Working for a Grand Rapids-based charity, the singer-songwriter has seen the dire needs first-hand. Rhys and Valentiger play The B.O.B.’s ‘Will Play for Food’ show to aid the cause tonight (Thursday). Check out the videos and podcast from Wednesday’s Local Spins Live radio show.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The Outer Vibe pumps up musical profile and promotion with ‘Pass It On’ EP, videos, touring
The Grand Rapids rock band hosts an EP ‘giveaway’ show Friday at The Intersection after enlisting a renowned California producer for its new recording. And check out the band’s latest video, filmed at St. Cecilia Music Center with local performers and celebrities.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Waka Flocka Flame, Paula Cole, The Soil & The Sun, Van Morrison tribute: Weekend Photo Gallery
From hip hop to atmospheric rock to jazz, West Michigan rolled out shows big and small, including Beast in the Field, The Soul Syndicate, Downie, Fly Paper, Mid-Life Crisis and more. (Photos, videos)
Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Watching for Foxes
Edition No. 22 of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by folk-rock’s Watching for Foxes, with song debuts by SoundIsRed, Willamena, Downie, The Soul Syndicate and more. And an update on the condition of musician Olivia Mainville, who was injured in a car crash later the same day.
Michigan Album Reviews: THEO, Ghost Heart, Hannah Rose Graves, Lady Ace Boogie, Thirsty Perch Blues Band, Josh Rose
January’s first batch of Local Spins reviews rounds up riveting releases from the past few months, including CDs by Mat Churchill, Downie, Madcat Midnight Blues Journey and Max Lockwood.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
‘Connecting emotionally’: From jazz to pop, Grand Haven singer Downie leans on all-star cast for intimate new album
Downie’s CD-release show on Friday at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre will celebrate iconic female songwriters as well as original material from her third album. (Podcast, video)
Features · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Van Morrison tribute at Calvin College to showcase Grand Rapids singer’s passion for the artist, the blues and cultural solidarity
Mark VandenBerge’s lush ‘Ken Burns meets Trans-Siberian Orchestra’ production on Saturday will boast an all-star band, orchestra, choir and striking visuals. And check out his playlist of Top 5 Van Morrison songs.
Breaking music news · Features
Jim Shaneberger Band, Big Boss Blues head to Memphis for International Blues Challenge
UPDATE: Two West Michigan blues bands competed alongside 140-plus acts in the international competition this week. Read more about their Memphis experience.
Features · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Vintage Gigs
Vintage Gigs, 1971: Fleetwood Mac fills in for Deep Purple (plus a Top 10 playlist)
With Fleetwood Mac playing Van Andel Arena tonight, WLAV-FM radio host and music historian Steve Aldrich recalls the first time the band played here, then supplies his Top 10 Fleetwood Mac songs.
Valentiger, Lady Ace Boogie, Hannah Rose Graves, Kris Hitchcock: Weekend Photo Gallery
Rousing performances in familiar and not-so-familiar locales from Holland to GR were the rule, including sets by Hank Mowery & The Hawktones, Eric Engblade, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Jonny Caroll, Roosevelt Diggs and more.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Thirsty Perch Blues Band, Luke Schmidt of Hot Capicola Records
Show No. 21 of Local Spins on WYCE features in-studio performances by Thirsty Perch Blues Band, a conversation with Hot Capicola Records co-owner Luke Schmidt, and song debuts from Lady Ace Boogie, THEO and more.
Breaking music news · Features
Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts deadline for performance applications is Jan. 15
Organizers say this year’s all-online application system will make it easier for bands and performers to apply, and speed up scheduling. But the entry fee has doubled to $10.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE Show #20 (Jan. 9, 2015): Hawks & Owls
The Jan. 9 edition of Local Spins on WYCE features in-studio performances by old-timey folk band Hawks & Owls who performed later in the weekend at the Winter Wheat benefit in Grand Rapids. Also, we debut brand new tracks from Thirsty Perch Blues Band, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, Ben Scott-Brandt, Pete Bass & the Odds Elite and Westrin & Mowry.
Commentary · Features · Upcoming shows
New indie record labels yearn to ‘build up the scene,’ turn Grand Rapids into music mecca
On the heels of dizzybird records’ launch late last year, Hot Capicola Records also seeks to pump up the profile of local artists. The label hosts Lady Ace Boogie’s LP-release party at The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat, Earthwork Music Collective Tour, Dead Prez: Weekend Photo Gallery (Jan. 9-11)
More than two dozen acclaimed Michigan acts played two venues — The Intersection and Founders Brewing — within a block of each other Saturday, sparking huge crowds and memorable performances. And Billy’s Lounge hosted a bluesy CD-release show.
Breaking music news · Commentary · Features · Photos
Best of Local Spins 2014: Ray LaMontagne, The Accidentals, Insane Clown Posse, David Raffenaud, Halloween, Electric Forest
Local Spins’ final look back at the year that was, reliving the excitement, controversy, emotions and pageantry that West Michigan’s music scene sparked in 2014
Features · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Earthwork Music stars ‘spread the joy’ in winter tour, with stops in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Traverse City and Ann Arbor
More than a dozen Michigan roots acts from the collective will share songs and back each other on stage, including Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, who move to Nashville later this month.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Grand Haven native Borns makes splash on ‘Conan’ in national TV debut
Pop singer-songwriter once known as Garrett Borns performs hit single, “10,000 Emerald Pools,” with his band. He kicks off a national tour next month with a Michigan stop in Detroit March 1.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Cabbage Crik reunion pumps up appeal of Saturday’s Winter Wheat celebration of folk, bluegrass at The Intersection
The annual Wheatland fundraiser will boast two indoor stages and more than a dozen performances, including Fred Willson’s An Dro finale and sets by Billy Strings & Don Julin, Fauxgrass and more.
Seven Steps Up gets stomping and noisy with Billy Strings & Don Julin; Bring Back the DAAC impresses fans, raises $2,000 for the cause
Spring Lake listening room’s first ‘Standing Room Only’ show revs up crowd with fiery bluegrass while The Pyramid Scheme hosts JOE’s CD-release party to draw attention to the DAAC. (Photos, review)
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The Soil and The Sun’s ‘Meridian’ honored as winner of 2014’s Local Spin of the Year
The ethereal Grand Rapids rock band’s latest album tabbed as best regional album of the year, with the acclaimed group eyeing another recording project for 2015.
Tom Gunnels departs The Crane Wives; band to continue as a four-piece in recording new album
The folk-rock band’s longtime banjoist played his final show with the group at Founders on New Year’s Eve and is pursuing a new musical project dubbed Great Lakes Natives as well as working with a new nonprofit group.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Bring Back the DAAC benefit spearheaded by Grand Rapids singer-songwriter who ‘just wants to give back to local art’
Tonight’s four-band show at The Pyramid Scheme will also be a CD-release party for indie-rock’s JOE led by frontman and event organizer Joe Rodriguez. Brother Adams, Dead Eye Zack and Emma Loo & Sam are also on the bill.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
New Year’s Eve celebrations heat up with The Crane Wives, The Outer Vibe, Delilah DeWylde, Starlight Six (Photo Gallery)
Despite chilly temps, thousands crowded Calder Plaza for HOT FM’s annual party, with hundreds more celebrating at SpeakEZ Lounge, Founders, Tip Top Deluxe and Wealthy Theatre. (Photos, review)
Commentary · Features · Top 10 Lists
Best Music of 2014: The Local Spins Lists
Once again, Local Spins asked music writers and West Michigan musicians to submit picks for the year’s best albums and songs – and they came through with a truly diverse mix, from Future Islands and New Pornographers to Snarky Puppy and Against Me! to The Go Rounds and Heaters. Submit yours and you could win a special gift package
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mustard Plug, Genetics, La Famiglia, Domestic Problems, The Verve Pipe: Weekend Photo Gallery (Dec. 26-28)
The post-Christmas celebration in the Grand Rapids area boasted musical revelry at The Intersection, Founders, Billy’s Lounge and more, plus The Hard Lessons final concert ever and some intimate acoustic shows, too, captured in Local Spins images.
The Verve Pipe oozes fresh energy, triumphant vibe for jam-packed Intersection crowd
With fellow ’90s stars Domestic Problems sharing the bill, Saturday night’s annual holiday show delivered nostalgia and just plain fun for a near-capacity audience. (Review, photo gallery)
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Kate Johnson: At 15, Spring Lake singer-songwriter eyeing bright musical future after releasing first studio EP
Mentored by veteran musician and producer Mark Lamm, the teen already has opened for a national act and is working on songs for a follow-up album. (Story, podcast, video)
Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE Show #18 (Dec. 26, 2014): Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe
For the year-ending edition of Local Spins on WYCE, Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe chats about the band’s holiday show with Domestic Problems and performs a couple of songs in-studio. Host John Sinkevics also uncorks tracks from bands who delivered some of the year’s most compelling live shows.
The Verve Pipe, Domestic Problems ready to get nostalgic, share stage at holiday show for first time in nearly 20 years
Saturday’s spectacle at The Intersection reunites two of West Michigan’s most popular rock bands from the ’90s for a fresh, post-Christmas affair that has both groups pumped up.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Features
Bob Seger wows Big Apple, Lindsay Lou in ‘Banjo Babes’ calendar, WYCE expands award nominees list
The pre-Christmas music news update at Local Spins checks in on Seger’s “Ride Out” tour, takes a gander at a plucky banjo project and finds more local albums nominated for honors.
Frankie Ballard, Pop Evil, Mark Lavengood, The Accidentals, Billy Strings & Don Julin: Weekend Photo Gallery (Dec. 17-20)
Rock, country, bluegrass, folk, jazz and hip hop unfolded in a host of West Michigan venues, from Jon Pardi to the Appleseed Collective to The Beat Suite to Sharkanoid and more.
Vintage Gigs, 1972: Alice Cooper terrorizes Tulip City with ‘Dead Babies,’ gallows and ‘perversion’
Local Spins writer Brian J. Bowe recounts the stir sparked by the legendary shock-rocker’s spectacle at the Holland Civic Center in the early ’70s, a concert recalled by fans as a night of acid, body parts, a hanging and more that sent ripples through the staid community.
Breaking music news · Features · Podcasts · Videos
The Accidentals wrap up ‘crazy, awesome’ year; will play South by Southwest and finish new album in 2015
After playing 230 shows in 2014, the teenage indie-folk phenoms from Traverse City continue to tour and record ceaselessly as a break-through act. They return to One Trick Pony tonight. (Videos, podcast)
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Luke Winslow King brings vibrant New Orleans vibe to his native Michigan
The acclaimed, Cadillac-bred singer-guitarist returns to Michigan where he cut his teeth. Read the back story about this celebrated artist and his journey.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
From A.B. and Alexis to Valentiger and Young Heavy Souls: 2015 Jammie Award nominations announced
Grand Rapids radio station WYCE-FM (88.1) reveals the roster of local and regional acts nominated for top honors during February awards show at The Intersection; 88-plus acts will vie for album of the year.
The Bad Plus, PitchBlak Brass Band, Heaters, Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery (Dec. 10-13)
Some of West Michigan’s most compelling concerts didn’t feature arena-sized superstars, but inventive bands in their respective genres: jazz, psych rock/garage rock, hip hop, EDM and more.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE Show #16 (Dec. 12, 2014): A.B. plus song debuts
The Local Spins on WYCE show podcast from Dec. 12, 2014 with special in-studio guest, Grand Rapids hip hop artist A.B, who talks about his new album with host John Sinkevics playing two tracks from the “Layer Cake” CD on the air. Also: on-air song debuts from Midnight Cattle Callers, Dear Tracks, Dale Wicks and more.
The brash honesty, vintage country of Justin Townes Earle charms St. Cecilia audience
The second concert in the Acoustic Café Folk Series had the singer-songwriter regaling an audience of 400 with tales and laid-back, old-timey-hued musical travails.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Dale Wicks: Striving for compelling, thought-provoking songs
The guitarist and singer has focused primarily on his solo career while performing across Michigan, but he’s eyeing a full-band project, too. (Story, video, podcast)
Bob Seger dishes out reflective power, real joy and ‘big ol’ nostalgic rock ‘n’ roll’ in Grand Rapids
The Michigan icon’s return Tuesday to Van Andel Arena with the Silver Bullet Band boasted the usual greatest hits plus a few new tunes from “Ride Out,” delivered with a feisty sort of energy.
Bob Seger ‘magic’ recalled by West Michigan studio owner, Silver Bullet Band alum Robyn Robins on eve of sold-out Grand Rapids show
The former Silver Bullet keyboard player is now an award-winning Wyoming recording and mastering engineer who toured and recorded with Seger during the ‘golden years.’
UV Hippo, Flogging Molly, Jackyl, American WiFi, Fenian’s final concert: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery (Dec. 3-6)
Another eclectic week and weekend, from Channing & Quinn to Jackyl to Elephant Wrecking Ball to the B-Side Growlers and some bittersweet goodbyes, captured in photos by Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
WYCE Jammie Awards add The Verve Pipe, Hannah Rose, Vox Vidorra and more to performer lineup
WYCE has revealed its final performance lineup with Legacy Award winner The Verve Pipe, Micah Ling, Nicholas James Thomasma, Tom Hymn and more now part of the evening-long entertainment on two stages. Dozens will be honored with awards in several categories. See the full list of performers.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
American WiFi: Crazy-good, pop-fueled rock from an up-and-coming band of best friends
This week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on a harmony-driven, young and happily ‘weird’ Grand Rapids band releasing its second EP at The Pyramid Scheme on Friday.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
A Grand Pause: UV Hippo excited about taking extended break after weekend blowout shows
The Grand Rapids jam band’s final Michigan show before a long hiatus takes place Friday at The Intersection with three full sets and special guests. And might the break spawn an Electric Light Orchestra tribute band?
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
HOT FM New Year’s Eve bash will move to Calder Plaza; dance-pop’s Cobra Starship to headline
After years on Monroe Avenue near Rosa Parks Circle, the New Year’s Eve party settles on the roomier Calder Plaza with Grand Rapids’ The Outer Vibe adding to the celebration.
Breaking music news · Features
An Dro guitarist Fred Willson playing final show with band in January; guitarist-singer Mark Lamm departing The Trace
Two veteran Grand Rapids bands are losing key members in coming weeks, with the acoustic groups planning to continue performing without them.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Flosstradamus, Truckstop Cobras, Vox Vidorra, Ghost Heart: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery (Nov. 28-30)
The long Thanksgiving weekend gave live music fans plenty for which to be thankful, including some rising EDM stars at The Intersection, a much-anticipated CD-release show at Founders Brewing and rockabilly fervor at the Tip Top.
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