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.
Features · Festivals · Summer Festivals
‘The Spirit of Michigan’: World-class music festivals revving up the state in 2023
Happy New Year! Mitten State festivals new and old, large and small aim to continue the momentum from their post-pandemic return last year. What festivalgoers can look forward to this year, plus Local Spins’ exclusive 2023 Music Festival Guide.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
No. 1 Story of 2022: Mid-Michigan teen Brayden Lape and his life-altering run on ‘The Voice’
The top stories countdown ends on the year’s final day, with a special update on our profile of 16-year-old Grass Lake singer Brayden Lape. We interview him again about his future plans after his Top 5 finish, with a link to the No. 1 story from November and videos of his most popular performances on ‘The Voice.’
Announcements · Local Spins on WYCE · Top 10 Lists
Brie Stoner, Debra Perry, Greensky Bluegrass boast the top Michigan songs of 2022
Based on radio airplay at WYCE (88.1 FM), Local Spins reveals the Top 10 list of songs by Michigan artists that made the biggest impact on listeners and programmers in 2022. Listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast and see how you can win tickets to see Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers at The Pyramid Scheme this weekend.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 2): Elvis Costello launches tour in GR with fan-pleasing aplomb
The first stop on the legendary British rock artist’s U.S. tour got plenty of attention from fans across the globe in August, making it the No. 2 most-read story of the year at Local Spins. Revisit that special opening night, view a photo gallery and browse the set list.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 3): Fervent Grand Rapids fans revel in Journey’s ‘big’ arena show
The No. 3 story of the year at Local Spins was our review of a much-delayed, much-anticipated concert: Journey’s return to Van Andel Arena in early May. Revisit it today.
Summer Festivals · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 4): The robust return of ‘magical’ Michigan music festivals
Don’t under-estimate the power and popularity of Michigan music festivals. Our preview of the 2022 festival lineup was the No. 4 story of the year. Come back on New Year’s Day for our 2023 festival preview.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 5): The legacy of beloved Grand Rapids drummer Bill Vits
Local Spins’ countdown of its top stories of the year takes a sad turn today: We revisit the September column by drummer Bill Vits, who shared his life story just weeks before he died of cancer.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 6): Billy Strings shines during nationally telecast Grammy Awards
It’s no surprise that one of the top stories of 2022 would involve Michigan-bred star Billy Strings. In April, he and his band performed on the Grammys, though he didn’t win for best bluegrass album. Check out the story and videos in today’s Local Spins Rewind.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022: Meijer Gardens sells out 11 concerts in 2 hours led by Norah Jones
At No. 7 in our countdown of Local Spins’ most-read stories of the year is our coverage of first-day sales for the ever-popular Meijer Gardens concert series for 2022. Revisit that April day, plus get a link to Local Spins reviews and photo galleries from the summer concerts that followed.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
Top Stories of 2022: Michigan country singer Sadie Bass makes splash on ‘The Voice’
No. 8 in our top-stories-of-the-year round-up features a fast-rising mid-Michigan singer who made the initial cut and impressed judges in September during the most recent season of the NBC show. Watch the video of her much-ballyhooed blind auditions performance.
Hot Top 5 · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
From Christmas cheer to the top regional albums of the year: Local Spins on WYCE
Listen to this week’s radio show podcast of Local Spins on WYCE: a look back at some of the most popular Michigan recordings of 2022 along with a little Christmas cheer.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 9): Faster Horses, Drive-By Truckers and Walk the Beat rev up July
The countdown of Local Spins’ most-read stories of the year hits No. 9 today with the recap of a busy summer weekend that featured Faster Horses, Drive-By Truckers, Walk the Beat and more. Revisit the late July roundup in words and photos.
Local Spins Rewind · Summer Festivals · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 10): The return of Northern Michigan’s popular Blissfest
After a three-year COVID hiatus, the festival resumed in July with Shawn Colvin, Leftover Salmon and dozens of regional favorites. The festival announcement and our coverage of the event were among Local Spins’ top stories of the year.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2022: The Local Spins Critics’ Picks for albums, songs, concerts of the year
Amid another turbulent and hectic year, recorded and live music made a huge comeback. Today, Local Spins writers reveal their picks for the best of both in 2022. Check out the robust roster of notable releases and concerts and listen to select tracks in this special feature being published today in lieu of our usual Thursday ‘Amplified’ newsletter.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 11): Daryl Hall & Todd Rundgren link for tour, Local Spins interview
Our top-stories-of-the-year countdown continues today with No. 11: The Local Spins interview with the legendary Daryl Hall and Todd Rundgren, who played Grand Rapids in November.
Audio · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of the Year: Billy Strings tops charts, wows homestate fans (No. 12)
The countdown of Local Spins’ most-read stories of 2022 begins today with our coverage of Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings at No. 12. Ogle a photo gallery and see what stories came in just behind that in our year-end countdown.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Roundup: May Erlewine, Hollow Front, Grace Theisen and more
As we barrel merrily toward the holidays, Michigan artists have ramped up holiday cheer, from May Erlewine & The Motivations’ Winter Dance Party to Grace Theisen’s seasonal soiree and a Michigan metal-propelled show. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: The Concussions, Bronze Nazareth, Nathan Walton, Crazy Chestur, more
With Christmas just ahead, we review six new Michigan releases you might want to add to your shopping list, including fresh collections from Silver Creek Revival and The Dangling Participles. Delve into the recordings and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Christmas at Critter’s set to roll out heartfelt, Yuletide spectacle of West Michigan all-stars
The annual variety show for charity heats up Elevation on Dec. 29 with more than two dozen musicians and singers. Get the lowdown, plus this week’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast with the debut of tracks by Michigan artists.
From ‘Exit Wounds’ to ‘One Headlight,’ The Wallflowers drive it home in Grand Rapids
Jakob Dylan and company brought the tour behind their latest album to GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Thursday, with Michigan’s own Brother Elsey getting the night started. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ann Arbor’s Pajamas gets comfy amid eclectic jam-band milieu with second album on the way
Melding elements of jazz, psychedelia, Motown, pop, R&B, funk and more into its approach, Pajamas is starting to make waves across the state. The Artist Spotlight at Local Spins, along with videos of the band’s live performances.
Breaking music news · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Michigan’s Brayden Lape finishes 5th after impressive run on NBC’S ‘The Voice’
After fan voting during this week’s finale, the Grass Lake teen came in behind winner Bryce Leatherwood and three other finalists. The recap at Local Spins, plus watch a video of his finale performance.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Nordic Jams: Greensky Bluegrass’ Camp Greensky fest moves to Iceland for 2023
Touted as “the trip of a lifetime,” the Kalamazoo progressive bluegrass band will stage its annual festival in Reyjkjavik next June with guest Holly Bowling. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Most Obnoxious Christmas Songs Ever: The Local Spins Readers’ Poll Top 10
‘Tis the season to be inundated with bah-humbug-worthy duds on radio, television, elevators, grocery stores and beyond. So, we couldn’t resist re-publishing our Top 10 hit list of most hated seasonal tunes. Check out the full list of “cringe-inducing, hokey and stupidly inane” tracks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Photo Recap: Kyle Jennings, Sadie Bass, Dixon’s Violin, Andy Frasco & more
As Christmas approaches, live music continues to rev up audiences from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore. Revisit the action in photos at Local Spins.
Seven Steps Up ends run with ‘bittersweet’ finale by songwriter Stephen Kellogg
Celebrating a great final ‘adventure’: The Spring Lake listening room hosted its last concert on Saturday, an emotional sold-out affair staged now that the building has been sold. Check out the recap and browse photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Petoskey tunesmith Eliza Thorp strives to unite through song and sophomore album
The singer and keyboard player recently released ‘Stories We Told Along the Way,’ recorded in Kalamazoo with a who’s who lineup of Michigan musicians. Story, video and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Accidentals’ Sav Buist on winning national songwriting contest: ‘Completely mind-blowing’
The grand prize winner of the USA Songwriting Competition tells her back story for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Gasoline Gypsies, Matt Lenny, Silver Creek Revival, Missing Days and more. Learn more about Sav Buist and The Accidentals, and listen to her winning song and this week’s radio show podcast.
Nominations sought for Ovation Awards: Movers, shakers impacting Michigan music
For the second year, the Michigan Music Alliance will present Ovation Awards at the WYCE Jammies in February, honoring those dedicated to collaboration, community and equality amid the music scene. Learn more and see how you can submit a nomination.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
A ‘Beacon of Hope’ Extinguished: Seven Steps Up hosts final concerts this weekend
After 11 years in Spring Lake, owner Michelle Hanks will close the much-beloved listening room following sold-out shows Friday and Saturday, ending a too-brief era of memorable live music. The back story, videos and photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
Joshua Davis: The Albums That Changed My World, Mississippi John Hurt to Joni Mitchell
Today, the popular Local Spins series revealing the recordings that have impacted Michigan musicians the most continues with popular, award-winning singer-songwriter Joshua Davis. Listen to tracks from all of his picks.
Billy Strings soars to No. 1 on national bluegrass chart, Local Spins Hot Top 5
The Ionia County-raised guitarist continues his meteoric rise, with his latest album, “Me/And/Dad,” making waves on a number of national/regional charts. See who else made the latest Hot Top 5 and listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Recap: Sullivan King, Apollo Brown, Gunnar, Jake Simmons, ArtHop & more
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, December rolled in with a musical wallop — from national touring acts to local stars playing a smattering of venues. View the photos at Local Spins.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
Odesza, Illenium, Zeds Dead, Above & Beyond to pump up Electric Forest 2023
Internationally acclaimed electronic music stars once again will dominate the Rothbury, Mich., landscape come June 22-25, along with The String Cheese Incident. Passes go on sale Friday.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
Lansing indie-folk act The Dangling Participles dive deep for ‘One More Drop’ release
The band officially released its new studio album Friday night with a performance at Lansing’s UrbanBeat. Get the back story on the quartet, view a music video and browse photos at Local Spins.
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