An unusual folk-punk collaboration with Grand Rapids Symphony, a rock-pop sensation and some metal mayhem found receptive audiences this week. Plus, check out video highlights from Pulaski Days and Saturday’s Horizen Fest. The photo galleries at Local Spins.
May Erlewine tops Hot Top 5 yet again; Pretoria makes chart debut with latest album
Michigan’s songbird soared to No. 1 with her latest album. Get the back story on Pretoria’s chart debut and see what other Michigan artists made the Top 5 for September. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
River City Studios: A legacy of experimenting, inspirational diversity and old-school charm
Our spotlight on the historic Grand Rapids studio also includes the Local Spins on WYCE debut of tracks by Preta Nova, Pretty Sure, Theometric, Sam Kenny & Emma A. Ward, LVNDR, Flxnn and more. Get River City’s back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Pablo Eskobear, Seth Bernard, Headband Henny, Schrock Bros and more
This early October roundup of 2023 releases by Michigan artists boasts a diverse mix of genres and artists, including new music by The Bloody Pickups and Round Creek String Band. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Singer-songwriter Ari Hest set to debut new music during Michigan tour stops
The New York musician and singer brings his Midwest solo tour to Grand Rapids’ Midtown on Friday. Learn more about this tunesmith and watch a video of a recent performance.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings to rev up Halloween homecoming with Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Bill Nershi
This week’s lineup and theme announcement for the Oct. 31 bluegrass spectacle at Van Andel Arena — dubbed the “Van Andel Scramble” — features pals Mark Lavengood, John Mailander, Chris Pandolfi and Duane Trucks among other stars of the scene. The lowdown at Local Spins, along with a special concert playlist.
With a little help from his friends, Ringo Starr takes Grand Rapids by nostalgic storm
Ringo and His All Starr Band unleashed a cavalcade of hits for a capacity crowd at DeVos Performance Hall on Tuesday night. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Traverse City’s The Alluvion to host benefit show for Michigan’s ailing Seth Bernard
Friday’s all-star concert at the new northern Michigan listening room will feature a “community” of the respected musician and Earthwork Music founder’s friends. The details at Local Spins.
‘A magical year & ultimate music festival vibe’: Kalamazoo Sounds of the Zoo’s perfect ending
Blessed with summer-like weather, Kalamazoo’s seven-day Sounds of the Zoo festival closed out the weekend with a refreshing salvo of diverse music. The recap and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Upcoming shows · Videos
October Billy Strings Fling: A month-long spotlight on Michigan’s bluegrass superstar
Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings and his band play a mammoth homecoming show at Van Andel Arena on Oct. 31. Throughout the month, Local Spins looks back – and forward – at this superstar’s career. Today, check out a revealing 2017 Local Spins podcast interview with the then-emerging star.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
The Glorious World of Michigan Music: Local Spins on WYCE, Sounds of the Zoo
Today, check out two showcases of local and regional music: The weekly Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast and photos from this week’s Sounds of the Zoo festival in Kalamazoo.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
In his 80s, Ringo Starr still sows boundless energy on road with ‘All Starr’ pals
“I love to play.” Performing next Tuesday at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall, the one-time Beatle and his fellow rock icons reveal the secrets to their zeal in continuing to pump out classic hits in a recent interview.
Mid-Week Marvels: Black Veil Brides, St. Paul, Sounds of the Zoo, Lighting Matches (Photos)
It was a hump day unlike any other with fist-pumping affairs at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and Kalamazoo State Theatre, plus the launch of Local Spins Wednesdays and Sounds of the Zoo’s Day 3. Browse the photo galleries from all of the shows at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Djangophonique, Whorled to kick off Grand Rapids’ Music in the Heights series
Alger Park Church hosts the third season of the series featuring eclectic Michigan acts, including classical music, a twist on opera and ‘The Music That Raised Us’ tribute to black female icons. Get the schedule and more details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
McIntosh, Pixley-Fink & Lavender: Sounds of the Zoo launches with impressive verve
The week-long Kalamazoo festival’s opening night boasted diverse, riveting sets at Bell’s Brewery Back Room, with six more days of Michigan music to come. View photos and a video at Local Spins, along with a recap of Monday’s event.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Fall Fun: Babymetal, Confluence, KDL Vibes, Drew Holcomb, Helmet, Joe Hertler: Photos
As summer turned to fall, live music shined in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Rockford, with a first-time indoor Michigan showcase hosted by the Kent District Library. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Sounds of the Zoo firing up Year 2 with 55 bands over 7 days in Kalamazoo
The ambitious week-long showcase of Michigan bands unfurls at eight different venues, plus some busking stations. Get the background, schedule and a playlist at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Mustard Plug still channeling ‘incredible’ ska energy with new album, U.S. tours
Local Spins showcases the veteran Grand Rapids ska band which just released its eighth album. Plus, we feature new tracks by Roosevelt Diggs, Les Creatif, Deerfield Run, Sophia McIntosh, VS and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Rock’s Helmet stays relevant, rageful, honest with new album, North American tour
With compassion-fueled apoplexy, alt-metal’s Helmet rolls into The Pyramid Scheme on Sunday as it prepares to release a new studio album, “Left.” The Local Spins interview with frontman Page Hamilton.
Inaugural KDL Vibes Fest to spotlight ‘local artists from multiple genres’ at Cascade library
The Kent District Library’s two-day festival this weekend at the Cascade Township branch will feature performances by 15 regional acts on two stages. Get details and the schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Fall Frolic: Local Spins Wednesdays at SpeakEZ Lounge back with wide-ranging acts
Kicking off next Wednesday, the mid-week concerts will feature Lighting Matches, Hannah Rose Graves, Roosevelt Diggs, Evidence Jazz and more. View the schedule, listen to a playlist and get details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors ready to ‘find their people’ in Kalamazoo tour stop
Touring behind a new Americana/folk-rock album, “Strangers No More,” Drew Holcomb plays Kalamazoo State Theatre on Sunday. The Local Spins Q&A with this veteran troubadour, plus watch the music video for “Find Your People.”
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Confluence Fest 2023 poised to showcase innovation in music, technology, gaming, art
Aiming to educate and entertain, the two-day festival at Grand Rapids’ Rosa Parks Circle will feature a keynote address by acclaimed music industry expert Ari Herstand, plus live music, a robotics expo, gaming competition and much more. Get details, the full schedule and a playlist at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Earthwork Harvest Gathering Revisited: A weekend of healing music, inspiring sets
Last weekend’s festival on Earthwork Farm outside Lake City boasted more than 90 performances by Michigan artists. Local Spins has the recap, photos and a video.
Singer-songwriter Caitlin Cusack’s ‘You Carry Me Project’ tackles grief with music
The West Michigan singer and pianist returns to her hometown of Ionia this week for a special “Purple Concert” and music video shoot to help commemorate deceased loved ones. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Sugarhill Gang and Eastown Streetfair top huge West Michigan week of live music (Photos)
From an appearance by a legendary hip-hop act to massive crowds at Eastown Streetfair to captivating performances in Lowell, Muskegon and Kalamazoo, it was a hyper-active mid-September week. Photos, videos at Local Spins.
Art for Art’s Sake: The Mars Volta dynamically pushes rock’s boundaries in GR show
The progressive, exploratory rock juggernaut sometimes defied description and didn’t play it safe during Friday’s tour stop at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Guster puts exclamation point on Meijer Gardens summer series with upbeat flair
The long-running, Boston-bred alterna-rockers closed out the amphitheater’s most successful season on Friday with an energetic set for a sold-out audience. The review, photos and setlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Wild Honey Collective hones psychedelic folk for new mini-album, live shows
With a new mini-album and an upcoming set at Fallasburg Arts Festival, the Michigan band was spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jan James, Michigan Rattlers, Cal in Red, Steel and Wood, Josh Rose and more. Get the back story on Wild Honey Collective, watch a video of a live performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Lauren Daigle, GRiZ, PUP and Michigan Irish Music Fest: Concert Photo Recaps
Only Local Spins boasts such a diverse round-up of early-week shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Muskegon. Browse the photo galleries from a last-summer volley of live music.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
September Music Mania: Eastown Streetfair, FallFest, Backyard Bash, Hal Beveridge Fest
Beyond ArtPrize there are tons of music festivals and celebrations firing up the final weekend of summer across West Michigan, including Saturday’s Ballpark Jam. Get the lowdown on several of them, with schedules, ticket links and more at Local Spins.
GR African American Art & Music Festival toasting 50 years of hip hop and more
Local Spins previews this weekend’s festival on Rosa Parks Circle that will feature the pioneering hip hop group Sugarhill Gang, local faves Avalon Cutts-Jones, Lady Ace Boogie and more. Get the schedule, a playlist and other details.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grammy winner Madison Cunningham poised to bring innovative folk-rock to Grand Rapids
The Grammy Award winner plays Calvin University’s Covenant Fine Arts Center on Friday. Dig into her background, her touring, fascination with flying and more in this Local Spins Q&A. Plus, check out a recent music video.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan Irish Music Festival: Preview, schedule for the six-stage Celtic celebration
Unfolding at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing, this upcoming weekend’s festival promotes Irish culture and heritage with more than 30 acts performing along with dancers, food and more. All you need to know at Local Spins.
Place of healing, musical gems & memorable stories: Wheatland Music Festival revisited
Last weekend’s performance-packed 50th anniversary celebration of Wheatland offered attendees national and regional acts, camaraderie, great weather and more. The recap in words and photos at Local Spins. Plus, browse photos from other September concerts in West Michigan.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Earthwork Harvest Gathering 2023 set for reunion charm, 90-plus performances
Local Spins previews what has become one of the Michigan music scene’s favorite late-season festivals. Get details, daily schedules, a playlist and more for this mid-September celebration.
Best Concerts, Festivals of Summer 23? Local Spins readers say Billy Strings, Hoxeyville
It’s time for readers to speak out when it comes to their favorite concert and festival experiences of the past summer — and some of their comments show just how memorable those experiences were.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
‘Like magic right out of the box’: The Goon Lagoon’s vintage all-analog musical charm
Local Spins profiles the Grand Rapids studio led by Tommy Schichtel and debuts tracks by artists who relish his unique approach. This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE also features new songs by other Michigan acts. Get the back story on Goon Lagoon and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Let the ‘Sparks Fly’: After decades of futility, serenading a Detroit Lions season on the brink
Amid crazy high expectations, the Lions launch their 2023 National Football League campaign tonight in Kansas City. And Local Spins has the musical soundtrack to spur Michigan’s heroes to glory. We think, maybe … Anyway, it’s Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics’ annual column exploring the plight of the silver and Honolulu blue.
Wheatland poised to toast half-century of ‘great traditional and contemporary’ music
Boasting a new Wheatland app for attendees, the much-beloved festival returns to Remus on Friday, with a wide-ranging lineup of national and regional stars. The Local Spins preview.
Patty PerShayla, Black Milk roar to pinnacle of Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The August chart representing the regional albums that received the most radio airplay at WYCE (88.1) covers a lot of musical territory. Check out the chart, listen to tracks from all the releases.
Labor Day 2023: Michigan musicians still battling misconceptions, still seeking fair wage
Local Spins’ annual Labor Day column highlighting challenges that continue to face working musicians in 2023 focuses on the views of three artists from widely varied backgrounds. Read their insightful observations and more in today’s special commentary.
Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Kalamazoo rising star Headband Henny turning heads with infectious, alternative R&B
Local Spins’ ‘Emerging Artists to Watch’ series focuses on a genre-bending act led by a singer and songwriter from Southwest Michigan who’s generating sparks live. The band released its debut album last week.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
On a Michigan tour, folk hero Iain Matthews revels in ‘moral obligation’ to play live
In an interview with Local Spins, the one-time member of the iconic Fairport Convention talks about his music and upcoming U.S. tour hitting several Michigan cities.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Dogtown Studio harnessing music’s ‘power and potential’ through performance videos
Get the back story on this fast-emerging Grand Rapids studio’s special niche. Plus, listen to live Dogtown tracks, watch videos of live performances and check out song debuts by several Michigan artists via the Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Traverse City’s All Call Festival aims to uncork Michigan-made musical melange
Local Spins previews the eclectic one-day music festival presented for the second year by Little Fleet over Labor Day weekend. The schedule, ticket links, playlist and more.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio
Seth Bernard undergoes painful upheaval, transformation amid release of ‘Unrest & Rest’
Stricken with back issues and Lyme disease, the northern Michigan artist remains upbeat about Labor Day release of his star-studded album. The back story, with an audio peek into the new collection.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Uncategorized · Upcoming shows
ARC 2023 set for massive Labor Day weekend celebration of electronic music in Chicago
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst previews the 3rd annual festival being held in the birthplace of house music with Eric Prydz, John Summit, Nina Kraviz, Tale of Us & more. Get the complete lowdown on this Chicago spectacle, with must-see picks, travel advice and more.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Detroit Jazz Festival, Arts Beats & Eats: The Local Spins previews, schedules
Well worth the trip to Michigan’s East Side, two big music festivals unfold over Labor Day weekend, with some giants of jazz in the Motor City and 200-plus diverse acts in Royal Oak. Info and schedules at Local Spins.
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