A country star at a historic church, alt-rock heroes at a downtown nightclub, regional folk-rock faves and an emerging Michigan pop star wrapping up a tour behind a new EP. All of them are featured in our glorious weekend photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Overcoming throat cancer, Grand Rapids’ John Sanger set to release ‘Family Album’
In one of his first public performances in six months, the veteran musician and singer played new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Michigander, Emma Bieniewicz, Josie Kenyon and more. Learn more about Sanger’s journey, watch his in-studio performance and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Festivals
Grand Rapids’ Lamp Light Music Festival pulls plug on 2019 event
After operating for years as a unique Eastown house-concert fest, Lamp Light – which moved to Wealthy Theatre last year – is on hiatus and the future is uncertain. Learn why the festival won’t be taking place.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
Female West Michigan super-group wows fans with video cover of ‘The Chain’
Local Spins rewinds September’s top Local Spins story and 2019’s second most-read overall: A feature showcasing a “top secret” video project with 15 vocalists tackling the Fleetwood Mac song at Third Coast Recording in Grand Haven. The video created a major buzz on social media, with another similar project expected after the holidays.
The Black Keys pound out arena-styled garage rock gems in return to Grand Rapids
After a five-year hiatus, the blues-rock duo from Akron charmed an enthused Van Andel Arena crowd on Tuesday in a triumphant return to West Michigan, with Modest Mouse and Jessy Wilson opening the show. Read the review, peruse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Northern Michigan’s Chris Michels wants ‘it all musically,’ set to fire up funky jams in GR
The Chris Michels Band, which plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday, boasts a rotating cast of talented musicians, led by a songwriter about to release a new solo album and determined to squeeze “as much music” as he can into his life. Get the back story on Michels and listen to his new singles at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Oct. 7-13): Black Keys, Blue October, MercyMe, Kip Moore, Davina & The Vagabonds
Michigander, a Horsefeather reunion, Messer Chups, May Erlewine, Jack & The Bear, Seth Glier, Chris Michels, Stovepipe, Kari Lynch, GTG Fest and more fill out the week of live music in West Michigan. Browse this week’s featured concerts and the fascinating Under-the-Radar Picks, and see how you could win tickets to one of three different Tip Top Deluxe shows.
Concert reviews · Features · Kalamazoo · Photos
Great Lakes Music Camp and a GLAMA-versary: Learning the ropes, jamming and acoustic glory
The third annual Great Lakes Music Camp along the Lake Michigan shoreline drew dozens of ‘pupils’ for workshops and even more acoustic music fans for a packed Saturday night concert starring instructors. In Kalamazoo, meanwhile, the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association also celebrated acoustic glory at its GLAMA-versary event. Story and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Eric Church doubles down, plus Shinedown, May Erlewine, Mungion and more: Photo Recap
Country star Eric Church played two straight nights at Van Andel Arena, giving lots of shout-outs to GR, with Shinedown and other stars also unleashing fan-pleasing shows across West Michigan, which is celebrating fall in festive fashion — including Pulaski Days at Grand Rapids clubs. The Eric Church concert recap, plus a full photo roundup at Local Spins.
Vintage Thursday: Lee Ann Womack revels in ‘sad country’; Steve Hackett revisits Genesis
Thursday night’s concert offerings in Grand Rapids boasted fan-pleasing shows by an acclaimed singer, a revered guitarist, and Colorado and U.K. indie-rock faves. Get the recap of this special Thursday at three different venues in recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Amy Young and Daves at 7 revel in ‘super-invigorating,’ diverse musical approach
The West Michigan band celebrated its new album Friday with a stop at Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Laurel Premo, Last Gasp Collective, Jack & The Bear, Dante Cope, The Bootstrap Boys and more. Check out the in-studio video, the Daves at 7 back story and the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Site:Lab’s Tanglefoot project unfurling uncommon West Side space for music, art
The ArtPrize Project 1 installation is hosting DJs, bands, poets and more this fall in a unique multi-level venue in an old warehouse complex on Grand Rapids’ West Side. Kyd Kane, J. Oscar Bittinger, Lady Ace Boogie and more take the stage this weekend.
Album Releases · Audio · Hot Top 5
The Bootstrap Boys gallop to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for September
The latest chart of most-played local and regional albums on Grand Rapids’ WYCE-FM also featured the debut of a new album by hip hop’s Dante Cope. See the full chart, listen to music from the featured artists.
Features · Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Venue Spotlight
St. Cecilia Music Center’s ‘unsurpassed’ milieu: The RSVP Music Chat with Cathy Holbrook
On Thursday night, Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center kicks off its folk series with country and Americana singer Lee Ann Womack. Listen to the podcast with venue honcho Cathy Holbrook to learn why St. Cecilia stands out as a concert hall and discover the journey that led her to the helm of this organization.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Listening Room, Studio Park flaunt glitzy amenities in grand opening soiree
Grand Rapids’ new downtown entertainment and housing complex south of Van Andel Arena opened its doors to the public on Wednesday, including the much-talked-about, 200-seat Listening Room. Check out the story, photos and a video tour.
GLAMA-versary to celebrate 20 years of acoustic music excellence in SW Michigan
Saturday’s day-long event at Kalamazoo Valley Community College will feature numerous workshops and an evening concert starring folk icons Robin & Linda Williams and fingerstyle guitar whiz Pat Donohue. Get the details at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Features · Videos
May Erlewine offers ‘Second Sight’ as instrument for healing, change, connecting
Michigan’s leading folk-singer activist this week mounts a Michigan tour behind a powerful and political new album. The Local Spins interview, with review of the new album and a new video for the single, “Whole Again.”
Album reviews · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Patty PerShayla, May Erlewine, The Skinny Limbs
From established stars (May Erlewine) to up-and-coming Grand Rapids acts (Patty PerShayla, The Skinny Limbs), this month’s edition of Local Spins on ‘Stateside’ showcased some Michigan-bred music that’s begging to be heard. Listen to the podcast and interview, check out songs from the featured artists.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lee Ann Womack relishes authentic country of Americana genre, kicks off St. Cecilia series
The acclaimed singer and songwriter plays Grand Rapids on Thursday to launch the Acoustic Cafe Folk Series. She shared her views on the state of mainstream country, the joy she’s experiencing in performing live and more in a Local Spins interview. Plus, watch videos of songs from her most recent albums.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 30-Oct. 6): Eric Church, Shinedown, Lee Ann Womack, Steve Hackett, Lil’ Ed, Yung Gravy, May Erlewine
The first week of October also brings us Devotchka, Melvins, Orville Peck, Dark Star Orchestra, The Zannies, Lifeline, beer fests, Pulaski Days, a GLAMAversary event and much more. Check out the riveting Under-the-Radar Picks and this week’s ticket giveaway.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Luke Bryan washes out; Skillet, Jars of Clay, Bruce Cockburn make splash: Concert Recap
September closed out with a bang: Rain washed out country star Luke Bryan’s ‘Farm Tour’ stop in Richland, but other acts rocked the house, including Skillet, Alter Bridge, BoomBox, Judah & The Lion, Frankie Cosmos, Sigrid, Greyhounds, Mark Lavengood and more. Get the recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Steve Hackett set for ‘authentic reading’ of Genesis, solo gems: The Local Spins interview
The renowned prog-rock guitarist brings his ‘Genesis Revisited’ show to Grand Rapids this week, playing the entirety of ‘Selling England by the Pound’ plus his solo material. He spoke with Local Spins about the show and his career.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Max Lockwood in-studio, plus new tracks by May Erlewine, Erin Zindle
This week’s edition of the radio show also featured new regional music from Patty PerShayla, Lifeline, Donny Zuzula and more. Read more about Max Lockwood, watch the in-studio video of his performance, listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast and interview.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Billy Strings wins two major bluegrass awards, drops new album, sells out most of tour
The Michigan-bred guitarist and emerging national bluegrass star who’s made a splash across the country snagged IBMA awards on Thursday, including guitar player of the year honors. His new album, “Home,” comes out today and he’s already sold out many of the shows on his fall U.S. tour. The lowdown at Local Spins, with videos of songs from his new album.
Commentary · Features · Playlists · Videos
Happy 50th to The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’: The best song covers from a classic album
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” in the United Kingdom. And because The Beatles are one of the most covered bands of all time, Local Spins has compiled a playlist of the best covers of songs from this classic album, from Aerosmith and Joe Cocker to Elliott Smith and Florence + The Machine. Check out the videos and listen to the songs on Spotify.
Strand of Oaks turns Tuesday into intense, fiery, soulful family affair
Led by Timothy Showalter, the Philly-based band made a memorable tour stop at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, with Showalter’s mom even making a guest appearance. Find the review and photo gallery, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Harvest Gathering 2019 Revisited: A tribe of joyful artists unfurling magical performances
Last weekend’s Earthwork Harvest Gathering endured rainy weather to roll out a host of memorable performances by Michigan artists for a record crowd, not to mention a wedding and more. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 23-29): Luke Bryan, Strand of Oaks, Black Violin, Bruce Cockburn, Skillet, BoomBox, Judah & The Lion, Jars of Clay
Big Sandy gets the week started, with Witt Lowry, Greyhounds, Yuno, Mdou Moctar, Pistil Whips, Mustard Plug, Rockford Harvest Festival, Flat River Songwriter Showcase and Grand Rapids Symphony’s Queens of Soul also on the bill. And see how you can win tickets to see BoomBox or Witt Lowry at Elevation inside The Intersection.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Delbert McClinton, Pink Sky, JRob, Grand Armory Anniversary: Weekend Photo Galleries
From Grand Haven to Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, and from electronic music to hip hop to blues-rock and funk, it was another entertaining week of live music in West Michigan. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Earthwork Harvest Gathering launches with jam-packed Friday of powerful music
The season-ending Lake City-area music festival drew hundreds of musicians and thousands of revelers for an opening salvo of magical experiences. Check out the first-day highlights and a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
JRob displays super powers on new hip hop classic ‘Peace of a King 2’: Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids hip hop artist unfurled new songs in-studio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by 10 other West Michigan acts. Read the story of JRob, watch a video of his in-studio performance and listen to the entire radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Female West Michigan super-group releases ‘amazing’ video cover of ‘The Chain’
The ‘top secret’ project had 15 female vocalists gathering to record the Fleetwood Mac song at Third Coast Recording in Grand Haven earlier this week. Watch the video at Local Spins and see which artists were involved in this unusual project.
Iron & Wine, Calexico roll out masterful set in season’s final Meijer Gardens show
Despite a few imperfect moments and an early departure by some attendees, Wednesday’s collaborative performance served up fresh and captivating songs. Get the review and a photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: JRob, Brother Adams, Mike Mains, After Ours, The Skinny Limbs
This mid-September sampling of new local and regional releases offers everything from boundary-pushing folk-punk to socially conscious hip hop. Check out the reviews and listen to the music, exclusively at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
After outcry, Calvin to maintain Student Activities Office, full slate of concerts
Students, alumni and staff rallied to save the program. Now, ‘the future of SAO is bright,’ with the campus concert series kicking off later this month. Get the back story on how the program was rescued and what it means for Calvin University and concertgoers.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 16-22): Miranda Lambert, Iron & Wine, Calexico, Avatar, The Cadillac Three, Blackberry Smoke, Henhouse Prowlers
The week starts with the roar of GWAR, but there are also big shows starring JRob, The Accidentals, Pink Sky, Earth Radio, Delbert McClinton and way more firing up stages in West Michigan. Get the complete concert lowdown at Local Spins along with this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks.
Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Head and The Heart, Laith Al-Saadi, EOTO, Turnover, Blue Bridge Amplified: Photo Recap
The West Michigan music week that was welcomed indie-folk, blues, hip hop, electronic music, rock and more to indoor and outdoor stages, including the Blue Bridge over the Grand River and the final blast at Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden. Peruse the images at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Earthwork Harvest Gathering 2019 ‘filled to brim with great music,’ one-of-a-kind sets
The season-ending music festival outside Lake City will unfurl next weekend with more than 130 performances by regional stars on four stages. See why musicians think this event is so special and check out the weekend schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Perrin Brewing revels in diverse music, sunshine, full moon for anniversary bash
Saturday’s Backyard Bash outside the Comstock Park brewery drew thousands for sets by Jake Kershaw, The Hacky Turtles, Paradise Outlaw, Hollywood Makeout and Kozmic Mama. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo’s Temporary Arrangement releases ‘non-conventional pop’ album
The experimental rock quartet celebrates release of its sophomore full-length at Shakespeare’s Lower Level on Friday night. They spoke with Local Spins writer Megan Dooley about the project. Check out the Q&A and listen to songs from the new album.
Breaking music news · Local Spins on WYCE · Playlists
Radio station WYCE loses power, signal processor; finally back on air today
Wednesday’s thunderstorm knocked out critical equipment along with Friday’s upcoming edition of Local Spins on WYCE. So, you can listen to some of the songs from the show right here.
War and Treaty wins Americana Music Award; Nathan Walton makes ‘American Idol’ cut
Two Michigan artists earned acclaim this week, with Albion’s The War and Treaty winning the Americana Music Association’s “Emerging Act of the Year” in Nashville and Nathan Walton getting a thumbs up in a Detroit audition for ‘American Idol.’
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Wild weather capsizes B-52s nostalgic musical cruise before it ‘sets sail’ at Meijer Gardens
Wednesday’s strong, late-summer storm forced the venue to cancel season’s penultimate show before the headliners could take the stage for their 40th anniversary tour appearance. Berlin and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark did manage to play short sets before the rain hit. Recap and photos at Local Spins. And get details about Meijer Gardens’ refund policy for this show.
Album Reviews: Paradise Outlaw, Boy from School, Jordan Hamilton, FlyLiteGemini, Temporary Arrangement
This mid-September round-up of new regional releases spans several genres in fetching fashion with bands based in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Check out the reviews, see where you can see the artists live and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Wheatland 2019 Revisited: Good vibes, wistful music, fun community, fall-like weather
The 46th edition of this much-admired Michigan music festival rolled out last weekend with a hefty slate of national and regional roots music stars. The recap by Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos, with photos by Anna Sink.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 9-15): The Head and The Heart, B-52s, EOTO, Michigan Irish Music Fest, Fallasburg Fest, Perrin Backyard Bash
The week also features Reverend Raven, Sebastian Bach, Patty PerShayla, Laith Al-Saadi, Langhorne Slim, Deerfield Run and Project 1’s first-ever Blue Bridge Amplified. Get the complete concert lowdown in this week’s Big List Concert Guide at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Tash Sultana, Bush, Live, The Verve Pipe rock West Michigan: Weekend Photo Galleries
A busy opening week of September boasted jam-packed tour stops by an emerging Australian star, a pair of ’90s rock stalwarts and a Michigan legend returning to Bell’s. Peruse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Leftover Salmon, Earth’s Edge anniversary blast draws 2,500 to Spring Lake
The Way Down Wanderers and Arkansauce also performed Saturday at the Earth’s Edge/Courtyard Concerts event in Mill Point Park. Get the recap and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Avett Brothers, crowd get ‘Closer Than Together’ in dynamic Van Andel performance
With a politically conscious new record releasing in four weeks, the North Carolina folk/rock band was ready to connect with a modest-but-enthused audience. Check out the review of Friday night’s show at Local Spins. along with a photo gallery.
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