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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Grand Rapids foursome has operated under the radar for months, but by firing up the house concert and DIY scene, Oliver Houston is a name West Michigan fans are likely to soon know better. Read the story and check out a video from this up-and-coming band.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Check out the latest visual treats from a diverse bunch of West Michigan bands, all of whom are firing up stages this summer from Grand Rapids to Traverse City to Los Angeles. It’s Local Spins’ version of MTV, only better.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ragbirds, Josh Garrels and Bill Kirchen might have escaped your notice but they shouldn’t. Local Spins takes a closer look at three shows flying below the radar this week in the Grand Rapids area, with links to their music and videos.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
It’s a big weekend for music festivals across Michigan. From Cross Village to Traverse City to Kalamazoo to Detroit, an eclectic blend of national and regional acts are spotlighted to bolster options for those traveling the Great Lakes State. Check out the lineups and details here, with links to schedules.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Friday’s Fountain Street Church concert is one of several high-profile homecoming shows Davis and his band are playing this summer, with a new Davis recording in the offing and solo tours outside Michigan this fall. Read the Local Spins interview.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The iconic, genre-defining bassist and songwriter plans to unleash an acoustic-driven, career-spanning show at the Tip Top Deluxe with an innovative Detroit jazz group. Read the intriguing Local Spins interview by Brian J. Bowe.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Well-known regional acts Heartsick, Flint Eastwood, Joshua Davis, Steve Rivers, B. Sykes and more boost the six-day festival that kick off Tuesday. See who else is playing and check out the full Common Ground schedule.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Tuesday’s “Family Night” kickoff will feature interactive performances of music and dance by An Dro, Michigan Hiryu Daiko, Leah Ivory & the Rhym Life Collective, Igor Houwat and more. See the full series schedule for 2015.
Features · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
In an interview from the road, the band’s longtime keyboardist talks to Local Spins about the current U.S. tour and playing the classics at sold-out shows, and even offers up his 11 favorite Rolling Stones songs of all time. Find out what he views as the highlights from the tour and what he considers the greatest rock song of all time.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
It’s an exceptional collection of acts on tap Sunday for the festival at Riverside Park: Peter “Madcat” Ruth, Fauxgrass, Drew Nelson, K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, Seth and May and much more. Read the story and see the complete schedule, which you can save on your smartphone.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Benefiting two charities, the jam at the Ionia Free Fair also will feature Steve Azar, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Kari Lynch, Steve Rivers and Shelby Ann-Marie. Tickets go on sale today. Read more about the inaugural event at Local Spins.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
‘Mind-blowing’ West Michigan festival led by String Cheese Incident and Bassnectar creates ‘strange wonderland’ starring select regional acts, with Grand Rapids’ Rick Chyme set to join The Accidentals on stage. Read the story and check out the weekend performance schedule for The Accidentals, The Ragbirds and Flint Eastwood.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Playing with West Michigan’s Junior Valentine and Hank Mowery in the ’90s helped set the stage for the Austin-based musician’s fortuitous relationship with Clark, who stops at Meijer Gardens Wednesday. Read the exclusive Local Spins interview with Bradley, who’s spent the past five years in Clark’s band.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
After returning from Scotland, the couple takes its folk/bluegrass duo project on the road, with plenty more Flatbellys travels on the horizon. Read the back story about Time & Luck and learn what’s next for The Flatbellys.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Now based in Traverse City after years in Grand Rapids, Stover is recording a new studio album at Amber Lit Audio and literally writing ‘365 Songs for 365 People.’ He plays Elk Brewing on Thursday. Read the back story of this remarkable one-man band and watch a video of him playing his contraption.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The renowned, in-demand Spring Lake percussionist who likes to ‘take risks, jump off the ledge and even be chaotic’ hosts a CD-release show at Founders Brewing on Saturday. Read the back story behind the drummer’s new recording.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Set in an out-of-the-way camp between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, the three-day fest boasts sets by Billy Strings & Don Julin, The Crane Wives, The Accidentals, Alexis, Maraj, Brown Rice Family, That 1 Guy, Sparky & Rhonda Rucker and more. See the full schedule and save it on your smartphone.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
With hundreds of West Michigan performers jamming stages in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend, Local Spins spotlights some must-see acts in this guide to “the best of Fest,” courtesy of Local Spins writers and some well-known local musicians. See who’ve they’ve picked.
Commentary · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Despite some detractors, the intimate outdoor amphitheater unleashes its 13th season with a Michigan classic rock band and follows that with an eclectic mix of acts, old and young. Read the Local Spins commentary, and see which 15 concerts already have sold out.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Holland-area rock band unveils “Dear Fate” June 3 at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, aims to never play ‘the exact same show twice.’ Read the story and listen to a track from the upcoming new album.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The band closes out this weekend’s Buses by the Beach benefit along Lake Michigan, with The Accidentals, Roosevelt Diggs and more also performing. Rootstand releases a new EP this summer, followed by “focused” touring. Read the Local Spins feature and see the full Bus Benefit lineup.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
LaFarge brings a national tour with his band in support of a new album, “Something in the Water” – and his vintage, stylistic authenticity – to Grand Rapids’ Pyramid Scheme this week. Read the Local Spins interview with Brian J. Bowe.
Fronting a top-drawer band a week after Earth Day, Lynch will play two West Michigan shows, including a benefit for protecting the Great Lakes basin. And she hopes to start work on a new studio album later this year. Read the Local Spins interview.
A founding member of the celebrated Carolina Chocolate Drops plays Grand Rapids on Friday, touring behind her solo album, “Tomorrow is My Turn.” Read the Local Spins interview and listen to her incredible interpretation of a classic song.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Grand Rapids trio has ‘fun no matter what.’ The band known for its lively shows and story-telling plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night as part of the Local Spins Wednesdays series. Read the back story about the group and check out the video.
With an L.A. producer, two singers and a light show in tow, this is not a greatest hits revue but a tour touting Rundgren’s new ‘Global’ album and ‘collective consciousness.’ He plays a sold-out show at The Intersection Thursday. Read the Local Spins interview with Rundgren by Brian J. Bowe.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Cheers! Local Spins is turning 3. Check out our big birthday events in May (including the debut of a new Local Spins microbrew), then give us a list of your favorite Michigan bands to win festival tickets, CDs, T-shirts and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids band led by satirist Cliff Frantz not only headlines Jake’s Music Festival at Wealthy Theatre Saturday but boasts, yes, 11 mockumentary episodes of its hijinx. Read the back story, get the full festival schedule and watch Sext Farm’s hilarious videos here.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
The June 20 street party also features Elephant Revival, Gringo Star, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Devin & The Dead Frets, Organissimo and FBC All-Stars. Advance tickets go on sale April 17. Check out the details for one of Grand Rapids’ biggest summer street fests.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Raised in an ultra-musical family, the singer-songwriter with collaborative ties to Blake Elliott and The Accidentals plays the Grand Rapids area this week. Read the story and check out a video/podcast of her appearance on Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks from several West Michigan bands.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Videos
To show support for the Earthwork Music artist, the Grand Rapids Community Media Center has organized a live simulcast of the TV reality show this week, and supporters urge fans to vote for Davis. Get details here.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
Update: The internationally acclaimed experimental post-hardcore band from Grand Rapids plays a sold-out show at The Pyramid Scheme on Tuesday night. Read the remarkable story about rock ‘n’ rollers with a mission.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Spring arrives this weekend, so Local Spins looks ahead to a few much-beloved warm-weather festivals and concert series. Find lineups for Jake’s Music Fest in April, Buses by the Beach in May and learn why Jazz at the Zoo is now Jazz in Park — at downtown’s Ah-Nab-Awen Park — starting in June.
