The West Michigan artist appeared on this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by May Erlewine, Singing Lungs, John D. Lamb, Cody Robert DeWindt and more. Learn more about Rob Jordan’s musical journey and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artemis super-group brings winter flurry of jazz delights to Grand Rapids
New York’s all-female jazz ensemble delivered a rare, awe-inspiring set Thursday night at St. Cecilia Music Center. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Traverse City’s revived Great Indoor Folk Festival set for ‘escape from winter blues’
Interrupted for two years by COVID, the unique indoor event will boast more than 40 performances by folk-hued artists on several stages later this month. The lowdown and schedule at Local Spins.
‘Tour Texts’ with Patty PerShayla: Breaking out of a comfort zone, life as a road dog
Up-and-coming West Michigan-bred rock star Patty PerShayla took time out to take Local Spins behind the scenes of her hectic touring schedule, from favorite foods to the downsides of being on the road. It’s Local Spins’ first ‘Tour Texts’ of 2023.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
DJ Blaze 589’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, Raekwon
Amid Black History Month and with hip hop celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, Grand Rapids rapper, songwriter, producer and DJ Blaze Bryant reveals recordings that have impacted him most, along with a current favorite. Check out his picks and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Discovering What Happened to The Soil & The Sun: GR’s award-winning space-folk sensation
Playing their final show in 2017, band members are now spread across the country, with the fronting duo Alex and Ashley McGrath performing and recording new music as Turtledoves. Get the back story and listen to a brand new Turtledoves single at Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
From BLKBOK to Badfish to Ficus and more: The beat goes on (Concert Photo Recap)
This weekend recap of West Michigan’s live music ranges from the neoclassical zest of Detroit’s BLKBOK to the enduring fan favorites of Sublime and some psych-rock fervor — all covered in images at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Summer Music Fest Update: Buttermilk lineup, Cowpie becomes Shagbark Music Fest and more
Welcome to another Saturday update to Michigan’s summer music festival season, from Cowpie returning under a new moniker, to Buttermilk and the Grateful Bear Campout lineups and ticket sales info for various festivals.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan’s SONGDRINK: Striving to turn tunesmiths’ creations into ‘radio-ready’ music
The unique Grand Rapids-based songwriters’ club just released its first compilation, spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Rob Jordan, Jon Hayes, Brad Phillips & more. See how you can join SONGDRINK and listen to this week’s radio show at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Let the battle begin: Year 2 of The Stray ‘Battle of the Bands’ rolls out in March
Fifteen West Michigan acts representing a cross-section of styles will compete on March Saturdays with the finals on March 25. Tickets are on sale now; view the lineup.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The neo-classical, hip hop-inspired ‘emotional journey’ of Detroit’s BLKBOK
The wildly creative keyboardist who turns classical music on its ear plays Grand Rapids’ Midtown Thursday. Learn more about this Michigan phenom and watch a video at Local Spins.
Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Hot Top 5
GR chill-hop sensation Pablo Eskobear soars to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
With a wildly diverse musical background, the Grand Rapids producer and drummer has made waves with his infectious tracks. See what else made the Hot Top 5 Chart for January, with four new local/regional entries. Plus, listen to songs from all of the releases.
Fans, friends, colleagues mourn West Michigan radio legend Aris Hampers
After a long battle with cancer, the well-known, groundbreaking radio DJ who helped push WLAV into national prominence in the 1970s passed away last weekend at age 73. Read memorial tributes from some of those who knew him best.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weird Al, Bass Country, Chris Thile, Pink Sky create ‘Fun Zone’: Concert Photo Recaps
Local Spins rounds up jam-packed shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, including Weird Al’s crowd-pleasing tour stop at State Theatre. Browse the photo galleries.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Summer Music Festival Lineups: Bus Benefit, Unity, Beaver Island, Charlotte Bluegrass
Welcome to another Saturday morning of summertime dreams: Browse the lineups for several 2023 Michigan music festivals, along with a few festival updates of note.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘The right group at the right time’: Low Phase feeds on chemistry for potent indie-rock
The GR band set to play the Jammie Awards on Feb. 24 showcased its music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jake Simmons, Cal in Red, Kill Mitchell, Lynda Sawicki and more. Learn more about Low Phase, watch a video of the band’s performance of a new song and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Gregory Alan Isakov and band unfurl striking songs, heavenly harmonies in Kalamazoo
Wednesday’s concert at Kalamazoo State Theatre displayed the riveting power of the singer-songwriter’s acclaimed catalog. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest back as in-person event; ‘Songwriter’s Night’ set to debut in GR
West Michigan music fans have a couple of fresh events to embrace this winter: Stovepipe hosts the first singer-songwriter show next week at The Pyramid Scheme and Kalamazoo Valley Museum returns with its Fretboard Fest in early March. Details at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Hip Hop at 50: Producer Jay Jackson reveals his ‘Albums that Changed the World’
With the 50th anniversary of hip hop commemorated later this year, Local Spins will occasionally ask Michigan artists to comment on the importance of the genre and albums that shaped them. Today, we feature Last Gasp Collective’s Jay Jackson. Explore his hip-hop journey and listen to tracks from all of these classic albums at Local Spins.
‘No Bad News’: Patty Griffin ends weekend with poignant St. Cecilia sellout show
The award-winning singer-songwriter performed as part of a trio on Sunday night, with Parker Millsap getting the evening started. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
A ‘Winter Wonderland’ of live music: Perrin Ice Jam, Umphrey’s McGee, A2 Folk Fest & more
Michigan’s wintry weekend delivered more than snow: Bands heated up stages from Grand Rapids to Comstock Park to Kalamazoo to Ann Arbor. The photo galleries and recaps at Local Spins, including coverage of The Floozies, Buku, Hail Your Highness, Lucius Fox and much more.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Summer Festival Lineups Revealed: Faster Horses, Upheaval, Movement, Hoxeyville
In the midst of winter’s chilly bluster, Michigan music festivals are whetting fan appetites by announcing lineups or adding big names to their rosters. The round-up of some recent high-profile festival rosters with links to ticket sales at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan super-trio Moss Manor’s lush, cosmic and adventurous musical puzzle
Seth Bernard, Dan Rickabus and Michael Dause previewed their debut album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Annie Capps, Y-Not, Overdrive Orchestra, Earth Radio, T.H.V., Loren Johnson and more. Explore the genesis of Moss Manor and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Annie Capps, Rosewood 2055, Moon Orchids, Hominian & more
Another January round-up of fresh releases by artists from across the Great Lakes State also includes our takes on new offerings from Flint’s Heat Above and Detroit’s Superego. Check out our takes on these releases and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Perrin Ice Jam rolls out Saturday to heat up January with ‘all-star’ band lineup
After the 2022 event was canceled, the outdoor mini-fest and 5K run aims to rock Comstock Park again while raising funds for Kids’ Food Basket. The lowdown, set times and an Ice Jam playslit at Local Spins.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
BanjoFest ‘barnstormer’ to kick off weekend’s star-studded return of Ann Arbor Folk Fest
Songwriter, banjoist and Michigan native Rachael Davis joins Valerie June at The Ark ahead of Saturday’s folk fest with Ani DiFranco, Patty Griffin, St. Paul & the Broken Bones & more. The preview and a festival playlist at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
February’s WYCE Jammie Awards show reveals lineup, braces for ‘high-energy’ night
More than 20 regional acts will perform during the Feb. 24 celebration at The Intersection, described as the ‘premier music event of the season.’ View the lineup and get reactions from some performers, plus a link to the list of award nominees and the public vote for album and artist of the year.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Jam, Kaia Kater, Spencer Crandall, American Hotel System: Concert Photo Recap
It was another week of concerts that appealed to fans from different musical quarters in West Michigan, while showcasing local favorites, too. The photo galleries at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · In Memoriam · Summer Festivals
Music News: David Crosby’s final video interview; Nor-East’r fest reveals 2023 lineup
The death of the Crosby, Stills & Nash co-founder — who addressed his mortality in a recent interview — has sparked memorial tributes across the globe. Plus, a northern Michigan festival has announced its roster of regional performers
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kari, Kate & Olivia: Boldly braving the ‘boys’ club’ to create compelling music
Three female songwriters will play the same stage Saturday for the first time. They tell their stories for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by Grace Theisen, Hominian, Moon Orchids, Heat Above & more. Learn more about Kari Lynch, Kate Pillsbury and Olivia Vargas, watch videos and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album Reviews: DJ Blaze 589, Dede & The Dreamers, The Fever Haze and more
Our second January roundup of new albums and EPs by Michigan artists ranges from hip hop to jazzy indie-folk to rock, including Kings of Strings, Nathan K. and Big B & The Actual Proof. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Winter Jam to showcase up-and-coming singer Anne Wilson, headliner We the Kingdom
The contemporary Christian tour that stops at Van Andel Arena on Thursday also features Jeremy Camp, Andy Mineo, Disciple, NewSong and Austin French. Learn more about Anne Wilson, watch her music videos and get the Winter Jam preview at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Charley Honey’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: The Beatles, Kinks, Steve Miller Band
As the band carrying his moniker prepares to play Rockford Brewing Co. on Thursday, Local Spins asked the Grand Rapids guitarist to reveal the recordings that influenced him most. Listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Head-turning Battle Creek teen Ada LeAnn on the rise with bold new ‘dark pop’
After reaching the semifinals of NBC’s ‘American Song Contest’ last year, the fast-emerging 17-year-old just released a new single and will headline an upcoming show at Franke Center for the Arts. The back story, videos and more at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat fest stays ‘hot all day’; Myron Elkins packs house for album-release show
Saturday’s musical revelry on three stages at The Intersection highlighted a weekend that celebrated Michigan-made bands. Photos, recaps at Local Spins, including a Kalamazoo show led by Celestial.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows · Videos
Album Review: Otsego-bred Myron Elkins’ brutally honest, Americana masterstroke
The Allegan County native who now resides in Nashville hosts his album-release show in Grand Rapids tonight. Today, Local Spins reviews his impresses debut collection, plus view his latest music video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Ficus making waves as emerging progressive psych-rock force
With a much-ballyhooed debut EP and upcoming shows, Ficus rocked Local Spins on WYCE, which also aired new music by Loren Johnson, Travis McNamara, Spencer Chesnut, Superego, Sophia McIntosh, Last Gasp Collective and more. Learn more about Ficus, watch the premiere of a new band video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Incredible Feeling: Winter Wheat returns Saturday with potent lineup, ‘Wheatland magic’
Eleven diverse bands will play two stages at The Intersection in the first Winter Wheat fest since early 2020. The back story, the schedule and a playlist at Local Spins.
Audio · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Local Spins Wednesdays return to SpeakEZ in February with rousing Michigan lineup
After a hiatus of nearly three years due to COVID, the popular series will spotlight a wide spectrum of Michigan-based bands and solo artists twice a month. Check out the schedule, plus listen to music from some of the featured acts.
Audio · Features · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Last Gasp Collective closes 2022 with hip-hop flair at No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The soulful, Kalamazoo hip-hop ensemble soared to the top of the December chart, with several new Michigan entries right behind. See which albums made the latest Hot Top 5 Chart and listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Musicians, Calvin mourn media professor, disability advocate, songwriter Chris Smit
The much-respected media communications professor, songwriter, disability advocate and frontman for West Michigan’s The New Midwest passed away last week after a long illness. Tributes have poured in from those who knew this ‘big personality’ with an indomitable spirit.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Latin jazz, Celtic music marvels, blistering blues spark Sunday serenades: Photos
A pair of new global music concert series kicked off on Sunday in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, with a healthy helping of blues to boot in both cities. The photos and more at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Domestic Problems, Rockford’s Got Talent, Luke Winslow-King amp it up: Photo recaps
From crowd-pleasing shows by veteran Michigan artists to performances by up-and-coming young acts at a second-year talent competition, there was a lot to celebrate in early January. The photos, a video and more at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Music News: Guitars at Ford Museum, Tower leads WYCE, Rockford’s Got Talent II is Tonight
Our Saturday round-up of West Michigan music news ranges from info about a rocking new exhibit at Grand Rapids’ presidential museum to a second-year talent competition in Rockford and a new leader at WYCE.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The emerging Round Creek String Band bows to the groove of old-time folk music
Led by mandolinist Jason Wheeler, the new band was featured this week by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Vulfpeck, Ada LeAnn, Myron Elkins, Laddermatch, Moss Manor, Steve Leaf, Nathan K. and more. Learn more about Round Creek String Band and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Features · Music and Technology
Bringing Nashville to Michigan: Nick Caster wields industry savvy to boost regional talent
Arguing that Michigan musicians don’t need to move to Nashville to ‘make it,’ the Rockford business development consultant aims to put a national spotlight on the state’s talent with a new TV network and much more. The Local Spins profile of a uniquely talented CEO with ‘real-world grit and tenacity.’
Album Reviews: Vulfpeck, Citizen Keen, Weezil Malone, C.A.R.Ma Quartet and more
Local Spins kicks off the year by spotlighting yet another flurry of new releases by Michigan artists, including projects by Dana Nyson and The Heiden Underground. Read the reviews, listen to the music.
Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Grand Rapids’ new Küsterer Brauhaus to launch Sunday world music concert series
The “communal” hangout on Bridge Street NW kicks off its new live music series with Selkie on Jan. 8. Get details and the full schedule at Local Spins, along with information about a new Latin jazz series in Kalamazoo.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Toasting the New Year: Joe Hertler, Desmond Jones, Full Cord, Kalamazoo New Year’s Fest
Celebrations leading up to New Year’s Day covered the gamut, from a delayed ‘Christmas at Critter’s’ to a birthday bash, Beatles salute, a ska/punk holiday show anniversary and New Year’s Eve revelry. Videos and photo recaps exclusively at Local Spins.
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