Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Laith Al-Saadi, Kalamazoo Blues Fest, I Believe in Julio, Devin & the Dead Frets sizzle in the heat: Weekend Photo Galleries

• July 10, 2016

The weather wasn’t the only thing steaming up West Michigan: Tons of big events and big shows — including some CD-release parties and tour stops by Andrew McMahon, REO Speedwagon, Gin Blossoms and Here Come the Mummies — dotted the landscape from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Ogle all the images from a hot week of live music in West Michigan.

Concert reviews · Photos

Tuesday Evening Music Club launches with jazz, African roots, musical education

• July 6, 2016

The weekly Meijer Gardens series showcasing regional music kicked off on a beautiful summer night with a resplendent “Tracing the Roots” theme. The series continues on Tuesdays through August. (Photos)

Concert reviews · Photos

Seth Bernard, Grand Rapids Fourth of July, Hannah Rose, The Outer Vibe: Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries

• July 3, 2016

Seth Bernard brought “Eggtones for Peace” to Wealthy Theatre Sunday, wrapping up a vacation week for many. Others reveled in live music in the great outdoors. Browse the images from a week of concerts in the Local Spins photo galleries.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Gregg Allman embraces Allman Brothers legacy, exudes Southern charm in Grand Rapids concert

• June 30, 2016

Shifting between a Hammond B3 organ and guitar, the Southern rock legend brought his familiar voice and songs to Meijer Gardens to entertain a sold-out crowd on a picture-perfect Wednesday evening. Peruse the review and flip through the images in the Local Spins photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Jackson Browne brings full band, ageless voice, engaging tales, familiar hits to Meijer Gardens

• June 28, 2016

On a sumptuous, sunny evening, the rock legend performed songs spanning his five-decade career backed for the first time at the outdoor amphitheater by a six-piece band. Read the review and browse a photo gallery from Monday’s sold-out show.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Grand River Water Festival, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Red Sea Pedestrians, Sound of the City heat up the weekend: Photo Galleries

• June 27, 2016

The Grand River Water Festival on Sunday wrapped up an impressive week of live music that also featured album-release shows, the debut of a new local music festival, a West Michigan tour stop by Yonder Mountain String Band, the kickoff to the Celadon concert series and a birthday bash at The Pyramid Scheme. Ogle the updated Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries as part of our weekly concert recap.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Fitz and The Tantrums pump up pop-laced dance party for Meijer Gardens multitude

• June 27, 2016

The Los Angeles band delivered familiar hits and fresh tracks from its brand new album during a Grand Rapids tour stop on Sunday night, demanding to see fans’ “dance skills.” Read the Local Spins review by Adrianna Walker and browse the photo gallery by Anthony Norkus.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Red Sea Pedestrians, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Sound of the City heat up the weekend: Photo Galleries

• June 26, 2016

Album-release shows and the debut of a new local music festival were just part of a week that also featured a West Michigan tour stop by Yonder Mountain String Band and the kickoff to the Celadon Summer Concert Series. Browse all of the resplendent images from a top-drawer week of music across West Michigan.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Electric Forest 2016: Children of the sun and the moon (Photo gallery, video)

• June 25, 2016

As this year’s Electric Forest enters its third day in the woods and fields of Rothbury, Local Spins takes a look at the cycle of festival hoopla — from morning yoga and lounging in the sunshine to grooving in Sherwood Forest at midnight. Check out the day-and-night video and photo gallery by Ricky Olmos.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

‘Let’s get weird’: Electric Forest 2016 gets into Day 1 groove with sunshine, humor, booming bass and Major Lazer

• June 24, 2016

More than 40,000 festival-goers packed Double JJ Resort in Rothbury for the opening salvo of the hippie-driven, four-day affair. Read the first-day recap, browse the resplendent photo gallery and watch the video.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Michael Franti & Spearhead spread reggae love in upbeat, familiar and crowd-interactive Meijer Gardens show

• June 22, 2016

The engaging singer and guitarist’s return to Grand Rapids with his band had him climbing into the crowd and bringing fans on stage for a memorable evening at the outdoor amphitheater. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery

Hot Fun in the Summer: Tommy Castro, Twistin’ Tarantulas, Zion Lion, The Legal Immigrants (Weekend Photo Galleries)

• June 19, 2016

It was a hot week in West Michigan, indoors and out. Browse images from some sizzling concerts featuring national and regional acts, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Holland — and from Summertime Blues to the Grand Rapids Pride Festival — in these weekend photo galleries.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

B93 Birthday Bash fires up country-driven excitement for two steamy days in Martin

• June 19, 2016

Chris Young, Chris Janson, Granger Smith and more regaled an exuberant bunch Saturday at the sun-drenched, 24th celebration held at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. And Day 2 was even hotter on stage and in the audience. Check out the colorful images by photographer Eric Stoike.

Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Founders Fest fuels summer party atmosphere for happy throng with The Motet, Lee Fields, People’s Blues of Richmond and more

• June 19, 2016

Attendance was down a bit, but the music was as hot as the weather with The Go Rounds and FBC All-Stars representing Michigan during the ninth annual day-long street party that also featured People’s Blues of Richmond, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Main Squeeze and Dos Santos: Anti-Beat Orquesta. Check out the story, photo gallery and video.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Tedeschi Trucks Band simmers with genre-defying kaleidoscope, happy vibe and masterful musicianship in Grand Rapids show

• June 18, 2016

Even an unhinged trombone and steamy weather couldn’t stop Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and crew at Meijer Gardens on Friday night, with the 12-member band unleashing an audience-pleasing spectacle. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery from a hot night at the amphitheater.

Concert reviews · Photos

Ziggy Marley ignites zealous Grand Rapids reggae fans, pays tribute to legendary father

• June 16, 2016

A sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd cheered the upbeat, summery display by the singer who melded joyful originals with some Bob Marley classics. Read the review of Wednesday’s amphitheater concert and browse the photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Of Monsters and Men unfurl epic amphitheater show in Grand Rapids on final week of U.S. tour

• June 14, 2016

The surprisingly loud and lush nine-piece indie-folk/pop ensemble from Iceland lit up Meijer Gardens on a gray, overcast evening, with much of the capacity crowd on its feet the entire night. Read the review and browse the striking photo gallery from a special night at the outdoor amphitheater.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

America shows off its timeless hits, first-rate harmonies at Meijer Gardens (Review, photos)

• June 13, 2016

The second concert of the season at the outdoor amphitheater regaled a sold-out crowd with favorites from the ’70s, including “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Golden Hair” and “Don’t Cross the River.” And opener Brennin of “Nashville” fame impressed fans, too. Check out the review.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Beast in the Field, Spoke Folks Crank 2016, Rumsey St. Bazaar, Start of Summer: Photo Galleries

• June 12, 2016

Summer wastes no time cranking up the amps for outdoor music across West Michigan. And things were hectic indoors over the past week, too. Ogle all the images in these Local Spins galleries with shows at The Intersection, The Pyramid Scheme, SpeakEZ Lounge, Bell’s Brewery, Spoke Folks’ Crank 2016, Rumsey Street Bazaar, Rockford’s Start of Summer Celebration and more.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Buttermilk Jamboree Day 2 and Day 3: ‘A place of magic,’ from The Blasters to Delilah DeWylde to Eggs Bernard to The Accidentals

• June 12, 2016

The unique festival at Circle Pines Center in Delton hosted headliners The Blasters on Saturday, along with a bevy of top-drawer regional acts. And the best edition of Buttermilk Jamboree yet wrapped up with a real bang on Sunday with The Accidentals, The Crane Wives and more. Read the recap of Saturday’s performances and browse the photo galleries.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Buttermilk Jamboree sets new musical milestone with ‘beautiful’ kickoff to 2016 festival

• June 11, 2016

The sixth annual festival in a remote area of Barry County reveled Friday in rousing regional music and a family-friendly atmosphere with much more to come. Read the roundup, scan the photo gallery and watch some video highlights from opening day.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Hey, hey, they’re The Monkees: Meijer Gardens opens 2016 series with nostalgic ’60s party

• June 9, 2016

The first concert of the summer series was full of slapstick humor and familiar pop hits — plus some new gems — that satiated a sold-out, baby-boomer crowd on a sumptuous June evening. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Rain and music reign: Grand Rapids Festival, Local First Street Party power through showers (Weekend Photo Galleries)

• June 5, 2016

Saturday’s wet weather kept throngs away, but those that endured the raindrops were treated to some rousing sets by some intrepid regional bands. It capped a week of rollicking concerts including Greensky Bluegrass’ three-night run at Bell’s in Kalamazoo. Check out all of the show recaps and photo galleries.

Concert reviews · Photos

Twenty One Pilots uncork crazy, intense, athletic spectacle for crazy, intense Grand Rapids fans

• June 5, 2016

Some rabid fans camped out overnight in line for the sold-out Van Andel Arena show and Ohio’s Twenty One Pilots rewarded them Saturday with a show for the ages. Read the review and check out the photo gallery from a wild night.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Grand Rapids’ sun-splashed Festival 2016 gets loud, gets busy, gets exciting: Day One recap, photo gallery

• June 4, 2016

‘Loving the vibe and loving the music’: That was the theme of Festival of the Arts on Friday as thousands of attendees jammed streets in downtown Grand Rapids for dozens of performances. Check out the recap and photo gallery from a hectic first day of the 47th annual event.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Rob Zombie, La Dispute, Disturbed, The Concussions, Fishbone, Greg Nagy: Weekend Photo Galleries

• May 30, 2016

Wild, raucous and resplendent all describe West Michigan’s live music assault for the last week of May with national and regional acts firing up stages for big crowds. Check out the Local Spins photo galleries from some of those high-energy shows.

Concert reviews · Features · Summer Festivals

Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit dances through opening-night rain, celebrates community and regional music

• May 28, 2016

The 14th annual festival along Lake Michigan between Grand Haven and Holland kicked off the holiday weekend with live music, a family vibe and VW buses. Read the story and check out the opening-day photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Bob Dylan Tribute, Bring Me the Horizon, Bullet for My Valentine, The Go Rounds and more: Weekend Photo Galleries

• May 22, 2016

Metalcore, folk, indie-rock, bluegrass, psychedelic rock, pop and deliciously indescribable music captivated West Michigan audiences over the past week. Check out all of the images at Local Spins, including some special musical celebrations and tributes.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

A Day to Remember caps a week of live music to remember: Weekend Photo Galleries

• May 15, 2016

The Florida metalcore/pop-punk band provoked fan fervor the same week that saw lively West Michigan shows by Mustard Plug Hannah Rose Graves, Graffiti, Vetiver, Small Brown Bike and much more. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries.

Concert reviews · Photos

Garth Brooks rewards Michigan country fans with high-energy spectacle at Van Andel Arena

• May 13, 2016

Along with Trisha Yearwood, the country superstar delivered hit after hit in the first of six straight Grand Rapids shows. West Michigan country singer Kari Lynch offers up her take on the much-anticipated concert by one of her biggest influences. Read the review, check out the photo gallery from this historic show.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Cage the Elephant gets pretty, gets wild at DeltaPlex, plus L.A. Witch, Eric Bachmann, Baroness, Emma Loo: Weekend Photo Galleries

• May 8, 2016

Cage the Elephant and Portugal. The Man highlighted a week of live music in West Michigan that also featured Aaron Diehl, Big Dudee Roo and others. Check out all the photo galleries at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Alejandro Escovedo cranks up the volume and story-telling charm at St. Cecilia Music Center

• May 6, 2016

The highly acclaimed rock and Americana artist brought his trio and a powerful set of music to historic Royce Auditorium for the final Acoustic Café show of the season. Read the review of Thursday’s show and check out the photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

The Outer Vibe, Watching for Foxes, The Cadillac Three, Reverend Horton Heat fly high: Weekend Photo Gallery and Show Recap

• May 1, 2016

It was a week of series debuts, CD-releases, homecomings, national tour stops and an anniversary party for Short’s Brewing, with Drew Nelson, GR Live, Protomen, Slumlord Radio, The Go Rounds and much more captured in images at Local Spins. Check out all the photos and mini-reviews.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

West Michigan rocks out with Rolling Stones tribute, Keb’ Mo’, Noah Gundersen, Jack DeJohnette: Weekend Photo Galleries

• April 24, 2016

Jazz and blues icons topped a week of live music that also included The Pyramid Scheme’s two-night anniversary party, a Stones tribute, Roosevelt Diggs, Hannah Rose Graves and Megan Dooley, and the kickoff to Kalamazoo’s “Music Hop.” Peruse the show recaps and view the photo galleries at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Killswitch Engage cheers crowd-surfing blind fan, revs up Grand Rapids to fever pitch

• April 22, 2016

Not only did the metalcore pioneers fire up a near-capacity crowd at The Intersection, but a Local Spins photo of a blind fan crowd-surfing in their moshpit has earned widespread attention. Check out an interview with the fan, concert review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Record Store Day, Kiefer Sutherland, Larry McCray, Wilson pump up West Michigan’s weekend: Photo galleries

• April 17, 2016

On a weekend with resplendent spring weather, West Michiganders couldn’t go far without bumping into live music of all varieties — documented in images at Local Spins. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries, from Record Store Day to Kiefer Sutherland.

Concert reviews · Photos

Jake’s Music Festival rocks Wealthy Theatre with upbeat bands, high energy, worthy cause

• April 17, 2016

Falling on a busy and beautiful Saturday in Grand Rapids, the 12th annual festival at Wealthy Theatre showcased West Michigan bands of every ilk and raised thousands for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Review, photo gallery)

Concert reviews · Photos

The Mountain Goats climb tale-telling heights, Leo Kottke impresses with humor, guitar prowess in separate Grand Rapids concerts

• April 15, 2016

Folk music of different stripes in different places ruled Grand Rapids Thursday, with The Mountain Goats unfurling musical tales at Calvin College and Kottke regaling a sold-out St. Cecilia Music Center. Read the Local Spins reviews by Tricia Woolfenden and Charley Honey.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Feedback 2016 boasts capacity crowd, record-breaking donations, upbeat vibe with The Accidentals, Soul Syndicate

• April 11, 2016

Sunday’s 22nd anniversary Feedback benefit heated up Founders Brewing Co. with performances by The Accidentals, The Soul Syndicate and The Honeytones, and raised thousands for Access of West Michigan. Check out the recap and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Ian Anderson gives unusual virtual reality spin to Jethro Tull in Grand Rapids (Review, photos)

• April 10, 2016

The flute-playing prog-rock frontman brought “Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera” to DeVos Performance Hall on Saturday night, with his vocals getting an assist from video accompanists. (Review, photo gallery)

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

The Lone Bellow, Jesus Christ Superstar, Waka Flocka Flame, Puscifer, Heaters and more shine for Easter week: Photo Galleries

• March 27, 2016

The holiday week bloomed with shows of every ilk: from indie-folk’s The Lone Bellow to a star-heavy musical to a Maynard James Keenan homecoming to rap and blistering guitar rock. Check out all the Local Spins images and a video from singer-songwriter night at Richard App Gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Elton John fires up his ‘Rocket Man’ engines for a piano-jam-laden Grand Rapids show

• March 24, 2016

Two days before his 69th birthday, the iconic rock star pumped out hits, new songs and deep tracks during a 2-1/2-hour show at a sold-out Van Andel Arena. Check out the review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Hip Hop 4 Flint pours out rap for the cause, plus G. Love, Parmalee, Nick Carter, Stylust Beats: Weekend Photo Galleries

• March 20, 2016

While thousands of Irish-for-the-day revelers continued to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, others rapped for a good cause. It was part of a busy week that also included shows by G. Love & Special Sauce, Jim Shaneberger, Parmalee, Nick Carter, Stylust Beats, Big Dudee Roo and a “Kalamazoo Strong” benefit — all captured in images at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Irish on Ionia uncorks early-spring revelry for one of Grand Rapids’ biggest street parties

• March 20, 2016

From The Waxies and The Moxie Strings to DJs to Irish dancers regaling attendees, Irish on Ionia 2016 took advantage of stellar weather to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a couple days late but with real gusto. Check out the photo gallery by Local Spins photographer Anthony Norkus.

Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos

Michigan House-Austin Day 2: An oasis for Michigan bands fighting the SXSW maelstrom and noise

• March 16, 2016

Making the 1,300-mile trip from Michigan doesn’t always pay off for a band seeking exposure at the Texas music mega-conference. Michigan House is a place they can make connections … and relax. (Story, photo gallery, videos)

Concert reviews · Features · Local Spins at SXSW

‘Magic in the Streets’: The Accidentals, Outer Vibe, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish among Michigan bands wowing SXSW crowds

• March 15, 2016

The Michigan House pop-up venue hosted an opening reception amid brilliant, summer-like weather in Texas, and followed that with an evening rock show at an Austin hot spot. Check out the story, photo gallery and videos.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Daughter, Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings, Fonn Mor, WO-Stock launch March music madness: Local Spins Photo Galleries

• March 13, 2016

National and local acts revved up fans in venues large and small this week, including performances by The Go Rounds, Rival Maps and others. Check out all the Local Spins images in these photo galleries from the live music week that was.

Concert reviews · Photos

Fall Out Boy unleashes ‘extra large’ rock spectacle for exuberant Grand Rapids fans

• March 9, 2016

The Midwest pop-punk band brought its signature hits, an uplifting message and indoor snow to Van Andel Arena to pump up fans as it prepares to take a hiatus from the road. Read the review and check out the Local Spins photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

String Paradise: Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival draws thousands for upbeat West Michigan bands, instrument displays

• March 6, 2016

The Red Sea Pedestrians, Megan Dooley, Neil Jacobs, Dragon Wagon, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Bob Rowe, Fauxgrass and much more lit up downtown Kalamazoo for the day-long celebration. Read the festival recap and check out the photo gallery and video, which includes a mini-tour of the festival.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Winter Beer Fest, Kacey Musgraves, Lotus, Here Come the Mummies, Rick Chyme, The Accidentals light up a big week: Weekend Photo Galleries

• February 28, 2016

The week that was had it all: Country from Kacey Musgraves in Kalamazoo, electronic jam-band fun from Lotus in Grand Rapids, an instrumental rock debut, hip hop meshed with indie-folk, and a giant outdoor festival of beer. It was all captured in images at Local Spins, with video highlights from Saturday’s Rick Chyme and The Accidentals show at Founders Brewing.