Today, the leader of Hank Mowery & The Hawktones reveals the albums that have shaped his own music and his love of top-drawer songwriting, along with a current favorite legend who has him mesmerized. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
California indie-folkster Tré Burt channels demons and struggles for inspiring music
Touring behind his latest album and single, the up-and-coming singer-songwriter plays Grand Rapids’ Listening Room on Friday. The Local Spins interview, with samples of his latest music. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Tré Burt in concert.
Breaking music news · Features
Billy Strings shares brief Grammy Awards spotlight with stars but doesn’t get repeat win
The celebrated bluegrass guitarist and Ionia County native was featured on the nationally televised evening spectacle, but lost out in two categories to fellow nominees Bela Fleck and Jon Batiste. Learn more at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Wolf Alice, Watchhouse, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Dixon’s Violin: Concert Photo Recap
Cinematic rock, indie-folk, lively bluegrass, funk-rock: All of it and more was on display this past week in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, recapped in photos at Local Spins.
Concert Listings · Summer Concerts
Ridge Point’s 2022 ‘Backyard Concert Series’ boasts regional stars, mini-Meijer Gardens vibe
The striking, terraced venue behind Ridge Point Community Church east of Holland returns this summer with The Soul Syndicate, Jonathan Traylor, Brena, Tony Bakker & more. Check out the lineup, with links to summer series at other Michigan venues.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Songsmith Brian Koenigsknecht: Exploring ‘The Dirty Work’ it takes to create life’s beauty
The Kalamazoo singer-guitarist’s latest album is spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuts tracks by Larry McCray, Avalon Cutts-Jones, Chirp, DL Rossi, Steve Rivers, Carrie McFerrin, The Soods & more. Learn more about Brian Koenigsknecht’s new project and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Etta, Aretha & More: A night of empowerment paying homage to female legends
To close out Women’s History Month, Local Spins recaps a special night in Grand Rapids: The “Music That Raised Us” concert at Listening Room starring some of West Michigan’s most dynamic female artists performing enduring, influential songs. Photos, video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Elton John ‘always on fire’ in concert: Michigan-bred bassist relishes touring with piano legend
In a Local Spins interview, Elton’s bassist and Detroit-area native Matt Bissonette opens up about his career, his love of the Lions and the ‘crazy’ fun on stage with a rock icon. Elton’s farewell tour stops at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. Learn more about Bissonette and watch videos of recent performances by the Elton John Band.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Stonehengz amps up Traverse City’s ‘insane’ scene with blue-collar rock: N. Mich. Spotlight
After releasing its full-length debut album late last year, the Traverse City band with a ‘Midwest rock sound’ has a busy year of performances ahead. Learn more about Stonehengz and listen to their music.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Black Female Artists: Sarena Rae’s Top 10 playlist lauding women’s rights, love & justice
Tonight, Michigan Music Alliance and Grand Rapids singer Sarena Rae stage “Music That Raised Us” at Listening Room — a tribute to influential black female artists. Before that, Sarena Rae shares a compelling soundtrack of female icons, from local favorites to internationally acclaimed stars.
Artist Spotlights · Videos · Whatever Happened To
Whatever Happened To: Simien the Whale and its award-winning, brilliantly catchy rock
Our series exploring the whereabouts of West Michigan bands and artists who once reveled in the limelight checks in with the duo behind 2012’s ‘Local Spin of the Year.’ Read what they’ve been up to and listen to music from the band’s award-winning release.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Trampled by Turtles, Mustard Plug, Stormy Chromer prove ‘Life is Good’ back on stage
West Michigan’s concert week also heated up with Fit for a King, Rip VanRipper, SubDocta, Jesse James Dupree, Pretoria, Lipstick Jodi and more, all captured in Local Spins images. Browse the recaps and photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jesse Cook poised to bring flamenco fire and global rhythms to Wealthy Theatre
The universally revered guitarist plays Grand Rapids this week. The Local Spins interview with Jesse Cook, with a pair of music videos that he’s produced himself. Plus, enter a drawing to win tickets to see him in concert.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
West Michigan’s Whorled uncorks world music flair to win The Stray’s ‘Battle of the Bands’
With the venue packed to capacity, The Stray Café’s month-long competition involving 15 Michigan acts wrapped up Friday with fan-pleasing performances by finalists Whorled, Epitones and Daisybox. Read the recap, browse the photos and watch video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Little Feat, Sammy Rae, Steve Kimock, Steppin’ In It to pump up Camp Greensky 2022
The early June festival at Shagbark Farm south of Grand Rapids will feature Greensky Bluegrass, Peter Rowan, The Wayword Sons and more. Plus, Memorial Day weekend’s Buses by the Beach has revealed its lineup of regional stars, too. Get the lowdown and ticket information at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Nicholas James Thomasma’s mission: Write fine songs, showcase Michigan’s ‘incredible’ talent
Local Spins today highlights the veteran Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and ‘Songtellers’ host, plus debuts tracks by Eric O’Daly, Kanin, Tiny Car Army, The Heiden Underground, Luke Winslow-King & more. Listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast and learn more about Thomasma and his ‘Songtellers’ series.
Buttermilk Jamboree set to return in June with Way Down Wanderers, Funkadesi, Zion Lion
The highly rated, family-friendly music festival at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids will fire up with more than two dozen regional artists after a two-year COVID hiatus. See the initial lineup at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven, Lowell, Sparta, Kentwood, more brace for return of free summer concerts
Get ready for summer: Grand Haven’s Friday waterfront series boasts the likes of Albert Lee and Kim Richey; Lowell, Sparta & Kentwood will host acts ranging from The Accidentals to The Soul Syndicate. View those schedules & more.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Channing Lee’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: Alanis, Simon & Garfunkel, ‘Rent’
Today, Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Channing Lee — who’s also a member of The Verve Pipe — offers up the recordings that have influenced her the most. Listen to tracks from all of her picks.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
Artist to Watch: Max Brown’s ‘wildly successful, whirlwind’ ascent with The War & Treaty
The multi-instrumentalist and Michigan native has found a life-changing groove with Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter, who lead the fast-rising, Nashville-based band earning accolades while touring the globe. The interview, photos and videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Roundup: Irish revelry, Caroline Rose, Jon Langston, Whorled, Lokella, Laith Al-Saadi
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations may have been the focus for many, but West Michigan’s live music week also delivered country, indie-pop, metal, blues, alt-country and world music charm. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
N. Michigan’s popular Blissfest returns for 2022 with Shawn Colvin, Leftover Salmon & more
‘All roads lead to Blissfest’: The festival near Cross Village resumes July 8-10 for the first time since 2019 with a robust roster of artists. Get details and view the lineup.
Breaking music news · In-Depth Report · Local Spins on WYCE
COVID & Concerts Two Years In: Live music ramps up in 2022 but ‘scary’ worries remain
Founders Brewing will resume shows later this month after two years of silence, another example of live music’s robust return this year. Local Spins revisits how West Michigan venues are coping, the challenges that remain and what fans can expect.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins Fest rolls out mammoth, week-long salute to West Michigan music in mid-May
Local Spins’ 10th anniversary celebration will light up a half-dozen Grand Rapids venues with a diverse mix of performers and feature an outdoor mini-fest headlined by The Accidentals. Check out the schedule and full lineup for this milestone event.
Dozens of Michigan artists join flood of video entries in NPR’s 2022 Tiny Desk Contest
As an online ‘talent show’ of sorts, more than 40 Michigan bands and solo artists have submitted videos to NPR’s popular annual competition. View the Michigan entries here.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Drummer Michael Shimmin’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: Chili Peppers to Zappa
This week’s installment of ‘albums that changed the world’ for Michigan musicians spotlights the recordings that have most influenced in-demand percussionist Michael Shimmin. Listen to tracks from his picks and learn more about this Michigan musician.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Darius Rucker, Bruce Hornsby, Boz Scaggs, Brothers Osborne added to Interlochen series
Christian music star Jeremy Camp also is among touring artists announced for N. Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Festival. Details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Greta Van Fleet rocks GR (again), Lady Ace Boogie + Pals romp in Kalamazoo and more
Frankenmuth’s favorite sons in Greta Van Fleet continued their Michigan homecoming assault at DeltaPlex on Saturday, plus browse photos from a diverse set of shows in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, including Lady Ace Boogie, Jordan Hamilton, Cabildo, Djangophonique, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Between the Buried and Me.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Selkie catches fire with traditional Celtic music as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations abound
As part of the West Michigan trio’s busy week — including SpeakEZ Lounge’s return of Local Spins Wednesday – Selkie visited with Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted a host of Michigan-made tracks. Read the profile of Selkie and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Michigan’s Greta Van Fleet kicks off tour with fan-igniting, rock spectacle in Kalamazoo
With the Frankenmuth-bred stars playing five Michigan shows in a single week, the homecoming run began with a pyrotechnic flourish at Wings Event Center Thursday. Concert recap, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan House becomes ‘Midwest House’ for SXSW 2022 pop-up venue in Austin
Returning for the first, in-person South by Southwest fest in three years, Michigan’s presence takes on a regional flavor with plenty of Mitten State performers in the mix. Learn more about the pop-up venue in Austin and see which Michigan artists will be performing there this weekend.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Railroad Earth, Infamous Stringdusters, Yonder Mountain to headline Hoxeyville 2022
The 2022 edition of the northern Michigan music festival will also boast appearances by Lindsay Lou, May Erlewine, Larry Keel Experience, Mark Lavengood, Full Cord, Airborne or Aquatic and more. Learn more at Local Spins.
Artist to Watch: Katie Pederson’s ‘one-two punch’ of integrity, vividness in songwriting
Singer-songwriter and Saline native Katie Pederson discusses moving to Nashville, building a community and the joys of running in a Local Spins interview conducted by Enrique Olmos in the Music City. The artist profile, photo gallery and video.
Tool ushers forth civilization-reconstructing psychedelic-prog assault for Grand Rapids fans
Led by one-time Grand Rapidian Maynard James Keenan, Tool’s Tuesday spectacle at Van Andel Arena proved to be a wildly creative mix of rock and multimedia magic. The review by John Serba with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Lady Ace Boogie’s ‘Albums that Changed My World’: 3 Days Grace, Kendrick, Big Dudee Roo
As Lady Ace Boogie prepares for an all-star Kalamazoo show on Saturday, she reveals the albums that have influenced her at key points in her life and career. Listen to essential tracks from the albums at Local Spins and learn more about the weekend concert at Bell’s.
Mat Kearney unfurls ‘Something Beautiful’ with ‘genuine’ Grand Rapids performance
Monday’s tour stop at GLC Live at 20 Monroe had the Oregon native and Nashville-based singer-songwriter regaling the crowd with signature tunes as well as older gems. Check out the photos and set list.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tool: The Ultimate Local Spins Playlist, from ‘The Grudge’ to ‘Sober’ to ‘Lateralus’
Led by one-time West Michigander Maynard James Keenan, Tool returns to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, giving Local Spins writer John Serba the perfect excuse to assemble the ideal playlist to get fans fired up.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Little Feat boogies confidently ‘right through the night’ for exuberant Kalamazoo fans
The venerable band jammed out Saturday to memorable songs from ‘Waiting for Columbus’ for a gleeful, near-capacity crowd that reveled in its revisiting of genre-spanning gems. Review, plus photos from several West Michigan concerts, including Mitchell Tenpenny, Martin Sexton, May Erlewine, Kanola Band and more.
Daisybox wins Stray ‘Band Battle’ Round 1; Accidentals and folk icons win over GR fans
Friday night’s live music lineup included emerging acts competing in the first night of a March battle and seasoned, acclaimed songwriters unfurling poignant, harmony-hued tunes in an intimate setting. Get the show recaps and browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Greensky Bluegrass retains No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart; Cal in Red, Bootstrap Boys break through
Local Spins’ February chart based on WYCE airplay features repeat entries by three strong releases from Greensky Bluegrass, Kanola Band and Normal Mode. Listen to tracks from all of the charted albums.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Accidentals unfurl hopeful, songwriter-based ‘Time Out’ tour for West Michigan fans
Releasing a new ‘Time Out’ EP today, the Traverse City-bred musicians play Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo this weekend with three iconic fellow songwriters. Local Spins on WYCE spotlights the new project and debuts tracks by several other Michigan bands. Learn more about the ‘Time Out’ project and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Artist to Watch: Kaitlin Rose’s journey behind her ‘fierce’ upcoming record, ‘Acoustic Heart’
With an upcoming performance at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos profiles Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Kaitlin Rose and her ‘honest, healing’ music. Learn more about Rose and listen to her songs.
The Stray’s Battle of the Bands to showcase emerging Michigan acts throughout March
Kicking off with five bands on Friday, the month-long contest culminates in the finals on March 25, with cash prizes for winners. Get details and the band lineups at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Saxophonist John Gist’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: Turrentine, Boots & Brecker Bros.
This week, Local Spins asked Grand Rapids saxophone icon John Gist to reveal the recordings that most influenced him as a musician, starting with the legendary Stanley Turrentine. Check out his picks, plus a current favorite that’s a ’60s classic.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Keeping Little Feat’s legacy alive: Bill Payne brings iconic band, album to Kalamazoo
In an interview with Local Spins, the legendary keyboardist talks about the “Waiting for Columbus” tour and Little Feat’s special place in rock history. Plus, watch videos from the anniversary tour and listen to a new recording of “Fat Man in the Bathtub.”
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Christian McBride, Joe Hertler, Ripe, American Hotel System, Celestial: Concert Photo Roundup
From the EDM mania of Virtual Riot to the jazz of Christian McBride to the blues of James Reeser and prog-rock of CBDB, it was a resplendent weekend of live music from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, captured in Local Spins images and show recaps.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Upheaval Festival lands Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed for July 2022 at Belknap Park
The Grand Rapids heavy metal festival announced its lineup this week – from Three Days Grace to Heartsick. June’s long-running Charlotte Bluegrass Festival also revealed its roster. Get details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Motown 101: Exploring, embracing the history-making Michigan music that broke barriers
With educator/musician Glenn Bulthuis hosting a Motown class in March, Local Spins on WYCE digs into Motown’s impact while also debuting new music by several Michigan artists. Learn more about Motown and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Gaelic Storm, Proxima Parada, Fake Baseball rev up Bell’s busiest week in two years
Launching a St. Patrick’s Day celebration a few weeks early, Gaelic Storm kicked up its heels Tuesday, followed by jam band Proxima Parada and Kalamazoo’s own Fake Baseball on Wednesday. Get the show recaps and view the photos at Local Spins.
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