Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The intimate venue and craft brewery has become a key part of the Southwest Michigan city’s growing arts community, while shining a spotlight on regional stars and homegrown talent. And it hosts its first Firkin Fest later this spring. Learn more about the hot spot in this Local Spins Venue Spotlight as well as the new Earthwork Music concert series.
It’s Women’s History Month and Kalamazoo will get a dose of potent female-driven hip hop via a pair of West Michigan stars. And Lady Ace Boogie follows up by hosting another hip-hop showcase Saturday in Grand Rapids. Get the back story, watch videos at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Show announcements include the April return to Elevation of Jake’s Music Festival and the summer 2019 Picnic Pops lineup, featuring acts ranging from pianist Rich Ridenour to Nashville songwriters. Get the details and full lineups at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
A movie filmed in Michigan will be part of the pop-laced indie-rock band’s April tour behind its sophomore recording. Grand Rapids gets a sneak preview of the new music Tuesday night at The Pyramid Scheme. Learn more about this unique project and watch the video for In the Valley Below’s new single/movie trailer.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Mid-March also brings us In the Valley Below, LadyFest GR, Pink Sky, Lady Ace Boogie, Dan Rickabus, Desmond Jones, Trevor Hall and much more. And see how you can win concert tickets to two different shows at The Pyramid Scheme this week.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The three-day festival in mid-July will take place at Heritage Landing and also feature sets by Warrant and Jessie G. Tickets go on sale later this month.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
St. Patrick’s Day revelry is everywhere, but the week also sizzles with Tab Benoit, Kyle Hollingsworth, Blackberry Smoke, The Flesh Eaters, Vienna Boys Choir, Amy Lavere, Mustard Plug, The Outer Vibe, Domestic Problems and more. See how you can win tickets to the giant Irish on Ionia party and peruse our riveting Under-the-Radar Picks.
With Metallica returning to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, Local Spins asked resident metal correspondent John Serba to create a career-spanning playlist “in the spirit of giddy, nostalgic anticipation” and to warm up fans for the big sold-out show. Enjoy.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
More than a dozen Michigan acts will face off in four cities this spring, vying for a performance slot in August’s Cowpie Music Festival. Get the full lineup and contest schedule at Local Spins.
Rock’s flamboyant blood-spitters make a ‘farewell’ tour stop at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Saturday. That means it’s time to unleash a John Serba playlist of KISS classics, the[…]
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The concert week also features Moneybagg Yo, The Crystal Method, Brother Elsey & Jack Droppers in a pre-SXSW preview show, Gibbz, Runa and much, much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Local H, with Valentiger and Slumlord Radio.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With the California alt-rock band making a Grand Rapids tour stop Saturday, Local Spins chatted with bassist Tim Foreman about the group’s early days, its recent hiatus, the new studio album, the process of healing and connecting with fans. And check out the band’s video for “Native Tongue.”
Festivals · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
The festival kicks off Friday night with a concert by Shari Kane and Dave Steele at Kalamazoo Valley Museum, followed by Saturday’s day-long affair with 15 acts on three stages, vendors, workshops and “pop-up” shows. Get the lowdown and the full Saturday schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The California folk duo brings a full band – and some beautiful, sad songs – to Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. Read the Local Spins interview with band co-founder Joey Ryan, check out videos and listen to a Spotify playlist created by Ryan exclusively for Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Amid national tour stops are a host of intriguing local shows this week, including FlyLite Gemini, Heaters, Bronze Wolf, FADE, Silverstiles, Peat in the Creel, an Elton tribute and much more. And see how you can win tickets to see Heaters, Major Murphy and Ghost Orchard at The Pyramid Scheme.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins kicks off a new monthly feature on Detroit- and Ann Arbor-area artists with a look at the music of Alyssa Midcalf, also known as Primer, who plays a Grand Rapids album-release show on March 1. Get the back story about this innovative artist, watch a video and listen to a track from her album.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Videos
With Michigan’s soulful roots phenomenon The War and Treaty playing Grand Rapids on Sunday, Local Spins asked Michael and Tanya Trotter to assemble Top 10 playlists of their favorite songs — lists which say a lot about their own music. Listen to the tracks and see why they’re special to this Albion couple.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Taking place in the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons, more than 100 Michigan musicians will perform in a single afternoon, with some of them considering it a “reunion” of sorts. Get details about this northern Michigan tradition at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In advance of the award-winning South Carolina rock band’s sold-out acoustic show at Fountain Street Church Saturday, lead singer Bear Rinehart chatted with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos about a wide — and fun — range of topics.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Gungor kicks off the week in Holland, with Laith Al-Saadi, Michigander, Max Lockwood, That Beatles Thing, Mark Lavender, The Holy Warheads and more also featured on The Big List.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Turning heads with their unique, bluesy sound that gives new meaning to ‘power trio,’ West Michigan’s The Strapping Owls launch an eight-state tour behind their new recording in Saugatuck on Friday. Learn more about this unique band and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Go Rounds, John Gorka, Candlebox, Insane Theatre, Cabildo, Deep Greens & Blues, Strapping Owls, Sherman Gepherd, Desmond Jones and Taste of Soul Sunday round out a busy week. Get the complete lowdown in The Big List Concert Guide and win tickets to see the Deep Greens & Blues’ album-release show.
Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Ten artists were selected from 300-plus entries to play an official showcase in Austin, with Flint Eastwood, Seth Bernard and Jordan Hamilton playing other Michigan House shows. And Local Spins will host an SXSW preview show in Grand Rapids featuring Brother Elsey and Droppers on March 6. See who else was chosen and listen to music from all of the Michigan House acts.
Kent District Library offers free live music, from Jimmie Stagger to CrossBow, and is launching a “Needledrop” program allowing checkout of vinyl LPs and turntables, and a speaker series on local music. Get the upcoming schedule of shows and learn more about the programs at Local Spins.
WYCE-FM hosts the 20th Jammies show Friday at The Intersection, with 34 acts on stage and tons of awards doled out. Browse — and save — the jam-packed schedule and see who some of last year’s winners have chosen as their ‘best artists of the year.’
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Jammies are the big show of the week, but the concert lineup also features Red Tail Ring, Joey DeFrancesco, Kathy Lamar, Xavier Davis, Frankie & Myrrh, Flexadecibel and the annual West Michigan Luthier Concert. Plus win tickets to Political Lizard’s album-release show — and check out the Under-the-Radar Picks.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
With elements of intoxicating pop and airy vocals, Max Lockwood’s sophomore solo recording officially gets released Friday night at The Pyramid Scheme with the singer-songwriter backed by an all-star band. Get the story behind this project and watch videos for two of Lockwood’s new songs.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
On this weekend’s anniversary of “the day the music died,” West Michigan’s rockabilly queen will fire up Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo with influential, vintage rock gems from Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. Read about the upcoming show, check out some classic videos.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
This week’s concert docket also features The Crane Wives, Josh Powell, Max Lockwood, Ty Zhang, Dan Rickabus, Mike Stud, How to Live Together, Bermudas and a pair of special tribute shows. Plus, win tickets to see Lindsay Beaver and Hank Mowery at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Check out the latest batch of Michigan releases being showcased at Local Spins — from high-profile acts to under-the-radar artists — and sample tracks from the featured albums, including recordings by Blueflowers and The Dead Shepherds.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Grand Rapids indie-electronic duo’s music and latest album have turned heads over the past year. Now, Pink Sky is hosting the first-ever “Synth Night” Saturday at The Pyramid Scheme to share their love of synthesizers. Read about the duo and this unique, upcoming show.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
This week’s concert lineup also features the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Lady Ace Boogie, Serengeti, FINKEL, Dirty Deville, Byron Stripling, Roosevelt Diggs, Chely Wright, Bass Country, The Crane Wives and a “Synth Night.” And see how you can win tickets to the big Bass Country show at The Intersection.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
With much-respected jazz pianist Robin Connell playing several upcoming shows in Grand Rapids this week, Local Spins today revisits the profile it published in 2017 after she was named West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year, along with a podcast and in-studio performance
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
The mid-January roundup of releases features the brand new, long-awaited full-length debut by Melophobix and five other Michigan gems. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from each of the featured artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Now based in Traverse City, the indie-folk duo will headline a “homecoming” show Thursday at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo and play the Fretboard Festival in March, before mounting a three-week tour of Australia. Catch up with Red Tail Ring in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
This week’s concert lineup also features Wayne Hancock, Full Cord, GR Soul Club, Jen Sygit, Jesse Ray and a bunch of delectable Under-the-Radar Picks. And see how you can win tickets to see Infected Mushroom at Elevation inside The Intersection.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
WYCE-FM’s record-setting Jammie Awards show in February just got bigger with the addition of the nationally acclaimed Albion band, which also plays a full concert later that month at St. Cecilia Music Center. Learn more about both upcoming performances at Local Spins.
The day-long affair hosted by the Wheatland Music Organization at The Intersection on Saturday will feature more than a dozen Michigan bands playing two stages. Get the back story and browse the full schedule at Local Spins.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Lady Ace Boogie, Tunde Olaniran and Seth Bernard will be joined by 23 first-timers at the February event being held in all four venues inside Grand Rapids’ The Intersection. Check out the list of all the performers at Local Spins, along with details about the upcoming awards show.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
A robust week of live music also features Way Down Wanderers, Roger Brown, Rob Reider, Gasoline Gypsies, Earth Radio, Big Trouble and lots of Under-the-Radar Picks. Browse West Michigan’s most comprehensive weekly concert guide.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
New Year’s Eve parties kick off a week that also boasts the return of a Michigan legend and plenty of riveting local shows. Get the complete concert lowdown plus Under-the-Radar Picks in this week’s Big List Concert Guide.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
The radio station announced its roster of local and regional nominees for awards in a dozen categories, with 119 recordings up for album of the year honors in February. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Christmas week leads to several nights of diverse music leading up to New Year’s, with eRoy, Morgan Foster, Lazy Genius, Willy Porter and much more on the holiday docket. Browse all of this week’s live music picks, plus get a preview of New Year’s Eve celebrations across West Michigan.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
May Erlewine, Conrad Shock, Hannah Laine, The Zannies, Minor Element, Lady Ace Boogie, Theatre of Night, Cirque de Noel and more also help pump up the week of West Michigan concerts. See all of the featured shows, plus some groovy Under-the-Radar Picks, and check out this week’s Local Spins ticket giveaway.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The upcoming year boasts some live music in non-traditional venues – namely museums – to help get you through the winter, with Fiona Dickinson kicking off 2019’s Concerts Under the Stars series, May Erlewine and Crystal Bowersox playing Grand Haven’s Music at the Museum and more. Here’s a look at a few of them with schedules to help you make your plans for early 2019.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The approaching holidays heat things up on the music scene this week with Red Legs, The Crane Wives, Junior Valentine & Hank Mowery, Dalmatian Stone, Jake Kershaw, ‘The Nutcracker,’ Schubert Male Chorus, a ‘Roaring ’20s Holiday Ball’ and much more. Plus win concert tickets to see The Devil Wears Prada or Morgan Wallen via The Big List.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Ryley Walker, The Japanese House, The Moxie Strings, Nathan Walton, The Concussions, Jackyl, Kaitlin Rose, The Accidentals, a blues benefit and more pump up the first full week of December. Get the lowdown on West Michigan’s concert lineup at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Limited tickets remain to see the singer-songwriter put together her sixth full-length recording in front of a live audience at Overneath Collective. Read the back story about this special Kalamazoo project.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Marcus King Band plays Elevation inside The Intersection on Friday as the group continues to grow its fan base and impress critics with its frontman’s eye-popping musicianship. Read the Local Spins interview, check out videos and songs from his new album.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The same week that 20 Monroe Live announced The Verve Pipe would play its big 2nd birthday party, Vander Ark presented a $1,000 prize to teen singer Gianna Stansell after a year-long competition. Learn more about this talented young West Michigan singer and watch the video of her winning performance.
