Emulating the ‘style, notes, energy’ of Chicago, Brass Transit aims to play ‘hit after hit’ aided by GR Symphony in the weekend concert at DeVos Performance Hall. The Local Spins interview and details about Saturday’s show.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ben Rector, Indigo Girls, Mustard Plug ‘Let the Good Times Roll’: Weekend Photo Galleries
Weird weather during the first full weekend of spring didn’t hamper turnout at sold-out tour stops in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Plus, recaps of Hawthorne Heights, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Dirt Monkey, Starkbierfest, Ingrid Andress and more. View all of the images at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Photos · Videos
Groovy, funky Short Panic wins The Stray’s 2023 Battle of the Bands
The band formed by Grand Rapids Community College music students outpolled West Michigan’s Cordero and Pocket Watch during Saturday’s finals to take home the crown. The recap, photo gallery and some video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Steve Forbert set to usher forth gems from 20-album songwriting catalog in GR
The veteran tunesmith plays Midtown on Tuesday, aiming to ‘keep the singer-songwriter tradition alive’ as he tours behind his latest album, ‘Moving Through America.’ The Local Spins Q&A with a music video of the title track from Steve Forbert’s new record.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Local Spins Fest 2023: A May celebration of Michigan’s powerful female artistry
In the Valley Below, Lokella, Sarena Rae, Kari Lynch, Grace Theisen, Kate Hinote, Loren Johnson and more will fire up “Local Spins Week” in mid-May. Get the lineup, details, a ticket link and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Singer-songwriter Caitlin Cusack’s ‘shimmery’ pop treatise on brain injury recovery
With an EP ahead, the Grand Rapids pianist with years of concussion struggles today releases a single for Brain Injury Awareness Month. Local Spins on WYCE also features new tracks by Michigan artists. Get the back story on Caitlin Cusack, listen to her music and this week’s radio show podcast with music by Daisybox, Midwest Skies, Earth Radio, Bierkeller Boys Oompah Band, Mustard Plug and more.
First-ever New Moon songwriting contest challenges tunesmiths to collaborate
The New Moon Songwriting Challenge requires video entries of new songs to involve co-writes with other artists. The contest kicks off April 1. Get the details at Local Spins.
The UV Hippo legacy: Amazing jams, incessant touring, lifelong friendships but no reunion
Our ‘Whatever Happened To’ series exploring the status of once-popular West Michigan bands catches up with members of Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, which played its last show in 2018. Find out where they are now and what the future may (or may not) hold.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
The Rebel Eves super-group: Creating ‘heaven’ and acceptance with ‘killer harmonies’
The vibrant combination of Michigan songwriters Grace Theisen, Katie Pederson and Jilian Linklater is turning heads with a mission of empowering women in music. The Local Spins Q&A with the up-and-coming trio, a video and photo gallery.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Jazz trumpeter Josh Lawrence: Albums That Changed My World (Hubbard, Marsalis, Brown)
This week’s edition of our popular series focuses on albums and artists that influenced the renowned Interlochen jazz musician and composer. Get his back story and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Myron Elkins, Desmond Jones, Full Cord to headline first Shagbark Music Festival
The re-branded Cowpie Music Festival will fire up with 14 Michigan bands in early August, boasting no overlapping sets on two stages in southern Kent County. Details, a ticket link and the full inaugural lineup at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW
Mitten State Love (& Music) in Texas: Michigan acts share their SXSW 2023 experiences
For many Michigan bands, 2023’s South By Southwest festival was their first-ever Austin experience. They reveled in that experience — except for Nathan Walton & The Remedy’s broken-down van. Check out their takes and highlights in this special SXSW report.
Concert reviews · Features · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Pop Evil’s super-fan vibe, plus J.I.D & Smino, Kane Brown, Earth Radio & more: Photos
Talk about a robust week of live music in West Michigan: With an early start to the weekend, it was all about the fans at shows packing venues big and small across West Michigan, including album-release concerts by Michigan artists. The recaps and photos from 10 shows at Local Spins.
St. Patrick’s Shenanigans: Snowy Irish on Ionia in Grand Rapids draws throngs of revelers
Temps in the 20s, snow flurries and stiff breezes didn’t thwart thousands of attendees from packing the return of downtown’s Irish on Ionia, which also boasted chilly, jig-inciting sets by Celtic bands and DJs. View the photo gallery and video.
In His Own Words: Marcel ‘Fable’ Price — Standing up for an artistic renaissance
After a questionable denial of county funding, the revered wordsmith and leader of The Diatribe challenges Grand Rapids to step up to support the city’s artistic community, specifically The Emory Arts and Culture Hub.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s CrossBow: Injecting ‘whole new taste, new life’ into Celtic music
The band playing Irish on Ionia and Liquid Note Brewing on Saturday showcased its tunes for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by John Sanger, DL Rossi, Pop Evil, The Still Wonder, NLIIGHTiN, The Junky Swinger, Ohly, Weezil Malone and more. Learn more about CrossBow and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Improv-heavy Lettuce set to uncork different, memorable funk experience in Kalamazoo
Touring behind ‘Unify,’ the band’s U.S. tour stops at Kalamazoo State Theatre on Tuesday. Drummer Adam Deitch talks to Local Spins about the band’s musical exploration and love of Michigan. Plus, view a couple of Lettuce videos.
Irish on Ionia returns Saturday aiming to rev up downtown GR with ‘high-energy’ vibe
After a COVID hiatus, Michigan’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day street party roars back with Celtic bands and DJs. Get details and the performance schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan’s Pop Evil poised to launch new album tour with fresh swagger, ‘fun energy’
The rock band hosts a special album-signing at GR’s Vertigo Music on Thursday, followed by an intimate acoustic tour kickoff show at The Intersection’s Stache. The interview with lead singer Leigh Kakaty, music videos and more at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Jack Leaver’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: Tom Petty, Neil Young, David Bowie
With a Tom Petty tribute show set to unfurl later this winter at SpeakEZ Lounge, Local Spins asked guitarist-singer Jack Leaver to reveal the albums that inspired him. Learn more about Leaver; listen to his picks.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
March Music Madness: Dropkick Murphys, May Erlewine, Sam Bush, Band Battle photo recap
Local Spins crisscrossed the state for this recap of national touring artists, regional stars, two fundraisers and a competition featuring emerging acts. The images from ten different shows at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kenny Wayne Shepherd goes back to the future with ‘Trouble Is…’ and upcoming GR tour stop
Blues-rock icon Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who recently re-recorded his 1997 classic collection, plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Tuesday. The Local Spins interview with a video of his 25th anniversary version of “Blue on Black.”
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Treading beyond Irish punk, Dropkick Murphys tap Woody Guthrie; play Grand Rapids Sunday
Celtic punk’s Dropkick Murphys bring their March sojourn — and labor union advocacy — to GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Sunday night. The interview and back story at Local Spins, along with recent band music videos.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Broken leg be damned, The War & Treaty ooze Michigan love, ‘true vocal power’ on new LP
Michael and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty discuss their major label debut, touring and a recent on-stage calamity for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Protomartyr, May Erlewine, Earth Radio, Boundarywater Trio and more. Discover The War and Treaty’s biggest milestones of the past year, watch a video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Veteran Michigan sideman Brad Phillips dives into waters as solo singer-songwriter
Well-known for his work with May Erlewine, The Verve Pipe, Joshua Davis, Jeff Daniels, Stevie Wonder, Millish and more, Phillips has released his first solo project. Get the back story; listen to the single.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
Female Michigan super-group toasts Women’s Day with blazing ‘I Love Rock ’n’ Roll’ video
Recorded at Grand Haven’s Third Coast Recording, the cover of the iconic song features 14 female singers and musicians from across the state. Get the back story, watch the video and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan bands set to strut their stuff at Austin’s mammoth SXSW 2023
With a fundraising show this week in Ferndale to help cover their expenses, more than two dozen Mitten State acts are gearing up to play the much-ballyhooed SXSW. See which Michigan acts are on their way to Austin next week and learn more about the showcases they’ll play.
With ‘family feeling,’ West Michigan blues bands rally to aid harp whiz James Reeser
On Saturday, ‘the biggest local blues event’ in recent memory will showcase bands at Saugatuck’s Sand Bar Saloon to raise money for the highly respected bluesman, who’s battling cancer. Get details and the benefit lineup at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lainey Wilson, Badflower, Josh Ritter, TVBOO, Accidentals, Blue October: Concert Photo Recap
From singer-songwriter charm to bass music to rock ‘n’ roll to rising-star country to metalcore, West Michigan’s music week pumped up fans of all stripes. It also produced an on-stage butt tattoo for one of the touring artists. Really. Get the lowdown and view all the photos at Local Spins.
Thousands cheer joyous vulnerability of TobyMac, other Christian music stars
Sunday night’s tour stop at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids featured a host of inspirational artists, including West Michigan’s own George Moss. The Local Spins review, photos and set list.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
‘Such a unique event’: Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival strums up eclectic Saturday of music
Saturday’s free event at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew hundreds of fans, luthiers and musicians, including guitar virtuosos Fareed Haque & Goran Ivanovic. The recap, photo gallery and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Alt-rock powerhouse Blue October ‘flies flag for Michigan’ in weekend tour stops
Bassist and diehard Michigander Matt Noveskey chatted with Local Spins about his home-state love as the Texas-based Blue October gets set to play Grand Rapids on Sunday. The interview and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Y-Not answers the musical question with boundary-pushing funk and alt-rock
The Grand Rapids band releasing a new album tonight was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jack Droppers, The Accidentals, Oxford Fields, Sage Castleberry and more. Learn more about Y-Not and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Accidentals bring latest ‘mind-bending’ cadre of Time Out songwriters to Michigan
Starting their Michigan run with two shows at Grand Rapids’ Midtown, the indie-folksters join Georgia Middleman, Gary Burr and Mary Bragg for the latest iteration of their ‘in-the-round’ concerts. Learn more about the tour and listen to a new Accidentals single at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Full of colors’: Josh Ritter set to deliver astronomical new songs to St. Cecilia
The acclaimed singer-songwriter plays the Acoustic Cafe Folk Series in Grand Rapids on Thursday. The Local Spins interview, with a chance for readers to win tickets to the show. Plus, watch a Josh Ritter video previewing songs from his upcoming new album.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
TobyMac poised for GR tour stop while healing from tragedy, teeming with hope
The multi-Grammy-winning Christian music artist plays Van Andel Arena on Sunday with Grand Rapids’ own hip-hop artist George Moss joining him on stage. The back story at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Elijah Russ: ‘Albums & Songs That Changed My World’ — Jimi, Dopapod, Guthrie Govan
After playing a much-celebrated set at the WYCE Jammie Awards on Friday, Grand Rapids guitarist and songwriter Elijah Russ today reveals the recordings that have impacted him most.. Get his back story and listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival to unfurl this weekend with live music, guitar fanfare
It’s been three years since the Kalamazoo Valley Museum has hosted the festival as an in-person event. Get the lowdown and the performance schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
February Frolic: Whiskey Myers, Tab Benoit, Jo Dee Messina, Winter Beer Fest (Photos, Videos)
Our recap of this week’s live music blizzard — indoors and out — travels from Comstock Park to GR to Hudsonville to Kalamazoo, and from touring stars to local band favorites. Browse all of the images and check out the show recaps at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
WYCE Jammie Awards 2023 Highlights: Love, incredible Michigan music, ‘unreal energy’
West Michigan music lovers gathered in huge numbers at The Intersection on Friday night for the 23rd edition of the Jammie Awards, with 19 acts firing up three stages. Photos, video highlights and more at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Djangophonique, Nathan Walton, Major Murphy big winners at 2023 Jammie Awards
West Michigan’s ‘biggest night of music’ packed The Intersection with performances by 19 acts on three stages, with the year’s best releases, artists and industry leaders honored by WYCE, Local Spins and Michigan Music Alliance. View a list of all the winners, get a recap of the evening’s festivities and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Announcements · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins 2023 Emerging Artist of the Year: Americana’s Myron Elkins
Raised in Allegan County, the country singer-turned-Americana-rock artist boasts a bright future, propelled by a new album on a Nashville record label. He’s the latest winner of the Local Spins award. Read more about Elkins, listen to a Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast and watch some of Elkins’ videos.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Buddy Guy, Wood Bros., Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova to heat up Meijer Gardens concerts
Today’s teaser announcement of three concerts in the 2023 amphitheater series covers folk, blues, rock and roots music, with the complete concert lineup being announced in April. Get the lowdown on the shows revealed thus far, along with music videos of the featured artists.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Back Home: Greensky Bluegrass lights psychedelic fuse for ardent Grand Rapids fans
Despite the blustery storm of ice and snow outside Wednesday night, the Kalamazoo-bred bluegrass powerhouse packed The Intersection for a long evening of entrancing jams. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Pinnacle Center sparks a buzz: John Fullbright in concert, raffle for Taylor Swift tickets
Saturday’s Music to Benefit Music fundraiser at the Hudsonville event center is attracting lots of attention, thanks in big part to a raffle scramble for hard-to-get, eighth-row tickets to see Taylor Swift in Detroit. The details at Local Spins.
The enduring legacy of WYCE’s Jammie Awards: How ‘shining a light on local artists’ all began
As WYCE (88.1 FM) celebrates Friday’s return to The Intersection of the Jammie Awards honoring Michigan artists, an event co-founder and former station manager reminisces about the inaugural event. Plus, check out Friday’s stage schedule and a playlist of performers.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Bassist Justin Avdek’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: Opeth, D’Angelo and Rage
With Earth Radio’s Justin Avdek playing with three different artists at Friday’s Jammie Awards, Local Spins asked the multi-instrumentalist to reveal albums that have impacted him most. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Toronto’s Enter the Haggis to uncork ‘rock with bagpipes’ in GR, Traverse City, Ann Arbor
With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, Local Spins chats with band guitarist Trevor Lewington about the Celtic rock group’s ‘high-energy’ tour that boasts three Michigan stops this week. Learn more about this unique band and watch their videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Toasting John Prine, HARDY, Big Gigantic, Jon Hayes, Great Lakes Brass: Concert Recaps
Jam-packed concerts rolled out as the primary theme across West Michigan this week at venues in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. View the photos and videos; revel in the reviews at Local Spins.
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