Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s biggest album, Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics took a nostalgic journey to Liverpool and London to evaluate The Beatles’ place in history. Check out this special column, photo gallery and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Brother Elsey never holds back, shines as band of brothers with Americana-fueled rock
After relocating from Detroit to Grand Rapids, this band of brothers released a new single the same day Brother Elsey made its debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Saltbreaker, Jake Simmons, Alyssa Wettlaufer and more. Listen to the podcast, watch Brother Elsey’s official new video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Sarah Lee Guthrie moves from punk to inspiring folk, revels in tour with dad Arlo
As part of the 50th anniversary tour behind Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant” which hits Kalamazoo State Theatre tonight, Sarah Lee Guthrie is performing and enjoying her family time on the road. The Local Spins interview.
Heavy Color hits No. 1 on Hot Top 5 chart with ‘future beat’ project in Eastern Congo
The Earthwork Music artists based in Toledo generated a buzz and lots of WYCE radio airplay for their latest collaborative project. See who else made the Local Spins Hot Top 5 for October and listen to music from all of the charted artists.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Earthwork Music collective tour of Michigan underscores stars, collaboration, community
Seth Bernard, Mark Lavengood, Dede Alder, Nicholas James Thomasma and more than a dozen other artists play five cities in six days next week, including Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre, Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up. Get the lowdown on this unusual tour at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Uncompromising blues-rock laid down with heart
The guitarist who’s set to release a ‘more rocking’ new album brings his tour to State Theatre in Kalamazoo on Saturday, with Michigan’s own guitar sensation, Jake Kershaw, opening. Check out the Local Spins interview with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, along with recent videos of Shepherd and Kershaw.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Videos
Michigan Album Reviews: Greta Van Fleet, Jake Simmons, Andrew Farmer, Lower Leisure Class
With Greta Van Fleet’s first full-length album soaring straight to No. 3 on the charts, Local Spins reviews — and defends — the release, plus takes a closer look at three other new regional recordings. Read the reviews, sample the new music.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
Arlo Guthrie still gets everything he wants with ‘Alice’s Restaurant’
The iconic folk singer will bring his 50th anniversary “Alice’s Restaurant Tour” to Kalamazoo’s State Theatre on Friday. Arlo Guthrie chatted with Local Spins about the song, his tour and the state of folk music in the New Millennium — and in an age of divisiveness.
Alice Cooper feeds his Frankenstein, stays paranormally timeless in Grand Rapids
Two nights before Halloween, the 70-year-old shock-rock pioneer brought his ever-entertaining, creepy rock show to DeVos Performance Hall. Check out the review by Troy Reimink and photo gallery by Anthony Norkus of Monday’s musical mayhem, along with a set list from the show.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Oct. 29-Nov.4): Seether, Good Charlotte, Of Montreal, Arlo Guthrie, Gov’t Mule, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Lamp Light Fest
Alice Cooper gets Halloween week started on a scary foot but there’s more: Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, MewithoutYou, Kenny Barron, Sister Sparrow, Nobody’s Girl, Black Jake and much more. And see how you can win tickets to see Kenny Barron at St. Cecilia Music Center.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Ultimate Halloween Playlist: John Serba’s dark, deathly and droll rock dirges
It’s Halloween week, so who better than the death-metal, horror-movie honcho John Serba himself to round up a decad of creepy cool tunes for the ghoulish holiday. Watch the videos, listen to the playlist on Spotify.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Thursday Thrills and Halloween Chills: Local Spins Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
Young the Giant, Ashley McBryde, Conrad Shock and Ashley Daneman kicked off a jam-packed weekend of fan-rousing concerts and creepy Halloween parties, all captured in Local Spins images.
Kari Estrin: What artists should know to avoid shooting themselves in the foot (Podcast)
This edition of the RSVP Music Chat showcases a successful Nashville artist manager who’s attending the Folk Alliance conference in Grand Rapids. Listen to the latest podcast, with a wealth of tips from Kari Estrin.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Jake Simmons & The Little Ghosts amp up ‘big, loud rock’ on new album: Local Spins on WYCE
The frontman of the Kalamazoo rock band unleashed two new songs in-studio for the radio show, which also aired new tracks by Conrad Shock, The Legal Immigrants, Frederic & Ronza, The American Hotel System, Clyde Park Avenue, Mannhattan and more. Read the back story of Jake Simmons & The Little Ghosts, watch a video of Simmons’ in-studio performance and listen to the entire radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ann Arbor Folk Festival to star Brandi Carlile, Rufus Wainwright, I’m With Her
Michigan-bred favorites The RFD Boys and Michigan Rattlers are also on the bill announced this week for the January festival that will also feature the likes of Pokey LaFarge and Sam Lewis. Get the full lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.
Camaraderie, late-night showcases launch Folk Alliance conference in Grand Rapids
The gathering of musicians and industry representatives from across the Midwest started Thursday with a night of singing, jamming and networking. Check out the photo gallery, video highlights and a recap of opening day at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Live at River City · Videos
The Accidentals take a stand, issue ‘call to action’ with new single: Local Spins Live
The Traverse City alt-folk trio unleashed ‘Heavy Flag’ and five other new songs during a live-stream session at Grand Rapids’ River City Studios Thursday, as they prepare to join a ‘get out the vote’ tour. Get the back story, watch the in-studio set at Local Spins.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Getting down on the FARM: Folk Alliance conference set to strum up Grand Rapids
It’s a coups for Grand Rapids and its growing music scene. Anchored here through 2020, this week’s Folk Alliance Region Midwest gathering boasts showcases by dozens of bands, workshops, panel discussions and more. Get the lowdown and a schedule of official showcases at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Ashley Daneman zeroes in on domestic violence, healing for new release
The acclaimed West Michigan jazz-folk artist took a ‘no-holds-barred’ approach on ‘People are Fragile.’ Ashley Daneman will preview the powerful album with her band Thursday at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe. Get the back story and watch her videos at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 22-28): Machine Head, Kansas, Young the Giant, Kevin Gates, Brothers Osborne, Halloween Parties
The Goo Goo Dolls have canceled their Grand Rapids show, but the week leading up to Halloween hoopla also boasts the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference & showcases, plus Ashley McBryde, Conrad Shock, Earth Radio, The Drifters, Julien Labro and more. Check out all of Local Spins’ spotlighted shows, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks and see how you can win tickets to see Ashley McBryde.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
Local Spins Rewind: Greta Van Fleet and more ignite wall-to-wall fervor in Grand Rapids
In late December 2017, three downtown venues hosted capacity crowds for a Saturday night of fan-pleasing spectacles, each with its own story line and passionate vibe. In the first of a series recapping the biggest Local Spins stories of 2018, relive the evening in words, photos and videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Keith Urban makes it look easy in GR, plus Clutch, Dave Bruzza, AOK, Insiders, Big Something
The country superstar’s crowd-pleasing show at Van Andel Arena was part of a music week that also featured the likes of Clutch, Dave Bruzza, Insiders, Big Something and much more. The images and recaps at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
West Michigan song debuts: Roosevelt Diggs, Dalmatian Stone, Moto, The Ryne Experience
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE wrapped up the radio station’s Fall Fund Drive with new music from a host of artists, plus some classics by veteran players. Listen to the new tracks and the full podcast.
Traverse City’s Joe Wilson takes Dobro to next level with trio project, as in-demand sideman
The northern Michigan musician known as Dobro Joe made his most recent album a showcase for ‘elite instrumentalism in acoustic music.’ It’s why Joe Wilson has worked with a host of other Michigan acts. Read about this respected musician and watch videos of his performances.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW
Michigan House seeking Michigan bands to play South by Southwest in 2019
For the pop-up venue’s fifth year, Michigan House is partnering with Detroit’s Opnr to take applications online from Great Lakes State artists, with 10 selected to perform in Austin. Get details and a link to apply at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
AOK takes energetic electronic pop to ‘next level’ on new EP, set to calls it quits
The Grand Rapids duo created its vibrant new recording at Detroit’s Assemble Sound and will bid farewell to fans at a star-studded Saturday release party. Get the back story at Local Spins and see what the future may hold for these musicians.
First-ever Indie Fest to spotlight The Hunts, Accidentals, Switchback at Mendel Center
The inaugural Benton Harbor festival offers up three two-set shows from national touring acts, showcases local artisans and more on Saturday at Lake Michigan College. Get the lowdown and schedule at Local Spins, plus view videos of the featured acts.
Elton John bids Grand Rapids adieu with gratitude and greatest hits cavalcade
The sold-out “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” concert at Van Andel Arena on Monday delivered what the piano-pounding rocker does best: dazzling keyboard work, terrific production and enduring songs. The review, photo gallery and set list from this historic show at Local Spins
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 15-21): Keith Urban, War, G Herbo, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Peter Yarrow, Reel Big Fish, Clutch, Maria Muldaur
On his farewell tour, Elton John kicks off a week that also features AOK, The Main Squeeze, Harry Lucas, Fiesta Caribena, Jack Russel’s Great White, Indie Fest 18, Dave Bruzza, Monty Alexander and more. And check The Big List to see how you can win free tickets to one of four different Intersection shows this week or to see Alexander at Fountain Street Church.
Great Lakes Music Camp Revisited: Acoustic jams and a spirit that recharged batteries
Held along Lake Michigan south of Grand Haven, last weekend’s classes, workshops, performances and jams by all-star musicians at the Great Lakes Music Camp brought a rootsy flavor to Camp Blodgett and raised money for a good cause. Check out the recap and a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Social Distortion’s rocking ‘Ring of Fire,’ Collective Soul and more: Local Spins Photos
Social Distortion’s weekend tour stop at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live was just part of a music week that also featured appearances by Arturo Sandoval, Collective Soul, Blockhead, Kind Country and more. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Michigan song debuts: AOK, Vulfpeck, Sligh Talkbox, Pretoria, John Hartel, Free Hat
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE not only kicked off the radio station’s Fall Fund Drive, but was chock full of new music from a diverse blend of Michigan artists. Listen to the full podcast, check out the Vulfpeck video that’s generating a huge buzz.
Winter Wheat 2019: Don Julin, Black Jake, Mark Lavengood, Benzie Playboys to heat up January
The 10th annual fundraiser for the Wheatland Music Organization will take over The Intersection on Jan. 12 with a host of rootsy bands and the reunion of The Hill People. Check out the lineup, see the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Lamp Light Fest 2018 to move from Eastown homes to Wealthy Theatre, other public venues
Cabildo, Last Gasp Collective, Tom Hymn, Breathe Owl Breathe and more pump up the festival bill in early November, but the big news is it’s no longer a house concert event. Find out why organizers have changed things up and see the full festival lineup at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows
From Your Song to Bennie & the Jets: The ultimate Elton John playlist by Mic Carlson
With Elton’s farewell tour stopping at Van Andel Arena Monday, Grand Rapids artist Mic Carlson, who’s seen the piano legend 30-plus times and featured him in countless paintings, lists his top EJ songs of all time. Listen to the songs on Spotify, watch the videos, check out a photo gallery of Carlson’s artwork.
Folk Alliance Region Midwest’s October conference to bring music showcases, workshops, acoustic jams to Grand Rapids
Anchored in Grand Rapids through 2020, the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel confab will draw hundreds of industry pros for sets by Sons of the Never Wrong, Jen Sygit and numerous regional acts, panels and a speech by music historian Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr. Get the lowdown on this important musical gathering at Local Spins.
Fleetwood Mac finds Lindsey-less groove with hits, rare cuts and more in Grand Rapids
The superstar classic rock band flaunted its new lineup in an intriguing, early-tour show at Van Andel Arena. Read the review and check out the set list from Monday night’s concert at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 8-14): Fleetwood Mac, Social Distortion, Arturo Sandoval, Lauv, Chris Robinson, Bottle Rockets, Collective Soul
The week of live music kicks off with the return to West Michigan of Fleetwood Mac, but also boasts Royal Wood, Earth Radio, Elizabeth Landry, Wayland, Golf Clap, Anne Heaton, Jen Sygit, Founders’ Harvest Party and more. Make your entertainment plans with help from The Big List Concert Guide at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Jake Kershaw, Crystal Bowersox, May Erlewine part of Music at the Museum Season 4
The five-concert series at Grand Haven’s Tri-Cities Historical Museum kicks off in December with regional stars. See the full schedule and ticket sales information at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Thomas Rhett, Buddy Guy, Paper Diamond, Lil Xan, The Verve Pipe, Public Access, Luke Winslow-King bring October joy: Photos
The weekend brought country, rock, blues, hip hop, alt-rock, electronic music and more to West Michigan, captured as usual in Local Spins photo galleries and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Luke Winslow-King comes ‘full circle’ with bluesy, rootsy rock: Local Spins on WYCE
With a Grand Rapids tour stop at Wealthy Theatre tonight, the guitarist performed in-studio on this week’s radio show, which also debuted new tracks by several Michigan artists, including The Blueflowers, Lexi Schaub, Charlie Walmsley, Carrie McFerrin and more.
Great Lakes Music Camp strumming ahead for robust second year along the lakeshore
With a full slate of campers and well-known instructors, the second edition of the weekend at Camp Blodgett Oct. 11-14 boasts workshops, special performances, a benefit concert and plenty of jamming. Get details and ticket links at Local Spins.
Peace to Mateo takes over No. 1 spot on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for September
Detroit producer Matt Black’s fetching, trippy release swapped top spots at WYCE-FM with Albion’s The War & Treaty. Check out the rest of the Top 5; listen to music from all of the artists on the September chart.
Empire Hops & Harvest Fest to tout beer, K. Jones’ Zydeco romp and fall’s charm
The fifth annual celebration in this beautiful lakeshore town gives folks a great excuse to travel to northern Michigan, with performances by five bands and plenty of Michigan brews on tap. Get the schedule, ticket links and more at Local Spins.
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Big Dudee Roo, Steven Malcolm, Ford Turrell
The October edition of Local Spins on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’ showcased new music from a diverse set of Grand Rapids artists: Big Dudee Roo, Steven Malcolm and Ford Turrell. Listen to their music, read their back story.
Elton John’s upcoming Grand Rapids visit sparks winning ‘Emerald City’ fashion design
Kendall College of Art & Design student D. Cavinder won a contest to create a striking new lavish costume for the Rocket Man, who brings his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour to Van Andel Arena on Oct. 15. Check out all of the entries produced by 10 student designers.
Albion’s version of Walk the Beat promises ‘Disneyland’ of regional music
Kicking off Friday with a concert by The Accidentals, the festival follows this on Saturday with 46 Michigan performers playing various stages and vying for a $3,000 prize. Get details at Local Spins about this spinoff of the original Grand Haven Walk the Beat.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 1-7): Thomas Rhett, Lettuce, Pokey LaFarge, The Motet, Zhu, Buddy Guy, Luke Winslow King, The Verve Pipe
The first week in October also brings the Sacred Vibrations fest, Pulaski Days, Red Flannel Days, Bill Laurance, Public Access, Field Report’s Chris Porterfield, Gorgeous Oranges & more. And win tickets to see The Motet or Lettuce. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s live music picks at Local Spins.
Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Autumn Serenade: Glow in the Park, Blue Bridge, Willowsong, Harvest Fest galleries
Festival season didn’t slow down for fall as Local Spins’ weekend photo galleries prove, along with some fun indoor shows like Blue October, Butch Walker, Margaret Glaspy and Mustard Plug. Recap another active week in music. Browse the images, watch the videos exclusively at Local Spins.
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