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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids dancer and former Big Dudee Roo member has relocated to Flint, but returns home for Friday’s Tunde Olaniran show at The Pyramid Scheme. Read the story about this artist’s stage journey.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
With Flint Eastwood returning to Grand Rapids tonight to play the first-ever Blue Bridge Music Festival, Local Spins revisits a story about Detroit’s dynamic Flint Eastwood, fronted by Jax Anderson.
Local Spins occasionally rounds up festivals and events, interesting people and intriguing musical projects at West Michigan colleges and universities. Today, we spotlight a few of those coming up at Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College.
Thursday’s concert at The B.O.B. will raise funds for the Killer Blues Headstone Project with some of blues music’s most scintillating performers paying tribute to blues harp icon William Clarke. Get the lowdown on the fourth annual Harmonica Summit at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Room Full of Elephants has taken its roots-based rock music to the next level, with members pushing comfort levels to create “a new different sound.” The band makes its SpeakEZ Lounge debut in Grand Rapids on Wednesday. Get an inside look at this up-and-coming lakeshore act.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Saturday’s day-long event at Grand Armory Brewing showcases musical talent, poetry and more. Learn more in the Local Spins on WYCE podcast with Ladyfest performers and the debut of new tracks by regional artists. And check out the full Ladyfest schedule at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Being staged this year at Sesquicentennial Park in Middleville, Saturday’s day-long festival will feature sets by Seth Bernard, Big Dudee Roo, Megan Dooley, Peter Madcat Ruth and more. Local Spins has the full schedule for Saturday’s event.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Michigan indie-rocker has tasted some success while experiencing the joy — and grueling trials — of his trade. His house show tour makes a Grand Rapids stop this week as he eyes returning to a Detroit studio to record a new album. Read the back story behind this engaging songwriter and musician.
Heaters, Flint Eastwood, The Go Rounds, Kari Lynch, JRob and other regional acts will play the free Sept. 30-Oct. 1 event on the pedestrian bridge over the Grand River. See how it all came together and check out the full performance schedule.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Several hundred Michigan musicians – among them Seth Bernard, The Accidentals, The Crane Wives, Joshua Davis and many more – will gather this weekend outside Lake City to celebrate and share their art. Check out the preview of this year’s momentous season-ending event.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Oozing an alt-rock, pop and prog-rock sheen, Dause and his Band of Bros play SpeakEZ Lounge this week as the multi-instrumentalist promotes a new studio album. Read more about this talented musician and his hectic performing schedule with The Accidentals, as well as his own band.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
The prolific indie-rock band releases the first of two 2016 EPs, plays Wheatland for the first time this weekend, embarks on a Western tour this fall and lays plans for another full-length album. Read the back story of The Go Rounds’ newest “psychedelia heavy” recording and check out the Local Spins review of the EP.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This weekend’s Wheatland Music Festival boasts Asleep at the Wheel, Charlie Musselwhite and scores of Michigan musicians — from May Erlewine to The Go Rounds — for the ‘precious’ 43rd anniversary event outside Remus. Peruse the schedule and save it on your smartphone.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids band performs tonight at SpeakEZ Lounge to promote its upcoming EP due this fall. Boy From School released a single in July and plan to release another song in coming weeks. Read the story about this up-and-coming indie-pop/rock group by Local Spins writer Adrianna Walker.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This three-day festival unfolding this weekend on Frog Holler Farm in southern Jackson County is an out-of-the-way affair featuring bands from across the state, including West Michigan acts Vox Vidorra, Watching for Foxes and Olivia Mainville. Check out the full schedule for the 10th anniversary of this rootsy festival.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
This August batch of album reviews covers an eclectic mix of genres, including releases from Jeremy Ensley, Bill Ellingboe, KidsonFire and The Preservers. Check out these new releases by regional artists, with audio samples to boot.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With nationally renowned smooth jazz acts headlining, this weekend’s jazz fest at Rosa Parks Circle will also feature two days of local and regional jazz stars. See and save the full schedule for the weekend event.
Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Saturday will mark the third year for this unusual benefit that showcases regional artists vying for thousands in prizes, with concertgoers getting a chance to win, too. See the roster of performers and Grand Haven venues, lists which you can save on your smartphone.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Along with fellow headliner Railroad Earth, Greensky Bluegrass will join more than 30 other acts at this weekend’s Hoxeyville music festival in Wellston in the Manistee National Forest. Check out the full lineup/performance schedule and listen to a new Greensky tune.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Following a successful first season, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum in downtown Grand Haven will once host another series of monthly concerts in its Centennial Room featuring stars from across the region. See — and save — the full schedule, and read the intriguing back story of this popular venture.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This weekend’s regional music fest on Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County embraces the tradition of a friendly atmosphere, with more than a dozen acts on stage, including Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Strange Arrangement and more. See the full schedule and save it on your smartphone.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The much-respected pianist and anti-bullying disciple based in Traverse City brings his jazz quartet featuring Don Julin to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge for the first time this week. Peruse the back story about this intriguing Michigan treasure and his remarkable musical journey.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Traverse City musician has hit the ground running and hasn’t missed a step since the popular bluegrass duo parted ways. On Wednesday, he’ll perform in Grand Rapids for the first time with a jazz quartet led by Jeff Haas. Learn more about this mandolin virtuoso in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature.
Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Those flocking to northern Michigan for film screenings at the festival founded by Michael Moore will also find numerous live performances indoors and out by dozens of West Michigan bands. See which bands are playing and get links to schedules.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Traverse City singer-songwriter Joshua Davis talks with Local Spins about staying and writing in Michigan, his thirst for knowledge and the hopeful “soul-soaked” songs on his new album and upcoming big shows this weekend in Williamsburg and Kalamazoo. Read the update, only at Local Spins.
Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
‘Better than I imagined,’ the Grand Haven native says of the ‘Electric Love’ he’s received from fans across the globe as he prepares to play his only Michigan show in Detroit this weekend. Local Spins revisits the Michigan-bred singer and rising star. Read the interview and check out the video from a live performance.
Concert reviews · Photos · Upcoming shows
Unleashed by a Canadian rock band backed by the symphony and choir, the ‘We Will Rock You’ show entertained more than 3,000 fans at Cannonsburg Ski Area on Thursday, the first of two steamy nights planned for Queen’s music. Check out the photo gallery and review.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The music festival sets up this weekend in the Motor City’s West Riverfront Park with acts ranging from Seattle’s The Head and Heart to Michigan’s own Borns and Tunde Olaniran. See the full schedule and save it on your smartphone for the weekend.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Things are heating up this summer in Ada with a new concert series featuring regional acts playing a vegetable farm. But a RiverHouse Ada concert with Bill Kirchen must be reschedule.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The West Michigan band fronted by Jack Leaver and Mitch Wood plays its only summer show tonight (Wednesday) at SpeakEZ Lounge, but the pair vows there will be more performances and another album to come. Read how this super-group was formed and listen to a track from the upcoming debut album.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The longtime side project for members of Hey Marco!, Brett Mitchell & The Giant Ghost and Dave Kellan Band will unleash three performances this week, including a Wednesday show at SpeakEZ Lounge. Read more about these three lifelong musical pals from Midland.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor guitarist concedes national exposure on the NBC show was a ‘wonderful thing’ that boosted his profile and album sales. He headlines the National Cherry Festival this weekend with more big Michigan concerts on tap. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight profile, listen to his music and check out his upcoming performance schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows
Led by singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and recent Calvin College graduate James Li, the Grand Rapids alt-rock band fueled by folk’s narrative style releases a new EP at The DAAC on Thursday. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video from an in-studio performance.
