Portland quintet goes heavy on recent releases, speaks up on long-pressing issues and captivates crowd during second trip to venue in as many years.
Audio · Festivals · Upcoming shows
ArtPrize’s Blue Bridge Music Fest set to rock the river, boost song contest
This weekend’s downtown event boasts sets by seven regional acts, who are also vying for votes for their songs in hopes of winning $1,000. Check out the full weekend schedule, listen to the song entries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
‘Good News for People Who Like Bad News’: Dear Modest Mouse, I’ve heard better.
This show “Missed the Boat” and it shouldn’t be blamed on “The Dance Hall.” Sound issues made songs unrecognizable, some fans left early and one reviewer wished he’d run “Out of Gas.” But the light show was groovy. Get the lowdown and a photo gallery from Tuesday’s Wings Stadium concert at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Earthwork Harvest Gathering 2018 Revisited: Musicians pick their favorite festival moments
Big Dudee Roo, May Erlewine, Chris Dorman, Jordan Hamilton and more were among highlights cited by musicians and attendees for one of the final, treasured festival blasts of the season. Relive the weekend in words and photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Willowsong 2018 boasts Go Rounds, Nicholas James, Mark Lavengood, 14 other acts
The second-year festival an hour northeast of Grand Rapids will heat up the final weekend of September with regional stars and much more. See the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Father John Misty delivers epic, theatrical exclamation point at Audiotree 2018
Day 2 of Kalamazoo’s Audiotree Music Festival drew even bigger crowds who cheered the likes of Grand Rapids’ Major Murphy plus Chicano Batman, Real Estate, Slow Mass, Blitzen Trapper, REZN, Lume and headliner Father John Misty. Read the Local Spins review, ogle the photo galleries from Sunday’s finale.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 24-30): Modest Mouse, Butch Walker, Fruition, Blue October, Willowsong Fest, Margaret Glaspy, Blue Bridge Music Fest
SYML kicks things off at Calvin College in a week that also boasts concerts by Joshua Powell, Amanda Brown, Aaron Neville, The Ragbirds, Lil’ Smokies and Bullet for My Valentine. Check out all of this week’s live music picks at Local Spins.
Ben Rector gets funny; Matt & Kim, Beats Antique get wild, plus Morris Day, Bully & more: Photos
This Local Spins week-in-review set of photo galleries features one of our photographers’ favorite bands to shoot ever, and tons of other rocking concerts across West Michigan. On Tuesday,[…]
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Audiotree’s Day 1 throttles up with Local Natives, Khruangbin, Michigander, Moss Jaw
The indie-rock-oriented, two-day festival in downtown Kalamazoo boasted 15 performances on Saturday, with plenty more to come for Day 2. Check out a photo gallery and highlights at Local Spins.
MC50 retains potent proto-punk punch with all-star lineup led by Wayne Kramer
The MC5 anniversary tour stop at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live drew a curiously, half-full house Saturday but the powerhouse band led by Wayne Kramer still proved its influential, rock ‘n’ roll mettle. Check out the exclusive review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Matt Gabriel debuts road-inspired, ‘wide open’ and rootsy new album: Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter kicked off a Midwest tour this week by playing new songs on the radio show, which also premiered tracks by Often Home, Moss Jaw, Shortly and much more. Watch the video of Matt Gabriel’s in-studio performance and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Michigan Album Reviews: War and Treaty, Seth Bernard, Red Legs, Pack Sounds, Chris Cranick
Local Spins’ September roundup of recent releases hones in on War and Treaty’s “Healing Tide,” Seth Bernard’s final Eggtones installment, Red Legs sophomore effort, Pack Sounds debut LP and Chris Cranick’s latest work. Read the reviews, listen to the music.
Festivals · Photos · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Father John Misty, Local Natives and more to flood Arcadia Creek with sound and soul
Audiotree gives regional acts such as Michigander, Lushh, Moss Jaw and Jake Simmons WIDR platform with a brand new second stage; brings top tier national talent to Kalamazoo this weekend. Check out the complete schedule, videos, a playlist and more.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Earthwork Harvest Gathering: 120-plus acts, rare collaborations, a ‘family reunion’ vibe
This weekend’s season-ending celebration on Earthwork Farm outside Lake City will attract thousands, many of them musicians. Singer-songwriter Brian Koenigsknecht offers up his Top 5 reasons to attend. And listen to a Local Spins playlist of songs by festival performers.
Matt and Kim, back on the road after a year away, to play 20 Monroe Tuesday night
Matt Johnson, one half of the popular indie-pop duo Matt and Kim, spoke recently to Local Spins about the band’s 14-year-long career, returning to the road after Kim’s onstage injury, and the ‘slow burn’ success of the song “Daylight.”
Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Week-in-Review Photo Galleries: Mat Kearney and Atlas Genius rock the Intersection, May Erlewine shines at the Old Dog
Local Spins headed out to the Old Dog Saturday in Kalamazoo and the Intersection Sunday in Grand Rapids to capture a couple of the weekend’s hottest shows.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 17-23): MC50, Beats Antique, Audiotree Music Festival, Flint Eastwood, Earthwork Harvest Gathering, Matt & Kim
The arrival of autumn also brings Keller Williams, Heather Maloney, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, a jazzy Grand Rapids Symphony tribute to Paul McCartney and more. Check out this week’s spotlighted shows, plus our Under-the-Radar Picks.
West Michigan’s Some People’s Kids ready to take next step with groove-laden rock
Based in Saranac, the alt-rock/pop band is working on its first full-length album while rocking venues like Mulligan’s Pub. Get the back story on this emerging West Michigan group.
Hayes Griffin’s mission to foster ‘the best music in the country’ right here: RSVP Music Chat
Our podcast hosts sat down with the new station manager for Grand Rapids’ WYCE-FM to talk about the robust music scene and how he hopes to nurture that in his new role.
Sound guru Bill Chrysler’s Third Coast Recording set to ‘put Michigan on musical map’
After extensive construction, the world-class Grand Haven recording studio is impressing those who bring projects through its doors. Get the back story on Third Coast Recording, browse a Local Spins photo gallery and take a video tour of the facility operated by Chrysler and Joe Sturgill.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan Irish Music Festival’s international flair paired with homey, family flavor
With the Celtic festival unfurling this weekend in Muskegon, Diana Ladio of Michigan’s The Moxie Strings offers up the Top 5 reasons to attend plus a Top 10 playlist of songs by festival performers.
Gary Clark Jr. makes triumphant return to 20 Monroe Live with guitar wizardry
Gary Clark Jr.’s musical conversation proved to be a powerful, dynamic dialogue of groaning blues, searing rock ’n’ roll and riveting soul Monday night at 20 Monroe Live.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Wheatland Music Festival celebrates 45th weekend of music, ‘peace and love’
Attendees to the 45th Wheatland Music Festival filled the site outside Remus and found warmth amidst chilly temps as they celebrated one of Michigan’s finest festival traditions.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Sept. 10-16): Gary Clark Jr., Dinosaur Jr., Guided by Voices, Mat Kearney, Ballroom Thieves, Michigan Irish Music Festival
The September music cruise shifts into full gear with the Fallasburg Arts Festival, John Mark McMillan, Harry Fest, Red Legs, a Kathy Lamar birthday celebration and more. Get the lowdown on the Big List, along with our Under-the-Radar Picks.
Week-in-Review Photo Galleries: DJ Pauly D, Magpie Salute, La Famiglia, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, SALES, Eastown Streetfair
The week in live music wrapped up with a bang on Saturday in Grand Rapids, with Local Spins capturing the action in photos at a host of venues. Check out all the images from a diverse assortment of shows.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Tour Texts · Videos
Tour Texts with Mike Mains & The Branches: Dream gig, underrated veggies, road necessities
Local Spins exchanged a series of fun, on-the-road texts with the Michigan indie-rock band as it prepares to play a Monday show at Calvin College with John Mark McMillan. It’s an entertaining, behind-the-scenes glimpse into life on tour.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Jen Sygit finds ‘rebirth’ with vibrant new solo album: Local Spins on WYCE
The Lansing singer-songwriter turns from ‘sideman’ to star with songs from ‘It’s About Time’ during this week’s radio show, which also featured the premiere of tracks by Red Legs, Lushh and Jacob Simons, plus the Hot Top 5 countdown. Listen to the podcast, watch the in-studio video.
Fall Out Boy’s fiery pop-punk spectacle energizes Grand Rapids throng
Just ahead of a big homecoming show in Chicago, Fall Out Boy delivered fan faves and more at Van Andel Arena on Thursday with child-like vigor, pyrotechnics and dizzying lights. Check out the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
The War and Treaty jumps to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart
The Albion duo of Michael and Tanya Trotter — The War and Treaty — has impressed critics with its new album, which led the way on a chart that also featured four more new entries, including Peace to Mateo and Joshua Davis. Listen to tracks from all five releases.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Wheatland offers unparalleled, summer-ending tradition, ‘dream come true’ for local artists
National stars may get top billing, but plenty of local favorites — from Nicholas James Thomasma to Steppin’ In It — aim to make Wheatland 2018 a festival to remember this weekend. See the schedule at Local Spins.
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Jen Sygit, Pink Sky, Tiger and Frame
The September Local Spins segment spotlighted new releases from a veteran, in-demand singer, an electronic music duo and an emerging indie-rock/pop band. Listen to the “Stateside’ podcast with new songs from Jen Sygit, Pink Sky and Tiger and Frame.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 3-9): Fall Out Boy, LIVE, The Magpie Salute, Lane 8, Wovenhand, Wheatland Music Festival, Eastown Streetfair
Labor Day stars the West Michigan Labor Fest, Johnnyswim and LIVE, with plenty to follow the rest of the week: Perrin’s Backyard Bash, Fareed Haque, SALES, Kyle Cook, JMM Jazz, a Grateful Dead tribute and much more. Check out all the featured shows and Under-the-Radar Picks.
Labor Day Debate: Do musicians get paid what they deserve as ‘labor of love’?
This annual Local Spins Labor Day column spotlights the financial quandary of working musicians, many of whom work long hours, often for little pay. And it’s spiced up with new comments from many of them. Be part of the discussion.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Week-in-Review Photo Galleries: T.I. at Party in the Park, Lyle Lovett, Foxing, Kississippi
The week started with another sold-out Lyle Lovett concert at Meijer Gardens, with plenty of fan-pleasing shows to follow in the warm-up to Labor Day. Browse the photos, videos at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Crane Wives speak out musically: Local Spins on WYCE (Story, podcast, video)
The Grand Rapids folk-rock band unfurled two new songs on the radio show, which also aired new tracks by Pretoria, The Blue Pines, SearchParty and The War & Treaty. Listen to the radio podcast, watch the in-studio video.
Lake Street Dive induces Meijer Gardens to ‘Free (Itself) Up’ with soul-infused charm
The five-piece jazz/pop/rock band, led by vocal powerhouse and birthday girl Rachael Price, returned to the amphitheater on Thursday to the delight of an engaged and entertained sold-out crowd. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Lindsay Lou, Jake Kershaw, Pink Sky to play Blue Bridge Fest during ArtPrize 2018
For the third year, the free two-day festival on the blue pedestrian bridge over the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids will feature regional stars, including Molly, Cameron Blake, Lipstick Jodi, Lazy Genius and The SEVENth. Get the lineup, details at Local Spins.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Elton John: Local Spins’ Ultimate Deep Cuts Playlist
With piano rock legend Elton John kicking off a farewell tour that includes an October stop in Grand Rapids — and SpeakEZ hosting an Elton John tribute show — Local Spins picks 20 underplayed EJ gems. Listen to the playlist, watch the videos from a robust career.
Holler Fest 2018 Revisited: Impressive setting and turnout, memorable performances
With a bevy of Michigan performers, last weekend’s Holler Fest in Jackson County powered up another musical showcase to remember and treasure. The Top 5 recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Khalid, Flatbush Zombies at Breakaway Music Festival 2018: Photo Gallery
The second-year festival at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park wrapped up late Saturday night with a rousing set by Khalid, following a day of electronic music and hip hop. Relive it in Local Spins photos.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 27-Sept. 3): All That Remains, Lake Street Dive, LIVE, Gringo Star, Lyle Lovett
Lyle Lovett returns yet again to Meijer Gardens to start a week that also boasts an Elton John tribute, Jeremy Garrett, Matt Woods, Steve’n’Seagulls, Noisia, Johnnyswim, a Lady Ace Boogie hip hop showcase, The Crane Wives in Rockford, and the final Tuesday Evening Music Club concert of the summer.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
O.A.R., Hop Along, Maddie Jackson, The Accidentals: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
The West Michigan week in live music ended Sunday with another sold-out O.A.R. show at Meijer Gardens, but there were local showcases, a Doors tribute and more, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Musician, studio owner Michael ‘Colonel’ Crittenden: The RSVP Music Chat podcast
For this edition of the RSVP Music Chat, we sat down with the iconic Grand Rapids record producer and Troll for Trout frontman to reminisce about his career and elicit sage advice for aspiring stars. Listen to the full, enlightening podcast.
Toto powers through damp night with spot-on musicianship, treasured hits
Friday’s sold-out Meijer Gardens concert proved the instrumental and vocal mettle of the beloved prog-pop band. The show review and photos, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Odesza ignites electropop, chill spectacle for glorious finish to Breakaway’s first day
The first day of the second-year music festival brought bigger crowds and bigger names to Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park, with another robust lineup unfurling Saturday. Check out the review, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Benjaman James’ funk, jazz, hip hop and pop ‘convergence’: Local Spins on WYCE
Relocating to Grand Rapids from Traverse City, James’ band plays Founders on Saturday and he previewed new tunes on the radio show, which also debuted tracks by several Michigan artists. Check out the in-studio video and listen to the radio show podcast.
Alabama fires up ‘Old Flame’ hits at Meijer Gardens; Jon Pardi has fans ‘Head Over Boots’ at Intersection
Thursday was a night for fan-pleasing country music in Grand Rapids, with iconic veterans playing Meijer Gardens and a recent “new artist” winner revving up a big crowd outside The Intersection. Check out the show recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Trombone Shorty and friends uncork titanic torrent of brass, dancing, musicianship, fun
The lengthy New Orleans jazz and funk showcase at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday boasted an impressive roster of Big Easy faves: Trombone Shorty, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, New Breed Brass Band and special guests. Check out the review of what was described as the most fun night ever at Meijer Gardens, plus a robust photo gallery.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Toto still loving the hits, still touring, still reveling in instrumental glory
The iconic prog-rock band returns to Grand Rapids on Friday for a sold-out Meijer Gardens concert. Check out the revealing Local Spins interview with keyboardist Steve Porcaro, who promises “a show for Toto fans.”
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