Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The frontwoman for Detroit’s Laura Rain & The Caesars not surprisingly has been shaped by the music of classic R&B and funk artists. Listen to tracks from all of her picks at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The first “Albums That Changed the World” feature for 2022 stars Full Cord bluegrass mandolinist Brian Oberlin, who reveals influences with an acoustic, bluegrass and classical bent. Check out his selections and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Well-known West Michigan guitarist Mike Dodge is the focus of this week’s “Three Albums that Changed My World” feature, revealing some true, modern music classics. Check out his picks, listen to the music.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Some compelling albums across a wide spectrum have inspired Grand Rapids singer Hannah Rose Graves, who also reveals her current penchant for Nashville darling Margo Price. Listen to tracks from her picks, as well as songs by Graves herself.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Recordings by The Rolling Stones, Gillian Welch and Sonic Youth had a big impact on studio owner Ian Gorman, who also revealed his penchant for the latest album by West Michigan’s own Patty PerShayla. Check out his album picks, plus listen to a couple of tracks from the band in which he’s been a member for 15 years.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series focusing on records that most influenced Michigan musicians continues with Desmond Jones drummer/multi-instrumentalist John Nowak, who explores a diverse roster of artists. Get the back story, listen to the music — plus a couple of tracks from Desmond Jones, which plays a Thanksgiving Eve show in Grand Rapids..
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Today, Local Spins spotlights the albums that most influenced Earth Radio singer and keyboardist Hannah Laine. Listen to tracks from all of the albums, plus songs from a current favorite and the latest from Earth Radio.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series showcasing music that influenced Michigan-bred musicians continues with hip hop’s Rick Chyme. Check out his picks; listen to tracks from all of the records.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
A mainstay with Rundgren and Utopia, Sulton is part of “The Individualist, A True Star” show that plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Friday. The Local Spins interview with the acclaimed bassist.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
As head of a Grand Rapids rock band and concert booking guru for Calvin University, Jack Droppers has a unique impact on West Michigan’s music scene. And these are the albums that have impacted his life the most. Get the back story and listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Grand Rapids musician Steve Leaf, who recently assumed sound engineering duties at Listening Room, today reveals the recordings that influenced him most. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
This week’s edition of “Albums That Changed the World” reveals the recordings that forever influenced young Michigan guitarist Jake Kershaw. Check out his picks and bend an ear to all of the recordings, along with a couple of Kershaw’s recent singles.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
The northern Michigan drummer and guitarist today reveals the rock, jazz, soul, alt-country and funk influences which helped shape his own music, plus some artists he’s listening to these days. Bend an ear to tracks from all of the albums, plus songs from Mitchell’s latest release.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Best known for his work with Jack White and Steppin’ In It, bassist and Michigan native Dominic John Davis boasts an eclectic array of musical influences. He shares those today with readers at Local Spins.
The special collection of live Manitou Music Festival performances is a testament — and a tribute — to the talents of longtime Traverse City sound engineer Jack Conners, who has been battling cancer. Read more about Conners and the project at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Michigan native Rachael Davis plays Grand Rapids on Thursday, but before that, she reveals the recordings that most influenced her career. Listen to tracks from the albums and see how you can win tickets to Davis’ Listening Room show.
Joined by The String Wizards, the legendary John McEuen makes a tour stop Friday at Listening Room when fans can expect entertaining tales, new material and Nitty Gritty classics. And Local Spins is giving away tickets to a couple of lucky readers.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The band that made a splash in the 1980s says it’s ready to “keep going as long as it feels good.” The Local Spins interview with co-founder Glenn Tilbrook.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Michigan artist and former Guided by Voices member opens his Midwest tour Friday at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room. The Local Spins interview, with his picks for songs and bands that influenced him most.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The iconic, multi-platinum-selling prog-rock band plays a sold-out show at the Meijer Gardens amphitheater on Friday. The Local Spins interview with singer and keyboardist Ronnie Platt. Plus, check out a video of a track from the band’s most recent studio album.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series focusing on recordings that most influenced Michigan artists continues with Grand Rapids studio owner Tommy Schichtel, who’s also frontman for The Concussions. View his list, listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Patty PerShayla today reveals the albums that most influenced her, along with a current favorite on her playlist. Listen to tracks from all of the albums, plus a song from the new release by Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
Female artists, not surprisingly, have had a big impact on the music of country singer Kari Lynch. Today, she reveals the albums that influenced her most, along with a current favorite band on her playlist. Plus, listen to a track from her band’s latest release.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
The frontman for West Michigan’s popular Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys reveals the rootsy, blue-collar gems that have influenced him the most, from Johnny Cash to Bruce Springsteen. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Canada’s Brass Transit plays Bay View outside Petoskey on Saturday, kicking off a hectic month of concerts across northern Michigan. Learn more about this band and view a full schedule of “up north” shows.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Grand Haven sound engineer Bill Chrysler has toured the world with some of the biggest names in the business. Today, he reveals the albums that inspired him to pursue his music industry career.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The ultra-collaborative, award-winning Kalamazoo musician has long been fascinated by the cello and orchestral music — and, yes, hip hop. Today, he reveals the albums that shaped his career.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Versatile Lansing keyboardist Jim Alfredson, a founding member of the jazz organ trio Organissimo, today reveals the albums that helped shape his career, along with some current favorites. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
Longtime Grand Rapids-area sound engineer/musician Kurt Ehinger is a mainstay when it comes to providing fans with stellar concert experiences. Today, he reveals the recordings that influenced him most, and you can listen to tracks from all of the featured albums.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
As recognizable as any current West Michigan rapper, Jeff “JRob” Robinson today reveals the three albums that shaped his own music. Check out and listen to his his picks, along with an artist at the top of his current playlist and JRob’s latest single.
Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Despite some COVID obstacles, the summer of 2021 looks a lot different than 2020 when it comes to music events in northern Michigan. Local Spins previews some recently announced concert series in the region. Get details and view the lineups of this summer’s performers.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
He’s been the go-to guy on keyboards for Joshua Davis, Larry McCray, May Erlewine and many others for years. Today, Michigan’s Mike Lynch reveals the three albums that influenced and inspired him most. View the roster and listen to tracks from all of those career-shaping collections.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
Mark “Huggy Bear” Lavengood is a smiling, omnipresent force in West Michigan’s music scene. Today, he reveals the three albums that most shaped his career — plus a couple of current faves from Argentina. View his list, listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
As jazz director at Blue Lake Public Radio, Lazaro Vega has become West Michigan’s voice of jazz — heard daily on the radio. Today, he reveals the albums that have inspired him the most.
Albums that Changed the World · Features · Playlists
As a West Michigan music scene mainstay, Bimini Brother and solo artist Dennie Middleton gets around. Today, he reveals the albums that influenced his career the most, along with a current favorite. Listen to tracks from all of his selected albums.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Playlists
The esteemed Michigan singer and guitarist reveals the artists and albums which most shaped his musical passion and his career, along with a current favorite. Find out why they were so influential and listen to tracks from each recording at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series highlighting music that shaped the careers of West Michigan musicians continues with Grand Rapids’ Robin Connell who cites Mel Lewis, Chick Corea, Bill Evans and a current (and related) fave. Check out the picks and listen to tracks from each artist.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Playlists
The Local Spins series highlighting recordings that influenced Michigan-bred musicians continues with Americana/outlaw country artist Nathan Kalish, whose inspirations vary widely. Listen to his picks, along with a track from his most recent album.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Videos
Traverse City mandolin whiz Don Julin’s former touring partner, Billy Strings, has gotten lots of attention lately, especially after winning a Grammy last weekend. But Julin has had a big impact on Michigan’s music scene, too, and today he reveals the albums that most shaped his career.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Playlists
With his own new solo album on the way this spring, Michigan music ambassador Seth Bernard today reveals the three albums that most influenced his career, along with a current favorite. Listen to tracks from all of his selections (along with a standout Bernard song) as part of this week’s playlist.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau retires in May after three dozen years with the distinguished orchestra. Today, he reveals the albums that helped shape his career, from Stravinsky to CSNY. Check out the playlist, along with a track from Grand Rapids Symphony.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The lead singer of the popular post-hardcore band from Grand Rapids reveals the recordings that most influenced his career, along with a current favorite on his playlist. Check out tracks from these artists in a special Spotify playlist, plus a song from La Dispute’s most recent album.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features
Hailing from Kalamazoo, the nationally renowned Greensky Bluegrass has helped alter the face of the genre. Today, mandolinist Paul Hoffman divulges the three albums that altered and shaped his own career. Listen to tracks from these albums, plus a song from a current fave.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features
Grand Rapids drummer Randy Marsh has been a mainstay in bands across West Michigan and host of a long-running SpeakEZ Lounge jazz jam. Today, he reveals the albums that influenced his career the most. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings, plus a song from a current favorite.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
On the eve of their Ann Arbor Folk Festival performance, the Traverse City indie-folksters reveal their affection for Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Fiona Apple and Patrick Carroll, plus a current, classic fave. Listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Local Spins continues its series showcasing recordings that most influenced Michigan musicians. Today, we asked in-demand Rockford horn player Paul Keen — a veteran orchestra and big band musician — for his picks of albums that shaped his career.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Local Spins continues its series showcasing recordings that most influenced the careers of Michigan musicians. Today, we get a peek into the records that shaped Crane Wives drummer Dan Rickabus.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Videos
Local Spins continues its series showcasing recordings that most influenced the careers and artistry of Michigan musicians. Today, the spotlight falls on the trio of artists who influenced David Kirchgessner of the Grand Rapids ska band Mustard Plug. Listen to tracks from each album and find out who’s at the top of Kirchgessner’s current playlist.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features
Today, Local Spins kicks off a new series from writer Ross Boissoneau exploring the recordings that have most influenced the careers and artistry of well-known Michigan musicians. We start with Brian Vander Ark. View his Top 3, with links to listen to the featured albums.
Features · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The renowned, international touring ensemble will play to a socially distanced audience in Manistee this weekend, with the show — sponsored by West Shore Community College — also live-streamed across the country. Learn more at Local Spins.
