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.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Billy Currington, Badfish, Beach Boys, Sadie Bass, Yonder Mountain: Weekend Photos
West Michigan’s week of live music boasted an assortment of touring stars — from pop to country to ska-punk/reggae to bluegrass — captured in images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Summer Festivals · Videos
Cowpie Music Festival-bound Cracker still touring, still inspired, still political
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.
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