Thursday’s unusual event at 20 Monroe Live is a benefit for Kids’ Food Basket that will feature a Cat Footwear fashion show to boot. And things could get a bit ‘rowdy,’ says one performer. Get the details and more information at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
The veteran artist releases his CD at Louie’s Back Room Friday night, previewing the show during Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured new tracks by Mid-Life Crisis, Willamena, J. Snell, Jake Kershaw, Mark Lavengood, Tail From the Crypt and more. Read the feature story, listen to the podcast, watch the video of Koenigsknecht’s in-studio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys’ upbeat Dobro-meister from Grand Rapids, aka “Huggy Bear,” releases a new solo recording this weekend and mounts a mini-tour with his Bluegrass Bonanza. Read the story behind Mark Lavengood’s latest project, listen to a song from the new album and check out his upcoming performance schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Hailing from the small northern Michigan hamlet of Gladwin, Nate Feuerstein is selling out shows on his current U.S. tour while bringing an “edge” to Christian hip hop. Read the back story about NF’s remarkable rise to fame and watch videos from his latest album.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Starting Thursday, the 10-day event boasts bands from West Michigan, the east side of the state and more, with poetry slams and films also part of the festival that oozes intimacy and an all-ages vibe like Grand Rapids’ The DAAC. Get details in this Local Spins story.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Inspired by the early Beatles, the vintage rock band plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday before crossing the pond for its first European performances. Read the story, check out the video from a recent radio gig.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
It’s all about ‘getting back to your roots’ for Detroit’s much-respected, award-winning ‘Queen of the Blues’ who headlines Saturday’s ‘Local Blues Matters’ benefit at Billy’s Lounge. Read the Local Spins interview, listen to her inspiring music.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With much of the band now based in Nashville, the popular Michigan-bred bluegrass quartet plays Grand Haven on Friday and has a hectic 2017 ahead. Members also are flourishing with a variety of side projects, including Sweet Water Warblers and the Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza. Check out the Local Spins interview and band videos.
After a decade at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre, this year’s festival will take place Saturday at The Orbit Room, with Papa Vegas headlining a five-band bill that also includes Lipstick Jodi and The JetBeats. See the full schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The attention-getting rocker raised in Alpena and making waves in Detroit talks with Local Spins about the ’emotional mess’ of songs from her new album and the struggles of touring. She plays The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday. Read about this emerging Michigan artist, listen to her music and watch one of her videos.
Record Store Day 2017 in West Michigan will be chock full of special performances, special releases, special discounts and a special love for indie record shops. Get the lowdown on Saturday’s performances and what’s happening at some of these stores.
Looking for a jam or an open microphone in Kalamazoo? Growing opportunities for musicians, spoken-word artists and stand-up comics abound in Kalamazoo, with an emphasis on community, collaboration and cross-promotion.
Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The fourth edition of this unusual August contest in this lakeshore community boasts thousands of dollars in prizes for winning acts, with this year’s festival limited to 25 bands and 25 solo artists. The deadline for registration is April 28. Get details here.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
This year’s Fashion & Music for Film Showcase will boast fashion lines inspired by music videos and created by Kendall College of Art and Design students. Watch the videos by Grand Rapids’ AB, Los Angeles’ Matt Rose and others.
Commentary · Upcoming shows · Videos
The 23rd anniversary of this benefit for Access of West Michigan aids a worthy cause by rattling the rafters at Founders Brewing with regional rock faves. It’s all about a community of caring. Are you ready to join in? Read the Local Spins commentary and get the lowdown on this weekend event.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The much-respected, Leland-based indie-rocker and painter has added Grand Rapids guitarist-producer Tommy Schichtel to his “very special” band, with two Michigan performances as part of a spring U.S. tour. Read about this much-respected Michigan artist, listen to Sprout’s music and check out his playlist of favorite songs.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The group featuring Jane Finkel, Brian Spencer, Mike Sord and Matt Milowe has redefined its sound, and will unfurl that for a Grand Rapids audience when it plays 20 Monroe Live on Saturday, opening for Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature on this emerging Kalamazoo band.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The one-day festival aims to jumpstart summer with an all-star cast that features highly regarded national acts as well as Southwest Michigan’s Slim Gypsy Baggage. Check out details, videos and links to ticket sales at Local Spins.
With 32 bands playing two stages over two nights, this weekend’s festival at West Ottawa High School meshes experienced groups with up-and-coming high school acts. See the full schedule at Local Spins, from Lipstick Jodi to Fried Egg Nebula to Midwest Skies.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Get ready to “Moondance.” Grand Rapids singer Mark VandenBerge will unleash his most ambitious tribute to the legendary Van Morrison on Friday at 20 Monroe Live. Check out a video and get a preview in the Local Spins on WYCE podcast.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Sunday concert raising money for the couple’s medical bills features a who’s who roster of regional artists, including Troll for Trout, Larry McCray, The Soul Syndicate, Drew Nelson, Hannah Rose Graves, Fauxgrass and more. See the full schedule and details about this special event.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
Tuesday’s Michigan House lineup at Austin boasts loads of potential. Read about the performances and a special Local Spins roundtable that will stream live. Meanwhile, Traverse City’s The Accidentals continue to live up to the hype at SXSW. Read about their first show for 2017 in Austin and check out the premiere of a new Rick Chyme & Nixon video featuring The Accidentals.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The trio of Texas brothers will play the Acoustic Cafe series in Grand Rapids, unfurling music with ‘a unique Latin twist’ and ‘a taste of Texican rock ‘n’ roll,’ says JoJo Garza.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The March 10 edition of the radio show also featured new music from The Accidentals, Alex Mendenall, The Go Rounds, Stef Chura, Michigander and Frontier Ruckus. Check out the podcast, video and story.
Features · Festivals · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Creative Many, Michigan House and Local Spins are back in Austin for the giant SXSW conference this weekend, shedding an even brighter spotlight on Great Lakes State artists, products and innovators. See which Michigan acts will be joining them and why.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Upcoming shows
After a decade at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre, this year’s festival will take place in April at The Orbit Room, with Papa Vegas headlining a five-band bill. Read the back story and see who else will be performing at the fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Touring behind its fifth album, “City Lights,” Driftwood plays four Michigan shows this week, including a Friday concert at Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up. Read the band’s back story and watch a video from its new album.
Guest Column · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo’s 2017 Fretboard Festival unfolds once again this weekend at Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Musician Megan Dooley has been a regular attendee. Read her Local Spins column about this special event and check out the complete schedule of performances by top-drawer regional acts and workshops.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The revered musician brings his ‘Genesis Revisited with Classic Hackett’ tour to 20 Monroe Live next week. Check out the Local Spins interview with Steve Hackett and watch his videos.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
The festival creates a ‘unique experience’ for musicians and attendees in a historic building, with E Minor, Oh Brother Big Sister, Blair Miller, New 3rd Coast and many more playing the ninth annual event. See the full schedule for the Great Indoor Folk Festival.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
The award-winning Michigan country artist with Texas roots continues to build his fan base with shows across the state, including several in the Grand Rapids area. Read more about Drew Hale and listen to his music in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
The once-popular alt-rock/funk/pop group has reunited to play a show at Bell’s Brewery this week and to record its first album since 1999. Yes, it’s all ‘quirky and ridiculous’ and absolutely thrilling. Get the back story, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted a Grand Rapids ensemble with a fresh, lively and eclectic musical attack, plus airing new tracks by Tail from the Crypt, Ashley McGrath, Beach Thief, Afro Zuma and Brother Adams & Emma Loo. (Podcast, video, story)
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Southwest Michigan band opens for The Marcus King band at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre on Sunday, one of several high-profile gigs planned for Slim Gypsy Baggage in 2017. Read about the band and its upcoming new album in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rock is not dead. Take it from the Chicago band which plays Holland’s Park Theatre on Friday and which took time out from touring Europe to share thoughts with Local Spins writer Troy Reimink about Twin Peaks’ latest album, its fans and loathing Trump.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The group featuring Jane Finkel, Brian Spencer, Mike Sord and Matt Milowe is redefining its sound, unfurling its fresh, eclectic music this week at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Café. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature on this emerging Kalamazoo band.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Ann Arbor-based legend plays Traverse City’s Microbrew & Music Festival with Grand Rapids’ The Change this weekend, but juggles plenty more projects – from his own Madcat Midnight Blues Journey to touring internationally with Chris Brubeck. Read all about this Michigan music icon.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows
You’d think it was the 1990s all over again: The Verve Pipe is back and regaling fans with new music, its first live album and a concert at the hottest new venue in Grand Rapids. Read the Local Spins interview with frontman Brian Vander Ark and listen to a song from the band’s new live album.
Commentary · Guest Column · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows
Community radio station WYCE-FM (88.1) is partnering with Local Spins for a monthly column highlighting West Michigan’s music scene, including a listing of the Top 5 Local Spins of the Month. This week, it’s all about the Jammie Awards. See the full schedule of performances for Friday’s big awards show at The Intersection.
With an exploratory new album on the way, the roots music musician and his band play Thursday’s Acoustic Café Folk Series concert at St. Cecilia Music Center. Read the Local Spins interview with Pokey LaFarge.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Playing ‘exactly’ what they want, this country-propelled Southwest Michigan trio plays Grand Rapids for the first time this week while eyeing completion of a full-length album later this year. Read the back story of this veteran act, watch a video of the band’s in-studio performance and listen to the radio podcast.
Concert announcements · Music on Campus · Upcoming shows
The FSU Music Industry Management Association series kicks off this week with Wisconsin’s The Millennium. Chicago’s Marina City and Grand Rapids’ likemelikeyou also perform in February. Get the details and full schedule for the series being held on the Big Rapids campus.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
Get a sneak peek into 20 Monroe Live by taking a video tour of the new downtown venue that unleashes its first concert Wednesday with Trombone Shorty and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. Then browse the photo gallery and opening-week lineup of shows.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The popular mid-Michigan band has wrapped up work on its first studio album in years and is eager to be the first act to play 20 Monroe Live next week. Check out the exclusive Local Spins interview and Hertler’s view of the new Grand Rapids venue.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows · Videos
The project of Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Jason Singer, Michigander has its sights set on a busy and productive 2017 with shows, festivals and a new EP. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature, along with a video and radio podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Comprised of five emerging Grand Rapids EDM artists, “Samsara” released its debut mixtape ahead of a showcase at The Pyramid Scheme on Feb. 16. Read the back story of this new collective and listen to the mixtape.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
This battle of the bands contest that started in northern Michigan last weekend will see 20 bands competing to land a paid set during Short’s 13th anniversary celebration this spring. Get details here, with a list of the acts competing the next several weeks.
Saturday’s 12-hour musical marathon at The Intersection in Grand Rapids boasts sets by K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, Drew Nelson, Fauxgrass, Stella, Madcat Midnight Blues Journey and other regional roots music stars. See the full lineup.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Grayling brother-and-sister duo brings its fetching approach to Grand Rapids on Thursday after releasing an album of originals in 2016, with plans for extensive touring this year. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and watch a video, then catch them this week at their West Michigan show.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Veteran acts will join first-time performers at West Michigan’s ‘biggest night for music’ in February at The Intersection. See the initial lineup of acts playing the event, with links to their music, only at Local Spins. And check out a link to see the long roster of 2017 Jammie nominees.
