As one of the busiest bar nights of the year, Wednesday’s pre-Thanksgiving celebration lit up stages with live music gems from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The photo roundup at Local Spins, including Tuesday’s wild Ski Mask the Slump God tour stop at 20 Monroe Live.
Commentary · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Detroit Lions masquerading as turkeys: The Thanksgiving Playlist by Local Spins
As the ever-woeful Detroit Lions get ready for their traditional Thanksgiving Day game, Local Spins recaps the sad history of the franchise with a rock ‘n’ roll playlist of reflective misery. The pre-game column, playlist and videos.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest announces changes, on-sale dates for ‘biggest’ 10th anniversary celebration
The Electric Forest announcements top news items about several 2020 Michigan music festivals. Get the lowdown on new Electric Forest features, changes in other Michigan festivals and links at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Local Spins’ Michigan Mondays launch with packed house; stirring, funny songwriter charm
Sav and Katie of The Accidentals, Megan Slankard and Stephie James delivered a moving, personal and intimate “Time Out” showcase of their music on a night that also featured the official release of a new Michigan-focused double-album for a good cause. Relive the evening in this Local Spins review, with photos and video.
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
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.
Third Eye Blind, Madeon, Chase Rice, Marcus King, more amp up November: Photo Galleries
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
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
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.
Local Spins Video Premiere: Jack Droppers’ thought-provoking ‘Found My Way’
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Brantley Gilbert hails Michigan’s Sadie Bass as ‘badass’ country singer on star-studded cruise
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
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
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.
X Ambassadors, Goo Goo Dolls, Simple Plan, A$AP Ferg, Seratones: Concert Photo Recap
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.
David Bazan provokes and inspires at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room
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
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
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.
David Wax Museum relishes ‘real treasure’ at Listening Room’s official opening
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
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.
Patty PerShayla solo EP debuts at No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
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.
Wilco pumps up Grand Rapids (finally) with its ‘Ode to Joy’ and career-spanning charm
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
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.
Concert Roundup: Michael Ray, Crane Wives, Red Sea Pedestrians, Amaranth, Easy, Tiger
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
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.
Budding teen super-group from West Michigan has new singer, eyes 2020 debut
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
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
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
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.
Mid-Michigan’s fast-rising Sadie Bass to play country cruise with superstar Brantley Gilbert
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
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.
Scary-good music: San Fermin, Monsters Ball, Trey Anastasio, Luke Bryan, TAUK
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.
Getting folked up in Grand Rapids: Folk Alliance strums up late-night magic
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.
Ann Arbor Folk Fest 2020 to star Iron & Wine, Calexico, Nathaniel Rateliff, Mandolin Orange
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.
Luke Bryan triumphs in second attempt at West Michigan ‘Farm Tour’ stop
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.
Ben Folds gets snarky, fun, fan-involving and profane in Kalamazoo
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
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
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.
‘Keeping traditions alive’: Midwest roots music stars to gather for showcases, industry updates
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
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
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
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.
Holland metal band Don the Pariah’s vehicle, $15,000 in gear stolen after gig
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.
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