Nathan Walton & The Remedy will headline the May 18 festival at Grand Rapids’ Studio Park along with Elijah Russ, Short Panic, teen bands and more in celebrating Local Spins’ 12th anniversary.
Back For 2024: Rising Michigan stars fill the bill for this year’s Local Spins Fest. (Photos/Local Spins)
In many ways, Local Spins has always been about “the future of Michigan music.”
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
So it’s only apropos that this year’s Local Spins Fest taking place on May 18 at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids would not only celebrate the music publication’s 12th anniversary and the kickoff to summer festivals, but also give a big-stage platform to passionate young musicians who have dreams of music as a career.
In that vein, today’s announcement of the headliner and all-star acts in the Michigan-based lineup for the third annual Local Spins Fest – soulful rock band Nathan Walton & The Remedy, multi-genre ensemble Elijah Russ Collective and emerging funk-rock phenoms Short Panic – includes two teen bands from area music academies who’ll help launch the one-day festival.
Ocean Boosamra & The Hand Me Downs (Triumph Music Academy) and Hangman (Red Rose Music Lab) will get the festival started at 4 p.m. that Saturday on the outdoor stage.
A Summer Festival Kickoff: Local Spins Fest. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
In addition, the mammoth screen towering over the Studio Park piazza will feature music videos and performances by young bands hosted by youth music organizations such as Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities’ Girls Rock GR, City Kids and Kalamazoo Academy of Rock – all part of Local Spins’ mission to spotlight up-and-coming talent and support efforts to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Some area “schools of rock” and music academies also will be on hand to provide information to budding musicians and parents, along with the Michigan Music Alliance, which is dedicated to educating the state’s musicians about the business of music as well as advocating for programs that enhance their careers.
Once again, Rockford Brewing will have the tasty Local Spinsation Ale on tap at the event (and at other watering holes that week) to toast Local Spins’ anniversary.
And in keeping with Local Spins’ mission to make live music as accessible as possible to families, general admission tickets are just $10, with VIP seating available for $25 (with those tickets including premier seating, a frameable festival poster and Local Spins sunglasses – ideal for ensuring picture-perfect weather for the event). Get tickets now online here.
As always, $1 from each ticket sold will be donated to Access of West Michigan, which operates anti-poverty programs and coordinates food pantries for families-in-need.
Interested in volunteering for Local Spins Fest? Email Anna at annasinkarts@gmail.com for details. And to help cover costs for this community event, consider donating to Local Spins online here: http://www.presspatron.com/local-spins We depend on readers and supporters of Michigan music to keep Local Spins spinning and continue our coverage of the region’s music scene.
‘PHENOMENAL’ TO PLAY LOCAL SPINS FEST WHILE INSPIRING YOUNG MUSICIANS
“To be performing as the headliner for this year’s Local Spins Fest feels phenomenal,” said Walton, who just returned from performances at Austin’s mammoth South by Southwest music festival and conference.
“Years of dedication and work brought us to this point. It’s a real honor to be considered with so many wonderful artists we consider friends and family in the West Michigan area.”
Walton’s also pleased with “The Future of Michigan Music” theme and the youth mentorship aspect of Local Spins Fest, with veteran, experienced bands getting a chance to interact with fledgling musicians still finding their way in the scene.
Nathan Walton (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
“My friend, Branden Garner, runs Red Rose Music Lab, and I think it’s wonderful what he does for the youth when it comes to confidence and lessons in music. We need more young bright minds, and music is a gateway to expression and empathy for children,” he said.
“I have given lessons and still do to a select few. It’s a joy to be able to give someone a spark and let them run with it.”
Local Spins founder John Sinkevics noted that last year’s festival showcased female-driven Michigan acts who’ve made a big splash regionally and he’s convinced that 2024’s fresh and youthful 2024 will inspire a host of younger musicians who’ll get to rub elbows with professional artists.
In fact, the award-winning Short Panic – formed by Grand Rapids Community College students – already boasts impressive energy and instrumental prowess that belies their young age, with the band recently releasing its debut album on the Midwest Gold Records label.
“With the immense talent of the main acts, I think all the performances will be life-changing for the younger musicians,” Walton said.
“Being able to break out into the real world and step on real stage could turn a young person’s hobby into a lifelong passion.”
Local Spins Fest is sponsored by Local Spins, Midtown/Studio Park, Dan Terry & The West Michigan Songwriter’s Festival, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Firehouse Guitars and Elderly Instruments, with special thanks to Rockford Brewing and RIT Music.
To warm things up for the Saturday event, Local Spins Wednesdays at SpeakEZ Lounge on May 15 will also feature a teen act, Izubel, as well as a special guest still to be announced.
Check out coverage of the 2023 Local Spins Fest here.
Copyright 2024, Spins on Music LLC
