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.
Concert announcements · Photos · Upcoming shows
The first-ever tented event outside Perrin Brewing’s Comstock Park taproom in late January will serve as a preview to the WYCE Jammie Awards show and raise money for Kids’ Food Basket. Get the details at Local Spins, along with a photo gallery from Mustard Plug’s holiday show this week at The Intersection.
Not all parties are created equal. If you’re looking for an excuse to get out this New Year’s Eve, Local Spins has the perfect guide to get your party started. Check out some of the biggest — and grooviest — parties in West Michigan.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
After the city steps in due to capacity and zoning concerns, the Rockford tavern’s “Cool Beats @ The Corner” series scraps three concerts that were planned for early 2017. Refunds will be issued to those who bought tickets to see The Ragbirds, The Crane Wives and Brian Vander Ark.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
This Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and podcast first ran at Local Spins in January. Since then, the band has released another album (which is reviewed here) and will play The Intersection with Mustard Plug on Dec. 29. I Believe in Julio is also the featured band for February in the 2017 Local Spins Calendar.
Audio · Features · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The Outer Vibe releases a new EP this week at a Grand Rapids homecoming show. The band reflects on its recent move to Nashville where the rock/pop band stands out from the country pack. Learn about the band’s experiences in Nashville thus far and listen to a new single.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Break out the sweatpants, a jam-band attitude and shed a tear: After more than 50 shows, Grand Rapids’ Desmond Jones will play its final Monday night residency gig at the West Side’s Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill this week. Read the back story, including the wacky things that have happened on Monday nights in this Grand Rapids watering hole.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The tented event outside Perrin’s Comstock Park taproom will serve as a preview to WYCE Jammie Awards show and raise money for Kids’ Food Basket. Read more about this inaugural one-day music festival and get the links to pre-sales.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The world music-infused Ann Arbor indie-folk band continues to tour behind “The Threshold and The Hearth,” with upcoming stops in Petoskey, Traverse City and Rockford. Learn more about The Ragbirds in this “Local Spins Rewind” feature and check out a brand new video for “Breakdown.”
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Frontman Gunnar Nyblad promises ‘more goosebumps’ for West Michigan country fans with this week’s homecoming and CD-release shows. Read the story and album review, and listen to a new song by Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys as they strive to become a ‘Great American Band.’
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor guitarist’s national exposure on NBC was ‘wonderful thing’ that boosted his profile. He plays Grand Rapids on Feb. 3, opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd at the new 20 Monroe Live venue downtown. Check out this “Local Spins Rewind” feature on a dynamic Michigan artist who’s featured in the Local Spins 2017 wall calendars.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will host a ‘really magical’ new concert series starting in January with Joshua Tree & Nate Eizenga, followed by Janga, Mishigami and Emma Loo & Sam. Get the lowdown about this unusual series in an unusual space at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Chance Jones and Lazy Genius will combine forces at Long Road Distillers to raise money for beloved barber Jazz Johnson, who suffered a serious back injury and faces mounting bills. Read about Burge, his current acting projects and the upcoming reunion show — only at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The shows featuring regional stars kicks off in December, with The Crane Wives, Brian Vander Ark and Channing & Quinn also set to perform in the cozy venue. Get the full story and upcoming concert schedule at Local Spins.
Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows · Videos
The fast-growing international wine, beer and food sampling event starts Thursday in Grand Rapids and boasts three days of local and regional music, with 20,000 expected to attend. Get details and the full entertainment schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With a blend of rock/folk/pop, Langhorne Slim opens a series Thursday that will now also feature Los Lonely Boys, Pokey LaFarge, Margo Price and Marc Cohn. Read the Local Spins interview with Langhorne Slim and get series details.
Announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
The concert hall next to The B.O.B. opens in February with a wide range of bookings: The Verve Pipe, Lauryn Hill, Pop Evil and more. Tickets go on sale Friday. Check out the first slate of concerts booked for the venue.
Announcements · Audio · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
After six years and two recordings, Grand Rapids pop-punk band Maybe Next Time plans to take an “indefinite hiatus” as life pulls the group in “different directions.” The band plays its final show Saturday in Holland.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Now based in Portland, Ore., the internationally acclaimed mandolinist will perform solo in Rockford, as well as with members of Grasshoppah and The Journeymen. Read the Local Spins story and watch a new Oberlin music video.
The uber-popular fall house show fest returns this weekend to “enrich” Eastown in Grand Rapids, but only in living rooms and an attic (not basements). Get the story, artist lineup and the full schedule of intimate shows at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The award-winning atmospheric folk-rock band from Grand Rapids called it “a difficult announcement,” but says it’s time to “close out this chapter.” Read the story at Local Spins and revisit a video from a recent in-studio performance.
Music on Campus · Upcoming shows
This edition of the “Music on Campus” round-up in the Grand Rapids area: Classical guitar devotees can look forward to an earful and an eyeful over the next week as two of the globe’s preeminent young acoustic musicians perform in West Michigan. Get the details at Local Spins.
Halloween falling on a Monday just gives folks an excuse to extend the weekend and party like zombies four nights in a row. Local Spins has your guide to West Michigan’s haunting musical maelstrom of fun. Make your plans by checking out this mega-roster of Halloween bashes.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Forced to move from Hart earlier this week due to a miscommunication regarding use of the property, the organizer has shifted the first-time festival to eight acres of rural land outside Fremont. Check out details of this free event and a full schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Charette-Alfredson Organ Duo featuring two acclaimed, award-winning musicians will play Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Saturday to wrap up a limited Midwest tour. Read the back story of this unique collaboration.
