesque night was enhanced by an opening set from phenom Esperanza Spalding. Bird also had to overcome “a little commotion” in the crowd, with fans yelling at others to sit down. Get a recap via the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
MoPop Festival’s return to Detroit balances Alt-J, Solange, Foster the People with Michigan’s Heaters, Michigander, Stef Chura
The fifth annual, two-day MoPop music festival held along the Detroit River kicks off Saturday with a mix of national and regional stars. Check out the full schedule and see what Michigan acts have in store for fans.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Sun sets on Electric Forest 2017: Weary revelers, riveting performances, shimmering spectacles
After a sold-out Weekend 1 with 40,000 attendees, crowds at Weekend 2 of Electric Forest in Rothbury proved to be considerably thinner but every bit as enthusiastic with a host of memorable musical highlights. Read the Local Spins recap, check out the photo gallery.
Red Hot Chili Peppers show hometown love for Grand Rapids with heartfelt, energetic display
Led by singer Anthony Kiedis, who grew up in the Grand Rapids area, the Chili Peppers uncorked a night to remember Sunday at Van Andel Arena. Read the review and browse the photo gallery from the band’s West Michigan tour stop.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Electric Forest shows Mitten love with Michigan acts in 2017, set to create elaborate ‘planet away from Earth’
Joe Hertler, The Accidentals, Vox Vidorra and Flint Eastwood are ready to join the wondrous party that is Electric Forest. It unfurls over two weekends in West Michigan led by String Cheese Incident, My Morning Jacket and Bassnectar to create an un-Earthly musical vibe. Check out the schedule for Michigan’s contingent, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Founders Fest dodges rain for jam-packed anniversary bash, gets groovy musical exclamation point from Umphrey’s McGee
The sold-out street party drew thousands to downtown Grand Rapids Saturday with regional and national stars playing a super-sized stage. Get the recap, browse the photo gallery and watch video highlights of Founders Fest at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Specializing in regional music, Farmfest returns to northern Michigan in August with fellowship, ‘miles of heart’
With May Erlewine, Oh Brother Big Sister, Olivia Mainville, Watching for Foxes, The Change, Seth Bernard Trio, workshops and much more on tap, the festival east of Gaylord has expanded for 2017. See the band lineup for this unique August event.
St. Paul & The Broken Bones turn loose sizzling Southern soul at sold-out Meijer Gardens
The Alabama indie-soul ensemble uncorked a “Sea of Noise” — and energetic, horn-fueled funk — for an approving audience on a stellar Friday evening. Read the review and browse the photo gallery.
Diana Krall captivates laid-back crowd in return to Meijer Gardens
The jazz pianist’s return to Grand Rapids’ outdoor amphitheater proved to be a display of elegance, grooving rhythms and fan favorites. Read the Local Spins review, browse the photo gallery from Wednesday night’s show.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Mark Lavengood: Blazing bluegrass, buckets of healing songs, a new album and lots of hugs
Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys’ upbeat Dobro-meister from Grand Rapids, aka “Huggy Bear,” releases a new solo recording this weekend and mounts a mini-tour with his Bluegrass Bonanza. Read the story behind Mark Lavengood’s latest project, listen to a song from the new album and check out his upcoming performance schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan-bred Christian rapper NF soars to national fame, plays Grand Rapids on Saturday
Hailing from the small northern Michigan hamlet of Gladwin, Nate Feuerstein is selling out shows on his current U.S. tour while bringing an “edge” to Christian hip hop. Read the back story about NF’s remarkable rise to fame and watch videos from his latest album.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Detroit’s Stef Chura: A boiling cauldron of witty, melancholy, buzz-worthy lo-fi indie-rock
The attention-getting rocker raised in Alpena and making waves in Detroit talks with Local Spins about the ’emotional mess’ of songs from her new album and the struggles of touring. She plays The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday. Read about this emerging Michigan artist, listen to her music and watch one of her videos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
STS9, Kishi Bashi, Crystal Garden, Parachute, Marc Cohn bring genre-spanning charm to W. Michigan: Week-in-Review Photos
Like a basket full of multi-colored eggs, the week leading up to Easter mixed things up impressively on West Michigan’s music scene from Kishi Bashi’s wild display to STS9’s psychedelic electronica to rock’s Crystal Garden led by Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band. Plus, Marc Cohn, Sweet Water Warblers, Parachute. Check out all the images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Music on Campus · Photos
Calvin Festival of Faith & Music challenges conventions of spirituality and art with David Bazan, Julien Baker, Jamila Woods, Vox Vidorra
Concerts, workshops and speeches at the weekend event in Grand Rapids focused on “valuing unconventional expression and promoting community dialogue.” Check out the concert recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Van the Man’ Soul Tribute to Van Morrison: A ‘beautiful way to hear this music’
Get ready to “Moondance.” Grand Rapids singer Mark VandenBerge will unleash his most ambitious tribute to the legendary Van Morrison on Friday at 20 Monroe Live. Check out a video and get a preview in the Local Spins on WYCE podcast.
Fenton Records resurfaces in Sparta, aims to revive ’60s glory days of recording and more
Hoping to capitalize on the talent and ‘untapped market’ of West Michigan music, the historic record label’s return could put Sparta back on the map as a creative hub, operators of Fenton Records insist. Read the Local Spins story and browse the photo gallery.
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