Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows

Seth Bernard hatches ‘Eggtones for Peace’ as first entry in ambitious, groovy, socially conscious multi-album project

• June 28, 2016

The northern Michigan singer-songwriter calls on an all-star band for the inspiring, inventive recording and for Sunday’s album-release show at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre. He calls the project his response to “a defining time for humanity.” Read the story behind the recording, check out the album review and get details about his upcoming CD-release concerts.

Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Vox Vidorra embraces ‘Sound of the City,’ musical diversity and band camaraderie to grow fan base

• June 23, 2016

The Grand Rapids soul-rock band kicks off the first-ever Sound of the City festival in Grand Rapids on Saturday, followed by regular touring across the Midwest. Read about Vox Vidorra’s growth as a popular West Michigan band and see Saturday’s full festival schedule of performances by regional acts.

Features · Local Spins Exclusives · Upcoming shows

Open-Mic Nights in Grand Rapids: Rare, creative and rambunctious affairs where ‘anything can happen’

• June 21, 2016

An abundance of West Michigan open mics throughout the week offer performers a chance to ‘find their voice’ — from folk to hip hop to poetry — at dozens of venues which open their stages to fledgling as well as veteran performers. Get a glimpse into the vibrant world of open mics in this feature story by Ricky Olmos and browse the photos of performers.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows

Tedeschi Trucks Band to bring talented ‘traveling circus,’ energetic jams to Meijer Gardens on Friday

• June 15, 2016

In an interview with Local Spins, guitarist-singer Susan Tedeschi talks about touring, musical chemistry and the band’s tendency to ‘mix it up’ on stage. The band returns to Meijer Gardens for a sold-out show on Friday.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Founders Fest to once again tap Grand Rapids’ ‘biggest keg party’ on Saturday with The Motet, Lee Fields, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Go Rounds and lots of beer

• June 15, 2016

The ninth annual street party will pack the area around Founders Brewing and showcase some of the most popular acts that previously have played the brewery’s taproom. See the full schedule for Saturday’s festival.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

West Michigan’s The JMM Trio embraces jazz standards and classic crooners Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Mel Torme

• June 14, 2016

Led by Diego Morales, the frontman for R&B’s The Soul Syndicate, the jazz trio serves as a side project and labor of love for a singer who grew up with The Rat Pack and other vintage vocalists. Read the back story about this emerging Michigan jazz outfit that plays SpeakEZ Lounge and Tip Top Deluxe this week.

Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Rumsey Street Bazaar to turn Grand Rapids neighborhood into ‘different animal’ of live music, art and fashion

• June 8, 2016

A David Bowie tribute band, Cabildo and Grand Rapids Symphony musicians will light up the unusual weekend ‘marketplace extravaganza’ with The Concussions playing an opening night party. Read the story and review the schedule of events.

Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Summer concert series mania: Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Kalamazoo, Sparta, Fennville rock the season

• June 7, 2016

Starting this month, communities across West Michigan showcase regional talent in free outdoor concerts that light up almost every night of the week. Browse all of the lineups, embrace the music. And GRAM on the Green returns for its eighth season in July.

Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Waldron hosts first Songwriters Night on Tuesday to showcase regional talent

• June 6, 2016

River City Studios engineer Kenton Giar hopes the ‘in-the-round’ sessions in downtown Grand Rapids will help nurture West Michigan’s songwriting scene and build talent. Read more about the new series in this Local Spins story.

Album reviews · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Accidentals’ “Parking Lot EP” another entertaining step forward on a magical indie-folk journey

• May 31, 2016

After three years, the Traverse City trio finally releases a new studio recording this week. Like the musicians themselves, it’s buoyant and fresh – and will likely earn them even more acclaim. Read the Local Spins review and sample some of the music in new videos from The Accidentals.

Upcoming Album Releases · Upcoming shows

Upcoming West Michigan Album Releases: The Muteflutes, Seth Bernard, Silverstiles, May Erlewine, Sligh West, Red Sea Pedestrians

• May 31, 2016

With this new feature, Local Spins rounds up a bevy of upcoming recordings by West Michigan bands and solo artists, with some audio and video samples to boot. See what’s coming down the pike from a bunch of talented regional acts.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: New music from Fauxgrass, The Accidentals, Jackie Chiles, Flushed

• May 27, 2016

Grand Rapids’ progressive bluegrass band Fauxgrass unveiled a new original and a new cover in the studio for Local Spins, which also debuted new music by The Accidentals and other Michigan artists. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of an in-studio performance.

Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Sound of the City festival to showcase Grand Rapids bands, draw attention to new radi8er music platform

• May 26, 2016

The first-time festival at the Harris Building on June 25 will feature Vox Vidorra, The Legal Immigrants, Lady Ace Boogie, Ty Beat, Valentiger and more. Radi8er plans similar events in other cities, too. Read the details and see the full lineup for the Grand Rapids event.

Announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

WLAV Summertime Blues concerts will return to DeltaPlex for second year, kicking off in mid-June with Tommy Castro

• May 26, 2016

Series host WLAV attracted big crowds after moving the Wednesday series to Walker last summer so it has nine concerts on tap for 2016; Garage Bar resumes its Wednesday night block parties, too. Check out the lineups for both summertimes series.

Features · Upcoming shows

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ lights up Grand Rapids for the first time

• May 20, 2016

Stars of the touring Broadway musical want to impress the city with ‘what this show’s all about live‘ and fans are ready: 95 percent of tickets for the run here already have been sold. Read about this new touring production hosted by Broadway Grand Rapids.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Heaters celebrate new single from upcoming album, headline Local Spins 4th Anniversary at Rockford Brewing

• May 17, 2016

The popular Grand Rapids psychedelic garage rockers release a new album in August. Before that, they’ll headline Friday’s party, which includes release of Local Spinsation Ale and giveaways. Get details about Friday’s celebration and the band’s summer plans.

Features · Upcoming shows

Joshua Davis offers advice as Laith Al-Saadi performs with Top 8 on ‘The Voice’ this week

• May 16, 2016

The Traverse City singer-songwriter who finished third on the NBC show last year has been following the Ann Arbor blues guitarist’s run and calls his national exposure ‘incredible.’ Read the story about Joshua Davis’ take on another veteran Michigan musician finding success on “The Voice.”

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Channing & Quinn embrace Michigan as duo’s new home on ‘Up North’ album, revel in audience-pleasing, multi-instrumental shows

• May 12, 2016

With their new album, Channing Lee and Quinn Mathews have added a Great Lakes State perspective to their unique indie-folk — crowd-pleasing material that comes to life next week in concert at SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids. Read about this couple’s new studio project.

Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Guitarist Russell Olmsted leaving UV Hippo; to play final show with Grand Rapids band July 9

• May 11, 2016

The popular West Michigan jam band will introduce new guitarist Andy Kirby at The Intersection concert, after Olmsted announces he’s stepping down to pursue other goals. The guitarist tells Local Spins it’s been a life-changing ride.

Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Big Dudee Roo spices things up with its psychedelic folk-rock – from bars to bank lobbies to music festivals

• May 4, 2016

With a new EP catching fire, the Grand Rapids band talked about its music for Local Spins Live, and performed on the air (and in a bank) as it prepares for Local Spins’ 4th anniversary show at Long Road Distillers on Saturday. Listen to the radio podcast and watch the videos.

Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows

Alejandro Escovedo: Inspiring songs, stories, musical collaborations and a burning desire to ‘put on good shows’

• May 3, 2016

The renowned Texas alt-country, roots rock and Americana artist plays Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center this week as he wraps up work on a studio album with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck. Read the Local Spins interview with this iconic singer-songwriter and listen to a playlist of Escovedo’s songs.

Announcements · Upcoming shows

Meijer Gardens alternatives: Jackson Browne, Tears for Fears, Greg Allman, Goo Goo Dolls, more playing venues within short drive

• May 2, 2016

Although 24 of 30 Meijer Gardens concerts sold out by noon Monday, Interlochen, Freedom Hill, Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater and other nearby venues have booked some of the same artists this summer. Find out where these acts are playing and get links to ticket sales.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

The Outer Vibe homecoming show to unveil new material with concert recorded for live album: Local Spins Live

• April 28, 2016

Grand Rapids’ The Outer Vibe talks about touring, new songs and getting a chance to regale hometown fans at a big weekend show at The Intersection being recorded for a live album. Listen to the podcast and check out the video of the band’s acoustic in-studio performance this week.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows

The Moxie Strings’ Diana Ladio joins The Elders; tour stops Saturday in Grand Rapids

• April 28, 2016

The fiery Michigan fiddler based in Traverse City is doing double-duty — balancing touring and performances with both bands. The Elders and Ladio play the Boat & Canoe Club in Grand Rapids on Saturday night. Read the story about this new Celtic music partnership.

Announcements · Upcoming shows

Paul McCartney to play Van Andel Arena on Aug. 15 in first-ever Grand Rapids appearance

• April 27, 2016

Tickets go on sale Monday to see the celebrated Beatle on his U.S. “One on One” tour, with McCartney’s website promising a “dazzling” show covering nearly three hours of hits. Get the details on Sir Paul’s West Michigan tour stop.

Announcements · Upcoming shows

New ‘GR Live’ radio show to showcase regional artists in live lunchtime concerts at The B.O.B.

• April 26, 2016

Every Thursday for 19 weeks, the free one-hour show hosted by Quinn Mathews will spotlight the music scene and preview upcoming area concerts. John Shea, Michigander and Sleep Cheaters play the first event this week in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the schedule.

Features · Upcoming shows

Short’s brews up ‘dream lineup’ of Vulfpeck, The Go Rounds, The Crane Wives for 12th anniversary bash this weekend

• April 26, 2016

Saturday’s celebration will fill the streets of Bellaire with thousands of revelers in what the drummer for The Crane Wives calls “a magical place.” See what’s planned for the anniversary event outside the popular northern Michigan brewery.

Features · Photos · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight

The Pyramid Scheme toasts five years of charismatic, eclectic and sweaty live shows

• April 21, 2016

The Pyramid Scheme stages its fifth anniversary shows this weekend. Read how this mid-sized venue has become ‘a special place’ in Grand Rapids and check out owner Jeff VandenBerg and manager Nicole LaRae’s lists of favorite concerts. Plus ogle a photo gallery of images from the first five years.

Announcements · Local Spins Exclusives · Upcoming shows · Videos

Local Spins celebrates 4th anniversary in May with Heaters, Big Dudee Roo, The Concussions, Local Spinsation Ale and giveaways

• April 20, 2016

May’s Local Spins Month celebration boasts special parties and swag at Rockford Brewing, Long Road Distillers and SpeakEZ Lounge, plus a first-ever Muskegon event. Read the story to see how you can enter to win Local Spins anniversary gift packages with swag, concert tickets and more.

Upcoming shows

Preserving the blues: Keeping the genre alive on radio the goal of blues-hued Billy’s Lounge benefit starring regional acts

• April 16, 2016

Saturday night’s Local Blues Matters show for WGVU-FM will feature Detroit’s Larry McCray, plus Hank Mowery, Jimmie Stagger and Hannah Rose & the GravesTones.

Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Founders Fest 2016 taps The Motet, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band; Local First Street Party books Joshua Davis, The Crane Wives, Lady Ace Boogie

• April 13, 2016

Founders Fest will pump up the streets around the brewery on June 18 with ‘an extra special’ edition of the festival, and Local First Street Party returns for its 13th year on June 4. Check out the full lineups for both of these giant outdoor celebrations.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Record Store Day hoopla from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo: Live and local music, tons of vinyl and a community spirit

• April 13, 2016

On Saturday, Vertigo Music, Dodds Record Shop, Corner Record Shop, Green Light Music and more across West Michigan will celebrate their independence like never before. Find out why this is such a big day for music lovers and check out the live music schedules.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Ragbirds ‘return home’ and find centered sound, chart success with new album

• April 12, 2016

The world music-infused Ann Arbor indie-folk band — one of Michigan’s most respected group of musicians — brings its tour behind “The Threshold and The Hearth” to Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Traverse City this week. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and check out the videos of songs from the new album.

Features · Upcoming shows

Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson: Candid, happy and proud of his ‘oddball’ music (except for maybe 50 songs or so)

• April 9, 2016

With Ian Anderson bringing his “Jethro Tull” show to Grand Rapids tonight, check out this 2001 interview with the cerebral frontman and farmer who has a lot to say about his career, touring and the mistakes rock stars make. For longtime fans, it’s a fascinating look into the mind of a prog-rock icon.

Commentary · Guest Column · Upcoming shows

Rebirth of The DAAC and why it keeps the heart of Grand Rapids’ music and arts scene beating: John Hanson @ The Musicians’ Soundboard

• April 8, 2016

The DAAC is reopening its doors in Grand Rapids, three years after it was forced to move from S. Division Avenue. Musician John Hanson has felt the power of the all-ages arts collective, inspiring this guest column for Local Spins.

Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos

Louie’s Back Room: Kalamazoo’s intimate, inclusive, energy-sparking music hot spot (West Michigan Venue Spotlight)

• April 7, 2016

Kalamazoo’s oldest bar houses Louie’s Back Room, which boasts live entertainment five days a week. Read more about it in the latest entry in this Local Spins series spotlighting unique music venues, and take a video tour of Louie’s.

Commentary · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Accidentals, Soul Syndicate, Honeytones to ignite Feedback 2016: 22 years of feeding the hungry and showcasing Michigan music

• April 6, 2016

The Feedback benefit for Access of West Michigan celebrates its 22nd anniversary at Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids on Sunday afternoon with live music from three bands, a raffle, poster sales and more. Read about the history of this event and the cause that inspired it.

Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Blissfest 2016 to celebrate 36 years of musical bliss with Keller Williams, Peter Yarrow, Hot Tuna, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers

• April 4, 2016

Michigan acts and stars from across the globe pump up this year’s Blissfest lineup. Regular advance tickets for the July 8-10 festival are now on sale. Check out some of the featured acts in the 2016 lineup.

Album reviews · Upcoming shows

Michigan Album Reviews: The Crane Wives, Nathan Kalish & The Lastcallers, Big Dudee Roo, Dear Tracks, Loren Johnson, The Timnz

• April 1, 2016

No fooling, the April 1 batch of new local and regional albums is a blast of fresh air, starting with The Crane Wives who host a CD-release show Saturday at Founders Brewing. Check out the reviews, including video and audio clips of new songs by six regional artists.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows

Rachel B brings Michigan flair to her big-city, ‘soul empowerment pop’ (Story, podcast, video)

• March 30, 2016

The Traverse City native now based in Pittsburgh is touring the Great Lakes State behind her debut album. She plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night. Read the story, watch the video, listen to the Local Spins Live radio podcast.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Summer concert series shine for 2016: Check out band lineups for Lowell, Rockford, Wyoming and Holland

• March 29, 2016

Time to think summer and outdoor concerts: Joe Hertler, The Accidentals, Hannah Rose, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Outer Vibe, Kari Lynch and plenty more grace four free concert series. Check out the lineups for these free summer concerts.

Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows

Radi8er app to reveal ‘sound of the city,’ allow users to discover artists others are listening to

• March 28, 2016

Created in Grand Rapids, the radical new music platform that will start beta testing next month will allow users to zoom in to neighborhoods, even areas around venues, to pinpoint their musical vibe. Those spearheading the music discovery system say it will help showcase local artists and grow the music scene.

Announcements · Features · Upcoming shows

Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat seeking bands and songs for August festival, aims for biggest spectacle yet

• March 25, 2016

In its third year, Walk the Beat is seeking 70 bands to play 35 venues and will host another song contest, with $12,500 in prizes for musicians at stake. Check out the back story about this unusual annual event and find links to sign up.

Features · Upcoming shows

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ to bring heavenly rock ‘n’ roll to St. Cecilia Music Center on Friday

• March 23, 2016

An “amazing cast” of top-drawer local musicians is poised to display its versatility with a one-night-only performance of the 1970 rock opera, with proceeds going to Grand Rapids’ Well House. Read the story and check out the cast list.

Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Upper Peninsula’s Farm Block announces 2016 lineup; Cedar Springs Brewing to host first Starkbierfest

• March 22, 2016

The “family reunion” Farm Block festival held in July in the far reaches of the U.P. boasts familiar Michigan acts and supports a good cause. Meanwhile, Cedar Springs Brewing will stage a one-day “beer tent” fest on April 2. Get details and the lineup for both in this Local Spins story.

Breaking music news · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Cowpie Music Festival to pump up 2016 summer party with Strange Arrangement, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers

• March 21, 2016

The Kent County festival on Shagbark Farm returns in August with roots music, funky jams, soul, bluegrass and blues. Check out the full lineup and details, with links to photos and a video from last year’s festival.

Upcoming shows

Irish on Ionia to paint the town green for Saturday St. Patrick’s Day bash in Grand Rapids

• March 16, 2016

Expecting its biggest crowd ever, Irish on Ionia aims to welcome an estimated 20,000 costumed revelers for its sixth annual street party. And there are plenty o’ other Irish-themed gatherings, too. Check out the list of St. Patrick’s parties.

Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows

Michigan snowbirds fly South by Southwest to rock Austin with Michigan House as home base

• March 13, 2016

The Accidentals, Heaters, Flint Eastwood, Rick Chyme, LOUIS, The Outer Vibe and many more Michigan bands travel to Texas this week in hopes of making waves at the music industry’s biggest conference and festival. Check out who’s headed South and return to Local Spins throughout the week for SXSW updates.

Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows

Michigan Bands at SXSW 2016 in Austin: The Local Spins List

• March 12, 2016

Check out the schedule of Michigan acts performing during South by Southwest, with many of them spending time at the Michigan House pop-up venue in Austin.

Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos

Local Spins Guest Playlist for St. Patrick’s Day: Curt Tramel of Fonn Mor

• March 12, 2016

With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching, Celtic music is being uncorked everywhere. And Fonn Mor, led by frontman Curt Tramel, is helping lead the way. He offered up this playlist of favorite songs for the season. Listen to his Top 10 songs and watch the videos.