The veteran West Michigan artist unveiled tracks from the release for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Billy Strings, Citizen Keen, Cal in Red and more. Learn more about Josh Rose’s new music and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Festivals
In-person Ann Arbor Folk Fest returns with ‘modified format’; Hoxeyville reveals lineup
Ani DiFranco, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Patty Griffin lead a one-day Saturday event with a cozy ‘BanjoFest’ at The Ark on Friday. And Hoxeyville 2023 will feature Wood Brothers, Keller Williams and more. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Playlists · Videos
Michigan teen sensation Brayden Lape rolling toward stardom on ‘The Voice’
Perhaps poised to follow the path of pop phenom and inspiration Shawn Mendes, the 16-year-old from Grass Lake ascended to the finals on the hit NBC show. The Local Spins interview with the young singer.
Puscifer probes depths of vaudevillian, sci-fi, electro-rock, multimedia spectacles in GR show
Led by one-time Grand Rapidian Maynard James Keenan, the rock band brought its theatrical schtick to DeVos Performance Hall on Tuesday. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
COVID Comeback: Salt of the Earth resumes live music in cozy, ‘amazing atmosphere’
After a pandemic-driven hiatus of nearly three years, the popular Fennville restaurant returns with Kate Pillsbury, Kyle Rasche and Kait Rose playing Sunday. Get details with the full concert schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jinjer, Bright Eyes, Malaa, Tyler Booth, Mersiv & more rev it up, mix it up: Photo Galleries
House and bass music stars, rousing prog-metal bands, country crooners, indie-folksters and more delivered an eclectic week of live music to remember across West Michigan. Browse the photos from eight concerts at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Dede and The Dreamers follow own musical path with soulful, new crossover jazz
Touring behind “Powerful,” their first album since 2015, the Michigan band led by Dede Alder plays Midtown in Grand Rapids tonight. Get the back story and listen to a track from the release.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Matinee Rock: Billy’s Lounge tests Saturday afternoon ‘All-Age Local Showcases’
The first of four early shows starring West Michigan rock bands rolls out at the Grand Rapids club in Eastown today. View the lineup for the first event and get details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Brother Elsey ‘blows away expectations’ with rock-hued Americana, tour, growing fan base
After relocating from Grand Rapids to Nashville, the band plays two big homecoming shows this fall. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted tracks by Molly, Austin Benzing, Dede & The Dreamers and more. Read more about Brother Elsey and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Announcements · Special Offers
It’s Show Time: Local Spins 2023 Calendars starring Michigan bands ready for pre-order
Get a headstart on your holiday shopping hoopla: Pre-order your resplendent 2023 Local Spins Calendars featuring not only photos of 27 Michigan artists, but music festival dates, too. The ideal gift for the music lovers on your list.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows
The revival of W. Michigan’s open-mic meccas: Founders, Park Theatre, Midtown and more
COVID ravaged the region’s open-mic scene. While some venues still haven’t joined the fray, many open-mic nights are back and rocking stages. The lowdown at Local Spins, along with a link to a listing of dozens of area open-mic sessions.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Heartsick frontman Alfonso Civile: ‘Three Albums that Changed My World’
Lansing’s Heartsick has long electrified Michigan fans with its melodic hardcore. Today, singer Alfonso Civile reveals the recordings that have impacted him the most. Get his back story and listen to tracks from all of his picks at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Nathan Walton, Eliza Thorp, Dreas, Aspen Jacobsen, Ethereal, Mercury Salad
The early November round-up of Michigan releases not only covers a wide swath of genres, but artists from Grand Rapids to the Detroit area to Petoskey. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Cheap Trick, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Teddy Swims, Attack Attack ‘Light up the Fire’ in W. Michigan
From decades-old classics to music by emerging stars, the region’s week of live music boasted some intriguing tour stops beyond just the return of Michigan’s Billy Strings. Browse the weekend photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Bruce Madden expands raw blues vibe with lyric-driven ‘Trouble Times’
The Grand Rapids harp player and singer’s latest album basked in the spotlight for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Billy Strings, Josh Rose, Jair, 84 Tigers, Nathan Walton and more. Read more about Bruce Madden and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Billy Strings heats up scorching, rock-fueled bluegrass for Michigan homecoming
Ionia County’s favorite bluegrass son pumped up thousands of fans in Kalamazoo on Thursday, followed by another home-state show in Saginaw tonight. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5
The Accidentals, Cole Hansen, The B-Sides crash latest Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
New releases by the West Michigan artists joined recordings by Djangophonique and Ficus as the most-played local/regional releases at WYCE (88.1 FM) in October. Listen to tracks from all of the charted releases at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Before He Was a Star: Bluegrass guitar hero Billy Strings’ rise revisited (Video)
The world’s Grammy-winning face of bluegrass plays Wings Event Center Thursday. But in 2015, Billy Strings was just Michigan’s emerging acoustic fave, wowing a handful of fans for Local Spins Live at River City Studios. Relive the milestone performance via video and podcast at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Serita’s Black Rose: ‘Albums That Changed Our World’ — The Cure to Croce
The Serita’s Black Rose duo is the latest set of West Michigan artists to reveal the recordings that have most influenced them over the years. Listen to their picks at Local Spins.
The Ultimate Halloween Playlist: ‘Pumpkin Queen’ Jennifer Bartlett’s Top 11 Eerie Gems
Jennifer Bartlett of the haunting Grand Rapids rock band Lokella lives and breathes Halloween. So, Local Spins asked her to curate what could be the creepiest Halloween playlist ever. Really. Listen … but leave the lights on.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rising to the Top: Joanne Shaw Taylor ignites fans, critics with ‘genuine’ blues fire
The British-born blues-rock phenom who splits time between Detroit and Nashville brings the tour behind a new album to Kalamazoo State Theatre on Wednesday. The Local Spins interview, with two music videos.
Lighting Up Stages: Chelsea Cutler, The Wood Brothers, Tropidelic, Lucero and more
The live music weekend kicked off early in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, with pop, bluesy-folk, reggae, alt-country and the first rock show at SpeakEZ Lounge in more than five months. Browse all the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Martyr for Madison takes ‘raw and honest’ tack on new emo/post-hardcore EP
The Grand Rapids band with an EP on the way debuted the title track for Local Spins on WYCE, which also aired new music by Overdrive Orchestra, Aspen Jacobsen, Dreas, Cole Hansen and more. Get the back story on Martyr for Madison and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Photos · Videos
Artist to Watch: West Michigan’s Myron Elkins emerging as intriguing new voice of Americana
The Otsego product now based in Nashville has signed with Elektra Records, toured with Kaleo and Lucero, and aims to release a new album in early 2023. Get the back story on Elkins and watch a video of him performing his latest single. He plays Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids on Friday.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Midtown to replace ‘Listening Room’ as new moniker for downtown music venue
To avoid confusion with other ‘Listening Rooms’ across the country, the rebranded venue instead reflects the name of the first Loeks theater in downtown Grand Rapids and ‘more spaciousness’ in entertainment offerings. Get details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Rockford Brewing resumes indoor live music this week in ‘trial phase’ for concerts
The venue north of Grand Rapids hasn’t hosted regular concerts since early 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The back story at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Joe Hertler’s ‘Music That Changed My World’: Dido, The Verve, Sheryl Crow & oh, deathcore
The frontman for Michigan’s Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers boasts a fascinating set of musical influences and a surprising current favorite. Check out his picks and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Kurt Vile closes Bell’s Beer Garden with indie-rock faves, plus Dopapod in Grand Rapids
West Michigan’s weekend of live music wrapped up with the final salvo in an outdoor concert series in Kalamazoo and some light-festooned jams in Grand Rapids. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Head & The Heart, Priscilla Block, May Erlewine, GR Symphony, Pink Sky: Photo Recap
Orchestral power, indie-folk charm, country crooning, alluring electronic music, rock and pop zest and mummified funk: All on display this past week and recapped at Local Spins in resplendent images and words.
Grand Rapids’ The American Hotel System takes top honors in national Music Prize 2022
The West Michigan rock band won out over 10 other acts competing earlier this month in Louisiana, part of the week-long Prize Fest event. Details at Local Spins, along with a couple of the band’s recent music videos.
Commentary · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Stronger Communities Through Music: WYCE’s home for discovery of Michigan artists
As the Grand Rapids radio station kicks off its Fall Fund Drive, Local Spins focuses its attention on the critical role that WYCE plays in supporting local and regional artists. And listen to today’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast, which debuts tracks by several Michigan bands.
Commentary · In Memoriam · Videos
Musicians, fans, friends mourn and pay tribute to Grand Rapids drummer Bill Vits
‘He made the world a better place.’ Grand Rapids drummer Bill Vits had a huge impact on musicians, fans and students. His death has sparked loving memorials to this local icon and Local Spins shares some of them with readers today.
Album Reviews: Jordan Hamiliton, Songs of the Pumpkin Boy, Samil, Signal Quartet & more
This mid-October round-up of new Michigan releases includes creepy pre-Halloween fun and singer-songwriter charm from the Upper Peninsula’s Michael Waite to Detroit’s Mike Ward and more. Listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
GR Symphony’s Mary Tuuk Kuras’ ‘Albums that Changed My World’: Chicago, Abba, Manilow
With renowned jazz saxophonist Timothy McAllister joining GR Symphony this week, Local Spins asked the symphony president to reveal the music and artists who’ve impacted her most — including a band that’s driven by horns and saxophones.
‘Beautiful Diversity’: GR’s Music in the Heights concert series to showcase multi-genre talent
Kicking off the season on Friday with Serita’s Black Rose and Kait Rose, the free, four-concert series at Alger Park Church will spotlight folk, world music, soul, classical, blues and more. Learn more about the series and view the schedule at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Rochelle and The Spoilers win Grand Rapids Blues Challenge to qualify for Memphis finals
The seasoned Grand Rapids blues outfit outpolled four other West Michigan bands to take home the top prize in Sunday’s competition hosted by the West Michigan Blues Society at Billy’s Lounge. Learn more and check out photos at Local Spins.
Grand Rapids Concert Photo Recaps: Tech N9ne, Cooper Alan, Blunts & Blondes
Local Spins presents bonus coverage of recent Grand Rapids concerts — hip hop, country, dubstep — from a mid-October flurry of tour stops.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
The Verve Pipe closes chilly ‘October on Ottawa’ fest with alt-rock flourish
Our weekend concert recap focuses on Saturday’s inaugural downtown street fest that also boasted sets by Kari Lynch, Melophobix and more. Plus, view photos from Joe Satriani’s tour stop Friday at State Theatre in Kalamazoo.
Chloe Moriondo draws ‘Popstar’ zeal, plus Ani DiFranco, Rodriguez/Martinez (Photo Recaps)
Beyond a revved-up full house at The Pyramid Scheme, the weekend launched with a Kalamazoo tour stop by Ani DiFranco, a jazz duo at St. Cecilia and a music release by Second Hand Drugs. View the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Second Hand Drugs shuns mainstream status quo with fun, fast, loud ‘regressive rock’
The Grand Rapids band hellbent on doing things its own way debuted new tracks for Local Spins on WYCE, which also showcased creepy new Halloween songs and releases by other Michigan artists. Learn more about Second Hand Drugs, which plays Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill tonight.
Michigan ‘Native Americana’ tunesmith Jetty Rae takes journey of hope, grief on new album
With her new release, ‘Time Traveler,’ making waves, the Charlevoix-based singer-songwriter opens up to Local Spins about her music and her love of northern Michigan. Get the back story on Rae’s musical voyage and watch two of her latest music videos.
Artist Spotlights · Contests · Upcoming shows
Emerging West Michigan blues acts to pump up weekend Blues Challenge competition
Five groups will play Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids on Sunday, vying for a chance to travel to Memphis in January as part of the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. Learn more about the bands and the competition at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Dave Stanton’s ‘Albums that Changed My World’: Lifelong penchant for pop-rock
A member of The Concussions, The B-Sides and Zebra 3, Stanton is a West Michigan mainstay with a love for The Beatles and bands who produce short, catchy pop classics. View his picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Social House set to debut ‘October on Ottawa’ with The Verve Pipe, Kari Lynch, Melophobix
The all-day festival in downtown Grand Rapids will also feature Blue Jay Bridge, Vinylicious and DJ Jay Vee, performing under a mammoth tent. View the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
I Prevail leads lively music assault along with Lokella, Kaivon, Mustard Plug & beyond
When Michigan-bred post-hardcore band I Prevail revved things up at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Saturday, it capped a week of fan-pleasing music from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Michigan’s Biggest Year for Music Ever — and how to keep it all spinning at Local Spins
Music has sustained us through some pretty difficult times, all showcased in words, photos, videos and podcasts at Local Spins. Now, we hope you’ll help us sustain our mission — and you could win big in the process.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Moving forward through ‘rough’ patches: Lighting Matches fires up sophomore album
Led by Rachel White and Matt Plessner, the Grand Rapids rock band releases ‘Past Forward’ next week. The back story on the group’s new album, a video and the latest Local Spins on WYCE podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Hacky Turtles tackle mental health with catchy, funky and hopeful new singles
After a busy summer, the Grand Rapids band is hunkering down to promote two new songs and prepare for a 2023 record. The Artist Spotlight feature and this week’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast, which also featured Lighting Matches and debuted new tracks by Michigan artists.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Last Gasp Collective, B-Sides, Rachel Curtis, FlyLiteGemini, Keith Hall, more
This early October round-up of releases by Michigan artists features new collections covering rock, pop, hip hop, jazz and Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Cameron Blake’s return to the violin. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
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