Michigan bluegrass guitar hero Billy Strings and his band made a stop in Grand Rapids on their way back to Nashville on Monday, electrifying a small audience at River City Studios. Watch the video, browse the photo gallery from this week’s in-studio set.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 20-26): Toto, Alabama, Jon Pardi, Trombone Shorty, Asleep at the Wheel, O.A.R., Breakaway Festival
We Banjo 3, Cole Swindell, Shoreline Jazz Fest, Holler Fest, Pink Sky, Benjaman James, The Rockit King, The Accidentals, Hop Along, Insane Theatre, Earth Radio and more fill out the week. Get the complete concert lowdown at Local Spins.
The Verve Pipe, Toad the Wet Sprocket join forces to shoo away rain, stir sing-along charm
The Michigan alt-rock heroes and California kids brought nostalgic ’90s magic and more to Meijer Gardens for a fan-pleasing, sold-out show on Sunday. The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Week in Review: Air Supply, Daughtry, Moosefest, FINKEL, Can’t Swim, Girls Rock GR
It was another lively week of concerts across West Michigan, with country courtesy of Kip Moore and others, hard and soft rock, electro-pop and the music of tomorrow’s stars just part of the story. Ogle the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
GRandJazzFest 2018 fires up fun, funk and much more: Photo gallery, video
One of GRandJazzFest’s biggest crowds ever pumped up Rosa Parks Circle on Saturday for a diverse assortment of regional and national stars. Check out photos and a video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Kevin Jones’ uplifting, barrier-breaking jazz plus new tracks by Gasoline Gypsies, FINKEL
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE shed light on a New Jersey-bred, Grand Rapids percussionist with a robust career and a diverse selection of music by Michigan artists. Get the back story about Kevin Jones; listen to the full radio show podcast.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Perrin Brewing Backyard Bash to star Hannah Rose, Jake Kershaw, Bootstrap Boys
The Sept. 8 party outside the Comstock Park brewery also boasts local faves Paradise Outlaw, Devin & The Dead Frets and Sailor Kicks. See the full schedule.
Local Spins Rewind Tribute: The late Aretha Franklin’s final Grand Rapids concert
At 75, the Detroit legend proved in spring 2017 that she was still “The Queen of Soul” with renditions of “Respect,” “Chain of Fools” and “Baby I Love You.” In tribute to this Michican icon, here’s the review from her last Grand Rapids appearance.
Aretha Franklin: Honoring a Michigan legend and the late Queen of Soul
The much-beloved Detroit icon died Thursday at age 76. Local Spins pays tribute to this influential soul superstar with a playlist of her enduring hits.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
GRandJazzFest poised to celebrate diversity with local and international stars
Kalamazoo’s Lushh, Grand Rapids’ Edye Evans Hyde, Kevin Jones, John Gist and Grupo Aye will join national stars Euge Groove, Lin Rountree & more at 2018 GRandJazzFest. See the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Cowpie 2018 Revisited: Top 10 reasons for grooving with the Shagbark Farm family
Local Spins asked Desmond Jones drummer John Nowak to reflect on highlights of last weekend’s action- and camaraderie-packed Cowpie Music Festival. Here’s his take on the beloved affair, with photo galleries by Anna Sink and Nathan Purchase.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 13-19): Air Supply, Daughtry, Nikki Hill, The Verve Pipe, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Hoxeyville, GRandJazzFest
Mid-August also brings Girls Rock! GR, Ladyfest at the Lakeshore, The Frog King, Sleep Waker, FINKEL, The Ghost of Paul Revere, Lokella, The Go Rounds and more to West Michigan stages. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Sleep Waker and Lokella.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Week-in-Review Concert Images: Sugarland, 1978 Tribute, Pack Sounds, Sparta Celtic Fest
Sugarland is back, unfurling its return to the stage for Grand Rapids fans with help from Michigan’s Frankie Ballard. But there was plenty more on the musical docket across West Michigan this week, and all highlighted in Local Spins images. Plus check out a video of That Beatles Thing.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Revamped Bigfoot Buffalo ‘going harder’ than ever with enhanced sound: Local Spins on WYCE
The roots rock jam band keeps adding to its sound, something displayed during this week’s radio show, which also boasted new tracks by Elizabeth Landry, Brutes, The Hacky Turtles and Boy From School. Check out the in-studio video, podcast and story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Musical Oasis: Cowpie 2018 hoofs it up on nearly flawless opening night
A solid first-day crowd at the music festival in southern Kent County reveled in impressive sets by May Erlewine, Hyryder, Mungion, Olivia & the Aquatic Troupe and more while reveling in a groovy new second stage. Check out the story, photos and video in this Local Spins exclusive.
Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Conklin Ceili Band revs up Irish spirit; set to play Sparta Celtic Fest: Local Spins Rewind
The West Michigan Celtic fave is part of a jam-packed festival this weekend. In spring 2017, prior to St. Patrick’s Day, they performed on Local Spins on WYCE, which also[…]
David Byrne radically re-imagines rock concert possibilities in Grand Rapids show
Touring behind his latest album, “American Utopia,” the ever-fetching David Byrne brought a just-as-fetching cast of musicians to DeVos Performance Hall on Wednesday for a theatrical, one-of-a-kind evening. Check out the epic review by Troy Reimink with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Cowpie Music Fest set to unleash ‘weekend of positive intention,’ national and regional stars
With new stages, enhancements and a robust lineup, the three-day ‘granddaddy’ festival on a cattle farm in southern Kent County this weekend shapes up as the best yet. Get the preview, full weekend schedule and forecast, plus a festival playlist at Local Spins.
Slayer batters Grand Rapids in final, brutal, bombastic, loud-as-hell metal flurry
An epic evening of thrash savagery at Van Andel Arena as part of Slayer’s final world tour also uncorked ear-splitting sets from Lamb of God, Anthrax, Testament and Napalm Death — igniting an exuberant response from 9,000-plus headbangers on hand. The review by John Serba and photos by Anthony Norkus at Local Spins. And check out the video of Anthrax’s Joey Belladonna singing Journey songs afterward at the Founders Brewing Open-Mic Night.
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Joshua Davis, Brotha James, Jake Allen
The August Local Spins segment gazed northward, showcasing three Northwest Michigan artists aiming to make a splash with their new albums. Listen to the “Stateside” podcast and new songs by Davis, Allen and Brotha James.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Previewing Farmfest 2018: Genre-spanning bands, sacred reunions, magical grounds
The festival taking place this weekend about 20 miles east of Gaylord will boasts dozens of bands on several stages, a heartfelt community of attendees and “one of the most beautiful amphitheaters” anywhere. Get a preview at Local Spins.
Vince Gill weaves spellbinding evening of yarns, laughs, poignant tunes, beguiling vocals
Monday’s sold-out Meijer Gardens concert featured the return of the affable, award-winning singer and guitarist, who charmed the capacity crowd in a variety of ways. Revisit the special evening via the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Aug. 6-12): Slayer, David Byrne, Sugarland, Jonny Lang, Chris Robinson, Spill Canvas, Cowpie, Farmfest, Sparta Celtic Fest
Vince Gill and Lindsey Stirling get things started in a week that also features After Funk, I Set My Friends on Fire, Major Murphy, That Beatles Thing, The Harmaleighs and Peter Asher, plus Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ and much more. Plus, check out this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks and see how you can win tickets to see I Set My Friends on Fire.
Concerts-in-Review Photo Roundup: Joywave, SuperPartyWonderDay, Kalamazoo Ribfest, Organissimo, Styx, John Proulx
West Michigan poured out another full-bodied flask of live music to get August rolling and Local Spins was there to capture some of the action in photos. Check out all of the photo galleries and show recaps at Local Spins.
John Serba’s Slayer Tour Songbook: The ‘Dad-Thrash, Old-Guy Metal Playlist’
The celebrated Grand Rapids film and music critic gets fans ready for Slayer’s farewell fusillade at Van Andel Arena on Tuesday with a scary-good soundtrack of metal mayhem, in vintage Serba fashion. Watch the videos, listen to the playlist on Spotify.
Ben Folds rocks Cannonsburg symphonically for picture-perfect Picnic Pops finale
The power pop pianist and former Schuss Mountain “Schussy Cat” was joined by the Grand Rapids Symphony and conductor Jacomo Bairos for “Rock this Bitch,” “Effington” and more, regaling 2,500 strong on a gorgeous summer night at the ski area. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features
Bluegrass musician, teacher Hayes Griffin named new WYCE station manager
The 30-year-old Ohio native and current Fauxgrass guitarist will take the community radio station’s reins later this month, succeeding Quinn Mathews. The Local Spins profile of the new manager.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The Skinny Limbs’ shimmering beach grooves: Local Spins spotlight, video, podcast
Inspired by Lake Michigan, the Grand Rapids-area band brought its summery vibe to this week’s radio show, which also aired new tracks by Brotha James, Political Lizard, Joshua Davis, The Quirk and Hope Waidley. Read the back story about this emerging West Michigan band, watch a video of their in-studio performance, listen to the full radio show podcast.
Melvins rock Grand Rapids in mighty, tight, head-scratchingly brilliant fashion
The iconic rock band’s return to The Pyramid Scheme on Thursday unleashed noise-ridden, Black Sabbath-meets-Capt. Beefheart charm with Spencer’s own brand of minimalist rock opening the show. The Local Spins review by John Serba, with photos by Katy Batdorff and Derek Ketchum.
Major Murphy’s ‘No. 1’ fittingly rises to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart
The Grand Rapids indie-rock/pop band has attracted attention local and nationally. Check out the full chart for July which boasts a whole new roster of releases and sample music from the Top 5 artists.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ben Folds and Jacomo Bairos to pair up for genre-melding Picnic Pops spectacle
Friday’s special season-ending concert at Cannonsburg Ski Area will boast a Grand Rapids Symphony collaboration starring the boundary-pushing power pop pianist and a rising classical music star. Read the Local Spins interview with Jacomo Bairos and check out videos of both featured performers.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Mo Pop 2018 Revisited: Captivating soul, pop, rock and weird stuff from The National
An odd, abrupt finish by Matt Berninger and The National wrapped up the spirited, eclectic Detroit festival in “an iconic place.” Check out Local Spins’ review and photo gallery of a second day that featured St. Vincent, Daniel Caesar, Portugal. The Man and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (July 30-Aug. 5): Ben Folds, Styx, 3 Doors Down, The Sword, Melvins, YelaWolf
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival makes waves on the lakeshore, Ribfest heats up Kalamazoo, Joywave washes over GR, SuperPartyWonderDay closes the week out. Check out all of this week’s West Michigan concert selections and Under-the-Radar Picks. Plus, win tickets to see Save Face or Flynt Flossy.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ice Cube chills out in G-Rap, plus Beach Boys, Erasure, Rayland Baxter, Keep the Beat Alive
The hip hop legend brought N.W.A., Ice-T, Tha Dogg Pound and more to Van Andel Arena during a busy week of tour stops and local shows in front of enthused West Michigan audiences. Concerts included Rayland Baxter, Erasure, The Beach Boys and Jake Kershaw & Melophobix in a special Walk the Beat event. The Ice Cube review and five photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Bon Iver mops up magically at Mo Pop 2018’s dazzling Day 1 in Detroit
The first day of the music festival in Detroit’s West Riverfront Park boasted summer sun, thousands of attendees and a diverse mix of acts, closing with the enigmatic and powerful Bon Iver. Check out the Day 1 recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Northern Michigan’s Jake Allen and the orchestra in his mind: Local Spins on WYCE
The multi-instrumentalist touring behind a new prog-pop album, “Deviant Motions” brought his impressive musicianship to the radio show, which also showcased tunes by a host of regional artists. Read the story, listen to the full radio podcast which also features new regional music.
Live at River City · Photos · Videos
Conrad Shock + The Noise: HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios
The latest live-streamed performance at River City oozed artful, original blues-edged music from the Grand Rapids band which is getting ready to release its next studio album later this year. Watch the video of Conrad Shock + The Noise’s in-studio session and check out the photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Dunesville hits paydirt with Uprooted, UV Hippo, robust festival lineup
Rusted Root’s Michael Glabicki brings his latest band project to the charming northern Michigan festival this weekend along with a host of regional stars such as Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Act Casual, The Bootstrap Boys, The Change and more. Get the lowdown and schedule at Local Spins.
For the love of Ed: Honoring Grand Rapids radio legend ‘Uncle Buck’ Buchanan (Podcast)
RSVP Music Chat sat down with radio veterans Kevin Matthews and Steve Aldrich to toast the pioneering talents of the late Ed Buchanan, the WLAV legend who passed away in June. Listen to the rollicking, fun podcast, toast Uncle Buck at Bob’s Bar on Friday and check out the written tribute by Aris Hampers.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Going Baroque on Beaver: Beaver Island site of classical series with renowned composers
Beaver Island follows up its music festival with the nine-day Baroque on Beaver series, a quaint, mostly classical music-oriented affair starring guitarist Matthew Cochran, pianist Kevin Cole and much more. Learn more about this fascinating music series at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Mo Pop 2018: Top 5 reasons to attend this Detroit spectacle, plus a festival playlist
Now a proven festival attraction, Mo Pop is set to roll out Bon Iver, The National, St. Vincent and Michigan favorites like Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. Mo Pop takes over downtown Detroit this weekend. Preview some highlights and a festival soundtrack.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Beaver Island Music Festival 2018 Revisited: Michigan’s best-kept musical secret
The 16th annual festival on this island in northern Lake Michigan boasted regional stars, from Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band to The Legal Immigrants. Check out the recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · RSVP Music Chat
Seth Bernard: Collaborative musical power meets environmental steward (Podcast)
This edition of the RSVP Music Chat spotlights one of Michigan’s most respected collaborative musicians, Seth Bernard, who also has taken a strong stand on protecting Michigan’s water resources. Why other musicians should join him. Listen to the latest and wholly intriguing podcast.
L7 gets lean, loud, vicious and unapologetically raucous in Grand Rapids tour stop
Local Spins music critic John Serba absorbed the brutish, beautifully ‘apelike rock’ of the iconic L.A. punk/metal/grunge band that rattled The Pyramid Scheme on Monday. Read his take on the rock ‘n’ roll assault along with photos by Katy Batdorff — only at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (July 23-29): Jason Mraz, Ice Cube & N.W.A., Yanni, Beach Boys, ATTILA, Rayland Baxter, Air Supply
Dispatch, L7 and Frank Turner launch a week that boasts local faves, Farm Block Fest showcases and tour stops by Between the Buried & Me, Against Me!, Blue Oyster Cult and many more. And win tickets to this week’s Farm Block showcases.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat festival replaced with new concert starring past winners
Although Grand Haven’s multi-venue Walk the Beat fest won’t fire up this August, Saturday’s ‘Keep the Beat Alive’ concert will rock the city with popular acts from past events, including Jake Kershaw, Melophobix, Cosmic Knot and Dave Palmer. See the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concerts-in-Review Photos: A$AP Ferg, Faster Horses Fest, Black Label Society, Seth Bernard, Japanese Breakfast, May Erlewine
Another potent week of live music brought Michigan fans some iconic hip hop, country, heavy metal, indie-rock and regional stars Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. Check out the recaps in vibrant images by Local Spins photographers.
Joe Jackson’s Grand Rapids debut sees him ‘Steppin’ Out’ with career-spanning gems
On a night when the rain held off at Meijer Gardens, the iconic rock/pop artist uncorked familiar faves and new classics for an approving audience. Get the Joe Jackson review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins. And browse a set list from Friday night’s concert, too.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids rapper Steven Malcolm’s rise to star of Christian hip hop: Local Spins on WYCE
Hip hop and Jesus, how does that coexist? Malcolm chats about his journey as a groundbreaking hip hop artist on this week’s radio show, which also featured new regional music by Greta Van Fleet, The Hacky Turtles, Tom Hymn, Seth Bernard, Jake Allen, Chris Cranick, Chandler Versluis and more.
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