This week’s venue playlist comes courtesy of Brian Hoekstra and the folks at Rockford Brewing — a mix of gems from Pink Floyd and Grateful Dead to Weezer, Heaters and Afro Zuma. Listen to the music they brewed up, watch the videos.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List Concert Guide: JRob & Bedrock the Foundation, Lost in Space and more
Labor Day weekend approaches in what’s been the oddest summer ever, especially when it comes to live music. But The Big List has a roster of shows across West Michigan to check out. Browse the lineup with links to more information.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Michigan Rattlers, Benzing-Graves Collective, Kevin Jones & more: Concert Photo Galleries
Local Spins’ search for live music amid a pandemic took it to ‘new’ venues in Rockford and Paw Paw, plus some familiar concert spots in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Browse the photo galleries in this exclusive show roundup at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Rick Chyme, Last Gasp Collective’s Jay Jackson team up for groundbreaking new album
The project created remotely during the pandemic by the Kalamazoo producer and Grand Rapids-bred rapper was spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks from other Michigan artists. Read more about the project and Last Gasp Collective’s future plans, plus listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Local Spins Rewind · Summer Festivals
Magical Memories: 2019 Willowsong, Porcupine Mountains music festivals revisited
They’re eight hours and worlds apart, but both of these Michigan festivals boast uber-loyal fans. So with COVID scuttling their 2020 events this weekend, Local Spins gives devotees a look back at last year’s celebrations in words and images.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Brian Vander Ark serenades sold-out crowd of Verve Pipe fans at Studio Park
On another pleasant summer evening, The Verve Pipe frontman regaled fans Thursday with songs new and old as part of Listening Room’s ‘Listening Lawn’ series in downtown Grand Rapids. The review, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Live-Stream Concerts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Wheatland Worldwide to spotlight roots music stars online in lieu of 2020 festival
With the usual, much-beloved Wheatland festival canceled this year due to COVID-19, organizers have assembled three days of performance videos by a slew of familiar artists — from Jill Jack and Seth Bernard to Blue Highway and Lunasa. Get details and a full schedule for the September event at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: August, Lady Ace, Monte Pride, Lybrandt, Bryan Klinesteker, Joel Comstock
It’s another impressive batch of Michigan releases that pumps up this roundup of Local Spins reviews — from hip hop to rock to soul to Americana — with sample tracks from all of the albums.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Dead Prez to Cabildo to Pinback to The Coup: The Pyramid Scheme’s Top 10 Memories Playlist
As part of our series focused on West Michigan concert venues, Local Spins asked Pyramid Scheme co-owner Tami VandenBerg to compile a soundtrack of her favorite performers at the club. She came up with a diverse roster of robust acts. Check out the videos and Spotify playlist at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Bridge GR kicks off month-long celebration + more outdoor shows: Big List Concert Guide
As the final full week in August heats up, the city of Grand Rapids launches a multi-week celebration of music, arts and culture at various locations. And outdoor shows continue to dominate the landscape. Browse this week’s roster of live music options at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lazy Genius, FlyLiteGemini, The Hacky Turtles, Kalamazoo Mall Market: Photo Galleries
If nothing else, the COVID summer of 2020 has created opportunities for unique outdoor live music experiences. Today, Local Spins recaps a smattering of outdoor August concerts across West Michigan in images and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Traverse City’s The Brothers Crunch weather COVID storm to release polished new album
The northern Michigan rock band’s sophomore album was featured this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Lady Ace Boogie, The Legal Immigrants, May Erlewine and Jessica in the Rainbow. Learn more about the band, watch a video of a new track from their album and listen to this week’s radio show at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Lady Ace Boogie bids adieu with triumphant, star-infused Grand Rapids show
The Grand Rapids hip hop artist lit up the stage outside Studio Park on Thursday for her final concert on a resplendent August night, with Lokella and SuperDre also on board. The review of the sold-out show, plus a photo gallery and some video highlights at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Album Reviews: Derek Brown, Aquaerials, Odd Space, Ryne Experience, Danielle, Jessica
Amid a flood of new regional releases, Local Spins delves into albums and EPs by an eclectic bunch of artists for this roundup of reviews. Find out more about the recordings and listen to tracks from each album.
Soaring up the AC charts: Grand Haven singer Jeff Lionheart shines on ‘City Lights’
The West Michigan native who moved back home two years ago has scored nationwide success for the second time in five years, with proceeds from the new single going to a good cause. Get the back story and listen to the new single at Local Spins
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
‘That’s All For Now’: Lady Ace Boogie set to play final concert, release final album
The popular Grand Rapids hip hop artist is calling it quits for now, performing her last show outside Studio Park on Thursday while releasing a star-studded new album. Learn more about her decision and listen to a Local Spins exclusive — a track from her final studio album.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List Concert Guide (Aug. 17-23): ‘Bands at Blandford’ kicks off, plus more outdoor glory
Officially, the odd summer of 2020 enters its final month this week — just as live music options ramp up to take advantage of the warm Michigan weather. See what’s on tap via this week’s show listings at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Lansing singer-songwriter Monte Pride unfurls ‘healing songs’ on sophomore album
The guitarist was the featured guest for this week’s expanded Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Earth Radio, Dalmatian Stone, Brothers Crunch, Stone Soup & the Broken Teeth and more. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and listen to this week’s radio show.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Summer Festivals
The best of Hoxeyville Music Festival 2019: Local Spins rewinds a Michigan gem
If not for COVID-19, Hoxey would have been reveling today amid northern Michigan splendor. So, Local Spins looks back at the 2019 celebration that boasted plenty of “beautiful” musical highlights – in words and photos.
Michigan Album Reviews: May Erlewine, From Big Sur, Andy Baker, Josh Garvelink
Local Spins delves into some brand new Michigan-made releases — from a jazzy and soulful new Erlewine project to a Lansing band hitting its stride. Read the reviews, listen to songs from each of the featured albums.
Creem on Screen: A revealing look into the irreverent, wild Detroit-based rock magazine
A new film — available for streaming online — explores the heyday of ‘America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine’ and the colorful characters who created the popular, gritty publication. Local Spins asked a former Detroit News reporter who wrote about Creem in the mid-1970s for his take on the documentary.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
Reveling in ‘A World of Michigan Music’: WYCE launches Michigan music marathon Thursday
To celebrate Great Lakes State artists, the Grand Rapids station will exclusively play Michigan music during a special 36-hour drive with a goal of raising funds to make up for a $36,000 shortfall during a COVID-impaired year. Get the details at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The 10 best rock ’n’ roll birthday tracks for August: The Tuesday Local Spins Playlist
Mid-August marks birthdays for members of some iconic rock bands — from Jethro Tull to The Guess Who to Dire Straits and more. Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics celebrates with his Top 10 faves from these acts. Watch the videos, listen to the tracks on Spotify.
Big List Concert Guide · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
The Big List Concert Guide (Aug. 10-16): Olivia Dear, The Go Rounds, Full Cord & more
As we roll into mid-August, outdoor shows continue to be the only way to go when it comes to experiencing live music. Browse this week’s listings of shows across West Michigan and check out our ticket giveaway.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Concert Recap: Drive-in show, Listening Lawn & some Farmfest musical love
Live music in the great outdoors took several different forms across the region — from Benton Harbor to Grand Rapids to a farm east of Gaylord, with performances by Mark Lavengood, Jenna Mammina and many more. Local Spins traveled hundreds of miles for images of what’s become a rarity this summer due to COVID-19: Live music.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Cowpie Memories 2019: Cracker, fire dancers, late-night jams and ‘an escape from reality’
The good-time vibe of last year’s festival may have made it the best in Cowpie history, thanks to The Bootstrap Boys, Fauxgrass, Mark Lavengood, Desmond Jones, Trifocal, Melophobix and more. COVID-19 wiped out the 2020 festival that would have taken place this weekend, but you can relive the highlights from last year’s celebration in words, photos and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Feted Michigan songwriter Andy Baker taps eclectic, heart-moving milieu for new album
The Gobles-based artist who’s a finalist in two songwriting competitions was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Madelyn Grant, Brett Mitchell, Ghosts of Sunset and more. Learn more about Andy Baker, watch one of his music videos and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · In Memoriam · Videos
The Great Daryl Nathan: In memory of a Grand Rapids public access TV sensation
In the 1990s, Daryl Q. Nathan made a splash on GRTV unlike any other musician or performer before or since. Fans are paying homage to the unusual Grand Rapids singer who died last month at age 54. Read about Nathan and watch several of his classic videos at Local Spins.
Best Concerts Ever: Local Spins readers hail The Stones, The Dead, Bruce, Paul, Ray, Ozzy
Asking Local Spins readers to name their favorite concert of all time was asking for trouble. But the ridiculously difficult task produced some incredible memories from some remarkable shows. Check out the responses in this fun, reader-generated assignment.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Teyland Avery’s ‘impactful’ hip hop and the unifying 616 Records label
The Grand Rapids rapper, who combines traditional hip-hop with a new-school vibe, is working on a new EP while creating a collaborative team of local artists. Listen to his music, watch a music video and get his back story at Local Spins.
Odd Space, Danielle Cosby join Hayes Griffin on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for July
Grand Rapids’ Nicholas James Thomasma and Ian Thompson return to the chart for the second month in a row, too. Listen to tracks from all of the featured albums at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Meijer Gardens’ Top 10 ‘Songs from Summers Past’: The Local Spins Tuesday Playlist
In what would have marked the halfway point in another robust amphitheater series except for COVID-19, Meijer Gardens’ John VanderHaagen offers up a Top 10 playlist of artists who’ve played the summer series — and one act he’d love to see there. Check out the list and listen to songs from each of the featured performers.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List Concert Guide: Mark Lavengood, Patty PerShayla and a new drive-in series
August rolls on with the usual outdoor deck and patio shows, plus a few bigger concerts, including the kickoff to a new drive-in series in Southwest Michigan. Browse this week’s live music guide at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins’ Top Stories of the Year: COVID-19 song parodies and a playlist for the apocalypse
It’s been a frightening, topsy-turvy year, with live music mostly shut down. But quarantined Local Spins readers embraced our inventive COVID playlists and videos in record fashion. Here are the two most-read posts of 2020.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘Healing Bridges’: Brian Koenigsknecht’s candid, poignant journey of grief through song
The Kalamazoo singer-songwriter’s new album was featured for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Distant Stars, From Big Sur, Joel Comstock, The American Hotel System and more. Get Koenigsknecht’s back story and watch one of his music videos; listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
‘Listening Lawn’ brews up soul, funk and ‘Blues You Can Use’ for second downtown concert
On a near-perfect July night, Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues and Hannah Rose Graves regaled a happy crowd for a rare display of live music outside Grand Rapids’ Studio Park. Get the recap, photos and video highlights from Thursday’s show at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Traverse City’s Biomassive set to release live album boasting its ‘finest sonic blend’ yet
Forced to shelve a new studio recording due to COVID-19, the West Michigan electronic rock band and festival favorite has instead leaned on its live-show prowess to satiate fans. Read more about the band, listen to a track from the new live album and watch a video of a recent live set at Third Coast Recording.
Local Spins’ Top 10 Videos of the Month: Callab, Barrel Bones, Glen Danles, August and more
Check out this robust bunch of genre-spanning music videos by Michigan artists — plus a video plea to support bills that would help rescue concert venues ravaged by COVID-19.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Top 10 Songs for Drinking Days Gone By: Local Spins’ Tuesday Playlist
This week’s guest contributor, Calin Skidmore of Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge, tapped a keg filled with drinking songs that fondly recall pre-pandemic days of sharing good times with friends. Watch the videos, listen to the tracks on Spotify.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List Concert Guide: A new farm concert series, Listening Lawn blues & more
The great outdoors still dominates concert listings as the most popular and safest places to enjoy live music in late July. Check out this week’s guide to live shows at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Farmfest cancels 2020 celebration; one of Michigan’s sole remaining music festivals
Due to continued COVID-19 concerns, northern Michigan’s Farmfest has finally bowed to the pandemic and plans to return to the Johannesburg farm in 2021.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The indie-rock and Americana ‘layer cake’ of ttypes + PAWL’s ambitious ‘Motel’
The songwriting brothers spent a decade on the masterwork showcased for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Biomassive, River City Narrative, Oliver Scott Draper and Brian Koenigknecht. Learn more about the unusual ttypes + PAWL project and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concerts return to downtown Grand Rapids: Luke Winslow-King fires up Studio Park (safely)
COVID-19 silenced live music downtown until Thursday when the first “Listening Lawn” show regaled a sold-out crowd outdoors on the piazza at Studio Park. Check out the review and photo gallery exclusively at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The show must go on: After 26 Project to host sixth Depot Music Festival in Cadillac
The nonprofit organization that employs adults with developmental disabilities at its Cadillac cafe aims to move forward with the Aug. 1 event starring American Hotel System while following social-distancing rules. Find out more about this one-day festival and the workers it benefits.
Concert reviews · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
Driveway, Drive-In and Secret Serenades: The new normal for live music amid COVID-19
Tuesday’s kickoff to a driveway concert series is just one way West Michigan has returned to live music, with shows unfurling at parks, parking lots and farms. Check out photos and a recap of Tuesday’s concert, and see what other outdoor shows are on the horizon at Local Spins.
Billy Strings makes national network TV debut, urges fan support for concert venues
Asking viewers to support the National Independent Venue Association in its plea to Congress for help amid the pandemic, Michigan’s favorite bluegrass son and his band performed Monday for “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Watch videos from the performances at Local Spins and listen to this week’s Top 10 playlist: The Best of Billy Strings.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Not-So-Big List Concert Guide: Driveway, piazza and patio shows (July 20-26)
A couple of new outdoor concert series fire up in Grand Rapids this week, along with the usual patio and deck shows at various bars and restaurants across West Michigan. Check out this week’s concert offerings at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Summer Festivals
Local Spins Rewind: The best of 2019’s Beaver Island Music Festival in words, photos
Usually, mid-July means Beaver Island teems with music from its festival in northern Lake Michigan. With the event canceled due to COVID, things were quieter this year, so Local Spins looks back at highlights from 2019 in words and photos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery
Paradise Outlaw rolls through heat, rain for four rock shows in eight hours
Performing sets Saturday on a wheeled flatbed trailer, the Grand Rapids band hit different West Michigan sites for an unusual “Traveling Road Show.” Check out this week’s live music photo galleries, including photos from Thursday’s performances by the Oat Bran Boys in Cutlerville and Megan Dooley in Kalamazoo.
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