Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Friday night’s competition at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew a packed house for sets by six Michigan acts seeking a performance slot in the March festival. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
West Michigan ushered in 2020 with the bluegrass brilliance of Billy Strings, an outdoor Pop Evil party, Manic Focus, 20 Monroe Live’s Resolution Ball, Kalamazoo’s New Year’s Fest and more captured in photos and videos at Local Spins, with a full review of Billy Strings’ homecoming show.
The No. 2 story in Local Spins’ countdown of the top stories of 2019 was a sad one: The vibrant leader of Southwest Michigan’s Dacia Bridges Project was found dead outside Traverse City in August, sparking tributes from across the globe.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Even country star Brantley Gilbert calls her a ‘badass’ singer. Local Spins’ spotlight on the mid-Michigan favorite with a bright future proved to be among the most-read stories of the year. Revisit the story, photo galleries and videos at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins’ countdown of the year’s top music stories continues with a behind-the-scenes look into The Who’s elaborate Van Andel Arena show in May, thanks to lighting designer and creative director Tom Kenny who also expressed love for “the local orchestra.” Get insights into the show in this Local Spins Rewind feature, with a link to the full review of the GR concert.
The Local Spins review of Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra spectacle of nostalgic hits at Van Andel Arena in July was one of the website’s most-read stories of the year. Revisit the review, the photo gallery and set list at Local Spins as we continue our countdown of the top music stories of 2019.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
The gracious, operatic pop singer unfurled a wide-ranging set for fans in mid-June at a near-capacity Van Andel Arena. The review was the ninth most popular post at Local Spins in 2019. Check out the concert recap and photo gallery.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Today, Local Spins starts its year-end countdown of the Top 10 most-read stories of the year, starting with a tribute to a Grand Rapids rock icon who passed away in late 2018. The story, photos and video for the No. 10 entry of the year.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The cozy West Michigan restaurant and concert venue has hosted a who’s who roster of regional stars over the years and aims to continue that mission. Get the back story on this special performance space, along with a photo gallery.
Calvin University’s ‘house band’ returned to Grand Rapids on Friday for a moving show that was all about honoring Heffner, who’s retiring as student activities director and Calvin’s concert honcho. The review and photos at Local Spins.
The two-night Thanksgiving weekend stand at State Theatre unleashed epic sets and memorable riffs. Enjoy the review and photo gallery at Local Spins, along with Friday’s set list.
As one of the busiest bar nights of the year, Wednesday’s pre-Thanksgiving celebration lit up stages with live music gems from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The photo roundup at Local Spins, including Tuesday’s wild Ski Mask the Slump God tour stop at 20 Monroe Live.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Sav and Katie of The Accidentals, Megan Slankard and Stephie James delivered a moving, personal and intimate “Time Out” showcase of their music on a night that also featured the official release of a new Michigan-focused double-album for a good cause. Relive the evening in this Local Spins review, with photos and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Grammy-nominated band of virtuosos made a tour stop Wednesday at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, impressing a small but approving crowd. They play Petoskey, Interlochen and Ann Arbor next. Peruse the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
The emerging country artist got ‘chills to the bone’ during the ‘absolutely amazing’ cruise when her band performed along with other stars. Get the Local Spins recap on Sadie Bass’ recent cruise experience along with exclusive photos by Eric Stoike.
Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos attended David Bazan’s weekend concerts at Listening Room and he spent time with the noted singer-songwriter. This is his report, with photos by Kendra Petersen-Kamp.
The ‘Mexo-Americana’ group and singer-songwriter Heather Maloney earned a warm welcome from fans who braved early season snow to attend Wednesday night’s concert at the downtown venue. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Led by Jeff Tweedy, the band made the most of its 20 Monroe Live debut on Monday as it tours behind a new album while giving a nod to Wilco classics. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Formed by Grand Haven’s David Palmer, Five Strand Fusion recently selected Ada’s Skylar Mayton as its lead vocalist via an ‘American Idol’-styled audition. Get the back story on this emerging young band, which hopes to play its first concert next year.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
That “Little Ol’ Band from Texas” revved up fans Wednesday at Wings Event Center with hits ranging from “Got Me Under Pressure” to “Legs” to “Tush.” Pittsburgh’s Ghost Hounds got things started. The show recap, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Hundreds of folk-hued artists in town for the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference have created an ear-pleasing smorgasbord of music. Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos sampled some of the offerings.
After the first concert was washed out by rain, country stars Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell and Mitchell Tenpenny on Thursday finally rocked Stafford Farms in Richland. Read the review, peruse the photos at Local Spins.
The piano-pounding phenom brought his always-unique, one-of-a-kind spectacle to State Theatre in Kalamazoo on Wednesday. Get the concert recap, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
A near-capacity crowd packed the cozy downtown venue Wednesday, with fans praising the acoustics and atmosphere. Check out the story and review of the new venue, along with a photo gallery and video at Local Spins.
After a five-year hiatus, the blues-rock duo from Akron charmed an enthused Van Andel Arena crowd on Tuesday in a triumphant return to West Michigan, with Modest Mouse and Jessy Wilson opening the show. Read the review, peruse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Features · Kalamazoo · Photos
The third annual Great Lakes Music Camp along the Lake Michigan shoreline drew dozens of ‘pupils’ for workshops and even more acoustic music fans for a packed Saturday night concert starring instructors. In Kalamazoo, meanwhile, the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association also celebrated acoustic glory at its GLAMA-versary event. Story and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Country star Eric Church played two straight nights at Van Andel Arena, giving lots of shout-outs to GR, with Shinedown and other stars also unleashing fan-pleasing shows across West Michigan, which is celebrating fall in festive fashion — including Pulaski Days at Grand Rapids clubs. The Eric Church concert recap, plus a full photo roundup at Local Spins.
Thursday night’s concert offerings in Grand Rapids boasted fan-pleasing shows by an acclaimed singer, a revered guitarist, and Colorado and U.K. indie-rock faves. Get the recap of this special Thursday at three different venues in recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The ArtPrize Project 1 installation is hosting DJs, bands, poets and more this fall in a unique multi-level venue in an old warehouse complex on Grand Rapids’ West Side. Kyd Kane, J. Oscar Bittinger, Lady Ace Boogie and more take the stage this weekend.
Led by Timothy Showalter, the Philly-based band made a memorable tour stop at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, with Showalter’s mom even making a guest appearance. Find the review and photo gallery, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Last weekend’s Earthwork Harvest Gathering endured rainy weather to roll out a host of memorable performances by Michigan artists for a record crowd, not to mention a wedding and more. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The season-ending Lake City-area music festival drew hundreds of musicians and thousands of revelers for an opening salvo of magical experiences. Check out the first-day highlights and a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Despite a few imperfect moments and an early departure by some attendees, Wednesday’s collaborative performance served up fresh and captivating songs. Get the review and a photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Saturday’s Backyard Bash outside the Comstock Park brewery drew thousands for sets by Jake Kershaw, The Hacky Turtles, Paradise Outlaw, Hollywood Makeout and Kozmic Mama. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Wednesday’s strong, late-summer storm forced the venue to cancel season’s penultimate show before the headliners could take the stage for their 40th anniversary tour appearance. Berlin and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark did manage to play short sets before the rain hit. Recap and photos at Local Spins. And get details about Meijer Gardens’ refund policy for this show.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The 46th edition of this much-admired Michigan music festival rolled out last weekend with a hefty slate of national and regional roots music stars. The recap by Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos, with photos by Anna Sink.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The Way Down Wanderers and Arkansauce also performed Saturday at the Earth’s Edge/Courtyard Concerts event in Mill Point Park. Get the recap and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
With a politically conscious new record releasing in four weeks, the North Carolina folk/rock band was ready to connect with a modest-but-enthused audience. Check out the review of Friday night’s show at Local Spins. along with a photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
The North Carolina indie-folk group made its Meijer Gardens debut on Wednesday, touring behind its latest studio album. Check out the review and a photo gallery, plus a Local Spins Q&A with the band.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
With Ralston & The Family, The Strike Percussion Ensemble and Samuel Nalangira providing musical diversity on a picture-perfect night at Meijer Gardens, the last show of the summer series was a memorable one. The concert recap, photo gallery and video, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The third year of the regional music fest unfurled last weekend in Sidney north of Grand Rapids. Local Spins asked some of the performers to pick their favorite experiences, with a photo gallery by Anna Sink.
The rock-reggae musician and peace activist infused his trademark optimism and compassion into extra-long set Friday at the outdoor amphitheater. Concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The Hoxeyville Music Festival in the Manistee National Forest near Wellston wrapped up Sunday with two memorable sets by bluegrass star Billy Strings. But Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos found plenty more to like about Hoxey 2019, with photos by Anna Sink.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The first day of GRandJazzFest 2019 at Rosa Parks Circle brought brilliant summer weather and brilliant musicianship with crowds growing into the evening to celebrate the final sets of the day. The recap, photo gallery and a video at Local Spins. The festival continues Sunday.
Led by guitar hero Brian Setzer, the rockabilly trio fired up new and old classics with gusto for a sold-out crowd Thursday night at Meijer Gardens. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
The co-headlining pair of touring artists teamed up at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday for crowd-pleasing sets. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The Bootstrap Boys, Fauxgrass, Mark Lavengood, Desmond Jones, Trifocal, Melophobix and more were just some of the highlights from a Cowpie fest that may have been the best yet. Browse the photos, watch the videos, read the recap of the weekend on Shagbark Farm.
With 46 bands playing 23 venues on Saturday, the unusual Walk the Beat event returned to this lakeshore community after a one-year hiaturs and boasted another first: a tie for second place. Get the complete lowdown with a photo gallery at Local Spins.
The iconic former frontman of Yes brought his national tour to 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids on Thursday to regale diehard prog-rock fans. and he didn’t disappoint. Check out the review by writer Ross Boissoneau, with photo gallery by Anthony Norkus.
The award-winning, iconic Canadian singer brought heartfelt stories of life’s lessons Thursday to Meijer Gardens on a picturesque summer night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
