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.
Audio · Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Videos
The Earth Day Playlist: ‘Songs to Save the Planet’ by Patty PerShayla
A couple of years ago, Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Patty PerShayla assembled a special soundtrack of songs for saving our environment. Listen up again on Earth Day. PerShayla plays a special Local Spins Fest edition of ‘Songtellers’ at Listening Room on May 17 with an all-star cast of West Michigan songwriters.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
‘See You in 2022’: Electric Forest scraps music festival for second year in a row
Hopes for an August edition of the celebration in Rothbury were dashed due to the continued impact of COVID-19, organizers stated. It’s one of several Michigan festivals which canceled this week. But the city of Grand Rapids will move ahead with numerous ethnic festivals this summer and fall.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Full Cord adds banjo, more musical collaboration for dynamic new bluegrass vibe
Band members opened up about their upcoming new album and their ‘present-day sound’ for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Chain of Lakes, Chuck Bob Carnes, Mechavillain, The Olllam, Chris Cranick, Brian Mulder, Jake Lindell, The Down & Goers and more. Podcast, video and story all part of today’s Artist Spotlight.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit, Willowsong fest cancel for 2021 due to rising COVID cases
Two intimate, much-beloved Michigan festivals with a devoted fan base — one in late May and the other in late August — will take a hiatus for the second year in row. Get details at Local Spins along with information about a third festival that announced a postponement this week.
Julio Gomez @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: ‘How to be in a Band Without Killing Anyone’
Today’s guest column by Grand Rapids musician Julio Gomez tackles the thorny issue of live music in a pandemic — a dilemma that’s definitely split Michigan’s community of performers, fans and venues. Gomez strongly urges bands to consider alternatives to in-person shows until it’s truly safe.
Audio · Features · Playlists · Videos
The Ultimate 4/20 Playlist at Local Spins: West Michigan’s favorite marijuana melodies
On what’s become an annual holiday for many, today’s special playlist from Agri-Med and Local Spins reveals the most popular cannabis-inspired tunes as chosen by readers in our 4/20 contest. Peruse the diverse 20+4 list and see which four readers won smoking-cool gift packs.
Album Reviews: Greta Van Fleet’s bombastic ‘Battle,’ Alice Cooper’s nostalgic melange
Two much-hyped new releases by Michigan rock heavyweights — a veteran shock-rocker from the Motor City and a band of young Frankenmuth upstarts — offer up a mixed bag for fans and detractors. Check out the Local Spins reviews; listen to tracks from both releases.
In-Depth Report · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Making music for less pay: Is this the post-COVID reality for performers?
Amid capacity restrictions and limited ticket sales, bands and solo artists must adjust to an altered financial landscape as live music returns. Local Spins presents an in-depth report on the impact the pandemic has had on musicians’ livelihood.
Local Spins Rewind: 2016’s Record Store Day revelry, Jake’s Music Festival romp & more
Five years ago, long before COVID, mid-April rocked West Michigan as musicians and fans packed record shops, Wealthy Theatre, Pyramid Scheme, Intersection and Billy’s Lounge. Revisit the special weekend in words and photos in this Local Spins Rewind feature.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
DL Rossi’s honest Americana gambit to let his songs ‘be whatever they’re going to be’
The new album by the Grand Rapids songwriter who relocated from Nashville was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks from WOOTS, Jacob’s Brother, Vespre, Nathan Walton, Ohly and more. Learn more about this acclaimed artist and listen to this week’s full radio show.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
First-year Smiling Acres Music Festival in Trufant set to unfurl in early July
The brand new, two-day festival hosted by Dobro whiz Mark Lavengood will limit capacity and feature sets by ‘a stronghold of West Michigan greats’ playing on a site with plenty of space for social distancing. Get details, ticket information and the full lineup at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: Major Murphy, Michigander, LVRS, Kate Hinote Trio and more
New albums from KJ & The Good Time Family Band and Amy Love fill out this mid-April roundup of releases by Michigan artists. Check out the reviews from Local Spins writers, listen to tracks from each recording.
Albums that Changed the World · Features · Playlists
‘Albums that Changed My World’: Keyboardist Dennie Middleton’s classic rock proclivity
As a West Michigan music scene mainstay, Bimini Brother and solo artist Dennie Middleton gets around. Today, he reveals the albums that influenced his career the most, along with a current favorite. Listen to tracks from all of his selected albums.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Young Michigander Rachel Mac tops Rockford singer Bradley Sinclair on ‘The Voice’
The 16-year-old from Romeo joined Sinclair on Monday night for a dynamic version of an Elton John classic that judges called the best performance of the show’s Battle Round. Read more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
Budding Rockford star Bradley Sinclair calls ‘The Voice’ a life-changing experience
In a Local Spins interview, the West Michigan singer and musician says he’s ‘super stoked’ about his experience on the nationally televised NBC show, with a standing ovation on tap for his next appearance. Learn more about Sinclair and watch the ‘sneak peek’ video from tonight’s Battle Rounds here.
Musician, tattoo artist Alex Brooke: Creating walking murals of ‘self-expression’
Grand Rapids tattooist and songwriter Alex Brooke opens up about her own ink, about tattooing musicians ‘who always look cool’ and about how clients can best prepare for the process. Plus, some Michigan musicians share their tats in words and photos. Get the back story in this special Sunday feature by Enrique Olmos, with a photo gallery by Anna Sink.
Up in Smoke? Wildwood Weed? Roll Me Up & Smoke Me? What are your top pot tunes?
The deadline is Monday night to enter the Agri-Med “Marijuana Melodies” contest with grand prize gift packs awarded to four lucky readers on 4/20. Read more about it at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Overdrive Orchestra’s Chris Cranick augments band’s ‘loud guitars’ with diverse solo melange
The Grand Rapids rock group frontman divulged details about an upcoming solo album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Megan Dooley, LVRS, Cal in Red, Upon Wings and more. Get Chris Cranick’s back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
From Justin Bieber to Snoop Dogg, West Michigan eyes return of summer concerts
Despite a current jump in the state’s COVID cases, some venues – indoors and out – plan to host summer tours and other shows. But capacity restrictions remain a major concern. Get the lowdown at Local Spins, along with a lineup of some summer concerts on the schedule.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Buttermilk Jamboree cancels music festival for second year in a row due to COVID
Initial hopes for a ‘small Buttermilk’ in June were torpedoed by rising Michigan cases of the coronavirus, leaving organizers to look ahead to the fall for a possible mini-event or to June 2022 for the full jamboree. Learn more at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Playlists
‘Three Albums That Changed My World’: Blues guitarist Greg Nagy’s love of Kings and soul
The esteemed Michigan singer and guitarist reveals the artists and albums which most shaped his musical passion and his career, along with a current favorite. Find out why they were so influential and listen to tracks from each recording at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
Spanish Connection: Michigan’s Luke Winslow-King cultivates musical passion, fans in Spain
Cadillac native Luke Winslow-King and Italian slide guitarist Roberto Luti unleash a multi-camera, online concert from Spain on Saturday, with a new album and Michigan shows on the way in 2021. The Local Spins interview, with details about the upcoming live-stream.
Michigander definitely OK as latest EP soars to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
Jason Singer’s latest pop collection, “Everything Will Be Ok Eventually,” wasted little time getting attention and airplay at WYCE, along with several other new releases from Michigan artists — The Whiskey Charmers, Emma Bieniewicz, The Wild Honey Collective and Big House Blues Band. Listen to tracks from each album.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
KJ & The Good Time Family Band channel affection for vinyl, funk, rock & fun for new LP
Grand Rapids’ KJ reveals the story behind ‘Dynamics’ for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Annagail, Seth Bernard, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, The Aquaerials, Trevor Ohlsen, Eric Wagenmaker, Steve Leaf and more. Delve into The Good Time Family Band and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Lowell, Sparta, Hudsonville & more aim to resume outdoor summer concerts in 2021
After a mostly silent 2020, communities across West Michigan will host park concerts this summer with acts ranging from The Accidentals to Soul Syndicate. The lowdown, schedules and lineups for more than a dozen series, only at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
Music Amid the Madness: Michigan artists hatch catchy songs, videos from pandemic pain
Exactly one year ago today, at the height of COVID angst, Local Spins published a roundup of virus-inspired songs and spoofs created by Michigan musicians, both funny and heartfelt. Revisit the fetching tunes and videos.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
‘Albums that Changed My World’: Pianist Robin Connell’s far-reaching jazz favorites
The Local Spins series highlighting music that shaped the careers of West Michigan musicians continues with Grand Rapids’ Robin Connell who cites Mel Lewis, Chick Corea, Bill Evans and a current (and related) fave. Check out the picks and listen to tracks from each artist.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts · Photos
‘Magical’ live-streamed Spread the Music festival oozed Michigan-bred charm
The second-year, five-day virtual festival hosted by Michigan Music Alliance drew thousands of viewers and $10,00-plus in donations to aid Michigan musicians. Peruse festival highlights and ogle photos at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Emma Bieniewicz, Lucky Da Realest, Laine Rex, Nordy, Venoma, Troutman
This late March roundup of West Michigan releases ranges from rock and hip hop to synth-pop and folk. Check out the Local Spins reviews and listen to tracks from each featured artist.
Restoring, refreshing, re-loving live music: At long last, a rocking night at the Tip Top
Nine months after a band last played the stage at Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe with a live audience on hand, The Moonrays brought their surf-rock charm to the West Side venue Friday. Local Spins has the photos from a milestone evening after a ‘year of COVID,’ with Myron Elkins set to fire up the stage on Saturday night.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Indie-folk’s Shawn Butzin embraces Michigan’s inspiring beauty in song
The Traverse City songwriter plays Spread the Music Festival today and was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Medicinal Groove, Laine Rex, Snacks & Five, Amy Love, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, Shady Groves & more. Learn more about Butzin and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Live-Stream Concerts
Lokella, Political Lizard, Jessi Phillips alluring focal point of Spread the Music’s opening night
The opening-day salvo of Michigan artists performing for the live-streamed Spread the Music Festival attracted thousands of viewers for compelling sets. Check out some first-day highlights and photos, along with picks for other must-see acts at the festival which runs through Sunday.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Northern Michigan’s Blissfest cancels in-person music festival for second year in a row
With pandemic restrictions still causing uncertainty, the iconic music festival near Harbor Springs has made ‘the difficult decision’ to skip the July event again, looking ahead now to 2022. Learn more about the ‘heart-wrenching’ move at Local Spins, along with the cancellation of an Upper Peninsula music festival.
Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
Spread the Music Festival launches online today with 200-plus Michigan artists over 5 days
The virtual festival hosted by Michigan Music Alliance raises funds for musicians in need, providing a lifeline for the state’s music scene. Watch a video about the event, browse the full entertainment schedule and find links to donate at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Playlists
‘Albums that Changed My World’: For Nathan Kalish, it’s Rancid, Jeff Buckley, Neil Young
The Local Spins series highlighting recordings that influenced Michigan-bred musicians continues with Americana/outlaw country artist Nathan Kalish, whose inspirations vary widely. Listen to his picks, along with a track from his most recent album.
Concert Listings · Features · Upcoming shows
GR’s Tip Top Deluxe resumes live music this week with The Moonrays, Myron Elkins
After being closed the past year – outside of a brief stint last summer – the much-beloved Grand Rapids venue is now packing its weekend schedule with West Michigan acts. The story, plus peruse concert listings for other area bars
Announcements · Contests · Features · Videos
Marijuana Melodies: Searching for the best songs celebrating weed and 4/20
West Michigan’s Agri-Med & Local Spins announce a contest asking readers for their favorite pot-flavored tunes to be revealed in a playlist on April 20. Plus, we feature several local artists who’ve paid tribute to marijuana in song and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Brother Elsey kicks off outdoor live music season; Full Cord fires up hoedown in Holland
After a mostly silent winter, two popular West Michigan bands revved up tunes new and old for live audiences in Grand Rapids and Holland on Friday. Find recaps of both shows in words and images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Major Murphy raring to unleash bigger, heavier, ‘truest’ sound on sophomore album
The Grand Rapids indie-rock band’s Jacob Bullard opened up about the new LP for Local Spins on WYCE, which debuted a dozen new tracks by Michigan artists. Get the back story on Major Murphy’s latest project, listen to the radio show podcast and watch a new band video at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Videos
Mandolinist Don Julin: ‘Albums that Changed My World,’ from Frank Zappa to Miles Davis
Traverse City mandolin whiz Don Julin’s former touring partner, Billy Strings, has gotten lots of attention lately, especially after winning a Grammy last weekend. But Julin has had a big impact on Michigan’s music scene, too, and today he reveals the albums that most shaped his career.
In-Depth Report · Upcoming shows · Videos
State grants to music venues, outdoor shows offer hope for summer return of live music
The latest “Comeback Road” video focuses on The Pyramid Scheme, plus we update other outlets getting state grants and some places — including Grand Haven — where outdoor concerts are planned. And see how some venues and organizations plan to use state assistance to move forward.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Moxie Strings’ St. Patrick’s Day Playlist: From Ireland to Canada to West Michigan
For this week’s playlist, Local Spins asked Michigan’s The Moxie Strings to unfurl a Top 10 playlist of Celtic tracks to serve as a St. Patrick’s Day soundtrack for Wednesday’s upcoming celebrations. The selections span the globe. Plus, see where some of those St. Paddy’s parties are taking place.
Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan House set for virtual SXSW events, Brother Elsey concert Friday in Grand Rapids
‘SXSW Week’ boasts a series of online events, pop-up performances, a Michigander live-stream and an outdoor wrap-up concert on Friday at Studio Park with Brother Elsey, which releases a new single that day. Get details on this week’s Michigan House activities as well as an update on Brother Elsey.
Billy Strings wins Grammy Award for best bluegrass album of the year
The acclaimed bluegrass guitarist from Ionia County topped some musical legends to win his first Grammy Award during pre-ceremonies staged in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon. The lowdown — and his reaction — at Local Spins.
Rain, misery, shame, ejection and a Phil Collins hoax: Concerts our hero wishes he could forget
The series revealing the oddest, most miserable or embarrassing concert experiences in our music critics’ past brings us to Troy Reimink’s recollections of Pearl Jam, Built To Spill, Phil Collins and a band he still knows absolutely nothing about.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
Michigan bluegrass hero Billy Strings prepares for spirit-lifting, ‘crazy’ Grammy recognition
The fast-rising, Ionia-bred guitarist is up for best bluegrass album at Sunday’s Grammy Awards, but he’s just thrilled that his bandmates have gotten attention for their hard work and stellar musicianship. The back story at Local Spins.
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