As Local Spins prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary this week, we revisit the top stories every year since the website launched in 2012. Check out the roster of memories as we get ready to unleash seven concert events in six days.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Upcoming shows
‘Albums That Changed the World’ for Cabildo’s Julio Villalobos: Victor Jara to Metallica
Being featured Saturday as part of Local Spins Fest in downtown Grand Rapids, the leader of the Latin alt-rock band today reveals his picks for albums and artists that have most influenced him. Listen to tracks from the albums as well as music by Cabildo.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Flying High for Local Spins on WYCE: Rustbell to Lokella to Patty PerShayla to Neon Birdhouse
Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos was the show’s special guest, talking favorite interviews and bands in rollicking fashion, while exhibiting pitiful paper-airplane know-how. Listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast with tracks by Lokella, Eric O’Daly, Max Lockwood, Cheap Emotion, Neon Birdhouse and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Great to be back’: Luke Winslow-King returns to Michigan with soulful new rootsy album
As part of a U.S. tour, the Spain-based Cadillac native kicks off Local Spins Week in Grand Rapids on Monday. The Local Spins interview, and a ticket giveaway.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
Detroit’s Greater Impact House aims to fuel a Motor City renaissance for musicians, artists
In its series profiling musicians and projects in Detroit and Southeast Michigan, Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos today spotlights the work of Great Alexander’s Alexander Vlachos and his ambitious Greater Impact House.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Eric Engblade: ‘Albums That Changed My World’ by Paul Simon, Nick Drake, Brian Wilson
Singer-songwriter Eric Engblade plays a special edition of “Songtellers” at Listening Room next week. Today, he reveals the albums that most shaped his own career as a musician. Listen to songs from all of the albums, including tracks by Engblade, and see how you can win tickets to that “Songtellers” concert.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens concert sellouts continue: Tickets for 20 of 33 summer shows gone
After the first weekend of sales to the general public, 60 percent of the summer shows have sold out. Get the update at Local Spins. See what shows have sold out and which remaining concerts are close to that point.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
May Musicology: Steve Hackett, Sweet Water Warblers, Clutch, Bass Country, more (Photos)
Fan fervor took many forms over the past week at concerts across West Michigan, from fist-pumping glee to pin-drop-quiet intensity. Revisit the concerts in vibrant images at Local Spins.
Sting brings rock-star persona, enduring spirit, spellbinding songs to Van Andel Arena
Saturday night’s Grand Rapids tour stop had the former Sting frontman unfurling more than 20 career-spanning songs, backed by a top-flight band. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Special Offers · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Local Spins Week: A celebration of diverse W. Michigan music, concert venues and new swag
Local Spins celebrates its 10th anniversary with seven shows in six days at a half-dozen Grand Rapids venues in mid-May. Oh, and we’ve got groovy new merch to unleash and Local Spinsation Ale, too. Get the lowdown and see how you can win tickets to a Local Spins Week concert.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Future soul’s Earth Radio hones dynamic, genre-melding tales of ‘sonic ingenuity’
The Grand Rapids band with a hectic 2022 ahead chatted about its unique approach for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Melissa Dylan, Wild Honey Collective, Ben Traverse and more. Learn more about Earth Radio and where it will be performing, watch a band video and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins
Near-sellout Grand Rapids crowd revels in Journey’s ‘big’ arena show, signature hit tunes
From ‘Don’t Stop Believin” to ‘Any Way You Want It,’ Journey on Wednesday gave West Michigan fans at Van Andel Arena a two-hour dose of classics, with Toto offering up a ‘crisp’ opening set. The Local Spins review and photos, with set lists for both bands.
Audio · Concert reviews · Hot Top 5 · Photos
Larry McCray powers his blues to No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart just as his tour hits Grand Rapids
The Saginaw blues guitarist played Listening Room on Tuesday, the same week that Local Spins revealed that his latest album had hit No. 1 at WYCE. See what other albums made the chart; listen to tracks at Local Spins and view a photo gallery from McCray’s Grand Rapids concert.
Audio · Features · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids HipHop Coalition: Preserving hip-hop culture while educating local youth
As a local advocacy group, the coalition continues to promote artists while providing instruction on the genre through songwriting classes and more as it prepares for Hip-Hop Appreciation Week later this month. Read more about this group and Local Spins’ 10 anniversary hip-hop showcase at The Pyramid Scheme.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Larry McCray: Albums That Changed My World, George Benson to Albert King to Candi Staton
Highly regarded Michigan guitarist Larry McCray plays Listening Room in Grand Rapids tonight as he tours behind his latest studio album. Today, he reveals the albums that shaped his own music. Check out tracks from the recordings, along with songs from his latest release.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Steve Hackett bringing love of touring, ‘killer band,’ solo gems, Genesis classics to GR
The iconic guitarist returns to GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Wednesday, happy to be back on the road with his band after pandemic delays. The Steve Hackett interview at Local Spins with details about this week’s tour stop and a recent concert video.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
Big Head Todd, Spin Doctors, John Waite, Phil Vassar to play Grand Haven’s waterfront
On hiatus since 2019 due to COVID, the four-concert “Summer Sessions” series starts in June at the picturesque Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium. Tickets are on sale now. Get details and the full lineup at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kaleo, Sevendust, Deepfall, Kari Lynch, North 41, Coldville rock W. Michigan’s rafters: Photos
With a disparate batch of bands and solo artists touring behind new material, West Michigan got an earful over the weekend, including a B93 battle featuring regional country acts. See who’s moving on, get the show recaps and browse eight photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The Moonrays’ alluring surf-rock perseveres through loss, uncertainty, lineup changes
The much-beloved, long-serving, veteran Grand Rapids band continues to grace stages with their tone-driven surf-rock. Read about the band and view their upcoming spring and summer schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Kari Lynch veers from country to ‘Sheryl Crow meets Jimmy Eat World’ with new solo material
Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted the West Michigan singer now based in Nashville as she prepares for a GR show Friday. Plus, the show debuted new music by Phabies, Lost Magic, Coldville and more. Read more about Lynch and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
Meijer Gardens’ expanded Tuesday Evening Music Club to boast 20+ Michigan stars
Slated to run June through August, the weeknight series will feature Molly, Melophobix, Jordan Hamilton, The Accidentals, Myron Elkins, Ralston Bowles, Elijah Russ and more. View the full schedule at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Carrie McFerrin, Jesse Ray, DJ Blaze 589, Elijah Russ, Laura Rain, Jeff Socia
Local Spins closes out April with another round-up of new releases by Michigan artists — ranging folk to hip hop to soul to robust rock. Listen to tracks from all of the albums and see where some of these artists will be performing in coming weeks.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
Hiss Golden Messenger, Pokey LaFarge, Dirty Dozen Brass Band to play Listening Lawn 2022
The piazza outside downtown Grand Rapids’ Studio Park will also feature summer appearances by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Crane Wives, The Verve Pipe, Erin Zindle, Aoife O’Donovan, Desmond Jones and Red Wanting Blue. View the full schedule and get details at LocalSpins.com.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The Chainsmokers, Two Friends, Jai Wolf, Yung Gravy, DJ Snake to star at GR’s Breakaway Fest
Returning to Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park Aug. 19-20, the 2022 edition of Breakaway leans toward electronic music phenoms along with rappers such as Yung Gravy and Gashi and emerging pop artists. View the lineup and watch videos of selected artists at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Legal Immigrants’ Joe Bockheim: The rock ‘Albums That Changed My World’
With the Grand Rapids rock band set to play Local Spins’ 10th anniversary celebration in May, Legal Immigrants frontman Joe Bockheim today reveals the albums that most influenced him. Listen to tracks from all of his picks, plus a couple of tracks from The Legal Immigrants.
Grand Rapids doom band Rip VanRipper ironically flaunts positivity post-pandemic
With a new single and video on the way, the death metal trio Rip VanRipper revels in a DIY spirit and determination to ‘learn and expand’ while unleashing its crushing music. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight, with a track from the band’s most recent EP.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
April’s Live Music Salvo: Manic Focus, Jesse Ray, Elijah Russ, Melophobix, Brian K. (Photos)
A dozen shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo are recapped today in Local Spins photo galleries, including Megadeth, Elijah Russ, Echoes of Pink Floyd, Tambourina, Fake Baseball, Grace Theisen & a tribute to Motown. Browse all of the photos — and video highlights of Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s return to the stage — at Local Spins.
Parade of Vinyl: West Michigan record shops revel in groovy return of Record Store Day
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore, Saturday’s Record Store Day — after a stifling pandemic — brought throngs, live music, a parade and more to indie record stores. The report and photos.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens sells out 11 concerts in 2 hours led by Norah Jones, Goo Goo Dolls, Foreigner
Robust ticket pre-sales on Saturday for Meijer Gardens members led to sellouts of one-third of shows scheduled for summer 2022 and by Sunday, three more concerts had sold out. See which concerts have sold out thus far.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
FlyLiteGemini expands its ‘psychedelic post blues-rock’ journey of the soul
With a new album on the way, the West Michigan band unfurled new tunes for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Elijah Russ, Zebra 3, Ajax Stacks and more. Get the back story on the new FlyLiteGemini recording, watch a video of the band’s latest single and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Singer, guitar-slinger Elijah Russ poised to release two ‘fun,’ genre-bending records
In an interview with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos, soul-rocker Elijah Russ reflects on traveling out west, honing his guitar chops, and the joy of video games as he prepares to front a 16-piece, all-star ensemble at Wealthy Theatre.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Return of Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish: A new album, a night of ‘rock and roots’
The rambunctious Grand Rapids rock, blues and rockabilly duo celebrates release of a new recording with a robust, three-band show Saturday at The Pyramid Scheme. Learn more about Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s return to the studio and the stage.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Playlists
West Michigan’s favorite marijuana melodies: The Ultimate 4/20 Playlist (Local Spins Rewind)
It’s only apropos that on a holiday of sorts for many, Local Spins would re-publish its 2021 4/20 Playlist created through a New Standard/Agri-Med contest asking for readers’ favorite cannabis-inspired tunes. Oh, and yes, It’s smokin’ hot.
Megadeth still seething, angry, complex in conquering metal assault at Van Andel Arena
Led by metal’s elder statesman, Dave Mustaine, Megadeth headlined Tuesday’s ‘Metal Tour of the Year’ stop in Grand Rapids, with Lamb of God offering up a ‘novelty’ set featuring a replacement lead singer. The Local Spins review by John Serba with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
SuperDre’s love of Prince, Lenny, J Dilla and Kanye: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
The Local Spins series highlighting recordings that most influenced Michigan artists continues with a look at albums that shaped DJ SuperDre of Grand Rapids. Listen to tracks from all of her picks.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
Singer-songwriter Lindsay Lou: Giving listeners ‘a bit of beauty’ on stage and in song
Local Spins revisits the Michigan native and bluegrass star, as writer Enrique Olmos and photographer Loren Johnson join Lindsay Lou for a sunny afternoon of thrift shopping and songwriter talk in Nashville. The Artist Spotlight and photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
W. Michigan Concert Recaps: Pieces, Papadosio, Delfeayo Marsalis, Joshua Davis, Colt Snuffer
Emerging and veteran jazz stars lit up stages this past week, with folk, Americana and rock artists adding to the musical groove from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Detroit’s Aint Afraid shares empowering messages through infectious, dauntless hip hop
Straingth and WiZdumb wrote their recent take-charge anthem with their mother, Stacey Holton, and collaborated with producer Jezreel Santos. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight on an emerging hip-hop duo. Learn more about this Southeast Michigan duo and watch the video for their latest single.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
Traverse City pianist Jeff Haas uncorks Big Fun with eclectic, electric, groovy jazz
The all-star band playing Listening Room next week was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by Whorled, Chain of Lakes, Laura Rain, Pieces, The Mulberry Wolves and more. Learn more about Big Fun and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Rockford, Ada, Caledonia, Ludington, Baldwin & more reveal summer concert schedules
View another batch of free community concerts being hosted on weeknights across the state in summer 2022, with a wide range of regional acts performing at 11 different series. […]
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens concerts 2022: Norah Jones, Trey Anastasio, ZZ Top, Rick Springfield, O.A.R.
The series announced today features a record 33 shows, including the return of Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Goo Goo Dolls and The Decemberists. Fans can expect higher ticket prices, too. View the full schedule and get details at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth: Albums That Changed My World, from Junior Wells to Jimi Hendrix
Michigan harmonica legend Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth has long graced stages with his instrumental prowess. Today, he reveals the albums that forever altered his life. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Jack White shreds, unleashes career-spanning rock barrage in Grand Rapids tour stop
Firing up Van Andel Arena Sunday on the third night of his national tour, Jack White and company delivered another rock show for the ages. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rockin’ the W. Mich. Casbah: A week of rock, country, folk, bluegrass & beyond (Photos)
This week’s concert photo roundup covers the gamut from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo: Haley Heynderickx, Low, Tre Burt, Carly Pearce, Electric Six, Full Cord, Dizzybird Records’ anniversary, Nathan Kalish & a benefit for Ukraine. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Jack White, Larry McCray, GR Symphony, Wuzee+Dusty Fingerz and more
It’s an uber-diverse, early April roundup of new Michigan albums, from blues to rock to hip hop to adventurous classical music and compelling gems from Annagail and Brian Koenigknecht. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Nathan Kalish, destructive winds, loss, satire and a return to touring: A story of survival
The Michigan-bred artist plays West Michigan this week with a new album on the way. Learn more about Nathan Kalish and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE show which also spotlighted Jack White bassist Dominic Davis and debuted tracks by several regional acts.
Jordan Hamilton’s road to recovery and re-entering the Local Spins’ Hot Top 5 Chart
Familiar names populate the March Hot Top 5 Chart, but the resurgence of the Kalamazoo hip hop cellist’s year-old instrumental album also mirrors his comeback from a devastating accident. Get the back story at Local Spins and listen to tracks from all of the charted albums.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The bold and daring modus operandi of rock music pioneer Jack White
Jack White’s bassist and tour music director Dominic John Davis reveals the story behind the Michigan native’s new studio albums and his upcoming 2022 tour, which stops Sunday in Grand Rapids. The interview and concert details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Uncategorized · Upcoming shows
Indie-folk’s Haley Heynderickx: Being honest and sharing songs from ‘a grounded place’
The acclaimed Portland singer-songwriter plays Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre tonight. She shared thoughts on her music, her upbringing and her performances with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
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