Night of Heavenly Voices: The Lone Bellow and Lindsay Lou cast spell at St. Cecilia
It was a night of captivating vocals in Grand Rapids on Thursday, as well as heartfelt stories and inspiring songs. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Category: Photos
Father John Misty portends ‘Next 20th Century’ in lush, seductive Grand Rapids tour stop
The Maryland indie-rock/folk-rock singer-songwriter played to a capacity crowd at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Tuesday, part of his tour with Butch Bastard. The photos and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The ‘church’ of The War and Treaty delivers uplifting musical sermon in GR homecoming
Electrifying a jam-packed Stache inside Grand Rapids’ The Intersection on Thursday, the duo with a top-shelf backing band rocked the house in emotional fashion. The review, photos and video at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Djangophonique, Kayla King, Accidentals, Molly snag wins at Michigan Music Video Awards
The Saturday celebration at Marshall’s Franke Center for the Arts also produced wins for Josiah C. Baker, Willy FoTang and several other Michigan acts, with performances by Baker, Lokella, Phabies and Kait Rose. View the winners’ list, check out their videos and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Snarky Puppy daringly jazzes up Kalamazoo + Queensrÿche, Protomartyr, Los Elegantes
The Grammy-winning outfit gave fans at State Theatre a visually enhanced dose of boundary-pushing charm, plus check out our photo recaps of weekend shows ranging from heavy metal to EDM to post-punk and more. The Snarky Puppy review and concert photo galleries at Local Spins.
Brass Transit gets fans ‘Feelin’ Stronger’ about Chicago at GR Symphony concert
Saturday’s greatest hits display by the Chicago tribute band uncorked old favorites from the platinum-selling classic rock group in symphonic fashion. The concert recap and photos at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Photos · Videos
Groovy, funky Short Panic wins The Stray’s 2023 Battle of the Bands
The band formed by Grand Rapids Community College music students outpolled West Michigan’s Cordero and Pocket Watch during Saturday’s finals to take home the crown. The recap, photo gallery and some video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
The Rebel Eves super-group: Creating ‘heaven’ and acceptance with ‘killer harmonies’
The vibrant combination of Michigan songwriters Grace Theisen, Katie Pederson and Jilian Linklater is turning heads with a mission of empowering women in music. The Local Spins Q&A with the up-and-coming trio, a video and photo gallery.
St. Patrick’s Shenanigans: Snowy Irish on Ionia in Grand Rapids draws throngs of revelers
Temps in the 20s, snow flurries and stiff breezes didn’t thwart thousands of attendees from packing the return of downtown’s Irish on Ionia, which also boasted chilly, jig-inciting sets by Celtic bands and DJs. View the photo gallery and video.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
Female Michigan super-group toasts Women’s Day with blazing ‘I Love Rock ’n’ Roll’ video
Recorded at Grand Haven’s Third Coast Recording, the cover of the iconic song features 14 female singers and musicians from across the state. Get the back story, watch the video and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Thousands cheer joyous vulnerability of TobyMac, other Christian music stars
Sunday night’s tour stop at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids featured a host of inspirational artists, including West Michigan’s own George Moss. The Local Spins review, photos and set list.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
‘Such a unique event’: Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival strums up eclectic Saturday of music
Saturday’s free event at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew hundreds of fans, luthiers and musicians, including guitar virtuosos Fareed Haque & Goran Ivanovic. The recap, photo gallery and video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
WYCE Jammie Awards 2023 Highlights: Love, incredible Michigan music, ‘unreal energy’
West Michigan music lovers gathered in huge numbers at The Intersection on Friday night for the 23rd edition of the Jammie Awards, with 19 acts firing up three stages. Photos, video highlights and more at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Djangophonique, Nathan Walton, Major Murphy big winners at 2023 Jammie Awards
West Michigan’s ‘biggest night of music’ packed The Intersection with performances by 19 acts on three stages, with the year’s best releases, artists and industry leaders honored by WYCE, Local Spins and Michigan Music Alliance. View a list of all the winners, get a recap of the evening’s festivities and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Back Home: Greensky Bluegrass lights psychedelic fuse for ardent Grand Rapids fans
Despite the blustery storm of ice and snow outside Wednesday night, the Kalamazoo-bred bluegrass powerhouse packed The Intersection for a long evening of entrancing jams. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Artemis super-group brings winter flurry of jazz delights to Grand Rapids
New York’s all-female jazz ensemble delivered a rare, awe-inspiring set Thursday night at St. Cecilia Music Center. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Gregory Alan Isakov and band unfurl striking songs, heavenly harmonies in Kalamazoo
Wednesday’s concert at Kalamazoo State Theatre displayed the riveting power of the singer-songwriter’s acclaimed catalog. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
‘No Bad News’: Patty Griffin ends weekend with poignant St. Cecilia sellout show
The award-winning singer-songwriter performed as part of a trio on Sunday night, with Parker Millsap getting the evening started. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Latin jazz, Celtic music marvels, blistering blues spark Sunday serenades: Photos
A pair of new global music concert series kicked off on Sunday in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, with a healthy helping of blues to boot in both cities. The photos and more at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 2): Elvis Costello launches tour in GR with fan-pleasing aplomb
The first stop on the legendary British rock artist’s U.S. tour got plenty of attention from fans across the globe in August, making it the No. 2 most-read story of the year at Local Spins. Revisit that special opening night, view a photo gallery and browse the set list.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 3): Fervent Grand Rapids fans revel in Journey’s ‘big’ arena show
The No. 3 story of the year at Local Spins was our review of a much-delayed, much-anticipated concert: Journey’s return to Van Andel Arena in early May. Revisit it today.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 9): Faster Horses, Drive-By Truckers and Walk the Beat rev up July
The countdown of Local Spins’ most-read stories of the year hits No. 9 today with the recap of a busy summer weekend that featured Faster Horses, Drive-By Truckers, Walk the Beat and more. Revisit the late July roundup in words and photos.
Audio · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of the Year: Billy Strings tops charts, wows homestate fans (No. 12)
The countdown of Local Spins’ most-read stories of 2022 begins today with our coverage of Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings at No. 12. Ogle a photo gallery and see what stories came in just behind that in our year-end countdown.
From ‘Exit Wounds’ to ‘One Headlight,’ The Wallflowers drive it home in Grand Rapids
Jakob Dylan and company brought the tour behind their latest album to GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Thursday, with Michigan’s own Brother Elsey getting the night started. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Seven Steps Up ends run with ‘bittersweet’ finale by songwriter Stephen Kellogg
Celebrating a great final ‘adventure’: The Spring Lake listening room hosted its last concert on Saturday, an emotional sold-out affair staged now that the building has been sold. Check out the recap and browse photos at Local Spins.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
A ‘Beacon of Hope’ Extinguished: Seven Steps Up hosts final concerts this weekend
After 11 years in Spring Lake, owner Michelle Hanks will close the much-beloved listening room following sold-out shows Friday and Saturday, ending a too-brief era of memorable live music. The back story, videos and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
Lansing indie-folk act The Dangling Participles dive deep for ‘One More Drop’ release
The band officially released its new studio album Friday night with a performance at Lansing’s UrbanBeat. Get the back story on the quartet, view a music video and browse photos at Local Spins.
Mat Kearney delivers engaging tales, genre-mixing charm in return to Grand Rapids
Playing a sold-out show Friday at St. Cecilia Music Center, the revered singer-songwriter played 20 of his fan-pleasing songs over 100-plus minutes. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Puscifer probes depths of vaudevillian, sci-fi, electro-rock, multimedia spectacles in GR show
Led by one-time Grand Rapidian Maynard James Keenan, the rock band brought its theatrical schtick to DeVos Performance Hall on Tuesday. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows
The revival of W. Michigan’s open-mic meccas: Founders, Park Theatre, Midtown and more
COVID ravaged the region’s open-mic scene. While some venues still haven’t joined the fray, many open-mic nights are back and rocking stages. The lowdown at Local Spins, along with a link to a listing of dozens of area open-mic sessions.
Billy Strings heats up scorching, rock-fueled bluegrass for Michigan homecoming
Ionia County’s favorite bluegrass son pumped up thousands of fans in Kalamazoo on Thursday, followed by another home-state show in Saginaw tonight. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
The Ultimate Halloween Playlist: ‘Pumpkin Queen’ Jennifer Bartlett’s Top 11 Eerie Gems
Jennifer Bartlett of the haunting Grand Rapids rock band Lokella lives and breathes Halloween. So, Local Spins asked her to curate what could be the creepiest Halloween playlist ever. Really. Listen … but leave the lights on.
Lighting Up Stages: Chelsea Cutler, The Wood Brothers, Tropidelic, Lucero and more
The live music weekend kicked off early in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, with pop, bluesy-folk, reggae, alt-country and the first rock show at SpeakEZ Lounge in more than five months. Browse all the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Photos · Videos
Artist to Watch: West Michigan’s Myron Elkins emerging as intriguing new voice of Americana
The Otsego product now based in Nashville has signed with Elektra Records, toured with Kaleo and Lucero, and aims to release a new album in early 2023. Get the back story on Elkins and watch a video of him performing his latest single. He plays Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids on Friday.
Kurt Vile closes Bell’s Beer Garden with indie-rock faves, plus Dopapod in Grand Rapids
West Michigan’s weekend of live music wrapped up with the final salvo in an outdoor concert series in Kalamazoo and some light-festooned jams in Grand Rapids. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Rochelle and The Spoilers win Grand Rapids Blues Challenge to qualify for Memphis finals
The seasoned Grand Rapids blues outfit outpolled four other West Michigan bands to take home the top prize in Sunday’s competition hosted by the West Michigan Blues Society at Billy’s Lounge. Learn more and check out photos at Local Spins.
Grand Rapids Concert Photo Recaps: Tech N9ne, Cooper Alan, Blunts & Blondes
Local Spins presents bonus coverage of recent Grand Rapids concerts — hip hop, country, dubstep — from a mid-October flurry of tour stops.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
The Verve Pipe closes chilly ‘October on Ottawa’ fest with alt-rock flourish
Our weekend concert recap focuses on Saturday’s inaugural downtown street fest that also boasted sets by Kari Lynch, Melophobix and more. Plus, view photos from Joe Satriani’s tour stop Friday at State Theatre in Kalamazoo.
Chloe Moriondo draws ‘Popstar’ zeal, plus Ani DiFranco, Rodriguez/Martinez (Photo Recaps)
Beyond a revved-up full house at The Pyramid Scheme, the weekend launched with a Kalamazoo tour stop by Ani DiFranco, a jazz duo at St. Cecilia and a music release by Second Hand Drugs. View the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Kalamazoo’s Sounds of the Zoo wraps up amid sunshine and ‘sense of community’
From Spanish-infused rock to soul to folk to hip hop, the inaugural music festival reveled in good weather and an upbeat vibe. The recap and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Sounds of the Zoo unfurls kaleidoscopic musical colors for mid-week shows
The first-year festival pumped up three different Kalamazoo venues Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday — and Local Spins was there to capture the action in words and photos.
Bad Bad Hats create quirky, relatable charm at Grand Rapids tour stop
Nashville’s Wildermiss and Grand Rapids’ Phabies joined the indie pop-rock band for Tuesday’s concert at Calvin University. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Funk, hip hop, rock light fuse for first-ever Sounds of the Zoo festival in Kalamazoo
The Mainstays, DC, DJ Boogie and The Incantations made it a manic Monday at Bell’s Brewery, kicking off the inaugural Sounds of the Zoo with an eclectic blast. View the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Keith Urban, Apocalyptica, Joe Hertler, Mary Gauthier, Oktoberfest fire up fall (Photos)
The kickoff to autumn 2022 had it all: country, folk, symphonic metal, Americana, soulful pop and German party music. Local Spins revisits the action in words and photos.
Breaking music news · Photos · Videos
Michigan country singer Sadie Bass turns heads – and chairs – on ‘The Voice’
Hailing from Bath, Mich., the fast-rising country singer made a splash on the NBC show Tuesday and will advance to the next round. The story, video and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Healing Reunion: Highlights from Earthwork Harvest Gathering 2022 (Photos, Video)
The return of last weekend’s Earthwork Harvest Gathering festival outside Lake City after a COVID hiatus was a Michigan-bred, music-filled celebration of love and community. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights, exclusively at Local Spins.
Juke Box Heroes: Foreigner caps Meijer Gardens season with vintage rock flourish
Playing amid mild temperatures and regaling a sold-out crowd, classic rock’s Foreigner delivered the outdoor amphitheater’s final punch of summer. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
‘Beloved’: A moving Grand Rapids Symphony swan song; Paula Cole impresses Forest Hills FAC
GR Symphony opened its season with passion, a premiere and one of the final concerts for a beloved percussionist, on the same night that iconic songwriters held court for a new series in Forest Hills. The concert reviews and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Goo Goo Dolls prove at Meijer Gardens that Michigan ‘really loves rock ‘n’ roll’
Rolling out big hits such as “Iris,” “Slide” and “Black Balloon,” the New York rockers fired up a capacity crowd Thursday in the next-to-last Meijer Gardens concert of 2022. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
‘Sacred Ground’: Highlights from Wheatland 2022’s revelry, energy, musical prowess
The return of the beloved Wheatland Music Festival for the first time in three years outside Remus last weekend electrified fans and bands alike. Revisit the action in words, photos and video.
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