The passionate and dynamic Women’s History Month tribute to icon Aretha Franklin features more than two dozen singers and musicians from across the state. Watch the video premiere and learn more about this collaborative project at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Guest Column
Dolts, depravity, lightning, heat & hippie horror: John Serba’s craziest concert ordeals
The second installment in the Local Spins series recounting our critics’ most bizarre concert experiences continues with tales of outlandish musical misery, courtesy of the one and only John Serba — from a Motley Crue debacle to jam-band hell.
Concert announcements · Festivals
Brian Vander Ark, The Accidentals, Jackson Smith to headline Spread the Music Festival
For the second year, the late March online festival raising money for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund will feature performances from across the Great Lakes State. This year’s event will feature more than 200 artists. Get details and see who else is in the initial lineup.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Americana’s Jeff Troutman hooks fly fishing devotees with songs, podcast about fishing
The Hudsonville-area singer-songwriter opens up about his new album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Nordy, DAYZ, The Great United, Dance Contraption, Chain of Lakes, Steve Leaf, Ben Traverse & Michael Dause and more.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
From U.K. to Grand Haven, film/TV composer Sheridan Tongue makes mark on BBC, PBS
For this special Q&A, Local Spins spotlights the noted composer who splits his time between London and West Michigan while creating documentary and drama soundtracks for television and film. Learn more about Sheridan Tongue in this in-depth profile.
May Erlewine & the Woody Goss Band recapture No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The lion’s share of local and regional releases populating the February Hot Top 5 represent reentries in the chart due to WYCE’s celebration of past Jammie Award winners and potential nominees. Listen to tracks from all of this month’s featured artists, plus view a list of new local additions to the WYCE library.
Musicians, fans mourn death of Grand Rapids blues guitarist and icon Junior Valentine
Junior Valentine passed away earlier this week at age 66, leaving behind a legacy of polished performances and musical mentoring that touched a lot of lives. Read more at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Albums that Changed My World: GR Symphony mainstay John Varineau’s farewell playlist
Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau retires in May after three dozen years with the distinguished orchestra. Today, he reveals the albums that helped shape his career, from Stravinsky to CSNY. Check out the playlist, along with a track from Grand Rapids Symphony.
Breaking music news · In-Depth Report · Venue Spotlight
Frustration grows as Michigan music venues encounter delays in COVID aid
”Sick of the stress.” Concert venues still have no financial help a year after shutdown. And while state aid is imminent, federal funding remains in question — and that could jeopardize some clubs. The update at Local Spins.
Bizarre, agonizing, disgusting: A Local Spins music critic’s 3 weirdest concert experiences
After a year-long pandemic that nearly eliminated all live music, Local Spins asked its most experienced reviewers to recount their strangest concert escapades. We start with Tricia Boot Woolfenden — and she has plenty of wild and wacky tales to share.
Concert reviews · In Memoriam · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
Local Spins Rewind February 2020: Chris Thile wows fans; GR mourns bassist Eric Soules
One year ago — before the pandemic erupted — West Michigan not only cheered a tour stop by mandolin whiz Chris Thile but mourned the unexpected death of beloved local musician Eric Soules. Local Spins revisits both events in today’s ‘Rewind’ feature.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘American Idol’ star power leads to soulful rock: Nathan Walton maps new adventure
Local Spins premieres new Walton tracks from ‘The Remedy’ along with the video for his new single. Plus, check out song debuts from other Michigan acts in the Local Spins on WYCE podcast. Learn more about Walton, his band and the new album; listen to this week’s radio show.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Reviews: Hollywood Makeout, GRJO, Ryne Experience, Aquaerials, Kevin Ream, Dawning
This late February roundup of releases by Michigan artists has something for a myriad of musical tastes: rock, jazz, folk, electronic music and pop. Read the reviews, listen to tracks from each album.
‘An extremely folked-up year’: Nicholas James Thomasma @ The Musicians’ Soundboard
In this week’s guest column giving a voice to Michigan musicians, singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma hails the advantages folk musicians have during a COVID lockdown — and the importance of staying active and educated. He performs online tonight.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
La Dispute’s Jordan Dreyer: ‘Three Albums that Changed My World’
The lead singer of the popular post-hardcore band from Grand Rapids reveals the recordings that most influenced his career, along with a current favorite on his playlist. Check out tracks from these artists in a special Spotify playlist, plus a song from La Dispute’s most recent album.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
An Alternative to Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts: ‘Plein Air’ to debut in June
With COVID concerns continuing, Festival will take applications from musicians for the new outdoor celebration that will have them performing safely in downtown’s social zones. Read more about this new event at Local Spins, along with plans for hosting a performance stage on Calder Plaza during ArtPrize in September.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Musical entertainment during COVID: A tale of three West Michigan venues in photos
Over the past week, three West Michigan establishments hosted live music in different ways — with and without audiences, and with pandemic restrictions in place. Local Spins captured it all in photo galleries featuring King Biscuit Trio, Rufus Ferguson and other local musicians.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Electronic duo Pink Sky reinvents approach for dynamic, textural recordings amid lockdown
Shifting from live shows to the studio due to COVID, the GR duo is releasing striking new singles, debuting two of them for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered fresh tracks by more than a half-dozen Michigan artists. Explore Pink Sky’s year in lockdown and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Features · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Comeback Road: Live music going virtual a ‘no-brainer’ for St. Cecilia, local performers
Better than “sitting in my bedroom with an iPhone.” Local Spins today presents two interview and performance videos probing the unique advantages of live-stream concerts broadcast from a bona fide stage as gauged by musicians Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden, and St. Cecilia’s Cathy Holbrook. “It’s an actual venue,” Crittenden said of playing St. Cecilia even without an in-person audience.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Live music returns to the Kalamazoo area: Presidential Brewing celebrates Year 2
After a year of COVID, the Portage brewery’s second anniversary party boasted performances by Lexi Adams, St. Joe Jack and more — with limited capacity, regular sanitization and new brews. Check out the recap and photos at Local Spins.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Keyboard legend Chick Corea’s Top 10 tracks of all-time: The playlist tribute at Local Spins
Boundary-pushing keyboard phenom Chick Corea was a music world giant and a jazz fusion pioneer who died of cancer last week at 79. West Michigan’s Dutcher Snedeker pays tribute to[…]
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features
‘Albums that Changed My World’: Greensky Bluegrass’ Paul Hoffman reveals his faves
Hailing from Kalamazoo, the nationally renowned Greensky Bluegrass has helped alter the face of the genre. Today, mandolinist Paul Hoffman divulges the three albums that altered and shaped his own career. Listen to tracks from these albums, plus a song from a current fave.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: The loving magic of the Valentine’s Day 2020 WYCE Jammie Awards
Thousands filled The Intersection on Valentine’s Day 2020 to celebrate the best regional music of the year with impressive performances on three stages. With this year’s edition of the Jammie Awards indefinitely postponed due to COVID, browse highlights from last year’s big night in words, photos and video.
Concert reviews · Features · Venue Spotlight
New Grand Rapids jazz & wine bar GRNoir finds live music niche with pandemic limits
Open for just two weeks at restricted capacity, the city’s latest entry in the bar and venue scene has turned heads with its atmosphere and its regular live jazz offerings in spite of COVID. Learn more about the ‘amazing’ vibe of this new hot spot at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Traverse City songwriter Jeff Socia unfurls alt-country joy amid ‘darkness of 2020’
The veteran guitarist-singer offered the back story to his first solo album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Major Murphy, Loren Johnson, Full Cord, Dawning, Jeff Troutman, JP Houston, Jobbaloon, Madelyn Grant and The Soods. Learn more about Socia and his album’s all-star cast, plus listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
No February Jammie Awards in 2021, but is a spring or summer celebration afoot?
Due to COVID, dozens of performers and thousands of fans won’t gather for the annual WYCE event that would have taken place Friday at The Intersection. But a revised Jammies is still possible. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features
‘Three Albums that Changed My World’: Grand Rapids drummer Randy Marsh
Grand Rapids drummer Randy Marsh has been a mainstay in bands across West Michigan and host of a long-running SpeakEZ Lounge jazz jam. Today, he reveals the albums that influenced his career the most. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings, plus a song from a current favorite.
Tuesday Soundtrack: The 2020 WYCE Jammie Award Winners Playlist
If not for COVID, Grand Rapids radio station WYCE, Michigan artists and their fans would be getting ready for the Jammie Awards this week at The Intersection. Instead, let’s revisit last year’s big winners, with updates on what they’ve been up to — along with new music from some of them.
Album Reviews: FINKEL, L. Supreme & Jasonmakesgoodbeats, Gianna Stansell & more
The first Michigan albums roundup for February hails releases from the Upper Peninsula to Detroit to Grand Rapids. Get the Local Spins take on these recordings and listen to tracks from each featured artist.
The Super Bowl and the Detroit Lions’ infernal futility: The Weeknd tells it like it is
The Super Bowl’s halftime star boasts a soundtrack of hits that’s not only perfect for the Big Game but one that tells the wretched tale of longstanding Lion woes. A special Sunday column and Weeknd playlist for long-suffering fans of a certain Detroit team.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Americana’s Mark Harrell channels honest connections while eyeing new band album
The Holland songwriter who fronts the Hundred Star Hotel opened up for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pink Sky, Public Access, The Band Mint, Steve Leaf, Breaker Brothers, I Believe in Julio, Chris DuPont, Medicinal Groove and others. Learn more about Harrell and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Hollywood Makeout finds the bright lights at No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The endearing Grand Rapids garage-rock band’s latest release raced to the top of the January chart, which featured an all new set of regional albums. See the full chart and listen to tracks from all of the featured albums at Local Spins.
Commentary · Guest Column · Videos
Patty PerShayla @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: ‘It turns out I love making music from home’
The latest in a series of guest columns by West Michigan musicians has award-winning Grand Rapids musician Patty PerShayla ruminating on the benefits of working in isolation during a pandemic — and how it taught her how to write again.
Groundhog Day 2021 Playlist: 14 underground classics worth tunneling for
It’s Feb. 2, which means it’s time to honor groundhogs, “underground” musical gems we’ve dug up and, of course, that classic Bill Murray movie that most of us have replayed again and again and again. Check out this unique soundtrack at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · In-Depth Report · Upcoming shows
‘It’s been too long’: Some bars, brewpubs reopen this week with limited live music
Amid new COVID rules, Michigan bars and restaurants throw open their doors this week at 25 percent capacity, with a few dipping their toes into live music again. See who’s playing at the few West Michigan establishments offering performances.
Concert reviews · Live-Stream Concerts
Ann Arbor Folk Festival heals, inspires with first-ever live-stream weekend of stars
Friday and Saturday’s unprecedented online benefit for The Ark boasted a record number of performances by local and international musical heroes who offered up 11 hours of intimate, touching sets. The review at Local Spins. The festival continues with a special John Prine tribute tonight.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Jeff Daniels, Jill Jack, FINKEL, Accidentals: New music debuts for Local Spins on WYCE
This week’s edition of the WYCE show that spotlights Michigan music spanned the state, with tracks from Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Petoskey, Traverse City, Marquette and more. Listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
‘Three Albums that Changed Our World’: The Accidentals pay homage to their influences
On the eve of their Ann Arbor Folk Festival performance, the Traverse City indie-folksters reveal their affection for Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Fiona Apple and Patrick Carroll, plus a current, classic fave. Listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Live-Stream Concerts
Spread the Music Festival set for March return; seeks performer applications for virtual sets
For the second year, the four-day spring festival will broadcast online sets via Facebook to raise money for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund to aid Michigan musicians. And sponsorships are available. Get details and see how bands can participate.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Soundtrack: Wealthy Theatre’s Top 10 playlist, from Public Access to Bob Dylan
This week’s Local Spins playlist comes courtesy of the staff at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre, spotlighting songs that represent past concerts, theatre productions and popular film screenings. Listen to the tracks and get an update on the status of Wealthy Theatre at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
Ann Arbor Folk Festival adds Sunday night John Prine tribute featuring Michigan stars
Jam-packed with acclaimed international artists, the festival kicks off in virtual, live-stream fashion Friday. The third night will pay homage to the late Prine, propelled by May Erlewine, Joshua Davis, Erin Zindle, Seth Bernard and more. Learn more about the festival lineup with links to streaming passes at Local Spins.
Ian Gorman @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: Versatility as a survival tool during COVID
Giving a voice to industry professionals, today’s guest column by veteran Kalamazoo producer Ian Gorman offers tips for expanding a musician’s toolkit during an economic downturn — and for future success as well.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest tentatively eyes June return, with alternative dates in August
Just in case the COVID pandemic forces a postponement of the Rothbury festival in June, promoters have suggested alternative weekends in August. Get the details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Award-winning West Michigan singer Gianna Stansell, 17, unfurls soulful debut EP
The talented Grandville High School teen was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Neon Birdhouse, Chris Collins, Ardea, Lone Caravan, Wes Millhouse, Mike Ward, Flowers on the Grave and more. Learn more about the up-and-coming Gianna Stansell and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Surreal, awkwardly silent but inspiring: Audience-less live-streams bridge COVID gap
Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden kicked off St. Cecilia Music Center’s virtual folk-and-blues series on Thursday. Local Spins was there to capture the unusual vibe in an empty auditorium with two veteran West Michigan musicians.
Album Reviews: Waverlys, Jamie Brackman, Colt Snuffer, Wild Honey Collective and more
This mid-January roundup of regional releases ranges from Roger MacNaughton’s soothing instrumentals to singer-songwriter Jeff Socia’s debut album to some robust Americana gems. Read the reviews, listen to the music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
‘Three Albums that Changed My World’: Big band low brass & trombone player Paul Keen
Local Spins continues its series showcasing recordings that most influenced Michigan musicians. Today, we asked in-demand Rockford horn player Paul Keen — a veteran orchestra and big band musician — for his picks of albums that shaped his career.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: Cedar Springs Brewing Co.’s Top 10 ‘fun & thought-provoking’ songs
The Cedar Springs brewery that’s regularly hosted live music until COVID-19 shut things down offers up this week’s playlist, including many regional stars who’ve played the brewpub. ‘We’re missing everyone terribly,’ says owner David Ringler, who aims to restart entertainment as soon as possible.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The return of Skelletones: Grand Rapids all-ages club aims to reopen in September
The legendary Division Avenue hot spot for teens which staged its last show in 2009 is under renovation by former operator Mark Leech. Learn more about this plan to fill a regional void in all-ages venues and watch some historical show footage at Local Spins.
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