Michigan’s hallowed Wheatland in September is bowing to COVID-19 out of safety concerns. But organizers of a mid-July festival on an island in northern lake Michigan still plan a mini-event with limited crowds. Get details about both festivals at Local Spins.
Videos of the Week: Elevator a GoGo’s The Young Fables; VPO’s garage symphony
The second video in the Elevator a GoGo series features a Nashville Americana act. And Grand Rapids’ Vintage Parlor Orchestra used a garage as the setting for a unique performance video during the stay-at-home pandemic. Watch both distinctive videos at Local Spins.
Blackout Tuesday Playlist: Jason Clark’s Top 10 of Lil Uzi Vert, Chief Keef, Lil Durk, Sada Baby
Local Spins writer Jason Clark unfurls this week’s playlist on Blackout Tuesday — a Top 10 soundtrack of hip hop gems. Check out the videos, listen to the tracks on Spotify.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Lowell cancels summer concert series; Cutlerville moving ahead with July shows
COVID-19 still has many communities wrestling with decisions to host free concerts this summer. Get the update at Local Spins along with the full schedule of July shows in Cutlerville.
Breaking music news · Features · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Kalamazoo State Theatre showcased in uplifting new Goo Goo Dolls video
The video for the rock band’s single, ‘Fearless,’ was released today, filled with images of exuberant fans during a November 2019 Kalamazoo tour stop. Get the back story and watch the video at Local Spins.
Northern Michigan’s return to live music proves slow, cautious and limited
Although Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently allowed the region to reopen bars and restaurants with some restrictions, many venues still aren’t hosting live music and musicians remain wary. Check out the latest report in a Local Spins series about the challenges facing live music as the coronavirus pandemic winds down.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
A long and winding road of story songs: Nicholas James Thomasma’s ‘Rolling Home’
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter rolled out his latest gems for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by The Gasoline Gypsies, Lipstick Jodi, Adam Main, Jess, Darcy Wilkin and more. Learn more about Thomasma’s new album, watch a video of his performance and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Over my dead body or let’s rock? Attending a concert or music festival after COVID-19
Local Spins today kicks off a series of features on the prospects of returning to live music and festivals amid the new normal. Today, publisher John Sinkevics probes the difficult dilemma and uncertainties facing fans and show organizers.
Album Reviews: Sweet Water Warblers, The Whiskey Charmers, Nicholas James Thomasma
More new releases from Michigan artists are on tap in this week’s Local Spins roundup, including a female super-group, a VW bus-loving singer-songwriter, a Detroit-area alt-country band and a Traverse City funkster. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the featured albums.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The Big List Rescheduled: New dates for postponed West Michigan concerts
Another month amid a COVID-19 shutdown means more concerts and live music events have been canceled or postponed. Here are new dates for some shows you might be wondering about, along with a list of canceled Michigan concerts.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: Pink Sky delivers ‘A Loop in Self-Isolation,’ from Pink Floyd to Nils Frahm
In an exclusive playlist crafted for Local Spins, the Jammie Award-winning Grand Rapids electronic duo meshes contemporary synth gems with iconic tracks by Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Bjork and Nick Cave. Unfurl this mesmerizing soundtrack, with Pink Sky’s descriptions of each song.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Features
Dutch Connection: The ‘dark country’ pairing of Stovepipe Stover and Silas J. Dirge
One of music’s most unusual, transatlantic partnerships – two songwriters in Michigan and the Netherlands who’ve never met – has spawned an eerie Gothic Americana single with more to come. Learn more about how these two talented artists met online and forged a songwriting partnership, then listen to their haunting track.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Summer Festivals
Local Spins Rewind: Memorial Day memories of 2019’s magical Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit
A tradition over Memorial Day weekend, the Bus Benefit south of Grand Haven always signaled the start of Michigan’s festival season. COVID-19 wiped out the 2020 event, so Local Spins decided to revisit last year’s celebration in words, photos and some video highlights. Amid the current pandemic, they’re magical, bittersweet memories.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Treeskin album lets Michael Dause get ‘more personal’ and ‘elicit a feeling of hope’
The Accidentals’ drummer featured his new solo release for this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jake Kershaw, Sweet Water Warblers, Matt McCalpin, Political Lizard, The Waverlys, The Whiskey Charmers and more. Get the Treeskin back story and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Features
Earthwork Music collective rebrands, relaunches with vision for ‘cultural healing’
The longtime Michigan music collective re-emerges today after a two-year overhaul with a revamped organizational structure, a slate of new artists and some live-stream performances. Get the full story at Local Spins along with some videos of Earthwork artists.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Videos
Spring Lake’s John Mulder becomes voice for hospice patients, workers with new album
Amid the current crisis, Mulder’s collaborative “The World Around the Bed” not only serves as an instrument of hope for hospice patients, but also those affected by COVID-19. Get the back story at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens makes ‘crushing’ move to cancel summer concert series
As feared by many fans, the high-profile 2020 amphitheater shows won’t take place, but a ‘modified’ Tuesday Evening Music Club series featuring regional stars might be possible. The announcement follows similar decisions by Grand Rapids’ Upheaval Music Festival and Grand Haven’s Coast Guard Festival to cancel due to COVID-19 concerns. Details at Local Spins.
Uncertainty forces Michigan communities to make tough calls on summer music series
COVID-19 concerns are wreaking havoc with free community concerts in cities across Michigan, with some delaying shows and others canceling summer series, sometimes sparking angry reactions from residents. Get the lowdown on which series are still hoping to continue and what issues organizers are wrestling with.
Tuesday Playlist: Last Gasp Collective grooves to Glasper, Buddy, Kanye, Phoelix, Bon Iver
The Jammie Award-winning Kalamazoo hip hop/soul ensemble delivers a thought-provoking, boundary-pushing roster of faves to pump up the week at Local Spins. Listen to the tracks, watch the videos.
Breaking music news · Traverse City
Northern Michigan set to re-open but live music still faces ‘a tough time’
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced easing COVID-19 restrictions for restaurants and bars in the Traverse City area and the U.P. for Memorial Day weekend, but social-distancing still critical and a big concern. The story and comments from a shuttered Traverse City brewery at Local Spins.
Features · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins’ Concert Photo Gems: The Top 20 ‘dream list’ from Nathan Purchase
Today’s entry in our series spotlighting Local Spins photographers focuses on Nathan Purchase, with his favorite concert photos of artists such as Umphrey’s McGee, Tame Impala, Billy Strings, My Morning Jacket, Greensky Bluegrass and, of course, Desmond Jones. View the photos and get the stories behind his classic shots.
Video Fab Five: Hank Mowery, Junior Valentine pump up fiery blues at the Tip Top and more
Today’s video roundup is topped by Friday’s furious night of fundraising blues at the Tip Top Deluxe, plus songs by Sweet Water Warblers, Full Cord Bluegrass, American Hotel System and Upon Wings. Check out all the videos in this week’s edition of “music on the silver screen.”
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
GR singer-songwriter Dale Wicks looks back, moves forward musically with new album
Wicks performed two new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted fresh tracks by In the Valley Below, Steve Rivers, Full Cord, August, Kanin, Stephie James and more. Listen to the radio show podcast, learn more about Dale Wicks and his new album.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Detroit’s Mo Pop Festival makes ‘heartbreaking’ decision to cancel 2020 event
Leaders of the July festival starring The 1975 and Khalid join live music event organizers in other Michigan cities – Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Rockford and Niles – in pulling the plug on summer musical celebrations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Michigan Album Reviews: Wuzee & Samil, Anna Burch, Sean Miller, Silent Spirit, Amy Petty
May’s second round of Local Spins album reviews focuses on artists from across the Great Lakes State, from Grand Rapids hip hop and electronic acts to singer-songwriters in Detroit, Saginaw and Petoskey. Scrutinize the reviews and listen to song selections from each featured artist.
Features · In-Depth Report · Venue Spotlight
Concerts in Crisis: Indoor shows could be a year away, some fans won’t return without a vaccine
Venues are rallying for federal aid and short-term prospects for live music appear bleak. See what some experts and concertgoers say about the future of the live music industry amid COVID-19, their concerns about inconsiderate fans and the impact of a possible vaccine. Plus, see how you can help venues in their struggle for survival.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: Desmond Jones jams to EOB, Nirvana, Frank Zappa, Weezer, Gram Parsons
Popular Grand Rapids jam band Desmond Jones whipped up a Top 10 roster of group members’ favorite songs during the current coronavirus pandemic, from D’Angelo to Thundercat. Watch the videos, listen to the Local Spins playlist on Spotify.
Sam Bush, Rodney Crowell, Milk Carton Kids, Christian McBride to fire up St. Cecilia
The historic downtown Grand Rapids venue today announced a record-setting lineup of folk, jazz and chamber music concerts starting this fall. See the full lineup and details about the post-pandemic challenges facing venues such as St. Cecilia Music Center.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Interlochen cancels summer concert series; more Michigan festivals follow suit
Scrapped due to COVID-19, the popular northern Michigan series at Interlochen is among numerous live music events slated for summer 2020 across the state that are being dropped, postponed or revised. Get details and see an updated list of festival cancellations at Local Spins.
Features · Weekend Photo Gallery
Golden moments, glitter and concert charisma: The faves from photographer Anna Sink
Starting her concert photo career with Local Spins several years ago, photographer Anna Sink shares some of her favorite images — her unique take on bands, fans and festivals, and the stories behind those shots. And check out a photo gallery with more images of festivals, Michigan stars and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Kalamazoo’s Celeste Allison Trio takes jazzy indie-folk/pop to next level with new EP
Allison was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Silent Spirit, Andy Baker, The Accidentals, Martyr for Madison, The Ryne Experience and The American Hotel System. Learn more about Allison and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Anna Burch jumps to No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart with ‘mellow, contemplative’ new album
The Detroit-area artist with roots in West Michigan topped the April chart of most-played local and regional albums at WYCE-FM. Learn more about Burch, watch a video of a new song, see who else made the Top 5 and listen to tracks from all of the featured albums.
Album Reviews: Martyr for Madison, Strawberry Heritage, Nathan Kalish and more
Celeste Allison Trio, Dale Wicks and The Ryne Experience also are part of this early May roundup of new Michigan-propelled releases. Learn more about the albums and listen to songs from each of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Local Spins turns it up with ‘Amplified’ weekly newsletter, new bandanas
Amid the current COVID-19 crisis, Local Spins ‘goes to 11’ today by launching a new email newsletter with exclusive content and a chance to win swag. Get the details and sign up for the free newsletter if you’re not already a subscriber.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
GR Festival of the Arts seeks band, dance videos for ‘virtual’ Festival in early June
With COVID-19 wiping out live shows and downtown’s Festival of the Arts, May 15 is the deadline for local artists and performance groups to submit short videos for the Virtual Arts Festival. WOODTV.com will live-stream accepted entries the first weekend in June. Get details and the link for submitting videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Nathan Kalish cooks up fresh, steaming Americana, takes aim at ‘unfairness of life’
In an interview with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos, Nathan Kalish opens up about his new album, cooking for himself, and the way the coronavirus has ravaged the music industry. Learn more about the West Michigan-bred Kalish and listen to songs from his latest release. And he plays a live-stream concert tonight.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: The Bootstrap Boys’ summer vibe, country gems & a rock ’n’ roll classic
Grand Rapids’ Jammie Award-winning Bootstrap Boys put their heads together (virtually) for this week’s Local Spins playlist to pay homage to John Prine, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash and a few unexpected artists like Orville Peck. Check out the videos and listen to all the songs via Local Spins’ Spotify playlist.
Concert announcements · Live-Stream Concerts
Online ‘Sing Me Home’ fest, tourism worker relief concerts ramp up as live shows go dark
Different online Michigan music events fire up May, including Chris Good’s Sing Me Home Festival shows, an Earthwork Harvest Gathering/Hoxeyville series and five straight nights of regional stars and culinary experts hosted by Pure Michigan, MLive and PBS’ ‘Under the Radar.’
Features · Weekend Photo Gallery
George Clinton to Greensky Bluegrass & more: The best of photographer Derek Ketchum
Local Spins continues its “concert photo rewind” series spotlighting the stellar work of its photographers, this time focusing on our Kalamazoo live music honcho: Derek Ketchum. Here are his favorite photos and the stories behind these colorful, action-packed shots.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Jason Roy revels in ‘sideman’ approach to The Soods’ eclectic, collaborative indie-rock
The Grand Rapids musician was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Kid Icarus, John Davey, Pink Sky/Stitxhes, Alluvial Fans and more. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight on The Soods with video and the full radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Buttermilk Jamboree, Farm Block call off 2020 festivals; plan live-stream performances
Citing assembly restrictions and safety concerns sparked by the COVID-19 crisis, both Michigan festivals canceled 2020 events and hope to host some online alternatives instead. Get the details at Local Spins. It’s “a time of uncertainty,” says performer May Erlewine.
Super 8: New music videos from Desmond Jones, Accidentals, Martyr for Madison, more
Local Spins rolls out eight new Michigan-bred music videos for those trying to stay entertained during a pandemic that’s quarantined many and gotten us antsy for fresh material — including another COVID-19 parody. Check out the musical action from a diverse set of artists.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Porcupine Mountains Music Fest, Kalamazoo Ribfest canceled; some summer fests aim to continue
Unable to overcome a “hurdle of uncertainty,” summer festivals such as this one in the Upper Peninsula are calling it quits for 2020, while others hope they’ll be able to continue as scheduled. Some communities, meanwhile, are delaying their free summer concerts until July.
Quarantine Playlist: Jordan Hamilton jams to J.Rob, Jess, Just a Band, Jay Electronica, Rema
This week, we asked Jammie Award winner and Local Spins’ Emerging Artist of the Year Jordan Hamilton to give us his top songs to get through the COVID-19 quarantine. An intriguing roster of tunes to be sure, from hip hop to jazz and more. Watch the videos, listen to the Kalamazoo cellist’s playlist on Spotify.
Big List Concert Guide · Concert announcements · Concert Listings
The Big List Rescheduled: A roster of new dates for postponed West Michigan concerts
With venues shut down and Michigan’s stay-at-home order extended, here are the rescheduled dates for some April and May shows you might be wondering about.
Features · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Rewind: Lizzo, La Dispute, Patti Smith and the best of Kendra Petersen-Kamp
The third week of our spotlight on Local Spins photographers focuses on the work of Kendra Petersen-Kamp. View some of her favorite photos and get the stories behind those images at Local Spins.
Retro variety show ‘Sunday Goodtime Hour’ to launch online with musical guests, comedy
The live-streamed Grand Rapids show premieres this weekend with Josh Rose, Karisa Wilson, Allen Trieu, films and more. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Michigan guitar hero Jake Kershaw moves beyond blues-rock with new tunes
Although he doesn’t want to “lose the blues,” the 19-year-old Kershaw showed off another side to his music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by several Michigan artists, including Desmond Jones, Chris DuPont, Dawning, Chris Canas, Vagabonds, Justin Wierenga and more. Learn more about Kershaw, watch a video of him performing a new song and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Late August’s Willowsong Music Fest announces lineup, aims for light in ‘dark times’
The small, fourth-year festival north of Grand Rapids hopes the COVID-19 crisis will ease by late summer, allowing The Go Rounds, Charlie Millard and other regional acts to perform. See the full lineup and get the back story about how organizers are adjusting to pandemic concerns.
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