Pump It Up: The Ultimate Elvis Costello Playlist at Local Spins
The legendary British singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer hits Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live on Saturday, the perfect time to unleash this career-spanning soundtrack.
Category: Upcoming shows
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ The Hill People reunite for timeless, unique and ‘dangerous’ bluegrass fun
The erudite foursome with an eclectic approach that regaled audiences in the 1980s is back together, set to play One Trick Pony and Winter Wheat. Get the back story about this acoustic group’s journey return to the stage at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Nov. 12-18): Elvis Costello, Dweezil Zappa, Joshua Davis, Cannibal Corpse, Donna the Buffalo
Coheed & Cambria and Rising Appalachia get things started in a week that also features The Tallest Man on Earth, Lara Hope, Coldville, Lady Ace Boogie, Brotha James, Yonder Mountain String Band and much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to the big Wine Beer & Food Festival at DeVos Place.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamashoegazer drawing bands, fans from across country for shoegaze, dream pop thrills
The 12th edition of the festival will light up Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo on Saturday with an eight-band lineup that includes Ringo Deathstarr and Springhouse with Jack Rabid. Get the lowdown on this unusual one-day festival and see the full schedule at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Nov. 5-11): Lynyrd Skynyrd, Big Gigantic, Lecrae, Thievery Corporation, Tim Reynolds, El Ten Eleven, Earthwork Music
John Medeski’s Mad Skillet kicks off a week that includes Kalamashoegazer and album-release shows by Roosevelt Diggs, Frederic & Ronza, Lower Leisure Class and Valley Girl, plus tributes to Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, Phish, Frank Sinatra and more. And see how you can win tickets to see Lecrae.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Sarah Lee Guthrie moves from punk to inspiring folk, revels in tour with dad Arlo
As part of the 50th anniversary tour behind Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant” which hits Kalamazoo State Theatre tonight, Sarah Lee Guthrie is performing and enjoying her family time on the road. The Local Spins interview.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Earthwork Music collective tour of Michigan underscores stars, collaboration, community
Seth Bernard, Mark Lavengood, Dede Alder, Nicholas James Thomasma and more than a dozen other artists play five cities in six days next week, including Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre, Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up. Get the lowdown on this unusual tour at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Uncompromising blues-rock laid down with heart
The guitarist who’s set to release a ‘more rocking’ new album brings his tour to State Theatre in Kalamazoo on Saturday, with Michigan’s own guitar sensation, Jake Kershaw, opening. Check out the Local Spins interview with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, along with recent videos of Shepherd and Kershaw.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
Arlo Guthrie still gets everything he wants with ‘Alice’s Restaurant’
The iconic folk singer will bring his 50th anniversary “Alice’s Restaurant Tour” to Kalamazoo’s State Theatre on Friday. Arlo Guthrie chatted with Local Spins about the song, his tour and the state of folk music in the New Millennium — and in an age of divisiveness.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Oct. 29-Nov.4): Seether, Good Charlotte, Of Montreal, Arlo Guthrie, Gov’t Mule, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Lamp Light Fest
Alice Cooper gets Halloween week started on a scary foot but there’s more: Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, MewithoutYou, Kenny Barron, Sister Sparrow, Nobody’s Girl, Black Jake and much more. And see how you can win tickets to see Kenny Barron at St. Cecilia Music Center.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ann Arbor Folk Festival to star Brandi Carlile, Rufus Wainwright, I’m With Her
Michigan-bred favorites The RFD Boys and Michigan Rattlers are also on the bill announced this week for the January festival that will also feature the likes of Pokey LaFarge and Sam Lewis. Get the full lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Getting down on the FARM: Folk Alliance conference set to strum up Grand Rapids
It’s a coups for Grand Rapids and its growing music scene. Anchored here through 2020, this week’s Folk Alliance Region Midwest gathering boasts showcases by dozens of bands, workshops, panel discussions and more. Get the lowdown and a schedule of official showcases at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 22-28): Machine Head, Kansas, Young the Giant, Kevin Gates, Brothers Osborne, Halloween Parties
The Goo Goo Dolls have canceled their Grand Rapids show, but the week leading up to Halloween hoopla also boasts the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference & showcases, plus Ashley McBryde, Conrad Shock, Earth Radio, The Drifters, Julien Labro and more. Check out all of Local Spins’ spotlighted shows, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks and see how you can win tickets to see Ashley McBryde.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
AOK takes energetic electronic pop to ‘next level’ on new EP, set to calls it quits
The Grand Rapids duo created its vibrant new recording at Detroit’s Assemble Sound and will bid farewell to fans at a star-studded Saturday release party. Get the back story at Local Spins and see what the future may hold for these musicians.
First-ever Indie Fest to spotlight The Hunts, Accidentals, Switchback at Mendel Center
The inaugural Benton Harbor festival offers up three two-set shows from national touring acts, showcases local artisans and more on Saturday at Lake Michigan College. Get the lowdown and schedule at Local Spins, plus view videos of the featured acts.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 15-21): Keith Urban, War, G Herbo, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Peter Yarrow, Reel Big Fish, Clutch, Maria Muldaur
On his farewell tour, Elton John kicks off a week that also features AOK, The Main Squeeze, Harry Lucas, Fiesta Caribena, Jack Russel’s Great White, Indie Fest 18, Dave Bruzza, Monty Alexander and more. And check The Big List to see how you can win free tickets to one of four different Intersection shows this week or to see Alexander at Fountain Street Church.
Winter Wheat 2019: Don Julin, Black Jake, Mark Lavengood, Benzie Playboys to heat up January
The 10th annual fundraiser for the Wheatland Music Organization will take over The Intersection on Jan. 12 with a host of rootsy bands and the reunion of The Hill People. Check out the lineup, see the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Lamp Light Fest 2018 to move from Eastown homes to Wealthy Theatre, other public venues
Cabildo, Last Gasp Collective, Tom Hymn, Breathe Owl Breathe and more pump up the festival bill in early November, but the big news is it’s no longer a house concert event. Find out why organizers have changed things up and see the full festival lineup at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows
From Your Song to Bennie & the Jets: The ultimate Elton John playlist by Mic Carlson
With Elton’s farewell tour stopping at Van Andel Arena Monday, Grand Rapids artist Mic Carlson, who’s seen the piano legend 30-plus times and featured him in countless paintings, lists his top EJ songs of all time. Listen to the songs on Spotify, watch the videos, check out a photo gallery of Carlson’s artwork.
Folk Alliance Region Midwest’s October conference to bring music showcases, workshops, acoustic jams to Grand Rapids
Anchored in Grand Rapids through 2020, the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel confab will draw hundreds of industry pros for sets by Sons of the Never Wrong, Jen Sygit and numerous regional acts, panels and a speech by music historian Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr. Get the lowdown on this important musical gathering at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 8-14): Fleetwood Mac, Social Distortion, Arturo Sandoval, Lauv, Chris Robinson, Bottle Rockets, Collective Soul
The week of live music kicks off with the return to West Michigan of Fleetwood Mac, but also boasts Royal Wood, Earth Radio, Elizabeth Landry, Wayland, Golf Clap, Anne Heaton, Jen Sygit, Founders’ Harvest Party and more. Make your entertainment plans with help from The Big List Concert Guide at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Jake Kershaw, Crystal Bowersox, May Erlewine part of Music at the Museum Season 4
The five-concert series at Grand Haven’s Tri-Cities Historical Museum kicks off in December with regional stars. See the full schedule and ticket sales information at Local Spins.
Great Lakes Music Camp strumming ahead for robust second year along the lakeshore
With a full slate of campers and well-known instructors, the second edition of the weekend at Camp Blodgett Oct. 11-14 boasts workshops, special performances, a benefit concert and plenty of jamming. Get details and ticket links at Local Spins.
Empire Hops & Harvest Fest to tout beer, K. Jones’ Zydeco romp and fall’s charm
The fifth annual celebration in this beautiful lakeshore town gives folks a great excuse to travel to northern Michigan, with performances by five bands and plenty of Michigan brews on tap. Get the schedule, ticket links and more at Local Spins.
Elton John’s upcoming Grand Rapids visit sparks winning ‘Emerald City’ fashion design
Kendall College of Art & Design student D. Cavinder won a contest to create a striking new lavish costume for the Rocket Man, who brings his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour to Van Andel Arena on Oct. 15. Check out all of the entries produced by 10 student designers.
Albion’s version of Walk the Beat promises ‘Disneyland’ of regional music
Kicking off Friday with a concert by The Accidentals, the festival follows this on Saturday with 46 Michigan performers playing various stages and vying for a $3,000 prize. Get details at Local Spins about this spinoff of the original Grand Haven Walk the Beat.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 1-7): Thomas Rhett, Lettuce, Pokey LaFarge, The Motet, Zhu, Buddy Guy, Luke Winslow King, The Verve Pipe
The first week in October also brings the Sacred Vibrations fest, Pulaski Days, Red Flannel Days, Bill Laurance, Public Access, Field Report’s Chris Porterfield, Gorgeous Oranges & more. And win tickets to see The Motet or Lettuce. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s live music picks at Local Spins.
Audio · Festivals · Upcoming shows
ArtPrize’s Blue Bridge Music Fest set to rock the river, boost song contest
This weekend’s downtown event boasts sets by seven regional acts, who are also vying for votes for their songs in hopes of winning $1,000. Check out the full weekend schedule, listen to the song entries at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Willowsong 2018 boasts Go Rounds, Nicholas James, Mark Lavengood, 14 other acts
The second-year festival an hour northeast of Grand Rapids will heat up the final weekend of September with regional stars and much more. See the full schedule.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 24-30): Modest Mouse, Butch Walker, Fruition, Blue October, Willowsong Fest, Margaret Glaspy, Blue Bridge Music Fest
SYML kicks things off at Calvin College in a week that also boasts concerts by Joshua Powell, Amanda Brown, Aaron Neville, The Ragbirds, Lil’ Smokies and Bullet for My Valentine. Check out all of this week’s live music picks at Local Spins.
Festivals · Photos · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Father John Misty, Local Natives and more to flood Arcadia Creek with sound and soul
Audiotree gives regional acts such as Michigander, Lushh, Moss Jaw and Jake Simmons WIDR platform with a brand new second stage; brings top tier national talent to Kalamazoo this weekend. Check out the complete schedule, videos, a playlist and more.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Earthwork Harvest Gathering: 120-plus acts, rare collaborations, a ‘family reunion’ vibe
This weekend’s season-ending celebration on Earthwork Farm outside Lake City will attract thousands, many of them musicians. Singer-songwriter Brian Koenigsknecht offers up his Top 5 reasons to attend. And listen to a Local Spins playlist of songs by festival performers.
Matt and Kim, back on the road after a year away, to play 20 Monroe Tuesday night
Matt Johnson, one half of the popular indie-pop duo Matt and Kim, spoke recently to Local Spins about the band’s 14-year-long career, returning to the road after Kim’s onstage injury, and the ‘slow burn’ success of the song “Daylight.”
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 17-23): MC50, Beats Antique, Audiotree Music Festival, Flint Eastwood, Earthwork Harvest Gathering, Matt & Kim
The arrival of autumn also brings Keller Williams, Heather Maloney, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, a jazzy Grand Rapids Symphony tribute to Paul McCartney and more. Check out this week’s spotlighted shows, plus our Under-the-Radar Picks.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan Irish Music Festival’s international flair paired with homey, family flavor
With the Celtic festival unfurling this weekend in Muskegon, Diana Ladio of Michigan’s The Moxie Strings offers up the Top 5 reasons to attend plus a Top 10 playlist of songs by festival performers.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Sept. 10-16): Gary Clark Jr., Dinosaur Jr., Guided by Voices, Mat Kearney, Ballroom Thieves, Michigan Irish Music Festival
The September music cruise shifts into full gear with the Fallasburg Arts Festival, John Mark McMillan, Harry Fest, Red Legs, a Kathy Lamar birthday celebration and more. Get the lowdown on the Big List, along with our Under-the-Radar Picks.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Wheatland offers unparalleled, summer-ending tradition, ‘dream come true’ for local artists
National stars may get top billing, but plenty of local favorites — from Nicholas James Thomasma to Steppin’ In It — aim to make Wheatland 2018 a festival to remember this weekend. See the schedule at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 3-9): Fall Out Boy, LIVE, The Magpie Salute, Lane 8, Wovenhand, Wheatland Music Festival, Eastown Streetfair
Labor Day stars the West Michigan Labor Fest, Johnnyswim and LIVE, with plenty to follow the rest of the week: Perrin’s Backyard Bash, Fareed Haque, SALES, Kyle Cook, JMM Jazz, a Grateful Dead tribute and much more. Check out all the featured shows and Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Lindsay Lou, Jake Kershaw, Pink Sky to play Blue Bridge Fest during ArtPrize 2018
For the third year, the free two-day festival on the blue pedestrian bridge over the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids will feature regional stars, including Molly, Cameron Blake, Lipstick Jodi, Lazy Genius and The SEVENth. Get the lineup, details at Local Spins.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Elton John: Local Spins’ Ultimate Deep Cuts Playlist
With piano rock legend Elton John kicking off a farewell tour that includes an October stop in Grand Rapids — and SpeakEZ hosting an Elton John tribute show — Local Spins picks 20 underplayed EJ gems. Listen to the playlist, watch the videos from a robust career.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 27-Sept. 3): All That Remains, Lake Street Dive, LIVE, Gringo Star, Lyle Lovett
Lyle Lovett returns yet again to Meijer Gardens to start a week that also boasts an Elton John tribute, Jeremy Garrett, Matt Woods, Steve’n’Seagulls, Noisia, Johnnyswim, a Lady Ace Boogie hip hop showcase, The Crane Wives in Rockford, and the final Tuesday Evening Music Club concert of the summer.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Toto still loving the hits, still touring, still reveling in instrumental glory
The iconic prog-rock band returns to Grand Rapids on Friday for a sold-out Meijer Gardens concert. Check out the revealing Local Spins interview with keyboardist Steve Porcaro, who promises “a show for Toto fans.”
Guest Column · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Breakaway 2018: Shaping up as epic Year 2 with Odesza, Khalid and a site ‘as good as it gets’
In this ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ column, DJ/electronic music devotee Todd Ernst lists his Top 5 reasons for attending this weekend’s music fest in Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park — from the performers to the quality of the production. See the full schedule and a playlist, too.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 20-26): Toto, Alabama, Jon Pardi, Trombone Shorty, Asleep at the Wheel, O.A.R., Breakaway Festival
We Banjo 3, Cole Swindell, Shoreline Jazz Fest, Holler Fest, Pink Sky, Benjaman James, The Rockit King, The Accidentals, Hop Along, Insane Theatre, Earth Radio and more fill out the week. Get the complete concert lowdown at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Perrin Brewing Backyard Bash to star Hannah Rose, Jake Kershaw, Bootstrap Boys
The Sept. 8 party outside the Comstock Park brewery also boasts local faves Paradise Outlaw, Devin & The Dead Frets and Sailor Kicks. See the full schedule.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
GRandJazzFest poised to celebrate diversity with local and international stars
Kalamazoo’s Lushh, Grand Rapids’ Edye Evans Hyde, Kevin Jones, John Gist and Grupo Aye will join national stars Euge Groove, Lin Rountree & more at 2018 GRandJazzFest. See the full schedule.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 13-19): Air Supply, Daughtry, Nikki Hill, The Verve Pipe, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Hoxeyville, GRandJazzFest
Mid-August also brings Girls Rock! GR, Ladyfest at the Lakeshore, The Frog King, Sleep Waker, FINKEL, The Ghost of Paul Revere, Lokella, The Go Rounds and more to West Michigan stages. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Sleep Waker and Lokella.
Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Conklin Ceili Band revs up Irish spirit; set to play Sparta Celtic Fest: Local Spins Rewind
The West Michigan Celtic fave is part of a jam-packed festival this weekend. In spring 2017, prior to St. Patrick’s Day, they performed on Local Spins on WYCE, which also[…]
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Cowpie Music Fest set to unleash ‘weekend of positive intention,’ national and regional stars
With new stages, enhancements and a robust lineup, the three-day ‘granddaddy’ festival on a cattle farm in southern Kent County this weekend shapes up as the best yet. Get the preview, full weekend schedule and forecast, plus a festival playlist at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Previewing Farmfest 2018: Genre-spanning bands, sacred reunions, magical grounds
The festival taking place this weekend about 20 miles east of Gaylord will boasts dozens of bands on several stages, a heartfelt community of attendees and “one of the most beautiful amphitheaters” anywhere. Get a preview at Local Spins.
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