Fresh releases from Austin Benzing, Bermuda Teenager and Opulent Ardor round out this early October collection of albums and EPs. Browse the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the recordings by West Michigan artists.
Breaking music news · Commentary
Billy Strings wins Entertainer of the Year honors as latest bluegrass album hits No. 1
The Ionia County native is changing the face of bluegrass and bringing mainstream attention to an important American genre. A Local Spins commentary.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Guitarist Jake Kershaw’s yen for the blues and country: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
This week’s edition of “Albums That Changed the World” reveals the recordings that forever influenced young Michigan guitarist Jake Kershaw. Check out his picks and bend an ear to all of the recordings, along with a couple of Kershaw’s recent singles.
The Accidentals revel in early tour thrills, soar to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The Traverse City alt-folk band brings its tour behind “Vessel” to Grand Rapids and other Michigan cities this week. Find out what concertgoers can expect, view the latest Hot Top 5 chart of new local and regional releases and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
In the Valley Below, Mustard Plug, Horizen Fest, Lanco, Petty Tribute: Weekend Concert Recap
The first weekend of October unfurled a bevy of musical milestones with live music from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Cedar Springs. Revisit the action in six Local Spins photo galleries.
Rock on and polka on: Pulaski Days rev up Grand Rapids’ Polish halls
The longstanding tradition returned to 14 Polish halls this weekend, with polka and rock bands firing up stages and lots of pierogi and beer doled out to revelers. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Ryne Experience rolls out ‘fake greatest hits’ collection of sundry indie gems
Led by Lowell’s Ryne Clarke, the ambitious and lengthy new project was spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by In the Valley Below, Mighty Big Rig, Crooked Spires, August, County Parks, Laurel Premo and more. Learn more about The Ryne Experience and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Mandolin whiz Sam Bush builds on bluegrass tradition with modern flair, ‘positive energy’
The multi-award-winning musician brings his band to Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center next week. Learn more about Sam Bush in this Local Spins interview and watch his performance videos.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Album Review: The Accidentals set sail in ‘Vessel’ awash in vivid, indie-rock brushstrokes
The Traverse City alt-folk band launches its album-release tour with several Michigan shows this week, promoting a much-anticipated, vibrant new studio recording. Listen to the album exclusively today at Local Spins, watch the latest music video and check out our review of “Vessel.”
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Wilco to Coltrane: Singer-songwriter Brett Mitchell’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’
The northern Michigan drummer and guitarist today reveals the rock, jazz, soul, alt-country and funk influences which helped shape his own music, plus some artists he’s listening to these days. Bend an ear to tracks from all of the albums, plus songs from Mitchell’s latest release.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows · Videos
Album Review: Billy Strings adds mastery of words to his guitar prowess on ‘Renewal’
The award-winning, Michigan-bred bluegrass star takes another impressive step forward on his latest, super-lengthy studio release. Delve into this 16-track collection, listen to the jammiest track and check out his latest music video.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Musical energy galore: Backyard Bash, Pink Sky, Troll for Trout, Joe Hertler, Brother Elsey
Perrin’s day-long Backyard Bash highlighted a weekend of crowd-pleasing shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo — captured in images at Local Spins. Relive the action in seven photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Top 10 Lists
The Summer of 2021’s Top 10 Concerts and Festivals: A Local Spins List
Fall has arrived, so Local Spins columnist John Sinkevics offers up his Top 10 favorites shows or live music events that he attended this summer. We also list some readers’ picks of best concerts. What are yours?
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Brother Elsey reaping rootsy rewards of pushing creative envelope for new album
The Grand Rapids Americana/indie-rock band releases its new project today, with Local Spins on WYCE also debuting tracks by The Verve Pipe, The Accidentals, Luke Winslow-King and more. Get the back story of Brother Elsey’s latest release and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Aquinas College alum & singer-songwriter John Piatek helms pop- and psychedelic-hued project
The Traverse City-based guitarist’s latest indie-rock collaboration with Jake Myers was inspired by the “scenic imagery” of northern Michigan. Learn more about John Piatek in this Artist Spotlight and listen to tracks from the new album.
Perrin Backyard Bash returns Saturday with ‘high-energy,’ diverse W. Michigan bands
Grand Rapids’ Desmond Jones, celebrating a new album, closes out the party that will also boast a headlining set by The Hacky Turtles, plus appearances by Flexadecibel, Melophobix, Nathan Walton & The Remedy and the Polyphonic Element. Get the full schedule for this event that was forced to take a one-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Three Albums That Changed My World: Dominic John Davis’ genre-spanning favorites
Best known for his work with Jack White and Steppin’ In It, bassist and Michigan native Dominic John Davis boasts an eclectic array of musical influences. He shares those today with readers at Local Spins.
Galactic wraps up ‘crazy’ Meijer Gardens season with upbeat jams, party-starting funk
The New Orleans band made the most of its unexpected headlining status, closing out the 2021 concert series with an upbeat exclamation point. The Local Spins review and photo gallery from the final Meijer Gardens show of the season.
Concert Roundup: Pat Benatar, Andy Shauf, May Erlewine, Lady Ace Boogie & more
The final week of summer and arrival of Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize brought a blitz of concerts to West Michigan, including Pat Benatar, Andy Shauf, May Erlewine, Alex G, The Deep Stare, Lady Ace Boogie and more. Here are Local Spins recaps and photo galleries.
Judas Priest takes metal faithful on ‘Hell Patrol’ for fistbanging 50th anniversary spectacle
The legendary English heavy metal icons made a tour stop at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Thursday with Sweden’s Sabaton opening. The review by Local Spins’ John Serba with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Guitarist Austin Benzing explores boundaries of country music with star-studded album
The co-leader of Benzing-Graves Collective drops his solo debut next week. He was featured this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Bradley Sinclair, Syd Burnham, Lady Ace Boogie, Phabies and more. Learn more about Benzing and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Toad the Wet Sprocket provides Gen X its moment in spotlight with nostalgic turn in GR
The ’90s pop-rockers energized the Meijer Gardens crowd Wednesday, delivering hits and helping close out the final week of an abbreviated but busy concert series at the amphitheater. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Musician Eli Kahn makes ‘escape to our dreams’ a unique ArtPrize experience
With ArtPrize returning to Grand Rapids this week, Eli Kahn of South Bend’s After Ours brings a unique composition to life at the Muse GR gallery with texture and movement that immerses its listeners. Learn more about this ArtPrize entry — and one that has guitarist Tom Wall making music with plants — at Local Spins.
Iconic Voices: Michael Bublé charms arena; Indigo Girls ‘Howl at the (Gardens) Moon’
Monday proved to be an enchanting evening for devoted fans of two established, much-beloved artists whose tours made stops at different Grand Rapids venues. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Rain-impeded Black Violin, Blind Boys of Alabama power through at Meijer Gardens
A nearly 90-minute storm delay and venue evacuation didn’t entirely put a damper on the acts’ sunny outlooks, with Black Violin’s soaring strings and hip hop closing out an unpredictable evening, The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
O.A.R., Jake Kershaw, Rachael Davis, Bier Distillery’s 5th Anniversary: Photo Recap
Grand Rapids-area music fans embraced a mix of audience-engaging concerts, including a triumphant tour stop by O.A.R. at Meijer Gardens and the final Blues on the Grand show of the summer. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Giving youth ‘a place to go,’ Skelletones reopens with hardcore ‘lightning in a bottle’
The all-ages club on S. Division Avenue in Grand Rapids hosted its first show in 12 years on Friday. Local Spins was there to capture the energetic vibe in the packed house and the images from the inaugural celebration.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Tales and anecdotes aplenty lift first night of West Michigan Songwriter’s Festival
Four Nashville songwriters and Rockford’s Daniel Terry kicked off the inaugural two-day event Friday at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont. The recap, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Feeding Grizzlies adds ‘polished finish’ to alt-rock sound for first full-length album
The Grandville trio was spotlighted for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Edison Kitt, Rick Chyme, Colt Snuffer and other Michigan artists. Get the back story about the band and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
All-ages Skelletones set to reopen, rock the house and ‘rekindle memories’ this weekend
Grand Rapids’ renovated and much-beloved S. Division Avenue club will stage its first show in 12 years on Friday, with a lineup of hard-rocking West Michigan bands. The preview at Local Spins.
Mat Kearney unfurls charming, expansive set for rescheduled show in ‘God’s country’
The engaging singer-songwriter deftly managed an unexpected fan on stage during his set and a balance of new and old songs during Wednesday’s Meijer Gardens concert. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
May Erlewine, Crane Wives, Tannahill Weavers star in new CD aiding N. Michigan art center
The special collection of live Manitou Music Festival performances is a testament — and a tribute — to the talents of longtime Traverse City sound engineer Jack Conners, who has been battling cancer. Read more about Conners and the project at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Three Albums That Changed My World: Rachael Davis’ penchant for Patty, Ella & ‘The Big Chill’
Michigan native Rachael Davis plays Grand Rapids on Thursday, but before that, she reveals the recordings that most influenced her career. Listen to tracks from the albums and see how you can win tickets to Davis’ Listening Room show.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
First-ever West Michigan Songwriter’s Festival aims to inspire with ‘magic’ of songcraft
Longtime songwriter and financial advisor Daniel Terry spearheads this weekend’s songwriters-in-the-round performances and workshop at Blythfield Country Club. Get the back story and ticket details at Local Spins.
West Michigan Music’s State of the Union: The Labor Day 2021 report from the trenches
It comes straight from the musicians themselves: The sobering Labor Day assessment of where things stand for performers and songwriters after a cataclysmic, pandemic-impaired year. A must-read from Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Jams in Photos: Joe Hertler, Legal Immigrants, Steppin’ In It, Loudon Wainwright
The holiday weekend brought out some regional favorites for outdoor celebrations and a West Michigan tour stop by a songwriting legend. The concert recaps in photos from Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Michigan Rattlers carry home-state pride straight to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The northern Michigan folk-rockers’ latest release soared to the top spot at WYCE-FM in the midst of their national tour. See who else made the August chart and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Soul-pop’s August pushes musical envelope amid ‘altered reality’ of COVID pandemic
On the same day it released its latest album, the Grand Rapids band talked shop for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted songs by The Bootstrap Boys, The Accidentals, Danielle Cosby, The Go Rounds, Avocadsquad, Bermuda Teenager, The Gasoline Gypsies and more. Get August’s back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Ann Arbor-based Beanstalk pilots exhilarating interplanetary, synth-house voyage
The Local Spins and Grove Studios series spotlighting emerging talent from eastern Michigan focuses today on a singular DJ and multi-instrumentalist with a dynamic new album. Read more about Beanstalk and listen to his music at Local Spins.
Trombone Shorty keeps Grand Rapids crowd on its feet for entirety of jubilant return
New Orleans-born-and-bred multi-instrumentalist Troy Andrews and the effervescent Orleans Avenue band enraptured a sold-out Meijer Gardens on Wednesday with virtuosic musicianship and Big Easy spirit. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers ‘pumped’ to headline Ballpark Jam at Sullivan Field
The Michigan band going ‘really hard’ this summer will join three other regional faves at the unique West Side venue on Friday. The Local Spins interview with frontman Joe Hertler, plus show details and ticket information about the event hosted by Fans of Valley Field.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Looking for the Perfect Beat: ARC Music Fest setting sail in Chicago with top-shelf lineup
Local Spins columnist Todd Ernst encourages West Michigan electronic music fans to skip down to the Windy City over the holiday weekend for an inaugural ARC Music Festival that he says is ‘pulling out all the stops.’ The preview and performance schedule at Local Spins.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s John McEuen poised to bring musical stories to life in Grand Rapids
Joined by The String Wizards, the legendary John McEuen makes a tour stop Friday at Listening Room when fans can expect entertaining tales, new material and Nitty Gritty classics. And Local Spins is giving away tickets to a couple of lucky readers.
Good for what ails you: Old Crow Medicine Show offers healthy dose of relentless energy
The ever-engaging Americana/bluegrass/country Nashville-based, Virginia-bred band enthralled a sold-out Meijer Gardens audience in its welcomed return to Grand Rapids on Sunday. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Weekend Rave: Breakaway, blues, ska, rock, pop music and muscle cars (Photo Galleries)
August’s final weekend featured a flurry of live music from Grand Rapids’ Breakaway festival and The Pyramid Scheme to the 28th Street Metro Cruise to Kalamazoo’s State Theatre. Revisit the action in images at Local Spins.
St. Paul & The Broken Bones bring fancy musical footwork, taste of Alabama to GR
The band’s sold-out show Friday at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was filled with soul and charisma on a muggy August night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
‘Crazy Times’: Breakaway Music Festival romps at Belknap with Illenium, exuberant fans
The opening day of the first Breakaway celebration in two years brought sunshine, heat, electronic music stars and gyrating throngs to the Grand Rapids park on Friday. The Local Spins recap, photo gallery and some video highlights from Day 1, with Day 2 on tap Saturday.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Brother John & The Lonely Roads pave ‘musical gamble’ with rootsy, gospel-hued strains
Frontman Caleb John Lawson revealed the backdrop for ‘A Different Gospel’ for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by August, Sterpher, Crooked Spires, The Shook, Steve Rivers, Alfie DaGreat, Feeding Grizzlies and much more. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature, plus this week’s radio show podcast.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit lay bare poignant power in Grand Rapids tour stop
The acclaimed songwriter unfurled the first major concert at DeVos Performance Hall since early 2020, a rescheduled show heavy on material from his band’s latest album. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
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