Fitz & The Tantrums, St. Paul & The Broken Bones bring jovial vigor to Meijer Gardens
The double-header of energetic bands energized a sold-out crowd at the outdoor amphitheater on Sunday. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Category: Concert reviews
Amos Lee, Neal Francis give Meijer Gardens an engaging mid-June jolt to the senses
On a picture-perfect Friday evening, a sold-out crowd packed the outdoor amphitheater for entertaining sets by both touring artists. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Torrid Tuesday: Rogue River Blues Series, Tue Evening Music Club heat things up
The week’s intense heat lowered turnout for two popular concert series on Tuesday, but those that flocked to Rockford and to Meijer Gardens were treated to some sizzling performances. Photos, videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Blind Boys of Alabama offer soulful kickoff to Meijer Gardens summer concert season
Legendary Southern gospel act enjoyed a warm welcome, perfect weather at the popular outdoor amphitheater, while show opener Marc Cohn charmed the crowd with rich vocals, effusive humor. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
GR’s Bridge Blast draws thousands for beer fest, plus Brie Stoner, Hazy Past (Photos, videos)
The weekend was full of surprises, including a giant turnout for City Built Brewing’s Bridge Blast on the 6th Street Bridge with performances by J.Rob, Biomassive and more, plus a Start of Summer tribute to David Bowie, the return of Brie Stoner and eclectic shows in Kalamazoo. Browse the photo galleries, watch the videos at Local Spins.
Chvrches rouse the faithful; Start of Summer rocks Rockford; Insiders clone Petty (Photos)
West Michigan’s weekend kicked off with a musical bang, thanks to a much-anticipated Chvrches tour stop, not to mention Trixy Tang, Desmond Jones, Bronk Bros. & Roosevelt Diggs revving up Rockford and a Listening Lawn tribute to Tom Petty.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Elijah Russ Collective, Jordan Hamilton deliver vibrant kickoff to Tuesday Evening Music Club
The first concert in Meijer Gardens’ largest ever Tuesday Evening Music Club series unfurled under cloudless skies for a big crowd on Tuesday. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Festival’s ‘beautiful’ return; Kalamazoo touts Pride, Matt & Kim, Trifocal: Photo roundup
The first weekend of June unleashed a musical torrent from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, with a rainbow of colors and diverse genres. Get the recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Camp Greensky: Little Feat and other highlights from the 2022 celebration at Shagbark Farm
Attendance surged significantly on Days 2 and 3 for the return of Camp Greensky, which showcased the legendary Little Feat as well as numerous on-stage collaboration amid a camaraderie-filled weekend. Get the recap, browse the photo galleries and check out some video highlights.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Festival of the Arts rocks Day 1 with sunny, breezy weather and animated regional music
The return of Festival to downtown Grand Rapids on Friday after a long, COVID hiatus attracted families and fans of live music, food and art. Check out the opening-day highlights, photos and video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Greensky Bluegrass, Steppin’ In It kick off ‘a helluva weekend’ for Camp Greensky
Thursday’s opening salvo of the music festival being held at southern Kent County’s Shagbark Farm boasted happy fans, rousing sets and perfect weather. Get the recap, browse the photo gallery and watch video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Summer-Starting Strains: Yonder Mountain, Hail Your Highness, Bus Benefit, TWRP & more
A host of bands at varied locations got West Michigan’s summer started over the holiday weekend, from Bus Benefit on the lakeshore to shows at The Pyramid Scheme, The DAAC, The Stray and The Deck. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Buckle Up: Bus Benefit’s opening night revs up with The Waverlys and Nicholas James
A cool but welcoming atmosphere returned to Camp Blodgett for Buses by the Beach’s first Memorial Weekend festival since 2019. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Catching Musical Fire: Built to Spill, Brenden Monroe, Catch the Fish launch summer early
A weekend of milestones: the first Bell’s Beer Garden show, the finals of B93’s Battle to the Bash, the State on the Street opener, Judy Collins at St. Cecilia Music Center’s final folk concert and a rare Rush tribute show. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Local Spins Fest weathers ‘vibrant journey of sound’ in celebration of Michigan music
The six-act festival outside Studio Park started in the rain Saturday but ended with sun-splashed, audience-inspiring sets by Full Cord, Public Access and The Accidentals to put an upbeat cap on a week-long commemoration of Local Spins’ 10th anniversary. The recap of festival highlights, with photos and video.
Jake Kershaw & Hank Mowery, Desmond Jones & The Legal Immigrants double down on fun
Enthused, happy crowds cheered Friday’s Local Spins 10th anniversary double-header: Jake Kershaw and Hank Mowery at a packed Tip Top Deluxe, Desmond Jones with The Legal Immigrants at Elevation. Get the recaps and browse photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
That Beatles Thing unleashes rooftop concert spectacle + an unparalleled hip-hop showcase
Thursday’s installment of Local Spins’ week-long anniversary bash boasted an unprecedented Beatles tribute on a rooftop in downtown Grand Rapids and a three-act hip-hop affair at The Pyramid Scheme. The recaps, photo galleries and a video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Electrically charged, elbow-to-elbow revelry: The Concussions, Earth Radio rock SpeakEZ
It was a rousing return of Local Spins Wednesdays for SpeakEZ Lounge in celebration of Local Spins’ 10th anniversary, with an enthusiastic, capacity crowd on hand. Get the recap, browse the photos, watch the video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Listening ‘Boon’: Luke Winslow-King and Songtellers shows garner pin-drop passion
The first two concerts celebrating Local Spins Week at Listening Room attracted an all-ears attitude from fans enamored of the performers’ story-telling charm and top-shelf musicianship. Check out the recaps, photos and videos from Monday and Tuesday’s 10th anniversary kickoff.
NEEDTOBREATHE delves ‘Into the Mystery’ in acoustic fashion at Fountain Street Church
Packed with fans, the downtown Grand Rapids church offered up a unique setting for NEEDTOBREATHE’s Tuesday tour stop. The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
May Milestones: Iration, Lokella, Wailers, Chain of Lakes, Rachel Brooke, Dave Bruzza (Photos)
From an all-star Michigan band led by Eric O’Daly and Max Lockwood to tour stops by iconic artists such as The Wailers, Shawn Colvin and Dave Bruzza, Local Spins captured more than a half-dozen Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo concerts in striking images.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
May Musicology: Steve Hackett, Sweet Water Warblers, Clutch, Bass Country, more (Photos)
Fan fervor took many forms over the past week at concerts across West Michigan, from fist-pumping glee to pin-drop-quiet intensity. Revisit the concerts in vibrant images at Local Spins.
Sting brings rock-star persona, enduring spirit, spellbinding songs to Van Andel Arena
Saturday night’s Grand Rapids tour stop had the former Sting frontman unfurling more than 20 career-spanning songs, backed by a top-flight band. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Near-sellout Grand Rapids crowd revels in Journey’s ‘big’ arena show, signature hit tunes
From ‘Don’t Stop Believin” to ‘Any Way You Want It,’ Journey on Wednesday gave West Michigan fans at Van Andel Arena a two-hour dose of classics, with Toto offering up a ‘crisp’ opening set. The Local Spins review and photos, with set lists for both bands.
Audio · Concert reviews · Hot Top 5 · Photos
Larry McCray powers his blues to No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart just as his tour hits Grand Rapids
The Saginaw blues guitarist played Listening Room on Tuesday, the same week that Local Spins revealed that his latest album had hit No. 1 at WYCE. See what other albums made the chart; listen to tracks at Local Spins and view a photo gallery from McCray’s Grand Rapids concert.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kaleo, Sevendust, Deepfall, Kari Lynch, North 41, Coldville rock W. Michigan’s rafters: Photos
With a disparate batch of bands and solo artists touring behind new material, West Michigan got an earful over the weekend, including a B93 battle featuring regional country acts. See who’s moving on, get the show recaps and browse eight photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
April’s Live Music Salvo: Manic Focus, Jesse Ray, Elijah Russ, Melophobix, Brian K. (Photos)
A dozen shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo are recapped today in Local Spins photo galleries, including Megadeth, Elijah Russ, Echoes of Pink Floyd, Tambourina, Fake Baseball, Grace Theisen & a tribute to Motown. Browse all of the photos — and video highlights of Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s return to the stage — at Local Spins.
Megadeth still seething, angry, complex in conquering metal assault at Van Andel Arena
Led by metal’s elder statesman, Dave Mustaine, Megadeth headlined Tuesday’s ‘Metal Tour of the Year’ stop in Grand Rapids, with Lamb of God offering up a ‘novelty’ set featuring a replacement lead singer. The Local Spins review by John Serba with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
W. Michigan Concert Recaps: Pieces, Papadosio, Delfeayo Marsalis, Joshua Davis, Colt Snuffer
Emerging and veteran jazz stars lit up stages this past week, with folk, Americana and rock artists adding to the musical groove from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Jack White shreds, unleashes career-spanning rock barrage in Grand Rapids tour stop
Firing up Van Andel Arena Sunday on the third night of his national tour, Jack White and company delivered another rock show for the ages. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rockin’ the W. Mich. Casbah: A week of rock, country, folk, bluegrass & beyond (Photos)
This week’s concert photo roundup covers the gamut from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo: Haley Heynderickx, Low, Tre Burt, Carly Pearce, Electric Six, Full Cord, Dizzybird Records’ anniversary, Nathan Kalish & a benefit for Ukraine. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Wolf Alice, Watchhouse, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Dixon’s Violin: Concert Photo Recap
Cinematic rock, indie-folk, lively bluegrass, funk-rock: All of it and more was on display this past week in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, recapped in photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Etta, Aretha & More: A night of empowerment paying homage to female legends
To close out Women’s History Month, Local Spins recaps a special night in Grand Rapids: The “Music That Raised Us” concert at Listening Room starring some of West Michigan’s most dynamic female artists performing enduring, influential songs. Photos, video.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Trampled by Turtles, Mustard Plug, Stormy Chromer prove ‘Life is Good’ back on stage
West Michigan’s concert week also heated up with Fit for a King, Rip VanRipper, SubDocta, Jesse James Dupree, Pretoria, Lipstick Jodi and more, all captured in Local Spins images. Browse the recaps and photo galleries.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
West Michigan’s Whorled uncorks world music flair to win The Stray’s ‘Battle of the Bands’
With the venue packed to capacity, The Stray Café’s month-long competition involving 15 Michigan acts wrapped up Friday with fan-pleasing performances by finalists Whorled, Epitones and Daisybox. Read the recap, browse the photos and watch video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Roundup: Irish revelry, Caroline Rose, Jon Langston, Whorled, Lokella, Laith Al-Saadi
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations may have been the focus for many, but West Michigan’s live music week also delivered country, indie-pop, metal, blues, alt-country and world music charm. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Greta Van Fleet rocks GR (again), Lady Ace Boogie + Pals romp in Kalamazoo and more
Frankenmuth’s favorite sons in Greta Van Fleet continued their Michigan homecoming assault at DeltaPlex on Saturday, plus browse photos from a diverse set of shows in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, including Lady Ace Boogie, Jordan Hamilton, Cabildo, Djangophonique, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Between the Buried and Me.
Michigan’s Greta Van Fleet kicks off tour with fan-igniting, rock spectacle in Kalamazoo
With the Frankenmuth-bred stars playing five Michigan shows in a single week, the homecoming run began with a pyrotechnic flourish at Wings Event Center Thursday. Concert recap, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Tool ushers forth civilization-reconstructing psychedelic-prog assault for Grand Rapids fans
Led by one-time Grand Rapidian Maynard James Keenan, Tool’s Tuesday spectacle at Van Andel Arena proved to be a wildly creative mix of rock and multimedia magic. The review by John Serba with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Mat Kearney unfurls ‘Something Beautiful’ with ‘genuine’ Grand Rapids performance
Monday’s tour stop at GLC Live at 20 Monroe had the Oregon native and Nashville-based singer-songwriter regaling the crowd with signature tunes as well as older gems. Check out the photos and set list.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Little Feat boogies confidently ‘right through the night’ for exuberant Kalamazoo fans
The venerable band jammed out Saturday to memorable songs from ‘Waiting for Columbus’ for a gleeful, near-capacity crowd that reveled in its revisiting of genre-spanning gems. Review, plus photos from several West Michigan concerts, including Mitchell Tenpenny, Martin Sexton, May Erlewine, Kanola Band and more.
Daisybox wins Stray ‘Band Battle’ Round 1; Accidentals and folk icons win over GR fans
Friday night’s live music lineup included emerging acts competing in the first night of a March battle and seasoned, acclaimed songwriters unfurling poignant, harmony-hued tunes in an intimate setting. Get the show recaps and browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Christian McBride, Joe Hertler, Ripe, American Hotel System, Celestial: Concert Photo Roundup
From the EDM mania of Virtual Riot to the jazz of Christian McBride to the blues of James Reeser and prog-rock of CBDB, it was a resplendent weekend of live music from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, captured in Local Spins images and show recaps.
Gaelic Storm, Proxima Parada, Fake Baseball rev up Bell’s busiest week in two years
Launching a St. Patrick’s Day celebration a few weeks early, Gaelic Storm kicked up its heels Tuesday, followed by jam band Proxima Parada and Kalamazoo’s own Fake Baseball on Wednesday. Get the show recaps and view the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Waxahatchee kindles ‘Fire’ of musical emotions in GR show; Caroline Jones impresses at benefit
Saturday’s concert at Fountain Street Church highlighted a robust weekend of live music and events from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Hudsonville: Caroline Jones, Beach House, Marc E. Bassy, Mungion, 1964 The Tribute & more in Local Spins photos and recaps.
Sixman, Skillet, May Erlewine, John Mark melt February’s chill with weekend-starting jams
Several genre-spanning shows — big and small — helped fire up and heat up February in Grand Rapids on Thursday and Friday. The recaps in words and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Hip hop’s Steven Malcolm ignites fans at GR homecoming + Valent-Ice, Pigeons, McCreery
Emerging hip hop star Steven Malcolm wrapped up his ‘Long Live the Hype Tour’ at a jam-packed Muse GR Saturday, wrapping up a weekend of diverse live music — country, hip hop, funk, rock, folk — captured in Local Spins photos and videos. Revisit shows by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Niko Moon, Scotty McCreery, The Legal Immigrants, King Possum, Conrad Shock + The Noise, Lisa Can’t Sing and Erin Enderlin.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Parade of Firsts: Railroad Earth, Oracle, Bass Country, Gary’s Brain and more musical revelry
This week’s roundup of concert photos actually starts last weekend with the return of live music to Founders, plus the first West Michigan shows in quite some time starring some compelling bands. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Walker Hayes, Brittney Spencer, ABBA Mania, Patty PerShayla get all ‘Fancy Like’ for fans
This weekend’s photo roundup of West Michigan concerts zeroes in on a Grammy-nominated star, an emerging country artist, tributes to ABBA and The Beatles, and three compelling female singer-songwriters. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jazzing Up January: Joshua Redman Trio, Scott Veenstra Trio and more deliver musical magic
This weekend’s concert photo roundup has a distinctly jazzy flavor — national and local — plus it features a tour stop by Swedish dubstep star Liquid Stranger and a Kalamazoo showcase with WOOTS and Grace Theisen. Browse the images at Local Spins.
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