Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Craziness, camaraderie, killer jams and heartbreak: Desmond Jones set to end Monday night jam-band tradition at Tip Top

• December 18, 2016

Break out the sweatpants, a jam-band attitude and shed a tear: After more than 50 shows, Grand Rapids’ Desmond Jones will play its final Monday night residency gig at the West Side’s Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill this week. Read the back story, including the wacky things that have happened on Monday nights in this Grand Rapids watering hole.

Concert reviews · Photos

Band of Horses gets melancholy, atmospheric and intense for packed Grand Rapids show

• November 10, 2016

Led by frontman Ben Bridwell, the Seattle-bred rock band brought the tour behind its latest album, “Why Are You OK,” to the Orbit Room on Wednesday. Check out the review and photo gallery, only at Local Spins.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

Lamp Light Music Festival puts Grand Rapids ‘on the map’ as regional house concert phenomenon

• November 1, 2016

The uber-popular fall house show fest returns this weekend to “enrich” Eastown in Grand Rapids, but only in living rooms and an attic (not basements). Get the story, artist lineup and the full schedule of intimate shows at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows

Halloween Hoopla, West Michigan-style: From Stranger Things to a Fear Factory, a guide to your masquerade mayhem

• October 25, 2016

Halloween falling on a Monday just gives folks an excuse to extend the weekend and party like zombies four nights in a row. Local Spins has your guide to West Michigan’s haunting musical maelstrom of fun. Make your plans by checking out this mega-roster of Halloween bashes.

Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Cold Creek Campout scrambles to relocate to land near Fremont; still plans to spotlight nine West Michigan bands Saturday

• October 21, 2016

Forced to move from Hart earlier this week due to a miscommunication regarding use of the property, the organizer has shifted the first-time festival to eight acres of rural land outside Fremont. Check out details of this free event and a full schedule at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Nick Moss, Dennis Gruenling heat up Harmonica Summit, plus Frank Turner, AJJ, Nashon Holloway, Brother Adams

• October 2, 2016

This week’s live music hoopla ranged from a tribute to blues icon William Clarke to support the Killer Blues Headstone Project — featuring Nick Moss, Dennis Gruenling and Hank Mowery — to musical magic from AJJ, Brother Adams, Frank Turner and Nashon Holloway. Check out all the images in the Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries.

Concert reviews · Photos

Water over the bridge: Blue Bridge Music Fest dodges rain to showcase Flint Eastwood, Heaters, other regional acts

• October 2, 2016

Weather conditions weren’t ideal for the debut of this two-day festival on a downtown pedestrian bridge, but those ArtPrize visitors who braved the elements were rewarded. Check out the recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Mike Mains & The Branches: Staying adventurous, finding ‘beautiful rays of sunlight’ amid the pain

• September 21, 2016

The Michigan indie-rocker has tasted some success while experiencing the joy — and grueling trials — of his trade. His house show tour makes a Grand Rapids stop this week as he eyes returning to a Detroit studio to record a new album. Read the back story behind this engaging songwriter and musician.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Wheatland 2016 Revisited: Musical energy, love and ‘a great atmosphere’ (Review, photos)

• September 12, 2016

The granddaddy of Michigan music festivals unfurled outside Remus over the weekend, dodged a little rain and fired up fans with help from The Go Rounds, Molly Bouswma Schultz, Mike + Ruthy, drum circles and more. Check out the Local Spins recap and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Blink-182 pounds out rebellious songs of youth for exuberant Grand Rapids crowd

• September 1, 2016

The California pop-punk icons’ Van Andel Arena show wasn’t about vocal perfection but about raucously re-living songs that served as anthems for a generation of fans. Read the review and browse the photo gallery from Wednesday’s rousing concert.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Holler Fest celebrates 10th anniversary with Michigan-made music revelry: Photo Gallery

• August 29, 2016

More than five dozen regional acts played over three days at this mid-Michigan festival held on an organic vegetable farm. Check out images from last weekend’s Holler Fest 10.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Holler Fest 2016: A hidden Michigan music festival gem boasting 60 bands, family vibe

• August 25, 2016

This three-day festival unfolding this weekend on Frog Holler Farm in southern Jackson County is an out-of-the-way affair featuring bands from across the state, including West Michigan acts Vox Vidorra, Watching for Foxes and Olivia Mainville. Check out the full schedule for the 10th anniversary of this rootsy festival.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Cowpie Music Festival 2016 romps and rocks through showers, power glitches on Day One

• August 13, 2016

Rain and some delays but didn’t faze fans or acts Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Turnips, Mark Lavengood and more who turned Shagbark Farm into a rootsy festival destination. Check out the recap of the opening day down on the farm and ogle the photo gallery and video. Day 2 gets rolling at lunchtime Saturday.

Concert reviews · Photos

Latin rock and blues fusion dance party: War and Los Lonely Boys find their familiar groove

• August 11, 2016

Fighting through some technical glitches on a sweltering night, War powered up its ’70s hits, while the sibling trio of Los Lonely Boys delivered “Texican blues” for a smaller-than-usual Meijer Gardens crowd. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Features · Venue Spotlight

Resurgence of Grand Rapids’ West Side spawns new live music venues, from Harmony Hall and Long Road Distillers to Ferris Coffee

• August 4, 2016

Each with its own character, a few West Side establishments have started showcasing live music, offering West Michigan acts and Grand Rapids music lovers new settings and experiences. Sample them in this feature story by Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Goo Goo Dolls dizzy up Meijer Gardens with rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia (Review, photos)

• July 28, 2016

On what frontman John Rzeznik called “a perfect summer night,” the happy “bunch of bums” from Buffalo rollicked through a lively 90-minute set on Wednesday that was heavy on the hits. Read the review by Ricky Olmos and browse the photo gallery by Anna Sink.

Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Joshua Davis set to record soulful new studio album with Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin while relishing the Michigan summer

• July 27, 2016

Traverse City singer-songwriter Joshua Davis talks with Local Spins about staying and writing in Michigan, his thirst for knowledge and the hopeful “soul-soaked” songs on his new album and upcoming big shows this weekend in Williamsburg and Kalamazoo. Read the update, only at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Detroit’s Mo Pop rocks through heat, technical issues for screaming good Day 2 spectacle

• July 25, 2016

The Detroit riverfront festival’s second day saw diverse, intense sets by M83, Matt and Kim, Father John Misty, Shakey Graves and The Head and the Heart to close things out in triumphant fashion. Read the review and browse the photo galleries from the most successful Mo Pop yet.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Mo Pop set to light up Detroit riverfront with Borns, M83, G-Eazy, Father John Misty and ‘some of the top performers in the world’

• July 21, 2016

The music festival sets up this weekend in the Motor City’s West Riverfront Park with acts ranging from Seattle’s The Head and Heart to Michigan’s own Borns and Tunde Olaniran. See the full schedule and save it on your smartphone for the weekend.

Commentary · Guest Column

The great stolen guitar caper: Indie-folk’s Watching for Foxes makes miraculous gear recovery; most aren’t so lucky

• July 3, 2016

In this Musicians’ Soundboard column, musician and Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos relates the true tale of two stolen guitars – and bemoans the all-too-common problem of instrument thievery for touring, hard-gigging bands.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Gregg Allman embraces Allman Brothers legacy, exudes Southern charm in Grand Rapids concert

• June 30, 2016

Shifting between a Hammond B3 organ and guitar, the Southern rock legend brought his familiar voice and songs to Meijer Gardens to entertain a sold-out crowd on a picture-perfect Wednesday evening. Peruse the review and flip through the images in the Local Spins photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Electric Forest 2016: Children of the sun and the moon (Photo gallery, video)

• June 25, 2016

As this year’s Electric Forest enters its third day in the woods and fields of Rothbury, Local Spins takes a look at the cycle of festival hoopla — from morning yoga and lounging in the sunshine to grooving in Sherwood Forest at midnight. Check out the day-and-night video and photo gallery by Ricky Olmos.

Features · Local Spins Exclusives · Upcoming shows

Open-Mic Nights in Grand Rapids: Rare, creative and rambunctious affairs where ‘anything can happen’

• June 21, 2016

An abundance of West Michigan open mics throughout the week offer performers a chance to ‘find their voice’ — from folk to hip hop to poetry — at dozens of venues which open their stages to fledgling as well as veteran performers. Get a glimpse into the vibrant world of open mics in this feature story by Ricky Olmos and browse the photos of performers.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Tedeschi Trucks Band simmers with genre-defying kaleidoscope, happy vibe and masterful musicianship in Grand Rapids show

• June 18, 2016

Even an unhinged trombone and steamy weather couldn’t stop Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and crew at Meijer Gardens on Friday night, with the 12-member band unleashing an audience-pleasing spectacle. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery from a hot night at the amphitheater.

Concert reviews · Photos

Ziggy Marley ignites zealous Grand Rapids reggae fans, pays tribute to legendary father

• June 16, 2016

A sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd cheered the upbeat, summery display by the singer who melded joyful originals with some Bob Marley classics. Read the review of Wednesday’s amphitheater concert and browse the photo gallery.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows

Tedeschi Trucks Band to bring talented ‘traveling circus,’ energetic jams to Meijer Gardens on Friday

• June 15, 2016

In an interview with Local Spins, guitarist-singer Susan Tedeschi talks about touring, musical chemistry and the band’s tendency to ‘mix it up’ on stage. The band returns to Meijer Gardens for a sold-out show on Friday.

Concert reviews · Photos

Of Monsters and Men unfurl epic amphitheater show in Grand Rapids on final week of U.S. tour

• June 14, 2016

The surprisingly loud and lush nine-piece indie-folk/pop ensemble from Iceland lit up Meijer Gardens on a gray, overcast evening, with much of the capacity crowd on its feet the entire night. Read the review and browse the striking photo gallery from a special night at the outdoor amphitheater.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Hey, hey, they’re The Monkees: Meijer Gardens opens 2016 series with nostalgic ’60s party

• June 9, 2016

The first concert of the summer series was full of slapstick humor and familiar pop hits — plus some new gems — that satiated a sold-out, baby-boomer crowd on a sumptuous June evening. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Twenty One Pilots uncork crazy, intense, athletic spectacle for crazy, intense Grand Rapids fans

• June 5, 2016

Some rabid fans camped out overnight in line for the sold-out Van Andel Arena show and Ohio’s Twenty One Pilots rewarded them Saturday with a show for the ages. Read the review and check out the photo gallery from a wild night.

Announcements · Breaking music news

AJ Paschka stepping down as WYCE-FM station manager to work for Peopledesign

• May 19, 2016

After taking the reigns of the community radio station in fall 2014, Paschka is moving on to a new job but expresses love for — and a continued commitment to — WYCE’s mission, much of which includes showcasing the local and regional music scene.

Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Features

Ann Arbor’s Laith Al-Saadi moves into Top 8 on ‘The Voice’; bandmate says TV performances ‘barely scratch the surface’ of his talent

• May 10, 2016

Much like Joshua Davis in 2015, Laith Al-Saadi represents Michigan as the oldest remaining contestant in the NBC competition, impressing judges with his voice and guitar work. His bandmate back in Michigan says there’s no one quite like Al-Saadi and he knew he’d make it to the final rounds all along. Read the back story about this remarkable musician.

Breaking music news · Features

Camp H Skate Park shuts down, halts concerts after township uncovers zoning violations

• May 10, 2016

Complaints about alcohol use around the Comstock Park venue sparked a review that revealed the skate park doesn’t have a permit for live music. It will be closed at least through summer and owners might seek a new location that allows concerts.

Breaking music news · Summer Concerts

Meijer Gardens sells out 17 concerts in first blast of ticket sales, including Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Gavin DeGraw, Diana Ross

• April 30, 2016

The June 27 Jackson Browne concert sold out in mere minutes Saturday morning, with Diana Ross, O.A.R., Bonnie Raitt, Gavin DeGraw, Goo Goo Dolls, Of Monsters & Men, America and Ben Folds quickly following suit. By noon Monday, 24 of the 30 concerts had sold out to members. See the entire list of sellouts.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Local Spins Spring Playlist No. 1: Ricky Olmos lets the good times roll

• April 29, 2016

From Bob Marley to Macklemore to Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos fashions a playlist to get folks dreaming of summer and sunny skies. Watch the videos, listen to the full Spotify playlist.

Upcoming shows

Preserving the blues: Keeping the genre alive on radio the goal of blues-hued Billy’s Lounge benefit starring regional acts

• April 16, 2016

Saturday night’s Local Blues Matters show for WGVU-FM will feature Detroit’s Larry McCray, plus Hank Mowery, Jimmie Stagger and Hannah Rose & the GravesTones.

Features · Upcoming shows

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ to bring heavenly rock ‘n’ roll to St. Cecilia Music Center on Friday

• March 23, 2016

An “amazing cast” of top-drawer local musicians is poised to display its versatility with a one-night-only performance of the 1970 rock opera, with proceeds going to Grand Rapids’ Well House. Read the story and check out the cast list.

Upcoming shows

Irish on Ionia to paint the town green for Saturday St. Patrick’s Day bash in Grand Rapids

• March 16, 2016

Expecting its biggest crowd ever, Irish on Ionia aims to welcome an estimated 20,000 costumed revelers for its sixth annual street party. And there are plenty o’ other Irish-themed gatherings, too. Check out the list of St. Patrick’s parties.

Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows

Michigan snowbirds fly South by Southwest to rock Austin with Michigan House as home base

• March 13, 2016

The Accidentals, Heaters, Flint Eastwood, Rick Chyme, LOUIS, The Outer Vibe and many more Michigan bands travel to Texas this week in hopes of making waves at the music industry’s biggest conference and festival. Check out who’s headed South and return to Local Spins throughout the week for SXSW updates.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos

Red Legs staying true to its mission: Original, driving, melodic and ‘organic’ alternative rock

• March 3, 2016

With an EP and full-length album under its belt, the Grand Rapids band kicks off a Midwest tour with a show Thursday night at The Pyramid Scheme and “high hopes” for the future. Read the story, listen to the podcast from this week’s Local Spins Live radio interview and check out the videos.

Audio · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Nordlund & The Nomad Assembly to play farewell show Friday; Grand Rapids pop/hip hop artist LOUIS to launch national tour

• March 1, 2016

The early March music news roundup takes a look at frontman R.J. Nordlund’s departure from an emerging West Michigan rock band and a first-ever U.S. tour for a youthful Grand Rapids pop and hip hop artist. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.

Features · Videos

Super Bowl commercials ahead for West Michigan bands? Maybe not yet, but ad placements for their music are growing

• February 2, 2016

West Michigan faves Borns, The Accidentals and Pop Evil have boosted their exposure with songs used in current television commercials. In the New Millennium, placements in commercials, movies and TV shows are a growing and ever more important part of a musician’s arsenal. Read the story behind this trend and check out the commercials.

Concert reviews · Photos

City and Colour unfurls haunting approach, powerful songs at sold-out Grand Rapids show

• January 31, 2016

The final stop on Canadian indie-folk artist Dallas Green’s North American tour proved the singer-songwriter’s star power with songs that left much of The Intersection crowd spellbound. Read the review of City and Colour’s Grand Rapids concert and check out the photo gallery.

Breaking music news · Features · Photos

The Ghost Inside drummer aims to rock on after tour bus crash, leg amputation, coma

• January 29, 2016

Michigan native Andrew Tkaczyk, 28, of metalcore band The Ghost Inside, leaves Grand Rapids’ Mary Free Bed today after rehab for leg, spinal, nerve and shoulder injuries sustained in a November crash in Texas. Read the remarkable story of this musician’s perseverance after a traumatic accident and check out the photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos

Vox Vidorra motors into auto show-inspired Michigan House to bolster cross-Mitten connections

• January 15, 2016

East met west when Grand Rapids soul-rock band Vox Vidorra made its Detroit debut at the pop-up venue that closes Friday night with a dance party. Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos traveled with the band to the Motor City to document the whole experience. Check out the story, photo gallery and video.

Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows

Michigan House: ‘East meets west’ musically at pop-up venue during Detroit auto show

• January 11, 2016

Grand Rapids’ Vox Vidorra, Detroit’s Pierre Anthony and more will take the spotlight and boost “creative energy” this week at temporary quarters in downtown Detroit. Read more about this instrastate project in this Local Spins story.

Features · Upcoming shows

New Year’s Eve Parties West Michigan-style: The Local Spins List

• December 27, 2015

Celebrating the arrival of another year requires musical revelry, so Local Spins has rounded up some of the best and biggest New Year’s Eve bashes unfolding across West Michigan on Friday.

Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight

West Michigan Venue Spotlight: Elk Brewing in Grand Rapids

• December 16, 2015

Part of a Local Spins series spotlighting unique music venues that feature local and regional acts. Check out this microbrewery and take a video tour of the venue.

Album reviews · Audio

Michigan Album Reviews: Olivia Mainville, Chris DuPont, Bigfoot Buffalo, Fred Knapp Trio, Roger MacNaughton, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot

• December 11, 2015

The third installation of Local Spins’ late-year roundup of new local and regional releases also includes a new single from Steve Rivers and a Christmas EP by The Crane Wives. Check out the reviews and listen to the music.

Breaking music news

West Michigan guitarist Alexander Atkin seriously injured in motorcycle crash

• December 1, 2015

Atkin, a member of the bands Rustbell, Public Access and South of Wealthy Trio, suffered head and spinal injuries in the accident in Guatamela. Supporters have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses.

Features · Upcoming shows

Music with a Conscience: MAJIC series boasts ‘eclectic offerings’ of concerts, strives to benefit ‘Heartside Neighborhood and beyond’

• November 10, 2015

With a diverse musical roster that includes Seth Bernard & May Erlewine, Steve Hilger and series-starter Ralston Bowles, Bethlehem Lutheran Church south of downtown Grand Rapids offers music and art to support social justice causes and aid the Heartside area. Read the story about this unique series and check out the full lineup.