Michigan’s songbird shared thoughts on her fun new studio album and finding peace in a pandemic while debuting a new single for Local Spins on WYCE. The show also showcased new music from Earth Radio, xRBG, Shadow Forest, Barrel Bones, Tom Hymn and more. Learn more about Erlewine’s new album project and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
First Concerts: From Elvis to Seger, Local Spins readers get nostalgic about their maiden shows
Last week’s “Question of the Week” at Local Spins sparked a record number of responses from readers reminiscing about the first concert they ever attended. Check out some of their memories and the wide variety of artists who first captured their live music fancy.
Album Reviews: BoneHawk, Seth Bernard, Amy Love, ttypes+PAWL, Ian Thompson, Hayes Griffin
Our mid-July roundup of new West Michigan releases covers fresh entries in rock, jazz, pop, folk and Western swing. Check out the reviews; listen to tracks from each artist.
Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: The War and Treaty’s fiery, pulse-pounding West Michigan debut
In mid-July 2017, a little-known, soulful group from Albion stuffed its gear into a radio studio for Local Spins on WYCE and blew everyone away. Not surprisingly, they’ve since soared to prominence and become national stars. Relive their debut via words, video and radio show podcast. Plus check out the Tuesday Local Spins Playlist of Top 10 War and Treaty songs.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Not-So-Big List Concert Guide: Dixon’s Violin, Paradise Outlaw, Megan Dooley & more
Innovative ideas for outdoor concerts populate this week’s concert guide as the region continues to struggle with recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. See who’s playing where this week across West Michigan.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens pulls plug on Tuesday Evening Music Club shows for summer 2020
Although Meijer Gardens had hoped to host a limited series of outdoor concerts featuring regional acts later this summer, coronavirus concerns ultimately forced cancellation of all amphitheater shows. Get details at Local Spins.
Packed parking lot, gleeful Beatles fans greet Gilmore Car Museum’s drive-in concert
West Michigan’s second-ever drive-in concert during the pandemic was a sellout on Saturday, with Nashville-based Beatles tribute band The English Rain playing amid bright sunshine. Get the recap and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Summer Festivals
Blissfest 2019 Revisited: Beautiful moments, harmony, magical music, the best Bliss yet?
This year’s Blissfest has gone online for virtual performances through Sunday. But the in-person, 39th edition of the northern Michigan festival may have been the most memorable in history. Relive this special festival in words and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Rocking 300: Six years of Michigan music spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE
One of the first acts to appear on the broadcast, Channing & Quinn, helped commemorate the milestone 300th edition of the radio show, which also looked back at regional music from 2014 and debuted tracks by May Erlewine, Laddermatch, Ttypes + PAWL, Amy Love and more. Check out the interview with Channing & Quinn, watch a video of their performances and listen to the special anniversary show.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Studio C, Listening Room to debut outdoor concerts, movies at Studio Park downtown
Performances by Luke Winslow-King and Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues — along with the screening of several movies — will take place later this month on the piazza lawn of Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids. Get the schedule and the details about this unique series of events at Local Spins.
Drive-in concert starring Beatles tribute band set for Gilmore Car Museum
West Michigan’s second drive-in concert sparked by the social-distancing protocol of the coronavirus pandemic will take place Saturday at the museum in Hickory Corners, south of Grand Rapids. Get the details at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Peace & Love: Ringo Starr’s Top 10 Best Songs to Celebrate his 80th Birthday
Today’s special edition of the Local Spins Tuesday Playlist pays tribute to the irrepressible Beatles drummer with a classic soundtrack of his solo work and some Fab Four gems worth revisiting. Get details about these songs and listen to the full playlist on Spotify.
Hayes Griffin, Nicholas James Thomasma solo albums top Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The most-played regional albums in June at WYCE came from some veteran West Michigan musicians. Learn more about the “crazy” fan reaction to Griffin’s Western swing album, view the full chart and listen to songs from all the featured artists. Also, check out the list of new local/regional additions to the WYCE library.
Concert announcements · Live-Stream Concerts · Summer Festivals
Blissfest goes online for ‘virtual’ festival performances this weekend
One of northern Michigan’s most popular music festivals canceled its in-person gathering near Harbor Springs due to COVID-19, so artists such as Thornetta Davis, Desmond Jones and Rainbow Girls will instead perform online. Get more information and a schedule at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
West Michigan’s Not-So-Big List Concert Guide (July 6-12)
As July continues to heat up, this week’s concert guide features another West Michigan drive-in concert and some outdoor options for live music — plus recommendations for safely attending shows.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The ‘heartland rock roots’ of singer-songwriter Steve Rivers’ ‘American Side Hustle’
The Grand Haven-area country artist was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Public Access, BoneHawk, Woody Mac and more. Learn more about Rivers, watch a video of his performance for the show and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Freedom Rock 2020: The Top 12 Independence Day songs from Local Spins
Freedom has never seemed more important than it does today: July 4, 2020. Local Spins has compiled an Independence Day soundtrack that will uplift you and make you think, from Common and John Legend to Neil Young and Jimi Hendrix.
Paradise Outlaw to take rolling stage on the road for five shows in a single day
The Grand Rapids Southern rock and country band will trailer a stage to five different parking lots in Grand Rapids, Marne and Wyoming on July 18 to play its first shows since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Get details about this “Traveling Road Show” and the schedule at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Holler Fest, Willowsong bow to COVID-19; Detroit Jazz Festival goes ‘virtual’
Two more August music festivals in Michigan have decided to skip 2020 due to the pandemic, with September’s jazz festival in Detroit turning to an elaborate live-stream and televised event. Get the details at Local Spins.
Musicians’ return to stage amid COVID-19: Rewarding, strange, fantastic, different
With some performance spaces reopening, Local Spins touched base with some West Michigan artists about playing music in front of a live audience again. Browse comments from musicians about the “new normal” when it comes to concerts — from worries that remain about performing to the satisfaction of being back on stage. And some concerns remain.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: Dutcher Snedeker’s ‘Songs of Our Time: Summer Groove’
The keyboardist for West Michigan’s Earth Radio and frontman for Blushing Monk unfurls a Top 10 soundtrack featuring Khruangbin, Anderson .Paak, Cory Henry, Brother Gabe and other timely, ‘feel-good grooves’ — some inspired by recent events. Check out his picks, watch the videos and listen to the full playlist on Spotify.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Not-So-Big List Concert Guide … and a Guide to Staying Safe: June 28-July 5
With Fourth of July firing up, Local Spins’ concert guide this week looks at ways to stay safe and keep the coronavirus from exploding again even as folks try to stay entertained. Check out our listings and some health department recommendations.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Five Strand Fusion, Bri Baron Band rock the lot in area’s first drive-in concert
It may have ranked as one of “the weirdest concerts ever,” but in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saturday’s first foray into drive-in performances got high marks from those who attended the Grand Haven show. Get the recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Electric Forest Revisited: The Top 10 best things about 2019’s festival in Rothbury
The 10th Electric Forest isn’t happening this weekend due to COVID-19, so Local Spins has 10 great memories — in words, photos and video — from last year’s festival in Rothbury to satiate the Forest Family. Relive the moments.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Seth Bernard gets ‘cozy’ with self-produced solo album focused on healing and justice
The northern Michigan musician and activist opened up about his DIY project and more for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Molly, Callab, August, Birdie Country, The Bronk Bros., Jake Kershaw, The American Hotel System and other Michigan artists. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, watch a video Bernard’s performance and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Harvest Gathering swaps in-person festival for online events; Hoxeyville to return in 2021
Due to COVID-19, Hoxeyville in Wellston and the 20th annual Earthwork Harvest Gathering outside Lake City won’t take place. Harvest will instead move to “Zoom room” programs, videos and more. Find out more about the decision and get details about Harvest’s virtual event at Local Spins.
West Michigan’s first drive-in concert: Five Strand Fusion, Bri Baron to play Grand Haven
Inspired by social-distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic, Saturday’s unique show in the Rycenga Building Center parking lot will feature two young lakeshore bands, with attendees tuning into WAWL’s FM radio frequency to hear the music. Find more details about the concert and the performers at Local Spins.
Tuesday Playlist: The Rolling Stones’ Top 12 Most Underrated Songs of All-Time
The Rolling Stones were supposed to be in the middle of a 2020 U.S. tour right now, until COVID-19 upended things. To make up for it, Local Spins has assembled some of the iconic band’s most under-appreciated classics for this week’s playlist. Watch the videos, listen to the playlist on Spotify.
Big List Concert Guide · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
The Not-So-Big List: Inaugural Sherwood Forest revs up Rothbury, plus other shows to ponder
Topping this week’s Not-So-Big List Concert Guide is a new event for Double JJ Resort campers on the same weekend that would have hosted Electric Forest, plus a smattering of live music shows across West Michigan. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Summer Festivals
Local Spins Rewind: A look back at 2019’s Founders Fest and Buttermilk Jamboree
This was supposed to be a huge weekend for 2020 outdoor music festivals in West Michigan, but COVID-19 changed all that, forcing cancellation of some annual celebrations. So, Local Spins today looks back at highlights from 2019 with reviews, photo galleries and videos from two of the region’s most popular summer events.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Tip Top Deluxe restarts live band shows with small crowd, enthusiastic King Biscuit Trio
Friday’s blues performance by the King Biscuit Trio drew a modest but ardent audience to the Grand Rapids bar, with Delilah DeWylde playing Tip Top’s anniversary show tonight. Browse the photo gallery and check out video highlights from the show at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Darcy Wilkin relishes finally getting her Americana gems ‘out into the world’
The longtime member of The Corn Fed Girls talked about her solo debut for Local Spins on WYCE and performed a couple of new songs for the radio show, which also premiered tracks by Seth Bernard, .shi (John Conrad Schaak), Glen Danles, Aaron James Wright, Brian Lybrandt, Barrel Bones and other Michigan artists. Learn more about Wilkin and listen to the radio show podcast.
Commentary · Features · Videos
Adapting to chaos: Playing, singing and rehearsing music together amid COVID-19
As leader of Grand Rapids’ Vintage Parlor Orchestra, Thomas Pike faces unique challenges in gathering his large ensemble for practices and performances while following new social-distancing rules. He explores the issues facing music groups in this Local Spins essay and provides some guidance in how bands can make it work.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Beaver Island, Dunesville cancel summer festivals; Marshall Bluegrass Fest moves ahead
Due to COVID-19 concerns, Beaver Island has reversed course and pulled the plug on its July event, joining Dunesville and the Grand Rapids Fourth of July celebration in canceling for 2020. But the Marshall Bluegrass Festival is still a go. Get the latest news at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Nick Piunti, Bedroom Ceilings, Sligh Talkbox, Crooked Heart, Woody Mac
Spanning the state, this roundup of new releases by Michigan artists ranges from hip hop to pop-rock to post-hardcore to indie-rock to soothing, healing AC music. Check out the reviews and listen to music from each of this week’s featured artists at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: Graham Parsons’ songs of ‘power and truth in the face of injustice’
The frontman for Kalamazoo’s The Go Rounds rolls out a compelling — and fun — soundtrack for our times featuring D’Angelo, Sly & The Family Stone, Fiona Apple, Last Gasp Collective, Run the Jewels, Emily King and more. Find out why these are his Top 10 tracks and listen to them all at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Cowpie cancels 2020 festival; N. Michigan’s Farmfest moves forward with precautions
The Aug. 6-8 music celebration on a Kent County cattle farm has been scrapped due to COVID-19, but a festival the same weekend on a farm east of Gaylord will boast a robust lineup of regional stars with new safety precautions. Get details about both festival announcements at Local Spins.
The Not-So-Big List Concert Guide: W. Michigan rocks the Tip Top and more in mid-June
Plan your week with a sampling of live music events at bars, breweries and eateries across West Michigan — including the return of Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, with new health precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s even a parking lot jazz performance to check out. Details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features
Jess Martin praised as ‘perfect fit’ in role as new WYCE-FM station manager
The Grand Rapids community radio station’s operations and programming manager on Monday officially takes over as station manager from Hayes Griffin, who stepped down earlier this year. Read more about Martin in this Local Spins story.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
West Michigan’s Drinking Mercury: Unfurling indie-rock magic inspired by The Beatles
The Ionia-bred group showcased its music during this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music from The War & Treaty, Bedroom Ceilings and more. Learn more about Drinking Mercury, watch a video of a band performance and listen to the full radio show at Local Spins.
Roadie Relief: Michigan’s The Clinic launches to aid concert road crews and their families
Amid the coronavirus crisis and a turbulent music industry, a new advocacy group based in Niles aims to give roadies and their families a helping hand — from counseling to financial assistance. Get the exclusive back story in this Local Spins feature story and see how this West Michigan clinic is making a difference.
Olivia Mainville’s Via Mardot hits No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
Some familiar names and chart veterans ranked among the most-played Michigan artists on WYCE (88.1 FM) last month, representing new and old releases from Grand Rapids to Ann Arbor to Kalamazoo. Check out the latest chart and listen to tracks from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Videos of the Week: Sligh Talkbox, Desmond Jones, Dean Madonia, GR Symphony, more
This video roundup also features northern Michigan students performing an Andy Grammer classic and a peek at the first live concert in the Grand Rapids area in three months. Watch the videos, along with background information about the projects.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Bell’s Summer Garden Series and Rockford’s Rogue River Blues Series scrapped; Kentwood delays concerts
Rockford’s popular Tuesday series initially was supposed to start with blues guitarist Jake Kershaw this week, but now won’t return until 2021 due to COVID-19. And Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo has announced cancellation of its Summer Garden Series. But Kentwood’s series resumes in mid-July. Find details about these free shows and other series at Local Spins.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: Nick Moran heats up with Gorillaz, Run the Jewels, BØRNS, Elohim
With summer temps rising, this week’s Local Spins soundtrack brings a heat wave of diverse tracks courtesy of writer, musician and music maven Nick Moran of GVSU. Check out the videos and listen to the full playlist on Spotify.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos
Grand Rapids’ first live music show since March draws outdoor crowd to The Score
The Iron Town duo played outdoors Monday in the sunshine to a nearly full patio of diners and drinkers who seemed unfazed by COVID-19 concerns. Remarked one patron: “It’s time to get back to life.” The story, video and photos at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Not-So-Big List: Local Spins’ Concert Guide for a COVID-reshaped world
Start your week with a look at the first live music events in months at bars, breweries and eateries across West Michigan, amid health warnings that we must follow the rules to stay safe. Check out the roster of concerts — many of them outdoors — as well as other details about restarting live music at Local Spins.
The messy business of being a music lover in 2020 … and giving black artists their due
In the wake of nationwide protests, Local Spins columnist Tricia Boot Woolfenden reflects on the music industry’s historic “pattern of white-washing” and stealing black artists’ music — and how we can do better. A special Sunday commentary at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Desmond Jones’ ‘George Floyd,’ plus Sligh Talkbox, Bruce Madden
This week’s edition of the radio show spotlighting regional music also featured new tracks by Hayes Griffin, Dave Marean Band, Melanie Pierce, Oliver Scott Draper, Robert Baird and more. Listen to the full radio show podcast and learn more about Desmond Jones’ compelling new single.
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