Local Spins’ statewide April segment showcasing new West Michigan music on “Stateside” focused on three acts with intoxicating songs and a powerful message. Listen to the podcast and check out full versions of songs from each of the featured artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Chirp’s adventurous amalgam-rock takes fans into ‘another world’ live and on new album
The Ann Arbor band that’s impressed fans with its live shows for years has finally unleashed its full-length studio debut album, and will play Billy’s Lounge on Friday along with Biomassive and Bigfoot Buffalo. Check out the latest artist spotlight feature focusing on bands from the east side of the state and watch a video of Chirp.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (April 1-7): Kenny Chesney, Justin Timberlake, Lil Baby, SOJA, Cash’d Out, Sinclair
Blackbear at Grand Valley, Public Access, Trout Steak Revival, Jack Droppers, Henhouse Prowlers, Biomassive and Starkbierfest IV are on tap, as well as tributes to Johnny Cash, Pink Floyd and Nirvana. Check out this week’s spotlighted shows, the Under-the-Radar Picks and win tickets to see Sinclair.
Breaking music news · Music on Campus
Calvin College to cut Student Activities Office and director Ken Heffner, impacting concerts
The budget-cutting move by the Grand Rapids college has upset some students and will likely reduce future concerts on campus by national touring acts. Read student reaction to the move and the administration’s response at Local Spins.
Jamey Johnson, Cody Jinks, Jose Gonzalez: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
Local Spins selected a few West Michigan shows for a concert week-in-review that was a little bit country, a little bit folk (with orchestral backing). Browse the photo galleries.
Features · Music on Campus · Upcoming shows
Ferris students in Music and Entertainment Business making hands-on musical splash
Those enrolled in the university program are getting music industry experience by helping promote and stage Thursday’s tour stop by pop singer Sinclair in Grand Rapids, just one of many hands-on opportunities offered in the concert field. Read more about the program and check out Sinclair videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Silent Spirit’s downtempo beauty; new gems from The Go Rounds, Hannah Rose Graves
Grand Haven’s Silent Spirit debuted songs from his new EP live for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by The Go Rounds, Hannah Rose & The GravesTones and Brian the Bold. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the podcast, read the back story.
Breaking music news · Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Meijer Gardens amphitheater sports expanded concessions, improved acoustics for 2019
Today, get the Local Spins construction update on Meijer Gardens’ amphitheater project. Lots of changes will greet concertgoers in 2019, including faster entry and concessions sales, new restrooms and merchandise area and improved sound. Take a photo and video tour.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: The Go Rounds, FADE, Chirp, Dead Eye Zack, Alex Perez
This late March roundup and recap of Michigan releases takes a look at The Go Rounds’ much-anticipated upcoming album along with four other fetching, genre-busting recordings. Check out the reviews, listen to the new music.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Rockford, Lowell, Grand Rapids, Hudsonville set to kick off summer with outdoor concerts
With summer right around the corner, cities across the region are starting to reveal band lineups for their free community concerts which draw thousands on weeknights for outdoor shows. Here are schedules for four of them.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids bass guru Super Future pushes limits of electronic music with live instruments
Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the mind of innovative electronic whiz Nick Rowland, aka Super Future, who just released a new single last week and headlines a big weekend show in Holland. And listen to his new buzzed-about track, “Again.”
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (March 25-31): Dierks Bentley, Red Sun Rising, Jamey Johnson, Speedo Green, Cody Jinks, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Il Divo
The last week in March also boasts shows by From Ashes to New, Novo Amor, Jose Gonzalez, Thou, Jack & The Bear, Lushh, Dalmatian Stone and more. And win tickets to see Carrie Nation & The Speakeasy at the Tip Top Deluxe.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Gary Allan, WO-Stock, LadyFest GR, In the Valley Below, Women in Hip Hop, Desmond Jones: Week-in-Review Concert Roundup
West Michigan’s week started with indie-rock’s In the Valley Below and ended with country singer Gary Allan, with much in between: WO-Stock, Jordan Hamilton, The Legal Immigrants, Ladyfest GR. Check out all of the photo galleries and the WO-Stock recap at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Top 10 Lists
Michigan’s Top 10 Music Festivals: Results of the Local Spins 2019 Readers’ Poll
The votes are in, with Blissfest and Earthwork Harvest Gathering topping the list of Michigan’s most beloved music festivals in this year’s readers’ poll. See what other festivals made the Top 10, along with some honorable mentions and links to all of the events.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Black Super Heroes: JRob, Steven Malcolm reflect ‘everyday life’ with dynamic hip hop
The Grand Rapids artists play a hip hop showcase Saturday night and previewed their music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Super Future, Desmond Jones, Dead Eye Zack, Distant Stars and more. Read the story, watch the videos of their in-studio performances and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Benton Harbor’s The Livery turns it up with national touring acts, new Earthwork series
The intimate venue and craft brewery has become a key part of the Southwest Michigan city’s growing arts community, while shining a spotlight on regional stars and homegrown talent. And it hosts its first Firkin Fest later this spring. Learn more about the hot spot in this Local Spins Venue Spotlight as well as the new Earthwork Music concert series.
Lady Ace Boogie and DC to headline ‘Women in Hip Hop’ showcase Friday night at Bell’s
It’s Women’s History Month and Kalamazoo will get a dose of potent female-driven hip hop via a pair of West Michigan stars. And Lady Ace Boogie follows up by hosting another hip-hop showcase Saturday in Grand Rapids. Get the back story, watch videos at Local Spins.
Weezer, Pixies align perfectly for vintage arena alt-rock show in Grand Rapids
The two giants of the rock world brought their joint tour to Van Andel Arena on Wednesday night, and they gave fans plenty of reasons to leave happy. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Jake’s Music Fest to star The Autumnatic, Cabildo; GR Symphony’s Picnic Pops heats up with Classical Mystery Tour, Motown hits
Show announcements include the April return to Elevation of Jake’s Music Festival and the summer 2019 Picnic Pops lineup, featuring acts ranging from pianist Rich Ridenour to Nashville songwriters. Get the details and full lineups at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids’ In the Valley Below creates sultry, ‘modern silent film’ for new album
A movie filmed in Michigan will be part of the pop-laced indie-rock band’s April tour behind its sophomore recording. Grand Rapids gets a sneak preview of the new music Tuesday night at The Pyramid Scheme. Learn more about this unique project and watch the video for In the Valley Below’s new single/movie trailer.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (March 18-24): Weezer, Pixies, Billy Idol, La Luz, Glen Phillips, Cradle of Filth, Gary Allan
Mid-March also brings us In the Valley Below, LadyFest GR, Pink Sky, Lady Ace Boogie, Dan Rickabus, Desmond Jones, Trevor Hall and much more. And see how you can win concert tickets to two different shows at The Pyramid Scheme this week.
Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Top 10 Lists
The Best of SXSW 2019: Local Spins’ Top 10 experiences in Austin
With the mammoth South by Southwest festival wrapping up in Texas over the weekend, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos looks back at event highlights — some with a Michigan flair.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo/Video Roundup: Tab Benoit, An Dro, Outer Vibe, St. Paddy’s, All Them Witches
West Michigan’s week in live music included crowd-pleasing shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, from blues to pop, and rock to Celtic beauty, captured in images at Local Spins. Check out all the photo galleries and videos.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
Blackberry Smoke gives fans ‘best seat in the house’ for acoustic ‘living room’ show
Saturday’s stripped-down concert by the Southern rock/country band at Kalamazoo State Theatre gave fans an intimate, memorable display of Blackberry Smoke’s endearing songs. The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Celtic Joy: St. Patrick’s revelry at Irish on Ionia, Flanagan’s, Quinn & Tuite’s, One Trick Pony
St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Sunday gave folks an excuse to celebrate all things Irish all weekend long in Grand Rapids, with Saturday’s revelry filling downtown streets and several watering holes. Check out the photos and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Desmond Jones explores ‘different vibe,’ still aims for ‘fun with every show’
The Grand Rapids jam band talked touring and played new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Crane Wives, Accidentals, Antighost, Jack Droppers and Mark Lavengood.
Quinn XCII ignites capacity Grand Rapids crowd with emotional, Michigan-bred pop
The Detroit singer reveling in a breakout year on the pop scene brought his “From Tour With Love” to 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids, beguiling enthused fans with “Straightjacket,” “Sad Still” and other hits. Check out the review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Metallica remains master of metal with artful spectacle at first Grand Rapids show in 10 years
Wednesday’s return of the iconic heavy metal band to Van Andel Arena offered up extraordinary visuals and thundering renditions of classics such as “Master of Puppets,” “One” and “Sandman.” The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Kansas, Gretchen Wilson, Bret Michaels to play Muskegon’s 150th birthday party
The three-day festival in mid-July will take place at Heritage Landing and also feature sets by Warrant and Jessie G. Tickets go on sale later this month.
Album Reviews: Escaping Pavement, If Only If Only, The Soods, Political Lizard, Antighost, Deep Greens & Blues
Explore some of the latest regional releases, listen to tracks from each of the featured artists and revel in a Local Spins exclusive: a sneak peek into the full new album by Grand Rapids’ The Soods prior to its official release.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Michigan bands bring northern cool to Austin’s SXSW heat (Review, photos, video)
Brother Elsey, Jordan Hamilton, Jack Droppers, Michigander, Stef Chura, Steppes and more closed out the Michigan House run in Texas with a diverse showcase Monday at an Austin nightclub. Get the recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
SXSW 2019: The fun, the frenzy, the friendship, the fiery Michigan music
Local Spins’ intrepid SXSW correspondent Ricky Olmos recaps the opening salvo of Michigan bands at South by Southwest as 10 acts prepare for a big Michigan House showcase. Check out today’s recap and photos.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (March 11-17): Metallica, Irish on Ionia, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Quinn XCII, Rubblebucket, Supersuckers, All Them Witches
St. Patrick’s Day revelry is everywhere, but the week also sizzles with Tab Benoit, Kyle Hollingsworth, Blackberry Smoke, The Flesh Eaters, Vienna Boys Choir, Amy Lavere, Mustard Plug, The Outer Vibe, Domestic Problems and more. See how you can win tickets to the giant Irish on Ionia party and peruse our riveting Under-the-Radar Picks.
Metallica: The Ultimate Local Spins Playlist
With Metallica returning to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, Local Spins asked resident metal correspondent John Serba to create a career-spanning playlist “in the spirit of giddy, nostalgic anticipation” and to warm up fans for the big sold-out show. Enjoy.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Vince Staples lifts up 20 Monroe Live, plus Nothing More, Jeff Austin, Veronica Swift
The California rapper’s weekend tour stop was just part of a rambunctious week of live music across West Michigan, with shows by Nothing More, Badflower, Jeff Austin, Travelin’ McCourys, Veronica Swift & The Benny Green Trio, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Brother Elsey and more. Check out the photo galleries and recaps at Local Spins.
KISS spews flames, blood, nostalgia in (final) Grand Rapids arena-rock spectacle
Forty-five years after the band’s first West Michigan show, KISS brought its “End of the Road” tour to Van Andel Arena on Saturday, bidding a bombastic farewell to fans — many of whom dressed and spent accordingly for the occasion. The Local Spins review by John Serba with dazzling photos by Anthony Norkus.
‘Lords of Chaos’ film explores brutal ‘dark fringe’ of Norway’s notorious black metal scene
Local Spins music writer, movie critic and metalhead John Serba delves into the movie depicting the true and controversial story of the band Mayhem, billed as “the darkest, most evil band ever.” The film currently is showing at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Women’s Day for Local Spins on WYCE: Olivia Mainville seeks ‘Higher Ground’ and other inspiring female artists
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Friday’s radio show welcomed Olivia Mainville in-studio and featured tracks by Bermudas, Canceled Plans, Kaitlyn Zittel, May Erlewine, Hannah Rose, Lipstick Jodi, Lindsay Lou and more. Watch the video, read the back story and listen to the podcast starring inspiring music by female artists from across Michigan.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW
A rock band’s must-have tour necessities: Tea, headphones, books, sweatpants, denim, a flask
Heading on tour? Trying to survive SXSW? We asked Michigan musicians heading to Austin to list the tour necessities they won’t leave home without. Their answers are revealing and entertaining.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Beaver Island Music Festival 2019: Hymn for Her, Falling Through April, ClusterPluck
The charming island festival also pumps up July with regional faves Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, The Hacky Turtles, Escaping Pavement, The Bootstrap Boys, Loren Cole and many more. And another island festival will take place in September. Get details and ticket links at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Cowpie Music Festival’s Pathway to Pasture band contest back for second year
More than a dozen Michigan acts will face off in four cities this spring, vying for a performance slot in August’s Cowpie Music Festival. Get the full lineup and contest schedule at Local Spins.
KISS: The ultimate Local Spins playlist for a ridiculous, fun, bombastic band
Rock’s flamboyant blood-spitters make a ‘farewell’ tour stop at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Saturday. That means it’s time to unleash a John Serba playlist of KISS classics, the[…]
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Michigander, Political Lizard, Deep Greens & Blues, Strapping Owls
The March Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’ showcased new music from four attention-getting West Michigan acts from different ends of the musical spectrum: pop to country to soft indie-rock to funky blues. Listen to the ‘Stateside’ podcast as well as full versions of new songs by the featured West Michigan artists.
Audio · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Mo Pop set to heat up Detroit with Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, Ella Mai
The seventh edition of the annual festival on July 27-28 will also boast sets by Kali Uchis, Lizzo, King Princess, The Story So Far, Noname and more. Tickets go on sale Friday. Check out details and listen to a playlist of Mo Pop artists at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Gov’t Mule, Toots & The Maytals, Macy Gray to headline Founders Fest 2019
Organizers say the June festival in downtown Grand Rapids will pay homage to the event’s legacy while offering ‘delightful curveballs’ that include The War and Treaty, Lady Ace Boogie and, as always, the FBC All-Stars. Check out details, ticket links and videos at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (March 4-10): Vince Staples, KISS, Nothing More, TobyMac, Disturbed, Sarah Borges, Veronica Swift
The concert week also features Moneybagg Yo, The Crystal Method, Brother Elsey & Jack Droppers in a pre-SXSW preview show, Gibbz, Runa and much, much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Local H, with Valentiger and Slumlord Radio.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Heaters psych up packed house at Pyramid Scheme, plus Liquid Stranger and more
This edition of the weekend concert wrap-up focuses on a trifecta blend of locally bred lo-fi, pop and rock that fired up a near-capacity Grand Rapids crowd and images from Liquid Stranger’s Swedish-bred electronic magic, plus photo galleries from other West Michigan shows.
Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos
Fretboard Festival unwraps musical ‘gift to the community’ with memorable, upbeat sets
Saturday’s day-long event at Kalamazoo Valley Museum unfurled everything from folk to hip hop to blues courtesy of Red Tail Ring, Jordan Hamilton, Chris Canas and more. Read the event wrap-up, check out photos and a video at Local Spins.
Switchfoot bleeds, crowd-surfs, romps to ‘Stars’ in Grand Rapids show
Saturday’s tour stop for an enthused 20 Monroe Live crowd showcased a high-energy set in which singer Jon Foreman cut his finger, something which didn’t slow him — or the band — down. Review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
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