Halloween weekend amid 2020’s coronavirus crisis is not what West Michigan has come to expect, with closed venues and canceled shows. But Grand Rapids hip hop artists still fired a final musical salvo at Studio Park on Friday. Get the holiday weekend update, see what shows are still happening and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Michigander revels in ‘wild feeling’ of national chart success while eyeing new EP
Frontman Jason Singer talked about his latest hit single for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Chris DuPont, Au Gres, Jack Droppers, Allison Van Liere, Laura Rain, The Marsupials and more. Learn more about Michigander’s new music and future plans, check out a live performance video of the new single, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up concert venue lands ‘lifesaving’ $35,000 grant
The national Live Music Society awarded grants to 20 clubs across the country, the same day that the Michigan Music Alliance announced a ‘relaunch’ of a fundraising campaign to aid musicians hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about both developments at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Callab, Deerfield Run, Brant Satala, Cameron Blake, Stovepipe, VAZUM
This week, Local Spins spotlights six new releases by Michigan artists, from hip hop to roots rock to folk, and featuring a couple of collections perfect for haunting your neighbors on Halloween. Check out the reviews, listen to songs from each of the releases.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Top 10 Scariest Songs Ever: Local Spins readers unearth the horrifying Halloween 2020 playlist
n what may be the scariest year ever, Halloween 2020 rears its spooky head on Saturday. So, to get folks ready, Local Spins presents some of its readers’ favorite terrifying tracks for a spine-tingling soundtrack. Turn off the lights, press play and get ready to be spooked.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List Concert Guide (Oct. 26-Nov. 1): Halloween hoopla, a street party & more
Although the weather is limiting outdoor performances these days, Local Spins has scared up a smattering of spine-tingling Halloween week shows and socially distanced costume parties to consider.
World Premiere Video: Jake Allen goes ‘On the Run,’ plus new videos by other Michigan artists
Local Spins today exclusively premieres a new music video from northern Michigan’s Jake Allen. Plus, check out new videos from other Michigan artists, including a May Erlewine song that got the attention of Bonnie Raitt and entries from Lady Ace Boogie, Cameron Blake, The Dave Marean Band and Brent Godfrey.
Local Spins Rewind: Luke Bryan, Folk Alliance, Ben Folds, Trey Anastasio fire up fall 2019
A year ago this week, country, pop, jam band, rock and folk fans were in the thick of memorable West Michigan performances and events — oblivious to the approaching COVID pandemic. Relive the week in words and photos courtesy of Local Spins Rewind.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Cameron Blake rechannels dark moments into inspiring, signature ‘band album’
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter opens up about his dynamic, electric new project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Callab, Brant Satala, May Erlewine, Young Ritual, Anonymous Phone Call, The Brothers Crunch, Justin “Stovepipe” Stover and other Michigan artists. Get the back story on Cameron Blake and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
‘Comeback Road’ Video Premiere: The Pyramid Scheme aches for return of live music
Today, Local Spins partners with a local filmmaking team to launch a new video series examining the plight of several West Michigan concert venues shut down by COVID-19. Watch the video showcasing The Pyramid Scheme exclusively at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: The Crane Wives, Crooked Spires, The Soods, The Brothers Crunch, more
New albums from River City Narrative and Anonymous Phone Call are also part of this week’s roundup of new Michigan releases. Check out the reviews and listen to music from each of this week’s featured artists.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Playlist: The Livery’s Top 10, from Go Rounds to Bonehawk, Bernard, Brian & Bonerama
Until COVID, Benton Harbor’s The Livery was a favored performance spot for many regional and national acts, reflected in the brewery’s Top 10 playlist of artists who’ve played its stage. And the venue has plans for upcoming ‘sound stage’ sessions amid the pandemic. Learn more about that and listen to the playlist at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Big List Concert Guide (Oct. 19-25): Third Nature Brewing anniversary and more
A pair of milestone events top this week’s concert calendar roundup at Local Spins. Learn more about Callab’s new recording and see what else is cooking in the full roster of shows on the Big List.
Features · Venue Spotlight · Videos
‘Comeback Road’ video series to spotlight shuttered West Michigan concert venues
A West Michigan filmmaker is linking up with Local Spins to draw attention to the plight of some beloved live music hot spots amid a pandemic that’s upended the industry. Learn more about the project and watch the video trailer for the new series.
West Michigan Music Videos of the Month: A wildly inventive Top 10
It’s been a productive 2020 for many West Michigan bands debuting new music, with some of them releasing captivating videos to accompany those tracks. Check 10 of them out in this mid-October roundup, from The Accidentals to Brother Wolf to Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Deerfield Run unfurls ‘real’ story songs on rootsy sophomore album
Frontman Alex Austin spotlighted his band’s new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Accidentals, The Crane Wives, Laine Rex, The Concussions, Brother Wolf, VASE and more. Learn more about Deerfield Run, check out a video performance by the band and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Les Creatif, Patty PerShayla, American Hotel System, Stratos & more
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Port Huron, this week’s batch of album reviews covers a half-dozen new releases from Michigan artists covering a wide spectrum of genres. Learn more about these recordings and listen to tracks from each of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Features · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Boston Brass teams up with Ramsdell Theatre for rare West Michigan concert, live-stream
The renowned, international touring ensemble will play to a socially distanced audience in Manistee this weekend, with the show — sponsored by West Shore Community College — also live-streamed across the country. Learn more at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: St. Cecilia Music Center’s Top 10, from Margo Price to Christian McBride
Grammy Award-winning stars from folk, country, jazz and classical music light up this special Tuesday playlist compiled by Cathy Holbrook, director of the historic Grand Rapids concert venue. Check out the songs, watch the videos.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List Concert Guide (Oct. 12-18): Rock ’n’ roll, jazz jams and singer-songwriter charm
Outdoor shows are beginning to wane as West Michigan moves into mid-October, but live music continues to pop up in a few spots across the region. As always, get the lowdown on the Big List.
Rocking Tamarack Camp: Jesse Ray, Smokin’ Dobroleles, Cosmic Knot and more get cozy
Buoyed by splendid October weather, Tamarack Camp hosted a mini-festival of sorts on Saturday, featuring sets by several popular West Michigan acts. Browse the photo gallery, watch the video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
A Year Ago This Week: Black Keys rock arena, Kip Moore in church, Lamp Light pulls plug
When live music was still at the entertainment forefront (pre-Covid) October 2019 boasted memorable highlights of the local and national variety, from sold-out tour stops to big announcements. A look back at a busy week in words and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Jamming with Plants: Tom Wall and Cosmic Knot’s ‘beyond amazing’ botanical music
The West Michigan band’s groundbreaking “music with plants” premiered for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Crane Wives, The Soods, Deerfield Run, In the Valley Below, Eddie Codrington, Conrad Shock + The Noise, River City Narrative, The Be Colony and others. Learn more about “florganoleptic” music and watch videos of it in action, plus listen to this week’s full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Features · Music and Technology · On Campus
Quadio: A revolutionary platform to boost collaboration, exposure for college musicians?
With the pandemic limiting live music opportunities, Worry Club and other emerging acts have turned to the Quadio app to connect with each other and up their social media reach. An in-depth report from Local Spins, with profiles and music showcasing four college artists from Michigan.
Commentary · Playlists · Top 10 Lists
Remembering Eddie Van Halen: Local Spins readers’ picks for his band’s 10 best songs
Legendary rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen passed away this week at 65 after a long battle with cancer. Local Spins readers reveal why he was so respected as a musician — and pick 10 of his band’s top songs. Read the fan comments, watch the videos and listen to the Local Spins Top 10 on Spotify.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: Salt of the Earth’s Top 10 artists who’ve graced the Fennville stage
The Sweet Water Warblers, Joshua Davis, Hoots & Hellmouth, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Luke Winslow-King and other favorites pump up the intimate Fennville venue’s Local Spins playlist. Ogle the videos, listen to the featured songs on Spotify.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List Concert Guide (Oct. 5-11): Tamarack Camp Fest, Earth Radio, The Blue Pines
Milder October weather will greet music fans this week for an assortment of outdoor shows featured on The Big List, including a one-day music festival near Morley and another Cherry Park Live show in Grand Rapids. See the full list of concerts at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Trifocal, Trixy Tang, Dixon’s Violin ease the October chill: The Weekend Photo Galleries
Live music has unfurled in some unusual places in West Michigan as fall settles in — from the marquee at Kalamazoo State Theatre to a parking lot at Cedar Springs Brewing to John Ball Park in Grand Rapids. Browse the images at Local Spins.
A Year Ago This Week: Listening Room grand opening, Eric Church, Lee Ann Womack, Steve Hackett & more
The ‘Year of COVID’ has wiped out months of performances in a 2020 that started with such promise. But before all that, October 2019 rolled out concerts and big events on a nightly basis. Local Spins looks back on a robust week of shows in words, photos and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps find gritty, bluesy rock groove on debut EP
PerShayla opens up about her new power trio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Barrel Bones, Trifocal, Blushing Monk, The Messenger Birds and more. Read Artist Spotlight feature, listen to the full radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5
Les Creatif’s ‘TAT: The Aaliyah Tape’ debuts at No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The Grand Rapids ensemble’s latest project joins releases by Earth Radio, Crispin Campbell and Cameron Blake as new entries on the September chart. View the chart and listen to tracks from each featured album at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Album Reviews: The War and Treaty, Blushing Monk, Rachel Brooke, Jake Allen & more
A half-dozen new releases by Michigan artists — from Detroit’s The Messenger Birds to the U.P.’s John Davey — are showcased via reviews, audio samples and more at Local Spins. It’s an eclectic bunch of albums, from jazz to prog-pop to soulful Americana to vintage country.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: Kalamazoo State Theatre’s Top 10 roster of stars who’ve played its stage
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Styx, Charlie Daniels, Greensky Bluegrass, Frankie Ballard, Goo Goo Dolls, Styx and more populate this week’s soundtrack courtesy of State Theatre. Check out the videos and listen to the Top 10 playlist on Spotify.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List Concert Guide (Sept. 28-Oct. 4): Trixy Tang, Cabildo, Community Unity Festival
As West Michigan rolls into October, some of the last vestiges of outdoor live shows are spotlighted for this week’s The Big List, from Cedar Springs Brewing’s beer tent bash to Beats on Bates in Kalamazoo. It’s also the final week of Grand Rapids’ month-long “The Bridge” events.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
African-American Fest, The Insiders, Legal Immigrants close September with musical bang
Glorious late-September weather provided the perfect setting for several high-profile outdoor shows in Grand Rapids, from Earth Radio to Melophobix. The recaps, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Drive-In Jams: Joe Hertler, Desmond Jones bring rare festival vibe to GR’s Belknap Park
Belknap’s first-ever drive-in show on Friday impressed fans and bands alike with socially distanced fun and music that reverberated through the neighborhood just north of downtown Grand Rapids. The Local Spins review with photos and video highlights.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
State’s limited reopening of performance venues unlikely to help many concert halls
The governor’s decision today to allow indoor venues and theaters to partially reopen on Oct. 9 doesn’t mean live music will be back anytime soon. Local Spins explains why.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Legal Immigrants raring to rock ‘monumental’ drive-in show with new lineup, new songs
Set to play Belknap Park on Saturday, the GR rock band was showcased for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The War and Treaty, Jack Droppers, Jake Allen, Julianne Ankley, John Davey, Laura Rain & The Caesars, Shawn Butzin and more. Get the update on The Legal Immigrants, watch a video of a new song and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Most overrated artist of all-time: KISS? Madonna? Radiohead? Grateful Dead? Beatles?
West Michigan readers of Local Spins unleashed a dizzying array of names when asked about the most overrated acts ever, from Michigan faves Bob Seger and Greta Van Fleet to legends such as David Bowie and Led Zeppelin. Read their responses here, then check out our new Question of the Week.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming Album Releases · Videos
Michigan’s The War and Treaty create hopeful ‘Hearts Town’ as agent of change
The Americana-propelled, Albion-bred and Nashville-based band releases a new Rounder Records album this week after a turbulent, pandemic-filled year that postponed a major tour with John Legend. The Local Spins interview with Michael Trotter, plus a video of their recent national network TV performance and a track from the new album.
Playlists · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: Local Spins’ picks for top performers at 15 West Michigan concert venues
In honor of this week’s #SaveMIStages campaign, Local Spins offers up tracks from the best past performances at 15 West Michigan concert venues which have been silenced due to COVID-19. See which artists were chosen, watch the videos and listen to the songs at Local Spins — then email lawmakers to show your support for these businesses.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List Concert Guide: African-American Fest, Joe Hertler, Hal Beveridge Music Fest
The days of outdoor shows in Michigan are numbered, so the final week of September features some of the final concerts and festivals at various locations across the region. The lowdown, as always, on The Big List at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Blues, folk, bluegrass, country, rock and roots: W. Michigan’s weekend of live music in photos
Musicians have made the most of a pleasant September after a COVID-impaired summer of live music. Sadie Bass, Jake Kershaw, Edison Kitt, Hayes Griffin, Josh Rose, Kyle Rasche, FlyLiteGemini, Out of Favor Boys, Jack Leaver and more light up our weekend photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Songwriter Sean Miller hails N. Michigan scene while unfurling new album, powerful singles
The Petoskey-area artist who plays ‘Harvest at Home’ this weekend was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted fresh tracks by Cameron Blake, Kingmaker, Madelyn Grant and more. Learn more about Miller and his various projects promoting northern Michigan artists, and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Breaking music news · Local Spins Exclusives
Local Spins Exclusive Premiere: Jay Jackson & Rick Chyme’s “The Cur?e”
The inaugural collaboration between a Grand Rapids-bred rapper and award-winning Kalamazoo producer is a COVID- and quarantine-inspired, hip hop masterpiece. It debuts today at Local Spins along with a review of the recording.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio
Album Reviews: Earth Radio, Dalmatian Stone, Bruce Madden, Sugartone Noise Co. and more
A busy year for new Michigan releases amid a pandemic gives music fans a lot to savor, including impressive albums by four Grand Rapids artists as well as northern Michigan’s Biomassive and the trio of Pico, Chown & Sears. Read the reviews, listen to music from each of the spotlighted artists.
Live-Stream Concerts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The 20th Earthwork Harvest Gathering steams forward online as ‘Harvest at Home’
Starting Thursday, this weekend’s virtual, season-ending celebration will feature live-streamed sets, videos of past performances, workshops and more. Get details and a full schedule of online performances at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows
Tuesday Soundtrack: Listening Room’s Top 10 Playlist of ‘amazing’ performers
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Verve Pipe, Waldo, The Bad Plus and more impressive, eclectic acts played Grand Rapids’ Listening Room before the COVID shutdown. Here’s a sampling of the venue’s favorites. Check out the videos and the Spotify playlist at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 14-20): Sadie Bass, Out of Favor Boys, Jake Kershaw, Fallasburg Festival
Mid-September and the final week of summer offers intriguing live music options across West Michigan, from outdoor decks to drive-in shows. Make your plans with the show lowdown at Local Spins.
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