March goes out with a bang in West Michigan as national tours sweep into the region, not to mention shows by Michigan stars Deadwood Stone, Mustard Plug, The Fuzzrites, The[…]
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos
LadyFest GR, Keb’ Mo’, Here Come the Mummies, Dan Navarro and more: The live music weekend in photos
Starting with funk from the grave at The Intersection, spring got sprung in fine fashion with riveting blues, gypsy music, rootsy acoustic strains, energetic hip-hop, pub-styled classical music and more[…]
Features · Guest Column · Upcoming shows
Karisa Wilson @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: The ‘Oprah’ approach in giving away talent for good causes
In a guest column, the well-known Grand Rapids singer-songwriter marvels at the generosity of West Michigan’s music community. And she’s sharing her own talents for a remarkable global project. EDITOR’S[…]
Grand Rapids’ Big List Concert Guide: Here Come the Mummies, Keb’ Mo’, Dan Navarro, LadyFest GR, Reverend Raven, Lil’ Ed at Chilly Blues
The post-St. Patrick’s Day musical lineup gets bluesy, funky and folky this week, with national acts and a bunch of West Michigan stars: The Go Rounds, Steve Hilger, Vincent Hayes[…]
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos
Irish on Ionia heats up Grand Rapids for St. Patrick’s Day, plus Quinn & Tuite’s revelry, Willy Porter, The Wonder Years: The weekend photos
West Michigan’s live music assault had a distinct St. Patrick’s Day flair in weekend photos shared at Spins on Music. (Photos/video) With the temperature in a decidedly un-March-like mid-20s, Casey[…]
Commentary · Features · Top 10 Lists
Summer Songs at Spring’s Door: The 10 best tunes to chase away your winter blahs
At long last, the ‘ice is slowly melting,’ which makes this the perfect time to dream of summer and those days of lazing around a cottage and dangling your feet[…]
Grand Rapids’ Big List Concert Guide: St. Patrick’s Day hoopla, Lunasa, The Wonder Years, Willy Porter, Kate Nash, Slightly Stoopid
Every watering hole in Michigan turns green this week, so you’re pretty much assured of Celtic-infused musical mayhem wherever one chooses to celebrate. But here are a few highlights courtesy[…]
Flyleaf, Drowning Pool, Seth Bernard, Ben Kyle, Appleseed Collective, Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, The Bloomquists: West Michigan’s concert weekend in photos
Spring is in the air, almost. Live music certainly was in the air around Grand Rapids as March rolled on and the clocks sprung forward. Here’s part of the weekend[…]
WYCE-FM drops Grand Rapids’ Hat Trick Concert Series after ‘magical’ 12-year run
The twice-monthly, acoustic-styled concerts at downtown’s One Trick Pony have spotlighted emerging national acts since 2001. The community radio station now plans to focus on shows at the larger Wealthy[…]
Commentary · Concert reviews · Features
Bob Seger in Grand Rapids: The fans’ take on a legend who’s ‘one of our own’ and ‘rocked as usual’
Michigan rocker Bob Seger has made Grand Rapids a regular — and early — stop on his tours with the Silver Bullet Band since 2006. Here’s what some fans had[…]
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Steve Miller Band, Montgomery Gentry, David Byrne, Steve Martin & Edie Brickell to play Meijer Gardens
Meijer Gardens’ teaser announcement of four summer concerts at the Grand Rapids amphitheater covers several genres and includes a few popular returning acts to the series. When word leaked[…]
Bob Seger makes all the right “Night Moves” in jubilant return to Grand Rapids
With a few new songs in their arsenal, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band unleashed a rock ’n’ roll love-fest on Tuesday night at Van Andel Arena. Every[…]
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Big List Concert Guide: Bob Seger, Brit Floyd, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Karan Casey, Flyleaf, Janis Ian, Ben Kyle
In between the yuks of LaughFest, West Michigan’s live music options are sizzling this week, from Bob Seger and UV Hippo returning to Grand Rapids to pre-St. Paddy’s Day revelry[…]
Grand Rapids’ concert weekend in photos: Dustin Lynch, Mutemath, The Moonrays, Neil Jacobs, Stepdad
Usher in a musical March with photos/videos from West Michigan concerts, ranging from the national (Mutemath, Dustin Lynch, Eric Johnson) to the local (Alexis, An Dro, Delilah DeWylde, Moonrays, Asamu[…]
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Jimmie Stagger launches new Sunday night blues jam at HopCat with a real bang … and big stars
Grand Rapids bluesman Jimmie Stagger resumes his new blues sessions on Sunday at downtown’s HopCat, but there are other under-the-radar musical events you might have overlooked this weekend. Take a[…]
Eric Johnson: As tour hits Grand Rapids, Grammy-winning guitarist reflects on career, influences and ‘sublime’ inspiration
Austin’s Eric Johnson has rubbed elbows with the greats, covering a wide range of styles that extend his legacy well beyond the iconic, acclaimed single, “Cliffs of Dover.” For[…]
Commentary · Features · Guest Column
Josh Rose @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: Embracing the Internet to get cozy with audiences
Spins on Music guest columnist Josh Rose has made peace with the Internet as a means of spreading his musical message and getting closer to fans. As he puts it,[…]
Grand Rapids’ Big List Concert Guide: Dustin Lynch, Eric Johnson, Stepdad & Alexis, Mutemath, Roster McCabe
February romps to a close with star power, not to mention local must-see shows by Neil Jacobs, Asamu Johnson, An Dro, Serita’s Black Rose and some sweet under-the-radar picks. […]
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Jammies, Winter Beer Fest, Vince Hayes, Pat McGee: West Michigan’s concert weekend in photos
From the Jammies to the Winter Beer Festival and beyond, the beer was flowing and bands were rocking, including The Concussions, Michigan Mark DePree, Deborah Kay & The Bluebloods, Jimmie[…]
Breaking music news · Concert reviews
The Soil and The Sun, Drew Nelson, Blue Molly big winners at 14th Jammie Awards show (photos, video)
WYCE-FM’s jam-packed Jammies on Friday jammed two stages with two dozen performances and doled out 19 awards to Michigan bands and artists. Rootsy artists The Soil and The Sun[…]
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos
Acoustic glory: The Crane Wives and Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys turn staid into stirring at St. Cecilia
As predicted, Thursday’s Local Spins Live Contemporary Folk Series show at St. Cecilia Music Center uncorked an unfettered, “unplugged” concert unlike any other by these beloved West Michigan bands. (Photos,[…]
Features · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins Live at St. Cecilia: Delilah DeWylde, The Crane Wives like you’ve never seen them before
Take Two of the Local Spins Live Contemporary Folk Series in St. Cecilia Music Center’s historic Royce Auditorium will star two of West Michigan’s most popular bands in precedent-setting performances.[…]
The Jammies on Friday: The lineup, the lowdown, the loving vibe at West Michigan music’s biggest night
The 14th annual Jammie Awards show hosted by WYCE-FM moves to a new night at The Intersection this year, and musicians say the celebratory spirit in spotlighting the region’s musical[…]
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos
Grand Rapids’ live music weekend in photos: One Billion Rising, Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys, Roosevelt Diggs, Thirsty Perch Blues Band, Four Lincolns, Van Halen tribute
Mid-February’s concert lineup offered more than just big shows at Van Andel Arena and Miller Auditorium: West Michigan bands of every ilk were pounding it out at benefits, bars and[…]
Britney Spears or The Black Keys? Valentine’s Day love songs to hate and celebrate, and a contest to enter
Check out this roster of best and worst love songs of all time, then enter the “Spins on Music is My Valentine” contest to win tickets to 12 concerts. […]
Commentary · Features · Guest Column
Ken Bierschbach @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: West Michigan’s crucial, inspiring music connections
Singer-songwriter Ken Bierschbach has embraced the value of connecting — in small and big ways — with musicians, producers, fans, venues and more in navigating a career in music. It’s[…]
Grand Rapids’ Big List Concert Guide: Luke Bryan, Matchbox Twenty, Erin McKeown, Marvin Sapp, Greg Nagy, Mardi Gras and One Billion Rising
Valentine’s week boasts big names in country and rock, but also Elephant Revival, Damon Fowler and fine local shows with MacRaven, PotatoeBabies, Four Lincolns, Taste of Soul Sunday and much[…]
Breaking music news · Features
Jack White @ the Grammys: ‘Once-in-a-lifetime’ gig for Michigan’s Dominic John Davis to back an icon
In this exclusive Spins on Music interview, folk/rock/blues bassist Dominic John Davis talks about touring with Jack White and playing the Grammys … and the story behind that really shiny[…]
Breaking music news · Features
Marvin Sapp misses out on Grammy love again but insists: “In time, it will happen”
With 11 Grammy nominations under his belt, Grand Rapids gospel powerhouse the Rev. Marvin Sapp is still seeking first win after Sunday’s awards pre-telecast ceremony. Marvin Sapp remains philosophical[…]
Grand Rapids’ concert weekend in photos: Big Gigantic, Kip Moore, Los Lobos, Talib Kweli, Heavyweight Finals
Shakin’ off the cold and snow, music lovers warmed up with bluesy Tex-Mex (Los Lobos), hip-hop (Talib Kweli), indie-soul (Genna & Jesse), EDM (Big Gigantic), heavy metal (Mushroomhead, Heavyweights finals),[…]
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Free tickets to 12 fabulous concerts? Enter the “Spins on Music is My Valentine” contest
Spins on Music toasts its first full year of covering West Michigan’s music scene with a contest that will put a lucky winner in live music heaven for 12 upcoming[…]
Breaking music news · Guest Column · Videos
Brian Vander Ark video contest winner: Oregon singer-songwriter Kari Newhouse (videos)
More than two dozen musicians from across the globe submitted impressive entries to The Verve Pipe frontman’s unusual contest. View some of them here. The Winning Video: Kari Newhouse plays[…]
Mozart walks into a bar: Grand Rapids joins the Classical Revolution
For the first time ever, Grand Rapids is hosting classical music combos in venues normally reserved for rock bands and folk singers. And it’s packing the house. __________________________________________ Classical Revolution[…]
Grand Rapids Concert Guide: Avett Brothers, Los Lobos, Lotus, Journey, Joshua Davis, Big Gigantic, Kip Moore, Mother Hips, Candlebox, Talib Kweli
The Big List’s big shows means running shoes may be in order to keep up this week, and that doesn’t even count the Heavyweights heavy metal finals, Reverend Raven’s blues[…]
Grand Rapids’ concert weekend in photos: GRiZ, Nikki Hill, Frontier Ruckus, Root Doctor, Rick Chyme
It’s the Super Bowl pre-game show: A weekend flurry of riveting live music to match West Michigan’s snow flurries, from Detroit’s GRiZ and country’s Jukejoint Handmedowns to the rap of[…]
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Friday’s Bucket List: GR’s Jazz Fest expands, Inside the Mitten keeps rocking, and three Groundhog Day concerts you might have overlooked
It’s Friday, the perfect time to round up music news about an expanded summer jazz fest, more Mitten music and a bunch of under-the-radar weekend shows. CHECK OUT MORE[…]
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
New Thursday night Grand Rapids jazz series stirs interest with high school and college musicians
Jazz guitarist Steve Hilger has launched a twice-monthly series at Noto’s with hopes of getting up-and-coming young players to sit in with veteran musicians. Steve Hilger remembers what a[…]
Grand Rapids Concert Guide: Umphrey’s McGee, Frontier Ruckus, GRiZ, The Pinstripes, Badfish
Super Bowl week starts with a “soup bowl” gala in Grand Rapids, followed by video game music, Nikki Hill, the hiphop of Rick Chyme/Nixon, plus rock, jazz and folk. […]
Grand Rapids’ live music weekend in photos/videos: Kris Hitchcock, Alexis, Rachael Davis, Seth Bernard, Lindsay Lou, Cameron Blake, Thirsty Perch
January’s final weekend of concerts ramped up with Alexis, Kris Hitchcock, Lindsay Lou, Cameron Blake, Rachael Davis, Thirsty Perch Blues Band, Flatfoot 56, Winter Jam for a Cause, Heavyweights and[…]
Commentary · Features · Guest Column
Charley Honey @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: The Spins on Music guest column
“Smoke on the Water” be damned. Playing cover songs is a tricky business, asserts this veteran guitarist, so bands should choose wisely and give their rendering of these tunes a[…]
Grand Rapids Concert Guide: Flogging Molly, Small Town Son, Cameron Blake, Thirsty Perch Blues, Alexis, Papa Roach, River City Jazz
National touring acts mesh with CD-release shows by Kris Hitchcock & Small Town Son, Thirsty Perch Blues Band and more, from Michigan folk icons to jazz gurus to heavy metal[…]
Concert announcements · Features · Upcoming shows
Kick out the Jammies: WYCE-FM announces lineup for its February Jammie Awards show
Familiar big names mix with emerging acts as the community radio station’s first-ever Friday night awards bonanza hosts two dozen performances on two stages at The Intersection. Some of[…]
Bob Seger: Returning to the road, revisiting a classic interview
Bob Seger, Michigan’s favorite rock son, had much to say about touring in 2006 after a 10-year hiatus. As he hits the road again, with a ticket pre-sale Thursday for[…]
Grand Rapids Mid-January Concert Guide: All Time Low, Colt Ford, Griffin House, Potato Moon, Bangarang Circus, Jason Ricci
Grand Rapids-area concert offerings are like a three-ring circus this week: country-rap, pop-punk, folk, blues, jam bands, rock and, yes, fire-eaters and a Brew Ha Ha. Colt Ford, Gunnar[…]
Grand Rapids’ concert weekend in photos: Heavy metal battlers, folk singers, Jukejoint Handmedowns, La Dispute, Mid-Life Crisis
January’s unconventional weather breeds some unconventional concerts, with new events at St. Cecilia Music Center and Fricano’s Pizza, and guitar-shredding competitors and roots-music crooners at The Intersection. (Photos, video) […]
Delilah DeWylde @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: The Spins on Music guest column
Delilah DeWylde’s love letter (of sorts) to fans marks the Spins on Music debut of guest columns written by West Michigan musicians. EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to the first installation of[…]
Grand Rapids Concert Guide: Grace Potter, La Dispute, Seth Glier, Local Spins Live folk series debut and Winter Wheat
The Big List of West Michigan’s live music runs the gamut this week, with The Northern Skies, Joshua Davis, John Mark McMillan, heavy metal headbangers and top-notch singer-songwriters. All[…]
West Michigan’s concert weekend in photos: Juicy J, ChupaCobras, Breathe Owl Breathe, Zellie’s Opry House jam
Things have quieted down after all the New Year’s hubbub, but the music stayed lively from Grand Rapids to Howard City, shared in photos at Spins on Music. There’s[…]
Toasting Grand Rapids’ New Year’s Eve concerts in photos, video: A merry musical ruckus
The outdoors Hot New Year’s Eve Party in downtown Grand Rapids, Founders’ three-band jam and Wealthy Theatre’s shining Starlight Six, recapped in photos, video at Spins on Music. Musically speaking,[…]
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