Artist Spotlights · Guest Column · Upcoming shows
Battling terminal cancer, beloved W. Michigan musician Bill Vits played his final concerts with Grand Rapids Symphony in September. Before he passed away on Oct. 19, he shared his remarkable story in his own words with Local Spins
Today’s guest column by Grand Rapids musician Julio Gomez tackles the thorny issue of live music in a pandemic — a dilemma that’s definitely split Michigan’s community of performers, fans and venues. Gomez strongly urges bands to consider alternatives to in-person shows until it’s truly safe.
Concert reviews · Guest Column
The second installment in the Local Spins series recounting our critics’ most bizarre concert experiences continues with tales of outlandish musical misery, courtesy of the one and only John Serba — from a Motley Crue debacle to jam-band hell.
After a year-long pandemic that nearly eliminated all live music, Local Spins asked its most experienced reviewers to recount their strangest concert escapades. We start with Tricia Boot Woolfenden — and she has plenty of wild and wacky tales to share.
In this week’s guest column giving a voice to Michigan musicians, singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma hails the advantages folk musicians have during a COVID lockdown — and the importance of staying active and educated. He performs online tonight.
Commentary · Guest Column · Videos
The latest in a series of guest columns by West Michigan musicians has award-winning Grand Rapids musician Patty PerShayla ruminating on the benefits of working in isolation during a pandemic — and how it taught her how to write again.
Giving a voice to industry professionals, today’s guest column by veteran Kalamazoo producer Ian Gorman offers tips for expanding a musician’s toolkit during an economic downturn — and for future success as well.
After a brutal, COVID-impaired 2020, music fans need to step up if regional artists are to survive. In this guest column, Grand Rapids musician Justin ‘Stovepipe’ Stover explains why buying music, not just streaming for free, is imperative.
Guest Column · Playlists · Videos
Local Spins columnist and DJ Todd Ernst first met — and was transfixed by — Thievery Corporation more than two decades ago. With the band playing Grand Rapids this weekend, he retraces his journey as a Thievery Corporation fan.
Guest Column · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
In this ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ column, DJ/electronic music devotee Todd Ernst lists his Top 5 reasons for attending this weekend’s music fest in Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park — from the performers to the quality of the production. See the full schedule and a playlist, too.
The 19th annual showcase of regional music unfurls Friday night at The Intersection. WYCE manager Quinn Mathews reflects on the daunting but inspiring ‘biggest night for West Michigan music.’ See and save the full schedule.
In this “Local Spins Rewind” feature, re-experience the adventure-filled life of a band on the road courtesy of Traverse City’s emerging national act The Accidentals, who play Grand Rapids’ Founders Brewing Co. this weekend after a grueling year of touring. Earlier this year, they documented their West Coast tour for Local Spins in words and photos.
