Thursday night’s Fresh Folk finale at Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center promises a dizzying array of eclectic Michigan performers and fans’ last chance to see The Northern Skies live.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mustard Plug, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Jimmie Stagger & Weezil Malone: The Weekend Photo Gallery
Charlie Worsham, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Sam Roberts Band, Cherub, A.B! and Hawks & Owls also make an appearance in this week’s collection of live music images.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Sunshine Sounds: The Local Spins Top 10 list of summer songs
The time to warm up is now: Topped by the No. 1 hit from West Michigan’s own Frankie Ballard, the 2014 edition of best songs for cottage and lakefront relaxation spotlights summery songs of the past decade.
The Muteflutes’ ‘cool creative journey’: Grand Rapids folk-rockers prepare to unleash ‘American Dream’
A Local Spins exclusive: A sneak peek into the Americana-hued five-piece band’s more electric sophomore album, to be unveiled during a Billy’s Lounge CD-release show in May
Mustard Plug to fire up hometown show Saturday with new album, new label, same rabid fans
Who’d a thunk it? Even band frontman David Kirchgessner can’t believe that more than two decades later, the Grand Rapids ska band is as popular as ever.
Future Islands make big waves in Grand Rapids concert
The buzzed-about Baltimore synthpop band electrified a sold-out crowd at The Pyramid Scheme on the same day that it released its new album, “Singles.” (Review, photo gallery)
Road map of musical diversity: WYCE-FM posts roster of 881 most “essential” artists
As the community radio station’s spring fund drive revs up, WYCE unveils its “881 Essentials,” including about 50 local and regional bands and solo artists they play on-air.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Blow, Uncle Kracker, Lindsay Lou, The Accidentals, Michael Packer Benefit: The Weekend Photo Gallery
LadyFest GR with The Blow and more took over The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday, but the weekend also featured Uncle Kracker’s return, Lindsay Lou’s final show for three months and a Traverse City duo igniting One Trick Pony.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Traverse City teen string duo The Accidentals: ‘Rocking it out,’ turning heads and dropping jaws
Savannah Buist and Katie Larson have generated a buzz with their catchy folk-rock, caught the ear of Marshall Crenshaw and built a solid fan base. Their One Trick Pony show marked their Grand Rapids debut.
Going retro with the vintage tones of The Moonrays: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Led by renowned Grand Rapids guitarist Fitz Green, the instrumental surf rock band draws a devoted following at its regular haunts: Rocky’s, Tip Top Deluxe and Rockford Brewing.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
West Michigan Freedom Cruise to roar into Fifth Third Ballpark, DeltaPlex with celebrities, car shows, concerts in late June
The debut of the Freedom Cruise June 25-29 will feature custom car and bike shows, a “Freedom Rocks” concert and a special edition of WLAV’s “Blues on the Ball.”
The Moxie Strings push beyond Celtic fare with new album in works: The Local Spins St. Patrick’s Day artist spotlight
With roots in West Michigan, one of the state’s hottest string trios goes all out for St. Paddy’s hoopla while venture into bluegrass, folk, world music and rock.
Irish on Ionia, WO-Stock, Hillbilly Casino, Punksuhate: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Green-clad revelers, green beer and blue skies rocked downtown’s Irish on Ionia, more than 30 bands rocked West Ottawa’s annual two-day music fest and Hillbilly Casino drove 12 hours straight to rock the West Side.
Breaking music news · Features
South by Southwest by West Michigan: Grand Rapids-area bands strutting musical stuff for throngs in Austin
With hundreds of acts scrambling to get noticed, West Michigan’s own Stepdad, Rick Chyme, The Soil & The Sun and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers dive into the “zoo” that is SXSW. Watch an exclusive Local Spins video of Chyme’s performance Thursday.
Emerging Celtic music duo Gasta: Boldly tapping into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit
With three recordings under its belt and another in the works, the young Hart duo in this week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight has a busy week of St. Paddy’s Day performances ahead.
Breaking music news · Features
Fenian’s Irish Pub up for sale as owners, Celtic music boosters Terry and Mary Ann Reagan prepare to retire
Since 1987, the beloved pub in Conklin has brought universally acclaimed Irish performers to its stage as well as Celtic musicians from across Michigan. Fenian’s could host its final St. Patrick’s Day parade on Monday.
WO-Stock 2014: More than 30 West Michigan bands to rock 12th Holland-area festival for special cause
Midwest Skies, The Outer Vibe, We Know Jackson, Uncommon Road, SoundIsRed, Triangulion and more to play two stages during the weekend’s diverse music showcase.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lo Mobb, March Forth, UV Hippo, The Sword, Red Tail Ring, Makem & Spain Brothers, Dan Rickabus Nooftet: The Weekend Photo Gallery
The Crane Wives, Bennett and Lincoln County Process drew a hefty throng Friday for their rootsy strains, but there was more folk, soul, dubstep and rock in this weekend’s lively gallery mix, from Skankadank to UV Hippo.
The Crane Wives kick it up a notch at Intersection show with boost from Bennett, Lincoln County Process
The popular Grand Rapids folk-rock quintet unveiled some new songs as it accumulates material for another album and is poised to head west on tour this summer.
West Michigan’s Mystic Dub: Spreading reggae’s positive sounds and ‘heartbeat rhythm’
The Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines this week on a Grand Haven-area trio with a wildly diverse background and an uplifting message. Mystic Dub plays Odd Side Ales on Saturday.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Dar Williams to headline fourth Buttermilk Jamboree
Tickets are on sale for the June 13-15 music fest in Delton, with dozens of regional acts on the bill, including Drew Nelson, Steppin’ In It, Edye Evans, Rachael Davis, Rick Chyme, Ralston Bowles, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys.
Thriftworks, Gardens & Villa, Here Come the Mummies, Electric Six: The Weekend Photo Gallery
National acts topped bills for br-r-rracingly unique West Michigan shows, but regional bands Mystic Dub, Root Doctor, Steve Hilger Band, An Dro and more were in the Local Spins photo mix, too
TIP$ the Musical gets lift from Grand Rapids singer-songwriter’s step outside the comfort zone
Julia Yob and writing/directing partner Ian Mockerman’s two-hour production about the foibles of laboring in food service launches a three-night run Friday at Wealthy Theatre. And seeds of the musical can be traced to ‘inspiring’ participation in a local songwriters’ alliance.
The all-girl, old-timey folk revival vibe of Nobody’s Darlin’: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
For nine years, Grand Rapids’ Nobody’s Darlin’ has kicked up its heels with acoustic charm and female harmonies. On Friday night, the quintet lights up SpeakEZ Lounge.
Psyched up for echoey, raw, distorted rock: Michigan Psych Night set to bring ‘good time’ to Eastown
Ann Arbor’s Bad Indians and Chit Chat join Grand Rapids’ Haunted Leather and Heaters to deliver Michigan Psych Night’s debut on Saturday in an Eastown house concert. But just what is it really all about?
Michigan Global Roots Music Festival debuts in Lansing, Kalamazoo and Grandville
The inaugural, family-oriented three-day festival featuring Wisaal, An Dro and Badenya Drum & Dance wraps up on Sunday at Osgood Brewing, boasting “folk music from around the globe.”
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Paper Diamond, Winter Beer Fest, Black Joe Lewis, Winter Punk Fest, The Jammies: The Weekend Photo Gallery
Ogle rollicking winter fun indoors and out in these photos of the Winter Beer Fest, punk bands at the Tip Top, EDM mania at The Intersection, soulful rock at The Pyramid Scheme, sensitive singer-songwriters and dozens of local bands playing the Jammie Awards.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews
Afro Zuma, Rick Chyme and highly touted Michigan bands shine at jam-packed Jammie Awards show
WYCE’s 15th annual affair doled out 18 Jammies to regional acts along plus some special Legacy Awards while two dozen bands rocked a full house at The Intersection on Friday night. See the full list of award winners. (Photos, video)
The ‘fuzzy warm sound’ of rock/pop’s The B-Sides: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Grand Rapids’ answer to the British Invasion of the ’60s will uncork its ultra-energetic, throwback ditties during Friday’s Jammie Awards show at The Intersection. (Podcast, video)
The Grammys? The Wammies? No, 15th annual Jammies set to honor, spotlight local musicians on Friday
Friday night’s Jammie Awards hosted by WYCE-FM (88.1) at The Intersection will boast two dozen bands on two stages and a packed house. It’s come a long way since its humble beginnings. Local Spins asked three key Jammie-ites to recount its growth and importance.
Cooper’s Glen, Nick Moss, A Tribe Called Red, Graham Colton, Bowery, Equal Parts: The Weekend Photo Gallery
Ogle images and videos from a bevy of West Michigan shows: A Tribe Called Red, Nick Moss, Cooper’s Glen and MAJIC concerts, Withhold the Blood, The Trace Duo, Jim Shaneberger, Billy Strings/Don Julin, Bowery, Equal Parts, Ben Daniels Band, Nicholas James Thomasma.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Stepdad gears up for new EP with catchy single; Nathan Kalish, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, Lights & Caves release new videos
Local Spins’ new music update features Grand Rapids electropop phenomenon Stepdad, plus new videos from road warriors Nathan Kalish and Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, and up-and-coming Lansing indie-rock act Lights & Caves.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
The Counting Crows, Needtobreathe, KC & the Sunshine Band, Ray LaMontagne to play Meijer Gardens series; Lowell sets lineup for its summer concerts
After announcing three acts for its summer series, Meijer Gardens has since added Ray LaMontagne and Tegan & Sara to the lineup, with surprises expected in final roster to be revealed in April; Grand Rapids and Lowell also make summer show announcements.
Fifty years later: What if The Beatles had never appeared on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’?
Local Spins asked West Michigan musicians what impact The Fab Four had on their music and what might have happened if the boys from Liverpool had never taken the globe by storm. Post your own comments about The Beatles and you could win a gift.
Datsik, The Coup, Bangups, Nathan Kalish, Kelly Joe Phelps, Chase Rice: Weekend Photo Gallery
From the dubstep mania of Datsik to the funky, political hip hop of The Coup to the indie-rock of North Atlantic Drivt to a Tom Petty tribute, Grand Rapids boasted such a busy Thursday/Friday of music that Local Spins had to post this special batch of images.
Breaking music news · Features
Festival 2014 still seeking performers for six stages; application deadline is Monday
Hundreds of bands, dance troupes and theater acts expected to play 45th annual Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids June 6-8. Get the application details here. A Monday[…]
Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s ‘aggressive, crazy’ two-man rock: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
The Grand Rapids duo in this week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight draws rockabilly-styled inspiration from Elvis but adds a fresh punk growl. (Story, video, podcast)
Fifteen minutes of fame and far more: The Crane Wives at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival
Local Spins offers a behind-the-scenes view of the adventures of a West Michigan band as it played the prestigious festival with stars of the folk and Americana scene. (Photos, video)
Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Rick Chyme, Conspirator: The Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins hit the road to cover the Ann Arbor Folk Festival (with The Crane Wives and Appleseed Collective opening), but there were some sizzling West Michigan shows, too.
West Michigan album reviews: Lindsay Lou & Joshua Rilko’s Time & Luck, John Sanger, darlenYa
The January edition of the Local Spins album round-up also features a peek at CDs by Chuck Whiting & The Tip Rail Ramblers, Heavier Than Air Flying Machines and Steven Dobias.
Breaking music news · Commentary
Pete Seeger: Study his songs, learn from his character
In West Michigan and across the globe, musicians and fans mourn the passing of folk legend Pete Seeger at 94. But his legacy lives on.
Grammy Awards: Bending to pop trends again, with a few hidden gems
Pop acts Daft Punk and Macklemore/Ryan Lewis were huge winners in hype-filled show, but were there under-the-radar stars on music’s biggest night?
Hank Mowery’s ‘Account to Me’ album wins International Blues Challenge award
The Grand Rapids singer and harmonica player’s much-acclaimed tribute to Gary Primich earns best self-produced album honors at the Memphis awards show.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Domestic Problems, Heavyweights, Crane Wives, Davis/Brewer Homecoming: The Weekend Photo Gallery
A snowstorm wreaked some havoc, but live music prevailed — from a Rockford Brewing benefit for a Fauxgrass bassist to a heavy metal band competition at The Intersection. (Photos, videos)
The Billies’ upbeat Celtic folk and rock: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Story, podcast, video)
Boasting a new studio album, the five-piece Grand Rapids band which embraces musical camaraderie already is gearing up for another busy St. Patrick’s Day.
Community Jam: Friday benefit for Fauxgrass bassist Tim McKay brings out Michigan roots music stars
The Crane Wives, Troll for Trout, Hawks & Owls and more bring night of music to Rockford Brewing to aid bassist who mangled hand in snowblower.
Musical dads Duane Davis, Paul Brewer expect magic, honesty, joy in performing Thursday with acclaimed jazz offspring
Pianist Xavier Davis, drummer Quincy Davis and bassist Matt Brewer to play rare homecoming concert at St. Cecilia with proud fathers.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Expanded Irish on Ionia boasts big lineup for St. Patrick’s street party; Blue Molly disbands
The Waxies, Tosspints and more to rock an even bigger Irish on Ionia on Saturday; after years of regaling West Michigan audiences, the award-winning Blue Molly has played its final show.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Legal Immigrants, Josh Thompson, San Fermin, Tony Lucca: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Seth Glier, Midwest Skies, White Rabbit, Tom DeVries, North Atlantic Drift and The Crane Wives also rock the latest batch of Local Spins concert images. (Photos, videos)
Listen to Local Spins Live
