Commentary · Photos · Summer Concerts
From Billy Strings’ surprise Grand Rapids appearances with Phish and Greensky Bluegrass to memorable festival sets, the summer of 2024 was one for the record books. Check out the staff and reader picks, and revisit the live show highlights.
Musicians’ financial and labor struggles have continued in 2024. So here in their own words, Local Spins provides its annual Labor Day column exploring the plight of Michigan artists and performers.
Commentary · Features · Local Spins Fest
As part of our lead-in to Local Spins Fest 2024 in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Local Spins explores the importance of mentoring young musicians. Today, we focus on New City Kids Grand Rapids.
With the summer concert and festival season fast approaching, Local Spins asked readers and writers to recount their most outrageous show experiences. Some of the tales are shocking.
Commentary · Detroit Lions · Playlists · Videos
We musically recount the Detroit Lions’ mostly futile playoff experiences since their 1957 championship while predicting a Sunday win amid more upbeat themes for an NFL team on the rise. The Local Spins column and a unique playoff playlist.
Announcements · Commentary · Features
Today, your favorite online music magazine posts a little year-in-review after wrapping up our 12th year as Michigan’s go-to music website. Help keep our coverage spinning.
Amid crazy high expectations, the Lions launch their 2023 National Football League campaign tonight in Kansas City. And Local Spins has the musical soundtrack to spur Michigan’s heroes to glory. We think, maybe … Anyway, it’s Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics’ annual column exploring the plight of the silver and Honolulu blue.
Local Spins’ annual Labor Day column highlighting challenges that continue to face working musicians in 2023 focuses on the views of three artists from widely varied backgrounds. Read their insightful observations and more in today’s special commentary.
Commentary · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With 130-plus performances on six stages over three days, Local Spins makes the return of Festival of the Arts to downtown Grand Rapids an easier row to hoe for attendees with our writers’ picks for sets to catch.
With summer concert season about to kick off in robust fashion, Local Spins recently asked readers to disclose what bothers them most about live shows and recent music trends.
After a questionable denial of county funding, the revered wordsmith and leader of The Diatribe challenges Grand Rapids to step up to support the city’s artistic community, specifically The Emory Arts and Culture Hub.
Commentary · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
As the Grand Rapids radio station kicks off its Fall Fund Drive, Local Spins focuses its attention on the critical role that WYCE plays in supporting local and regional artists. And listen to today’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast, which debuts tracks by several Michigan bands.
Commentary · In Memoriam · Videos
‘He made the world a better place.’ Grand Rapids drummer Bill Vits had a huge impact on musicians, fans and students. His death has sparked loving memorials to this local icon and Local Spins shares some of them with readers today.
Music has sustained us through some pretty difficult times, all showcased in words, photos, videos and podcasts at Local Spins. Now, we hope you’ll help us sustain our mission — and you could win big in the process.
Local Spins’ annual Labor Day column targeting hurdles still faced by working musicians in 2022 focuses on sobering results of a new Michigan Music Alliance survey. Peruse this year’s report and read comments from Michigan musicians.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst gives West Michigan fans a sneak preview of The Windy City’s second annual massive celebration of electronic music starring Fatboy Slim, Carl Craig & more. View the schedule and tips for attending ARC Music Festival.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Videos
West Michigan DJ, Local Spins columnist and electronic music guru Todd Ernst previews this weekend’s mega-fest in GR’s Belknap Park — his artists to watch, tips for a better experience and the inside dope. Plus, view the weekend schedule and check out videos from headlining artists.
Super Bowl weekend once again delivers a Local Spins playlist for the ages: A roundup of songs by this year’s halftime performers that tells the tragic tale of the Motor City’s last-place Lions. Hey, things can only get better from here, right?
Commentary · Local Spins Rewind
Thanksgiving 2021 arrives this coming week after another turbulent year. But there’s plenty to be thankful for, so Local Spins Rewind revisits messages of gratitude from West Michigan musicians.
Breaking music news · Commentary
The Ionia County native is changing the face of bluegrass and bringing mainstream attention to an important American genre. A Local Spins commentary.
It comes straight from the musicians themselves: The sobering Labor Day assessment of where things stand for performers and songwriters after a cataclysmic, pandemic-impaired year. A must-read from Local Spins.
Commentary · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins’ authority on electronic music, DJ Todd Ernst, chimes in about this year’s lineup for Belknap Park’s Breakaway Music Festival, which gets unleashed Friday and Saturday in Grand Rapids. Check out his take, listen to a Breakaway playlist and browse the weekend schedule 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.
Today’s guest column by Grand Rapids musician Julio Gomez tackles the thorny issue of live music in a pandemic — a dilemma that’s definitely split Michigan’s community of performers, fans and venues. Gomez strongly urges bands to consider alternatives to in-person shows until it’s truly safe.
The series revealing the oddest, most miserable or embarrassing concert experiences in our music critics’ past brings us to Troy Reimink’s recollections of Pearl Jam, Built To Spill, Phil Collins and a band he still knows absolutely nothing about.
Breaking music news · Commentary
In March 2020, COVID shut down live music across Michigan. A year later, there’s hope for a slow return with more than 100 venues finally set to receive state aid within the next 30 days and industry experts saying some summer amphitheater concerts are possible.
The Super Bowl’s halftime star boasts a soundtrack of hits that’s not only perfect for the Big Game but one that tells the wretched tale of longstanding Lion woes. A special Sunday column and Weeknd playlist for long-suffering fans of a certain Detroit team.
Commentary · Guest Column · Videos
The latest in a series of guest columns by West Michigan musicians has award-winning Grand Rapids musician Patty PerShayla ruminating on the benefits of working in isolation during a pandemic — and how it taught her how to write again.
Commentary · Playlists · Videos
The world lost John Lennon of the Beatles to a brutal, stunning assassination on Dec. 8, 1980. He was just 40 years old. But 40 years later, the universe still reveres his music, still mourns the loss of this rock icon. Local Spins got some help from local musicians in assembling a Top 40 playlist for the ages.
Thanksgiving 2020 arrives today after a turbulent, scary and musically silent year unlike any other. But the region’s music community remains upbeat and thankful. See why these artists are so thankful and read their comments at Local Spins.
It’s been a grueling year for music-related businesses, including Local Spins. During Thanksgiving week, we’re especially grateful to our readers and those that continue to support what we do.
Breaking music news · Commentary · Venue Spotlight
Michigan’s new ban on indoor bar/restaurant service is only part of a gloomy, complicated outlook for live music that extends into 2021. And that leaves Local Spins “in search of a Big List.” See what experts are saying about when — and if — concerts will return to area stages.
Commentary · Playlists · Top 10 Lists
Legendary rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen passed away this week at 65 after a long battle with cancer. Local Spins readers reveal why he was so respected as a musician — and pick 10 of his band’s top songs. Read the fan comments, watch the videos and listen to the Local Spins Top 10 on Spotify.
West Michigan readers of Local Spins unleashed a dizzying array of names when asked about the most overrated acts ever, from Michigan faves Bob Seger and Greta Van Fleet to legends such as David Bowie and Led Zeppelin. Read their responses here, then check out our new Question of the Week.
This year’s Labor Day column on the plight of musicians comes amid what may be the worse year ever for live music due to COVID-19. See how bands are struggling to survive and how they view the future in this commentary.
Asking Local Spins readers to name their favorite concert of all time was asking for trouble. But the ridiculously difficult task produced some incredible memories from some remarkable shows. Check out the responses in this fun, reader-generated assignment.
Last week’s “Question of the Week” at Local Spins sparked a record number of responses from readers reminiscing about the first concert they ever attended. Check out some of their memories and the wide variety of artists who first captured their live music fancy.
Commentary · Features · Videos
As leader of Grand Rapids’ Vintage Parlor Orchestra, Thomas Pike faces unique challenges in gathering his large ensemble for practices and performances while following new social-distancing rules. He explores the issues facing music groups in this Local Spins essay and provides some guidance in how bands can make it work.
In the wake of nationwide protests, Local Spins columnist Tricia Boot Woolfenden reflects on the music industry’s historic “pattern of white-washing” and stealing black artists’ music — and how we can do better. A special Sunday commentary at Local Spins.
Local Spins today kicks off a series of features on the prospects of returning to live music and festivals amid the new normal. Today, publisher John Sinkevics probes the difficult dilemma and uncertainties facing fans and show organizers.
Big List Concert Guide · Commentary
Normally on Mondays, Local Spins is all about giving you the lowdown on concerts for the week ahead. COVID-19 has changed all that. But we’re still determined to keep you updated on Michigan’s music scene.
Commentary · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Musicians and prospective festival organizers have “sold out” a Tuesday networking/roundtable session at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room probing the mysteries – and basics – of music festivals. Learn more about the session and get some tips from a veteran festival organizer and musician.
The legendary Grand Rapids DJ and radio personality finally revealed this week the medical issue and surgery that’s kept him out of the public eye in recent months. Today, Local Spins shares his story.
Commentary · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
As the ever-woeful Detroit Lions get ready for their traditional Thanksgiving Day game, Local Spins recaps the sad history of the franchise with a rock ‘n’ roll playlist of reflective misery. The pre-game column, playlist and videos.
Commentary · Features · Playlists · Videos
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” in the United Kingdom. And because The Beatles are one of the most covered bands of all time, Local Spins has compiled a playlist of the best covers of songs from this classic album, from Aerosmith and Joe Cocker to Elliott Smith and Florence + The Machine. Check out the videos and listen to the songs on Spotify.
This annual Local Spins Labor Day column revisits the financial plight of local musicians, who cannot live on passion and applause alone. Amid a growing West Michigan music scene, it’s an essay for the times with comments from these ‘stars of the stage.’
Venturing more than eight hours from Grand Rapids, Local Spins editor John Sinkevics recently immersed himself in the unique, magical charm of a remote U.P. musical celebration. Here’s his report on this relatively unknown Michigan gem, with a photo gallery and video.
Commentary · Photos · Summer Festivals
Three days at the wondrous and sprawling festival in Rothbury can feel like a year anywhere else. Local Spins writer Ryan Boldrey immersed himself in Electric Forest for the first time and found surprises throughout, as well as a supportive, caring ‘Forest Family’ that extends to a drug-free faction of the community. Check out his column, browse the photo gallery.
Audio · Commentary · RSVP Music Chat · Upcoming shows
The first RSVP Music Chat podcast of 2019 reviews the history of a long-running benefit for charity which rocks Founders again on Sunday and explores the reasons why musicians feel so compelled to donate time for worthy causes. Browse a list of all the bands that have played a quarter-century of Feedback benefits and listen to a previously unreleased, live Honeytones performance from the first event in 1994.
Commentary · Photos · Videos
Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s biggest album, Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics took a nostalgic journey to Liverpool and London to evaluate The Beatles’ place in history. Check out this special column, photo gallery and videos.
