Watch the video as the Grand Rapids rock band talks about its astounding new album, “The Effigy,” being released Saturday at Founders Brewing, with the group also performing several songs in the first ever Local Spins Live at River City Studios podcast.
In praise of a glorious Thanksgiving: Four reasons to be thankful at Local Spins
West Michigan musicians, Fenian’s Irish Pub (as it winds down toward the end of an era) and yes, the Detroit Lions, rank high on this Thanksgiving Day roster for 2014.[…]
Local Spins Guest Playlist: Holland’s Diego Morales, lead singer of The Soul Syndicate
With his vintage soul ensemble playing a special night-before-Thanksgiving show at Fifth Third Ballpark’s Pepsi Stadium Club, Diego Morales offers up thanks to an eclectic roster of influential songs … including some true R&B classics.
Feedback celebrates 20 years of musical camaraderie, buoys Access of West Michigan in benefit at Founders
Sunday’s feel-good anniversary show raised thousands for food and anti-poverty programs with lively, goofy rock sets by The FuzzRites, Domestic Problems and The Honeytones. (Photo gallery, video)
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Wayland, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Hannah Rose Graves & Justin Wierenga, Wine Beer & Food Fest: Weekend Photo Gallery (Nov. 20-23)
Winter roared in a month early, but that didn’t stop some popular local acts from roaring on stage at CD-release shows and elsewhere, including the International Wine, Beer & Food Festival at DeVos Place. All captured in images at Local Spins.
Commentary · Features · Videos
Feed the World: Local music will drive milestone Feedback show at Founders on anniversary of Band Aid
Local musicians gather Sunday for the 20th anniversary of Feedback to support Access of West Michigan. What a long, gratifying trip it’s been, involving dozens of bands since that first benefit at the old Intersection in Eastown.
The Local Spins Guest Playlist: Musician, producer, recording studio owner Tommy Schichtel
From Hound Dog Taylor to Claudine Longet, the mad genius behind The Concussions, FuzzRites, B-Sides and Goon Lagoon pipes in with a deliciously retro, wonderfully “odd” playlist of favorite songs and ribald commentary. The FuzzRites play Founders Sunday.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
Traverse City phenoms Billy Strings and Don Julin wrap up tour with bluegrass legends as live album soars up charts
In the Local Spins Artist Spotlight: The buzz about the fiery Michigan bluegrass duo keeps growing. They play northern Michigan this week, with December shows at Rockford Brewing and Founders Brewing.
The Rockit King, Natural Child, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Pimps of Joytime: Weekend Photo Gallery (Nov. 13-16)
Fans came out in droves for some hip-hop legends and a rock-fueled CD-release show, with plenty more on the docket across West Michigan, including concerts by An Dro, Heaters and more, all captured in images at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE Show #12: (Brad Fritcher & Dutcher Snedeker)
Local Spins on WYCE Show #12: (Brad Fritcher & Dutcher Snedeker)
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
My Brightest Diamond, Chuck Prophet, The Crane Wives Trio and Max Lockwood turn mid-week shows into weekend-styled parties
From Wealthy Theatre to the Tip Top to SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids’ Wednesday night was firing on all cylinders: The Local Spins roundup and photo gallery.
In love with ‘the culture and energy’ of house concerts: A balm for the anxiety of a terrifying era? (Musicians’ Soundboard)
Musician and Local Spins columnist Brian J. Bowe immerses himself in the recent Lamp Light Music Festival in Eastown homes and becomes part of a new community of music. Here’s his commentary.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
Calvin College looks to sell Ladies Literary Club, new Garage Bar & Grill hosts live music, SpeakEZ partners with Local Spins for mid-week shows
The November music news round-up at Local Spins focuses on area concert venues: an old one on the auction block, a new one firing up and a fresh local music series.
My Brightest Diamond brings ‘big ideas’ to Wealthy Theatre for WYCE series on Wednesday
Michigan’s Shara Worden mixes primal musical energy, punk, classical training, and even marching bands, into cerebral, visceral whole note. She’s touring behind her new album, “This Is My Hand.”
Frontier Ruckus, Jeezy, Lamp Light Music Fest, Granger Smith: The Weekend Photo Gallery (Nov. 6-9)
Also in this week’s images of West Michigan concerts: The Campanellis, Mac McAnally, Jonathan Edwards, Whitechapel, Sacred Strays, Mat Churchill, The Go Rounds, Lady Ace Boogie and a host of others.
Seth Bernard and May Erlewine upbeat after baby daughter undergoes surgery for rare skull condition
Baby Iris recovering “like a champion” at home near Traverse City; May takes time off from the stage, with couple “inspired” by those helping out financially.
CMA award winner Mac McAnally brings songwriting and guitar prowess to Hudsonville to aid West Michigan schools
On Wednesday, the Nashville artist won CMA’s musician of the year for the seventh straight time. The ‘exclamation point’ comes Saturday when he plays a Pinnacle Center benefit for music education.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids rock/pop band The Campanellis: Inspired by The Ramones and wired to write ‘catchy, fast songs’
The fun-loving bunch plays two high-profile shows this week, starting with Founders Brewing tonight, and has its sights set on releasing its sophomore album next year. (Story, video, podcast)
House Concert Nirvana: Lamp Light Music Festival aims to hit stride in third year with inspiring, empowering small shows
This year’s weekend festival takes place in six Eastown neighborhood homes with a dizzying blend of acts playing living rooms and basements, from Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys to Ghost Heart to AOK.
Vintage Gigs, 1974: The night Lou Reed came to Allendale, aka ‘Baby Face’ with a syringe
The first installation of a new occasional series at Local Spins takes a look at a landmark 1970s appearance in West Michigan by the late, great Lou Reed, who startled some fans with his graphic depiction of drug use.
Halloween on Ionia, Zombie Apocalypse, Stepdad, Alexis, SoMo, Murder Party: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
The creepy Halloween edition of the Weekend Photo Gallery is chock full of scary-good bands and just-plain-scary-looking fans who reveled in a holiday full of terror-ific music-driven parties.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE Show #10 (Alexis)
Grand Rapids pop duo Alexis performs live and acoustic on the Fall Fund Drive edition of “Local Spins on WYCE.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/175139918″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Listen on iTunes:
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Local Spins Guest Playlist: Grand Rapids’ singular synth-pop duo Alexis
The same day as the Halloween LP-release show for “Love or Temptation,” the lovable boys of Alexis unveil their current playlist of favorite tracks. And, yes, it includes lots of synth-pop sizzlers.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids jazz and soul singer Kathy Lamar: Captivating audiences with music ‘from the heart’
With a new album on the way, the singer has re-established her music career in West Michigan after a long and successful run in Las Vegas. She plays One Trick Pony on Saturday night.
Michigan native and Chicago house music star Kalendr aims to ignite Halloween on Ionia with ‘groovy, progressive’ music mix
The Michigan State University grad who’s become a rising force in the Windy City will headline Saturday’s second annual Grand Rapids street party for thousands of costumed revelers.
Audio · Breaking music news · Features
Red Sea Pedestrians, Murder Party: Listen to new tracks on the Local Spins virtual turntable
Local Spins premieres brand new tracks from Kalamazoo’s Red Sea Pedestrians and Grand Rapids’ Murder Party. Both bands officially release new recordings on Friday but you can hear ’em here first.
Umphrey’s McGee, Pentagram, Fred Knapp, Hannah Rose Graves: The Weekend Photo Gallery (Oct. 23-26)
The wild and woolly week started with hip-pop’s Aaron Carter, continued with the Acoustic Cafe Folk Series debut, some jazz and ended with true rock ‘n’ roll mania. All captured in images at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE Show #9 (Hannah Rose Graves)
Hannah Rose Graves joins host John Sinkevics for interview and live performance of two songs from her forthcoming debut album “Home on the Road.” Plus song debuts from Fred Knapp[…]
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Folk Series launches with eclectic, generation-spanning musical ‘revelry’
Taped for national broadcast, the evening of music lined up by Ralston Bowles boasted up-and-coming Michigan artists as well as national touring acts. (Review, photo gallery, video)
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Marquette-area keyboard phenom Milo Birch: ‘Jaw-dropping’ melodic magic at age 10 (Story, video, podcast)
The home-schooled Upper Peninsula 5th grader wows fans with his improvisational skills. He’s in the all-star lineup for St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Folk Series kickoff tonight.
The Local Spins Guest Playlist: Singer and ArtPrize song contest winner Molly Bouwsma Schultz
This year’s ArtPrize song contest winners officially got their rewards Tuesday, so Local Spins wanted to reward readers with a special playlist, from Edye Evans Hyde to Nick Drake.
Acoustic Café founder Rob Reinhart ‘adds another dimension’ to radio show with St. Cecilia folk series
Long-time host thrilled to front a new Grand Rapids venture on Thursday as he celebrates 20th year of the ‘Acoustic Café’ showcase. Local Spins delves beyond the familiar voice. And see how you can win tickets to the concert.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ben Folds, Judy Collins, dizzybird records launch party, Max Lockwood, A.B!: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Starting with Joan Osborne at Wealthy Theatre, the weekend also boasted Gringo Star and Heaters heating up a record label launch at The Pyramid Scheme, with a legend playing the Civic Theatre.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE Show #8 (Hannah Rose, Hi-Ker, The Rockit King)
On episode 8 of “Local Spins on WYCE,” host John Sinkevics spotlights the best of West Michigan music including brand new tracks from Hannah Rose, Hi-Ker, The Rockit King, and[…]
Joan Osborne connects with fans in intimate way in triumphant return to Grand Rapids
Performing as a duo at Wealthy Theatre, the Grammy-nominated singer reinterpreted soul and blues classics — and her own songs — in impressive fashion.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Max Lockwood taps musical heroes for solo project: ‘Really beautiful things came out of it’
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter unveils “Outrider” at The Pyramid Scheme tonight with Seth Bernard, Dan Rickabus and “some really great friends.” (Story, video, podcast)
Breaking music news · Features
Singer-songwriter Brant Satala returns to Grand Rapids, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys record new album in Ionia, WilsonWhitley cancels CD-release
This week’s music news round-up at Local Spins revisits a well-known West Michigan performer who’s back from a Western stint and updates the status of a pair of recording projects.
Joan Osborne: A bold career of ‘never sticking to one style,’ from soulful solo artist to Trigger Hippy rocker
The acclaimed singer plays Grand Rapids Thursday for the first time in years, performing as a duo while touring behind her new album, “Love and Hate.” And check out what[…]
Big Gigantic, Domestic Problems, Kari Lynch, Larry & His Flask, Watching for Foxes: Weekend Photo Gallery (Oct. 8-12)
The buzz over ArtPrize’s finale week couldn’t overshadow stellar shows by Laura Rain & The Caesars, OK Go, Brothers Osborne and plenty more, captured in images at Local Spins.
OK Go: Non-stop inventiveness, catchy tunes spark wildly entertaining Grand Rapids show (Review, photo gallery)
With a new album dropping Tuesday, the L.A.-by-way-of-Chicago rock band made a tour stop at Calvin College on Saturday and turned the Fine Arts Center into a confetti-drenched party pit. Sort of.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE Show #7 (Max Lockwood)
Episode 7 of “Local Spins on WYCE” sees Max Lockwood joining host John Sinkevics for live performances of songs from the new Earthwork Music release “Outrider.” Plus song debuts from[…]
Molly Bouwsma Schultz, Roger MacNaughton repeat as St. Cecilia ArtPrize music award winners
Pop’s American Wi-Fi, classical composer Matthew Fisher and folk’s Channing and Quinn also snag $2,000 awards as determined by ArtPrize 2014 voters. Listen to the winning songs here.
Borns finds pop inspiration, collaborative magic and major label love in California
The singer-songwriter and Grand Haven native released a much-buzzed-about single this week, two years after leaving West Michigan for New York, then settling in a ‘treetop sanctuary’ outside L.A.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Watching for Foxes: Story-telling through the lens of harmony-driven folk-rock (Story, podcast, video)
The award-winning Grand Rapids band recently added singer and instrumentalist Olivia Mainville to its lineup. The group plays The Pyramid Scheme Friday, opening for Larry & His Flask.
New regional music at Local Spins: Dan Rickabus, The Outer Vibe, SoundIsRed, Max Lockwood, Heaters, Folias, WilsonWhitley
Lend an ear to some brand new music – and unusual projects – from some of West Michigan’s most compelling artists, exclusively at Local Spins.
ArtPrize 2014 Soundtrack: The Local Spins Guest Playlist by Grand Rapids country singer Kari Lynch
As Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize builds toward its finale, Local Spins asked a performer in this week’s ArtPrize/WOOD TV8/Talsma Concert Series to offer up her playlist of favorites, from Patsy Cline to Coldplay. Check out the YouTube videos and Spotify playlist.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mustard Plug, Josh Rose, Nicholas James Thomasma, Pulaski Days, BridgeFest: Weekend Photo Gallery (Oct. 1-5)
It started with Girls With Guitars and Tweedy and, despite the rain, just kept rolling with some early October festivals and Gunnar at the ‘Section, captured in images at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE Show #6 (Nicholas James Thomasma)
Episode 6 of “Local Spins on WYCE” features new music and conversation with Nicholas James Thomasma about the “Long Story Short EP,” due for release on 10/4/2014. Plus new music[…]
Tweedy gives family spin to ‘staggeringly good’ indie-rock tour stop at Calvin College (Review, photo gallery)
Not just an ordinary side project, Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and his drummer son, Spencer, gave Grand Rapids fans a powerful and intimate dose of their new album, “Sukierae,” plus some Wilco faves. (Review, photo gallery)
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