The first Buttermilk Jamboree since 2019 came off without a hitch with fan-friendly performances and a family-friendly atmosphere. Check out a recap and photo galleries.
Fitz & The Tantrums, St. Paul & The Broken Bones bring jovial vigor to Meijer Gardens
The double-header of energetic bands energized a sold-out crowd at the outdoor amphitheater on Sunday. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
B93 Bash, GR Pride Festival and Day 2 of Buttermilk Jamboree: Recaps, photos
Saturday’s brilliant weather offered an ideal backdrop for three diverse festivals: country’s B93 Bash at LMCU Ballpark, GR Pride Festival downtown and the second day of music at Circle Pines Center. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Looking for the Perfect Beat: Cannons set to bring swagger to opening eve of Electric Forest
With Electric Forest erupting next weekend for the first time since 2019, Local Spins’ electronic music columnist Todd Ernst offers a profile of a dynamic act that will help kick off the Rothbury spectacle. Check out the interview, some Cannons videos at Local Spins and the full Electric Forest schedule.
Amos Lee, Neal Francis give Meijer Gardens an engaging mid-June jolt to the senses
On a picture-perfect Friday evening, a sold-out crowd packed the outdoor amphitheater for entertaining sets by both touring artists. The review and photos at Local Spins.
‘A Special Place’: Buttermilk Jamboree returns with eclectic Day 1 of music, positivity
The 10th edition of the festival — delayed for two years — finally descended on Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids Friday with performances on five stages and much more. The recap and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Whorled trio’s globe-spanning ‘road trip for the ears’ turning heads with debut album on way
The emerging, award-winning West Michigan band in the Artist Spotlight and featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Michigander, Aspen Jacobsen, The Fever Haze and more. Learn more about Whorled, watch one of their performances and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Buttermilk Jamboree’s Danielle Hoskins: Three Albums that Changed My World
With Buttermilk Jamboree set to fire up Circle Pine Center for the first time since 2019, Local Spins asked the festival’s director to reveal the recordings that have influenced her life the most. View her picks, listen to the music.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
EGR drummer helps propel acclaimed Neal Francis on road, in studio, at MG homecoming
West Michigan native Collin O’Brien returns to Grand Rapids with the Chicago keyboardist and singer to open for Amos Lee at a sold-out Meijer Gardens amphitheater on Friday. The Local Spins interview, the band’s back story and a new music video.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Celebrating 15 years of high-energy blues: Steve Hilger Band and Thirsty Perch Blues Band
Both Grand Rapids blues bands mark their 15th birthdays with special performances in June. Learn more about the upcoming shows in Q&As with both bands at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Torrid Tuesday: Rogue River Blues Series, Tue Evening Music Club heat things up
The week’s intense heat lowered turnout for two popular concert series on Tuesday, but those that flocked to Rockford and to Meijer Gardens were treated to some sizzling performances. Photos, videos at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Buttermilk Jamboree ready to churn once again: The Schedule & The Local Spins Playlist
On hiatus since 2019 due to COVID, the popular, family-friendly festival south of GR hosts 40-plus regional acts on four stages over the weekend. Get the schedule and preview the music with a Local Spins Playlist.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Blind Boys of Alabama offer soulful kickoff to Meijer Gardens summer concert season
Legendary Southern gospel act enjoyed a warm welcome, perfect weather at the popular outdoor amphitheater, while show opener Marc Cohn charmed the crowd with rich vocals, effusive humor. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
GR’s Bridge Blast draws thousands for beer fest, plus Brie Stoner, Hazy Past (Photos, videos)
The weekend was full of surprises, including a giant turnout for City Built Brewing’s Bridge Blast on the 6th Street Bridge with performances by J.Rob, Biomassive and more, plus a Start of Summer tribute to David Bowie, the return of Brie Stoner and eclectic shows in Kalamazoo. Browse the photo galleries, watch the videos at Local Spins.
Chvrches rouse the faithful; Start of Summer rocks Rockford; Insiders clone Petty (Photos)
West Michigan’s weekend kicked off with a musical bang, thanks to a much-anticipated Chvrches tour stop, not to mention Trixy Tang, Desmond Jones, Bronk Bros. & Roosevelt Diggs revving up Rockford and a Listening Lawn tribute to Tom Petty.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Brie Stoner’s multi-lingual, indie dream-rock songs of ‘longing, fury and feeling’
The acclaimed Grand Rapids singer-songwriter returns to the stage Saturday while preparing a two-pronged studio release. The revealing interview with Brie Stoner, plus her recent music video and this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Blue Pines tour state behind ‘harder-hitting’ songs on sophomore album
After debuting a new music video this spring, the Grand Rapids band officially releases its new album this week with a robust slate of summer shows ahead. The back story and video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Elijah Russ Collective, Jordan Hamilton deliver vibrant kickoff to Tuesday Evening Music Club
The first concert in Meijer Gardens’ largest ever Tuesday Evening Music Club series unfurled under cloudless skies for a big crowd on Tuesday. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Happy, friendly, intimate and ‘fabulous’ Nor-East’r music festival returns this weekend
After a long COVID hiatus, the much-beloved Mio festival featuring more than 30 regional acts kicks off Friday. Get the preview, the inside story and the full schedule at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Merry Michigan Melodies: The Tuesday Evening Music Club Playlist at Local Spins
The biggest Tuesday Evening Music Club series in Meijer Gardens history kicks off tonight with Jordan Hamilton and Elijah Russ. Today, Local Spins spotlights tracks by Michigan artists playing the 13-week series.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Festival’s ‘beautiful’ return; Kalamazoo touts Pride, Matt & Kim, Trifocal: Photo roundup
The first weekend of June unleashed a musical torrent from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, with a rainbow of colors and diverse genres. Get the recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Camp Greensky: Little Feat and other highlights from the 2022 celebration at Shagbark Farm
Attendance surged significantly on Days 2 and 3 for the return of Camp Greensky, which showcased the legendary Little Feat as well as numerous on-stage collaboration amid a camaraderie-filled weekend. Get the recap, browse the photo galleries and check out some video highlights.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Singer-songwriter May Erlewine commands Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart yet again
May was, well, a big month for May, who released a new album last month that instantly captivated audiences. Get the back story, view the rest of the all-new Hot Top 5 Chart and listen to tracks from all of the releases by Michigan artists.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Festival of the Arts rocks Day 1 with sunny, breezy weather and animated regional music
The return of Festival to downtown Grand Rapids on Friday after a long, COVID hiatus attracted families and fans of live music, food and art. Check out the opening-day highlights, photos and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Rollicking reverberations: The gritty, Detroit-styled, dive-bar rock of Slumlord Radio
The feisty Grand Rapids band playing Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts this weekend rocked Local Spins on WYCE, which also aired new music by The Blue Pines, The B-Sides, Cameron Blake & more. Learn more about Slumlord Radio, watch one of their videos and listen to this week’s radio show at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Greensky Bluegrass, Steppin’ In It kick off ‘a helluva weekend’ for Camp Greensky
Thursday’s opening salvo of the music festival being held at southern Kent County’s Shagbark Farm boasted happy fans, rousing sets and perfect weather. Get the recap, browse the photo gallery and watch video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
String Revival: Cameron Blake’s ‘brave’ and healing return to the violin
After laying down his violin 15 years ago, the celebrated Grand Rapids singer-songwriter will play a classical concert at St. Cecilia Music Center this weekend while also wrapping up work on a new EP. Learn the story behind the concert and watch a music video for the title track from his forthcoming release.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Festival Returns: W. Michigan music, energy, community, joy & 10,000 feet of toilet paper
The first Festival of the Arts since 2019 kicks off Friday in downtown Grand Rapids with more than 140 performances on five stages. Get the lowdown and the full performance schedule at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
An ‘amazing vision’: Shagbark Farm transformed for this weekend’s Camp Greensky
Set to be staged for the first time since 2019 and for the first time in southern Kent County, the Camp Greensky festival is set to unfurl this weekend with Greensky Bluegrass, Little Feat, Steppin’ In It and more. Get the back story on what it takes to create a festival on a working cattle farm and view the schedule at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
DJ Todd Ernst: ‘Albums That Changed My World,’ from MJ to Front 242 to Underworld
With summer festival season heating up, Local Spins asked DJ and electronic music authority Todd Ernst to reveal the albums have had a major impact on his own career. Plus, check out his current favorites and listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Summer-Starting Strains: Yonder Mountain, Hail Your Highness, Bus Benefit, TWRP & more
A host of bands at varied locations got West Michigan’s summer started over the holiday weekend, from Bus Benefit on the lakeshore to shows at The Pyramid Scheme, The DAAC, The Stray and The Deck. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Buckle Up: Bus Benefit’s opening night revs up with The Waverlys and Nicholas James
A cool but welcoming atmosphere returned to Camp Blodgett for Buses by the Beach’s first Memorial Weekend festival since 2019. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Singer Rachel Curtis set to release folk-pop collection ‘straight from her own diary’
The Lansing artist and one-time ‘American Idol’ contestant premiered new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Isaac Ryder, Dynaflo, The American Hotel System, Joshua Rilko, Pink Sky, Jax Anderson and more. Get the lowdown on Rachel Curtis, watch her new music video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Announcements · Special Offers
Sharing the Love of Local Spins: New T-Shirts, posters, swag for our 10th birthday
Local Spins today introduces more than a half-dozen dazzling new items to our online gift shop. It comes just in time for you to show off your support for Local Spins and Michigan’s music scene as festival season ramps up.
Re-Creating The Beatles’ Rooftop Concert: An epic Grand Rapids adventure
Local Spins brought That Beatles Thing, a professional video team and mountains of gear atop a downtown building to replicate that classic ‘Get Back’ performance from 1969. Get the back story and watch the video.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Bus Benefit is Back: Buses by the Beach hosts Michigan favorites for Memorial Weekend
Patty Pershayla, Roosevelt Diggs, Nicholas Thomasma, Elijah Russ, Nathan Walton, Josh Rose and more will heat up the lakeshore for the resumption of the popular festival. View the schedule and get details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
GR Connection: Saluting 50 years of ‘American Pie’ and reviving Michigan’s film industry
Eleven years after a Grand Rapids lip dub video of the Don McLean classic set a world record and created a sensation, he’ll revisit the city to kick off a Black Pigeon Studios venture to put the area back on Hollywood’s radar. Get the lowdown and watch the 2010 lip-dub video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Catching Musical Fire: Built to Spill, Brenden Monroe, Catch the Fish launch summer early
A weekend of milestones: the first Bell’s Beer Garden show, the finals of B93’s Battle to the Bash, the State on the Street opener, Judy Collins at St. Cecilia Music Center’s final folk concert and a rare Rush tribute show. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Local Spins Fest weathers ‘vibrant journey of sound’ in celebration of Michigan music
The six-act festival outside Studio Park started in the rain Saturday but ended with sun-splashed, audience-inspiring sets by Full Cord, Public Access and The Accidentals to put an upbeat cap on a week-long commemoration of Local Spins’ 10th anniversary. The recap of festival highlights, with photos and video.
Jake Kershaw & Hank Mowery, Desmond Jones & The Legal Immigrants double down on fun
Enthused, happy crowds cheered Friday’s Local Spins 10th anniversary double-header: Jake Kershaw and Hank Mowery at a packed Tip Top Deluxe, Desmond Jones with The Legal Immigrants at Elevation. Get the recaps and browse photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Resurrecting the GravesTones: Hannah Rose Graves goes ‘old-school,’ soulful and rootsy
When Grand Rapids singer Hannah Rose Graves plays Local Spins Fest on Saturday, she’ll lean on her popular, throwback approach. The Artist Spotlight and Local Spins on WYCE podcast, including brand new tracks by Entransient, Kyle Brown and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
That Beatles Thing unleashes rooftop concert spectacle + an unparalleled hip-hop showcase
Thursday’s installment of Local Spins’ week-long anniversary bash boasted an unprecedented Beatles tribute on a rooftop in downtown Grand Rapids and a three-act hip-hop affair at The Pyramid Scheme. The recaps, photo galleries and a video at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
WYCE poised to roll out all-star Michigan lineup for rescheduled Jammie Awards in June
Michigan Rattlers, Molly, The Hacky Turtles, The Accidentals, Lazy Genius, Lipstick Jodi, Aramis 616, Major Murphy, Callab & more to rock Intersection. View the full roster of performers at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Electrically charged, elbow-to-elbow revelry: The Concussions, Earth Radio rock SpeakEZ
It was a rousing return of Local Spins Wednesdays for SpeakEZ Lounge in celebration of Local Spins’ 10th anniversary, with an enthusiastic, capacity crowd on hand. Get the recap, browse the photos, watch the video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Listening ‘Boon’: Luke Winslow-King and Songtellers shows garner pin-drop passion
The first two concerts celebrating Local Spins Week at Listening Room attracted an all-ears attitude from fans enamored of the performers’ story-telling charm and top-shelf musicianship. Check out the recaps, photos and videos from Monday and Tuesday’s 10th anniversary kickoff.
NEEDTOBREATHE delves ‘Into the Mystery’ in acoustic fashion at Fountain Street Church
Packed with fans, the downtown Grand Rapids church offered up a unique setting for NEEDTOBREATHE’s Tuesday tour stop. The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Public Access super-group set to bring lots of moving parts, rock magic to Local Spins Fest
The guitar-driven, instrumental rock super-group Public Access fires up Local Spins Fest outside Studio Park on Saturday. Writer Enrique Olmos delves into the singular musical magic created by Steve Leaf and this unusual Michigan ensemble. Plus, get more details about Saturday’s celebration in downtown Grand Rapids.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
‘Albums That Changed My World’: Wuzee hails Dead Prez, Madvillain, Bronze Nazareth
Set to play a Local Spins hip-hop showcase on Thursday at The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids-bred rapper Wuzee today reveals the albums and artists that helped shape his own music. Learn more about Wuzee; listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
The Accidentals: Six Things That Make Our Hearts Beat Faster for Summer 2022
Headlining Saturday’s Local Spins Fest at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids, The Accidentals today give Local Spins readers a fun roster of their favorite things about this coming summer’s touring. Plus, see how you can request a song for the band’s encore via Juke and check out a Spotify playlist featuring tracks from all of the Michigan artists playing Local Spins Week events.
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