Saugatuck Brewing’s recently revamped pub in downtown Kalamazoo boasts live music in a prime summertime location. Get the back story and photos at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Jordan Hamilton, Greensky Bluegrass, Nathan Kalish, G.E. Orr tout buzzed-about new releases
Local Spins on WYCE debuted fresh tracks from these Michigan artists and more — from Sophia McIntosh to Don Julin — with high-profile shows and tours on tap. The lowdown and the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Rock S-s-salvos ‘Here and Now’: Staind, Seether, Saint Asonia stir up Grand Rapids (Photos)
The hard rock/alt-metal troika’s tour stop at Van Andel Arena on Thursday also featured an opening set from Tim Montana. Browse the photos and set lists at Local Spins.
Announcements · Local Spins Fest · Summer Festivals
It’s All About Michigan Music: Local Spins Fest unveils 2024 T-shirts, hoodies, shades
Local Spins is getting revved up for its 12th anniversary party at Studio Park in Grand Rapids with brand new merch for 2024 that celebrates Michigan’s music scene.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
Fast-emerging Pocket Watch pushing jazz fusion boundaries with funk, rock, more
The multi-talented band led by drummer Zach Dubay lights up SpeakEZ Lounge tonight for the Local Spins Wednesdays series along with Traverse City’s The Marsupials. Learn more about the band, Dubay and the group’s upcoming shows.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Grand Rapids rapper Ajax Stacks’ sense of community, ‘pretty great’ hip-hop journey
With upcoming May shows, the respected Grand Rapids hip-hop artist continues to expand his audience and his repertoire. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight and one of his recent music videos.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Great Lakes Center for the Arts’ Matthew Kacergis: Albums That Changed My World
The executive director of Bay Harbor’s Great Lakes Center for the Arts — a one-time singer and actor — reveals the artists and albums that have influenced him most. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Fest · Videos
Short Panic’s funky ‘cosmic ride’: The Local Spins Fest 2024 Artist Spotlight
The Local Spins countdown to the May 18 celebration of its 12th anniversary at Studio Park in Grand Rapids continues with a Q&A showcase of the young, fast-emerging Short Panic, along with a performance video.
Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse riff forth rousing revelry in metal’s ‘tour of the year’
Sunday night’s death metal assault in Grand Rapids earned several thumbs — and devil horns — up from Local Spins reviewer John Serba, from Amon Amarth’s ‘row pit’ spectacle to Obituary’s ‘slime-ridden’ genius. Check out his entertaining take on this four-band tour de force and ogle photographer Anthony Norkus’ photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Dayseeker, Gilmore Fest, Drake White, Greg Orr, Desmond Jones: Concert Photo Roundup
From a post-hardcore throwdown to acclaimed jazz to jam-band fun to country twang and more, Local Spins offers a visual sampling of the week’s concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo.
Michigan Album Reviews: Skinny Limbs, Future Things, Alex Austin, Metzfire, more
This early May round-up of Michigan releases features new projects from DuPont Phillips and Elroy Meltzer, along with fresh recordings by some up-and-coming West Michigan bands. Read the reviews, listen to tracks from these releases.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Kyle Brown & The Human Condition’s folk-rock fusion tackles emotion, conflict via new EP
This week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE talked about the West Michigan band’s latest project. The show also debuted tracks by Eric Engblade, Tunde Olaniran, Levitator, The Heiden Underground, Tommy Schichtel, Elroy Meltzer and more. Get Kyle Brown’s back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
GR’s Relax at Rosa, Celadon summer concerts + Allegan, Wyoming, Hastings, Kalamazoo, more
The latest round-up of free community concerts staged across Michigan this summer boasts a bevy of regional stars and swells our Local Spins guide to more than 120 series — from Allegan to Traverse City.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Lady Ace Boogie, Djangophonique, Taylor Swift Experience to heat Meijer Gardens Tuesdays
The Tuesday Evening Music Club series for 2024 at Meijer Gardens rolls out its most diverse lineup yet, kicking off in early June with a soul, funk and jazz romp. The schedule and more at Local Spins.
In-Depth Report · Summer Festivals
Unlocking passion for music: Local Spins Fest 2024 and ‘The Future of Michigan Music’
Today, Local Spins not only unveils the official poster for the May 18 festival at Studio Park, but kicks off its series exploring how area ‘schools of rock’ aim to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Summer Concerts · Venue Spotlight
Warner Vineyards makes ‘big leap’ with Dawes, Buckcherry, national acts for summer
The Paw Paw vineyard’s sixth-year concert series kicks off in early May and boasts more than 45 concerts. Get details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Fest
Local Spins Fest 2024 Artist Spotlight: The Elijah Russ Collective
As Local Spins counts down to the May 18 celebration of its 12th anniversary at Studio Park in Grand Rapids, we’re profiling the festival’s featured artists in Q&As. First up, learn more about Elijah Russ and check out his music via video.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Sum 41 rises up in Grand Rapids, plus Joe Hertler, Motown Magic, The Insiders (Photos)
Beyond musical action featuring everything from a Canadian rock mainstay to The Accidentals, the weekend boasted the first Music Econ Summit and a Latvian Song & Dance Festival announcement. The scoop and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch
‘Paradise Found’: Sammie Hershock’s compelling, answer-seeking songs of comfort
The classically trained, Marshall-based pianist and songwriter on Friday released her first full-length album, “Plainsong.” The back story on this emerging Michigan artist to watch.
Pine Knob, Bell’s Beer Garden, Liquid Note, Warner, more to simmer with summer shows
The 2024 concert calendar is chock full of outdoor concerts at diverse venues across Michigan, starring national touring powerhouses as well as regional bands. Local Spins has the schedules.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Accidentals, Fit For a King, Alex Austin Trio manifest mid-week musical marvels
Wednesday night lit up Grand Rapids with three shows by disparate artists in varied venues, from The Accidentals’ ‘Cover Art’ tour stop at cozy Midtown to metalcore’s Fit for a King shaking up the sprawling Intersection. Recaps, photos at Local Spins.
Music and Technology · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ first-ever Music Econ Summit aims to empower, educate working musicians
Saturday’s day-long seminar will feature presentations and panels by music industry experts, lawyers and recording artists offering advice on how to be successful in the music business.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Videos
Northern Michigan songwriter Eliza Thorp finalist in Telluride Troubadour Competition
The Petoskey-based tunesmith will join nine other finalists from across the country for the June competition in Colorado. The back story and a video of her nominated song at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Earth Radio, Priscilla Block, Record Store Day, 4/20, Grace Theisen, Trifocal: Photo Recaps
Our weekend concert photo recap not only commemorates Earth Day, but Record Store Day, 4/20 and West Michigan’s live music hubbub, from Frontier Ruckus to Alejandro Escovedo to Trifocal, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and more. Browse images in 10 photo galleries, plus a video at Local Spins.
Riots, nudity, explosions and ‘raw human sewage’: The wildest concert experiences ever
With the summer concert and festival season fast approaching, Local Spins asked readers and writers to recount their most outrageous show experiences. Some of the tales are shocking.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Despite ticketing glitches, Meijer Gardens sells out 18 shows on first day of member sales
The annual ticket-buying rite for Meijer Gardens members resumed only after major system snafus. Still, 18 of 33 summer concerts sold out quickly. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Fresh faces, new tracks spawned by West Michigan’s music scene: Local Spins on WYCE
This week’s all-new-Michigan-music edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured new, emerging artists: Anaia Lachelle, Metzfire, Future Things, Ryan Cassidy and 56 Tornadoes, along with tracks by established acts such as The Accidentals, Earth Radio and Lipstick Jodi. Learn more and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In-demand organist Jim Alfredson oozes versatility with ‘Family Business’ show on tap
The Lansing musician showcases his own new album, “Family Business,” in a Traverse City concert at The Alluvion this weekend, part of a hectic multi-band touring schedule. Learn more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Perpetually in Motion: The Accidentals cover Michigan on tour behind new covers album
The Traverse City-bred band will play five Michigan shows this month promoting the trio’s new “Cover Art” album. Get the back story on this new project and listen to new tracks at Local Spins.
With a Billy Strings boost, Flesh and Blood Robot headbanging again after 18 years
The mid-Michigan hardcore band’s much-buzzed-about reunion show last month with bluegrass-guitarist-turned-metal shredder Billy Strings has the group eyeing new songs and recording.
Artist Spotlights · Traverse City · Upcoming shows · Videos
Dar Williams brings ‘master-class’ songwriting charm to Traverse City
The acclaimed, much-revered singer-songwriter plays a sold-out show at The Alluvion on Friday while also working with Interlochen Arts Academy students. The Local Spins interview.
‘Burn the House Down’: AJR unleashes massive dance party in Grand Rapids
The AJR brothers delivered an indie-pop spectacle to enthused fans at Van Andel Arena on Sunday night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Cody Jinks, Home Free, Jessie Murph, Mountain Goats and more: Concert Photo Recaps
Sold-out shows starring the country-driven Cody Jinks, Home Free, Jessie Murph and Larry Fleet spearheaded West Michigan’s busy concert lineup over the past week, from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids — including performances by The Mountain Goats, Marc Cohn, Amy Speace and Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Rockford, Lowell, Grand Haven, Kentwood, Ludington, more: Free summer concert lineups
Spring has sprung, which means communities across the state are getting ready to rev up free concerts nearly every night of the week starring regional acts. View the schedules at[…]
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The Skinny Limbs: Honing alt-surf-pop with tight-knit grooves, emotionally driven lyrics
The West Michigan band was spotlighted for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Lasso, The Junky Swinger, The Whiskey Charmers, Bruce Matthews and more. Learn more about The Skinny Limbs and their new EP, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
My Morning Jacket, Black Pumas, Boyz II Men, Bonnie Raitt heat up Meijer Gardens 2024
The expanded 33-concert summer series boasts new faces – from Il Divo to Tower of Power – along with a bevy of returning favorites such as Grace Potter. The full lineup, ticket prices, details and more at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Blissfest 2024 to star The Wood Brothers, Sarah Jarosz, Vieux Farka Toure, Donna the Buffalo
Michigan favorites May Erlewine, Desmond Jones and Full Cord also are on the docket for the iconic Harbor Springs-area festival taking place in July. View the full lineup, the official poster and get details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan-bred Claudia Schmidt back in her home state, showcasing her versatility
The much-admired folk tunesmith and jazz singer plays The Alluvion twice this week before returning to northern Michigan for a June show. The interview and back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Masterful’ songwriter Amy Speace poised to bring confessional, rich songs to Grand Rapids
The Nashville-based artist plays Grand Rapids Ballet’s Peter Martin Wege Theatre on Friday with Ralston Bowles. The Local Spins interview with Amy Speace, along with two of her music videos.
Grand Rapids’ Phabies big winner at 2024 Michigan Music Video Awards
The alt-rock/pop band took home three awards at Marshall’s Franke Center on Saturday, including video of the year, but a half-dozen other bands and filmmakers won honors, too, including Kalamazoo’s Basic Comfort and Detroit’s Nadim Azzam and Louie Lee among others. View the full list of winners.
Chappell Roan glitters, glitzes, glows in GR, plus the weekend concert photo round-up
Synth-pop star Chappell Roan electrified a sold-out Intersection crowd on Saturday, part of a robust roster of West Michigan concerts featuring national and local artists. Browse all the photo galleries at Local Spins, including Low Phase, Cris Jacobs, Celeste Allison, Kate Hinote and the Oigfest heavy metal fest.
‘Waiting for the Sun’: The Ultimate Solar Eclipse Playlist at Local Spins
Much of the country will be mesmerized by Monday’s solar eclipse, so we’ve created a sun-splashed soundtrack for the occasion. Plus, check out the celestial picks from Local Spins readers.
Hot Top 5 · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Pretoria hits No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart + Local Spins on WYCE debuts new Michigan tracks
Today’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE rolls out a countdown of the Hot Top 5 Chart of regional releases for March, as well as debuting tracks by a bevy of Michigan artists, including The Accidentals, Matisse, The Bootstrap Boys, DuPont Phillips, Jordan Hamilton and more.
Kalamazoo · Photos · Venue Spotlight
Kalamazoo’s The RunOff fills post-pandemic void with welcoming DIY music venue
Launched in 2021, the intimate Milwood Neighborhood concert space has hosted wide-ranging shows by local bands and touring acts. The back story at Local Spins.
Third Michigan Music Video Awards to honor best in regional music-inspired film
Finalists representing bands and solo acts from across the state are up for awards Saturday, with Jack Droppers, Michelle Held, Louie Lee and Nadim Azzam performing at Marshall’s Franke Center.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Meijer Gardens’ John VanderHaagen: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
With the much-anticipated announcement of the Meijer Gardens summer concert series just a week away, communications director John VanderHaagen reveals recordings that have shaped him.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Violent Femmes, Slash, Jason Mraz, Nickel Creek, 311 to pump up Interlochen 2024
The summer series at the popular northern Michigan venue boasts will expand with ‘a wider variety of genres’ and bands. View the schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
JJ Grey & Mofro impress, Some People’s Kids triumphs & more: Concert Photo Recaps
From Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, the concert train was rolling over the past week. Check out photos from Samantha Fish, Less Than Jake, Pajamas, Oberon Day and more.
Grand Rapids’ Squatch rocks to first place in The Stray’s 2024 Battle of the Bands
The progressive rock band topped The Cosmoknights, who took second, along with fellow competitors Farewell Come April and Quilter on Saturday night in another sold-out show as part of the month-long contest. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
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