Three new releases by Grand Rapids artists made a splash on the November chart at WYCE, with Heerspink’s jazz-fueled “Monsters’ Impromptu” swapping places with Billy Strings. View the chart, listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
The Local Spins 2021 Christmas Gift Guide for Michigan Music Lovers
Back for the 2021 shopping season, Local Spins’ gift guide offers ideas for the music lover on your list: local products, including those supporting Michigan’s music scene along with a bevy of unique gifts bearing a tuneful vibe.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Kalamazoo producer, engineer, musician Ian Gorman: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
Recordings by The Rolling Stones, Gillian Welch and Sonic Youth had a big impact on studio owner Ian Gorman, who also revealed his penchant for the latest album by West Michigan’s own Patty PerShayla. Check out his album picks, plus listen to a couple of tracks from the band in which he’s been a member for 15 years.
Bela Fleck, Greensky Bluegrass pump up bluegrass hearts across West Michigan
Hometown heroes Greensky Bluegrass revved up two nights of fun at State Theatre for fans in Kalamazoo, with banjo phenom Bela Fleck lighting up a smaller crowd with an all-star crew at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall. The recaps and photos.
In Memoriam · Local Spins Rewind
Local Spins Rewind: Honoring the late musicians Michael Fleckenstein, Michael Hall
A year ago, West Michigan lost these beloved guitarists, so Local Spins remembers them today. On Sunday, K’zoofolklife hosts a Memorial Jam for Fleckenstein with musicians gathering for “music and[…]
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Singer Bradley Sinclair gearing up for ‘heartwarming’ GR holiday show, debut album
The Rockford native and one-time contestant on ‘The Voice’ performed a holiday classic and an original for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Joshua Rilko, Zebra 3, The Blue Pines, Vert Terms, Cal in Red and more. Get the back story about Sinclair and his upcoming show, and listen to this week’s radio podcast.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Thanksgiving Eve Revelry: The Verve Pipe, Desmond Jones, Stone Soup & The Broken Teeth
After a quiet 2020, the night before Thanksgiving in 2021 showed signs of reviving the musical flurry that’s traditionally kicked off the holiday weekend. Local Spins captured the vibe at three of the shows on Wednesday in words and images.
Killer Blues: Larry McCray to fire up benefit concert for blues icons’ grave headstones
Saturday’s concert in Whitehall is the biggest yet for an unusual project that places tombstones on unmarked graves of America’s influential blues musicians. Learn more about the Killer Blues mission, with details about the weekend benefit.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Michigan-bred bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings lands two more Grammy Award nominations
The nominations announced today stem from his latest, chart-topping studio album, “Renewal.” Billy Strings’ national tour hits Grand Rapids in late December, with fellow Grammy nominee Bela Fleck playing Grand Rapids this Saturday. Learn more about both nominees, with the Grammys set to be doled out on Jan. 31.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Albums That Changed My World: John Nowak’s zeal for The Beatles, Avett Bros., Gram Parsons
The Local Spins series focusing on records that most influenced Michigan musicians continues with Desmond Jones drummer/multi-instrumentalist John Nowak, who explores a diverse roster of artists. Get the back story, listen to the music — plus a couple of tracks from Desmond Jones, which plays a Thanksgiving Eve show in Grand Rapids..
The 2022 Local Spins Calendars: Music festival dates, photos of two dozen-plus Michigan bands
Local Spins once again is offering unique, Michigan-centric calendars that spotlight concert photos of Michigan artists and 2022 festival dates. They make perfect holiday gifts. Get ordering details and a list of artists featured in the new calendar.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
November Fire: The Cadillac Three, Terence Blanchard, Donna the Buffalo, Live at Creston
A guitar icon (Leo Kottke), a regional pop fave (Matt Giraud) and heavy rock album-release (Tiny Tree) and more were part of West Michigan’s concert mix this past weekend. Browse eight photo galleries at Local Spins.
Commentary · Local Spins Rewind
Thanksgiving Refrains of Gratitude: West Michigan musicians give thanks amid tumult
Thanksgiving 2021 arrives this coming week after another turbulent year. But there’s plenty to be thankful for, so Local Spins Rewind revisits messages of gratitude from West Michigan musicians.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Les Creatif makes waves with ‘genre-less’ mélange of rock- and hip hop-fueled funk
With new singles and an upcoming Thanksgiving weekend show, Les Creatif’s Dante Cope opened up about the Grand Rapids ensemble’s music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by several West Michigan artists.
Skelletones, Take Two: The rebirth of a much-revered Grand Rapids all-ages club (Video)
The “Comeback Road” series partnership between the Destination Live Music video team and Local Spins continues with a fresh look at the reopening of Skelletones, featuring interviews with the owners, young patrons and bands.
Traverse City’s Snacks and Five aims high with energetic, reggae-driven rock, funk
The up-and-coming band that unleashes “jam rock-funk wrapped in a reggae blanket” released an EP in late summer and plans to “hit it hard” on tour in 2022. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight and listen to a track from the Snacks and Five recording.
The Rolling Stones romp in ageless, career-spanning display at Detroit’s Ford Field
The venerable, iconic rock band’s much-ballyhooed Michigan tour stop proved remarkable due to Mick Jagger’s boundless energy and the band’s endearing love for Detroit fans. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Albums that Changed My World: Hannah Laine’s exploratory quest, Cassidy to Kaiyote
Today, Local Spins spotlights the albums that most influenced Earth Radio singer and keyboardist Hannah Laine. Listen to tracks from all of the albums, plus songs from a current favorite and the latest from Earth Radio.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Emmylou Harris, Glen Hansard, Patty Griffin to lead lineup at Ann Arbor Folk Festival
The festival presented by The Ark is back again as an in-person event for 2022, with Punch Brothers and the Michigan-bred Sweet Water Warblers also on the bill. See the full lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.
Act Casual shows swagger with funky, fun, confident new single, ‘Fresh (Out the Shower)’
The progressive metro Detroit jam fusion band has released two new tracks this fall as it prepares to release its full-length debut album and gets revved up for a three-day New Year’s Eve bash. Learn more about Act Casual in this Artist Spotlight feature, a partnership with Ypsilanti’s Grove Studios.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rodney Crowell uncorks ‘joyful’ show of gems, plus Zach Bryan, Nada Surf, Dixon’s Violin
The Americana icon regaled fans at St. Cecilia Music Center amid a week filled with varied musical spectacles at West Michigan venues. Browse all the photo galleries at Local Spins, from Jinjer to Zach Bryan to Dixon’s Violin to Major Murphy and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Desmond Jones celebrates country-leaning new record while eyeing Thanksgiving ‘dance party’
The Grand Rapids jam band with a big upcoming Thanksgiving Eve show went acoustic for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Lucy Lowis, Aquaerials, Lexi Adams, Allie Fennema and more. The back story, radio show podcast and more at Local Spins.
Grand Rapids indie-pop duo Trauna on mission for fans to ‘shake their ass all over the world’
The band, which played its first-ever live set at The Pyramid Scheme in late October, strives to get people dancing and ‘get down to a disco beat.’ Peruse the Local Spins Artist Spotlight and listen to the duo’s latest single.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Rolling Stones’ ‘miracle’ tour set for Detroit after ‘gut punch’ of Charlie Watts’ death
In a revealing Local Spins interview, long-standing Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell talks about the thrill of playing with the iconic band, moving forward without Charlie Watts and the upcoming 60th anniversary. Plus, watch a video snippet from a recent tour stop.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Americana icon Rodney Crowell finds joy in eclectic new music, touring with stellar band
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter plays Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Friday night, touring behind a highly praised new studio album. The Local Spins interview.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Albums that Changed My World: Rick Chyme’s nod to Public Enemy, Bill Withers, Lost Boyz
The Local Spins series showcasing music that influenced Michigan-bred musicians continues with hip hop’s Rick Chyme. Check out his picks; listen to tracks from all of the records.
Album Reviews: Les Creatif, Lazy Genius, Tiny Tree, Brother Elsey, Laggies, Heiden U-Ground
This early November round-up of new releases by West Michigan artists explores some inventive and mind-expanding creations. Read the reviews, listen to the music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
An Dro’s final show, Pop Evil, Todd Snider, Pokey LaFarge, Every Time I Die: Photo Recaps
Amid the flurry of national tour stops firing up crowds from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo was an understated finale for a much-beloved West Michigan Celtic band that decided to end its long run. Check out the An Dro story along with 10 photo galleries from a hectic week of concerts.
Divergent Displays: Dave Matthews Band arena spectacle vs. Dawes’ COVID-caused solo show
For diehard fans of two well-known touring bands, it proved to be a far different concert experience this weekend in Grand Rapids. The recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Los Lobos shake the house with original gems, blues belters, Beach Boys classic in GR shows
The legendary band from East L.A. played a pair of sold-out shows in the intimate confines of Grand Rapids’ Listening Room on Friday. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Verve Pipe spins dynamic, lush new ‘Threads’ as musical connection with fans
With a fresh studio album released today and three GR shows on the way, Brian Vander Ark talked about the project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted several tracks by other West Michigan artists. The Local Spins interview with the full radio show podcast.
Billy Strings, The Accidentals lead Hot Top 5 Chart with Laurel Premo right behind
The support for their releases makes them smile. The October chart ranking the top local and regional albums also features Desmond Jones, Lee Heerspink and Odd Space.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Inventive Todd Rundgren keeps bassist Kasim Sulton and band on their toes as tour hits GR
A mainstay with Rundgren and Utopia, Sulton is part of “The Individualist, A True Star” show that plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Friday. The Local Spins interview with the acclaimed bassist.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Albums that Changed My World: Cameron Blake’s ardor for Billie, Glenn & mewithoutYou
On Saturday, Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Cameron Blake plays a special show at Listening Room. Today, he shares the recordings that most influenced him. Plus, win tickets to see him live.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Intense and unstoppable’ Rin Tarsy mines heartache, peace and hope with album debut
Described as a fierce, truth-seeking powerhouse, the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter hosts an album-release show Thursday at Wealthy Theatre. The Local Spins interview, with a track from the album and a video from a performance at The Ark.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Larkin Poe ignites Fountain Street Church with Southern-fried blues-rock gospel
The Grammy-nominated, sister-fronted band embraced the unique surroundings for a rousing Halloween eve concert in Grand Rapids. Plus, check out photo recaps of weekend shows starring Chuck Prophet, The Way Down Wanderers, Stovepipe Stover, Emilee Petersmark, Mushmen, Wavves, Lisa Can’t Sing and more.
Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: A Devil’s Night Playlist to Creep Out Your Halloween Hoopla
Exactly one year ago, Local Spins compiled a Top 10 list of its readers’ favorite terrifying tracks for a spine-tingling soundtrack. As a Halloween bonus, see what acts scare them the most.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Michigander happy and content as successful U.S. tour celebrates Grand Rapids homecoming
Frontman Jason Singer talks about his epic 2021 and aims for ‘a special night’ after being featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Les Creatif, Cal in Red, Stovepipe, Trauna, The Go Rounds and more. The story and radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Halloween Haunts: West Michigan’s Top 13 concerts and parties for the weekend
For the first time in two years, live music and all manner of costume parties are ramping up for Halloween weekend. Lucky for you, we’ve selected 13 of ’em to check out along with some honorable mentions.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Fall’s Top 10 Michigan Music Videos: Cameron Blake, Wuzee & Samil, Bradley Sinclair, more
As music moves indoors, Local Spins offers up lots to ogle while listening to new tracks by Michigan artists, including the premiere of a new song by Cameron Blake, a poignant tribute from Luke Winslow-King, some Halloween-appropriate creepiness and more gems. Plus, check out a couple of bonus videos from Billy Strings and The Accidentals.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Halloween Playlist: Stovepipe’s Most Sinister Top 10 Songs of the Spooky Season
For this year’s creepy soundtrack, Local Spins asked dark folk/gothic Americana artist and Halloween lover Stovepipe Stover for his eeriest favorites, from Killer Klowns to a witch’s doo-wop ode to a local gem. Listen to the songs and watch the videos at Local Spins, if you dare.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids-bound Larkin Poe talks tour blunders, snacks, ‘joy through creativity’
The roots-rocking, bluesy, fast-rising, Nashville-based band plays Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids on Saturday, part of a tour that’s crisscrossing the country. The fronting sister duo of Rebecca and Megan Lovell chatted recently with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
October Arias in Photos: All Time Low, Knapp & McKeown, Andy Frasco, The Steel Wheels
All Time Low’s Saturday night tour stop at Grand Rapids’ GLC Live at 20 Monroe wrapped up a week of wildly disparate live music. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Too Chillay for Cats: West Michigan’s take on a ‘Euro chill-out’ record in tribute to Miss Paris
Grand Rapids studio owner Michael Crittenden unveiled a unique instrumental project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by River City Narrative, Laura Rain, Flowers on the Grave, Laggies and more. Get the back story on ‘Too Chillay for Cats’ and listen to this week’s full radio show.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Mighty Big Rig, Laurel Premo, Edison Kitt, The Shook, Adam Main, John Piatek
This mid-October roundup of new Michigan releases covers artists from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Traverse City, including instrumental projects and a compelling collection inspired by loss. Browse the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
‘The Velvet Underground’: A slippery-wet take on one of America’s most important rock bands
The new film by Todd Haynes rolls out a unique approach in documenting New York’s iconic and influential Velvet Underground. The Local Spins review by John Serba.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
David Ramirez on dreams, Texas and touring as ‘an ambassador for being together’
The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter plays a solo show at Calvin University on Wednesday night. He took time out to chat about his music, his tour and more with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Albums that Changed My World: Jack Droppers passion for poetry, playfulness & bar band rock
As head of a Grand Rapids rock band and concert booking guru for Calvin University, Jack Droppers has a unique impact on West Michigan’s music scene. And these are the albums that have impacted his life the most. Get the back story and listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Chris Renzema’s homecoming, Black Pumas, The Record Company & more rock W. Michigan
In many ways, the weekend reflected a pre-pandemic flurry of live music with some rousing national tours and a sold-out, triumphant Sunday night return of a Grand Rapids native and budding star. A review and recaps in 10 photo galleries at Local Spins.
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