Today, the popular Local Spins series revealing albums that have impacted Michigan musicians continues with Scott and Molly Schultz. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings, along with Molly’s new single and video.
Grand Rapids Voice Collective: Embracing diversity, inclusive approach to voice lessons
Formed in 2018, the unique voice instruction academy aims to create “a brave space for singers” seeking to spotlight their vocals on stage and in the studio. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Greensky Bluegrass rocks in ‘badass’ fashion + Desmond Jones, Wayland, Peekaboo & more
The liveliest Thanksgiving weekend for live music in three years delivered everything from country to rock to electronic music to jamgrass for West Michigan fans — from a packed house at Rockford Brewing to two straight nights of a bluegrass homecoming in Kalamazoo. The photos at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Album Review: Billy Strings goes back to Ionia County roots with ‘Me/And/Dad’
Raised in Ionia County’s rural Muir, Billy Strings embraces the traditions he grew up with, featuring duets with his stepfather, Terry Barber, on his latest Rounder Records releases. The review at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Greensky Bluegrass staying fresh, ready to get ‘pretty wild’ with Kalamazoo shows
The band uncorks its traditional Thanksgiving weekend concerts at State Theatre. Our interview with mandolinist Paul Hoffman and this week’s radio show podcast with new music by Myron Elkins, Chain of Lakes, Jack Pine, Entransient and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids-bound Straight No Chaser unfurls 25-year repertoire of a cappella magic
Michigan-born Sargon Isho and the renowned vocal group from Indiana University bring their 25th anniversary tour to DeVos Performance Hall this weekend. The interview and back story at Local Spins.
Audio · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
GR’s ArtRat Gallery to launch ‘Americana Sundays’ concert series with regional stars
It’s a singer-songwriter double-header this Sunday: ArtRat’s first show featuring Darcy Wilkin precedes the evening return of ‘Songtellers’ at Midtown. Get the details and upcoming schedule at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Austin Benzing, Cole Hansen, Bruce Madden, Conklin Ceili Band and more
This pre-Thanksgiving round-up of new releases by West Michigan artists also features Lisa Can’t Sing and The Good Old Days. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Busiest Bar Nights Ever? Live music set to make epic return for Thanksgiving weekend
From tour stops by Greensky Bluegrass, Straight No Chaser, Daryl Hall and Todd Rundgren to Thanksgiving eve parties starring Desmond Jones, Hannah Rose Graves and more, it’s a jam-packed week. Get the lowdown and a list of shows at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Roundup: Restless Road, Patty Pershayla, Kait Rose, Wine Beer & Food Fest
Nasty, snowy weather didn’t cancel everything over the weekend. Several shows heated things up from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, captured in images at Local Spins — from a Fleetwood Mac tribute to the Michigan return of a regional rock favorite.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Dream Pairing: Daryl Hall & Todd Rundgren bring ‘final fulfillment’ tour to Grand Rapids
Local Spins chats with two legendary artists — Hall of Hall & Oates fame and Rundgren — as the icons prepare to play DeVos Performance Hall. Get the inside story on this unique tour in this exclusive Local Spins interview with both artists.
Mat Kearney delivers engaging tales, genre-mixing charm in return to Grand Rapids
Playing a sold-out show Friday at St. Cecilia Music Center, the revered singer-songwriter played 20 of his fan-pleasing songs over 100-plus minutes. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Singer-songwriter Josh Rose keeps it fresh and compelling with new ‘spooky folk’ album
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.
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