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.
New Year’s Eve: Billy Strings’ sizzling psych-bluegrass, Pop Evil, Manic Focus, parties galore
West Michigan ushered in 2020 with the bluegrass brilliance of Billy Strings, an outdoor Pop Evil party, Manic Focus, 20 Monroe Live’s Resolution Ball, Kalamazoo’s New Year’s Fest and more captured in photos and videos at Local Spins, with a full review of Billy Strings’ homecoming show.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Summer Festivals
Top Stories of 2019 (No. 1): Local Spins readers pick Michigan’s best music festivals
With interest in Michigan music festivals at an all-time high, the Local Spins 2019 Readers’ Poll put Blissfest at No. 1 — and at the top of our list of most-read stories of the year. Revisit the poll, with a link to Local Spins’ exclusive listing of 2020 Michigan music festival dates.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Best Music of 2019: The Local Spins Musicians’ and Readers’ Picks
As the year draws to a close, Local Spins asked some West Michigan musicians and readers to make their picks for the best albums and songs of 2019 — a diverse roster covering rock, hip hop, jazz, R&B, folk and more. And listen to music from all of the featured artists.
Top Stories of 2019 (No. 2): The tragic, unexpected death of singer Dacia Bridges
The No. 2 story in Local Spins’ countdown of the top stories of 2019 was a sad one: The vibrant leader of Southwest Michigan’s Dacia Bridges Project was found dead outside Traverse City in August, sparking tributes from across the globe.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Dec. 30-Jan. 5): New Year’s Eve, Pop Evil, Morgan Wallen, Billy Strings, Albert Lee
As 2019 morphs into 2020, the live music train rolls with outdoor and indoor spectacles, plus riveting local shows by Brandino Extravaganza, Robin Connell, Overdrive Orchestra, May Erlewine, Pretoria and much more. Plus, check out this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks and concert ticket giveaways.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings, The Accidentals cope with anxiety, stardom, grueling rigors of the road
Maintaining mental health and dealing with “a lot of pressure” represent real challenges for touring musicians, especially road warriors such as The Accidentals and Billy Strings, who plays a sold-out New Year’s Eve show in Grand Rapids. In Part II of its interview with Billy Strings, Local Spins delves into the issues that have become a growing concern for many bands.
Audio · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
Top Stories of 2019 (No. 3): Female W. Michigan super-group’s ‘amazing’ cover of ‘The Chain’
The ‘top secret’ September project that had 15 vocalists gathering to record the Fleetwood Mac song at Third Coast Recording in Grand Haven was one of Local Spins’ most-read stories of 2019. Get the back story on this special project and watch the video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Accidentals, Joe Hertler, Mustard Plug, Hannah Rose, Coldville celebrate New Year’s early
The final weekend of 2019 boasted radiant, jubilant concerts with regional stars playing venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo — captured in images and video at Local Spins. Revisit the musical action.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Top Stories of 2019 (No. 4): Rising Michigan country star Sadie Bass makes splash
Even country star Brantley Gilbert calls her a ‘badass’ singer. Local Spins’ spotlight on the mid-Michigan favorite with a bright future proved to be among the most-read stories of the year. Revisit the story, photo galleries and videos at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Top Stories of 2019 (No. 5): The story behind The Who’s tour-opening Grand Rapids concert
Local Spins’ countdown of the year’s top music stories continues with a behind-the-scenes look into The Who’s elaborate Van Andel Arena show in May, thanks to lighting designer and creative director Tom Kenny who also expressed love for “the local orchestra.” Get insights into the show in this Local Spins Rewind feature, with a link to the full review of the GR concert.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Go Rounds: ‘Still real,’ still experimenting, still taking risks and still having ‘child-like fun’
The Kalamazoo-based rock band plays its final show of 2019 at The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday night, as it eyes a new studio album in 2020 and continues to take devoted fans on a psychedelically powerful pop-rock journey. The Local Spins interview, plus videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Elijah Russ Collective fuses genres for fetching ‘heavy soul rock’
Elijah Russ performed for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Myron Elkins, Drinking Mercury, Feeding Grizzlies, The First Coalition, ADABOY and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast and read the back story on this Grand Haven-bred musician who plays two concerts Friday night.
Top Stories of 2019 (No. 6): Jeff Lynne’s ELO delivers masterful re-creation of band legacy
The Local Spins review of Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra spectacle of nostalgic hits at Van Andel Arena in July was one of the website’s most-read stories of the year. Revisit the review, the photo gallery and set list at Local Spins as we continue our countdown of the top music stories of 2019.
Top Stories of 2019 (No. 7): Aris Hampers ‘broken but still here’
Local Spins’ No. 7 story of the year was a “reprint” of a deeply personal essay by the legendary Grand Rapids DJ and radio personality who disclosed the medical issue and surgery that kept him out of the public eye.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Best Music of 2019: The Local Spins Critics’ Picks
A mind-bending year of music gave Local Spins writers plenty of fodder for “best of” lists, including Lizzo, Bon Iver, The Raconteurs, Orville Peck, Black Pumas, Lana Del Rey, Sleep and more. Peruse the extensive and eclectic picks, listen to some of 2019’s most memorable tracks at Local Spins, and submit your own favorites for a chance to win a Local Spins gift package.
Top Stories of 2019 (No. 8): Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club to launch with May Erlewine
The April announcement of this special annual series featuring regional acts at a revamped Meijer Gardens amphitheater put this story at No. 8 on the list of most-read 2019 stories. And get links to coverage of Tuesday Evening Music Club shows in 2019.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
Top Stories of 2019 (No. 9): Josh Groban “Bridges” generation gap at Van Andel Arena
The gracious, operatic pop singer unfurled a wide-ranging set for fans in mid-June at a near-capacity Van Andel Arena. The review was the ninth most popular post at Local Spins in 2019. Check out the concert recap and photo gallery.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Dec. 23-29): Mustard Plug, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Accidentals, Porter Robinson, Go Rounds, Hannah Rose
The holiday week keeps the live music rolling with Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, The Bootstrap Boys, Coldville, Steve Talaga, Rachael & Dominic Davis and more on tap. Browse all of this week’s live music picks.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Top Stories of 2019 (No. 10): Hal Beveridge memorial rocks jam-packed Eastern Avenue Hall
Today, Local Spins starts its year-end countdown of the Top 10 most-read stories of the year, starting with a tribute to a Grand Rapids rock icon who passed away in late 2018. The story, photos and video for the No. 10 entry of the year.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
December Delights: West Michigan concert photo and video roundup
A week that launched with The Gasoline Gypsies’ first-ever acoustic show also featured Sum 41, Sullivan King, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Whitey Morgan, the “Christmas at Critter’s” benefit, May Erlewine & The Motivations and more. Relive the action in photos and videos at Local Spins.
New Year’s Eve in West Michigan: Local Spins’ Top 10 List of Musical Parties
The year-end holidays are upon us, so Local Spins helps you plan your New Year’s Eve celebrations with a Top 10 list of music-driven bashes to behold. View the list, as well as a comprehensive calendar of year-end concerts.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Stone Soup & The Broken Teeth: Collaborative spices for a robust musical meal
The Grand Rapids band debuted new songs in an in-studio performance for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by American Hotel System, Lybrandt, Rob Mickey, The Disruption and more. Get the back story on this new West Michigan group, watch the video, listen to the radio show podcast.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Fennville’s Salt of the Earth celebrating 10 years of ‘amazing’ listening parties
The cozy West Michigan restaurant and concert venue has hosted a who’s who roster of regional stars over the years and aims to continue that mission. Get the back story on this special performance space, along with a photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind
Local Spins Rewind: Full Cord keeping that bluegrass magic alive and vamping
With Full Cord playing a pre-Christmas show at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight, Local Spins revisits its in-studio visit and interview with the West Michigan band that recently released a new EP.
Album Reviews: Drinking Mercury, Fast Hands Band, The Disruption, Tony Halchak, Lybrandt
Local Spins presents another December roundup of new releases by Michigan artists — from rock to Americana to blues and more — with audio samples from all of them.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Dec. 16-22): Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Sum 41, Christmas at Critter’s, Very Merry Jingle Jam, Cirque de Noel, Jane Lynch
The Gasoline Gypsies kick off a holiday-hued week that also features Pink Sky, Tammi Savoy, Full Cord, Roosevelt Diggs, American Hotel System, Sullivan King, Earth Radio and more. See this week’s featured concerts, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rocking the Holidays: ‘A Winter’s Tune,’ Jackyl, Brother Elsey, Damien Escobar, May Erlewine
West Michigan skated into mid-December with holiday fare, rock ‘n’ roll and more — from Turkuaz to Wayland to Sons of F.U.N.K. to The Bootstrap Boys — captured in images and videos (as usual) at Local Spins. Browse the photo galleries, videos and show recaps.
Commentary · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s booming music festival scene: How to get in, ‘connect the dots,’ get to the heart of it
Musicians and prospective festival organizers have “sold out” a Tuesday networking/roundtable session at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room probing the mysteries – and basics – of music festivals. Learn more about the session and get some tips from a veteran festival organizer and musician.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘Dabbling in both worlds’: After Ours’ alt-jazz straddles electronic jams and tradition
The cutting-edge lit up this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brother Elsey, Fast Hands Band, Lynn & the Moonshine Runners, Porter Kenyon, a new ‘Christmas at Critter’s’ classic and much more. Get the After Ours back story, watch videos of the band and listen to this week’s complete radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Breakfast with Brother Elsey: Reveling in W. Michigan’s scene, building fans for ‘long run’
The Grand Rapids band plans an energetic ‘wave of emotion’ at Saturday’s Pyramid Scheme show. The in-depth and revealing Local Spins interview with lead songwriter Brady Stablein, with an exclusive performance video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Gasoline Gypsies firing up first all-acoustic show for Listening Room debut on Monday
After ‘an eventful year,’ the Port Huron-bred, Detroit-based rock and roots band plays Local Spins’ new Michigan Mondays series in Grand Rapids next week, with new music set for release by the group in 2020. Learn more about the band, get details about Monday’s show and watch a video at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Borr McFerrin, Medicinal Groove, Jack Droppers, Catfish & The Man, ‘Michigan Music’
With December’s holidays fast approaching, here’s a Local Spins roundup of recent Michigan releases that make perfect stocking stuffers — and just plain satisfying listening. Browse the reviews and listen to tracks from each of the featured albums.
Audio · Features · Upcoming shows
A Winter’s Tune returns after 8-year hiatus with star-studded cast of singer-songwriters
Grand Rapids singer and guitarist J. Oscar Bittinger is ‘rebooting’ the once-popular holiday concert at Listening Room on Sunday. Get the back story about this unique event and see the full lineup at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Dec. 9-15): Chevelle, Oak Ridge Boys, Marcy Playground, Sons of F.U.N.K., Damien Escobar, Jackyl, Old 97’s
Mid-December also heats up with May Erlewine, Dalmatian Stone, Wayland, Mary Gauthier, Brother Elsey, A Winter’s Tune, Tuba Christmas and more. Peruse this week’s featured concerts, check out the Under-the-Radar Picks, and win tickets to shows at The Pyramid Scheme.
Concert Photo Roundup: From Louis the Child to The Bad Plus to Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys
West Michigan’s live music week included The Bad Plus, Louis the Child, Blanco Brown, SunSquabi, Laith Al-Saadi, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Sadie Bass, Left Lane Cruiser and more reflected in dazzling photos (and a couple of videos) at Local Spins.
Over the Rhine pays tribute to Ken Heffner, unfurls concert of melancholy luminescence
Calvin University’s ‘house band’ returned to Grand Rapids on Friday for a moving show that was all about honoring Heffner, who’s retiring as student activities director and Calvin’s concert honcho. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The ‘black diamond Americana’ of Tony Halchak: Local Spins on WYCE
This week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight showcases the “character stories” of the Rockford singer-songwriter. Plus, Local Spins on WYCE debuted new tracks by Stevie Reidz, Fukushima Daisies, Medicinal Groove, Last Gasp Collective and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the in-studio video.
Aris Hampers in his own words: An iconic voice that’s been silenced but ‘still here’
The legendary Grand Rapids DJ and radio personality finally revealed this week the medical issue and surgery that’s kept him out of the public eye in recent months. Today, Local Spins shares his story.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ann Arbor guitarist-singer Laith Al-Saadi to debut new songs in Grand Rapids
The former finalist on “The Voice” plays two intimate Grand Rapids shows at Listening Room on Friday night. Check out the Local Spins interview with Laith Al-Saadi.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Ralston Bowles, Hannah Rose Graves, Billy Strings, Sandra Effert
The new “Michigan Music” compilation featuring 33 Great Lakes State artists and impressive recordings by Billy Strings and Sandra Effert take center stage in the statewide December segment. Bend an ear to the podcast and the featured songs, plus get the back stories about these artists at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest goes ‘back to the future’ with Bassnectar, Big Gigantic, Disco Biscuits, Lotus
Mainstay and ‘house band’ The String Cheese Incident, not surprisingly, is also part of the lineup announced today for the 10th anniversary celebration of the Electric Forest festival in Rothbury, Michigan. See the full roster of acts playing next June. Advance sales of wristbands begin Wednesday.
May Erlewine heats up to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for November
For the third year in a row, a new album featuring singer May Erlewine has jumped to the top of the Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart at WYCE-FM, with Borr McFerrin and Jack Droppers making their first appearance. Check out the chart, listen to songs and watch videos from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Dec. 2-8): Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Louis the Child, SunSquabi, The Bad Plus, Blanco Brown, Over the Rhine
Bill Kirchen’s ‘Honky-Tonk Holiday’ starts a week that also features Laith Al-Saadi, Livingston Taylor, Cousin Curtiss, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Concussions, The Fukushima Daisies, a West Michigan Blues Society benefit and more. And see how you can win tickets to see The Bad Plus.
TSO, Steel Panther deliver ear-pounding, eye-candy rock spectacles: Photos
For two nights in a row, Grand Rapids audiences got an earful and an eyeful thanks to Steel Panther and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Browse the colorful images at Local Spins.
Greensky Bluegrass romps in Kalamazoo with rock ‘n’ roll jams, bluegrass faves
The two-night Thanksgiving weekend stand at State Theatre unleashed epic sets and memorable riffs. Enjoy the review and photo gallery at Local Spins, along with Friday’s set list.
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