Nickel Creek baptizes packed house in Kalamazoo with elite, bluegrass musicianship
The acclaimed trio brought its ‘Celebrants’ tour to Kalamazoo State Theatre on Tuesday and didn’t disappoint. The review and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Category: Photos
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rockford’s Got Talent 2024’s big winners, plus the weekend concert photo roundup
Caleb & Jenna, David Wyatt and Mary Salo won big at Saturday’s 13-act West Michigan contest spotlighting impressive emerging talent. Plus, browse photos from several other weekend concerts across the region, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo.
Americana’s Allison Russell draws standing ovations in Grand Rapids tour stop (Photos)
The ‘powerful, spiritually rooted’ Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter brought her tour behind ‘The Returner’ to Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Tuesday. Browse the Local Spins photos.
Announcements · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Playlists · Videos
Winter wipes out Winter Wheat but Local Spins has the music and Wheatland ’23 memories
The snow-pocalypse has canceled scads of Michigan shows, including Saturday’s 12-band benefit for Wheatland Music Organization. But listen to the music that had been scheduled for the event and relive last summer’s Wheatland festival amid today’s storm thanks to a special Local Spins playlist and photo gallery.
Greensky Bluegrass, Mustard Plug, New Year’s Fest, Nathan Walton, Trifocal: Photo Recaps
Celebrations from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids closed out 2023 and welcomed the New Year over the holiday weekend, from a two-night run by Greensky Bluegrass to a cozy party at Turnstiles and more. View all the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Local Spins’ No. 1 artist & story of 2023: Billy Strings romps, rumbles in all-star homecoming
Our No. 1 artist and story of the year spotlights homegrown bluegrass hero Billy Strings, whose wrestling-themed Halloween spectacle rolled out as an unprecedented, star-studded, five-hour, epic event. Revisit the review, photos, set list and more as Local Spins wraps up its countdown of the Top 20 stories of 2023.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 5): Ageless Ringo Starr awes GR fans with a little help from friends
Ringo and His All Starr Band unleashed a cavalcade of hits for a capacity crowd at DeVos Performance Hall in early October. The review snagged the No. 5 spot in our year-end countdown. Revisit the concert recap, photos and set list.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023: Peter Frampton dazzles Grand Rapids fans in tour kickoff
At No. 6 in our Top 20 of ’23 countdown: The review of classic rock guitarist Peter Frampton’s tour-starting June show at Meijer Gardens that came five decades after his first West Michigan appearance. Revisit the review and photo gallery on Christmas Day.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023: Electric Forest’s radiant spectacle of electronic music, dust and rain
Our countdown of the year’s top stories continues with No. 7 in our Top 20: Revisit Rothbury’s resplendent four-day festival in words and in multiple photo galleries displaying the people, the performers and the unmatched West Michigan setting.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top 20 Stories of ’23: Buddy Guy at 86 bids lively, blazing blues farewell at Meijer Gardens
A capacity amphitheater crowd reveled in the iconic blues guitarist’s farewell performance in Grand Rapids last June. Revisit the 12th most popular Local Spins post of the year.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023: Chris Stapleton, The War & Treaty heat up Van Andel Arena (No. 13)
In early June, a capacity crowd greeted country star Chris Stapleton, with Michigan’s own The War & Treaty and Marcus King also on board. The review was the 13th most popular story of the year. Revisit the coverage, including a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 14): Jason Isbell unfurls guitar glory, anthemic gems at Meijer Gardens
In early August, Isbell & The 400 Unit — with Michigan native Dominic John Davis on bass — electrified fans at Meijer Gardens. The Local Spins review was the 14th most popular post of the year. Revisit the review, photos and set list.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Photos
Local Spins Wednesdays @ SpeakEZ Lounge: The winter 2024 concert lineup reveal
After wrapping up a robust fall slate of mid-week shows, Local Spins today announces the roster of concerts for winter 2024, including the return of “Tribute Month” in February. Michigan artists on tap includes Blue Water Ramblers, Sophia McIntosh, Nicholas Thomasma, Selkie, Cole Hansen, John Sanger, Josh Rose and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Taylor Swift’s Detroit tour stop: No. 19 on Local Spins Top Stories of the Year
The pop superstar’s two-night stand at a sold-out Ford Field featured “The Eras Tour” debut of two songs. The recap, photos and set list made the Top 20 list for 2023 at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
The Local Spins Top 2023 Stories Countdown: Electric Forest’s opening salvo at No. 20
Local Spins today kicks off its countdown of the Top 20 stories of the year, starting with our coverage of Electric Forest’s opening day. The theme? ‘Nobody cares what you do here.’ Indeed, an anything-goes attitude returned to Rothbury with wildly garbed attendees and bass-heavy romps. The recap, photos and video from an iconic Michigan celebration.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
‘Living the dream’ in New Orleans: Michigan-bred tunesmith Natalie Mae revels in NOLA
Local Spins traveled to The Big Easy to soak up its diverse musical vibe and touch base with a Michigander and multi-instrumentalist who’s immersed herself in New Orleans’ ‘astounding’ music scene. Get Natalie Mae’s back story, watch videos and browse a NOLA photo gallery.
Lindsey Stirling flies high in flashy, festive spectacle at Van Andel Arena
The mesmerizing violinist uncorked her holiday ‘Snow Waltz’ show for fans in Grand Rapids on Tuesday amid impressive dance routines and more. Read the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Meshuggah unfurls monolothic, oppressive and layered metal milieu in Grand Rapids tour stop
The Swedish ‘djent’ metal masters delivered “cold savagery balanced with brainy technicianship” at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Sunday. The Local Spins review by John Serba with photos by Anthony Norkus
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Michigan return of The War and Treaty, Over the Rhine: Two warm homecomings
Two bands made triumphant West Michigan appearances over the weekend, with Albion-bred heroes The War & Treaty playing Kalamazoo and the Over the Rhine duo returning yet again to Calvin University, plus Sullivan King playing two straight shows at The Intersection and Arkansauce playing Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe. Get the recaps and browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Jonas Brothers take fans on seamless journey from Disney Channel days to mature pop
The trio of brothers brought their tour Tuesday to a jam-packed Van Andel Arena, creating a nearly three-hour career retrospective. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Photos · Special Offers
2024 Local Spins Calendars: Michigan bands in dazzling concert photos, music festival dates
They’ve arrived — just in time for holiday shopping and for music lovers to embrace Michigan bands while tracking 2024 music festival dates. Get the lowdown and order info on the most eye-catching Local Spins Calendars yet.
Skillet, Vanderpump Rules’ Tom Sandoval, Jerry Douglas, EPCYA light up GR (Photos)
Early-week concerts drew varying crowds at several different venues — Van Andel Arena, The Intersection, St. Cecilia Music Center, The Pyramid Scheme, Midtown — with widely varying musical approaches. Browse the photo galleries and get the concert recaps at Local Spins.
NEEDTOBREATHE rides high in ‘paradise’ created by energetic fans at Van Andel Arena
The pop-rock stars returned to Grand Rapids on Tuesday, touring behind their new album, “Caves,” and regaled 6,000 or so fans with an impressive spectacle. Check out the review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Billy Strings unleashes rock ’n’ bluegrass ‘destruction’ at jam-packed Van Andel Arena
The wrestling-themed Halloween homecoming spectacle for the Michigan-bred bluegrass guitarist was a star-studded, five-hour, epic ‘rumblemania’ event. Review, photos, set list.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Joe Johnson & The Bluebacks win GR’s Blues Challenge, plus the return of Kalamashoegazer
The Holland-based band outpolled four other blues acts to advance to January’s competition in Memphis, with Peter Allen Jensen winning the solo challenge. Plus, check out photos from Saturday’s Kalamashoegazer fest at Bell’s and Conklin Ceili Band’s 25th Anniversary show.
Gruff and Enigmatic Ways: Bob Dylan’s star still shines in Grand Rapids show
The seemingly upbeat 82-year-old legend brought his “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour to DeVos Performance Hall on Saturday, a show that was at once shadowy, unpredictable and characteristic of an evening with Dylan
The Band Camino, We Came As Romans, Lanco: Grand Rapids concert photo recap
Friday night’s tour stops rattled downtown Grand Rapids, from GLC Live at 20 Monroe to The Intersection. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Amos Lee delivers 600 beers to St. Cecilia fans, Dave Bruzza goes solo at Wealthy Theatre
Thursday night in Grand Rapids was special in more ways than one, highlighted by singer-songwriter Amos Lee’s amazing concert and post-show, beer-enhanced sing-along. Photos and video at Local Spins. […]
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: Billy Strings on cusp of stardom in 2015, focusing more on ‘solo stuff’
Local Spins’ “Billy Strings Month” continues with a look back at the young, up-and-coming West Michigan guitarist eight years ago as he prepared to play the cozy Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge. Plus, view a full performance video of Billy Strings & Don Julin from earlier the same year.
With a little help from his friends, Ringo Starr takes Grand Rapids by nostalgic storm
Ringo and His All Starr Band unleashed a cavalcade of hits for a capacity crowd at DeVos Performance Hall on Tuesday night. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
‘A magical year & ultimate music festival vibe’: Kalamazoo Sounds of the Zoo’s perfect ending
Blessed with summer-like weather, Kalamazoo’s seven-day Sounds of the Zoo festival closed out the weekend with a refreshing salvo of diverse music. The recap and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
The Glorious World of Michigan Music: Local Spins on WYCE, Sounds of the Zoo
Today, check out two showcases of local and regional music: The weekly Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast and photos from this week’s Sounds of the Zoo festival in Kalamazoo.
Mid-Week Marvels: Black Veil Brides, St. Paul, Sounds of the Zoo, Lighting Matches (Photos)
It was a hump day unlike any other with fist-pumping affairs at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and Kalamazoo State Theatre, plus the launch of Local Spins Wednesdays and Sounds of the Zoo’s Day 3. Browse the photo galleries from all of the shows at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
McIntosh, Pixley-Fink & Lavender: Sounds of the Zoo launches with impressive verve
The week-long Kalamazoo festival’s opening night boasted diverse, riveting sets at Bell’s Brewery Back Room, with six more days of Michigan music to come. View photos and a video at Local Spins, along with a recap of Monday’s event.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Earthwork Harvest Gathering Revisited: A weekend of healing music, inspiring sets
Last weekend’s festival on Earthwork Farm outside Lake City boasted more than 90 performances by Michigan artists. Local Spins has the recap, photos and a video.
Art for Art’s Sake: The Mars Volta dynamically pushes rock’s boundaries in GR show
The progressive, exploratory rock juggernaut sometimes defied description and didn’t play it safe during Friday’s tour stop at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Guster puts exclamation point on Meijer Gardens summer series with upbeat flair
The long-running, Boston-bred alterna-rockers closed out the amphitheater’s most successful season on Friday with an energetic set for a sold-out audience. The review, photos and setlist.
Lauren Daigle, GRiZ, PUP and Michigan Irish Music Fest: Concert Photo Recaps
Only Local Spins boasts such a diverse round-up of early-week shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Muskegon. Browse the photo galleries from a last-summer volley of live music.
Place of healing, musical gems & memorable stories: Wheatland Music Festival revisited
Last weekend’s performance-packed 50th anniversary celebration of Wheatland offered attendees national and regional acts, camaraderie, great weather and more. The recap in words and photos at Local Spins. Plus, browse photos from other September concerts in West Michigan.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Hastings’ Fair Ground Festival revels under sunny skies, upbeat sets (+ a Holler Fest recap)
The Accidentals, The Crane Wives, Ruthie Foster, Joseph and more electrified 700-plus attendees at the inaugural event on Sunday. Get the recap, photo gallery and video, along with images from the weekend’s Holler Fest in Jackson County.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Roosevelt Diggs wins second Rotary Rocks band battle raising funds for ShelterBox
The West Michigan Americana band topped Low Phase and Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions as part of the friendly competition and one-day festival hosted by Rockford’s Rotary Club. Get the recap and photos at Local Spins.
Ralston Bowles & Friends bid summer adieu on ‘high note’ with all-star Tuesday splash
An impressive cast of regional musicians joined the singer-songwriter for the next-to-last Tuesday Evening Music Club show of 2023. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Hoxeyville 2023 Revisited: Smokin’ hot music, esprit de corps & an exploding lighter
Thousands of festivalgoers romped amid Wellston’s oasis in the Manistee National Forest, cheering Marcus King, Molly Tuttle, Full Cord, Lindsay Lou, The Crane Wives and a revamped Airborne or Aquatic. Highlights, photos and video at Local Spins.
Singer Joss Stone unfurls ‘actual magic’ amid ‘lovely little vibe’ of Meijer Gardens
The soulful English singer made her amphitheater debut on Sunday night, celebrating two decades of her music. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Deadmau5 revs things up (during and after) Breakaway Fest, Porter Robinson impresses
With humidity rising, so did anticipation of festivalgoers for mega-stars Saturday at Grand Rapids’ Breakaway, with Deadmau5’s alter-ego unleashing a ‘chest-crushing’ techno set at The Intersection’s after-party. Check out highlights from the second day of Breakaway, along with two photo galleries and a video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Tiesto, RL Grime spark potent, spirited Day 1 blast at Grand Rapids’ Breakaway Festival
With a mammoth crowd on hand, Friday’s opening-day volley of electronic music at Belknap Park delivered hill-rattling bass and awe-inspiring sets. The recap, photo gallery and video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Maren Morris energizes West Michigan fans singing surprise duet with hubby Ryan Hurd
Fans at Friday’s sold-out Meijer Gardens show got a special treat when the Kalamazoo-bred Hurd joined the country/pop singer on stage. The review of her18-song show, photos and set list at Local Spins
The Chicks soar (and make a statement) in GR; The Swell Season entrances Meijer Gardens
Thursday night brought two much-respected international touring acts to Grand Rapids — The Chicks at Van Andel Arena and Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of The Swell Season to Meijer Gardens. The reviews and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Three Dog Night comes to ‘Celebrate’ and ‘Play Something Sweet’ for nostalgic GR fans
The enduringly popular 1970s band delivered a cavalcade of hits — and one new song — during their return Sunday to Meijer Gardens, led by 80-year-old Danny Hutton. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Announcements · Photos · Summer Festivals
Pocket Watch wins Grand Haven’s 2023 Walk the Beat amid sun-splashed milieu
The up-and-coming, jazz-fueled Grand Rapids band outpolled more than 50 other Michigan acts performing on Saturday while music lovers strolled outdoor venues in the lakeshore town. The story and photos.
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