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.
Category: Concert reviews
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.
Eric Church leads massive Van Andel ‘congregation’ in rock and country revelry
It was a spectacle. For Friday’s Grand Rapids tour stop on his ‘Gather Again’ tour, country star Eric Church uncorked his mix of ‘Country Music Jesus,’ ‘That’s Damn Rock & Roll’ and ‘Smoke a Little Smoke’ for enthused fans. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Recap: Ryan Hurd, Ellis Paul, Big Timmy & The Heavy Chevys heat things up
January has been quieter than usual on the live music front due to continued COVID concerns, but some national and local shows fired up area stages on a chilly weekend. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Recap: Porter Kenyon, Lily Harper win Rockford’s Got Talent, plus mewithoutYou
A chilly West Michigan Saturday warmed up with a unique talent contest and a Grand Rapids tour stop by Philadelphia indie-rock/post-hardcore band mewithoutYou. The photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Emmylou Harris, Los Lobos enchant fans in pairing at Meijer Gardens: Top Stories (No. 4)
The final night of the legendary acts’ joint touring run on Aug. 8 delighted a sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens. The review was No. 4 in Local Spins countdown of top 2021. Revisit the recap and photos from the memorable concert.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Concert Recap: Mustard Plug, The Go Rounds, Watkins Family Hour, Bradley Sinclair
Holiday shows, tours of different stripes and a bittersweet Go Rounds run unfurled on stages across West Michigan. Check out the concert recaps, more than a half-dozen photo galleries and a video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Concert Recap: Blue October, Allison Russell, Jameson Rodgers, BoneHawk and more
Get an eyeful with these photo galleries recapping a weekend of music from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, from touring stars to local favorites such as Hannah Laine, Patty PerShayla, Lokella, Hollow Front, Nathan Walton and The Insiders. Browse the photos from more than a half-dozen area shows.
James Taylor and Jackson Browne ‘Shower the People’ with nostalgic charm in Grand Rapids
Friday’s tour stop at Van Andel Arena delivered a career-spanning trove of familiar hits by a pair of acclaimed singer-songwriters who still wield spellbinding appeal for longtime fans. The evening also included a tribute to Michigan native and longtime James Taylor backing singer David Lasley, who passed away earlier this week. Check out the review, photos and set lists.
Bela Fleck, Greensky Bluegrass pump up bluegrass hearts across West Michigan
Hometown heroes Greensky Bluegrass revved up two nights of fun at State Theatre for fans in Kalamazoo, with banjo phenom Bela Fleck lighting up a smaller crowd with an all-star crew at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall. The recaps and photos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Thanksgiving Eve Revelry: The Verve Pipe, Desmond Jones, Stone Soup & The Broken Teeth
After a quiet 2020, the night before Thanksgiving in 2021 showed signs of reviving the musical flurry that’s traditionally kicked off the holiday weekend. Local Spins captured the vibe at three of the shows on Wednesday in words and images.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
November Fire: The Cadillac Three, Terence Blanchard, Donna the Buffalo, Live at Creston
A guitar icon (Leo Kottke), a regional pop fave (Matt Giraud) and heavy rock album-release (Tiny Tree) and more were part of West Michigan’s concert mix this past weekend. Browse eight photo galleries at Local Spins.
The Rolling Stones romp in ageless, career-spanning display at Detroit’s Ford Field
The venerable, iconic rock band’s much-ballyhooed Michigan tour stop proved remarkable due to Mick Jagger’s boundless energy and the band’s endearing love for Detroit fans. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rodney Crowell uncorks ‘joyful’ show of gems, plus Zach Bryan, Nada Surf, Dixon’s Violin
The Americana icon regaled fans at St. Cecilia Music Center amid a week filled with varied musical spectacles at West Michigan venues. Browse all the photo galleries at Local Spins, from Jinjer to Zach Bryan to Dixon’s Violin to Major Murphy and more.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
An Dro’s final show, Pop Evil, Todd Snider, Pokey LaFarge, Every Time I Die: Photo Recaps
Amid the flurry of national tour stops firing up crowds from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo was an understated finale for a much-beloved West Michigan Celtic band that decided to end its long run. Check out the An Dro story along with 10 photo galleries from a hectic week of concerts.
Divergent Displays: Dave Matthews Band arena spectacle vs. Dawes’ COVID-caused solo show
For diehard fans of two well-known touring bands, it proved to be a far different concert experience this weekend in Grand Rapids. The recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Los Lobos shake the house with original gems, blues belters, Beach Boys classic in GR shows
The legendary band from East L.A. played a pair of sold-out shows in the intimate confines of Grand Rapids’ Listening Room on Friday. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Larkin Poe ignites Fountain Street Church with Southern-fried blues-rock gospel
The Grammy-nominated, sister-fronted band embraced the unique surroundings for a rousing Halloween eve concert in Grand Rapids. Plus, check out photo recaps of weekend shows starring Chuck Prophet, The Way Down Wanderers, Stovepipe Stover, Emilee Petersmark, Mushmen, Wavves, Lisa Can’t Sing and more.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
October Arias in Photos: All Time Low, Knapp & McKeown, Andy Frasco, The Steel Wheels
All Time Low’s Saturday night tour stop at Grand Rapids’ GLC Live at 20 Monroe wrapped up a week of wildly disparate live music. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Chris Renzema’s homecoming, Black Pumas, The Record Company & more rock W. Michigan
In many ways, the weekend reflected a pre-pandemic flurry of live music with some rousing national tours and a sold-out, triumphant Sunday night return of a Grand Rapids native and budding star. A review and recaps in 10 photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Recap: Parker McCollum, Pokey LaFarge, Listening Room Open Stage
West Michigan’s weekend of live music had a rootsy, country and folk-flavored charm, with a couple of national tour stops and a new open-mic night at a high-profile venue. Browse the images at Local Spins.
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