Citing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, the music festival hosted by Buses by the Beach along Lake Michigan between Holland and Grand Haven announced that it was forced to take the year off, with plans for returning in 2021. It joins the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, Dam Jam and other events which have recently canceled 2020 celebrations. Get details at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Political Lizard, Further Closer, Stormo, Vagabonds, Sharpnyko
The current COVID-19 crisis hasn’t silenced West Michigan artists, who’ve been busy releasing new albums. Here are five to check out, including a tour de force from Jake Kalmink’s Further Closer and a much-anticipated sophomore release by Political Lizard. Listen to tracks from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest cancels 10th anniversary festival due to COVID-19; looks ahead to 2021
After weeks of speculation, festival organizers made the decision to cancel the sold-out late June festival in Rothbury. Ticketholders can retain their wristbands for 2021 or request refunds. Get details at Local Spins.
Songs to Save the Planet: The Local Spins Playlist by Patty PerShayla
With Earth Day approaching, Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Patty PerShayla created a special soundtrack of songs to get us contemplating the state of our environment. Welcome to Tuesday’s Local Spins Playlist. Watch the videos, listen to the riveting songs at Local Spins.
Concert Photo Rewind: Slash, NF, Lauren Daigle and more from the best of Jamie Geysbeek
Round 2 of Local Spins’ spotlight on the amazing work of its concert photographers continues with Jamie Geysbeek. Browse some of his favorite photos, including images of Skillet, Black Veil Brides, Chris Thile, NF, Slash, Lauren Daigle and more, with stories behind the shots.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Stepladders project strides toward rock on sophomore release
Guitarist-singer Bill Chesney’s second album was spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Strawberry Heritage, Stormo, Bedroom Ceilings, Dale Wicks and Landsailors. Learn more about Stepladders, watch a video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Record shops feeling pandemic pain, fret about delayed Record Store Day hoopla
Saturday’s Record Store Day is postponed until June but shops already reeling from the shutdown wonder if vinyl lovers will be back that soon. Local Spins checks in with some West Michigan record and music stores which have been hit hard by the COVID-19 shutdown.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Blissfest cancels July 2020 music festival ‘with a heavy heart’
The longstanding, much-beloved event near Harbor Springs was to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, but won’t take place due to COVID-19. Find more information and links at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
B93 Birthday Bash with Brothers Osborne, Tyler Farr postponed to late August
The mammoth, one-day country music celebration hosted by radio station B-93.7 was to take place on June 20, but will be pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic. Get details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Nor-East’r, Hiawatha music festivals to take the year off due to coronavirus crisis
The beloved northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula music festivals that take place in June and July, respectively, cited uncertainty and concerns about the health of attendees, musicians and volunteers in moving the events to 2021. Get more details at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
COVID-19 Relief Playlist: Top 10 Michigan-bred songs to take your mind off the pandemic
Several weeks into this COVID-19 crisis, we need some tension-relieving music. And Michigan artists — new and old — supply the perfect soundtrack to lift our spirits, courtesy of this week’s Local Spins playlist. Check out the songs by the likes of Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, May Erlewine, Jack White, The Accidentals and The War & Treaty, and why they made our Tuesday list.
COVID-19 takes ‘terrifying,’ ‘devastating’ toll on West Michigan bars, concert venues
With stages silenced and most employees laid off, the region’s live music industry faces brutal losses, an uncertain future. Will things reopen this summer, this fall? No one knows. But some remain hopeful. Find out how these venues have been affected at Local Spins.
Concert magic from Kid Rock to Haim to Kiss to Elton John to Steve Aoki: Photos of Tony Norkus
Over the past eight years, Local Spins has published some spectacular concert photography. And some of the best photos have been taken by Tony Norkus, who today shares some of his favorites, along with stories about each image — from ebullient Bassnectar fans to singer Charles Bradley’s passionate Grand Rapids debut.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Camp Greensky scraps 2020 festival due to COVID-19, set for return in June 2021
Another Michigan music festival has fallen victim to the coronavirus pandemic. This time, it’s the relatively young Camp Greensky hosted by Greensky Bluegrass. Get details at Local Spins, along with news about other June festivals.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Devin Weber talks John Prine’s lasting impact, new Dead Frets EP, solo material
The Grand Rapids singer-guitarist chatted about his music and performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Wuzee, Lybrandt, Celeste Allison, Further Closer, Analog Kid and more. Learn more about Weber, check out a video of his performance and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest 2020 in doubt after Rothbury rejects rescheduled dates for festival
Festival organizers had asked to postpone the popular festival until September. They now say they’re “exploring all our options.” Read more about the situation, along with comments from ticketholders.
Breaking music news · Features · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Kevin Matthews launching ‘Elevator a Go Go’ music series from Grand Rapids warehouse
The well-known radio personality has partnered with Big Event Studios to showcase videos of regional and national stars in a rustic freight elevator, starting with local legend Bobby Haggard. The story and video at Local Spins.
In Memoriam · Playlists · Videos
In memory of John Prine: The Local Spins playlist honoring a true American legend
After a battle with COVID-19, folk and Americana icon John Prine passed away on Tuesday. This is Local Spins’ musical tribute to one of the country’s most influential artists. Listen to some of his most memorable songs; watch videos of his performances.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Musical tribute to COVID-19 health care workers: The Local Spins Playlist
This week’s Local Spins playlist inspired by the coronavirus crisis honors the brave doctors, nurses and health care workers who are helping heal the nation under dire circumstances — 16 songs featuring classics by Dr. Dre, Grace Potter, Bush, Jackson Browne, Michael Jackson, Foo Fighters, Motorhead and more. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
COVID-19 wiping out or postponing May, early summer Michigan music festivals
Most May festivals will no longer take place and organizers of June events are eyeing postponements amid the coronavirus pandemic. Get the update at Local Spins.
The silence of COVID-19: Michigan sound engineers struggle amid pandemic shutdown
Forgotten in the worries about musicians and concert venues ravaged by the coronavirus crisis has been the devastating impact on sound techs and engineers who’ve lost essentially all of their business. Local Spins takes a closer look at the uncertain future for these critical players in the music industry.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Andrew Brown’s Djangophonique soars to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for March
The album inspired by iconic jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt topped an all-new roster of popular Michigan releases, which also included Via Mardot, Pink Sky, Darcy Wilkin and Seth Beck. Learn more about Djangophonique, view the complete chart and listen to songs from all of the featured artists.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Political Lizard takes genre-jumping, no-rules approach on sophomore album
The indie-rock/pop group was showcased for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Nathan Kalish, Further Closer, Nathan Walton, Basic Comfort, Bedroom Ceilings, Michael Beauchamp-Cohen & Brian Koenigsknecht, Stevie Reidz and Archie & The One Hits. Learn more about Political Lizard and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Hoom Hits compilation, Loren Johnson, Cole Hansen, Frank Pfaff
Smack dab in the middle of a COVID-19 shutdown, Local Spins presents an early April roundup of new West Michigan album releases. Read the reviews, listen to selected tracks from the featured albums.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Earth Radio seeks to add fan voices from across the globe to uplifting new song
The band wants singers to take video and record themselves as they croon along to a track, then submit their parts as a “virtual choir” for use in the Earth Radio song and a new video. Check out details and sing along to Earth Radio’s song at Local Spins.
Music Amid Madness: Michigan crafts moving art, humor from COVID-19 pandemic pain
Local Spins asked Michigan musicians to submit songs inspired by the COVID-19 crisis — humorous as well as heartfelt. They responded with a passel of tunes. Check out the winning video and all of the entries. And one Grand Rapids record label has released a two-volume set of ‘quarantine jams.’ Watch the videos and listen to the songs at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Videos
First-ever online ‘Spread the Music’ fest raises more than $11,500 for Michigan musicians
Viewers across the globe tuned in to the four-day live-streamed festival hosted by the Michigan Music Alliance with sets by 40 artists who broadcast from their own homes. The alliance kicks off a new online concert series tonight. See how many people watched the performances and get details about the Michigan Music Alliance’s fundraising efforts at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
How ‘American Idol’ inspired a ‘cannon of a voice’: Nathan Walton reflects on Hollywood
After multiple rounds of auditions, the Byron Center singer — “a guy with long hair that likes to belt” — went to Hollywood as a contestant on America’s most well-known music competition, and got a brief brush with the national TV spotlight before being sent home. The story of 27-year-old West Michigan singer-songwriter Nathan Walton’s journey through “American Idol.”
Music amid the madness: Local Spins seeks Michigan artists’ songs inspired by COVID-19
With Michiganders stuck at home, songwriters have the time and the perfect opportunity to comment on the coronavirus crisis musically. We want to hear those songs (and we’ve got a few more spoof videos here for inspiration). Local Spins plans to compile the best of these Michigan music videos, with one artist winning a special gift package.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Cole Hansen unfurling vision for long-awaited, uplifting Americana solo debut album
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and debuted new tracks by The Legal Immigrants, American Hotel System, Ohly, Martyr for Madison and more. Learn more about Hansen, watch a video of her performing a new song and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s COVID-19 Music Update: Stimulus relief for musicians, new live-stream events
The state’s music scene continues to be affected by the coronavirus crisis and some of the news is good: Self-employed songwriters and others will be eligible for loans and aid, and on-line performance opportunities abound. Check out the news roundup at Local Spins. And now, the state has expanded unemployment benefits to self-employed and low-wage workers.
Michigan musicians keep the faith with video entries in NPR’s 2020 Tiny Desk Contest
It’s actually the perfect talent show contest for a coronavirus pandemic: Hundreds of bands from across the country are submitting videos from their own homes in NPR’s annual competition, with a big Great Lakes State contingent. View more than 30 video entries from Michigan bands and solo artists at Local Spins.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Battling COVID-19 with humor: The Top 10 coronavirus song parodies
Due to the current crisis, musicians have a lot of time on their hands. And that means some of them have come up with hilarious takes on our response to the unprecedented situation and witty ways to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. And face it: We all need a chuckle right now.
Summer Festivals · Top 10 Lists
Top 10 Michigan Music Festivals: The 2020 Local Spins Readers’ Picks
A record number of readers responded to our annual poll, with Wheatland Music Festival coming out on top for 2020, followed closely by Buttermilk Jamboree and Nor-East’r. See what else made the Top 10 and our list of honorable mentions, along with festivalgoer comments, festival website links and details about each featured festival.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Concerts during the COVID-19 crisis: A Day in the Life of a Live-Streamed World
The Crane Wives’ Emilee Petersmark hosted a “Stay in Your House Show” with a handful of W. Michigan acts on Friday — all streaming sets from home. Local Spins was there to capture the vibe of the ‘new normal’ when it comes to the live music that we’ve got these days. Browse a photo gallery from the live-stream setup.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
New Holland Brewing to roll out ‘virtual’ concert series starring Michigan bands
With concert venues shut down due to COVID-19, the Holland-based brewery will present three live-streamed concerts each week. See who’s playing the first week of the “Gezellig” series and get more details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
‘A lot of me coming through’: Loren Johnson embraces fun hybrid of experiences on new EP
The Grand Haven singer and guitarist was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Public Access, Cole Hansen, Nicholas James Thomasma, Sugartone Noise Company, Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble, Sean Miller and more.
Spread the Music Festival to feature dozens of Michigan stars for online performances
The star-studded, March 26-29 live-streamed festival is hosted by Michigan Music Alliance as way to raise donations for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund that’s assisting musicians hurt by the COVID-19 crisis. See the full schedule at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Videos
Viral Virtual Venues: Michigan bands live-stream to connect with fans and get paid
The coronavirus pandemic that’s canceled hundreds of concerts has sparked a flood of online shows by artists who play for at-home audiences. And Local Spins has started a new calendar listing to spotlight those shows. Get the lowdown on this growing trend and watch some recent live-streamed shows.
Coronavirus closures leave musicians hanging out to dry on St. Patrick’s Day
A day normally filled with revelry and live music was eerily quiet Tuesday with bars closed across Michigan. And that means “the financial implications are huge” for musicians, especially Celtic music acts.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Grand Rapids’ 2020 Festival of the Arts canceled due to COVID-19 crisis
The 51st edition of the downtown festival was slated to take place in early June but is being shelved with “the community’s best interests in mind.” One performer called it “heartbreaking.” Details at Local Spins.
The COVID-19 Playlist: Songs for the apocalypse
With folks self-quarantining and social-distancing — and virtually all live music entertainment shut down — Local Spins asked writer Troy Reimink to supply a stay-at-home soundtrack for the viral apocalypse. Watch the videos and listen to the Spotify playlist.
Big List Concert Guide · Commentary
The Big List Concert Guide: A note from the editor about live music in crisis
Normally on Mondays, Local Spins is all about giving you the lowdown on concerts for the week ahead. COVID-19 has changed all that. But we’re still determined to keep you updated on Michigan’s music scene.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Michigan Artist Relief Fund to aid musicians losing income due to coronavirus crisis
With hundreds of concert cancellations and today’s statewide bar closure order dealing a blow to bands, the new relief fund is seeking donations which will help Michigan musicians who qualify via applications to recover some financial losses. The lowdown at Local Spins, with links to donate or apply for assistance.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
All Michigan bars closed, restaurants limited to take-out only, scores of concerts canceled due to COVID-19
Grand Rapids-area bars, restaurants and concert venues already jolted by cancellations due to the crisis will now be closed after some had predicted a complete shutdown was imminent. Scores of concerts have been canceled. The story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Killswitch Engage, Lauren Daigle, Kingfish, Of Montreal, An Dro: Week-in-Review Photos
A coronavirus-shortened week of live shows still gave some West Michigan fans a mix of magical music: blues, metalcore, neo-psychedelia, Celtic music, contemporary Christian pop, country and South African vocal glory. View all of the images at Local Spins.
Trout Steak Revival’s ‘Songs they would have played in Grand Rapids’ (Local Spins Playlist)
The Colorado bluegrass band with W. Michigan ties scrapped weekend Listening Room shows in Grand Rapids due to the COVID-19 crisis. But you can listen to songs they would have played live in this Local Spins playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids indie-rocker Seth Beck’s catchy, ‘unfiltered’ songs: Local Spins on WYCE
Beck performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Loren Johnson, Odd Space, Greet Death, NOMAD, Vagabonds and Mannhattan. The story, in-studio video and radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The Intersection, Founders to close for three weeks; more bands postpone tours
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to ban events drawing more than 250 people to stem the spread of the coronavirus has forced the closures, though smaller bars still plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Dozens of concerts have been canceled or postponed; the lowdown at Local Spins.
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