Touring behind their latest album, “III,” the folk-rock heroes heated up a mid-February night in Grand Rapids with help from Mt. Joy and J.S. Ondara. The review, photo gallery at Local Spins.<
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows
GR Songwriters Alliance: A 15-year legacy of nurturing the craft in a warm, inviting place
Formed by Tim Perry and Jeff Oxford more than 15 years ago, the GRSA is back for monthly meetings at Schuler Books & Music, where budding songwriters test their material for other tunesmiths. Get the back story and view photos from a recent GRSA session.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Feb. 10-16): Post Malone, Luke Combs, Queensryche, Lumineers, Highly Suspect, Robert Randolph, Lanco, Jammies
Sweet Water Warblers, John Doe/Kristin Hersh/Grant-Lee Phillips, Mike Doughty, American Authors, Whitney and more fill out a busy concert week. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways and the tantalizing Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Sleeping With Sirens, YBN Cordae, Jacquees: Concert Photo Recap
National tour stops by Trippie Redd, the Allman Betts Band, Dirty Honey, Grace Potter and others were complemented by bracing local shows starring Darcy Wilkin, Trifocal and a Crooked Tree Creative Showcase in Grand Haven. The images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Lumineers reflect on success, addiction, parenthood, sandwiches: The Local Spins Q&A
With the Colorado band’s world tour stopping at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos chatted with Jeremiah Fraites about the group’s third full-length recording, “III,” and much more. And watch videos from the powerful new album.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Jack Droppers seeks regional acts for Calvin University’s first ‘Local Showcase’
The singer-songwriter and new Calvin SAO director announced the call out for local bands during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Political Lizard, Wuzee, Outer Vibe, Treeskin, The Ryne Experience, PHABIES, Overdrive Orchestra, Darcy Wilkin and more. Get details on Calvin’s showcase, listen to the radio show podcast, watch the in-studio video and browse a photo gallery from Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions’ Friday night concert at Listening Room.
Infamous Stringdusters dazzle St. Cecilia Music Center with progressive bluegrass fire
The Grammy-winning band lit up St. Cecilia’s sold-out Royce Auditorium in Grand Rapids on Thursday night with impressive instrumentals and vocal harmonies during the Acoustic Cafe Folk Series show. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Grace Potter metes out rock ’n’ roll mantra, medicine, love for Grand Rapids fans
The Vermont native and her band, The Daylighters, romped for several hundred gathered at The Intersection on Wednesday night with help from soulful opener Devon Gilfillian. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
WYCE Jammie Awards Show 2020: The Local Spins Preview, Part I
Two dozen artists will perform at the Jammie Awards on Feb. 14 at The Intersection. Listen to half of them and learn more about these acts — from JRob to Jack Droppers, Medicinal Groove to Michigander — in the first of two Jammies previews at Local Spins to help you get you ready for the big day.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Vintage Parlor Orchestra ‘melting faces’ of Grand Rapids audiences with classical music
Performing in breweries and non-traditional venues, the unusual West Michigan chamber orchestra is on a mission to reinvent the classical music concert experience. The back story at Local Spins, with videos. The Vintage Parlor Orchestra plays Listening Room in Grand Rapids on Sunday.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Feb. 3-9): Grace Potter, Infamous Stringdusters, Jacquees, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Sleeping With Sirens, Allman Betts
Tributes to David Bowie and Tom Petty also are on tap, along with concerts by Domestic Problems, The Autumnatic, Darcy Wilkin, Coffin Problem, Jack Droppers, Roosevelt Diggs, Roger MacNaughton and a Crooked Tree Creative showcase. And check out this week’s ticket giveaway.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bass Country, GZA, Mitchell Tenpenny, Joshua Davis, Y-Not: Concert Photo Recap
From a national tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of a classic hip hop album to a Listening Room debut by a local ensemble celebrating release of a new EP, the week covered a lot of bases, including country, electronic music and folk. Browse all of the images at Local Spins
Super Bowl LIV Playlist: San Francisco vs. Kansas City in a Local Spins Top 10 Songs Battle
The Big Game is tonight. But Local Spins unfolds another battle now: Which city boasts the best bands and songs from the rock ‘n’ roll era? Compare and listen to the Top 10 artists and their songs from San Francisco and K.C., and judge for yourself which city comes out on top.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Myron Elkins & The Dying Breed: Embracing Johnny Cash with a voice born to sing country
The 19-year-old and his band (who play Tip Top Deluxe on Saturday) made their debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Mannhattan, Ernie Clark, Gasoline Gypsies and more. Learn more about this emerginc act, watch the in-studio video and listen to this week’s radio show at Local Spins.
Korn, Breaking Benjamin fire up fans while ‘Coming Undone’ in GR: Photos, recap
The hard-rocking bands brought their co-headlining tour to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Thursday. Browse the images, a concert recap and set lists at Local Spins.
Audio · Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan House to spotlight Pink Sky, Apropos, Sam Be Yourself at Austin’s SXSW 2020
For the sixth year, Michigan House will set up shop in Austin for the March South by Southwest festival, promoting Michigan music, entrepreneurs and innovation. See which Michigan bands are playing this year’s show and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo’s Bob Rowe set to spread his loving folk music internationally via ‘Woodsongs’
A track by the Kalamazoo singer and guitarist who shares his music with seniors across the Midwest will be featured in a radio release from Kentucky’s “Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour.” Get the back story and listen to the song at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Podcasts
Brother Adams finding its stride by getting ‘more eclectic, rock-hued and psychedelic’
Learn more about the Holland folk-punk trio and watch its new videos in this Local Spins Rewind feature.
Breaking music news · Features · On Campus · Photos
West Michigan photographer donates rare photos of Bob Dylan, other music icons to GVSU
Douglas R. Gilbert’s historic photos of a young Dylan and many other artists from the 1960s now belong to the Grand Valley Art Gallery. The back story — with some of those classic images — at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Jan. 27-Feb.2): Korn & Breaking Benjamin, GZA, Mike Farina, Wayne Hancock, Ann Arbor Folk Fest
The week leading up to the Super Bowl kicks off with Jordan Hamilton, followed by Mungion, Mitchell Tenpenny, Bailen, Brother Adams, Joshua Davis, Bass Country and much more. And check out this week’s ticket giveaway to Delilah DeWylde’s Winter Dance Party as well as our Under-the-Radar concert picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Noisia, Trampled by Turtles, Fruition, Heaters, Erin Zindle, Ashley Daneman: Photo Recap
In a bid to drive away the winter blahs, West Michigan audiences embraced a dynamic mix of touring and local artists. And once again, Local Spins captured it in photo and video form.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Perrin Ice Jam fires up flurry of fun, ‘festive and wonderful’ winter music
Hundreds of revelers and runners gathered outside the Comstock Park brewery Saturday for sets by The Crane Wives, Hacky Turtles, Melophobix and Crosscut Kings. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Harper & Midwest Kind ready to ‘Rise Up’ with rootsy, uplifting new album
Based in Grass Lake, Mich., the Australian native and his band fired up Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The War & Treaty, Nicholas James Thomasma, Slumlord Radio, ttypes, Biiko, James Lewis, Drinking Mercury and more. Learn more about Harper, watch the in-studio video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Disturbed, Staind, Skillet, Chevelle to play first Upheaval Festival at GR’s Belknap Park
The two-day hard rock and metal festival will make its Grand Rapids debut in mid-July, with Michigan acts such as Heartsick and Legal Immigrants also in the lineup. Get details and ticket links at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s War & Treaty to perform at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards show
Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter will be part of a star-studded “Grammy Moment” performance. The band also released two new singles on Friday. Get the lowdown in this music news update from Local Spins and listen to The War and Treaty’s new songs.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Camp Greensky 2020 to feature Billy Strings, Lettuce, the Infamous Stringdusters
The announcement of the initial lineup for the June festival came the same day that Billy Strings revealed he’s mounting a February tour of intimate Michigan venues with his dad. Find out who else is playing Camp Greensky and which cities are part of the “Family Strings” tour.
Audio · Hot Top 5 · Top 10 Lists
Topping the Hot Top 10 for 2019: Greensky Bluegrass, Deep Greens & Blues, Melophobix
Check out the final roster of local and regional albums which earned the most airplay at WYCE-FM last year, topped by a Michigan bluegrass powerhouse. Then, listen to tracks from all of the featured artists.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Jan. 20-26): Trampled by Turtles, Fruition, Perrin Ice Jam, Noisia, Anthony David
Boosie Badazz, Heaters, The Marsupials, Harper & Midwest Kind, GR Soul Club, Drinking Mercury, Chirp, Michigan’s 183rd Birthday Party and much more are also on tap across West Michigan this week. And check out the Under-the-Radar Picks, plus this week’s ticket giveaway for Fruition.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Sublime With Rome, Pink Sky, We Banjo 3, Henhouse Prowlers, Garcia Peoples: Photos
This week’s concert photo gallery and video roundup also features Stone Soup & The Broken Teeth’s album-release, Toth, Leland Blue and Paradise Outlaw. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Marsupials set to bring ‘fun ride’ of rock, funk and blues to Grand Rapids
The Harbor Springs trio fires up SpeakEZ Lounge and more this week as it gears up to release a new album in 2020. Learn more about The Marsupials in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight and listen to their music.
Electric Forest at the 10-year mark: Jeremy Stein responds to the ‘Forest Family’
The producer of the popular Michigan music festival took to Reddit this week to address everything from the 2020 lineup of performers to long lines. Here are some of his responses from that online exchange.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Michigan’s ‘hillbilly Ramones’: Ernie Clark & The Magnificent Bastards’ rock w/ country soul
The band led by a Reed City-area singer-guitarist just released its debut album and stopped by Local Spins on WYCE on Friday, which also debuted new music by Cousin Avery, Max Lockwood, Leland Blue, Pack Sounds and more. Listen to this week’s podcast, watch the in-studio video and read the back story about Clark and company.
Album Reviews: Pink Sky, Darcy Wilkin, Pack Sounds, Blue Disciples, Dean Madonia
January’s second batch of albums reviews at Local Spins spotlights the latest releases by several artists from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Check out the reviews, listen to the music, find out where some of these artists are performing.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Cold Tone Harvest’s blossoming Americana journey, from coffee shops to A2 Folk Fest
The emerging Plymouth-based band is one of only two Michigan acts on this year’s impressive Folk Festival bill. Discover more about the quartet in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight, listen to the band’s music and watch videos of Cold Tone Harvest performances.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Jan. 13-19): We Banjo 3, Motionless in White, Sublime With Rome, Emmet Cohen, Winter Jam, Bobby McFerrin
DJ Faren Strnad kicks off a week that also features Small Glories, Garcia Peoples, Toth, Cousin Avery, Paradise Outlaw, Pink Sky, How to Live Together, Leland Blue, Henhouse Prowlers, Lady Ace Boogie’s birthday bash and much more. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lindsay Ell, Waldo, Fast Hands Band, Further Closer, Via Mardot: Weekend Photo Galleries
A wintry weekend blast of ice and snow didn’t keep country, hip hop, blues or rock stars from their appointed concert rounds in West Michigan. The images from several concerts and showcases at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Winter Wheat withstands winter storm for wondrous folk and roots wingding
Held at The Intersection, the 11th annual benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization boasted more than a dozen performances on two stages in defiance of Saturday’s nasty weather. Browse the photo gallery, watch the video, read the recap at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Debuts by Cameron Blake, Waldo, Darcy Wilkin, The Soods
The Jan. 10 edition of the radio show boasted the on-air debut of tracks by more than a half-dozen regional artists, including Shady Groves, Paradise Outlaw, Kari Lynch, CrossBow and more. Listen to the complete radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Celeste Allison Trio, Monte Pride win Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest play-in contest
Friday night’s competition at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew a packed house for sets by six Michigan acts seeking a performance slot in the March festival. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Stone Soup, American Hotel System, The Soods, Drinking Mercury, Feeding Grizzlies, Lighthouse Commission
The first batch of regional releases reviewed at Local Spins in 2020 boasts a wild mix of music from an eclectic bunch of Michigan artists. Read the reviews, listen to the music, learn more about the featured acts.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Crane Wives to headline fourth annual Perrin Ice Jam Winter Festival
“Let’s boogie!” The Jan. 25 outdoor event that benefits Kids’ Food Basket comes as folk-rock’s The Crane Wives continue to work on a new studio recording. The festival will also feature sets by The Hacky Turtles, Melophobix and Crosscut Kings. Check out the schedule and details at Local Spins.
Winter Wheat fest returns Saturday as real ‘steal for West Michigan music lovers’
The Wheatland Music Organization’s 11th annual soiree will pack Grand Rapids’ Intersection this weekend with performances by more than a dozen roots music and folk artists on two stages. Details, schedule at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
Diverse Jammie Awards band lineup set for ‘unabashed celebration of local music’
Michigander, Lipstick Jodi, JRob, Patty PerShayla, Last Gasp Collective and 20 other acts are on tap for WYCE’s mammoth Feb. 14 event. Check out the full roster of performers and the reaction of nominees chosen to play the 21st annual awards show.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
Pick your favorite Michigan music festival in the 2020 Local Spins Readers’ Poll
The Local Spins Readers’ Poll is back for 2020. Pick your favorite Michigan music festivals and tell us why they rock your world, and we’ll enter your name in a drawing for a fabulous Local Spins gift package that includes two tickets to a Michigan festival.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Jan. 6-12): Lindsay Ell, DJ Logic, Winter Wheat, Whiskey Myers, Hi-Jivers, Waldo
The Fretboard Festival Play-In Contest and shows by Tomas Esparza Blues Band, Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds, The Fast Hands Band album-release and more are also on tap. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways for shows at Listening Room.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Overdrive Orchestra, May Erlewine, Robin Connell ring in 2020: Photos, videos
Beyond the lavish parties ushering in the New Year, there were some intimate shows starring beloved regional artists to get the first weekend of 2020 started on the right foot. Browse the photos and videos at Local Spins.
Audio · Breaking music news · Hot Top 5
WYCE 2020 Jammie Award nominees include all Hot Top 5 Chart artists for December
The most-played local tracks on WYCE in December came from a fresh batch of artists who also showed up among nominees for Jammie Awards for best regional music releases of the year. Browse the latest Hot Top 5 chart, listen to songs from the featured artists and view the 2020 nominees for best album by a new artist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Memphis-bound, Tomas Esparza Blues Band churns out Chicago blues with a Mexican flair
Heading to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge later this month, the GR band this week played Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by The Hacky Turtles, Overdrive Orchestra, Via Mardot, The Autumnatic, Birdie Country and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Grand Rapids’ Birdie Country exudes ‘slightly charming,’ punk-hued chill rock
The band which plays The Pyramid Scheme Friday night plans to follow up its high-energy 2019 EP with a full-length album later this year. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight on Birdie Country, with videos.
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