Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Nov. 25-Dec. 1): Greensky Bluegrass, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Verve Pipe, Ski Mask the Slump God, Desmond Jones, Hannah Rose

• November 25, 2019

The first Michigan Mondays show at Listening Room with members of The Accidentals kicks off a party-up holiday week in West Michigan that also features concerts by Henhouse Prowlers, Mike Mains, Luke Winslow-King, Merkules and much more. Browse this week’s featured live music selections and the always-intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks.

Weekend Photo Gallery

Third Eye Blind, Madeon, Chase Rice, Marcus King, more amp up November: Photo Galleries

• November 25, 2019

Sold-out, jam-packed shows — national and local — filled venues across West Michigan in mid-November, including the International Wine, Beer and Food Festival at DeVos Place. Ogle all of the the action-filled images at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

The unprecedented ‘Michigan Music’ compilation: Showing love for Ralston Bowles

• November 24, 2019

The double-album with 30-plus tracks by Mitten State artists raises funds for the Bowles family. It gets released Monday at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room when members of The Accidentals and two other songwriters play a new Local Spins concert series. Listen to songs from the album, get details about this special Michigan-centric project at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Not your ordinary cheeseburger: Grand Rapids’ Valentiger still rocking with new album on way

• November 23, 2019

Brent Shirey of Valentiger unfurled new songs on-air for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Catfish & The Man, Aspen Jacobsen, Edison Kitt, Jack Droppers and more. Peruse the story, podcast and video at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Videos

Local Spins Video Premiere: Jack Droppers’ thought-provoking ‘Found My Way’

• November 22, 2019

Watch the inventive video exclusively at Local Spins — the latest from Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions. And learn more about Droppers’ upcoming new role as director of Calvin University’s Student Activities Office, which oversees the university’s concert series and other programs.

Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos

Blushing Monk eyes release of new ‘multi-genre’ jazz album, plays Wine, Beer & Food Fest

• November 21, 2019

The young modern jazz band led by Dutcher Snedeker kicks off the International Wine, Beer & Food Festival in Grand Rapids Thursday, with a full-length album set for release in 2020. Get the back story on the band and a full weekend performance schedule for the Wine, Beer & Food Festival at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

St. Joe Jack playing 100 breweries in 100 days as beer-loving Michigan tribute

• November 20, 2019

The St. Joseph multi-instrumentalist is more than halfway through his challenging beer tour. He’s playing Rockford Brewing tonight. Learn the back story about St. Joe Jack’s wild tour and watch a video from one of his recent performances.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Billy Strings misses Michigan, ‘manifests own destiny’ with meteoric rise as bluegrass star

• November 19, 2019

The hometown boy with roots in Ionia and Traverse City can’t wait to play a sold-out New Year’s Eve show at The Intersection in Grand Rapids after a “crazy,” award-winning, chart-topping year. Part 1 of a revealing, on-the-road Local Spins interview with William Apostol, aka Billy Strings.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Nov. 18-24): Third Eye Blind, Kris Allen, Spyro Gyra, Aaron Lewis, Chase Rice, Madeon, Wine Beer & Food Fest

• November 18, 2019

From jazz to rock to funk to country, it’s a busy week that also features Ganja White Night, Moxie Strings, Unknown Hinson, Freekbass, Mark Lavengood, Peat in the Creel, the Diatribe’s Grand Showcase, Terry Lower Quartet and more. This week’s “Under-the-Radar” picks are special, too.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

YelaWolf, Lettuce, Granger Smith, Blues Traveler, Hot Sardines, Cameron Blake heat up W. Michigan: Week-in-Review Photos

• November 17, 2019

From mid-week shows featuring Blues Traveler, Lettuce, Kittel & Co. and Free Hat to Saturday night reveling by Yelawolf, Donna the Buffalo and Cameron Blake, it was a jam-packed, November blast of music. Browse the images at Local Spins, including The Legal Immigrants’ ‘bon voyage’ show at The Pyramid Scheme and Subtronics’ sold-out dance party at The Intersection.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Remnose unfurls ‘up north’ vibe in-studio, plus new music by Legal Immigrants, Tony Halchak

• November 16, 2019

The Detroit-area roots/folk/Americana band made its debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Blueflowers, Porter Kenyon, Jeff Karoub, Drinkard Sisters and more. Listen to the radio show podcast, watch the in-studio video, get the back story on Remnose at Local Spins.

Announcements · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Grand Rapids’ Legal Immigrants set to embark on first Australian tour

• November 15, 2019

The rock band plays a ‘bon voyage’ show at The Pyramid Scheme tonight, on the same day it releases a new single while preparing to head Down Under. Learn more about The Legal Immigrants’ tour at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Kittel & Co. fashion evening of extraordinary, eye-popping musical wizardry

• November 14, 2019

The Grammy-nominated band of virtuosos made a tour stop Wednesday at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, impressing a small but approving crowd. They play Petoskey, Interlochen and Ann Arbor next. Peruse the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Photos

Brantley Gilbert hails Michigan’s Sadie Bass as ‘badass’ country singer on star-studded cruise

• November 13, 2019

The emerging country artist got ‘chills to the bone’ during the ‘absolutely amazing’ cruise when her band performed along with other stars. Get the Local Spins recap on Sadie Bass’ recent cruise experience along with exclusive photos by Eric Stoike.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Kalamazoo · Summer Festivals

Kalamazoo Blues Festival to return in 2020, likely moving to baseball stadium

• November 12, 2019

The Kalamazoo Valley Blues Associations aims to partner with the Kalamazoo Growlers for the August event, with four upcoming fundraising concerts at Shakespeare’s Pub to help finance the festival. Learn more at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Nov. 11-17): New Found Glory, Lettuce, Blues Traveler, Kittel & Co., Gramatik, Donna the Buffalo, Granger Smith, Yelawolf

• November 11, 2019

K. Michelle kicks off a week that also features Anamanaguchi, Big Wild, The Hot Sardines, Tommy Castro, Brendan James and much more. See the full roster of shows and win tickets to see Lettuce or Donna the Buffalo at The Intersection.

Weekend Photo Gallery

X Ambassadors, Goo Goo Dolls, Simple Plan, A$AP Ferg, Seratones: Concert Photo Recap

• November 11, 2019

It was a big concert week with plenty of big shows — at venues big and small — across West Michigan. Browse the images in nine colorful, action-packed photo galleries at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

David Bazan provokes and inspires at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room

• November 10, 2019

Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos attended David Bazan’s weekend concerts at Listening Room and he spent time with the noted singer-songwriter. This is his report, with photos by Kendra Petersen-Kamp.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The polished piano pop of Sandra Effert’s ‘River Rocks’: Local Spins on WYCE

• November 9, 2019

The Grand Rapids singer and musician released her new EP on Friday, previewing songs for the radio show which also debuted music by Overdrive Orchestra, Pretoria and more. The story, the podcast and video at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

David Bazan’s transfixing, transforming music on stage and on the screen in GR: The Q&A

• November 8, 2019

The acclaimed and controversial singer-songwriter plays twice this weekend at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, with screenings of the documentary about him, “Strange Negotiations,” before each show. The Local Spins interview with director Brandon Vedder about this incredible film and the difficult journey of the artist that it portrays.

Concert reviews · Photos

David Wax Museum relishes ‘real treasure’ at Listening Room’s official opening

• November 7, 2019

The ‘Mexo-Americana’ group and singer-songwriter Heather Maloney earned a warm welcome from fans who braved early season snow to attend Wednesday night’s concert at the downtown venue. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Sadie Bass, John Sanger, Laurel Premo

• November 6, 2019

There are compelling stories behind each of the West Michigan artists featured on this month’s edition of Local Spins on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside.” Listen to the podcast, get the back story on these three acts.

Audio · Hot Top 5

Patty PerShayla solo EP debuts at No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart

• November 5, 2019

The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter topped a chart of most-played local albums on WYCE that also features new releases by Last Gasp Collective, May Erlewine and The Skinny Limbs. See the full chart, listen to songs by all of the featured artists and browse a list of new regional releases.

Concert reviews · Photos

Wilco pumps up Grand Rapids (finally) with its ‘Ode to Joy’ and career-spanning charm

• November 5, 2019

Led by Jeff Tweedy, the band made the most of its 20 Monroe Live debut on Monday as it tours behind a new album while giving a nod to Wilco classics. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Nov. 4-10): Goo Goo Dolls, David Bazan, Randy Houser, Lucy Dacus, Jimmy Eat World, Simple Plan, A$AP Ferg

• November 4, 2019

A busy week of West Michigan concerts includes Thank You Scientist, Willy Porter, Tunde Olaniran and more. And check the roster of bracing Under-the-Radar Picks for the week.

Weekend Photo Gallery

Concert Roundup: Michael Ray, Crane Wives, Red Sea Pedestrians, Amaranth, Easy, Tiger

• November 4, 2019

Moving from October to November meant more than just a change in the weather and a time change: It also gave West Michigan a diverse lineup of under-the-radar concerts, captured in images at Local Spins. Browse images from concerts in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Michigan-I-O breathes new life into forgotten, classic Great Lakes folk songs

• November 2, 2019

The Holland area group’s new album showcases obscure Michigan folk gems, with another record on the way. Check out their live performance for Local Spins on WYCE, plus hear on-air song debuts from more than a half-dozen regional artists, including ttypes, Sadie Bass, Neon Birdhouse, The Soods and more.

Features · Photos · Videos

Budding teen super-group from West Michigan has new singer, eyes 2020 debut

• November 1, 2019

Formed by Grand Haven’s David Palmer, Five Strand Fusion recently selected Ada’s Skylar Mayton as its lead vocalist via an ‘American Idol’-styled audition. Get the back story on this emerging young band, which hopes to play its first concert next year.

Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos

ZZ Top salutes 50 years of Texas blues-rock with hit-laden Kalamazoo tour stop

• October 31, 2019

That “Little Ol’ Band from Texas” revved up fans Wednesday at Wings Event Center with hits ranging from “Got Me Under Pressure” to “Legs” to “Tush.” Pittsburgh’s Ghost Hounds got things started. The show recap, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

The Essential Halloween Playlist: Devin Dely’s splendidly spooky Top 10

• October 31, 2019

Once again, it’s time to fling open the coffin lid on another batch of haunting musical gems at Local Spins, from time-tested classics to brand new Michigan-bred thrillers, aka, the perfect Halloween soundtrack. Listen to the playlist, watch the videos, have your hair stand on end at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The adventurous, joyful, insightful, genre-hopping energy of Chirp: Local Spins Rewind

• October 30, 2019

The Ann Arbor band released a full-length studio debut album earlier this year and plays a Halloween night show at Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill. Revisit our April interview with this talented bunch and watch videos of the band.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Mid-Michigan’s fast-rising Sadie Bass to play country cruise with superstar Brantley Gilbert

• October 29, 2019

Fans voted Bass and her band onto next week’s star-studded cruise, with more national bookings and a new EP on the horizon. Get the back story on this engaging country singer, peruse photo galleries from recent West Michigan concerts and watch videos of her songs at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Oct. 28-Nov. 3): Bassnectar, ZZ Top, MC Chris, An-Ten-Nae, Michael Ray, Chirp

• October 28, 2019

Rings of Saturn gets Halloween week started, with Nobuntu, Blue Water Ramblers, Michigan-I-O, The Crane Wives, Andreas Kapsalis and some horrifically good Under-the-Radar Picks on tap, too. Check out all of this week’s live music selections at Local Spins.

Weekend Photo Gallery

Scary-good music: San Fermin, Monsters Ball, Trey Anastasio, Luke Bryan, TAUK

• October 28, 2019

Halloween parties galore filled the weekend, including 20 Monroe Live’s wild Monsters Ball, but the week also featured Michigan tour stops by San Fermin, Trey Anastasio, Luke Bryan, Ben Folds, TAUK and more, including an album-release show by Borr McFerrin. The photo galleries at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Getting folked up in Grand Rapids: Folk Alliance strums up late-night magic

• October 27, 2019

Hundreds of folk-hued artists in town for the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference have created an ear-pleasing smorgasbord of music. Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos sampled some of the offerings.

Concert announcements

Ann Arbor Folk Fest 2020 to star Iron & Wine, Calexico, Nathaniel Rateliff, Mandolin Orange

• October 26, 2019

The two-day winter fundraiser for The Ark will also boast sets by Ingrid Michaelson, The Lone Bellow, Bettye Lavette, Molly Tuttle, Cedric Burnside, Rainbow Girls and more. Get details at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Luke Bryan triumphs in second attempt at West Michigan ‘Farm Tour’ stop

• October 25, 2019

After the first concert was washed out by rain, country stars Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell and Mitchell Tenpenny on Thursday finally rocked Stafford Farms in Richland. Read the review, peruse the photos at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Ben Folds gets snarky, fun, fan-involving and profane in Kalamazoo

• October 24, 2019

The piano-pounding phenom brought his always-unique, one-of-a-kind spectacle to State Theatre in Kalamazoo on Wednesday. Get the concert recap, photos and set list at Local Spins.

Announcements · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows

Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival seeking bands, solo artists for play-in contest

• October 24, 2019

Performers have until Nov. 1 to apply, with the top three ensembles and solo artists taking part in a Jan. 10 play-in contest for two paid slots at the March festival. Get details and a link to the online application at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals

GRandJazzFest takes hiatus for 2020; work on Rosa Parks Circle forces other events to move

• October 23, 2019

The popular downtown jazz festival will be replaced by a concert series next year. Some Grand Rapids celebrations — including the Asian-Pacific Festival and Polish Festival — will move to Calder Plaza due to scheduled renovations at Rosa Parks Circle. The story at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows

‘Keeping traditions alive’: Midwest roots music stars to gather for showcases, industry updates

• October 22, 2019

For the second year, the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference will host seminars and performances by hundreds of touring musicians in Grand Rapids. Get the Local Spins preview, schedules of performances and details about this week’s “truly real” event.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Oct. 21-27): Kenny G, Ben Folds, Andy Grammer, San Fermin, TAUK

• October 21, 2019

Los Straitjackets, J.S. Ondara, Jon Langston, Lazer Lloyd, The Japanese House, Erin Zindle, a Folk Alliance gathering and tons of Halloween parties are also on the agenda this week. The Under-the-Radar Picks also feature a rescheduled Luke Bryan show, an album-release show and the closing event for ArtPrize’s Project 1.

Concert announcements · Videos

Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn to bolster folk series at St. Cecilia Music Center

• October 21, 2019

The day after folk icon Judy Collins regaled a capacity crowd, St. Cecilia announced the addition of two Grammy-winning artists to its Acoustic Cafe series, joining Chris Thile, Infamous Stringdusters and Rosanne Cash. See the full lineup, check out videos of featured artists and peruse a photo gallery from Judy Collins’ Sunday night concert at St. Cecilia.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Joshua Davis, Joe Hertler, Keller Williams, The Accidentals, Judy Collins and more: Photos

• October 20, 2019

The music weekend began with Joshua Davis’ debut at Grand Rapids’ new Listening Room and continued with a host of crowd-pleasing regional and national concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Rockford. Browse all of the colorful images at Local Spins, including images from a two-night stand by Joe Hertler and a brewery’s anniversary bash.

Audio · Breaking music news

Holland metal band Don the Pariah’s vehicle, $15,000 in gear stolen after gig

• October 19, 2019

After playing a Detroit-area show last weekend, the rockers had “everything” — instruments, sound equipment and merchandise — stolen from a hotel parking lot. A GoFundMe campaign is helping them replace the gear. Read more about the incident at Local Spins. Some gear eventually was recovered at a Detroit pawn shop.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Local Spins on WYCE: New music from Lipstick Jodi, Borr McFerrin, Jack Droppers and more

• October 18, 2019

The Oct. 18 edition of Local Spins on WYCE — on the last day of the Fall Fund Drive — was full of new regional music, including John Sanger, Stone Hands, Dean Madonia, Jeremy Ensley and much more. Listen to the podcast at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio · Videos

Album Reviews: Billy Strings’ bluegrass masterpiece, plus Last Gasp Collective, ‘Songs of the Pumpkin Boy,’ Laurel Premo

• October 18, 2019

Fall brings with it some frightfully good new regional music, including the latest from Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings, a popular hip hop collective, fetching fiddle music and scary-cool Halloween gems. Check out the reviews, sample the new music at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Grand Rapids’ new Listening Room gets high marks in opening-night concert starring Molly

• October 17, 2019

A near-capacity crowd packed the cozy downtown venue Wednesday, with fans praising the acoustics and atmosphere. Check out the story and review of the new venue, along with a photo gallery and video at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Local Spins Rewind: Molly finding her voice with raw, uncompromising ‘real stories’

• October 16, 2019

With soulful Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Molly Bouwsma Schultz set to christen the new Listening Room tonight, Local Spins revisits its June profile of the dynamic singer who released a new EP over the summer. And check out her video for “Shine.”

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

Local Spins to host ‘Michigan Mondays’ concerts at new downtown Listening Room

• October 15, 2019

The monthly series showcasing stars from across the Great Lakes State kicks off Nov. 25 with a ‘Time Out’ show featuring Savannah and Katie of The Accidentals, paired up with two other up-and-coming female songwriters. Get the lowdown on this new series in the much-buzzed-about Listening Room, and check out the lineup of other local shows on tap at the venue starting this week.