Unable to pull off Camp Greensky in June, the national bluegrass powerhouse instead will regale fans July 16-18 with Railroad Earth, Steppin’ In It and Sierra Hull. Details at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Hot, Free Summer Concerts: East Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Kentwood, Grand Haven, more
As summer kicks into full gear, so do outdoor concerts hosted by communities across West Michigan. Learn more about the return of these shows and get the latest update to Local Spins’ comprehensive listings of music in the great outdoors.
Musical Heat Wave: En Plein Air, Friday Night Live, Kazoo June Jubilee revel in outdoor magic
This weekend’s debut of outdoor live music events in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo had music lovers basking not only in the sunshine and heat, but finally getting a taste of what the rest of summer 2021 has in store. The event recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘Never afraid to experiment’: EPCYA’s riveting Spanish-language rock on ‘Metamorphosis’
The Grand Rapids band debuted music from a new studio album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Desmond Jones, FlyLite Gemini, Snacks & Five and much more. Learn more about EPCYA and its new recording, plus listen to the June 4 radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
City Built Brewing set to debut free ‘Friday Night Live’ concerts on Grand River
On Friday night, Desmond Jones and Earth Radio kick off City Built’s new concert series in a unique new location along the river in Grand Rapids’ Monroe North district. The lowdown at Local Spins, along with information about new Sunday afternoon jam sessions with Mark Lavengood.
Pink Sky, Earth Radio, Brandino launch ‘Listening Lawn’ series in summery style
A happy crowd of mask-less concertgoers gathered in the courtyard of Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids to cheer a diverse trio of Grand Rapids acts thrilled to be back on stage. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
The Accidentals and Biomassive EPs jump to top of Hot Top 5 Chart for May
The two Traverse City bands released new EPs this spring that earned them lots of attention and lots of radio airplay at WYCE-FM. Check out their reaction to the news, discover what other albums made the May chart and listen to songs from the featured artists.
Iconic Rainbow Music set to close doors after 40-plus years as musicians’ ‘comfort food’
Pete Bardolph and John Gelderloos will ease into retirement next week after selling the Grand Rapids instrument and gear store that’s long been a go-to for many players. Get the back story about this West Side institution that’s fading into the sunset later this month.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
‘En Plein Air’ debuts this weekend in downtown Grand Rapids with live music, live art
The pandemic-inspired alternative to GR’s Festival of the Arts will celebrate ‘all things art in a slightly different way this year.’ Details and a list of performers at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
‘Three Albums that Changed My World’: Organ maestro Jim Alfredson’s musical obsessions
Versatile Lansing keyboardist Jim Alfredson, a founding member of the jazz organ trio Organissimo, today reveals the albums that helped shape his career, along with some current favorites. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Announcements · Special Offers
‘Vaccinated’ bracelets show off Michigan festival-goers’ immunization status
The colorful and exclusive Local Spins bracelets make the perfect attire for vaccinated music lovers attending summer concerts and festivals. Get yours today or choose a “Festival Pack” that includes bandanas, too. Details at Local Spins.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Turnstiles brings live music, artistic culture, taste of New Orleans to GR’s West Side
One of Grand Rapids’ newest music venues emerges from the pandemic with four nights of shows each week, including open-mics hosted by Melophobix and Raven Griffin. The venue spotlight at Local Spins, with a photo gallery and listing of upcoming shows.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Wheatland Music Festival set to return in September with folk and roots stars
After taking 2020 off due to COVID, the granddaddy of Michigan music festivals plans ‘as near normal a regular festival as possible’ this year. The September festival will be slightly smaller in terms of attendance. Get details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Introducing King Possum: Uncorking honky-tonk country, playing ‘bizarre musical chairs’
The new West Michigan super-group of multi-instrumentalists debuted two songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured tracks by EPCYA, Sherdizzil, Laura Rain, The Accidentals, Ally Evenson, Lord Huron, ttypes, .Shi, Keeynote and more. Check out the profile of King Possum — who play Tip Top Deluxe on Saturday night — and listen this week’s complete radio show podcast.
From Michigan Rattlers to Chris Stapleton: Summer concerts at outdoor Michigan venues
With Memorial Day weekend kicking off summer fun, Michigan will be buzzing with concert series at outdoor venues across the region. Check out lineups for more than 20 of them in today’s listings along with links for tickets and more information.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Detroit indie-rocker Ally Evenson: Loss, revitalization and reclaiming self-esteem
The resident at Assemble Sound in Detroit just dropped a live piano single, “Bite My Tongue,” while eyeing more releases and a fall U.S. tour with Motor City artist Chloe Moriondo. Learn more about Evenson and watch a new video in the second installment of a series partnering with Ypsilanti’s Grove Studios to showcase artists from the east side of the state.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
Albums that Changed My World: W. Michigan sound whiz Kurt Ehinger’s love of complex rock
Longtime Grand Rapids-area sound engineer/musician Kurt Ehinger is a mainstay when it comes to providing fans with stellar concert experiences. Today, he reveals the recordings that influenced him most, and you can listen to tracks from all of the featured albums.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Bob Dylan at 80: The Essential Top 10 Playlist by Nicholas James Thomasma
With the American music icon hitting a major milestone today, Local Spins asked West Michigan singer-songwriter and Dylan devotee Nicholas James Thomasma to offer up a playlist for the ages. Listen to the tracks and see why these songs are on his Top 10 list, plus watch a brand new video of Thomasma & his band covering a Dylan classic.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Lansing rapper Mikeyy Austin’s community-building, hip hop lifestyle
In a wide-ranging conversation, Mikeyy Austin expresses his love of black culture, Lansing, tacos and more. Learn more about this emerging hip hop artist and listen to his music in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight by writer Enrique Olmos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Bootstrap Boys grow up: Rootsy country act hones skills, ups ante with new musical tales
The Grand Rapids band premiered a new single for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by DJ Blaze, Medicinal Groove, Dawning, Emma A. Ward, WOOTS, Biomassive and more. Get an update on The Bootstrap Boys and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens set to reveal summer concert lineup; tickets on sale in late June
With the relaxation of state COVID restrictions announced this week, Meijer Gardens has the green light to resume its popular concert series starting in July. Get ticket details and more info at Local Spins.
The nostalgic Michigan nexus for Lord Huron and the new album, ‘Long Lost’
Michigan’s charms are ‘all tied up inside’ Lord Huron frontman and Okemos native Ben Schneider. Read the Local Spins interview on the eve of the band’s fourth full-length release, plus view videos for Lord Huron’s most recent singles.
Album Reviews: Full Cord, Accidentals, Aramis616, WOOTS, Pansy, Biomassive
This mid-May roundup of Michigan releases showcases rock, bluegrass, folk, hip hop, jam-band wizardry and a Kalamazoo-based project that covers all of the above and more. Browse recaps of these releases and listen to tracks from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
Three Albums that Changed My World: Grand Rapids hip hop artist JRob’s rap inspirations
As recognizable as any current West Michigan rapper, Jeff “JRob” Robinson today reveals the three albums that shaped his own music. Check out and listen to his his picks, along with an artist at the top of his current playlist and JRob’s latest single.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Summer Concert Joy: Kalamazoo, Holland, Allegan, Baldwin & more unfurl outdoor shows
More than 200 free concerts have been added to the lineups of Michigan communities hosting shows by local and regional artists. View all of the schedules at Local Spins.
Features · Live-Stream Concerts · Videos
The magic of Dogtown Studio sessions: Fueling an ‘explosion of good energy and creativity’
From hip hop’s Mikeyy Austin to rock’s Patty PerShayla, the Grand Rapids recording studio has helped fill the pandemic void of live music by providing constant, creatively produced live-stream shows and videos starring Michigan acts. Learn more about Dogtown, watch recent videos and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
The Hacky Turtles hit home run as trio with first concert at Sullivan Field
Friday night’s inaugural show at the baseball stadium on Grand Rapids’ West Side drew more than 100 people who soaked up the live music and unique outdoor atmosphere. The concert roundup and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The ‘Bloated’ beauty of songstress Emma Bieniewicz and her indie-pop stories
Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Emma Bieniewicz discussed her ‘art music’ for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Rockit King, Gasoline Gypsies, Olivia Dear, Stovepipe, The Soods & more. Learn more about Bieniewicz, view a music video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Great Lakes Center for the Arts concerts, Lake Street Music Fest to keep N. Michigan humming
Despite some COVID obstacles, the summer of 2021 looks a lot different than 2020 when it comes to music events in northern Michigan. Local Spins previews some recently announced concert series in the region. Get details and view the lineups of this summer’s performers.
Grand Rapids’ Sullivan Field as concert venue: The Hacky Turtles set to christen centerfield
Welcome to Grand Rapids’ newest outdoor “amphitheater,” namely the historic West Side baseball stadium that will host an outdoor concert Friday night. Get details at Local Spins and see what The Hacky Turtles have in store for fans in their first concert in nearly 18 months.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Albums that Changed My World: Michigan keyboard maestro Mike ‘The Reverend’ Lynch
He’s been the go-to guy on keyboards for Joshua Davis, Larry McCray, May Erlewine and many others for years. Today, Michigan’s Mike Lynch reveals the three albums that influenced and inspired him most. View the roster and listen to tracks from all of those career-shaping collections.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio
Album Reviews: Rockit King, Alfie DaGreat, Chris Cranick, Eli Kahn, Paulie Cohen & more
This early May roundup of new regional releases spotlights rock, hip hop, jazz, folk and more. Check out the reviews, listen to samples of music from all of the featured albums.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
The Who: 2019’s symphonic, unusual, tour-launching ‘great experiment’ in Grand Rapids
Today’s Local Spins Rewind feature looks back to May 2019 when classic rock icons The Who opened their North American tour with help from Grand Rapids Symphony musicians. Fans are still arguing over this one. Revisit the review and an interview with The Who’s creative director, browse the photo galleries, video and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Dance Contraption keeps the world spinning with dynamic, fun-loving ska-punk
The Grand Rapids band and its new album were spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Earth Radio, Paulie Cohen, Brian Koenigsknecht, Sophia Carmen, Pink Sky, Mark Sander and more. Get to know Dance Contraption and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Illenium, Michigan’s Quinn XCII to headline Grand Rapids’ Breakaway Festival in August
After a one-year hiatus, the two-day electronic/pop festival at Belknap Park will also feature Gryffin, Madeon, Big Wild and Chelsea Cutler. Learn more about August’s Breakaway and July’s Upheaval festival, both being held at the Grand Rapids park, with organizers hoping COVID capacity restrictions will be eased.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Listening Lawn returns to downtown Grand Rapids with Pink Sky, Accidentals and more
For the second summer, Studio Park will host outdoor concerts starring Michigan artists, including Jack Droppers, Joshua Davis, Last Gasp Collective and Luke Winslow-King. Get details and see who else will perform at this downtown venue.
Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
N. Michigan’s mixed-bag summer: Interlochen series still on hold, boutique fests move ahead
While Interlochen is still assessing prospects for staging concerts this summer, a brand new festival and a fourth-year ‘micro’ event will bring live music to northern Michigan’s great outdoors. Get the lowdown on these events at Local Spins.
Major Murphy marches to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for April
The Grand Rapids indie-rock band’s sophomore album wasted little time making an impression on West Michigan audiences, topping several brand new releases making their Hot Top 5 chart debut last month. Read more about the record and listen to tracks from all of the featured releases at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Applications for Michigan Artist Relief Fund grants now open to Michigan musicians
With donations raised through its recent, live-streamed Spread the Music Festival, the Michigan Music Alliance will once again distribute grants to musicians in need. Learn more about the grant program with links to apply at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
‘Three Albums that Changed My World’: Dobro whiz Mark Lavengood’s globe-spanning treats
Mark “Huggy Bear” Lavengood is a smiling, omnipresent force in West Michigan’s music scene. Today, he reveals the three albums that most shaped his career — plus a couple of current faves from Argentina. View his list, listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
LVRS finds home for unbridled creativity and polished indie-rock in Jackson
The Jackson band recently released a new album, “Sitting With the Unknown,” and continues to play shows and find inspiration in its hometown. Learn more about LVRS in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight and listen to music from the band’s latest album.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Outdoor summer concert bonanza: Rockford, GR, Kalamazoo, Ludington, Walker & more
More communities across West Michigan are re-entering the concert fray after a year that silenced live music due to COVID. View the schedules, from Monday night jazz at Walker’s Millennium Park Meadows to weekend rock and blues in several outdoor hot spots.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Kalamazoo’s WOOTS brandishes hope, musical diversity, all-star cast for solo tour de force
Kalamazoo songwriter Even ‘WOOTS’ Wouters was the featured guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Desmond Jones, The Accidentals, Martyr for Madison, Birdie Country and Rachel Curtis. Find out more about WOOTS and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Blandford Nature Center set to resume ‘Bands at Blandford’ for summer 2021
Regional stars The Bootstrap Boys, Patty PerShayla, Molly, Last Gasp Collective, Cabildo and more will perform outdoors at the Grand Rapids nature center starting in June. View the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens revives concerts in July, from O.A.R. to The Verve Pipe to GR Symphony
After a long hiatus, Meijer Gardens plans to host national acts (such as Kansas and Black Violin), the Tuesday Evening Music Club and Grand Rapids Symphony this summer, all while monitoring COVID rules. Get details and view the Tuesday Evening Music Club schedule at Local Spins.
Ann Arbor’s Dani Darling spreads positivity, self-empowerment with soulful new music
In a new partnership with Ypsilanti’s Grove Studios, Local Spins today spotlights an emerging singer-songwriter from the east side of the state who performs a live-stream concert at The Ark on Saturday. Learn more about Dani Darling, Washtenaw County’s Amplify Fellowship and listen to her music.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Three Albums that Changed My World: Radio icon Lazaro Vega’s inspiring jazz gems
As jazz director at Blue Lake Public Radio, Lazaro Vega has become West Michigan’s voice of jazz — heard daily on the radio. Today, he reveals the albums that have inspired him the most.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Milk Carton Kids, Sam Bush, Christian McBride & more set for restart of St. Cecilia series
The historic Grand Rapids venue will kick off its 2021-22 season in October, aiming to bring back in-person shows after a long pandemic shutdown. Shawn Colvin, Leo Kottke also will return. But fans can expect to wear masks. View the full schedule at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Jordan Hamilton, Nathan Walton, Justin Avdek, Lucius Fox and more
Start your Sunday with a refreshing look into six new releases by West Michigan artists, ranging from instrumental virtuosity to rock ‘n’ roll passion. Chain of Lakes and Shane Tripp are among the featured releases. Plus, listen to selected tracks from all of the albums.
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