Concert reviews · Photos

Slayer batters Grand Rapids in final, brutal, bombastic, loud-as-hell metal flurry

• August 8, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Vince Gill weaves spellbinding evening of yarns, laughs, poignant tunes, beguiling vocals

• August 7, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Concerts-in-Review Photo Roundup: Joywave, SuperPartyWonderDay, Kalamazoo Ribfest, Organissimo, Styx, John Proulx

• August 6, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Ben Folds rocks Cannonsburg symphonically for picture-perfect Picnic Pops finale

• August 4, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Melvins rock Grand Rapids in mighty, tight, head-scratchingly brilliant fashion

• August 3, 2018

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

• July 31, 2018

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

• July 29, 2018

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

• July 29, 2018

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.

Live at River City · Photos · Videos

Conrad Shock + The Noise: HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios

• July 27, 2018

The latest live-streamed performance at River City oozed artful, original blues-edged music from the Grand Rapids band which is getting ready to release its next studio album later this year. Watch the video of Conrad Shock + The Noise’s in-studio session and check out the photos at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Beaver Island Music Festival 2018 Revisited: Michigan’s best-kept musical secret

• July 25, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

L7 gets lean, loud, vicious and unapologetically raucous in Grand Rapids tour stop

• July 24, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Concerts-in-Review Photos: A$AP Ferg, Faster Horses Fest, Black Label Society, Seth Bernard, Japanese Breakfast, May Erlewine

• July 22, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Joe Jackson’s Grand Rapids debut sees him ‘Steppin’ Out’ with career-spanning gems

• July 21, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Shania Twain delivers glitz, glam and a dash of country in Grand Rapids tour stop

• July 19, 2018

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

• July 18, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Concerts-in-Review: Flame Fest, Louie’s 100th, Our Lady Peace, Soul Syndicate, Kathy Lamar, Kalamazoo Blues Fest

• July 15, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Patti LaBelle beguiles Meijer Gardens as radiant goddess of soul

• July 14, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

The Pretenders, Tunde Olaniran, Kalamazoo Blues Fest heat up West Michigan (Photos)

• July 13, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Global citizen Michael Franti brings interactive sunshine, uplifting zest to familiar venue

• July 9, 2018

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

• July 8, 2018

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

• July 6, 2018

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

• July 5, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Hot times spark hot music from Rachel Curtis, Hannah Rose, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band

• July 4, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Kaleo delivers high-powered Grand Rapids show, plus Yes, Helmet, Kevin Krauter, more

• July 2, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Blondie plays it cool in spite of stifling heat, humidity at Meijer Gardens

• June 30, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Yes at 50 shows off musical muscle in first Michigan show; plays Grand Rapids tonight

• June 29, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Herbie Hancock fires up ‘space machine,’ boundary-pushing jazz at Meijer Gardens

• June 28, 2018

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

• June 25, 2018

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.

Photos · Videos

The Week in Photos, Videos: Langhorne Slim, The Accidentals, Jake Kershaw, Lanco, The Turnips, El Brandino

• June 24, 2018

Beyond festivals like Electric Forest and the Grand River Water Festival, West Michigan enjoyed a wide variety of musical marvels. Check out the Local Spins photos and videos.

Photos · Summer Festivals

Grand River Water Festival delivers music and message: ‘Important to take care of the earth’

• June 24, 2018

Saturday’s Grand River Water Festival at Grand Rapids’ Riverside Park served up sets from a diverse range of Michigan acts while celebrating and promoting efforts to improve water quality. Get the recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Electric Forest’s opening day sizzles with electronic trippiness, jam fervor, hippie vibe

• June 22, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Fueled by familiarity, Seal serves up fresh renditions of classics at Meijer Gardens

• June 21, 2018

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’

• June 19, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Alison Krauss brings gospel heat wave to Sunday’s Meijer Gardens show

• June 18, 2018

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.

Photos · Summer Festivals

Pride Festival exudes joy, energy, spirit for lively crowd at Grand Rapids’ Calder Plaza

• June 17, 2018

From drag queens and kings to lively performances by Betty Who, David Hernandez, En Vogue and more, Saturday’s Grand Rapids Pride Festival proved to be a colorful expression of freedom and individuality. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Founders Fest heats up Grand Rapids streets with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, sun, beer

• June 17, 2018

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

• June 16, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Brandi Carlile and band offer up catharsis, catchy tunes in Grand Rapids tour stop

• June 14, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Jackson Browne enchants fans at Meijer Gardens: The Local Spins Photo Gallery

• June 7, 2018

Browse images from Wednesday’s sold-out concert starring the iconic Jackson Browne with his band and check out a set list from the Meijer Gardens tour stop.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Camp Greensky Revisited: First-year Michigan festival awes music fans

• June 5, 2018

Hosted by Greensky Bluegrass, which played all three days with all-star sit-ins from Billy Strings, Mike Gordon and others, the inaugural northern Michigan festival hit all the right notes with festival-goers. Relive the weekend in a Local Spins recap by writer Ryan Boldrey, and photo gallery and video by Anna Sink.

Concert reviews · Photos

The Decemberists charm sold-out sea of roustabouts and rakes in Grand Rapids

• June 5, 2018

The Portland folk-rock heroes enthusiastically powered through an engaging set of old hits and new at Meijer Gardens on Monday, in spite of frontman’s recent vocal strain. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

‘Empress of Soul’ Gladys Knight warms chilly evening at Meijer Gardens with lessons of love

• June 4, 2018

The second Meijer Gardens show of the 2018 season delivered heartfelt classics from a legendary singer, with help from opener Rachel Curtis. Read the review, browse the photo gallery, check out the set list from Sunday night’s show at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

B93 Birthday Bash shines at Fifth Third Ballpark with Rascal Flatts

• June 3, 2018

The one-day country music celebration in a new location fired up thousands on a sunny Saturday with sets by Rascal Flatts, Gary Allan, Morgan Evans and more. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Grand Rapids’ Festival takes it to the streets – and stages – for sunny Day 1

• June 2, 2018

‘A great place to share peace and love and spread music’: An apropos theme for the opening day of a revamped Festival of the Arts 2018 in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the Local Spins story, photo gallery and some video highlights from the first day’s performances.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Tedeschi Trucks Band impresses in rain-shortened, opening Meijer Gardens show

• May 31, 2018

The summer’s first concert in the renovated Meijer Gardens amphitheater had to tangle with Mother Nature, but Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and crew jammed on with a robust, fan-pleasing performance. Read the Local Spins review of the show (and the amphitheater improvements), browse a photo gallery, scan the set list.

Breaking music news · Photos

What You Missed: Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit, Movement revisited and more

• May 29, 2018

Tied up or out of town for Memorial Day weekend? Here’s a recap of some musical magic you may have missed, courtesy of Local Spins and media outlets elsewhere across Michigan. Check out links to coverage of Movement, Bled Fest and more.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Bus-ting out summer fun: Bus Benefit revs up lakeshore with Lipstick Jodi, Nicholas James

• May 26, 2018

The Memorial Day weekend music fest in West Olive hosted by Buses by the Beach kicked off Friday with gorgeous weather, eclectic music and VW bus camaraderie. Get the recap and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins, where you can also find the music schedule for Saturday and Sunday.

Concert reviews · Photos

Yonder Mountain String Band, Pokey LaFarge, Albert Cummings fire up diverse mix for St. Joe’s BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass fest

• May 20, 2018

Saturday’s event in Whirlpool Centennial Park dodged the rain to entertain a big crowd with sets by Yonder Mountain String Band, Albert Cummings, Pokey LaFarge, Appleseed Collective and The Grascals. Read the recap, check out the photos at Local Spins.

Live at River City · Photos · Videos

Paradise Outlaw rocks River City: The HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios session

• May 16, 2018

The Southern rock-fueled Grand Rapids band fired up the latest edition of the studio series. Watch this week’s performance, listen to the interview, browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Steppin’ In It launches Michigan reunion tour with robust, nostalgic, packed Lansing jams

• May 16, 2018

The beloved band featuring Joshua Davis and Dominic John Davis revved up enthused sold-out crowds in the first two nights at the legendary Green Door with several more shows across the state still to come this week. Read the Local Spins review by Ryan Boldrey, browse the photo gallery by Jon Rosenberger, check out some video highlights.