Gary Clark Jr. makes triumphant return to 20 Monroe Live with guitar wizardry
Gary Clark Jr.’s musical conversation proved to be a powerful, dynamic dialogue of groaning blues, searing rock ’n’ roll and riveting soul Monday night at 20 Monroe Live.
Category: Concert reviews
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Wheatland Music Festival celebrates 45th weekend of music, ‘peace and love’
Attendees to the 45th Wheatland Music Festival filled the site outside Remus and found warmth amidst chilly temps as they celebrated one of Michigan’s finest festival traditions.
Fall Out Boy’s fiery pop-punk spectacle energizes Grand Rapids throng
Just ahead of a big homecoming show in Chicago, Fall Out Boy delivered fan faves and more at Van Andel Arena on Thursday with child-like vigor, pyrotechnics and dizzying lights. Check out the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Lake Street Dive induces Meijer Gardens to ‘Free (Itself) Up’ with soul-infused charm
The five-piece jazz/pop/rock band, led by vocal powerhouse and birthday girl Rachael Price, returned to the amphitheater on Thursday to the delight of an engaged and entertained sold-out crowd. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Toto powers through damp night with spot-on musicianship, treasured hits
Friday’s sold-out Meijer Gardens concert proved the instrumental and vocal mettle of the beloved prog-pop band. The show review and photos, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Odesza ignites electropop, chill spectacle for glorious finish to Breakaway’s first day
The first day of the second-year music festival brought bigger crowds and bigger names to Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park, with another robust lineup unfurling Saturday. Check out the review, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.
Alabama fires up ‘Old Flame’ hits at Meijer Gardens; Jon Pardi has fans ‘Head Over Boots’ at Intersection
Thursday was a night for fan-pleasing country music in Grand Rapids, with iconic veterans playing Meijer Gardens and a recent “new artist” winner revving up a big crowd outside The Intersection. Check out the show recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Trombone Shorty and friends uncork titanic torrent of brass, dancing, musicianship, fun
The lengthy New Orleans jazz and funk showcase at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday boasted an impressive roster of Big Easy faves: Trombone Shorty, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, New Breed Brass Band and special guests. Check out the review of what was described as the most fun night ever at Meijer Gardens, plus a robust photo gallery.
The Verve Pipe, Toad the Wet Sprocket join forces to shoo away rain, stir sing-along charm
The Michigan alt-rock heroes and California kids brought nostalgic ’90s magic and more to Meijer Gardens for a fan-pleasing, sold-out show on Sunday. The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Week in Review: Air Supply, Daughtry, Moosefest, FINKEL, Can’t Swim, Girls Rock GR
It was another lively week of concerts across West Michigan, with country courtesy of Kip Moore and others, hard and soft rock, electro-pop and the music of tomorrow’s stars just part of the story. Ogle the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
GRandJazzFest 2018 fires up fun, funk and much more: Photo gallery, video
One of GRandJazzFest’s biggest crowds ever pumped up Rosa Parks Circle on Saturday for a diverse assortment of regional and national stars. Check out photos and a video.
Local Spins Rewind Tribute: The late Aretha Franklin’s final Grand Rapids concert
At 75, the Detroit legend proved in spring 2017 that she was still “The Queen of Soul” with renditions of “Respect,” “Chain of Fools” and “Baby I Love You.” In tribute to this Michican icon, here’s the review from her last Grand Rapids appearance.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Cowpie 2018 Revisited: Top 10 reasons for grooving with the Shagbark Farm family
Local Spins asked Desmond Jones drummer John Nowak to reflect on highlights of last weekend’s action- and camaraderie-packed Cowpie Music Festival. Here’s his take on the beloved affair, with photo galleries by Anna Sink and Nathan Purchase.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Week-in-Review Concert Images: Sugarland, 1978 Tribute, Pack Sounds, Sparta Celtic Fest
Sugarland is back, unfurling its return to the stage for Grand Rapids fans with help from Michigan’s Frankie Ballard. But there was plenty more on the musical docket across West Michigan this week, and all highlighted in Local Spins images. Plus check out a video of That Beatles Thing.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Musical Oasis: Cowpie 2018 hoofs it up on nearly flawless opening night
A solid first-day crowd at the music festival in southern Kent County reveled in impressive sets by May Erlewine, Hyryder, Mungion, Olivia & the Aquatic Troupe and more while reveling in a groovy new second stage. Check out the story, photos and video in this Local Spins exclusive.
David Byrne radically re-imagines rock concert possibilities in Grand Rapids show
Touring behind his latest album, “American Utopia,” the ever-fetching David Byrne brought a just-as-fetching cast of musicians to DeVos Performance Hall on Wednesday for a theatrical, one-of-a-kind evening. Check out the epic review by Troy Reimink with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Slayer batters Grand Rapids in final, brutal, bombastic, loud-as-hell metal flurry
An epic evening of thrash savagery at Van Andel Arena as part of Slayer’s final world tour also uncorked ear-splitting sets from Lamb of God, Anthrax, Testament and Napalm Death — igniting an exuberant response from 9,000-plus headbangers on hand. The review by John Serba and photos by Anthony Norkus at Local Spins. And check out the video of Anthrax’s Joey Belladonna singing Journey songs afterward at the Founders Brewing Open-Mic Night.
Vince Gill weaves spellbinding evening of yarns, laughs, poignant tunes, beguiling vocals
Monday’s sold-out Meijer Gardens concert featured the return of the affable, award-winning singer and guitarist, who charmed the capacity crowd in a variety of ways. Revisit the special evening via the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Concerts-in-Review Photo Roundup: Joywave, SuperPartyWonderDay, Kalamazoo Ribfest, Organissimo, Styx, John Proulx
West Michigan poured out another full-bodied flask of live music to get August rolling and Local Spins was there to capture some of the action in photos. Check out all of the photo galleries and show recaps at Local Spins.
Ben Folds rocks Cannonsburg symphonically for picture-perfect Picnic Pops finale
The power pop pianist and former Schuss Mountain “Schussy Cat” was joined by the Grand Rapids Symphony and conductor Jacomo Bairos for “Rock this Bitch,” “Effington” and more, regaling 2,500 strong on a gorgeous summer night at the ski area. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Melvins rock Grand Rapids in mighty, tight, head-scratchingly brilliant fashion
The iconic rock band’s return to The Pyramid Scheme on Thursday unleashed noise-ridden, Black Sabbath-meets-Capt. Beefheart charm with Spencer’s own brand of minimalist rock opening the show. The Local Spins review by John Serba, with photos by Katy Batdorff and Derek Ketchum.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Mo Pop 2018 Revisited: Captivating soul, pop, rock and weird stuff from The National
An odd, abrupt finish by Matt Berninger and The National wrapped up the spirited, eclectic Detroit festival in “an iconic place.” Check out Local Spins’ review and photo gallery of a second day that featured St. Vincent, Daniel Caesar, Portugal. The Man and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ice Cube chills out in G-Rap, plus Beach Boys, Erasure, Rayland Baxter, Keep the Beat Alive
The hip hop legend brought N.W.A., Ice-T, Tha Dogg Pound and more to Van Andel Arena during a busy week of tour stops and local shows in front of enthused West Michigan audiences. Concerts included Rayland Baxter, Erasure, The Beach Boys and Jake Kershaw & Melophobix in a special Walk the Beat event. The Ice Cube review and five photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Bon Iver mops up magically at Mo Pop 2018’s dazzling Day 1 in Detroit
The first day of the music festival in Detroit’s West Riverfront Park boasted summer sun, thousands of attendees and a diverse mix of acts, closing with the enigmatic and powerful Bon Iver. Check out the Day 1 recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Beaver Island Music Festival 2018 Revisited: Michigan’s best-kept musical secret
The 16th annual festival on this island in northern Lake Michigan boasted regional stars, from Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band to The Legal Immigrants. Check out the recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
L7 gets lean, loud, vicious and unapologetically raucous in Grand Rapids tour stop
Local Spins music critic John Serba absorbed the brutish, beautifully ‘apelike rock’ of the iconic L.A. punk/metal/grunge band that rattled The Pyramid Scheme on Monday. Read his take on the rock ‘n’ roll assault along with photos by Katy Batdorff — only at Local Spins.
Concerts-in-Review Photos: A$AP Ferg, Faster Horses Fest, Black Label Society, Seth Bernard, Japanese Breakfast, May Erlewine
Another potent week of live music brought Michigan fans some iconic hip hop, country, heavy metal, indie-rock and regional stars Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. Check out the recaps in vibrant images by Local Spins photographers.
Joe Jackson’s Grand Rapids debut sees him ‘Steppin’ Out’ with career-spanning gems
On a night when the rain held off at Meijer Gardens, the iconic rock/pop artist uncorked familiar faves and new classics for an approving audience. Get the Joe Jackson review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins. And browse a set list from Friday night’s concert, too.
Shania Twain delivers glitz, glam and a dash of country in Grand Rapids tour stop
Country-pop superstar Shania Twain made a grand entrance at Van Andel Arena, then unleashed a spectacle that was flamboyant as well as fan-interactive. The concert review, photo gallery and set list from Wednesday night’s show at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Blissfest 2018 Revisited: ‘Magic time,’ high-spirited musical revelry, late-night jams
The 38th annual Blissfest captivated capacity crowds in northern Michigan over the weekend. Local Spins was there to capture the action in words and photos. Relive highlights from the festival, courtesy of writer Devin Anderson and photographer Anna Sink.
Concerts-in-Review: Flame Fest, Louie’s 100th, Our Lady Peace, Soul Syndicate, Kathy Lamar, Kalamazoo Blues Fest
There’s no letting up when it comes to summer music in West Michigan, with celebrations and concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Hudsonville, displayed in images at Local Spins. Check out all of the photo galleries and links to coverage.
Patti LaBelle beguiles Meijer Gardens as radiant goddess of soul
At 74 years young, Patti LaBelle fully engaged fans during her first Grand Rapids appearance in three decades, unfurling everything from “Lady Marmalade” to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
The Pretenders, Tunde Olaniran, Kalamazoo Blues Fest heat up West Michigan (Photos)
The featured West Michigan concerts leading up to another steamy weekend were hot in many ways, from Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders at 20 Monroe Live to the opening night of the Kalamazoo Blues Fest to Tunde Olaniran revving up the dance party at GRAM on the Green. See all of the photos at Local Spins.
Global citizen Michael Franti brings interactive sunshine, uplifting zest to familiar venue
Reggae/rock/fusion singer Michael Franti and his band Spearhead delivered a scorching 110-minute set for a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd Sunday amid high temps and even higher spirits. Relive the upbeat show, browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Janelle Monae unfurls arena-like spectacle; fans cheer fireworks, bands in Grand Rapids; PHoffman & Joshua Davis romp in Kalamazoo
Local Spins’ weekend concert photo roundup kicks off with Janelle Monae’s crowd-pleasing tour stop at 20 Monroe Live, with throngs also flocking to Saturday’s Fourth of July bash in Grand Rapids, plus Kalamazoo fun with PHoffman and Joshua Davis at Bell’s Brewery and pianist Nat Zegree’s homecoming show at Bronson Park.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Michigan-bred Borns enchants home state crowd at Common Ground’s opening night
The L.A.-based pop star originally from Grand Haven unleashed an impressive homecoming set at the Lansing festival, which also boasted appearances by country stars Kip Moore and Hunter Hayes and pop/rock’s The Aces and Judah & The Lion. Check out the review and opening night photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Electric Forest 2018: The magic, the music, the heat, the phenomenon revisited
Two weekends of musical marvels in the woods of Rothbury, Michigan, came to a close last weekend. Relive some of the highlights in Local Spins photos and a video, with links to Electric Forest coverage here and elsewhere.
Hot times spark hot music from Rachel Curtis, Hannah Rose, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Tuesday night’s sweltering heat couldn’t temper audience enthusiasm for impressive outdoor shows: Tuesday Evening Music Club’s 2018 kickoff at Meijer Gardens and the Rogue River Blues Series in Rockford. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Kaleo delivers high-powered Grand Rapids show, plus Yes, Helmet, Kevin Krauter, more
Kaleo’s indie-rock flourish Sunday at 20 Monroe Live ended a week that boasted Grand Rapids stops by Helmet, Yes, Blondie and Herbie Hancock, plus local showcases in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, including Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, The Dacia Bridges Project and The Legal Immigrants. Browse all of the resplendent images at Local Spins.
Blondie plays it cool in spite of stifling heat, humidity at Meijer Gardens
Pop culture icon Debbie Harry and band shared new songs and relied on the classics in a lively performance that focused on the fun, but also subtly delved into the subversive. Relive the evening — minus the heat — via the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Yes at 50 shows off musical muscle in first Michigan show; plays Grand Rapids tonight
The version of prog-rock’s Yes featuring Steve Howe, Alan White and Geoff Downes stopped at Interlochen Center for the Arts on Thursday night. Check out the Local Spins review, which serves as a preview to Friday’s show at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids.
Herbie Hancock fires up ‘space machine,’ boundary-pushing jazz at Meijer Gardens
On what turned out to be a nearly flawless summer evening, the legendary keyboard player unfurled a genre-bending lesson in jazz that flaunted looping, synthesizer magic, vocoder, a keytar and more. Read the Local Spins review by Ross Boissoneau and a special musician’s take on the show by Dutcher Snedeker.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest Weekend 1 Revisited: An escape from reality, a splash of Michigan roots music
Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos plunged into the magical world of the music festival in Rothbury, caught up with the Michigan Rattlers at their Forest debut and got high, literally, in a hot-air balloon. Relive the weekend in words and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Electric Forest’s opening day sizzles with electronic trippiness, jam fervor, hippie vibe
From the wild, fan-involving antics of Andy Frasco to the throbbing beats of Green Velvet and Keys N Krates to the lengthy jams of host String Cheese, it was a memorable opening day and night in Rothbury. Browse the photo gallery, take a video tour of Electric Forest as it morphs from day to night and check out the list of top Local Spins highlights from Day 1.
Fueled by familiarity, Seal serves up fresh renditions of classics at Meijer Gardens
Giving new life to “Luck Be a Lady,” “I Put a Spell on You” and a few of his own well-known hits, the British-born performer graced the crowd at Meijer Gardens with as much class as those from the Rat Pack era. Read the show recap, browse the photo gallery from Wednesday’s show.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Buttermilk Jamboree 2018 Revisited: ‘An incredible Michigan experience’
The eighth annual music festival at Circle Pines Center thrived in spite of some rainy disruptions, celebrating three days of vibrant, diverse music. Relive this special West Michigan festival via words, photo gallery and video.
Alison Krauss brings gospel heat wave to Sunday’s Meijer Gardens show
The sold-out amphitheater crowd basked in high heat and the gorgeous vocals and fiddle-playing of the Grammy-winning artist touring behind her latest album. Read the Local Spins review, browse the photo gallery from Sunday night’s concert as well as images from another weekend bluegrass show at Perrin Brewing starring Steep Canyon Rangers, Mark Lavengood and Seth Bernard.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Founders Fest heats up Grand Rapids streets with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, sun, beer
A somewhat lower turnout at Founders Fest amid steamy weather didn’t Dead-en the enthusiasm for Saturday’s headliner not to mention five other acts who jammed and powered up sets on a relocated stage for the annual street party. Browse the photo galleryand watch video highlights from Saturday’s big party at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Bounty of good vibes on Day 1 of Buttermilk Jamboree: Local Spins recap, photos
The opening day of Buttermilk Jamboree 2018 at Circle Pines Center spotlighted the dance-inspiring zip of Radio Free Honduras and the regional charm of Madcat Midnight Blues Journey, Zion Lion, The Change and more. The fun continues Saturday and Sunday; get the Friday recap, photos and the weekend schedule at Local Spins.
Brandi Carlile and band offer up catharsis, catchy tunes in Grand Rapids tour stop
Perfect temperatures and a receptive, sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens set the stage for an evening of emotional but uplifting folk rock. Check out the Local Spins review by Tricia Woolfenden and photo gallery from Kendra Kamp.
Listen to Local Spins Live
