In the first of two nights at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, the much-heralded South African male vocal group delivered engaging vocals and a stage presence to match. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Live Nation, AEG, Grand Rapids Symphony and more pull plug on upcoming concerts
Anxiety about the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 has forced promoters, venues and bands to cancel or postpone numerous shows in March and beyond. But Thursday’s Lauren Daigle show went on as scheduled. See what shows have been postponed in West Michigan thus far and view a photo gallery from the Daigle concert at Van Andel Arena.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Funkadesi, Way Down Wanderers, Erin Zindle & Ragbirds headlining Buttermilk Jamboree
The June festival with a “cooperative spirit” held at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids also will feature May Erlewine, Last Gasp Collective, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon and a tribute to Dacia Bridges. See a roster of 2020 performers and watch videos featuring the headlining acts at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Festivals
Irish on Ionia delayed due to coronavirus concerns; concert venues fret about future
After Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recommended state residents avoid large gatherings, street party organizers postponed the event to summer. And concert venues are “feeling uneasy” amid this “uncharted territory.” Read more about the reaction to this pandemic at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Mo Pop Festival 2020 will rev up with Khalid, The 1975 at new site on Detroit River
The festival moves to Detroit’s Historic Fort Wayne Park for the July 25-26 weekend with Kaytranada, Purity Ring, Doja Cat, Phoebe Bridgers, Orville Peck and more on board. Pre-sale passes go on sale Friday. See the full lineup and watch new videos from some of this year’s featured performers.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
From Kent County to Colorado, Trout Steak Revival continues to ascend bluegrass ranks
Featuring two Kent County natives, the Colorado-based bluegrass band plays two straight ‘homecoming’ shows this weekend at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room. Read the Local Spins interview and watch videos of the band ahead of the weekend run.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram set to deliver ‘old soul’ blues with a twist in Grand Rapids
The rising, 21-year-old, blues-rock guitar star plays The Pyramid Scheme tonight after earning universal accolades for his music. Read the Local Spins interview with Ingram and check out videos of his recent performances.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (March 9-15): Irish on Ionia and Dermot Kennedy Postponed, Lauren Daigle, Killswitch Engage, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
St. Patrick’s Day revelry begins early, plus there’s Howard Jones, Of Montreal, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Fit for a King, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Robert Cray, Leigh Nash, Ajax Stacks and more. See all of this week’s live music picks, along with this week’s concert ticket giveaways.
We Came as Romans, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Railroad Earth, Accidentals: Photos
This edition of our concert week-in-review spotlights some W. Michigan tour stops by fan favorites — from metalcore to indie-folk to bluegrass to a funky jam band. Browse all of the images at Local Spins.
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival 2020: ‘Very cool’ community event reveling in Michigan music
The 15th annual edition of the Fretboard Festival brought a couple thousand people to Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Saturday for performances by 19 regional artists, plus workshops and instrument vendors. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights, exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The pretty and punchy rock of The Blue Pines: Local Spins on WYCE band spotlight
The Grand Rapids indie-rock band was this week’s in-studio guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Sweet Water Warblers, Stepladders, Political Lizard, Monte Pride, Cole Hansen and more. Learn more about The Blue Pines, watch their in-studio video and listen to the March 6 radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW
SXSW festival canceled due to coronavirus, Michigan House events scuttled
With concerns about the outbreak swirling, organizers of the Michigan House pop-up venue in Austin had held off travel to Texas, but are disappointed with the unprecedented decision to scrap SXSW for the first time in 34 years.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Dennie Middleton, Stepladders, Moto, Via Mardot, Lilly MacPhee
This early March roundup of new local and regional releases at Local Spins focuses on a GR keyboard icon, new projects from some notable West Michigan musicians and a Detroit-area indie-folk artist. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Molly, Last Gasp Collective snag top spots in Local Spins Hot Top 5 for February
Buoyed by airplay related to February’s Jammie Awards, many of the regional acts who got the most airplay at WYCE-FM last month were among the most-played artists of 2019. View the chart, listen to the music.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Distant Stars unleashing flamboyant, ‘funky, sexy strange rock ’n’ roll’ in Grand Rapids
The northern Michigan glam-rock outfit will be strutting through two ‘raw, unpredictable’ GR shows this week. Learn more about the provocative music of Jakey Thomas & crew at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Accidentals calling on fans to choose tracks for band’s new studio album
After being showcased Monday by Paste Magazine in New York City, the Traverse City alt-folk heroes hit the road for Leland, Kalamazoo and Fort Wayne this week with a chance for fans to get involved in their new recording. Get the details at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (March 2-8): DaBaby, Railroad Earth, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, We Came as Romans, Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival
March roars in like a lion music-wise with Gaelic Storm, Cowboy Junkies, Shiba San, Scotty McCreery, Will Sexton, The Accidentals, Distant Stars and more on the docket. Plus, Local Spins’ Big List has ticket giveaways for three different concerts this week.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Galactic, Sam Bush, Wood Brothers, North Mississippi Allstars to headline Hoxeyville 2020
The August festival outside Wellston, Mich., will also feature the likes of Sweet Water Warblers, Michigan Rattlers, Luke Winslow-King, The Go Rounds and more. See the full roster of performers at Local Spins and watch recent videos of the headliners. Tickets are now on sale.
Indie-pop phenoms Fitz & The Tantrums throw upbeat Grand Rapids party
The Los Angeles band touring behind its latest album closed out the weekend at 20 Monroe Live with a high-energy display and an audience-involving vibe. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Crane Wives, Billy Strings, Five Strand Fusion energize sold-out crowds
This week’s concert recap focuses on three shows in particular that celebrated the talents — new as well as experienced — of West Michigan artists. But there are images of Raul Midon, Fatoumata Diawara, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Dave Bruzza and more, too.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Led by ‘secret rock star,’ The Fabulous Vans eye release of debut album
The Grand Rapids rock band fronted by an 18-year-old high school senior was featured during this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE and plays Tip Top Deluxe tonight. The story and in-studio video at Local Spins.
Station manager Hayes Griffin set to step down from WYCE-FM in April
After nearly two years leading the Grand Rapids community radio station, Griffin will return to life as a musician, teacher and entrepreneur. A search for his replacement will begin in March.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Spafford, Tunde Olaniran, Dixon’s Violin to rev up 2020 Cowpie Music Festival
The 18th festival in August will be the last under the Cowpie moniker, with a new arts and music festival set to replace it in 2021. See all the artists who’ve been booked for this year’s festival thus far.
Album Reviews: The SEVENth, Pink Sky, Tiny Tree, The Rolling Hills, Singing Lungs
This February roundup of new releases is a potpourri party, not only covering the mainstream but pushing the experimental envelope with releases by bands and artists from mid-Michigan to Muskegon. Check out the reviews; listen to the music.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Via Mardot brandishes unusual French ye-ye pop, spaghetti Western vibe
Holland singer-songwriter Via Mardot’s fresh band project hosts an EP-release show in Lansing on Saturday. Learn more about Via Mardot and listen to the trio’s music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Fitz and the Tantrums running ‘full steam ahead’ with pop magic, stepped-up stage show
With the band’s U.S. tour set to stop at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live on Sunday, Local Spins chatted with co-lead singer Noelle Scaggs about touring, the new album and her influences. Check out the interview and some of the band’s latest videos.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
WLAV to bring Blues on the Mall shows back to downtown Grand Rapids
After five summers at the DeltaPlex Arena parking lot in Walker, the blues series will return to Rosa Parks Circle on three summer nights. Get details at Local Spins.
Mandolin hero Chris Thile shares stories, mesmerizing musicianship in GR concert
Chris Thile’s sold-out show Tuesday at St. Cecilia Music Center was an uplifting, mutual love affair between the performer and his fans. “Your town is crushing it,” Thile raved at one point. The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Lowell musician Eric Soules passes away; tributes pour in for ‘badass’ bassist
The well-known bassist and Lowell native who performed with Nathan Kalish, Al & The Black Cats and DangerVille passed away unexpectedly on Monday. Read more about Eric Soules at Local Spins. A memorial celebration will take place in Ionia on Friday.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Go Rounds entrance, engage, inspire and reinvent for cozy Grand Rapids crowd
Making its debut at Listening Room for the Local Spins Michigan Mondays series, the Kalamazoo psych-pop/rock band fired up new tunes and old classics for an attentive, enthused crowd. The recap, photo gallery and video of The Go Rounds performing a new tune, only at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Feb. 24-March 1): Fitz & The Tantrums, Chris Thile, Iration, Billy Strings, Raul Midon, Josh Turner
February closes out with We Were Promised Jetpacks, Symphony With Soul, Winter Delights Fest, Dave Bruzza, Excision, The Go Rounds, a much-buzzed-about Rush tribute and much more. Browse our Under-the-Radar Picks and check out the “Big List Spotlight” on a new concert series kicking off on Grand Rapids’ North Side.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Wailers, Lil TJay, Andy Frasco, Falling in Reverse: Week-in-Review Photo Recap
West Michigan concerts by regional stars That Beatles Thing, Moto, Cousin Avery, Delilah DeWylde, Isaac Ryder and more were also part of the mix spotlighted in photos at Local Spins. Ogle all of the galleries from shows in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows
Local Spins Rewind: The Go Rounds still stretching sonic boundaries with joyful beauty
After a Sunday night stop in Fennville, the inventive Kalamazoo rock band will play Grand Rapids’ intimate Listening Room for the first time on Monday, part of Local Spins’ Michigan Mondays series. Revisit our December interview with this risk-taking pop-rock powerhouse and listen to the band’s music.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Aspen Jacobsen’s ‘old soul’ indie-folk with a ‘fresh outlook’: Local Spins on WYCE
The 15-year-old Michigan singer with a big voice and a bright future played this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Lady & Gentleman, Pretoria, Singing Lungs, Dennie Middleton, Cameron Blake, Mark Harrell and Deerfield Run. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the full radio show podcast and learn more about the up-and-coming Jacobsen.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Overdrive Orchestra, Treeskin, Celeste Allison Trio, Crispin Campbell
From Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to northern Michigan, this round-up of new releases by Michigan artists delves into pop, jazz, folk, hard rock and even classical music. Soak up the reviews along with tracks from all of the featured artists.
Rosanne Cash creates beautiful Americana ‘community’ in Grand Rapids tour stop
Accompanied by her husband, John Leventhal, the iconic singer-songwriter unfurled classics new and old during the sold-out Acoustic Cafe Folk Series show at St. Cecilia Music Center on Wednesday. The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Breakaway Music Festival set for return to Grand Rapids in August
The two-day festival at Belknap Park will now be one of six Breakaway festivals nationwide, promoters announced today. Get details at Local Spins.
Great Indoor Folk Festival brings folk scene’s ‘movers and shakers’ to Traverse City
Sunday’s festival in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons will boast sets by more than 75 Michigan artists in the corridors of Building 50 and beyond. Get the lowdown about this long-running event and the schedule at Local Spins.
American Authors, Magic Giant play Plinko, uncork exhilarating life’s soundtrack in GR
The pop-hued rock bands’ West Michigan tour stop on Sunday was a true “Band of Brothers” affair with musicians from each group joining each other on stage to pump up an exuberant Elevation crowd. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Feb. 17-23): Rosanne Cash, Chris Lane, Lil TJay, Wailers, Toasters, Falling in Reverse, Drew & Ellie Holcomb, Andy Frasco
February continues to heat up West Michigan stages with Cheryl Wheeler, Pop Evil, Lindsay Beaver, Christopher Paul Stelling, Diego Rivera, tribute bands, local stars and much more on tap. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lanco, Queensryche, Post Malone, Sweet Water Warblers, Whitney: Concert Photo Recap
A week spotlighted by the Jammie Awards also boasted a varied set of tour stops: country, metal, pop, hip hop, Americana, singer-songwriter and more. Browse The images at Local Spins, including SupeDre’s Sunday launch party for Fourtifeye that features a host of special performances.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts performance application deadline extended to Leap Day
West Michigan is still in the throes of winter but regional bands and solo acts need to start thinking summer – especially if they want to play Festival in June. Details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
WYCE Jammie Awards 2020 Revisited: Littered with talent, championing ‘really great music’
Thousands filled The Intersection on Friday to celebrate the best regional music of the year with impressive performances on three stages. Browse highlights from the big night in words, photos and a star-studded video.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Videos
Last Gasp Collective, Jordan Hamilton, Earth Radio, JRob big winners at 2020 Jammie Awards
West Michigan’s biggest night of music packed The Intersection with performers and fans on Friday night, with awards presented to the best releases of 2019. View the full winners’ list at Local Spins along with a photo gallery from the big event.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Rachel Curtis in-studio, new music by Lybrandt, Mystic Dub, Sweet Water Warblers
The Jammie Award-nominated Lansing singer-songwriter performed a couple of her singles for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks and previewed performances at Friday night’s awards show. Check out the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Videos
Local Spins’ Emerging Artist of the Year: Jordan Hamilton
The Local Spins award for 2019 goes to the Kalamazoo hip hop cellist who’s turned heads everywhere he’s played. Learn more about Jordan Hamilton’s meteoric rise in this Artist Spotlight and watch a video from a recent performance at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room.
Medicinal Groove remains No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart; Drinking Mercury at No. 2
On the eve of the Jammie Awards show, several nominated bands found their way into the Hot Top 5 chart of most-played albums on WYCE-FM. See the full chart and listen to music from each of the Hot Top 5 acts.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Sweet Water Warblers take flight on Michigan tour with new album on horizon
Amid sold-out shows this week, the super-group of May Erlewine, Rachael Davis and Lindsay Lou took time out to reflect on the “real magic” of their project for Local Spins. Learn more about this Michigan-bred phenomenon and the group’s upcoming album, and watch a video of a recent a cappella performance.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Videos
Squeeze, Michael Franti, Gregory Alan Isakov to play Meijer Gardens summer series
In a sneak preview to its 2020 concert series, Meijer Gardens today announced four shows to whet the appetite of fans. Details at Local Spins.
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