Local Spins first wrote about the West Michigan world music trio in 2022. Now, Local Spins Rewind revisits and updates that Artist Spotlight as the band prepares to play SpeakEZ’s Local Spins Wednesdays series. The back story, video and more.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Frontier Ruckus to headline Michigan Music Alliance’s ‘Sounds Like Michigan’ benefit
The organization dedicated to fostering professional growth opportunities for the state’s music community, relaunches its mission at the Wealthy Theatre show and seeks other Michigan bands to join the concert lineup.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Gavin Adcock, Pokey LaFarge, Lindsay Lou, LACS, Ficus, Mushroomhead: Photo Recap
Once again, West Michigan’s live music week covered a lot of bases: country, folk, bluegrass, psych-rock, metal, drone and more — from Boris to Neko Case. The photo recaps at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘Not for the faint of ear’: Metzfire uncorks alt-metal ‘sonic wall’ on stage, in studio
The West Michigan band talked about its new album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured tracks by Jack White, Eminem, The Accidentals, Greet Death, Brenden Stark, Kylee Phillips, The Bootstrap Boys, Heartsick and more.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Waxahatchee, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Bruce Cockburn to amp up Ann Arbor Folk Festival
The lineup for the two-day festival taking place at Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium features big name indie artists, including Josh Ritter, The Milk Carton Kids, Jobi Riccio and Joy Clark, with Old Crow’s Ketch Secor emceeing. Get all of the details at Local Spins.
Neko Case delivers musical glory in no-frills fashion during Grand Rapids tour stop
The esteemed indie-rock/alt-country/folk/pop artist unfurled a 14-song set on Thursday that included a brand new song from a forthcoming album. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Introducing Local Grins: Welcome to comedy in West Michigan (and beyond)
Today, Local Spins debuts its first monthly column about the region’s comedy scene: Local Grins. Get the lowdown on a wide variety of comedy show options and more. You can even send us your favorite new joke.
Album Reviews: Jack White, Greg Nagy, Cal in Red, Lefty, Gianna Stansell, Hunter Noll Bell
From a Detroit rock icon to a rising Grand Rapids indie-pop duo to a veteran bluesman, this Local Spins roundup of Michigan releases digs into some enticing 2024 releases by regional artists. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from each release.
Amy Grant builds ‘House of Love’ in career retrospective during Grand Rapids concert
The iconic singer with a 40-years-plus career unfurled 25 engaging songs during her Monday tour stop at DeVos Performance Hall. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Announcements · Gift Guide · Special Offers
It’s All About Michigan Music: Local Spins celebrates Mitten State with new T-shirts
Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, Local Spins now offers its super-sort 2024 T-shirts for sale online, along with snazzy sunglasses and options for cropped hoodies. Order now, because supplies are limited.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Styx, The Motet, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Major Murphy mix it up: Photo Galleries
From classic rock to bluegrass to funk to indie-rock, West Michigan venues offered plenty of variety for music fans over the past week. Browse the photo galleries, concert recaps and a video at Local Spins.
Concert regrets, most disappointing band breakups, summer’s best shows: Readers react
Local Spins’ recent ‘Questions of the Week’ have generated some of the most robust and interesting responses in the history of our ‘Amplified’ newsletter. Check out all of the reader comments and respond to our latest ‘Question of the Week.’
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ficus pollinates ‘fresh, original, modern twist’ on psychedelic, progressive, stoner rock
The Grand Rapids band releasing ‘Pollinator’ next week talks about its new project for Local Spins, which also debuted fresh tracks by The War and Treaty, Spencer LaJoye, Crystal Trench, Melanie Pierce, The Crane Wives, Patty PerShayla, Joel Mabus, Hunter Noll Bell & more.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio
Album Reviews: Crane Wives, Luke Winslow-King, Michigan Rattlers, Silver Creek Revival
As fall settles in, Local Spins turns its attention to new releases by Michigan artists. Check out reviews of six recordings, including The Brothers Crunch and Quilter, and listen to tracks from each release.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows · Videos
Major Murphy returns to the stage tonight with star guests for indie-rock’s ‘Fallout’ release
Major Murphy plays its first Grand Rapids show in nearly a year tonight at SpeakEZ Lounge after releasing a new studio album this summer. Get the show details and roster of special guests, along with a Local Spins Rewind summer interview and podcast.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Michigan Music Potpourri: Handmade Music Fest, Candid Antics, Billy Strings light it up
From Grand Rapids to Chesaning to Clarkston, the early October flurry of Michigan music made an impact amid summer-like weather. View the photo galleries and recaps at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Claudettes bringing wildly entertaining ‘garage cabaret’ to GR & Northern Michigan
The Chicago quartet returns to Michigan for bluesy, jazzy, rollicking shows led by piano-pounder Johnny Iguana and dynamic singer Rachel Williams. The Local Spins interview, with videos and ticket links.
Toasting the upstart Detroit Tigers with a chart-topping playlist for the (championship) ages
To commemorate the Detroit Tigers’ incredible late-season run, Local Spins has compiled a special playlist filled with iconic hits from the 1968 and 1984 championship seasons, along with current hits. Go Tigers!
Billy Strings incites flat-picking pandemonium at Pine Knob for home-state fans
The new dad and award-winning bluegrass guitar phenom from Ionia County celebrated a brand new double-album with his band in the first of a two-night run at the Clarkston amphitheater. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Kalamazoo’s budding music scene, from jazz to underground punk & more: ‘We have it all’
Local Spins spotlights Kalamazoo’s diverse and robust musical artists, with movers and shakers naming acts more people should know. Plus, our radio show podcast debuts new tracks by a host of Michigan bands. Learn more about these artists and listen to this week’s show.
Polish Pageantry: Pulaski Days set to engulf Grand Rapids in polkas, pierogi and parties
More than a dozen Polish halls across Grand Rapids will fire up dance floors, delectable food, beverages and more this weekend, celebrating the 52nd year of Pulaski Days.
Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids indie-pop duo Cal in Red snatches No. 1 spot on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The sibling duo’s “Low Low” came in just ahead of the latest release from Americana’s The Michigan Rattlers. Check out the full chart and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings answers ‘Highway Prayers’ with transcendent tracks, a baby, Pine Knob run
Writer Ryan McCahill provides his take on the virtuoso bluegrass guitarist’s new double-album as Billy Strings celebrates fatherhood and prepares to play two nights at Michigan’s Pine Knob. Check out the review, listen to a track from the new release.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Acoustic Stew launches with ‘flawless’ folk; Sounds of the Zoo closes out with diversity
Hawks and Owls delivered a tantalizing first chapter in a new Grand Rapids concert series, while eclectic bands from across the state closed out Kalamazoo’s week-long music festival. The images from both events at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Kalamazoo · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Musical Melange: Sounds of the Zoo, Airborne Toxic Event, Joe Hertler, Skizzy Mars (Photos)
Kalamazoo’s Sounds of the Zoo continued its musical march over the weekend, with Marc E. Bassy & Skizzy Mars and The Airborne Toxic Event revving up Grand Rapids. The photo round-up at Local Spins.
Concert Listings · Upcoming shows
Fall Concert Flurry: Fennville, Lowell, Grand Rapids, Lansing rev up live music showcases
As summer turns to fall, music fans are turning to indoor shows starring Michigan bands and solo artists. Here are schedules for several fall concert series across the region, with some concerts kicking off on Sunday.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
September Romps: Clutch, Lake Street Dive, Alkaline Trio, Sounds of the Zoo (Photos)
The last week in September uncorked hard rock, pop-punk, pop-soul, jazz, hip hop, Americana and more from Grand Rapid to Kalamazoo. Revisit the early-week shows in words and photos at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Earthwork Harvest Gathering’s finale filled with joy, tears, songs, inspiration & community
After more than two decades, the Michigan music festival hosted by Seth Bernard outside Lake City staged its last hurrah, with dozens of performances on multiple stages — creating more lifelong memories. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins
Audio · Commentary · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The Beatles Redux: 60 years since a triumphant U.S tour; 55 years since ‘Abbey Road’ (Playlist)
Tonight at Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge, Local Spins celebrates two major Fab Four milestones with a performance by That Beatles Thing. Get details and listen to a special playlist at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Kalamazoo’s Sounds of the Zoo Day 1 ‘strikes a match’ to ignite diverse Michigan talent
The opening night of the seven-day festival featured five eclectic singer-songwriters performing varied tunes in an intimate setting. The recap, photos, video highlights and more at Local Spins, along with the performance schedule for the rest of the week.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
September Dance Parties: Wailers, Confluence Festival, Movements romp in West Michigan
As summer transitioned to fall, West Michigan’s music fans were still in a celebratory mood to cheer some national touring acts — including Sierra Hull and The Movement — as well as Grand Rapids’ fourth Confluence Fest. The images and recaps at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo’s Sounds of the Zoo: A week of ‘pure musical joy’ that kicks off Monday
With 55 bands playing eight venues over seven days, the festival showcasing Michigan bands covers a lot of ground and a lot of musical styles. The schedule, festival essentials and a Top 20 playlist at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Annie Bacon’s musical journey through grief and its collective power to heal
The Ann Arbor singer-songwriter chats about her latest studio album with Local Spins, which also debuts tracks by several other Michigan artists, including The Go Rounds, Sage Castleberry, Kylee Phillips, Billy Strings and The Brothers Crunch. Check out the feature story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Dierks Bentley glitters in career-spanning, covers-splashed Grand Rapids concert
With Chase Rice and Ella Langley also on the bill, Thursday’s “Gravel and Gold” tour stop at Van Andel Arena delivered plenty of Bentley’s familiar country hits for adoring fans. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Musician, artist, entrepreneur Hugo Claudin: Albums That Changed My World
Grand Rapids musician, artist and Mexicains Sans Frontieres curator reveals the albums and artists that influenced him most, from the obscure to the legendary. Check out his picks.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Confluence Festival 2024 poised to showcase music, innovation, robotics & more
The fourth year festival rolls out on Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids on Friday and Saturday. See what’s new for 2024 in this Local Spins preview, along with the festival schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Sierra Hull bringing lifelong passion for mandolin, bluegrass to St. Cecilia tonight
The award-winning musician, singer and songwriter kicks off the fall concert series at Grand Rapids’ Royce Auditorium. The Local Spins interview, with recent performance videos.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Buena Vista Social Orchestra closes Meijer Gardens season + weekend photo galleries
Meijer Gardens wrapped up its final summer concert on Sunday with an esteemed Cuban ensemble, closing out a weekend that also featured Lettuce, the Kalamashoegazer Festival, a One Well block party and the Fallasburg Arts Festival. Check out the recaps and photos at Local Spins..
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Earthwork Harvest Gathering bids farewell to 22-year legacy of music, friendship, activism
One of Michigan’s most treasured festivals rolls out for the final time next weekend. Organizer Seth Bernard reflects on its special beauty, with Local Spins offering up a users’ guide to the Lake City spectacle.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Michigan Irish Music Festival, The Verve Pipe keep Michigan’s musical heat on
Celtic music fans flooded Muskegon’s Heritage Landing for the 25th anniversary of the Michigan Irish Music Fest on Thursday and Friday, while The Verve Pipe rocked Otsego’s Liquid Note. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Michigan’s Mark Farner gets ‘closer to home’ with new album, re-recorded ‘I’m Your Captain’
In a revealing interview with the northern Michigan musician, the renowned frontman talks about his music, Grand Funk Railroad and more. The Local Spins on WYCE podcast also debuts new tracks by Luke Winslow-King, Greg Nagy and other Michigan artists.
Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Dogwood Center for the Arts’ legacy of varied music, theater, comedy continues
The Fremont venue boasts upcoming shows by Myron Elkins, The Mad Angler & The Mad Cellist, Braunschweiger Blues Band and more. The Local Spins venue spotlight and concert schedule.
Audio · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan Irish Music Festival set to showcase ‘stellar musicianship, diversity of acts’
The festival at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing celebrates its 25th anniversary starting Thursday with a host of international stars and regional favorites. The preview, schedule ad playlist at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Wheatland Music Festival Memories: Warming up Remus with Sierra Hull, song circles, jams
The 51st edition of the folk and roots music festival rolled out north of Grand Rapids last weekend with a plethora of national and local stars. The recap, photos, video at Local Spins.
Michael Franti brings season-ending joy, ‘Sound of Sunshine’ to Meijer Gardens
One of the amphitheater’s most popular returning stars delivered his intoxicating blend of reggae, funk, soul, folk, rock and more to an enthused audience on Sunday in Meijer Gardens’ next-to-last concert of the summer. The review and photos at Local Spins, plus photo galleries from the Eastown Streetfair, Avery Anna at Elevation and Sophistafunk with Desmond Jones at Warner Vineyards.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
‘Time to Make History’: Detroit Lions championed in fresh theme song by GR native
With the 2024 NFL season kicking off for Detroit tonight, Ryn Scott, aka West Catholic High School alum Ryan Scott, has released a rollicking tribute to the boys in silver and Honolulu blue. Listen to the track and watch the video at Local Spins.
Sierra Ferrell creates ‘Garden’ dreams, The Crane Wives go well ‘Beyond’ the usual
Friday’s Grand Rapids lineup boasted two sold-out shows: Indie-folk/bluegrass/jazz artist Sierra Ferrell made her Meijer Gardens debut while Michigan’s Crave Wives lit up The Intersection. The recaps and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Crane Wives’ ‘wild journey,’ special chemistry produce brave new rock album
The veteran Grand Rapids band plays a sold-out record-release show tonight and reveals its back story for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuts other Michigan music. Check out the group’s new music and video, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Commentary · Photos · Summer Concerts
Summer 2024’s Best Concerts: Local Spins staff, readers pick the top shows — Billy to Blissfest
From Billy Strings’ surprise Grand Rapids appearances with Phish and Greensky Bluegrass to memorable festival sets, the summer of 2024 was one for the record books. Check out the staff and reader picks, and revisit the live show highlights.
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