The Frontier Ruckus co-founder sat down with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos to explore his passion for Detroit, and balancing music creation with a financially secure day job. He plays a Detroit festival on Sept. 10.
Umphrey’s McGee makes triumphant, jam-alicious return to Grand Rapids
The South Bend-bred prog-fusion band that got its start playing small West Michigan venues proved its fan-fueled, instrumental mettle in a sold-out show at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday. Revisit the evening via the Local Spins review, photo gallery and set list.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Freesoil’s cozy Forest Trail Music Festival poised to uncork star-studded Michigan lineup
The festival taking place about two hours north of Grand Rapids will feature sets by The Accidentals, Cold Tone Harvest, Chloe Kimes Band, Nicholas James Thomasma and more. Get details and the full festival schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Ralston and Friends ‘variety show’ pumps up Tuesday Evening Music Club
The next-to-last Tuesday Evening Music Club show of the summer featured Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles and an all-star lineup performing amid splendid weather. The recap, video highlights and photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Albion’s Walk the Beat festival expands with 28 bands playing 14 venues on Saturday
Launched six years ago and inspired by a similar event in Grand Haven, this weekend’s Walk the Beat will light up Albion’s downtown area with performances by more than two dozen regional acts. Get details at Local Spins.
Features · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Second West Michigan Songwriter’s Festival seeks to elevate songwriting as art form
The second-year West Michigan Songwriter’s Festival hosted by Rockford singer-songwriter Dan Terry takes place this weekend in Belmont, starring several respected Nashville tunesmiths, including Grammy winner Steve Leslie. The details and a playlist at Local Spins.
Still getting ‘Lowdown’: Boz Scaggs and Robert Cray bring soulful vibe to Meijer Gardens
From enduring hits such as “Lido Shuffle” and “JoJo,” Boz Scaggs made the most of his amphitheater debut, with guitarist-singer Robert Cray and singer-songwriter Jeff LeBlanc also on board. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Hoxeyville Revisited: From Lindsay Lou to MC5’s Wayne Kramer to campsite picking
Thousands of revelers embraced the rootsy, bluegrass-hued festival in the Manistee National Forest over the weekend. Local Spins has highlights, a photo gallery and a video recapping the action.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Shoreline Jazz Fest returns to Muskegon this weekend with ‘fun,’ diverse, soulful lineup
After a COVID hiatus, the festival led by musician Alexander Zonjic pumps up Muskegon’s Heritage Landing Friday-Sunday with Maysa, Najee, Lin Roundtree and more. The lowdown and the full weekend schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Breakaway resumes after evacuation, plus Vince Gill, Pedro’s Pig Roast, Pigeons & more
Hit-and-miss weather over the weekend impacted some live music but other concerts — indoors and out — revved up West Michigan, including Devil Wears Prada, Lucius Fox, Vince Gill, Fest of All and more. Photos.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Holler Fest set to continue Jackson County tradition with 60-plus bands on tap
After a two-year COVID hiatus, the three-day festival on Frog Holler Farm plans a robust return with a bevy of regional stars, home-grown food and more. The preview and schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Breakaway busts out of gates with big crowds hailing Chainsmokers, Sidepiece and more
The opening salvo of the two-day festival at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park reveled Friday in exemplary weather, mesmerizing electronic music and elated throngs of fans. The highlights and two photo galleries at Local Spins.
Music That Raised Us, Ambrosia, John Waite, Hiss Golden Messenger: Concert Photo Recaps
The week leading up to a hectic weekend of live music boasted a dizzying array of styles and approaches, from indie-folk to prog-pop to R&B and soul. Revisit the action in images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Holland punk band Lost Magic’s ‘super loud, super sweet’ headbanging alchemy
Playing a hometown show next week, Lost Magic lit up Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Future Drugs, Avalon Cutts-Jones, Deep Enough and more. Learn more about Lost Magic and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Making everyone better, The Decemberists bring literary, magical rock gusto to GR fans
The return of The Decemberists ignited a sold-out crowd at the Grand Rapids amphitheater with the indie/alt-rock band unleashing songs old and new on Wednesday. Local Spins asked a member of The Crane Wives — who were inspired, in part, by The Decemberists — to offer her take on the show. The review, photos and set list.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Videos
Looking for the Perfect Beat: Breakaway 2022 ups ante with The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake
West Michigan DJ, Local Spins columnist and electronic music guru Todd Ernst previews this weekend’s mega-fest in GR’s Belknap Park — his artists to watch, tips for a better experience and the inside dope. Plus, view the weekend schedule and check out videos from headlining artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Summer Festivals
LivelyLands’ cozy, ‘stress-free’ approach and its founder’s ‘Albums That Changed the World’
Beyond high-profile festivals this weekend such as Hoxeyville and Breakaway is northern Michigan’s LivelyLands, oozing ’boutique’ intimacy. Learn more about it and see which albums have most influenced founder Emily Lively.
Surfin’ the Meijer Gardens Wave: The Beach Boys ‘Do It Again’ for sold-out GR crowd
Led by octogenarians Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, The Beach Boys made a familiar summer tour stop in Grand Rapids Monday, revving up familiar hits for fans intimately familiar with the legendary band’s catalog. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Bittersweet new beginnings for Leland Blue, Michigan’s beloved alt-pop band of brothers
Leland Blue’s current tour includes a sentimental final show at The Pyramid Scheme this week before the indie-pop band embarks on new adventures across state lines. Learn more about this West Michigan band and listen to music from the group’s latest release.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Dermot Kennedy demonstrates power over his fans during Grand Rapids tour stop
The Irish singer-songwriter with a new album set for release next month played a rescheduled Sunday night affair at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The review and photos, plus galleries from three other weekend West Michigan concerts, including Fake Baseball, Ballyhoo, Incantations and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Soggy Sonatas: The Crane Wives, Walk the Beat power through pesky rain for fervent fans
Despite rain and unseasonable temps, The Crane Wives played their first show in more than two years in Grand Rapids, while on the east side of Grand Haven, solo performer Ryan Lynch won a wet edition of Walk the Beat. Get the recaps, browse the photos and watch the videos at Local Spins.
August Refrains: Lake Street Dive, Wild Hearts Tour, The Dead South, Mustard Plug, Ragbirds
The shows leading up to another weekend of musical merriment in West Michigan boasted soulful pop, bluegrass, ska and vocally impressive songwriting powerhouses, lighting up venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse the photos and show recaps at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Kait Rose finds ‘Balance’ with healing, relatable career-spanning collection
The singer-songwriter with an album-release show tonight was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by DL Rossi, Matisse Zuzu, Upon Wings, Leif(kolt), FINKEL, Steven Malcolm and others. Find out more about Kait Rose, watch her new music video and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Return of The Crane Wives: Re-charging, coming full circle to rock GR after a long hiatus
Two-and-a-half years after last gracing a stage, the folk-rock band plays a much-anticipated show Saturday at Studio Park. What led to the hiatus? What can fans expect this weekend? The back story and more at Local Spins.
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat, N. Michigan’s Farm Fest aim for robust weekend return
The weekend festivals boast live music with a bit of a twist: Grand Haven’s affair has fans voting for their favorite bands, while Farm Fest rolls out under new direction with a more laid-back vibe. Get the lowdown on both events at Local Spins.
Tantalizing Tuesday: Hanson, Pokey LaFarge, The Accidentals, Charley Crockett rev up fans
Amid weather that could only be described as “perfect,” three outdoor shows and one indoor spectacle lit up Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo on a summer Tuesday. The recaps and photo galleries from a busy night at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Just a peninsula – and another world – away: The tasty buffet of eclectic U.P. music festivals
The Upper Peninsula offers a remote but unique setting for a surprising variety of music festivals, worthy of a trip across the bridge. Here’s a look at this U.P. experience, with previews of upcoming events.
FINKEL embraces ‘isolated and eccentric’ Mackinac Island for new record, documentary
The Michigan natives now based in L.A. spent a winter on the iconic enclave to create ‘Islanders.’ They screen the film and perform as FINKEL Friday at Wealthy Theatre. The interview and back story at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Hoxeyville’s Jake Robinson: ‘Albums that Changed My World,’ The Band to Bob Marley
The Hoxeyville Music Festival gets unleashed once again in the Manistee National Forest later this month. Today, festival founder Jake Robinson reveals the albums that have influenced him most. Learn more about the festival and listen to tracks from his favorite recordings.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Cowpie Music Festival wraps up with steamy, fiery, eclectic musical bang on the farm
Local Spins has compiled some of the top highlights from the three-day celebration on Shagbark Farm, along with photos and videos. Revisit the final edition of this festival in southern Kent County.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Hispanic Festival, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lady Ace Boogie heat up musical diversity
High heat and humidity didn’t hamper a flurry of live music in the great outdoors, from Latin rock on Calder Plaza to hip hop at Cowpie to the choral allure of an iconic South African group and a five-year anniversary for Bass Country. Videos and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Festival fave Biomassive diving into ‘deeper level’ of electronic, heavy progressive rock
The Traverse City band which lit up Cowpie Music Fest on Friday debuted new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which aired fresh tracks by Act Casual, The Accidentals, Strange Heart, The Aquaerials, Adrian Jay and more. Get the back story on Biomassive and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Andrew Bird, Iron & Wine flaunt chemistry, powerful vocals, dynamic musicianship
Along with opener Meshell Ndegeocello, the virtuosos sharing the bill on the delayed ‘Outside Problems’ tour enchanted a sold-out crowd on Friday. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Cowpie Music Festival kicks up hooves with jam-band fervor, sweltering heat on Day 1
The southern Kent County festival’s final salvo began with a sultry bang on Thursday, featuring standout sets by MonoNeon, Mungion, Desmond Jones, Cosmic Knot and more. The recap and photos, only at Local Spins.
Elvis Costello launches U.S. tour with clever, ever-entertaining aplomb in Grand Rapids
The legendary rocker and his band, The Imposters, unleashed music from Costello’s latest album along with some choice gems from his hefty catalog. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5
Kyle Rasche’s Chain of Lakes album makes waves at No. 1 on Local Spins’ Hot Top 5 Chart
The indie-folk artist credits the work of his producer and studio musicians for enhancing his milestone new recording. View the rest of the chart at Local Spins and listen to tracks from all of the regional releases.
Michigan summer’s Top 10 music videos: SoFaygo, Phabies, The Accidentals, Michigander
For your viewing pleasure, Local Spins has assembled some of the most captivating new music videos by Michigan-bred artists covering everything from hip hop to indie-rock to pop and more. Plus, see where some of these artists will be performing in coming weeks.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Farmer John’s ‘Albums That Changed the World’: J. Geils to John Prine to Frank Zappa
Today, Local Spins digs into the artists and music that have most influenced “Farmer” John Crissman, founder of southern Kent County’s Cowpie Music Festival, which returns this weekend. Learn the back story behind his picks and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Tamarack, Wild Thyme fests revel in radiant weather; Blackberry Smoke rocks State Theatre
Fans couldn’t have asked for a better weekend to soak in live music in the great outdoors, especially at cozy festivals in Morley and Allegan. Plus, Blackberry Smoke sizzled in its Kalamazoo tour stop. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Final Cowpie Music Festival boasts biggest, most eclectic band lineup yet
The last roundup for the southern Kent County music fest kicks up its hooves this weekend with MonoNeon, Dopapod, Joe Hertler, Sophistafunk and dozens more. The lowdown and the schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
West Michigan native and piano whiz Holly Bowling soars in national jam-band scene
The celebrated keyboardist who’s transcribed Phish and Grateful Dead jams for piano is lovingly termed the ‘sixth member’ of Greensky Bluegrass while also fronting Ghost Light. The Local Spins interview with this budding star who boasts West Michigan roots.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Mewithoutyou, Desmond Jones, Steppin’ In It & more rev up West Michigan’s music week
The live music parade started on Monday with a farewell concert by mewithoutyou in Kalamazoo and continued through a resplendent week of weather with outdoor shows in Rockford and at Meijer Gardens, Studio Park and Bell’s Beer Garden. The photo recaps exclusively at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Podcasts
Songs inspiring Michigan musicians: The WYCE edition of ‘Albums That Changed the World’
This week’s special edition of the radio show focuses on Michigan music with a twist: We play tracks from albums that a dozen local and regional artists say have influenced them the most, from Kanye West to The Beatles. Get the back story and listen to the full radio show podcast.
America uncorks ‘legal limit of ’70s music’ — from ‘Tin Man’ to ‘Horse With No Name’
Led by Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, the band bathed a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd in nostalgia on Wednesday with a bevy of familiar hits. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Features · Videos · Whatever Happened To
Whatever Happened To Bangups: Tracking down the rambunctious GR rock duo
In their heyday, Joey Dornbos and Brent French generated a national buzz and recorded with an iconic producer before moving to California. One is still rocking, the other is not. Get the lowdown and watch the videos in the latest installment in this Local Spins series.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss: ‘The Albums and Songs That Changed My World’
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss could be considered an uber-fan of music, often seen at area concerts and festivals. So, Local Spins asked her Honor to reveal her list of faves, including some local legends. Listen to the tracks and get the back story.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Faster Horses’ hubbub, Drive-By Truckers’ triumph, Void’s victory & more: Concert Photos
Michigan’s music weekend ramped up with 40,000-plus country revelers at Faster Horses in Brooklyn, a capacity crowd at Bell’s Beer Garden, the debut of White Lake’s Walk the Beat, an outdoor Elton and Buble tribute in GR and the debut of the unique ‘Whatzit Hour’ in Kalamazoo. View the action-packed photo galleries at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
‘Best Tiny Fest in the Mitten State’: Morley’s Tamarack Music Fest poised for ‘happy energy’
With Desmond Jones, Bootstrap Boys, Cosmic Knot and more West Michigan acts on the bill, next weekend’s cozy affair has ‘cute and endearing’ written all over it — part of a trend toward intimate regional music festivals. Learn more about the origins of the Tamarack and view the lineup at Local Spins.
Summer Strains: Here Come the Mummies, Troll for Trout, Red Wanting Blue & More
The weekend got an early start with live music indoors and out, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. View the images from several shows at Local Spins.
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