Act Casual, Chirp, Mark Lavengood, The Whiskey Charmers, The Hacky Turtles, Lighting Matches and more are part of the 2021 lineup at the northern Michigan festival taking place July 23-25. Get details and the full festival schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Belknap Park unleashes rock ’n’ roll Upheaval on Day 1 with Korn, Pop Evil and more
“Rock music is back!” Despite some early rain, throngs of head-bangers cheered their hard-rocking heroes as festival performances — featuring several Michigan acts — returned to Grand Rapids. Read the review, browse the photo gallery and watch video highlights from the first day of Upheaval Festival.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Greensky Bluegrass lights up Shagbark Farm with gleeful, ‘overwhelming’ homecoming salvo
Playing the first of three nights at the Caledonia-area ranch, the Michigan-bred progressive bluegrass powerhouse earned a rousing welcome from fans. The Local Spins review, with photos and video highlights from Night No. 1.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Lipstick Jodi hits pop stride with new studio album, fresh lineup
The indie alt-pop band releasing ‘More Like Me’ in August was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Accidentals, Seven Purple Tigers, Martyr for Madison, The Mulberry Wolves and more. The Artist Spotlight feature, radio show podcast and a video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
‘Damn good energy’: The return of WLAV blues concerts and a Michigander sell-out
Thursday night in Grand Rapids unfurled as a tale of two outdoor milestones: the first ‘Blues on the Grand’ show headlined by the Eric Gales Band and another full house at Studio Park with sets by Michigander and Lipstick Jodi. Check out the show recaps, browse the photo galleries and watch video highlights at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Meijer Gardens opening concert heralds new partnership with Grand Rapids Symphony
The Symphony will join Preservation Hall Jazz Band on Sunday night, the first of three summer shows at the amphitheater that will feature the orchestra. Get the lowdown on this new collaboration and watch a video preview of the upcoming Meijer Gardens concert season.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Features
Metro Detroit hip hop artist Rod Wallace: Amplifying music, education and community
Local Spins’ series showcasing eastern Michigan talent focuses today on a Detroit educator, hip hop producer and community leader who leans on collaboration to grow talent and promote education. Learn more about Rod Wallace and listen to his music.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Blasting Belknap: Michigan rock bands to join Korn, Rob Zombie, Pop Evil for Upheaval debut
The new festival’s two-day rock ‘n’ roll assault at the Grand Rapids park shapes up as ‘surreal and unbelievably exciting.’ Get the back story and the full festival schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Videos
Greensky Bluegrass ‘super-psyched’ to unleash first Michigan shows since 2019
The progressive bluegrass powerhouse with roots in Kalamazoo plays three nights at Shagbark Farm south of Grand Rapids starting Friday. The Local Spins interview with banjoist Michael Arlen Bont, plus videos and ticket links.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
‘Three Albums that Changed My World’: Kari Lynch’s reverence for Patsy, Bonnie and Alanis
Female artists, not surprisingly, have had a big impact on the music of country singer Kari Lynch. Today, she reveals the albums that influenced her most, along with a current favorite band on her playlist. Plus, listen to a track from her band’s latest release.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Beaver Island Music Festival ‘absolutely stoked’ to rekindle northern Michigan celebration
The remote, cozy festival in northern Lake Michigan will feature a host of Michigan stars this weekend, including The Gasoline Gypsies, Hacky Turtles, Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps, The Founding and more. Learn more about this year’s event and watch videos of some of the featured bands at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
GRAM on the Green concerts return for 2021 with Djangophonique, JRob, Laura Rain
The Grand Rapids Art Museum and WYCE will present three free summer shows in downtown Grand Rapids. Get details and view new concert series announced for Allendale, Big Rapids, Kalamazoo and more.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Chase Rice, On the Sun, Accidentals, Charles the Osprey, Flexadecibel juice up July: Photos
From Grand Rapids to the lakeshore, bands and fans celebrated the return of live music to packed venues, many hosting their first concerts in more than a year. Browse the images from The Intersection, The Pyramid Scheme, Burl & Sprig, Listening Room/Studio Park and Grand Haven’s Waterfront Stadium at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
Arlo Guthrie turns 74: The ‘Local Spins Rewind’ interview with the now-retired folk icon
Arlo Guthrie celebrates his 74th birthday today. After a 2019 stroke, he officially retired from touring in 2020. But before that — in 2018 — Local Spins chatted with him before a show at Kalamazoo’s State Theatre. Today, we revisit that interview.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Singer-songwriter Travis Atkinson ‘leans freely in different directions’ for solo project
The frontman for Grand Rapids’ Deep Greens & Blues delved into his new solo material for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brett Mitchell, Brian Lybrandt, Desmond Jones, The Vermeers, i.am.james and others. Learn more about Atkinson’s music and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
After 483 days of silence, The Intersection revs up with reggae-driven riffs, effusive fans
Thursday night’s return to live music at the Grand Rapids nightclub filled its Elevation venue with dance-happy fans of Tropidelic and Snacks & Five. Revisit the celebration in a review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps ‘kick door down’ with new album at No. 1 on Hot Top 5
The rock ’n’ roll collection tops an all-new Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for June that also features Jack Droppers, Lipstick Jodi and other brand new chart entries . Plus, view a new video from the Mayhaps and see what else is in store for PerShayla in 2021 and listen to tracks from all of the featured albums.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Meijer Gardens welcomes back jam-packed crowd for emotional, lively Michigan-bred jams
The first Tuesday Evening Music Club show in nearly two years filled the amphitheater for sets by The Accidentals and Roosevelt Digs. Get the recap, view the photos and video exclusively at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
Three Albums that Changed My World: Gunnar Nyblad’s country- and rock-fueled roster
The frontman for West Michigan’s popular Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys reveals the rootsy, blue-collar gems that have influenced him the most, from Johnny Cash to Bruce Springsteen. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Holiday Harmonies: Concert photo recap from City Built, Studio Park, Tip Top, Smiling Acres
West Michigan’s 2021 Independence Day weekend proved to be far busier music-wise than the pandemic-impaired 2020, and Local Spins was there to capture the concert action in photos.
The return of The Accidentals: Happy, eager, rocking stages & unfurling their best album yet
After more than a year, the popular Traverse City folk-rock trio is back on the road and eyeing release of the much-anticipated ‘Vessel’ this fall. The Local Spins interview, with a Top 10 playlist of The Accidentals’ favorite current tracks and a photo gallery from their early July concert at Meijer Gardens.
Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Lakeshore’s beloved Red Dock hosting final summer of concerts before falling silent
The charming and unique ‘right-on-the-water’ club in Douglas bids farewell at the end of the season after hosting regional bands and national touring acts for more than two decades. Discover the back story and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Smiling Acres Music Festival debuts with rousing live sets, hugs and, yes, smiles
’Finally, the music is back.’ The inaugural festival in Trufant reveled in good weather, camaraderie and the return of live performances. Get the recap, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The boundary-pushing, label-defying, explorative jazz of The Deep Stare
The West Michigan band which plays the Smiling Acres festival on Saturday debuted new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Willamena, Wild Air, Travis Atkinson, John Piatek and more. Get the back story on this super-group and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
WLAV brings back ‘Blues on the Grand’ and live music returns to Founders Brewing
Things aren’t quite back to normal with live music, but WLAV’s free Thursday night blues shows and live music in Founders’ beer garden means Grand Rapids fans will move closer to a pre-pandemic vibe. Get the details and the schedule at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Live music in Northern Michigan heating up in July & August: The Local Spins List
Canada’s Brass Transit plays Bay View outside Petoskey on Saturday, kicking off a hectic month of concerts across northern Michigan. Learn more about this band and view a full schedule of “up north” shows.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
‘Three Albums that Changed My World’: Studio owner and audio guru Bill Chrysler
Grand Haven sound engineer Bill Chrysler has toured the world with some of the biggest names in the business. Today, he reveals the albums that inspired him to pursue his music industry career.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: PerShayla, Droppers, DJ Blaze, Pack Sounds, Morgan Haner, Steve Leaf
Local Spins wraps up June with a look at six intriguing and diverse new releases by West Michigan artists. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Building a Musical Ark: Torrential rains boost indoor shows but a few outdoor sets shine, too
The state’s outdoor concert and festival flurry took an unexpected turn with the week’s unceasing rain and even tornado warnings, but indoor shows flourished at Listening Room and Tip Top Deluxe, along with a few outdoor sets across the region. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens sells out Harry Connick, O.A.R., Blues Traveler concerts in 15 minutes
Tickets to Meijer Gardens summer concerts went on sale today to members who were antsy after a year off to embrace amphitheater shows: Seven sold out in two hours; nine by 5 p.m. The lowdown and links at Local Spins, along with this year’s concert schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
‘Old-time Renaissance’: History nerd Ben Traverse’s sea shanties and traditional folk
The West Michigan folk revivalist was this week’s spotlighted artist for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Bradley Sinclair, EPCYA, Rochelle & The Spoilers, Tiny Tree, Hominian, Jake Allen and more. Dig into the story of ‘old soul’ Ben Traverse and listen to this week’s interview and radio show podcast.
Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Tip Top Deluxe marking 10 years of live music with day-long lineup of regional stars
After barely surviving the pandemic, the ever-groovy and intimate Tip Top Deluxe celebrates a major milestone this weekend. The back story and Saturday’s schedule at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
20 Monroe Live renamed GLC Live at 20 Monroe via Gun Lake Casino’s title sponsorship
The popular downtown Grand Rapids concert venue closed since the pandemic will kick off shows again in August under its new name. View details and the upcoming show schedule.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
With Blue Highway & Doyle Lawson, Charlotte Bluegrass Festival set for triumphant return
After a silent 2020, the iconic, three-day music festival this weekend at Eaton County Fairgrounds has organizers and fans ‘super-excited.’ Learn more about this event and view the full performance schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions grapple with faith, love, parenthood & rock ’n’ roll art
With release of the band’s third full-length album, “Dad Rock,” Droppers opens up about getting in trouble while growing up in Florida, being a new father and crafting a record during a pandemic. Learn more about the project, view the videos and browse a photo gallery from the band’s recent record-release show.
Announcements · Breaking music news
New Michigan Music Alliance data bases aim to connect & empower artists, venues, studios
The three separate rosters of musicians, venues and recording studios list contact information to boost opportunities for bookings and collaboration. Get details at Local Spins, with links to sign up for these data bases.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Summertime Live Photos: Granger Smith, plus Gunnar, Lavengood, Lynch & Reeser
Local Spins celebrates the first day of summer and Father’s Day with a photo gallery of live music that heated up outdoor stages in Lowell, Grand Rapids, Three Rivers, Jackson and Rockford. Browse the images and a video from these concerts.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Playlists
Juneteenth Rewind: The ‘Black Music Matters’ Top 20 Playlist of Emerging W. Michigan artists
In honor of today’s Juneteenth celebration, Local Spins Rewind revisits its compelling playlist from a panel of musicians who chose emerging black artists with great potential from the region who deserve a brighter spotlight. Check out the roster of artists and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Paulie Cohen and his painful, beautiful, wild, emotional magnum opus
Battling cancer, the Kalamazoo multi-instrumentalist responded with an epic project featured by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Seth Bernard, Tobin Sprout, Ernie Clark and more. Discover more about Paulie Cohen’s remarkable musical journey and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven’s waterfront stadium to host free summer series with national touring acts
From The Sea The Sea to Seth Glier to The Young Fables, the 10-concert lineup on Friday nights will feature nationally acclaimed artists starting in July. View the full schedule and details at Local Spins.
Concert Listings · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
‘The Blues are Back’: Rockford throngs revel in first summer series show in 21 months
Free community concerts boast a special vibe, with regional bands connecting with fans, families. Local Spins captured Tuesday’s James Reeser & The Backseat Drivers show in words and photos. Plus, view schedules for more outdoor series recently added to the summer lineup.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Three Albums that Changed My World: The melange of Lord Huron’s Ben Schneider
With chart-topping success for music from Lord Huron’s latest album, frontman Ben Schneider today reveals the recordings that have inspired him the most, from hip hop to vintage country to “shining” art rock. View his picks and listen to tracks from the albums at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens set to host Emmylou Harris, Collective Soul, Umphrey’s McGee, America
After skipping concerts in 2020, the outdoor amphitheater resumes its main summer series on July 18 with Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Grand Rapids Symphony. The full lineup at Local Spins, with ticket prices and other details.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Spotlight: Jake Kershaw, Noveliss, Bootstrap Boys, Rockford Start of Summer
It was the first big week of live music in the great outdoors across West Michigan with nightly offerings of regional stars from Kalamazoo to Allegan to Grand Rapids to Rockford. Relive the performances in images and a highlights video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Steve Leaf unfurls whimsical ‘Twelve Songs,’ muses on breakup songs & pandemic creativity
With a brand new self-produced record, “Twelve Songs,” the guitarist sat down with Local Spins to talk recording, West Michigan’s inspiring music scene and the sad late-night food offerings in Grand Rapids. Plus, listen to tracks from the new album.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
More Free West Michigan Concerts: Jenison, Belding, Cadillac, St. Joe, Wayland, Reed City
We’ve got 10 more summer series starring regional acts unfolding in communities from Buchanan to Canadian Lakes, with several of these kicking off this coming week. The lineup at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Morgan Haner opens up ‘Pocket Knife’ of self-produced alt-country tales
The West Michigan songsmith debuted tracks from his sophomore album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered songs by Patty PerShayla, Jack Droppers, Pack Sounds, The Lasso, Steve Leaf and more. Learn more about Haner’s project and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Ed Dunneback & Girls Fruit Farm rejuvenates live music legacy with outdoor concerts
The Alpine Township farm hosts regular shows, including band performances on a stage built to deliver a unique concert experience for musicians and fans. The back story about this unusual concert venue, with photos.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Three Albums that Changed My World: Hip hop cellist Jordan Hamilton’s varied vibes
The ultra-collaborative, award-winning Kalamazoo musician has long been fascinated by the cello and orchestral music — and, yes, hip hop. Today, he reveals the albums that shaped his career.
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