Seven acts — from Roxy Music to Stevie Nicks to The Zombies — will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year. Here’s a recap of the inductees and some videos of the Class of 2019.
Album Reviews: Heaters, Guero Brown, Peace to Mateo, Jen Sygit, Marcus Rezak
This Local Spins roundup of albums recorded in Michigan has a cross-state, inter-state and international flavor – and covers a lot of territory musically, too. Read the reviews, listen to music from the featured artists.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Concerts Under the Stars and under-the-radar West Michigan museum shows in 2019
The upcoming year boasts some live music in non-traditional venues – namely museums – to help get you through the winter, with Fiona Dickinson kicking off 2019’s Concerts Under the Stars series, May Erlewine and Crystal Bowersox playing Grand Haven’s Music at the Museum and more. Here’s a look at a few of them with schedules to help you make your plans for early 2019.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Dec. 10-16): The Devil Wears Prada, Mark Farina, Scotty McCreery, Frankie Ballard, May Erlewine, Morgan Wallen
The approaching holidays heat things up on the music scene this week with Red Legs, The Crane Wives, Junior Valentine & Hank Mowery, Dalmatian Stone, Jake Kershaw, ‘The Nutcracker,’ Schubert Male Chorus, a ‘Roaring ’20s Holiday Ball’ and much more. Plus win concert tickets to see The Devil Wears Prada or Morgan Wallen via The Big List.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Old Dominion, Melissa Etheridge, Manic Focus, Eve 6, Japanese House, Ryley Walker: Photos
Beyond a host of national acts, the week boasted crowd-pleasing local shows by The Concussions, Kaitlin Rose, The Moxie Strings, Nathan Walton and more. Browse photos and video snippets exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The return of Junior Valentine with Hank Mowery, plus Lockwood, Justin Wierenga
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted a visit from two Grand Rapids blues icons who performed in-studio, plus track debuts from several Michigan artists, including Lockwood, Justin Wierenga, Dalmatian Stone, Float Here Forever, Frankie & Myrrh and North Country Rounders. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, learn more about Junior Valentine and Hank Mowery.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos
Michigan’s Greta Van Fleet snags four Grammy Award nominations
The quick-rising young rockers from Frankenmuth who cut their teeth at places like The Intersection in Grand Rapids will join big stars in bids for best new artist, rock song, rock performance and rock album. Get details at Local Spins and see what The Intersection thinks of the band’s meteoric rise.
Rock musician and ‘true Grand Rapids legend’ Hal Beveridge passes away; tributes pour in
The frontman for The Beveridge Brothers, one of West Michigan most popular bands in the 1970s and 1980s died Thursday morning. He’s remembered by friends and fellow musicians as an affable, influential musician.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Surf-rocking into Christmas: The Local Spins holiday playlist by Tommy Schichtel
Grand Rapids’ masked champions of surf rock, The Concussions, play Tip Top Deluxe on Saturday. So, Local Spins asked The Concussions’ Dick Chiclet, aka Tommy Schichtel, for an off-the-beaten-path holiday playlist with a retro twist. Check out the videos and listen to some classic Christmas tunes you may have never heard before.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
The ‘wide open’ rock and ‘soul-searching bluesy jazz’ of Nathan Walton: Local Spins Rewind
The Nathan Walton Band plays SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Last July, the Byron Center native and singer-songwriter uncorked live renditions of songs from his impressive debut EP for Local Spins on WYCE. Check out this Local Spins Rewind feature on an up-and-coming new West Michigan talent.
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: The JetBeats, Dalmatian Stone, Roosevelt Diggs
As the holidays approach, this month’s Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’ uncorked a diverse trio of new releases by Grand Rapids-area bands. Read about the artists, listen to their songs and the ‘Stateside’ podcast.
Concert announcements · Festivals
Odesza, Bassnectar, Kygo, Zeds Dead to headline Electric Forest 2019 (+ String Cheese)
With wristbands going on sale Friday, the popular music festival taking place in Rothbury the last weekend in June next year revealed a lineup that include’s Michigan’s own Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. See the full lineup and other details at Local Spins.
Heaters, Roosevelt Diggs, North Country Rounders pump up Local Spins Hot Top 5
Heavy Color retained the top spot on the regional music chart for November, but Heaters and Roosevelt Diggs were right behind with their impressive new releases. View the latest chart, listen to music from all of the featured artists and browse the list of new local additions to the WYCE airplay rotation.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Dec. 3-9): Old Dominion, Eve 6, Dave East, Melissa Etheridge, Manic Focus, Todd Albright, GR Symphony Holiday Pops
Ryley Walker, The Japanese House, The Moxie Strings, Nathan Walton, The Concussions, Jackyl, Kaitlin Rose, The Accidentals, a blues benefit and more pump up the first full week of December. Get the lowdown on West Michigan’s concert lineup at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Midnight Hour gets groove-heavy in Grand Rapids, plus Cody Jinks, Marcus King and more
The Midnight Hour collective’s Pyramid Scheme tour stop was just part of this week’s eclectic image recap that includes Cody Jinks, Marcus King Band, Dacia Bridges Project, The Hill People, Weezil Malone & Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Browse the images, watch the videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kaitlin Rose set for ‘next level’ by recording new album live Saturday in Kalamazoo
Limited tickets remain to see the singer-songwriter put together her sixth full-length recording in front of a live audience at Overneath Collective. Read the back story about this special Kalamazoo project.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Michigan’s Escaping Pavement gives bluegrass and Americana spin to tales from the road
The Ferndale band which plays Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up on Saturday night showed off its harmonies during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by McWeakerton, The Ryne Experience, Blueflowers and more. Watch a video of Escaping Pavement’s in-studio performance, listen to the radio show podcast.
The Lone Bellow finds power, beauty in acoustic, pared-back Grand Rapids show
Stunning vocals and well-crafted songs were on display Thursday night as The Lone Bellow, performing as an acoustic trio, mesmerized a capacity crowd at St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Festivals
Electric Forest to revert to a single-weekend music festival in 2019
After being staged over two weekends in recent years, the popular festival in Rothbury, Michigan, will be held the last weekend in June only, with wristbands on sale in early December. One fan called it a “bummer.” Learn more about the festival’s plan at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Marcus King brings globally acclaimed, soulful, guitar-driven fire to Grand Rapids
The Marcus King Band plays Elevation inside The Intersection on Friday as the group continues to grow its fan base and impress critics with its frontman’s eye-popping musicianship. Read the Local Spins interview, check out videos and songs from his new album.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Brian Vander Ark awards ‘spectacular’ 15-year-old freshman grand prize in song contest
The same week that 20 Monroe Live announced The Verve Pipe would play its big 2nd birthday party, Vander Ark presented a $1,000 prize to teen singer Gianna Stansell after a year-long competition. Learn more about this talented young West Michigan singer and watch the video of her winning performance.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Gasoline Gypsies set for ‘next-step stuff’ with heavier, genre-transcending rock
Touring behind a new EP, the rootsy Michigan band revved up the latest edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by The JetBeats, Coldville, Political Lizard and more. Watch a video of The Gasoline Gypsies, read their back story and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Nov. 26-Dec. 2): Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Breaking Benjamin, Bishop Briggs, The Lone Bellow, The LACS, Cody Jinks
Harry Connick Jr. launches a week that also features San Holo, The Midnight Hour, Rodney Atkins, Marcus King Band, The Hill People, Weezil Malone and much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Bishop Briggs.
David Crosby stays relevant with old and new songs; ‘Time Out’ spotlights songwriting stars
Sunday wrapped up West Michigan’s music week with fan-engaging, song-centered concerts in Kalamazoo (David Crosby) and Grand Rapids (Beth Nielsen Chapman, May Erlewine, The Accidentals), following musical revelry that got the whole holiday weekend started. The images and recaps at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
The War and Treaty added to St. Cecilia folk series; The Lone Bellow plays Thursday
One of Michigan’s hottest folk-hued bands, Albion’s gospel-fired The War and Treaty, will play the Acoustic Cafe folk series on Feb. 24, with The Lone Bellow pumping up the series this week. Get background and ticket information at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind 2013: Harry Connick Jr. dials up the jazz heat on sweltering day
Five years ago, Harry Connick Jr. played his first Meijer Gardens concert — one of the hottest ever at the amphitheater. On Monday, he returns to Grand Rapids for an indoor, holiday show on the same day that the season’s first big winter snowstorm hits the region. Warm up for the show by revisiting his steamy, fan-pleasing 2013 appearance.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Bluegrass Bonanza: Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings uncork W. Michigan ‘guitar-mageddon’
Bluegrass phenom Billy Strings fired up The Intersection in Grand Rapids on Friday, the same night that Greensky Bluegrass wowed fans at Kalamazoo’s State Theatre. Both do it all again Saturday night. Check out a recap of both shows, along with photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Photos · Videos
The exuberant bluegrass brilliance of Billy Strings: Local Spins Rewind (Video, photos)
With Michigan bluegrass guitar hero Billy Strings and band playing two straight ‘homecoming’ shows at The Intersection this weekend, Local Spins revisits August’s rousing performance at River City Studios. […]
Bob Seger bids fond, energetic farewell to thankful West Michigan fans … yet again
Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band kicked off their “final tour” at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, once again regaling fans with his classic tunes on Thanksgiving Eve. And they’ll be back in January for what’s billed as a final, final Grand Rapids show. Michigan’s own The War and Treaty opened Wednesday’s concert. The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio
Album Reviews: Moto, Sligh Talkbox, JetBeats, The Blue Pines, Benje Daneman, Joe Wilson
Local Spins’ second batch of November reviews of regional album releases covers a lot of musical territory from hip hop to hard rock to ’60s sizzle to boundary-pushing jazz. Get the lowdown on new Michigan releases and preview music from the recordings.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Michigan rocker Bob Seger’s unwavering, recurrent passion for Grand Rapids
West Michigan is special to Seger, who once again kicks off a tour here this week and returns for yet another show in January. Exactly 12 years ago, he staged his first concert in 10 years at Van Andel Arena. It’s all part of what’s cultivated a special connection with Grand Rapids fans.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Nov. 19-25): Brian Wilson, Bob Seger, Billy Strings, Greensky Bluegrass, Steve Vai, David Crosby, Beth Nielsen Chapman
It’s a busy holiday stretch with a host of rock icons playing West Michigan this week, plus lively appearances by Desmond Jones, Hannah Rose Graves, The Soul Syndicate, The North 41 and much more. And see how you can win tickets to see Billy Strings.
Elvis Costello aims true in Grand Rapids with mystery dances, peace, love and understanding
The Grammy-winning British rocker returned to Grand Rapids Saturday for a show at 20 Monroe Live that was heavy on songs from the first and latter part of his career. Check out the review, photo gallery and set list, exclusively at Local Spins. And browse photo galleries from other West Michigan tour stops by The Tallest Man on Earth and Danity Kane, plus Pillar to Post and a Folklife Organization benefit in Kalamazoo.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
New West Michigan music from Melophobix, LeLand Blue, a holiday collaboration and more
With the year’s biggest bar night just ahead, Stefan Paul from Melophobix and Hannah Rose Graves stopped by Local Spins on WYCE to chat about a one-two punch of Wednesday night concerts. The radio show also debuted new regional tracks and previewed a Christmas album by Melophobix, The Legal Immigrants and Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys.
Pump It Up: The Ultimate Elvis Costello Playlist at Local Spins
The legendary British singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer hits Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live on Saturday, the perfect time to unleash this career-spanning soundtrack.
Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts performance applications now open for 2019
Hundreds of performance slots on as many as 11 stages are available at Festival of the Arts in downtown Grand Rapids next June. Get details and the link to apply online; the deadline is Feb. 15.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ The Hill People reunite for timeless, unique and ‘dangerous’ bluegrass fun
The erudite foursome with an eclectic approach that regaled audiences in the 1980s is back together, set to play One Trick Pony and Winter Wheat. Get the back story about this acoustic group’s journey return to the stage at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Michigan Rattlers, Conrad Shock, Roosevelt Diggs, Brotha James, Elizabeth Landry
This mid-November roundup of Michigan releases boasts a Petoskey-bred band’s full-length debut, plus gems from Conrad Shock, Roosevelt Diggs, Elizabeth Landry and Brotha James, who plays SpeakEZ Lounge tonight (Wednesday). Check out the Local Spins reviews, listen to music from the featured artists.
Michigan Video Roundup: Red Legs, Jen Sygit, Dave Palmer, The Accidentals, Seth Bernard, Joshua Powell, Lower Leisure Class
This mid-November roundup of regional music videos boasts lots of poignant imagery and messages — and some head-turning music. Check out more than a half-dozen new videos at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Nov. 12-18): Elvis Costello, Dweezil Zappa, Joshua Davis, Cannibal Corpse, Donna the Buffalo
Coheed & Cambria and Rising Appalachia get things started in a week that also features The Tallest Man on Earth, Lara Hope, Coldville, Lady Ace Boogie, Brotha James, Yonder Mountain String Band and much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to the big Wine Beer & Food Festival at DeVos Place.
Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The War and Treaty electrifies Grand Rapids on Veterans Day: Local Spins Live at River City
The fast-rising band led by Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter stopped by River City Studios for a scintillating Sunday session, 10 days before they open for Bob Seger at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. Watch the video of their inspiring in-studio performance, read the story, browse the photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Week-in-Review Concert Photos: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thievery Corporation, Kalamashoegazer, El Ten Eleven
This week’s West Michigan photo roundup covered the gamut, from national tour stops by acts such as Turkuaz and Andy Frasco to rousing local shows featuring Roosevelt Diggs, Lower Leisure Class and much more.
Features · Movie Reviews · Videos
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’: A thin, cliche, corny representation of Freddie Mercury and Queen
The band’s irrepressible, bombastic legacy gets short shrift treatment in this much-ballyhooed biopic, says movie critic John Serba, who wishes the film would have done more than stoke nostalgia. Check out the review and the official movie trailer.
Announcements · Features · Festivals
Local Spins 2019 Calendars bigger, better: 30 Michigan bands in photos, 80-plus festival dates
We’re taking pre-orders now for the 2019 edition of the Local Spins calendar with spectacular concert images, Michigan festival dates and more: A perfect, unique holiday gift. Get details and a link to order yours today.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Roosevelt Diggs takes ‘huge step forward’ with vibrant and lush new Americana album
The West Michigan Americana/bluegrass/folk-rock band unfurled live versions of new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Guero Brown, Valley Girl, Thunderwude and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamashoegazer drawing bands, fans from across country for shoegaze, dream pop thrills
The 12th edition of the festival will light up Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo on Saturday with an eight-band lineup that includes Ringo Deathstarr and Springhouse with Jack Rabid. Get the lowdown on this unusual one-day festival and see the full schedule at Local Spins.
‘It’s not about your talent’: Standing out as an artist takes way more than good music
RSVP Music Chat unearthed revealing, frank advice about the music business in conversations with Ann Arbor artist manager David Tamulevich and Lansing singer-songwriter Jen Sygit. Listen to the podcasts, learn from these pros.
Album reviews · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Conrad Shock + The Noise, Brother Elsey, Jake Simmons
November elections dominated the news, but this month’s Local Spins segment on “Stateside” was all about groovy new music from Grand Rapids’ Conrad Shock + The Noise and Brother Elsey, and Kalamazoo’s Jake Simmons & The Little Ghosts. Read about the bands, listen to the podcast and check out full versions of the group’s new songs.
Guest Column · Playlists · Videos
Looking For the Perfect Beat: Downtempo, dub and much more with Thievery Corporation
Local Spins columnist and DJ Todd Ernst first met — and was transfixed by — Thievery Corporation more than two decades ago. With the band playing Grand Rapids this weekend, he retraces his journey as a Thievery Corporation fan.
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