The band fronted by David Lowery has weathered the ups and downs of the music business, with help from devoted fans, including many in the Great Lakes State. With Cracker preparing to return to Michigan, check out the Local Spins interview as part of a special Sunday spotlight feature.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos · Summer Festivals
Kalamazoo Ribfest fires up with Spin Doctors, Joan Osborne, Everclear, Jake Kershaw
The three-day event in downtown Kalamazoo boasted standout performances from national stars, a Michigan blues-rock phenom and local faves. Get the recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Desmond Jones goes acoustic plus eRoy, Lane Ellens, Trixy Tang
Desmond Jones performed as an acoustic duo during Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Brother Adams, The Blue Pines, Deadflower, Alfredo Balcacer and more. Story, podcast, video.
Southwest Michigan musician, singer Dacia Bridges passes away unexpectedly
The vibrant performer and leader of the Dacia Bridges Project was found in her room in Traverse City, where she was volunteering for the Traverse City Film Festival. The story and a photo tribute at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: Desmond Jones, Trixy Tang, Vee Tha Rula, Full Cord
The first batch of Local Spins album reviews for August features a popular jam band, a hard-rock fave, an up-and-coming hip hop artist and a bluegrass gem. Check out the latest round-up of new releases and listen to songs from each of the featured albums.
Dawes, Margo Price unfurl masterful stories, musical charisma for Grand Rapids fans
On another splendid summer evening, Meijer Gardens concertgoers were treated to an intriguing double-bill that spanned vintage country and California-bred folk-rock. Get the review and peruse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Farm Block Fest 2019 Revisited: The Local Spins musicians’ picks from a unique U.P. adventure
The annual Upper Peninsula festival hosted by Graham Parsons of The Go Rounds once again attracted a loving bunch of regional bands and solo artists. Local Spins asked them for their festival highlights. Check out their picks and browse the photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Best of Mo Pop 2019: Kali Uchis does Radiohead, Tame Impala’s dazzling psychedelic rock
The Detroit music festival wrapped up Sunday night after two days of fun in the sun for thousands of concertgoers. Revisit the action in this Local Spins recap and photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Grand Rapids jazz lovers relishing new location for summertime’s Jazz in the Park
Moving from downtown’s Ah-Nab-Awen Park for 2019, the West Michigan Jazz Society has hosted its Monday night shows at Walker’s Millennium Park Meadows. Local Spins checked in this week to see how fans have reacted to the new site. Read the story, browse the photos.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (July 29-Aug. 4): Dawes & Margo Price, Nas, Billy Currington, Badfish, Yonder Mountain String Band, Kalamazoo Ribfest
Prettymuch, Corrosion of Conformity, The Beach Boys, Gaelic Storm, The Menzingers, the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival and much more are also on the docket. Check all of this week’s featured concert selections, Under-the-Radar Picks and win tickets to see Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime at The Intersection’s Rock The Lot.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Temptations do the things they do, plus Sir Mix-a-Lot, Lyle Lovett, Murder by Death: Photos
West Michigan’s musical weekend featured some beloved icons (Lyle Lovett, The Temptations, Righteous Brothers) plus tour stops by Marcus Rezak, Sir Mix-a-Lot and Murder by Death. Peruse all of the colorful concert images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Detroit’s Mo Pop shines, heats up on Day 1 with Vampire Weekend, Lizzo, J.I.D
The opening day of the 2019 festival in West Riverfront Park blessed thousands of attendees with sunny weather and a cavalcade of pop, hip hop and indie-rock. Get the highlights, browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
On the Line revels in ‘swimming against the stream’ with serpentine prog-rock
The Grand Rapids band showed off its complex approach for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by James Reeser, Timbre of Cedar, Dalmatian Stone and more. Learn more about On the Line, watch a video of the band’s in-studio performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
‘Let my people dance’: The Mavericks, Los Lobos bring Tex-Mex flair to Meijer Gardens
With decades of robust music under their belts, the two iconic bands brought a dance party to the amphitheater on a blessedly perfect summer night. The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: Earth Radio, August, Free Hat, iamnotaperson, Daves at 7
The late-July roundup of new releases by local and regional artists covers the gamut of styles and genres. Check out the reviews, audio samples and upcoming performance dates at Local Spins.
Conor Oberst brings raw, poignant, heart-rending connectiveness to Kalamazoo
The much-vaunted singer-songwriter brought his U.S. tour Tuesday to a jam-packed Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden for a night of honest lyrical commentary, with opener Joanna Sternberg. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Mavericks still clicking after 30 years of rock, country and Tejano thrills
With the iconic band bringing its anniversary tour to Meijer Gardens this week, West Michigan musician and Local Spins writer Jack Leaver chatted with drummer Paul Deakin about The Mavericks’ illustrious career. The interview and videos at Local Spins.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO delivers masterful re-creation of Electric Light Orchestra’s legacy
Lynne and an impressive rock ensemble unfurled a high-tech spectacle Tuesday at Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena filled with nostalgic hits. Check out the Local Spins review of the show (which featured an opening set by Dhani Harrison) and browse the photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Best of Beaver Island Music Festival: The Musicians’ picks from a weekend of Island fun
Local Spins asked several performers from last weekend’s Beaver Island Music Festival to choose three highlights that stood out. Read their picks and browse a photo gallery, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Faster Horses Festival 2019: 40,000-plus get country fix through sun, heat and rain
Michigan’s biggest country music celebration revved up Jackson County for the seventh year with stars Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band and more while enduring a heat wave and rainstorms. Get the weekend recap and three days of photo galleries at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (July 22-28): Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Conor Oberst, The Mavericks, G. Love, Weird Al Yankovic, Mountain Goat
Mo Pop, Dunesville and Farm Block fests are also on tap, along with Lyle Lovett, Jason Bonham, Marcus Rezak, ERoy, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Murder by Death and more. See all of the featured concerts as well as this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks.
Gipsy Kings bring wild and memorable dance party to Meijer Gardens
The weekend-ending soiree featured the amphitheater debut of the legendary French ensemble which had hundreds fans gyrating in front of the stage. The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Struts strut, Juice Wrld parties, George Clinton funks it up and more: Photos
From a U.K. rock sensation to regional hip-hop stars at Lady Ace Boogie’s Dope Ass Lineup plus Paradise Outlaw’s album-release, it was a crowd-pleasing week indoors and out. Ogle all of the images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Michigan-bred FINKEL turns cutting-edge electro-pop into ‘super art project’
The duo now based in L.A. unfurled some of its ‘wacky, fun’ music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Jake Kershaw, Brother Elsey, Vee the Rula, Paradise Outlaw and Full Cord. Watch the video of FINKEL’s in-studio performance, get the back story on the duo and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
Kurt Vile unleashes face-melting, psychedelic rock on hottest day of the year
Amid steamy temps at Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden in Kalamazoo, Kurt Vile & The Violators didn’t “Bottle It In” musically, but delivered smoldering “indie-rock glory” for a sold-out crowd. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Firefall, Poco, Pure Prairie League relive country-rock’s glory in sultry Grand Haven
The second big national concert at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium packed the riverfront venue with baby boomers who reveled in classic tracks ranging from “Amie” to “You Are the Woman” and more. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Andrew Bird takes musical flight in Grand Rapids with his ‘Finest Work Yet’
Touring behind his latest album, the whistling, winsome singer and violinist brought his genre-spanning music to Meijer Gardens on a sultry but breezy night. The Local Spins review and photos from Thursday night’s concert.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Struts relish ‘Young and Dangerous’ role, pressure to conquer studio and stage
Touring behind its sophomore album, the U.K. band is set to rock Grand Rapids Saturday with glam, bombast and big riffs. Check out the Local Spins interview with frontman Luke Spiller, along with videos featuring The Struts, including their recent appearance on “Good Morning America.”
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Men on the Moon: The Local Spins Top 10 Playlist
“Rocket Man” and “Space Oddity” certainly are appropriate song selections to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing. But there are also some hidden and unusual spacey gems in this Local Spins playlist.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Best of Blissfest 2019: The Michigan musicians’ picks from a weekend of Bliss
Local Spins asked several performers from last weekend’s 39th edition of Blissfest in northern Michigan to choose three highlights that stood out. Check out their picks and browse a photo gallery by Anna Sink.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Beaver Island Music Festival: Off-the-grid, magical positivity back for 2019
The 2019 edition of the festival staged on an island in northern Lake Michigan unfurls Thursday for three days of live music by national and regional acts. See and save the main stage schedule and get festival details at Local Spins.
Amos Lee’s soulful voice, energizing stage presence create perfect summer night
The singer’s return to Grand Rapids was greeted by an engaged and passionate sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens on Monday. Check out the Local Spins review of Amos Lee at Meijer Gardens and browse the photo gallery.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (July 15-21): Diana Ross, Kurt Vile, George Clinton, Poco, Juice Wrld, The Struts, Andrew Bird, Faster Horses, Beaver Island Fest
Kicking off with Amos Lee, the live music week in West Michigan also boasts Static X, Lady Ace Boogie’s hip hop showcase, Chuck Mead & Jim Lauderdale, South Haven’s Rhythm on the River, The Gipsy Kings, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Cabildo and more. Plus, win tickets to see Poco, Firefall and Pure Prairie League in Grand Haven.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kalamazoo Blues Festival, Gringo Star, Heart, Last Gasp Collective: Week-in-Review Photos
Gorgeous summer weather greeted attendees at the Kalamazoo Blues Festival this weekend, but there were indoor shows of merit in West Michigan, too. Check out the photo galleries from another busy summer week of live music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
FlyLiteGemini’s ‘musical rebirth’ of rock inspired by love and ‘wild lands of the world’
With an album dropping next week, the West Michigan band previewed new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Courtney Moore, Daves at 7, August and more. Check out the video of FlyLiteGemini’s in-studio performance, read the back story about this band and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos · Summer Festivals
Kalamazoo Blues Festival kicks off with Nikki Hill, high-energy sets at Arcadia Creek site
The first day of the 2019 festival in downtown Kalamazoo drew blues devotees for everything from local faves Out of Favor Boys to Nikki Hill, Duwayne Burnside and Gatorboys. Browse the Local Spins photo gallery.
Sheryl Crow, reunited Heart throw surprising musical curves ‘with lots of freshness’
Friday night’s tour stop at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena showcased new songs, imaginative covers and classic fan favorites with the sisters of Heart once again proving their mettle in the spotlight. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Last Gasp Collective launches GRAM on the Green with sunny hip hop, ‘fun little improvs’
The first outdoor show of the Grand Rapids Art Museum summer series boasted the passionate soul, blues, jazz and hip hop of the Kalamazoo ensemble. Get the recap of opening night with photos at Local Spins.
Three Dog Night oozes nostalgia, old-fashioned love songs for Grand Rapids fans
The sold-out baby boomer crowd at Meijer Gardens on Thursday cheered hits from the ’70s on a picturesque summer night. Read the review, browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan Rattlers revel in spotlight after opening Bob Seger’s final shows
The Petoskey-bred alt-country act is still basking in the glow of its brush with Seger hoopla as it prepares for a half-dozen home state appearances and unveils new music on the road. Get the back story and photos at Local Spins, and see where you can catch the band on its Michigan tour later this month.
Tuesday Evening Music Club finally gets jamming, funky with Big Sherb, Paddlebots
After a rainout for Week 1, the popular Tuesday series at Meijer Gardens boasted blue skies and dance-hued regional music for a family-filled crowd. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Blissfest performers, fans ready to ‘feel the love’ at 2019 spectacle in northern Michigan
Michigan acts ranging from Joe Hertler to Galactic Sherpas will join national stars Amy Helm, Canned Heat and Sam Bush at the 39th annual edition of “Bliss” this weekend. Get details and the full schedule at Local Spins — and find out why musicians love this festival so much.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Rosanne Cash to play Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center in February
The high-profile addition to St. Cecilia’s Acoustic Cafe Folk Series will bring the Grammy Award-winning country artist and daughter of the legendary Johnny Cash to Grand Rapids, along with her musician husband, John Leventhal. Details and a video at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Kris Allen, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Bad Plus, David Bazan to heat up Listening Room
The Verve Pipe, David Wax Museum, Loudon Wainwright III and Mary Gauthier are also among the first acts announced for the ‘world-class’ venue that hosts a soft opening in late October and a grand opening in early November. See a comprehensive list of initial bookings at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (July 8-14): Heart, Three Dog Night, Blissfest, Kalamazoo Blues Fest, Kansas, Whiskey Myers
Johnnyswim starts a week that also boasts the GR Symphony Picnic Pops, Muskegon’s birthday bash, Winnow, GRAM on the Green, Gringo Star, Between the Buried and Me, Tuesday Evening Music Club and more. Plus, win tickets to the upcoming Poco/Nightfall/Pure Prairie League concert in Grand Haven.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jake Kershaw, Dumpstaphunk, Neal Francis: Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries
From the lakeshore to Kalamazoo, the long holiday weekend offered up plenty of live music. Check out the photo galleries and concert recaps at Local Spins.
Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish soar to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart, No. 2 overall
The old-school rock duo’s latest studio album shot straight to the top of the June chart of most-played local albums on WYCE-FM. See which other albums made last month’s Hot Top 5 and listen to songs by the featured artists.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ August leans on Aquinas training for impressive soul-pop debut
The up-and-coming Grand Rapids band rolled out some of its new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Paddlebots, Pretoria, Natural Body and more. Get the back story on August, watch the band’s in-studio performance and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Idlewild Music Festival moves to Ferris campus; set to celebrate rich cultural legacy
In its heyday, Idlewild served as a robust summer destination for African-American stars and their fans. The July 12-14 Idlewild festival will pay homage to the past with musical performances and historical education sessions. See the full weekend schedule at Local Spins.
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