A new slate of regional albums made a splash on WYCE-FM in August. Check out the full chart, listen to the featured artists and check out the roster of new local releases.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Leftover Salmon to headline Saturday’s ‘feel-good’ Spring Lake fest celebrating Earth’s Edge
The “adventurous” event at Mill Point Park also stars The Way Down Wanderers and Arkansauce. Get the lowdown about this first-time event at Local Spins and watch videos of the featured performers.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Mandolin Orange brings ‘more mandolin’ mantra to Grand Rapids for captivating set
The North Carolina indie-folk group made its Meijer Gardens debut on Wednesday, touring behind its latest studio album. Check out the review and a photo gallery, plus a Local Spins Q&A with the band.
Album Releases · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Boy From School, Brother Adams, Jordan Hamilton
The latest releases from each of these West Michigan artists represents a significant step forward in their musical journeys. Listen to the September segment of Local Spins on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’ and check out full versions of songs from the featured albums.
Concert reviews · In Memoriam · Kalamazoo · Weekend Photo Gallery
Hundreds hail memory of Dacia Bridges with songs, testimonials in Kalamazoo
The Labor Day weekend tribute brought a host of musicians to Kalamazoo’s Jericho Corners to pay homage to the singer and songwriter who passed away unexpectedly in early August. The photos at Local Spins, along with a gallery from another big Kalamazoo event: Kalamashoegazer 13.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 2-8): Avett Brothers, Mandolin Orange, Jonas Brothers, Tash Sultana, Wheatland, Eastown Street Fair
The week starts with the West Michigan Labor Fest and also features a special Courtyard Concerts show with Leftover Salmon, plus The Real Ingredients, AB, Skinny Limbs, Winnow, Trixy Tang and more. And see how you can win tickets to see Leftover Salmon at the Courtyard Concerts and Earth’s Edge 25th anniversary show.
Labor Day Lament: Musicians still battle to earn living wage, get fans to pay attention
This annual Local Spins Labor Day column revisits the financial plight of local musicians, who cannot live on passion and applause alone. Amid a growing West Michigan music scene, it’s an essay for the times with comments from these ‘stars of the stage.’
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Playing Wheatland Music Festival a lifetime goal, feather in the cap for Michigan bands
Among the national and international folk/roots music stars at next weekend’s 46th Wheatland will be several Michigan acts who will treasure their time in the spotlight. See why it’s special for them and check out the full Main and Centennial stage schedules.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Clyde Park Avenue channels ’80s pop/rock for insightful new EP: Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids band performed a new single on-air during the show, which also debuted tracks by Dacia Bridges Project, I Believe in Julio, Lady Ace Boogie and more. Read the back story about Clyde Park Avenue, watch the in-studio video and listen to the radio show podcast.
RSVP Music Chat Podcast: Nurturing music amid the blissfulness of the Upper Peninsula
Ontonagon resident Cheryl Sundberg has directed the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival for several years and watched it grow. She chatted with Local Spins about what makes this fest in the wilderness so special and how it helps nurture music in the Upper Peninsula — a follow-up to our report on the event.
U.P.’s Porcupine Mountains Music Festival: A goosebumps experience unlike anything else
Venturing more than eight hours from Grand Rapids, Local Spins editor John Sinkevics recently immersed himself in the unique, magical charm of a remote U.P. musical celebration. Here’s his report on this relatively unknown Michigan gem, with a photo gallery and video.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Musicians, friends to honor legacy of Dacia Bridges at Sunday tribute in Kalamazoo
The Jericho Town event will feature performances by members of the Dacia Bridges Project, guitarist Kenny Olson, Mike Fuerst and many more. Get the details at Local Spins along with information about a new Dacia Bridges Project single being released this week.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Ralston Bowles puts exclamation point on Tuesday Evening Music Club finale
With Ralston & The Family, The Strike Percussion Ensemble and Samuel Nalangira providing musical diversity on a picture-perfect night at Meijer Gardens, the last show of the summer series was a memorable one. The concert recap, photo gallery and video, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Willowsong Music Festival 2019 Revisited: Welcoming, diverse, ‘as good as it gets’
The third year of the regional music fest unfurled last weekend in Sidney north of Grand Rapids. Local Spins asked some of the performers to pick their favorite experiences, with a photo gallery by Anna Sink.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 26-Sept. 1): Jon Spencer, Jojo Siwa, Aaron Kamm, Kalamashoegazer
Why Don’t We kicks off the week leading to Labor Day weekend, with Wilson, The Quirk, Wuzee, Birdie Country, Unruly Brewing’s anniversary, an Amy Winehouse tribute and much more also on tap. See the full list and this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Papa Roach, Holler Fest, Joshua Davis: Week-in-Review Photos
It was a week of tantalizing festivals, outdoor and indoor shows and more, captured in images at Local Spins — from Tiny Desk Concert winner Gaelynn Lea to regional fave Joshua Davis. Browse the galleries at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Jordan Hamilton in-studio, plus new music by Mark Lavengood, Elijah Russ, Alex Mendenall
This Week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted a performance by Kalamazoo hip-hop cellist Jordan Hamilton and the debut of new regional music. Listen to the full radio show podcast.
Breakaway Festival shakes up Grand Rapids with thumping beats, stacked opening day
The popular multi-city music festival returned Friday for the third time to show some love to the city of Grand Rapids, and the city — or at least, those packing Belknap Park — gave it right back. The Local Spins review of opening day.
Michael Franti & Spearhead implore sold-out Meijer Gardens audience to ‘Stay Human’
The rock-reggae musician and peace activist infused his trademark optimism and compassion into extra-long set Friday at the outdoor amphitheater. Concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Grand Valley’s New Music Ensemble eyes release of album inspired by National Parks
With help of a grant, GVSU’s nationally acclaimed contemporary classical group – which has performed the music at National Parks across the country — will release the CD in April. The story, video and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Joshua Davis, Luke Winslow-King, Crane Wives to fire up Grand Haven’s Music at the Museum
Kicking off in December, the series will also feature Way Down Wanderers, Roosevelt Diggs, Earth Radio and a songwriters-in-the-round show. Details at Local Spins. SCROLL DOWN FOR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST[…]
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Shoreline Jazz Festival to showcase Dave Koz, cross-section of jazz styles
This weekend’s festival presented by Alexander Zonjic at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing will boast two days of soulful, funky jazz and more, plus a special Thursday night pre-show. The Local Spins interview with Zonjic and Koz.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Breakaway 3 stirs excitement with Kaskade, Louis the Child, Wiz Khalifa, Big Gigantic
The two-day festival kicking off Friday at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park has a bevy of must-see acts says Local Spins columnist Todd Ernst. Read his preview, check out the schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Hoxeyville 2019 Revisited: Top 9 Experiences from a weekend in Wellston
The Hoxeyville Music Festival in the Manistee National Forest near Wellston wrapped up Sunday with two memorable sets by bluegrass star Billy Strings. But Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos found plenty more to like about Hoxey 2019, with photos by Anna Sink.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
‘New kid on the block’ Willowsong Music Festival set for Year 3 with wide-ranging talent
The festival in Sidney, north of Grand Rapids, fires up this weekend — moving this year from late September to August — with performances by 16 regional acts. Get and save the schedule, along with more details at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 19-25): Papa Roach, Rival Sons, Doug Deming, La Mafia, Breakaway, Willowsong, Holler Fest, Shoreline Jazz Fest
A busy late-summer festival week also features Reignwolf, Desmond Jones, That Beatles Thing, Seth Bernard, 28th Street Metro Cruise, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Polish Festival, Wax Motif and more. Alabama’s Friday concert, however, has been postponed.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concerts-in-Review: Domestic Problems, Beth Bombara, Here Come the Mummies, Allah-Las
Funk, rock, Americana, jam-band fun, indie-folk, country, blues, you name it, it was on display on stages across West Michigan this past week, including Muskegon’s Moose Fest and a rousing Joe Cocker tribute. Browse the images and show recaps at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
GRandJazzFest heats up downtown with eclectic jazz, ‘good taste of Grand Rapids’
The first day of GRandJazzFest 2019 at Rosa Parks Circle brought brilliant summer weather and brilliant musicianship with crowds growing into the evening to celebrate the final sets of the day. The recap, photo gallery and a video at Local Spins. The festival continues Sunday.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
New Michigan Music: Deerfield Run in-studio, Boy From School, Billy Strings, Bridge St. Band
The rootsy, country-hued Grand Rapids band unveiled new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured the on-air debut of tracks by Porter Kenyon, The Crane Wives and Hael. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of Deerfield Run’s in-studio performance.
Stray Cats resurrect rockabilly revelry in only Michigan tour stop
Led by guitar hero Brian Setzer, the rockabilly trio fired up new and old classics with gusto for a sold-out crowd Thursday night at Meijer Gardens. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
JJ Grey & Mofro, Jonny Lang deliver ‘perfect night’ of soulful blues and soul
The co-headlining pair of touring artists teamed up at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday for crowd-pleasing sets. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Five reasons to head to Hoxeyville 2019: From the setting to the musical camaraderie
Hoxeyville Music Festival unfurls this weekend in northern Michigan with a who’s who lineup and lots of groovy activities. Local Spins and some festival performers preview the three-day affair. Check out the Hoxeyville schedule which you can save on your smartphone to take along and listen to a playlist of festival performers.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jenison’s Beth Bombara returns to Michigan for tour behind ‘strong’ Americana rock album
The St. Louis-based musician, songwriter and Cornerstone University alum soaked up elements of rock while playing in Grand Rapids bands. She’s home this week to perform in support of “Evergreen.” Read the Local Spins interview, watch her new music video and listen to the title track from her new album.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 12-18): Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson, Stray Cats, Chris Stapleton, JJ Grey & Mofro, GRandJazzFest, Hoxeyville
Over the Rhine, Still Remains, Why?, Stephen Marley, Domestic Problems, Allah-Las, Boy From School and much more are also on the docket. And see how you can win tickets to the first-ever Arcfest in Watervliet.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Cowpie Music Festival 2019 Revisited: Cracker’s ‘weird country,’ fire dancers, good-time vibe
The Bootstrap Boys, Fauxgrass, Mark Lavengood, Desmond Jones, Trifocal, Melophobix and more were just some of the highlights from a Cowpie fest that may have been the best yet. Browse the photos, watch the videos, read the recap of the weekend on Shagbark Farm.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Styx, I Prevail, Beach House, Low Cut Connie, Foreigner: Week-in-Review Photos
From dream pop to piano-driven rock to prog-pop to metalcore mania to chart-topping classic rock, it was another rousing week of live music in the Grand Rapids area. Local Spins was there to recap the action in words, photos and video.
Cosmic Knot wins Grand Haven’s 2019 Walk the Beat in sun-splashed fashion
With 46 bands playing 23 venues on Saturday, the unusual Walk the Beat event returned to this lakeshore community after a one-year hiaturs and boasted another first: a tie for second place. Get the complete lowdown with a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The return of Brother Adams, plus new music from Jordan Hamilton,The Moxie Strings
The Holland folk-rock-punk trio unleashed new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pink Sky, Ashley Daneman and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast and watch the video of Brother Adams’ in-studio performance.
Yes fans get classic voice of Jon Anderson with hits, reinvented sound, stellar band
The iconic former frontman of Yes brought his national tour to 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids on Thursday to regale diehard prog-rock fans. and he didn’t disappoint. Check out the review by writer Ross Boissoneau, with photo gallery by Anthony Norkus.
Sarah McLachlan dazzles Grand Rapids with show-stopping voice, orchestrally backed songs
The award-winning, iconic Canadian singer brought heartfelt stories of life’s lessons Thursday to Meijer Gardens on a picturesque summer night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Cowpie Music Festival’s ‘awesome,’ sun-filled opening day exudes upbeat, eclectic vibe
The music festival on Shagbark Farm near Caledonia reveled in perfect summer weather on Thursday while firing up stages with music by Sophistafunk, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Cabildo, Megan Dooley, SlimGypsyBaggage, Mungion, The Legal Immigrants, The Gasoline Gypsies and more. Check out the recap, photo gallery and video only at Local Spins.
CAKE once again goes ‘The Distance’ in lively fashion for West Michigan fans
The sardonic California alt-rock band charmed a capacity Meijer Gardens crowd on Wednesday with quirky instrumentation, trademark dry wit and a mix of old and somewhat-new songs. Check out the review and photos, exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Styx still ‘having a ball’ and ‘getting better’ with classic sound, new songs, live moxie
The non-stop Styx — with a new album to add to its platinum-selling classics as it prepares to return to Meijer Gardens on Friday — chatted with Local Spins about the ‘artistic flair’ the band continues to flaunt. Read the Local Spins interview and watch videos of its live performances.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Summer Festivals · Videos
Farmfest set to offer 70-plus sets, ‘gorgeous’ northern Michigan experience and setting
This weekend’s festival near Johannesburg, east of Gaylord, unfurls with a huge roster of Michigan acts, including Traverse City’s Chris Michels, who’s fast building a fan base for his funky, jazzy music. Read more about the festival and MIchels, and listen to his music
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on ‘Stateside’: James Reeser & The Backseat Drivers, Full Cord, Desmond Jones
The August Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” showcased the sophomore album from a popular jam band, the debut from a veteran blues outfit and some lively bluegrass. Listen to the podcast and full songs from each of the featured artists.
Free Hat, The Soods, Molly rise to top of July’s Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The unusual studio album by Grand Rapids’ Free Hat tops the list of local and regional releases that earned the most radio airplay at WYCE-FM last month — a roster of all-new names. Check out the full chart, listen to tracks from all five artists and browse the list of new local releases at Local Spins.
Memorial celebrations, GoFundMe campaign set for late singer Dacia Bridges
The first memorial service for the beloved performer will be held in the Battle Creek area on Friday, with another celebration planned for Sept. 1 in Kalamazoo. See how you can help and read tributes to the singer.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Jon Anderson: From Yes to a decade-spanning, star-filled solo album and maybe, back to Yes
With the iconic long-time lead singer for prog-rock’s Yes slated to play Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live on Thursday, Local Spins writer Ross Boissoneau interviewed Jon Anderson about his tour and hopes for one last Yes record.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 5-11): Styx, CAKE, Sarah McLachlan, Jon Anderson, Cowpie Music Fest, Foreigner, Walk the Beat
The second week of August also boasts Beach House, JD McPherson, Bass Country, Low Cut Connie, Grasshoppah, Tommy Tutone, Farmfest, I Prevail, likemelikeyou, a John Prine Tribute, Sparta Celtic Fest and more. Plus, win tix to Tutone and Cowpie.
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