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.
The Best of The Who: The Ultimate Local Spins Playlist
With The Who rocking Grand Rapids tonight, longtime Who fan and Local Spins contributor Charley Honey wasn’t fooling around when he assembled this hard-hitting playlist of classic faves. As he’ll attest, even in their 70s, “The Kids Are Alright.” Warm up for the show by listening to these classic tracks.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (May 6-12): The Who, Cher, Jason Aldean, Frank Turner, Tech N9ne, Lushh
West Michigan’s jam-packed week of live music also features Hatebreed, Nora Jane Struthers, Perturbator, Frances Luke Accord, Phyre Fest and a Bob Dylan tribute. Peruse all of this week’s spotlighted concerts and the robust Under-the-Radar Picks. And see how you can win tickets to the Phyre Fest at 20 Monroe Live.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
DMX, Lucius, Midland, Bass Country, Steel Wheels romp in West Michigan: Photo Galleries
The weekend concert attack also featured Moss Jaw in an album-release show and Desmond Jones — seven exclusive photo galleries in a live music roundup that was just part of a robust roster of tour stops. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Summer Concert Lineups: Grand Haven, South Haven, Muskegon, Montague, Felt Mansion
Outdoor music abounds in summertime in communities across West Michigan and today’s lineups feature bands playing free shows along the lakeshore. Check out the schedules for a half-dozen series at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Annagail endures Lyme disease, ‘wild ride’ to return to stage and studio
The Zeeland-based Americana/rock band revealed a compelling back story and performed during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by several Michigan artists, including The Howlers, The Real Ingredients, Eliza Thorp and more. Learn more about Annagail, watch a video of the band’s in-studio performance, listen to the full radio show podcast.
GRiZ, Melophobix crack Local Spins Hot Top 5; Deep Greens & Blues still No. 1
Lots of repeat acts dominated the Hot Top 5 chart of local and regional airplay at WYCE-FM for April, but artists from Detroit and Grand Rapids made their debut, too. Peruse the chart, listen to music from all of the featured albums.
Announcements · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Seth Bernard spearheads bold new venture to aid Michigan’s environment, racial equity
Title Track is hosting launch events this month in Traverse City and Detroit, with empowerment programs and a new music festival in the works. Learn more about this music-driven, community-empowering venture at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
War and Treaty, Dustbowl Revival to headline 2019 Porcupine Mountains Music Festival
Staged in the U.P.’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the 15th annual festival aims to leave visitors with “a little bit of the Porkies in their soul.” See the lineup at Local Spins and learn more about this music festival that was the first to be held in a Michigan State Park.
From Jack White bassist to coveted producer, Dominic John Davis juggles musical ‘craziness’
The Michigan native and Steppin’ In It member has a growing role as producer, working with Greensky Bluegrass, Jen Sygit, Eddie Vedder, Buddy Miller and even the Chicago Cubs and The Dead. Check out the Local Spins profile of Dominic John Davis by writer Ryan Boldrey.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club 2019 lineup to boast kickoff show by May Erlewine, plus August ballet
The 10-show series showcasing a diverse blend of regional stars will include an “instrument petting zoo” in the revamped amphitheater. See the full schedule of who’s playing this year’s series and what’s new for 2019.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (April 29-May 5): DMX, Lucius, Midland, Bass Country, Jessie James Decker
The incredible Buckethead launches a week that also features Adventure Club, Mike Morgan, Steel Wheels, Camp Lo, Griffin House, Anna Nalick, Nicholas James Thomasma, Whiskey Dick and much more. And win tickets to the final “Jazz in the Sanctuary” concert of the season.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Talib Kweli, OK Go, Twin Peaks, Feedback 25 and more: Week-in-Review Photos, Videos
This recap of West Michigan’s week of live music boasted a bevy of concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, from national touring acts to regional stars, from long-running benefits to band battles to album-release shows. Browse the images and videos from a hectic week of concerts at Local Spins.
More Summer Concert Lineups: Wyoming, Allegan, Camp Blodgett, Parchment
Local Spins presents another roundup of summer concerts taking place across West Michigan, many of them featuring an impressive lineup of regional stars. Peruse the schedules for these free shows.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens sells out Foreigner, Sarah McLachlan, Michael Franti tickets in 10 minutes on first day
Saturday’s summer concert pre-sales to Meijer Gardens members sold out seven concerts in the first 45 minutes, though the line of buyers wasn’t as long and the flurry of sellouts not as intense as past years. See which concerts have sold out thus far and check out a photo gallery from Saturday morning’s sales.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Leland Blue’s alternative rock ‘runs deep,’ powers debut album
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE showcased the Grand Rapids band in-studio, plus debuted new music from Joe Hertler, The Accidentals, Deepfall, Katy Needs a Life and Mark Lavengood. Get the back story on Leland Blue, watch the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast.
The Accidentals get funky, frisky, grateful and personal in album-release show
Celebrating a new live album and fresh songs, members of the Traverse City trio on Thursday proved to fans at Kalamazoo’s Bell’s Brewery just why they’re a dynamic live act with a national following. Check out the exclusive Local Spins review by Ryan Boldrey, with photos by Derek Ketchum.
Michigan Album Reviews: Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Aquaerials, Kaitlin Rose, North Carolines
This late April roundup features recent releases from artists in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Traverse City. Read the Local Spins reviews, listen to songs from the albums.
Audio · Commentary · RSVP Music Chat · Upcoming shows
Feedback’s 25th anniversary to celebrate regional stars, quarter-century of giving
The first RSVP Music Chat podcast of 2019 reviews the history of a long-running benefit for charity which rocks Founders again on Sunday and explores the reasons why musicians feel so compelled to donate time for worthy causes. Browse a list of all the bands that have played a quarter-century of Feedback benefits and listen to a previously unreleased, live Honeytones performance from the first event in 1994.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Accidentals poised for live album release, revamped stage shows, first overseas tour
The Traverse City band releases its new live project Thursday in Kalamazoo, with a tour of the United Kingdom to follow. Learn more about the trio’s hectic year, and check out Local Spins’ review of the new album.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
Eyeing new album, Joe Hertler & Rainbow Seekers to rock Michigan four nights in a row
Starting with a Grand Rapids show Wednesday and ending at Short’s 15th Anni-Party in Bellaire on Saturday, Hertler and crew aim to give fans a memory-making, stress-relieving party experience. Get details about the Michigan shows and listen to the band’s brand new single.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (April 22-28): Hunter Hayes, Talib Kweli, Veil of Maya, Twin Peaks, Boney James, The Accidentals, OK Go
Feedback 25 (with The Crane Wives and The Concussions at Founders Brewing), Casting Crowns, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Murlocs, Political Lizard, Mason Jennings, a Pathway to the Pasture band contest, the Spring ReggaeFest and more help fill out the week of concerts. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways for Talib Kweli and Twin Peaks, plus peruse the delightfully diverse Under-the-Radar Picks.
Michigan bands aim for big splash with videos in 2019 Tiny Desk Contest
Once again, the National Public Radio competition is drawing hundreds of video entries from musical artists across the country, and many of them are from the Great Lakes State. View more than 30 of the Michigan entries at Local Spins, from the homemade to the slick and creative. The winner will be announced in May.
Rick Springfield, Almost Selena, Luke Winslow-King, Trifocal pump up big crowds: Photos
From a jam-packed Selena tribute to a rock star’s acoustic solo tour stop to Kalamazoo album-release concerts, West Michigan music fans had plenty to celebrate. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Summer Concert Lineups: Grand Rapids’ Relax at Rosa, Ada, Allendale, Hastings
The outdoor summer concert season starts early in Grand Rapids, with downtown lunchtime shows starting in early May. Check out the schedule for those shows as well as series lineups for Hastings, Ada and Allendale.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Luke Winslow-King: Loving nature and Michigan’s supportive music scene
The acclaimed northern Michigan singer-songwriter previewed his upcoming Grand Rapids concert for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pretoria, August, American Hotel System and more. Read more about the musician and his upcoming tour, and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Brandi Carlile, City and Colour to kick off Lansing’s Common Ground Fest; JR JR to headline new Ann Arbor festival
Festivals across Michigan continue to ramp up the summer with lineup announcements, from Lansing (with Carlile, Zedd, Cole Swindell, YG) to Ann Arbor (with JR JR, Joe Hertler, Tunde Olaniran). Get the lowdown on the Common Ground and Treeverb festivals.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year Fred Knapp’s ‘strong passion for creating music’
The well-regarded drummer who says he’s ‘addicted to getting better’ at his craft will be honored May 14 by the West Michigan Jazz Society. Learn more about this award-winning musician in the Local Spins profile by Dutcher Snedeker.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Jazz in the Park 2019 series moves to Walker’s Millennium Park Meadows
It’s the third site for the summer series in recent years. The Monday night concerts kick off June 8 and run through mid-August. Learn the reasons for the relocation and see the full summer schedule at Local Spins.
Festivals · Music on Campus · Upcoming shows
Lakerpalooza music fest ready to heat up Grand Valley campus for second year
Friday’s student-run festival in the Fieldhouse Arena on GVSU’s Allendale campus will feature eight local acts, from established performers such as Brother Elsey to emerging student bands.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (April 15-21): Godsmack, Black Stone Cherry, Rick Springfield, Leo Kottke, Luke Winslow-King, The Cadillac Three
Todd Snider, Neyla Pekarek, Foxing, Jai Wolf, Eric Anderson, The Livery’s Funk Fest, Mary Rademacher and a bevy of bold local shows pump up The Big List of concerts. And scrutinize this week’s fascinating Under-the-Radar Picks and shows On the Horizon.
La Dispute, Tesla, Robin Trower, Tauk, Jake’s Music Fest rock the rafters: Photo Galleries
From a sold-out eighth anniversary bash at The Pyramid Scheme to some iconic rockers to an indoor festival for a good cause, it was another active week of live music in the Grand Rapids area. Browse all of the images at Local Spins.
Record Store Day in W. Michigan: Vinyl passion that ‘gets bigger every year’ and a parade
Check out a recap, photos and video of Saturday’s upbeat Record Store Day celebration at indie shops which hosted live music, DJs and more — including a robust parade down Bridge Street in Grand Rapids.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Estar Cohen, Mark Harrell, Callab debut new songs: Local Spins on WYCE
On the first day of the Spring Fund Drive at WYCE, Local Spins on WYCE show host John Sinkevics premiered new tracks by Michigan artists, had an in-studio chat with singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles and counted down some of the top local and regional tracks of the past six months. Listen to the podcast and watch the video of a new single by Estar Cohen.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Interlochen lands Josh Groban, Diana Ross, Peter Frampton, Reba McEntire for 2019 series
The northern Michigan venue will also boast tour stops by Lady Antebellum, Weird Al Yankovic, I’m With Her, Vince Gill, Joshua Davis and many more. See the full lineup at Local Spins. Tickets go on sale in late April.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Kaskade, Wiz Khalifa, Louis the Child, Big Gigantic to light up Breakaway 2019
Troyboi, Herobust, Blackbear, Bryce Vine and much more are on the bill for the two-day electronic music and hip hop festival at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park in August. Browse the lineups for both days at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens 2019 to star Sarah McLachlan, Dawes, Iron & Wine, Stray Cats, Buddy Guy
The revamped amphitheater will also host summer shows by Foreigner, The B-52s, Mandolin Orange, Tash Sultana, Steve Miller & Marty Stuart, O.A.R., CAKE, Andrew Bird, Trombone Shorty, Lake Street Dive, JJ Grey with Jonny Lang and more. Member tickets on sale April 27. See the full concert lineup and ticket prices at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
U.P.’s Farm Block Fest, St. Joe’s BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass boast star-studded lineups
Summer festival announcements keep coming, from Southwest Michigan to the far reaches of the Upper Peninsula. Graham Parson’s July Farm Block Fest will feature regional stars Seth Bernard, Heavy Color, Molly, Cabildo, Joshua Davis and more; St. Joe’s mid-May festival will be headlined by JD McPherson, with Nora Jane Struthers and more. Check out the lineups, ticket links and details at Local Spins.
Record Store Day 2019 set to spin across West Michigan with exclusive releases, live music
There’s no better day than Saturday to start vinyl collecting — and reveling in local performances — as West Michigan once again joins the national Record Store Day celebration. Get the store schedules and details at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (April 8-14): Tesla, Asleep at the Wheel, La Dispute, Guster, Tanya Tucker, Jake’s Music Festival, Robin Trower
We Came As Romans, Red Elvises, Sweet Water Warblers, Da Baby, Brit Floyd, Record Store Day and much more fire up the second week of April. And browse this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks.
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