Affable and engaging, the reunited progressive bluegrass trio rekindled its familiar musical fire with old favorites and new gems for a sold-out amphitheater on a picturesque night.
Michigan’s fast-growing Blissfest shows ‘respect for roots traditions’ but open to boundary-pushing genres
The 34th annual Blissfest north of Harbor Springs fires up this weekend with more than 50 acts, from New York’s Donna the Buffalo to Michigan’s Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
‘Dialed-in’ Cowpie festival reveals 2014 lineup; GRAM on Green launches on new night; GR Brewing drops live music
Local Spins’ July news update features the Cowpie 2014 band lineup, the scoop on this year’s GRAM on the Green and GR Brewing’s decision to discontinue weekend shows.
Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth stoke jam-band, festival-friendly vibe at Meijer Gardens
Psychedelic at times and instrumentally bracing, Sunday’s double bill unleashed “extraordinary things” for 1,500-plus fans. (Review, photo gallery)
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Celebration on the Grand, Fourth of July, Pedro’s Pig Roast: The Weekend Photo Gallery (7/6/14)
Musical liberty was the theme for Independence Day weekend in West Michigan, with multiple bands playing free events in Grand Rapids and Comstock Park, even a show on the beach in Grand Haven.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
West Michigan’s Kris Hitchcock on the trail to country stardom: Lighting an ‘American Fire’
On the cusp of moving to Nashville, the award-winning singer and songwriter sat down to talk with Local Spins about the next step in his burgeoning country career. (Podcast, video)
Marley, Motley Crue and Alice: A tale of crazily contrasting concerts (Review, photo gallery)
Grand Rapids hosted a pair of wildly divergent, photogenic shows from opposite ends of the spectrum: Ziggy Marley’s love-hued reggae at Meijer Gardens vs. Alice Cooper’s Michigan-bred shock rock and Motley Crue’s flawed farewell tour kickoff at Van Andel Arena.
Afro Zuma and young musicians drum up stellar opener for Tuesday Evening Music Club (Photo gallery)
The Tuesday night series spotlighting local and regional acts kicked off with a packed Meijer Gardens amphitheater for “Family Appreciation Night.”
Local Spins Guest Playlist: Grand Rapids guitarist Junior Valentine and his songs of summer
The first Guest Playlist of July comes courtesy of an iconic West Michigan guitarist with a brand new album and an ear toward a perfectly retro soundtrack for summer.
Best of Electric Forest 2014: The Local Spins Photo Gallery (June 30, 2014)
Rains finally rolled through in the final wee hours of Rothbury’s EDM- and jam band-driven extravaganza in the woods, but not before String Cheese Incident, Moby, Cut Copy and more regaled ever-frolicking throngs.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Electric Forest, Tegan & Sara, Frankie Ballard, Freedom Cruise: The Weekend Photo Gallery (June 29)
Electric Forest electrified fans with psychedelic fun and fireworks while country star Frankie Ballard reveled in a Grand Rapids homecoming show and Tegan & Sara made their Meijer Gardens debut.
Electric Forest Day 2: Funky Fashion (The Local Spins Photo Gallery)
Festival-goers settled in on the second day of the four-day event in Rothbury, showing off their peacock-like attire (or lack of attire) and reveling in the first performance by the beloved String Cheese Incident.
Rock’s Jason Eller and the quest for ‘the right crowd’: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Story, podcast, video)
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and performer boasts a dynamic voice and a passionate drive to entertain audiences. (Podcast, video)
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Electric Forest 2014: ‘Magical’ opening night of beat-heavy music, wild Sherwood Forest display (Photo gallery, video)
Some 30,000 colorfully attired fans descended on the tiny community of Rothbury on Thursday for another edition of this much-beloved hippie-fest.
Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite explore the roots of American blues in soaring fashion
The duo retraces Grammy-winning “Get Up!” in bracing show Thursday at a sold-out Meijer Gardens. The guest Local Spins review by The Crane Wives’ Ben Zito.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Monica da Silva’s ‘indie nova’ charm: Holland singer-songwriter making a splash with multi-cultural pop
One of da Silva’s songs has been licensed for use by ESPN during World Cup coverage and the singer is finishing up her third album. She plays The Pyramid Scheme on Friday. (Podcast, video)
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Blues at the Ballpark with Lil’ Ed: Crowds and motorcycles ‘as far as the eye can see’ (Photo gallery, video)
Wednesday’s one-time move of WLAV’s Blues on the Mall from downtown Grand Rapids to Fifth Third Ballpark for the Freedom Cruise kickoff drew throngs in the thousands.
Madison Rising, Count’s 77, The Outer Vibe, Lil’ Ed get patriotic for inaugural West Michigan Freedom Cruise
The five-day Freedom Cruise kicks off tonight with Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials at Fifth Third Ballpark, but big shows also on tap this weekend at The DeltaPlex.
West Michigan’s Frankie Ballard enjoying ‘Helluva Life’ with No. 1 country hit, hectic summer tour
The country star returns to Grand Rapids for a homecoming show Friday as part of The Intersection’s Rock the Lot series. ‘Life is good,’ Ballard tells Local Spins.
O.A.R., Phillip Phillips at Meijer Gardens: The Local Spins Photo Gallery
Despite gray skies and brief showers, Meijer Gardens’ seventh concert of the season entertained a sellout crowd with pop-hued folk-rock and alt-rock by two popular live touring bands.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Needtobreathe, May Erlewine, Kanisha K, Founders Fest: The Weekend Photo Gallery (June 22)
Founders Fest jammed downtown streets in Grand Rapids, but compelling shows were also on tap with Needtobreathe at Meijer Gardens, May Erlewine at Wealthy Theatre and more — featured in the Local Spins photo gallery.
Founders Fest 2014: Soul, funk, 6,000 revelers and rivers of beer (Story, photo gallery, videos)
Founders Brewing Co.’s seventh annual street party lived up to the hype with Charley Bradley & His Extraordinaires stealing the show with their fiery, retro-soul set, followed by the ultra-funk of Lettuce.
Album reviews · Features · Upcoming shows
May Erlewine’s ‘Where We Are’: Loss, new life and ‘connecting on a heart level’
The much-admired singer-songwriter and new mom plays a CD-release show Saturday at Wealthy Theatre, celebrating the ‘wild ride’ of her 7th studio album. (Story, review)
Tedeschi Trucks Band returns to Meijer Gardens with soulful, bluesy rock stew (Review, photo gallery)
Playing to a sold-out amphitheater on a sun-splashed night, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks led their jam-driven band through a guitar-fueled evening.
Singer-songwriter David Molinari: Letting ‘a song be what it wants to be’ in compelling fashion
This week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on a versatile multi-instrumentalist from Grand Rapids with a penchant for musical story-telling. He plays One Trick Pony tonight.
John Legend, Alejandro Escovedo, Kelly Richey shine through mid-week tempest with radically different shows
Musical lightning strikes thrice: Unusual confluence of stellar acts playing Grand Rapids on single night impresses crowds despite stormy weather.
Founders Fest: Sparking a buzz for the weekend with special brews, record crowds and a red-hot soul singer
The seventh annual street party will boast performances on Saturday by Charles Bradley, Lettuce and six other bands on two stages, with more 6,000 people expected. (See full band schedule)
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Vox Vidorra, The Outer Vibe, Kris Hitchcock, Jimmie Stagger, Three’s a Crowd part of Celebration on the Grand/Fourth of July weekend
Several West Michigan bands will be part of the revamped Celebration and Independence Day festivities in early July in downtown Grand Rapids.
The Verve Pipe goes ‘Overboard’ in good way for first rock album in 13 years: The ‘hit it and quit it’ approach of Michigan’s alt-rock heroes (Story, review)
Frontman and family man Brian Vander Ark talks with Local Spins about why the West Michigan band finally went back into the studio for a stunning project that eschews the ‘silly rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle’ of old. (Story, album review)
Minus the Bear, CAKE, Johnny Winter, Start of Summer Celebration, Buttermilk Jamboree: The Weekend Photo Gallery (June 15)
NEW FORMAT! The mid-June weekend round-up of live music ranged from the indie-rock verve of Minus the Bear and CAKE to local heroes playing outdoors, including Steppin’ In It, Kari Lynch, Junior Valentine & Jason Wheeler, Hannah Rose and many more.
Buttermilk Jamboree 2014 launches with cool weather, hot bands, enthused crowds
Steppin’ In It, Rachael Davis & Peter Madcat Ruth, Fauxgrass, The Mainstays, DarlenYa and more delivered opening night gems, with organizers expecting up to 2,000 family-oriented festivalgoers this weekend at Circle Pines Center
CAKE bakes up sweet experience at sold-out Meijer Gardens show with trademark deadpan delivery intact
Popular alt-rock band delivered a solid two-set show of 15 songs on Thursday, plus a three-song encore that boasted a cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” (Review, photos)
Heaters: Firing up the jangly rock furnace with surf, garage and psychedelic sparks (Story, podcast, video)
The Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on an in-demand Grand Rapids rock band, a fresh trio with two EPS under its belt and two more albums on the way. They play Founders Thursday night. (Podcast, video)
Jason Isbell, James McMurtry deliver heartfelt Americana grit, muscle in damp Meijer Gardens show
Ignoring a few sprinkles, the singer-songwriters and their talented bands combined for three hours of top-notch, rootsy alt-country.
Buttermilk Jamboree to celebrate fourth year of family-friendly vibe and world-class music
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Dar Williams, Steppin’ In It, Rootstand, Drew Nelson, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, Edye Evans Hyde among 30-plus acts playing weekend festival south of Grand Rapids.
The Local Spins Guest Playlist: Rockabilly star Delilah DeWylde offers up a sweet summer soundtrack
Local Spins’ first Guest Playlist for June comes courtesy of rockabilly starlet Delilah DeWylde, who offers up a roster of tasty, relatively obscure, retro-fired musical nuggets.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local First Street Party, Festival, B93 Birthday Bash, Greensky Bluegrass, The Accidentals: The Weekend Photo Gallery
June’s first weekend may have been the biggest ever for West Michigan music fans with hundreds of bands playing outdoor stages from Grand Rapids to Martin to Kalamazoo.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Festival 2014’s opening day: Rock, jazz, folk, rap, country, blue skies and dance-happy throngs
Kari Lynch Band, Skankadank, Rick Chyme, Max Colley III, The Muteflutes, Blue Water Ramblers, Conklin Ceili Band, Union Guns and more revved up crowds on Friday. (Photo gallery, video)
Local First Street Party 2014: Saturday’s ‘perfect storm of awesomeness’
From Nathan Kalish & The Wildfire celebrating a new album to Mustard Plug and Alexis closing things out, it’s bound to be a street party to remember – and on the same weekend as Festival.
Rick Chyme: Grand Rapids hip hop’s poet, storyteller and master collaborator
The Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on an award-winning rapper with a basketball teamwork mentality who plays Festival and the Local First Street Party this weekend. (Podcast, photo gallery)
Commentary · Features · Upcoming shows
Festival 2014: Rev. Marvin Sapp, Rev Charles Preston Smith and the Local Spins live music picks
Grand Rapids’ 45th annual Festival of the Arts boasts hundreds of acts, including two veterans from opposite ends of the musical spectrum. And check out some musicians’ picks for the weekend
Santana delivers blistering hot season opener at Meijer Gardens: ‘Nobody does it better’
The sold-out crowd of 1,900 arrived early, jostled for prime seats and boogied to “Oye Como Va” and “Smooth” as the guitarist and his top-notch 10-piece band launched the summer series.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Detroit Cobras, Seth Bernard, 1964 Party, Kathy LaMar, Elle Pohlman: The Weekend Photo Gallery (June 1)
It was a weekend for parties and CD-release celebrations, along with the usual musical mayhem from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, captured in images at Local Spins.
Santana set to fire up Meijer Gardens summer series with new album, spirit of ‘universal acceptance’
Touring behind “Corazon,” the legendary guitarist’s sold-out, season-opening show promises to bring ageless passion to the outdoor amphitheater.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Holland’s Kanisha K: How a small-town girl became a budding international pop star
Flying under the radar in West Michigan, the 21-year-old singer already has racked up hits on the pop charts and worked with Grammy-winning producers. She’ll debut her live show this summer. Check out the exclusive in-studio video.
Going ‘Beyond the Beyonda’: Seth Bernard’s long, collaborative journey to create the signature album of his career
Reveling in his role as a brand new father, the driving force behind Earthwork Music credits Michigan’s “awesome music community” for bolstering his latest recording.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Blues on the Mall 2014 to boast Walter Trout tribute, Ana Popovic, Lil’ Ed, Curtis Salgado and more
The 97 LAV Budweiser Blues on the Mall launches its 23rd year in Grand Rapids with blues guitar phenom Kelly Richey on June 18 and includes an early August tribute to Walter Trout.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Concussions, Richard Pinhas, Rusty Wright Band, Mushroomhead, Buses by the Beach: The Weekend Photo Gallery (May 25)
West Michigan welcomed summer early by turning amps to 11 with help from surf-rock’s Concussions, jazz pioneers Richard Pinhas and The Moon, metal’s Mushroomhead, blues’ Rusty Wright and a bunch of fun-loving VW bus owners, captured in images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Buses by the Beach: A day – and night – in the life of a VW bus and music fest on Lake Michigan (Story, photos, video)
Local Spins’ David Specht and photographer Tori Thomas experienced Buses by the Beach on Friday, capturing the camaraderie and music of the 13th annual event, held at Camp Blodgett.
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