Seven Steps Up, Third Coast Recording and the city will launch a new summer concert series in the ‘spectacular’ riverfront stadium in July. Get the details at Local Spins, watch videos of the featured performers.
Sleep proves prowess as ‘muscular, hypnotic force’ of stoner doom metal in Grand Rapids
The influential California band regaled a big Intersection crowd Wednesday with a cutting-edge show that was ‘soul-demolishing’ and ‘like being swallowed by a baleen whale,’ says critic John Serba. The Local Spins review, with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins ‘Best of Festival’ 2019 Picks: 50th anniversary edition
For a half-century, Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts has packed downtown Grand Rapids in early June. For this weekend’s milestone event, Local Spins asked writers and some performers to spotlight must-see acts. Check out their picks and where those acts are playing.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
Meijer Gardens amphitheater reopens with May Erlewine, blue skies, family vibe
The special Tuesday Evening Music Club ‘dress rehearsal’ show in the renovated amphitheater attracted a huge crowd, stellar music and some surprisingly long concession lines. Get the recap at Local Spins, with a photo gallery and video highlights.
Album Releases · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Lushh, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish
Local Spins’ May segment for “Stateside” on Michigan Radio cranked things up with Michigan bands that are all making a splash in different ways. Listen to the podcast and check out full versions of songs by the featured artists.
Audio · Features · Summer Festivals
Collaborative songwriter Aaron Allen hailed as one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets
Working with Joshua Davis, Greensky Bluegrass and others, the Grayling songwriter has become a go-to collaborator whose songs likely will be heard at this weekend’s Camp Greensky Music Festival in Wellston. Get the back story about this artist from Local Spins writer Ryan Boldrey, listen to his music and find details about this weekend’s festival.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Listening Room set to transform downtown concert landscape this fall
Local Spins updates construction of “Listening Room by Studio C,” which will be part of the impressive Studio Park project south of Van Andel Arena. Get the back story and check out the photos, video and an artist’s rendering of the new venue.
Audio · Hot Top 5 · Upcoming shows
Deep Greens & Blues hits No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for third straight month
The country-driven Grand Rapids band was joined by Political Lizard, May Erlewine, Max Lockwood and chart newcomer Gasoline Gypsies as the hottest regional plays for May on WYCE. See where the artists are performing and listen to songs from their albums at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (June 3-9): Nahko, B93 Birthday Bash, Festival of the Arts, Camp Greensky, Sleep, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Flux Pavilion
Summer festivals and the first blast of Meijer Gardens concerts (launched by May Erlewine) dominate the landscape, but there’s plenty more live music to embrace, too, from David Murray to The Accidentals. And see how you can win tickets to see Sleep or Flux Pavilion.
‘Rocketman’ embraces the flamboyance, fun, excesses, music of the dynamic Elton John
The latest rock biopic reflects the rise, fall and rise again of Elton John in a different and highly entertaining way. The Local Spins movie review by John Serba, with photos and the official trailer.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lettuce, Xavier Wulf, Battle to the B93 Bash, Skitchin’ Fest: Photo Galleries
Browse the resplendent Local Spins images from another weekend of diverse and crowd-energizing live music, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo including Lettuce, Xavier Wulf, Sadie Bass, FLUSHED, Turnspit and more.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
Steppin’ Into Summer: Michigan favorites open two Kalamazoo beer gardens in style
Steppin’ In It with friends and May Erlewine & The Motivations moved a Bell’s Brewery crowd while Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers funked up Old Dog Tavern in outdoor shows. Check out the recap of both summer-opening spectacles by Ryan Boldrey, with photo galleries by Derek Ketchum.
Twenty One Pilots live up to ‘The Hype,’ fire up fervent devotees in Grand Rapids
With many fans lining up for days just to see them, the Ohio band played its first U.S. show of 2019 at Van Andel Arena on Friday. Check out the review, set list and a photo gallery from the “The Bandito Tour” stop at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Talk Radio finds garage-rock balance between cranking it up and singing ‘sweetly’
The Grand Rapids band led by Patty PerShayla flaunted its dynamics for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Sandose, Joe Hertler, Guitar UP, Distant Stars, Secret Forte, The Soods and more. Watch the video of Talk Radio’s in-studio performance, listen to the full radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Coldville, Sandose, Trifocal
From pop to rock to funk to electronic charm, this late May roundup of West Michigan album releases covers the gamut. Check out the reviews and listen to the music at Local Spins — and find out where you can catch these artists performing live.
Hozier makes moving ‘Sweet Music’ to captivate capacity Grand Rapids crowd
The Irish singer-songwriter brought his “Wasteland, Baby!” tour to a sold-out 20 Monroe Live on Wednesday night, with New York’s Bailen getting things started. The review, photos at Local Spins.
Tyler Dykema’s Skitchin’ mission for ‘pure, heartfelt, all-accessible’ punk rock
The much-beloved organizer of Skitchin’ Fest and publisher of Skitchin’ Music Zine is preparing for the third incarnation of the Grand Rapids punk festival that takes place over two days this weekend at The Pyramid Scheme. Read the inspiring back story about Tyler Dykema and get details about this weekend’s festival at Local Spins. And see how you can win tickets to Skitchin’ Fest.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
WLAV’s Summertime Blues series to star Jake Kershaw, Wayne Baker Brooks, Nick Moss
The 2019 edition of the series will kick off June 12 in the DeltaPlex Arena parking lot, with local bands opening each concert. See the full schedule at Local Spins, with videos from all of the featured artists.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Bus Benefit 2019’s ‘magical moments’ revisited: Local Spins recap, photo gallery
Some of Michigan’s favorite roots music and rock bands on stage, beach and campsite jams, and scads of VW buses made the Memorial Day weekend’s Buses by the Beach-hosted festival one to remember. The images exclusively at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (May 27-June 2): Twenty One Pilots, Hozier, Lettuce, Xavier Wulf, Steppin’ In it, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Skitchin’ Fest
The Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden opening weekend, House With a Yard, B93’s Battle to the Bash finals, Midwest Fest, Secret Forte and more fire up this week’s concert lineup. See how you can win tickets to Skitchin’ Fest and check out the fascinating Under-the-Radar Picks.
Kalamazoo · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Free Summer Concerts: Kalamazoo, Portage, Oshtemo, Parchment, Delton, Richland
With Memorial Day weekend serving as the kickoff to the summer concert season, Local Spins spotlights free community concerts in the Kalamazoo area. Check out the robust lineups and complete schedules in several locations.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Bus Benefit dodges hit-and-miss rain with family vibe, musical jams on opening day
Setting up again on Memorial Day weekend at Camp Blodgett south of Grand Haven, the festival and VW bus gathering opened with sets by Political Lizard and Nicholas Thomasma & The Bandwagon — and campsite jams. Get the first-day recap and photo gallery, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Full Cord makes magical bluegrass connection with old school-to-newgrass charm
The West Michigan band that’s toasting its 12th year with a new EP played Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted songs by several Michigan bands. Get the back story on Full Cord and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Venue Spotlight
The DAAC is really back: Grand Rapids art collective finally finds a new home
After years of searching for a permanent space, the arts collective and all-ages venue has acquired and will renovate a building on Plainfield Avenue in the Creston Neighhborhood, launching a new era for The DAAC. Read more about the plans and future for this much-beloved collective.
Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens concert bookings, venue renovations: Behind the scenes (Podcast)
With the revamped amphitheater reopening June 4 with a Tuesday Evening Music Club “dress rehearsal” starring May Erlewine, RSVP Music Chat had a revealing interview with two key managers overseeing Meijer Gardens concerts. Listen to the podcast and get updates on the upcoming season.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Free Summer Concerts: Lineups for Kentwood, Big Rapids, Canadian Lakes, Niles, Albion
They just keeping coming: Outdoor summer concerts rev up communities across West Michigan almost every night of the week. Here are several more to consider as you make your summer plans.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Bus Benefit about to rev up again along Lake Michigan for Memorial Day weekend
The Go Rounds, Legal Immigrants, Gasoline Gypsies, Political Lizard, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Roosevelt Diggs and more are set to roll at Camp Blodgett south of Grand Haven. See the full schedule at Local Spins and save it on your smartphone to take along for the holiday weekend.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (May 20-26): Marianas Trench, Eric Roberson, Bear’s Den, Nick Moss, Bus Benefit
Hip hop, Latin music and hard rock showcases starring local bands help fire up the week leading up the holiday, plus another album-release show. Peruse this week’s concert selections, ogle the Under-the-Radar Picks and check out details of a special rock ‘n’ roll photo exhibit by Paul Jendrasiak.
Bring Me the Horizon, MGMT, Ryan Hurd, Lokella and more: Week-in-Review Photos
Mid-May proved to pump up West Michigan with a lively mix of concerts, from high-profile tour stops to local shows. Find the images in these photo recaps at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Summer Festivals
Discovering Utopia – Kalamazoo band takes step toward 2019 Cowpie Music Festival
When all the votes were tallied after Saturday’s semifinal play-in competition, judges and fans at Arcadia Brewing Co. settled on sending Kalamazoo’s Utopian Party on their collective way down the ‘Pathway to the Pasture.’ The foursome netted a close win over Grand Rapids’ Drew Phoria and Bay City’s Barbarossa Brothers and is one step away from earning a slot at this August’s festival in Caledonia.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Summer Festivals
Hot weather and hotter picking followed by cool, stormy and soulful finish in St. Joe
Thousands flocked to St. Joe for the 7th Annual BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Fest as Nora Jane Struthers, Che Apalache, JD McPherson and more delivered an afternoon of music at Whirlpool Centennial Park. Photos and review at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Michigan’s The War and Treaty nominated for two prestigious Americana Music awards
The popular band led by Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter joins some renowned artists who are nominated for awards being presented in September. Read more about it and their reaction to the honor at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lighting Matches sparks ‘unique, listenable’ debut of ‘alt-rock with folk roots’
Led by songwriters Matt Plessner and Rachel White, the Grand Rapids band releases its new album next week. Get the Lighting Matches back story and watch the band’s music video at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Free Summer Concerts: Lineups for Holland, East Grand Rapids, Fennville, Sparta
Some of the most popular outdoor — and free — concert series of the summer in West Michigan communities have revealed their lineups of regional performers. Get the schedules at Local Spins and make your plans for music-filled summer evenings.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The Go Rounds, Appleseed Collective, Earth Radio primed to howl at Holler Fest 2019
The lineup for the August music festival on a Jackson County farm features a who’s who roster of regional favorites. Check out the full list of performers and other details about the 2019 event.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Cowpie Music Festival ups ante with Cabildo, Fauxgrass, Gasoline Gypsies, “Woodstock” vibe
The August festival in southern Kent County has added 10 acts to the three-day lineup, with many performing Woodstock-inspired sets. And several Michigan bands are still competing for a slot at Cowpie, with Round 3 taking place Saturday at Arcadia Brewing in Kalamazoo.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
White Birch Music Fest set to kick off summer festival season for second year
This weekend’s festival in Stanton north of Grand Rapids fires up this weekend with Joshua Davis, Rachael Davis, Act Casual, The Gasoline Gypsies, Bootstrap Boys, Max Lockwood and more. See — and save — the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
Chris Thile, Judy Collins, Lee Ann Womack to play St. Cecilia folk series
The announcement of folk, jazz and Chamber Music Society concerts also includes appearances by Raul Midon, Fred Hersch, Benny Golson and more. Check out the full lineup for the season, with videos of featured performers at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Blanca Luz flaunts ‘no gimmicks’ attitude for new rock album, high-energy shows
The Grand Rapids rock band with a competitive edge releases a new EP this weekend, still aiming to “have a good time … and be happy.” Read the back story about this group of friends and listen to a new song as part of this Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (May 13-19): MGMT, Badflower, The Cult, Ryan Hurd, Joe, JD McPherson, White Birch Music Fest
Outdoor festival season kicks off on a week that also boasts several album-release shows by West Michigan artists along with much, much more. Peruse this week’s featured concerts and Under-the-Radar Picks, and see how you can win tickets to the White Birch Music Festival.
Week-in-Review Concert Photos: Tech N9ne, Way Down Wanderers, Caroline Rose and more
Major arena tour stops by Jason Aldean and The Who dominated the week, but other artists also made the West Michigan roundup of concerts, from hip hop’s Tech N9ne and synthwave’s Perturbator in GR to metal’s Drink Their Blood in Kalamazoo. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kari Lynch Band hits stride, hones country-rock, Americana sound with new album
The Michigan-bred, Nashville-based singer and her band previewed the milestone recording in performances at WYCE and River City Studios this weekend. Watch the video of their River City session, learn more about the group’s recording project, listen to their new songs and the Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
The story behind The Who’s ‘great experiment’ and tour-launching Grand Rapids concert
Veteran lighting designer Tom Kenny, the creative director for The Who on tour, shared behind-the-scenes details with Local Spins about the iconic band’s tour-opening show in Grand Rapids and relayed the group’s love for ‘the local orchestra.’
Jason Aldean turns Van Andel Arena into massive backyard party of career-spanning hits
The ACM’s Entertainer of the Year proved his mettle on Friday night with a lengthy, 24-song set that showed off his tell-it-like-it-is attitude and a fan-pleasing stage presence. Get the review, photos and set list, only at Local Spins
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Lansing’s Three Stacks Music Fest 2019 with The Breeders, Talib Kweli canceled; Alto’s Between the Silos series boasts regional stars
Michigan’s outdoor summer fun includes a charming series starring regional acts on the Wildwood Family Farms. But the second year of a Lansing street fair has been canceled. Get the lowdown on both at Local Spins.
Bringing Austin’s musical vibrancy to GR: City Manager Mark Washington (Podcast)
With Grand Rapids’ new city manager, Mark Washington, coming here from the live music capital of the world, the RSVP Music Chat podcast sat down to get his take on music’s growing role in his new home. Read his intriguing back story and check out the podcast interview at Local Spins.
The Who orchestrates unusual tour-opening salvo in Grand Rapids
Backed by an orchestra featuring members of the Grand Rapids Symphony and other musicians, the iconic British band led by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey rocked a career-spanning set at Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. Read the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: The Go Rounds, Howlers, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions
Local Spins’ May segment for “Stateside” on Michigan Radio showcased three rock bands with impressive new albums who aim to make a splash in 2019. Listen to the podcast and full versions of the featured songs.
Michigan Album Reviews: Lushh, La Dispute, Eliza Thorp, Leland Blue, The Real Ingredients
Local Spins kicks off May with another roundup of releases by local and regional acts, from Grand Rapids to Petoskey to Kalamazoo. Check out the reviews and listen to songs from each artist.
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