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.
Hot Top 5 · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Heavy Color, War and Treaty, Roosevelt Diggs lead pack on February Hot Top 5 Chart
Influenced by WYCE’s Jammie Awards show, the Local Spins Hot Top 5 for February was packed with familiar names and award-winning regional acts. Listen to the featured acts, check out the latest chart and sample several local debuts in the first Local Spins on WYCE podcast of March 2019.
The Milk Carton Kids unveil harmony-driven magic at St. Cecilia Music Center
The California indie-folk duo — backed by a three-piece band — regaled a near-capacity crowd with harmony-driven magic and their trademark sense of humor on Thursday in Grand Rapids. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Switchfoot thrilled to be back on road, making ‘the most of every moment’: Local Spins Q&A
With the California alt-rock band making a Grand Rapids tour stop Saturday, Local Spins chatted with bassist Tim Foreman about the group’s early days, its recent hiatus, the new studio album, the process of healing and connecting with fans. And check out the band’s video for “Native Tongue.”
Festivals · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
Cozy Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest set to showcase indoor music, instruction, instrument makers
The festival kicks off Friday night with a concert by Shari Kane and Dave Steele at Kalamazoo Valley Museum, followed by Saturday’s day-long affair with 15 acts on three stages, vendors, workshops and “pop-up” shows. Get the lowdown and the full Saturday schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Milk Carton Kids branch out, dig deep, get political, stay funny: The Local Spins interview
The California folk duo brings a full band – and some beautiful, sad songs – to Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. Read the Local Spins interview with band co-founder Joey Ryan, check out videos and listen to a Spotify playlist created by Ryan exclusively for Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Feb. 25-March 3): Switchfoot, Big Head Todd, Milk Carton Kids, Ben Rector, Sawyer Fredericks, Chieftains, Russell Dickerson, Fretboard Festival
Amid national tour stops are a host of intriguing local shows this week, including FlyLite Gemini, Heaters, Bronze Wolf, FADE, Silverstiles, Peat in the Creel, an Elton tribute and much more. And see how you can win tickets to see Heaters, Major Murphy and Ghost Orchard at The Pyramid Scheme.
The War and Treaty uncork soulful, bluesy musical cyclone at St. Cecilia Music Center
The Sunday night appearance in Grand Rapids boasted a tight five-piece band, uplifting songs and Michael and Tanya Trotter’s infectious, rootsy stage-stomping power. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo/Video Roundup: Dropkick Murphys, Laith Al-Saadi, That Beatles Thing
This week’s concert images also spotlight Kalamazoo shows by Tambourina and Kate & Emilee of The Crane Wives, plus images of Hank Mowery, Rochelle & The Spoilers, The Turnips, Needtobreathe, Alan Jackson and more.
NEEDTOBREATHE galvanizes sold-out Fountain Street Church crowd with riveting acoustic set
The South Carolina alt-rock and Christian rock heroes brought their “Acoustic Live” tour to Grand Rapids on Saturday, delivering fan-pleasing renditions of songs new and old. Relive the evening in this Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Grand Rapids country fans show love for Alan Jackson ‘all over again’
The Country Music Hall of Fame singer delivered some of his biggest hits — and some touching moments — at Van Andel Arena on Saturday night. Check out the review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Detroit’s Primer: Electro-style that passes on being precious, pushes toward purity
Local Spins kicks off a new monthly feature on Detroit- and Ann Arbor-area artists with a look at the music of Alyssa Midcalf, also known as Primer, who plays a Grand Rapids album-release show on March 1. Get the back story about this innovative artist, watch a video and listen to a track from her album.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s “totally still crazy” rock attitude: Local Spins on WYCE
The rockabilly and raw blues duo performed in-studio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Zach Vinson, Throwaway, Primer and more. Read the story, watch the in-studio video and listen to the podcast.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ray Charles and Aretha to Cardi B and May Erlewine: The War and Treaty’s Top 10
With Michigan’s soulful roots phenomenon The War and Treaty playing Grand Rapids on Sunday, Local Spins asked Michael and Tanya Trotter to assemble Top 10 playlists of their favorite songs — lists which say a lot about their own music. Listen to the tracks and see why they’re special to this Albion couple.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Traverse City’s Great Indoor Folk Festival returns for 11th year of corridor crooning
Taking place in the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons, more than 100 Michigan musicians will perform in a single afternoon, with some of them considering it a “reunion” of sorts. Get details about this northern Michigan tradition at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
NEEDTOBREATHE talks touring, family, bathing suits and bears: The Local Spins Q&A
In advance of the award-winning South Carolina rock band’s sold-out acoustic show at Fountain Street Church Saturday, lead singer Bear Rinehart chatted with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos about a wide — and fun — range of topics.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Feb. 18-24): Alan Jackson, Needtobreathe, Dropkick Murphys, The War & Treaty, August Burns Red, Walker Hayes
Gungor kicks off the week in Holland, with Laith Al-Saadi, Michigander, Max Lockwood, That Beatles Thing, Mark Lavender, The Holy Warheads and more also featured on The Big List.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
John Mellencamp, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Dr. Dog, Candlebox, Shad shake up February
The “John Mellencamp Show” closed out the weekend, part of the Local Spins wrap-up of Grand Rapids concerts which includes everything from a video montage of an impressive Doors tribute to photo galleries of national tour stops by wildly popular artists, new and old.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Walk the Beat festival set for return to Grand Haven in August
After taking a year off, the popular and unusual competition featuring dozens of West Michigan acts playing a host of different venues on a single day is back. And Walk the Beat is hosting a benefit concert on Friday. Get the lowdown on the return of Walk the Beat at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Deep Greens & Blues expand alt-country sound while staying true to harmony-driven roots
Now a six-piece band, Deep Greens & Blues releases its new album Friday night. A trio version of the band previewed the release show for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by several artists, including Sherman Gepherd, The Strapping Owls, Dawning, Bermudas and more.
Album Reviews: How to Live Together, Bermudas, Jordan Hamilton, Elroy Meltzer
This February roundup of releases by Michigan artists also takes a look at new recordings by Andrew Saliba, Kaitlyn Zittel and The Aquaerials. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Sousaphone-powered Strapping Owls take flight with ‘Live Wire Soul’
Turning heads with their unique, bluesy sound that gives new meaning to ‘power trio,’ West Michigan’s The Strapping Owls launch an eight-state tour behind their new recording in Saugatuck on Friday. Learn more about this unique band and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Nahko, Rodrigo y Gabriela, The Gipsy Kings to play Meijer Gardens 2019 series
Meijer Gardens today announced three summer concerts for its revamped amphitheater. Tickets go on sale to members on April 27. See details about the three bands and watch videos, including a drone video of amphitheater improvements.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Nikki Hill, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Las Cafeteras set to pump up Buttermilk 2019
May Erlewine, Samantha Crain, Billy Davis, Earth Radio, Seth Bernard, Jordan Hamilton and other regional stars will play the mid-June festival south of Grand Rapids. Check out the roster of more than three dozen Buttermilk acts and get links to early-bird tickets at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Feb. 11-17): Kelly Clarkson, Black Violin, John Mellencamp, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Shad, Space Jesus, Dr. Dog
The Go Rounds, John Gorka, Candlebox, Insane Theatre, Cabildo, Deep Greens & Blues, Strapping Owls, Sherman Gepherd, Desmond Jones and Taste of Soul Sunday round out a busy week. Get the complete lowdown in The Big List Concert Guide and win tickets to see the Deep Greens & Blues’ album-release show.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Camp Greensky fires up Year 2 with Del & Dawg, Stephen Marley, Billy Strings, Hiss Golden Messenger
Hosted once again by co-headliner Greensky Bluegrass, the June 6-8 festival in the Manistee National Forest also will boast sets by Circles Around the Sun, The Lil Smokies, Rebirth Brass Band, Ghost Light, Bombino and regional stars such as Joshua Davis, Lindsay Lou, Dominic & Rachael Davis and Seth Bernard.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Jammie Awards 2019 Revisited: ‘A little bit of everything’ plus electrifying performances
“It was crazy.” That was one description of Friday night’s 20th annual Jammie Awards show hosted by WYCE-FM at The Intersection which drew 1,600 people for show-stopping sets by Tunde Olaniran, The War and Treaty, Heavy Color, The Hacky Turtles and more. Check out the highlights in words, photos and video at Local Spins
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The War and Treaty, Michigander rack up flurry of WYCE Jammie Awards
The 20th Jammie Awards show on Friday evening at The Intersection drew lively crowds for award presentations and 30-plus performances. See the full winners’ list and a photo gallery at Local Spins, along with a special Jammies edition podcast of Local Spins on WYCE.
Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigander, Brother Elsey, Jack Droppers among Michigan acts at Michigan House SXSW
Ten artists were selected from 300-plus entries to play an official showcase in Austin, with Flint Eastwood, Seth Bernard and Jordan Hamilton playing other Michigan House shows. And Local Spins will host an SXSW preview show in Grand Rapids featuring Brother Elsey and Droppers on March 6. See who else was chosen and listen to music from all of the Michigan House acts.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Videos
Local Spins’ ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ Earth Radio a true shooting star
The sky’s the limit: The Grand Rapids neo-soul/rock super-group is set to release its second album in May and will be honored by Local Spins at Friday night’s Jammie Awards. Read more about the band and watch a video at Local Spins.
Sunday Afternoon Live: Kent District Library series revels in concert intimacy
Kent District Library offers free live music, from Jimmie Stagger to CrossBow, and is launching a “Needledrop” program allowing checkout of vinyl LPs and turntables, and a speaker series on local music. Get the upcoming schedule of shows and learn more about the programs at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Jordan Hamilton, Melophobix, Max Lockwood
February’s Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” gave listeners statewide a taste of Kalamazoo cellist/hip hop artist Jordan Hamilton, Grand Rapids’ funky Melophobix and pop/folk-rock’s Max Lockwood. Enjoy the podcast, read more about the featured artists and listen to their songs at Local Spins.
Winning a Jammie Award: The ‘dream come true’ effect for Michigan bands
WYCE-FM hosts the 20th Jammies show Friday at The Intersection, with 34 acts on stage and tons of awards doled out. Browse — and save — the jam-packed schedule and see who some of last year’s winners have chosen as their ‘best artists of the year.’
Greensky Bluegrass picks its way to top of Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The Kalamazoo-bred, progressive bluegrass powerhouse shot straight to No. 1 at WYCE with its new studio album, and some familiar faces round out the January chart of most-played releases. Check out the chart and listen to tracks from all the featured artists, plus see what new local albums have been added to the radio station’s library.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Feb. 4-10): Bela Fleck, Shoreline Mafia, Albert Lee, Heavy Color, Jim Brickman, Talib Kweli, WYCE Jammie Awards
The Jammies are the big show of the week, but the concert lineup also features Red Tail Ring, Joey DeFrancesco, Kathy Lamar, Xavier Davis, Frankie & Myrrh, Flexadecibel and the annual West Michigan Luthier Concert. Plus win tickets to Political Lizard’s album-release show — and check out the Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Verve Pipe rocks 20 Monroe Live’s birthday, plus Crane Wives, Dennis DeYoung, Lala Lala
West Michigan’s great weekend thaw was accompanied by face-melting shows covering rock in all its many forms from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Check out the photo galleries at Local Spins, including concerts starring local and national acts.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Cracker, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers to headline Cowpie Music Festival 2019
The August music festival in southern Kent County has assembled perhaps its most impressive lineup to date, with a host of regional stars joining Cracker for the three-day affair. Performers will include Joe Hertler, Desmond Jones, Lady Ace Boogie, Jimmie Stagger, Mungion, Don Julin, Motor City Josh and more. See the roster and get more details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Political Lizard steps out with captivating soft rock on full-length debut
The Rockford-based duo turned full band unfurled new songs during this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered music from Chandler Reed & The Sticky Keys, Alien Dogs, Joel Mabus, SIlverstiles and Bermudas. Learn more about Political Lizard, watch the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Max Lockwood stretches creativity, reveals vulnerability for lush solo album
With elements of intoxicating pop and airy vocals, Max Lockwood’s sophomore solo recording officially gets released Friday night at The Pyramid Scheme with the singer-songwriter backed by an all-star band. Get the story behind this project and watch videos for two of Lockwood’s new songs.
Panic! At the Disco’s sold-out, career-spanning spectacle heats up Van Andel Arena
Dedicated fans trekked through hazardous weather conditions to join the party thrown by Panic! At the Disco on Tuesday night in Grand Rapids. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
For the love of Buddy Holly: Delilah DeWylde set to recreate 1959’s Winter Dance Party
On this weekend’s anniversary of “the day the music died,” West Michigan’s rockabilly queen will fire up Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo with influential, vintage rock gems from Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. Read about the upcoming show, check out some classic videos.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Jan. 28-Feb. 3): Panic! at the Disco, Dylan Scott, The Verve Pipe, Here Come the Mummies, Dennis DeYoung, Winter Punk Fest
This week’s concert docket also features The Crane Wives, Josh Powell, Max Lockwood, Ty Zhang, Dan Rickabus, Mike Stud, How to Live Together, Bermudas and a pair of special tribute shows. Plus, win tickets to see Lindsay Beaver and Hank Mowery at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.
Jesse McCartney, Synth Night, Bass Country, FINKEL, Eric Johnson: Week-in-Review Photos
Featuring Sublime with Rome, Melophobix, Walk the Moon and more, dive into another photo and video recap of several concerts across West Michigan, from pop to electronic music to rock and more — from The Intersection to 20 Monroe Live to Bell’s Brewery to The Pyramid Scheme to Old Dog Tavern.
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