Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kari Lynch returns to West Michigan this week to play the Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids (Aug. 24). Read the story about her Nashville experience and upcoming new album, then check out an exclusive Local Spins video of a new Lynch song.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With its sophomore album being unveiled Thursday at Founders Brewing, the alt-country-styled Grand Rapids band has enhanced its sound with a drummer, diverse songs and a harmony-driven vibe. Learn about the band’s journey, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video of a new song.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor-based band with Traverse City roots plays Rockford Brewing this week after releasing an album that was recorded in basements, garages and bedrooms across Michigan. Read the feature story and check out Dede and The Dreamers’ distinctive music.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Community radio station WYCE-FM’s 2016 mega-party at The Intersection on Feb. 19 will feature 23 bands on two stages, with Bigfoot Buffalo, The Waxies, Rick Chyme and many more in the mix. And singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles will be honored with a Legacy Award. See the entire lineup.
Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
The Local Spins series focusing on interesting — and sometimes off-the-beaten-path — music venues continues with a look at a popular Grand Haven brewery that hosts shows weekly. Read the story, check out the photos and video, and peruse the upcoming lineup of live music performances.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Vox Vidorra, Detroit’s Pierre Anthony and more will take the spotlight and boost “creative energy” this week at temporary quarters in downtown Detroit. Read more about this instrastate project in this Local Spins story.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The Accidentals, The Ragbirds, Brian Vander Ark and more will grace the monthly concerts in downtown Grand Haven, presented by the Red House Concert Series. See the full schedule of upcoming shows.
Saturday’s day-long Winter Wheat fest at The Intersection boasts dancing, 12 bands on two stages — including The Accidentals, Billy Strings & Don Julin and Roosevelt Diggs — and a “family reunion” vibe for musicians. Read the story behind this singular event and check out the full schedule.
Commentary · Features · Upcoming shows
Local Spins writer Brian J. Bowe recalls his late friend and uber-fan of metal who died suddenly earlier this month. Bowe joins a host of West Michigan bands and musicians in playing a benefit Wednesday at Holland’s Park Theatre.
Celebrating the arrival of another year requires musical revelry, so Local Spins has rounded up some of the best and biggest New Year’s Eve bashes unfolding across West Michigan on Friday.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The Robin Connell Trio will accompany a rotating who’s who lineup of West Michigan jazz stars – from Kathy Lamar to Mary Rademacher – on Wednesday nights in the ballroom of the Division Avenue landmark. Read about this new venture and check out the complete lineup.
Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Part of a Local Spins series spotlighting unique music venues that feature local and regional acts. Check out this microbrewery and take a video tour of the venue.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
Phase Two of the pre-holiday Local Spins albums roundup also spotlights new releases by Nordlund & The Nomad Assembly and Brotha James. Check out the reviews with sound clips from the featured albums by local and regional artists. Consider them perfect additions to any Christmas gift list.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The hard-driving, female-fronted Grand Rapids blues band working on its second EP is one of four regional acts playing a West Michigan Blues Society benefit on Sunday at Billy’s Lounge. Read the feature story, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video of an acoustic performance.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
Check out the early December music news roundup at Local Spins, with a couple of popular West Michigan bands ready to uncork high-profile holiday shows and an annual reminder to musicians that Festival 2016 is right around the corner.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
Refreshed by its time off, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus will unleash a special horn-driven display at The Intersection on Saturday while continuing work on a hush-hush new “theme” album. Read the story about the re-charged jam band.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
May Erlewine, Rachael Davis and Lindsay Lou join forces in the indie-folk trio that plays four Michigan venues this week, with an eye toward recording their first studio album. Read the back story, check the show schedule and view a video from their only previous performance — a truly inspiring one.
With a diverse musical roster that includes Seth Bernard & May Erlewine, Steve Hilger and series-starter Ralston Bowles, Bethlehem Lutheran Church south of downtown Grand Rapids offers music and art to support social justice causes and aid the Heartside area. Read the story about this unique series and check out the full lineup.
Audio · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The extraordinary, unique event returns to Eastown with 33 diverse performances, plus classes and workshops, all unfolding in three homes. Get the lowdown here and check out Local Spins’ “five acts to catch” at Lamp Light 2015.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The fast-rising Flint phenom headlines a Grand Rapids show at The Pyramid Scheme for the first time on Friday and promises a ‘beat-driven’ night with a special guest. Read the Local Spins Q & A by Jonathan Beatty and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast featuring an in-studio performance by Olaniran.
For Local Spins readers, 13 is a lucky number. With the harrowing holiday falling on a weekend, we’ve picked a baker’s dozen of Halloween bashes to haunt your Saturday night. Check out the full list, then pull out your craziest costume.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
With its expanded lineup, the band made a studio appearance for Local Spins on WYCE, will release a new single next week and plans to record a new album later this fall. Read the back story about this band that “reaches to all ends of the emotional and musical spectrum,” check out its new video and listen to the full radio podcast with new songs by a host of West Michigan bands.
In a guest column, the Grand Rapids musician suggests the no-frills, no-texting, no-talking vibe of a listening room can be a moving experience for fans and performers alike. Another Local Spins essay giving a voice to West Michigan musicians on topics dear to their hearts.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
After a planned sale of the historic building fell through, owners of the Howard City venue will reopen the unique and popular music venue later this month — a move that will surely please acoustic players across the region. Read more about the developments and check out the concert series schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids singer who left Sweet Japonic several years ago has a new rock band, The Bad Disciples, which plans to release its debut album later this year. Wilson also plans to record a solo EP. Read the story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of a new Wilson song.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
With the Billy Strings & Don Julin duo starting to “pull back” from performing quite as much, the Ionia-bred guitarist is writing songs and reveling in jams with other musical pals. He’s performing several times in Grand Rapids this week, including an early evening show at SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday. Read the story, check out the video.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The Ragbirds, Big Dudee Roo, Fauxgrass, Peter Madcat Ruth, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Chuck Whiting and more will pump up downtown Hastings for the free celebration. Read the story and check out the full Saturday schedule.
Northern Michigan’s Joshua Davis got a hero’s welcome after his impressive run on “The Voice.” Tonight, he plays St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids. To warm up for his show, check out the songs that have influenced and inspired this singer-songwriter.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Michigan singer-songwriter with roots in Grand Rapids brings his new “Outlier” album to SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday, with a Midwest and East Coast tour on tap. Read the story behind this emerging indie-folk artist and listen to a song from the new album.
The legendary ‘Queen of Rockabilly’ still gives it ‘110 percent,’ tours 10 months out of the year. Read the Local Spins interview with a singer who’s idolized by Jack White and who’s found a new generation of fans. She plays Wealthy Theatre on Saturday.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
It launches tonight (Wednesday) at SpeakEZ Lounge with ArtPrize song entrants and continues with a new outdoor venue, Michigan House’s indoor space and 150-plus busking performances around Grand Rapids. Get the lowdown on all of the ArtPrize-related music options.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
This weekend’s inaugural music festival on the water boasts sets by more than 20 Michigan acts with unique amenities, including wine and music cruises. And more music events are planned for the northern Michigan site in 2016. Read the story and check out the schedule.
New ArtPrize musical offerings range from The Eddy outdoor venue to Michigan House’s intimate indoor performance space, plus more than 150 busking performances in five locations around the city. Check out the robust lineup of live music offerings during ArtPrize in this Local Spins roundup.
Guest Column · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Guest columnist Mark Lavengood, better known as the resonator guitar whiz in Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, waxes eloquent about this weekend’s musician-rich Earthwork Harvest Gathering and why it’s a world-class affair. And listen to a Local Spins playlist of songs by Michigan artists playing this year’s festival.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Phil Barry and Sarah Fuerst, members of The Corn Fed Girls, are working on a full-length album and will bring their new duo to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday. Read the story about this talented duo and check out the video of a harmony-laden in-studio performance for Local Spins on WYCE.
It’s a one-two punch of regional music in Grand Rapids. On Saturday, Eastown Street Fair boasts sets by 15 bands on two stages. Meanwhile, Tip Top Deluxe hosts a Sunday showcase of hip hop, funk and R&B. Get the full schedules here at Local Spins.
Features · Playlists · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
This weekend’s folk festival amid rural splendor boasts international roots music stars, but also showcases top-notch Michigan acts such as Joshua Davis, Lindsay Lou and Gifts or Creatures. Read the story and save the performance schedule on your smartphone to take along to Wheatland. And if you’re unfamiliar with some of the artists, check out the Local Spins playlist of songs by featured acts.
This column spotlighting the financial plight of local musicians first appeared at Local Spins two years ago amid an explosion in the music scene. But have things really changed? Read the Local Spins commentary.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids’ uber-energetic “black-tie garage rockers” have uncorked a new album. But Jesse Ray and Josh Worsham also have taken time to offer Local Spins their playlist of favorite tunes, including The Rolling Stones and Gary Clark Jr. and local faves such as The Crane Wives and Joe Hertler.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The ferocious Grand Rapids garage-rock duo is now performing as a foursome, itching to unleash its ‘fantastic’ new studio album and ready to tour the land. The Bangups play Founders on Saturday.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Tonight’s final Tuesday Evening Music Club show at Meijer Gardens will be a star-studded affair. And Forest Hills Fine Arts Center has announced its four-show series for 2015-16. Check out the details at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The four-concert series already features bluegrass’ The Steel Wheels and singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin. Tickets for the Kottke and Escovedo shows go on sale today. Get details here.
Features · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The acclaimed soul/funk guitarist relishes ‘great’ Michigan connections while touring the globe and finishing up a new album. His band makes two Michigan tour stops this week. Read the Local Spins interview and check out Randolph’s playlist of favorite songs.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The legendary Grand Rapids bluesman rededicates himself to music and celebrates release of his first studio recording in 14 years on Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge. Read the Local Spins review of the album, check out the back story about the guitarist’s renewed confidence and listen to one of the new songs.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
The chart-topping rockers unleash their new album at The Intersection’s “Rock the Lot” on Friday and recently released “Ghost of Muskegon” single in a hometown nod. Read about the band’s hard-gigging journey and watch the video for “Footsteps.”
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
With 60 bands vying to win a grand prize worth $10,000-plus, the Saturday afternoon bonanza of music takes over the lakeshore town. Get details and see how the second annual event has upped the ante.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
“We love us some Hoxey!” One of Michigan musicians’ favorite summer festivals heats up Manistee National Forest this weekend on two stages for three days and 30-plus performances. Starting small all those years ago, Hoxeyville has grown up but remains a “special place” for bands such as Greensky Bluegrass. Check out the full daily lineup.
Bars of Gold, Bong Mountain, The Reptilian and dozens more will rev up Shakespeare’s Pub for this annual rock fest that’s growing with ‘mesmerizing,’ diverse talent. Read the story about this Kalamazoo event and check out the full schedule.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
We’ve already told you about Cowpie Music Festival, but there are way more music fests on tap this weekend, from Kalamazoo to Sparta to Gaylord to New Buffalo. And they cover every genre imaginable, from blues to country to punk to folk to Celtic. Check out the lineups and downloadable schedules at Local Spins.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
National act Bill Kirchen and local faves Luke Warm & The Not So Hots, Rochelle & The Spoilers, Tony LaJoye Trio, Macpodz, Rootstand, Legal Immigrants, Big Dudee Roo, Afro Zuma and more will light up this weekend’s farm bash. Get the full schedule and details here.
