Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Yes, the Grand Rapids garage rock band made waves by performing on the Grand Lady Riverboat and on radio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by several Michigan acts. Listen to the radio podcast, watch the video of the band’s in-studio performance and browse the photo gallery from its water-borne album-release show.
In this spotlight on the lakeshore, read how top performers from several open-mic sessions will play a special showcase this weekend — and share in ticket proceeds from the event. Get insights into this popular open mic and watch some video highlights.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
In honor of Hip Hop Appreciation Week, Local Spins revisits a River City Studios session with Grand Rapids rapper Lady Ace Boogie, who plays a Local Spins fifth anniversary event at SpeakEZ Lounge later this month. Check out the video, podcast and some links to Hip Hop Appreciation Week events in Grand Rapids.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
From national tour stops by pop, hip-hop and bluegrass acts to jam-packed local showcases, West Michigan’s week of live music kept May hopping. Check out the images and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
The veteran artist releases his CD at Louie’s Back Room Friday night, previewing the show during Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured new tracks by Mid-Life Crisis, Willamena, J. Snell, Jake Kershaw, Mark Lavengood, Tail From the Crypt and more. Read the feature story, listen to the podcast, watch the video of Koenigsknecht’s in-studio performance.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
From a showcase of exuberant regional punk music at Tip Top Deluxe to an epic display of legendary punk groups at Founders Brewing, Saturday night in Grand Rapids proved the diverse power of punk. Experience a special evening of rock in these Local Spins videos and photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Videos
Bob Rowe is a West Michigan music icon. Discover the story behind the veteran country and gospel singer-songwriter’s latest project — his 24th album overall — and listen to the new single. (Story, audio, videos)
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Hailing from the small northern Michigan hamlet of Gladwin, Nate Feuerstein is selling out shows on his current U.S. tour while bringing an “edge” to Christian hip hop. Read the back story about NF’s remarkable rise to fame and watch videos from his latest album.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
The Moxie Strings, The Moonrays, Michigander, Miss Atomic, Slim Gypsy Baggage, The Muteflutes, The Zannies, Bigfoot Buffalo, Ralston Bowles and more are all part of the July and August concerts. See the full lineup at Local Spins.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Starting Thursday, the 10-day event boasts bands from West Michigan, the east side of the state and more, with poetry slams and films also part of the festival that oozes intimacy and an all-ages vibe like Grand Rapids’ The DAAC. Get details in this Local Spins story.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Inspired by the early Beatles, the vintage rock band plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday before crossing the pond for its first European performances. Read the story, check out the video from a recent radio gig.
Audio · Guest Column · Videos
In this Local Spins guest column, Grand Rapids writer and musician Charley Honey revisits the life-changing experience of ‘Sgt. Pepper.’ Check out his take on the album five decades on, listen to the album and find links to other stories about the iconic recording.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
The Lake Leelanau hot spot will up the ante this summer with a series of Thursday and Sunday shows that spotlight regional bands such as The Accidentals, The Crane Wives, The Ragbirds and The Go Rounds. Get the full lineup and details at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The free festival being held Aug. 19-20 at Rosa Parks Circle once again will boast a blend of international and regional jazz favorites. See the full schedule, with videos of some of the featured performers for GRandJazzFest 2017.
Features · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos
‘It’s starting to look like Gibson again.’ Under new ownership, Heritage Guitars aims to restore the luster of Kalamazoo’s Gibson factory to make it a destination for tourists, history buffs and devotees of handcrafted, American-made guitars. Check out the story, photos and video.
Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
It was a week of familiar bands in new locations, familiar events with new faces, and new events with familiar faces. Check out all the concert images — from Hunter Hayes on Thursday to Flint Eastwood on Sunday night — along with the “Grand Rapids: A Musical Day in the Life” video at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Photos · Videos
No arrests were made, but one Record Store Day celebration was cut off by the authorities in mid-stream. Most of the day across West Michigan, however, shaped up as a vinyl lover’s dream. Check out the video and a Local Spins photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
It’s all about ‘getting back to your roots’ for Detroit’s much-respected, award-winning ‘Queen of the Blues’ who headlines Saturday’s ‘Local Blues Matters’ benefit at Billy’s Lounge. Read the Local Spins interview, listen to her inspiring music.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With much of the band now based in Nashville, the popular Michigan-bred bluegrass quartet plays Grand Haven on Friday and has a hectic 2017 ahead. Members also are flourishing with a variety of side projects, including Sweet Water Warblers and the Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza. Check out the Local Spins interview and band videos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The attention-getting rocker raised in Alpena and making waves in Detroit talks with Local Spins about the ’emotional mess’ of songs from her new album and the struggles of touring. She plays The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday. Read about this emerging Michigan artist, listen to her music and watch one of her videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Playing a sold-out Wealthy Theatre on Friday night, the Minneapolis band showcased its impeccable songcraft and infectious, harmony-laden approach. Read the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The side rock ‘n’ roll project of friends from several Grand Rapids bands has produced a fresh, ‘goofy but serious’ debut album. Read the Local Spins story about this unusual group, watch the video and listen to the podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s edition of the Local Spins on WYCE radio show boasted an in-studio performance by Conrad Shock & The Noise, plus new music from Parlor Voice, Yolonda Lavender, Coffin Problem, ConvoTronics, Miss Atomic and more. Listen to the podcast and watch the video.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
This year’s Fashion & Music for Film Showcase will boast fashion lines inspired by music videos and created by Kendall College of Art and Design students. Watch the videos by Grand Rapids’ AB, Los Angeles’ Matt Rose and others.
Commentary · Upcoming shows · Videos
The 23rd anniversary of this benefit for Access of West Michigan aids a worthy cause by rattling the rafters at Founders Brewing with regional rock faves. It’s all about a community of caring. Are you ready to join in? Read the Local Spins commentary and get the lowdown on this weekend event.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The much-respected, Leland-based indie-rocker and painter has added Grand Rapids guitarist-producer Tommy Schichtel to his “very special” band, with two Michigan performances as part of a spring U.S. tour. Read about this much-respected Michigan artist, listen to Sprout’s music and check out his playlist of favorite songs.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The colorful mid-Michigan ensemble celebrated its new album and kicked off a U.S. tour Saturday with a big boost from Grand Rapids’ The Legal Immigrants and Kalamazoo’s Less is More. Read the Local Spins review, ogle the photos, watch the videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids rock band returned with some special guests to Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Chris DuPont, Lazy Genius, Mark Lavengood and more. Watch the video, listen to the radio podcast.
Album Releases · Audio · Videos
With Joe Hertler and band unveiling an album today and kicking off a U.S. tour, Local Spins takes a gander at the new collection and fresh releases from other notable Michigan bands. Check out the reviews and listen to samples of the new music.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The Midland singer-songwriter released his first solo album, “All My Stories,” last year and is transitioning to the Grand Rapids area. He plays SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Listen to the radio podcast and watch the video of his in-studio performance.
Spawned and based in the northern Michigan hamlet of 5,600, Famous Last Words is a hard-rocking, national touring headliner with a fast-growing audience of hundreds of thousands of fans. Get the back story at Local Spins, watch their videos.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The weekend got started early with a piano prodigy and continued with soul, rock, pop, folk, blues and a bevy of young, emerging West Michigan acts. Check out the photos and videos at Local Spins, from Chilly, Blues & Brews at The B.O.B. to bluegrass at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Spanning the east and west sides of the state, this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted pop, rock, folk, blues and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, read the story.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
The young Michigan guitarist plays SpeakEZ Lounge for the first time Wednesday night, and the award-winning 10th grader already has shared stages with Jonny Lang and Anthony Gomes. He releases his debut album later this spring. Read the story, listen to the radio podcast, watch the videos.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
A New Orleans band won the grand prize in NPR’s annual Tiny Desk Concert Contest. But Grand Rapids folk-rock band The Crane Wives turned judges’ heads with their video, too. Read the band’s reaction to making NPR’s spotlighted list of entries and watch their attention-getting submission.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Get ready to “Moondance.” Grand Rapids singer Mark VandenBerge will unleash his most ambitious tribute to the legendary Van Morrison on Friday at 20 Monroe Live. Check out a video and get a preview in the Local Spins on WYCE podcast.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Sunday’s seven-hour showcase of West Michigan talent drew hundreds of people to The Intersection to show support for Ralston and Cindy Bowles and help pay their medical bills. Check out the Local Spins story, video highlights and a photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
The Go Rounds, Flint Eastwood and other Michigan acts put an exclamation point on Michigan’s House South by Southwest 2017, with Local Spins hosting a musicians’ roundtable, too. Check out the photo gallery and videos.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Sunday concert raising money for the couple’s medical bills features a who’s who roster of regional artists, including Troll for Trout, Larry McCray, The Soul Syndicate, Drew Nelson, Hannah Rose Graves, Fauxgrass and more. See the full schedule and details about this special event.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
Tuesday’s Michigan House lineup at Austin boasts loads of potential. Read about the performances and a special Local Spins roundtable that will stream live. Meanwhile, Traverse City’s The Accidentals continue to live up to the hype at SXSW. Read about their first show for 2017 in Austin and check out the premiere of a new Rick Chyme & Nixon video featuring The Accidentals.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The trio of Texas brothers will play the Acoustic Cafe series in Grand Rapids, unfurling music with ‘a unique Latin twist’ and ‘a taste of Texican rock ‘n’ roll,’ says JoJo Garza.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
With SXSW panels probing Michigan initiatives on creativity, innovation, equity and more, Michigan House turned the gym at an Austin church into a Mitten State mecca with Michigan beer, a visit from Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and music from Seth Bernard. Check out the videos, story and photos, only at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The March 10 edition of the radio show also featured new music from The Accidentals, Alex Mendenall, The Go Rounds, Stef Chura, Michigander and Frontier Ruckus. Check out the podcast, video and story.
Audio · Features · Kalamazoo · Music on Campus · Videos
Western Michigan University’s renowned jazz studies program has added another feather to its cap: Double bass instructor Tom Knific is lauded by Musical America as one of the top 30 innovative music professionals of the year.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos
They came, they saw, they strummed guitars and they watched regional acts on four stages at Kalamazoo Valley Museum this weekend. Check out the Local Spins roundup, photo gallery and videos from the 2017 Kalamazoo festival, which attracted thousands of visitors and boasted sets by more than a dozen acts.
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.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Check out photo galleries and show recaps from a week of punk, funk, pop and more across West Michigan, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse images of national tour stops plus a Local Showcase and the Winter Beer Festival at Fifth Third Ballpark.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Red Rio, aka Alexis Brooke, performed two new songs for this week’s edition of Local Spins Live and chatted about her edgy music. Listen to the radio podcast, watch the videos.
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.
