Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: The Appleseed Collective, Moxieville, ElectroCats (April 24, 2015)

• April 24, 2015

Episode No. 35 of Local Spins on WYCE was a rollicking double-header with in-studio performances by The Appleseed Collective and Moxieville, plus a chat with Craig “Griff” Griffith of the GR Musician Collective. The show also debuted a song by his duo, The ElectroCats, Grand Rapids jazz singer Kathy LaMar and northern Michigan’s Crazy Chestur. Listen to the entire podcast and check out a video of The Appleseed Collective’s performance.

Features · Upcoming shows

Rhiannon Giddens pays tribute to influential female artists, emerges as one of folk’s brightest stars

• April 22, 2015

A founding member of the celebrated Carolina Chocolate Drops plays Grand Rapids on Friday, touring behind her solo album, “Tomorrow is My Turn.” Read the Local Spins interview and listen to her incredible interpretation of a classic song.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

Joshua Davis narrowly survives, moving on as final contestant in Top 8 on ‘The Voice’

• April 21, 2015

After performing a Tom Petty tune on Tuesday, Traverse City’s Joshua Davis moves on to the Top 8 after an “instant save” by America. Earlier, he publicly thanked his Michigan fans. Read the story and information about watch parties being held Monday in Grand Rapids and Lansing.

Features · Upcoming shows

Todd Rundgren brings legendary inventiveness, infectious new electronic project to Grand Rapids

• April 20, 2015

With an L.A. producer, two singers and a light show in tow, this is not a greatest hits revue but a tour touting Rundgren’s new ‘Global’ album and ‘collective consciousness.’ He plays a sold-out show at The Intersection Thursday. Read the Local Spins interview with Rundgren by Brian J. Bowe.

Features · Photos

Record Store Day gets groovy: Thousands vaunt vinyl, cheer local bands (Video, photo gallery)

• April 19, 2015

Grand Rapids music mavens and record buffs came out in droves Saturday, snapping up special vinyl releases and embracing live local music at Vertigo Music, Dodds Record Shop and Corner Record Shop. Local Spins columnist Brian J. Bowe provides his take on the phenomenon. Check out the photo gallery and video.

Breaking music news · Features

Joshua Davis soars to Top 10 on ‘The Voice’ with boost from ‘America,’ watch parties Monday

• April 14, 2015

The Traverse City singer-songwriter takes the next big step this week on the NBC show. Check out the video and links to Monday night watch parties in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Portage, Leland, Bellaire and Frankfort.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows

La Dispute credit DAAC roots for early rock success; ‘hometown heroes’ return for Grand Rapids show to support cause

• April 3, 2015

Update: The internationally acclaimed experimental post-hardcore band from Grand Rapids plays a sold-out show at The Pyramid Scheme on Tuesday night. Read the remarkable story about rock ‘n’ rollers with a mission.

Breaking music news · Features

Joshua Davis gives ‘masterful performance,’ secures Top 20 berth on ‘The Voice’

• March 30, 2015

The northern Michigan singer-songwriter took the next step in the TV reality show competition, continuing to wow judges with his vocals. He’ll now move on to the live performance round. Read the post-show Local Spins interview with Davis and watch the video from Monday’s show.

Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Bigfoot Buffalo, plus new music from Kathy Lamar, Moxieville, Big Sherb, Ed Englerth Band, Vox Vidorra

• March 20, 2015

The 30th edition of the radio show that spotlights West Michigan’s music got up close and personal with the rootsy, Dead-like Bigfoot Buffalo from Grand Rapids, who made their in-studio, on-air debut. And it debuted new tracks from several regional acts. (Podcast, video)

Commentary · Features

South by Southwest diaries: West Michigan’s The Accidentals, The Outer Vibe

• March 20, 2015

This week’s mammoth SXSW music conference in Austin, Texas, is one of the music industry’s biggest events. Several West Michigan bands have made the trip to make their mark and soak it all in. Local Spins asked some of them to provide their impressions in “diary” entries. Here are two of them. See who they’ve been rubbing elbows with thus far.

Breaking music news · Features · Photos

SXSW gets The Mitten musical treatment at the Creative Many Michigan House (Photo gallery)

• March 18, 2015

From The Accidentals to Nathan Kalish to Heaters, West Michigan bands are making a splash in Austin like never before at the massive South by Southwest music conference. View the photo gallery and learn more about what Michigan bands are doing in Texas this week.

Commentary · Features · Videos

Fenian’s Irish Pub hosts final St. Patrick’s Day parade amid sunshine, throngs of well-wishers

• March 17, 2015

Thrilled to be named one of America’s most authentic Irish pubs, owners Mary Ann and Terry Reagan are throwing their last St. Patrick’s Day ‘hooley’ at the charming Conklin pub today. Read the column hailing the end of an era and watch a video from today’s parade and celebration.

Breaking music news · Features

Zellie’s Opry House in Howard City closes doors; Grand Haven Walk The Beat seeks 60 bands, offers $20,000 in prizes

• March 13, 2015

Howard City’s quaint, much-beloved folk and bluegrass venue calls it quits after six years as the building is sold. Meanwhile, the lakeshore’s unusual Walk the Beat event announces its return in August with more prizes for bands and a condensed area for performances. Read the details and check out the links.

Features · Upcoming shows

WO-Stock returns for 13th year with 28 bands on two stages, unique opportunity to ‘give back’

• March 11, 2015

Midwest Skies, Valentiger, The Legal Immigrants, SoundIsRed, Maybe Next Time, American Wifi and dozens more play the West Ottawa High School weekend festival which showcases the region’s emerging, diverse talent. See — and save — the full schedule.

Audio · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Local Spins on WYCE: RJ Nordlund of The Carboys, Justin Dore of Big Dudee Roo, plus new tracks from Joe Hertler, Desmond Jones, Fauxgrass

• March 6, 2015

The March 6 edition of Local Spins on WYCE (Show No. 28) heralds the debut of Nordlund, a new country project led by RJ Nordlund, plus a bevy of regional music gems. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of the in-studio performance of a brand new Nordlund song.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos

Fauxgrass ‘on the move’ with touring and work on new album a year after bassist’s devastating hand injury

• March 5, 2015

With a reshuffled lineup that includes fiddler Jeffrey Niemeier, Grand Rapids’ prog-bluegrass band is crisscrossing the state and the country, working in the studio and just released a new video. And bassist Tim McKay has adjusted to a new style of playing since mangling his hand in a snowblower.

Features · Playlists · Upcoming shows

John Prine tribute tour featuring all-star Michigan band honors ‘incredible songwriter’

• February 26, 2015

Mark Lavengood, Seth Bernard, Dan Rickabus, Michael Beauchamp and Max Lockwood will bring their tribute to four cities in four days: Kalamazoo, Traverse City, Bellaire and Fennville. Read the back story of this first-time tour and check out a playlist of John Prine gems.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

‘The Voice’ and singer Joshua Davis: A positive ‘out of the box’ experience and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

• February 25, 2015

The 37-year-old Traverse City singer-songwriter talks to Local Spins about Monday’s “blind audition,” his national TV debut and moving on to the next round of the competition. And he has lots of good things to say about his L.A. experience. Watch a video of his performance.

Features · Upcoming shows

Michigan Global Roots Music Festival aims to celebrate multi-cultural, instrumental magic in family-friendly fashion

• February 24, 2015

The interactive, second annual festival started by An Dro percussionist Carolyn Koebel shifts from Lansing to Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids over three days, ending Sunday at One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids. Get details about the shows and lineups.

Features · Upcoming shows

Swans: The iconic post-punk band’s musical transmutation and ‘LSD carpentry’

• February 20, 2015

Unleashing music that’s ‘not exactly typical pop pablum,’ the cutting-edge New York post-punk band with a Detroit connection plays Grand Rapids for the first time on Monday. Read the Local Spins interview by Brian J. Bowe.

Features · Upcoming shows

Traverse City’s Great Indoor Folk Festival on Sunday to spotlight 100-plus regional musicians

• February 17, 2015

The seventh annual indoor festival aims to “beat the doldrums” of winter with performances on seven stages by New Third Coast, Drive South, Ralston Bowles, Olivia Mainville, Missy Zenker, Miriam Pico, Sour Mash and more. Read about the popular indoor event, with links to directions and a full schedule.

Features · Upcoming shows

Jammie Awards 2015 a true ‘celebration of the local scene’ with ‘some of the best acts in the country’ on tap Friday

• February 10, 2015

Legacy Award winners Mustard Plug and The Verve Pipe will lead an impressive lineup of performers and nominees at WYCE’s 16th annual awards show on Friday at The Intersection. Hear what they have to say about West Michigan’s version of the Grammy Awards and see the full performance schedule.

Features · Playlists · Top 10 Lists

Local Spins Guest Playlist: Greensky Bluegrass mandolinist Paul Hoffman

• February 6, 2015

Kalamazoo’s Greensky Bluegrass brings its progressive bluegrass prowess to The Intersection in Grand Rapids Saturday. To whet fan appetites, Paul Hoffman offers up a batch of his favorite songs for the Local Spins Guest Playlist. Some of the selections will surprise you. Check out the videos and Spotify playlist.

Features · Photos · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

Guitar-makers’ chance to shine on stage: West Michigan Luthier Concert showcases both craftsmanship and musicianship

• February 4, 2015

Saturday’s annual concert at Fremont’s Dogwood Center offers a rare opportunity to celebrate the artistry of local musicians who build stunning acoustic instruments.

Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

‘Music kept me going’: Greg Nagy works through personal turmoil for latest blues album, ‘Stranded’

• January 30, 2015

Buoyed by writing and playing his new songs, the Michigan guitarist and singer is now ready to unleash his CD. He appears on WYCE this morning and plays the Tip Top Deluxe in Grand Rapids tonight.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

The Outer Vibe pumps up musical profile and promotion with ‘Pass It On’ EP, videos, touring

• January 28, 2015

The Grand Rapids rock band hosts an EP ‘giveaway’ show Friday at The Intersection after enlisting a renowned California producer for its new recording. And check out the band’s latest video, filmed at St. Cecilia Music Center with local performers and celebrities.

Features · Playlists · Upcoming shows

Van Morrison tribute at Calvin College to showcase Grand Rapids singer’s passion for the artist, the blues and cultural solidarity

• January 21, 2015

Mark VandenBerge’s lush ‘Ken Burns meets Trans-Siberian Orchestra’ production on Saturday will boast an all-star band, orchestra, choir and striking visuals. And check out his playlist of Top 5 Van Morrison songs.

Breaking music news · Features

Jim Shaneberger Band, Big Boss Blues head to Memphis for International Blues Challenge

• January 20, 2015

UPDATE: Two West Michigan blues bands competed alongside 140-plus acts in the international competition this week. Read more about their Memphis experience.

Features · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Vintage Gigs

Vintage Gigs, 1971: Fleetwood Mac fills in for Deep Purple (plus a Top 10 playlist)

• January 20, 2015

With Fleetwood Mac playing Van Andel Arena tonight, WLAV-FM radio host and music historian Steve Aldrich recalls the first time the band played here, then supplies his Top 10 Fleetwood Mac songs.

Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Thirsty Perch Blues Band, Luke Schmidt of Hot Capicola Records

• January 16, 2015

Show No. 21 of Local Spins on WYCE features in-studio performances by Thirsty Perch Blues Band, a conversation with Hot Capicola Records co-owner Luke Schmidt, and song debuts from Lady Ace Boogie, THEO and more.

Breaking music news · Features

Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts deadline for performance applications is Jan. 15

• January 14, 2015

Organizers say this year’s all-online application system will make it easier for bands and performers to apply, and speed up scheduling. But the entry fee has doubled to $10.

Commentary · Features · Upcoming shows

New indie record labels yearn to ‘build up the scene,’ turn Grand Rapids into music mecca

• January 14, 2015

On the heels of dizzybird records’ launch late last year, Hot Capicola Records also seeks to pump up the profile of local artists. The label hosts Lady Ace Boogie’s LP-release party at The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday.

Breaking music news · Commentary · Features · Photos

Best of Local Spins 2014: Ray LaMontagne, The Accidentals, Insane Clown Posse, David Raffenaud, Halloween, Electric Forest

• January 9, 2015

Local Spins’ final look back at the year that was, reliving the excitement, controversy, emotions and pageantry that West Michigan’s music scene sparked in 2014

Features · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Earthwork Music stars ‘spread the joy’ in winter tour, with stops in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Traverse City and Ann Arbor

• January 8, 2015

More than a dozen Michigan roots acts from the collective will share songs and back each other on stage, including Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, who move to Nashville later this month.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

Grand Haven native Borns makes splash on ‘Conan’ in national TV debut

• January 7, 2015

Pop singer-songwriter once known as Garrett Borns performs hit single, “10,000 Emerald Pools,” with his band. He kicks off a national tour next month with a Michigan stop in Detroit March 1.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Cabbage Crik reunion pumps up appeal of Saturday’s Winter Wheat celebration of folk, bluegrass at The Intersection

• January 7, 2015

The annual Wheatland fundraiser will boast two indoor stages and more than a dozen performances, including Fred Willson’s An Dro finale and sets by Billy Strings & Don Julin, Fauxgrass and more.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

The Soil and The Sun’s ‘Meridian’ honored as winner of 2014’s Local Spin of the Year

• January 4, 2015

The ethereal Grand Rapids rock band’s latest album tabbed as best regional album of the year, with the acclaimed group eyeing another recording project for 2015.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

Bring Back the DAAC benefit spearheaded by Grand Rapids singer-songwriter who ‘just wants to give back to local art’

• January 3, 2015

Tonight’s four-band show at The Pyramid Scheme will also be a CD-release party for indie-rock’s JOE led by frontman and event organizer Joe Rodriguez. Brother Adams, Dead Eye Zack and Emma Loo & Sam are also on the bill.

Commentary · Features · Top 10 Lists

Best Music of 2014: The Local Spins Lists

• January 1, 2015

Once again, Local Spins asked music writers and West Michigan musicians to submit picks for the year’s best albums and songs – and they came through with a truly diverse mix, from Future Islands and New Pornographers to Snarky Puppy and Against Me! to The Go Rounds and Heaters. Submit yours and you could win a special gift package

Features · Upcoming shows

The Verve Pipe, Domestic Problems ready to get nostalgic, share stage at holiday show for first time in nearly 20 years

• December 24, 2014

Saturday’s spectacle at The Intersection reunites two of West Michigan’s most popular rock bands from the ’90s for a fresh, post-Christmas affair that has both groups pumped up.

Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Features

Bob Seger wows Big Apple, Lindsay Lou in ‘Banjo Babes’ calendar, WYCE expands award nominees list

• December 22, 2014

The pre-Christmas music news update at Local Spins checks in on Seger’s “Ride Out” tour, takes a gander at a plucky banjo project and finds more local albums nominated for honors.

Features · Vintage Gigs

Vintage Gigs, 1972: Alice Cooper terrorizes Tulip City with ‘Dead Babies,’ gallows and ‘perversion’

• December 19, 2014

Local Spins writer Brian J. Bowe recounts the stir sparked by the legendary shock-rocker’s spectacle at the Holland Civic Center in the early ’70s, a concert recalled by fans as a night of acid, body parts, a hanging and more that sent ripples through the staid community.

Breaking music news · Features · Podcasts · Videos

The Accidentals wrap up ‘crazy, awesome’ year; will play South by Southwest and finish new album in 2015

• December 18, 2014

After playing 230 shows in 2014, the teenage indie-folk phenoms from Traverse City continue to tour and record ceaselessly as a break-through act. They return to One Trick Pony tonight. (Videos, podcast)

Features · Vintage Gigs

Bob Seger ‘magic’ recalled by West Michigan studio owner, Silver Bullet Band alum Robyn Robins on eve of sold-out Grand Rapids show

• December 8, 2014

The former Silver Bullet keyboard player is now an award-winning Wyoming recording and mastering engineer who toured and recorded with Seger during the ‘golden years.’

Breaking music news · Features

An Dro guitarist Fred Willson playing final show with band in January; guitarist-singer Mark Lamm departing The Trace

• December 1, 2014

Two veteran Grand Rapids bands are losing key members in coming weeks, with the acoustic groups planning to continue performing without them.

Features · Photos

Feedback celebrates 20 years of musical camaraderie, buoys Access of West Michigan in benefit at Founders

• November 24, 2014

Sunday’s feel-good anniversary show raised thousands for food and anti-poverty programs with lively, goofy rock sets by The FuzzRites, Domestic Problems and The Honeytones. (Photo gallery, video)

Commentary · Features · Videos

Feed the World: Local music will drive milestone Feedback show at Founders on anniversary of Band Aid

• November 21, 2014

Local musicians gather Sunday for the 20th anniversary of Feedback to support Access of West Michigan. What a long, gratifying trip it’s been, involving dozens of bands since that first benefit at the old Intersection in Eastown.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos

Traverse City phenoms Billy Strings and Don Julin wrap up tour with bluegrass legends as live album soars up charts

• November 17, 2014

In the Local Spins Artist Spotlight: The buzz about the fiery Michigan bluegrass duo keeps growing. They play northern Michigan this week, with December shows at Rockford Brewing and Founders Brewing.

Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows

Calvin College looks to sell Ladies Literary Club, new Garage Bar & Grill hosts live music, SpeakEZ partners with Local Spins for mid-week shows

• November 12, 2014

The November music news round-up at Local Spins focuses on area concert venues: an old one on the auction block, a new one firing up and a fresh local music series.

Features · Upcoming shows

My Brightest Diamond brings ‘big ideas’ to Wealthy Theatre for WYCE series on Wednesday

• November 10, 2014

Michigan’s Shara Worden mixes primal musical energy, punk, classical training, and even marching bands, into cerebral, visceral whole note. She’s touring behind her new album, “This Is My Hand.”