The beloved band featuring Joshua Davis and Dominic John Davis revved up enthused sold-out crowds in the first two nights at the legendary Green Door with several more shows across the state still to come this week. Read the Local Spins review by Ryan Boldrey, browse the photo gallery by Jon Rosenberger, check out some video highlights.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Lone Bellow, Pokey LaFarge, Bela Fleck, Milk Carton Kids, Asleep at the Wheel, Kenny Barron, Leo Kottke to play St. Cecilia
The Milk Carton Kids have been added to the lineup at Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia, which previously announced its upcoming jazz and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center concerts as well as the first Acoustic Café show for next season. Get the lowdown on all of the upcoming shows at Local Spins and listen to new music from The Lone Bellow.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (May 14-20): Halestorm, Steppin’ In It, Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, Granger Smith, Rhiannon Giddens, Justin Townes Earle, John Pizzarelli, Barley BBQ & Beats
The week kicks off with Big Sandy and closes out with Steve Martin & Martin Short’s Grand Rapids tour stop, with plenty of musical action in between, including special SpeakEZ shows, Hip Hop Appreciation Week, the Bona-Who? festival, Thunder Chicken, The Extra Texture and Stryper. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Granger Smith.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Leftover Salmon at turning point with slamgrass-fueled charm while ‘playing better than it’s ever played’
The Colorado band with a distinctive sound and strong Michigan following plays Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo this week. Read the Local Spins interview with mandolinist Drew Emmitt and check out a couple of Leftover Salmon videos.
Brantley Gilbert, Flatbush Zombies, Chris Lane, BoneHawk, Sunflower Bean power up stages: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
This Local Spins photo roundup of the past week’s concerts across West Michigan also includes a rootsy tribute to John Prine, The Legal Immigrants, Spaceface, Blue Veins, Secretary of Space and more at venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse all 10 photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
‘Amazing’ White Birch Music Festival defies Mother Nature, prevails with ‘rocking’ performances
The first-year festival outside Stanton has delivered sets by dozens of Michigan bands. Browse the Local Spins photo gallery and check out the video of the festival site.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Todd Rundgren-led Utopia unites for all-encompassing, fan-inspired tour with new keyboardist
The much-admired band from the ’70s and ’80s plays Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live on Tuesday (May 15). Read the Local Spins interview with drummer John “Willie” Wilcox and get the lowdown on this classic band fronted by Todd Rundgren.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Melophobix builds on ‘positive energy,’ diverse influences for new album: Local Spins on WYCE
The May 11 edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted an in-studio visit by Melophobix, plus the on-air premiere of new songs by Coffin Problem, Brant Satala, Brian Koenigsknecht, Act Casual, Andrew Starr and more. Read about Melophobix, watch an in-studio video and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year Bob Nixon: Reveling in the ‘ultimate freedom of expression’
The much-admired saxophonist and member of the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra will be honored Monday by the West Michigan Jazz Society for his outstanding conributions to the region’s jazz scene. Read more about Nixon in this Local Spins profile by Devin Anderson.
Wildman Andrew W.K. brings outsized persona, nuclear zeal and party mayhem to The Pyramid Scheme
The debut of Local Spins music critic John Serba has him tackling the ‘really, really high on life’ bravado of ‘the craziest person in the room’: Andrew W.K. whose ‘You’re Not Alone’ tour stopped in Grand Rapids on Thursday. Relive the evening in this rollicking review, browse the photo gallery from the sold-out show.
Album reviews · RSVP Music Chat · Videos
Michigander’s ‘Midland’ and Jason Singer’s life on the road to anthemic pop glory
RSVP Music Chat sat down with Michigander for an in-depth and upbeat conversation about his music, his touring, his quest as a career artist, his favorite coffee and why it isn’t “Michiganian” or “Dad Jokes.” Listen to the podcast, read a review of Michigander’s new EP.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Lighting up the Lakeshore: Summer concert lineups for Grand Haven, Spring Lake, South Haven, Montague, Fennville
The free weeknight music series showcase a wide range of regional bands. See and save the schedules for several community concert series in cities along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s Local Spins latest round-up of summer shows.
Jake Kershaw finishes second in Dallas Intn’l Guitar Fest competition; Zellie’s Opry House ends era of bluegrass in Howard City
The early May round-up of music news takes a look at Marshall blues-guitar sensation Jake Kershaw making a splash in Texas and the end of a popular bluegrass venue in Howard City. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Local Spins on Michigan Radio for May: Music from The Go Rounds, Lady Ace Boogie, The Founding, The Hacky Turtles
Recorded in front of a live studio audience, this month’s Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” showcased two celebrated acts from Grand Rapids and two from Kalamazoo. Listen to the podcast and a Spotify playlist of the featured tracks.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens’ Tuesday Evening Music Club lineup for 2018 to feature Hannah Rose Graves, Moxie Strings, Desmond Jones, Soul Syndicate
The weeknight series starring regional acts will also feature Kathy Lamar, Lipstick Jodi, Hollywood Makeout, Six-Pak, Eric Engblade, Watching for Foxes and more. See the full schedule at Local Spins and find out why bands love playing this series.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (May 7-13): Brantley Gilbert, Tony Bennett, Beach Boys, Devil Makes Three, Chris Lane, Andrew W.K., White Birch festival
Holland’s Tulip Time kicks May into full gear but there’s plenty more music on the docket: Lipstick Jodi, Coffin Problem, Rebecca Loebe, Hank Mowery, Marc Scibilia and a John Prine Tribute, plus win tix to see Chris Lane or Rival Sons. See all of this week’s music picks at Local Spins, plus some intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks and a look ahead to shows later this month.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Punk at Tip Top, Bimini Bros’ 35th anniversary at DeltaPlex, Lindsay Lou, Michigander at Pyramid Scheme, Liquid Stranger at Intersection: Weekend Photo Galleries
The three-day Skitchin’ Fest of punk fury, Bimini Brothers’ 35th anniversary spectacle, tour stops by Lindsay Lou and Michigander, and the wild Bass Country electronic music show powered up a weekend of live music in Grand Rapids, captured in images at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Videos
Inaugural White Birch Music Festival bridges northern and southern Michigan music scenes
The first-year festival with 34 acts kicks off outside Stanton May 11-13. One of those acts, The Change, led by festival organizer Ryan Williams, was Friday’s featured guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted some new regional music. See the full schedule for the festival and listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast.
Bluegrass queen Lindsay Lou shoots to No. 1 on April’s Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart
The latest from the Michigan-bred bluegrass outfit led by singer Lindsay Lou Rilko topped all other acts for regional airplay at WYCE, with Vox Vidorra and Lazy Genius also making their chart debut. See the entire Hot Top 5 and listen to tracks from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Odesza and Khalid to headline August’s Breakaway Music Festival in Grand Rapids
In the festival’s second year at Belknap Park, the two-day event will spotlight R&B’s Khalid and electronic music’s Odesza, plus Flosstradamus, Jaden Smith, Borgeous and more. See the initial lineup and ticket information at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
Sir Mix-a-Lot takes it indoors in Kalamazoo for an old-school, fan-inspiring rap show
Rain forced Wednesday’s concert at Bell’s Brewery inside, where the Seattle-bred rapper unleashed a storm of classics, from “Baby Got Back” to a rendition of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The Hacky Turtles’ obsession with hacky sack, jamming, ‘bass rap’ and ‘highly emotional’ genuine music
Local Spins sat down with the eclectic Grand Rapids band, which just released a new single, has an album in the works and is playing a series of May shows, including the Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight (Wednesday). Check out the Q&A with The Hacky Turtles and listen to the single, “Grace.”
The feel, soul & Fab Four passion of Liverpool’s The Mersey Beatles: The Local Spins Q&A
With the world’s only Liverpool-born Beatles tribute band playing Kalamazoo on Saturday, Local Spins asked The JetBeats’ frontman and major Beatles aficionado Morgan Moallemian to quiz the group about its roots, its performances and its own love of the Fab Four.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Euge Groove, Lin Roundtree, Nelson Rangell and Steve Oliver to heat up 2018 GRandJazzFest
The lineup for the free, two-day festival taking place in mid-August in downtown Grand Rapids also features five highly acclaimed regional acts. See the full lineup and details at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (April 30-May 6): Sir Mix-A-Lot, Lindsay Lou, Bass Country, Skitchin’ Fest, Bimini Brothers, The Mersey Beatles
Lots of local heroes — young and old — grace this week’s Big List, from teen artists to The Hacky Turtles to Michigander to Cosmic Knot. And see how you can win tickets to see Lindsay Lou.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Desmond Jones, Hollywood Makeout energize Feedback benefit; Victor Wooten brings ‘fun and funk’ to Kalamazoo + more concerts
Local Spins’ week-in-review boasts images from a rock-hued fundraiser, a bass-and-comedy spectacle, the country twang of Maddie & Tae, a “Reggaefest,” another anniversary celebration for The Pyramid Scheme and more. Check out all of the images and photos at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Jason Mraz concert sells out in 6 minutes, five other shows sell out in first 15 minutes of Meijer Gardens ticket sales
Tickets for the 31-concert Meijer Gardens summer series went on sale today and eight concerts — from Styx to The Temptations — sold out in the first half-hour and six more within 45 minutes. See which shows sold the fastest.
Taxes, accounting, merchandise sales, partnerships and the business of being in a band: RSVP Music Chat
Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast sat down with Ben Zito of The Crane Wives to talk about how this successful Grand Rapids band is run like a business – and how mistakes musicians make can get them into financial hot water. Listen to the latest podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Desmond Jones jams its way to bigger events, bigger audiences, more ‘awesome shows’
The Grand Rapids jam band headlines Sunday’s Feedback benefit at Founders Brewing, which also recently snagged Desmond Jones to play Founders Fest in mid-June. Read the latest about the band and watch a new video at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The Accidentals to fire up Local Spins Summer Kickoff; Perrin’s inaugural Can’d Aid Concert to star Steep Canyon Rangers
Two outdoor events announced today will help launch a summer of music festivals across West Michigan. The Local Spins Summer Kickoff on Memorial Day weekend with The Accidentals and Conrad Shock is also the post-party for HopCat’s Beer Me! 5k Race in downtown Grand Rapids; Perrin is hosting its inaugural Can’d Aid Concert for a good cause. Get the details about both events at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Free summer concerts galore: 2018 lineups for Grand Rapids Jazz in the Park, Hastings, Holland’s Felt Mansion, Allendale, Parchment
Local Spins has rounded up another batch of free community concert series being staged across West Michigan this summer, including the return of the West Michigan Jazz Society’s Monday concerts in Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the lineups for a half-dozen summer series, only at Local Spins.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lifting the next generation of artists and poets: Fable the Poet and The Diatribe’s quest to give West Michigan students a voice for their art
The grass-roots nonprofit group will host a Teen Poetry Slam at the Kentwood library on Thursday, followed by a fundraising masquerade party to help make a difference in youths’ lives. Learn the story behind The Diatribe and its inspiring work to showcase student creativity in the Grand Rapids area.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (April 23-29): X Ambassadors, Morbid Angel, George Thorogood, Victor Wooten, Maddie & Tae, Kevin Morby, Alphonso Horne, John Waite
Regional acts rule the roost, too, with Cameron Blake, The Legal Immigrants, Indika Reggae Band, Exposure Therapy, The Zannies and more, plus a three-band Feedback benefit Sunday at Founders Brewing, which also hosts shows earlier in the week by Big Dudee Roo and Valentiger. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s live music events via The Big List.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lady Ace Boogie unleashes new album, The Pyramid Scheme celebrates an anniversary, plus Kalamazoo’s Music Hop, The Mainstays
The weekend show recap and photo galleries round up big celebrations at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids and a bevy of eclectic concerts in Kalamazoo, plus Phoebe Bridgers at Ladies Literary Club. Check out all the weekend photo galleries at Local Spins.
West Michigan’s Record Store Day spins vinyl fervor with big throngs, bands, Rolling Record Store and a goofy parade
Saturday’s celebration of independent record shops even drew a pair of newlyweds into the happy fray during a West Side parade, with stores from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo boasting mobs of vinyl-loving shoppers and in-store performances. Browse the photos at Local Spins and watch video highlights from Saturday’s short but exuberant procession outside Dodds Record Shop.
Jack White proves in Grand Rapids tour stop that rock definitely isn’t dead (Review, photos)
The Michigan-bred icon made sure his Grand Rapids debut at 20 Monroe Live on Saturday was a memorable one, brimming with spontaneity and exuberance. Check out the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: The Crane Wives in-studio, plus new music from Lady Ace Boogie, Brad Fritcher, Opulent Ardor, Bob’s Dock
The kickoff to WYCE’s Spring Fund Drive featured a lively chat with folk-rock’s The Crane Wives, plus local song debuts and regional music from Cameron Blake, Oh Brother Big Sister, Tail from the Crypt and, yes, Jack White. Listen to this week’s podcast at Local Spins.
Lord Huron gets folky and psychedelic for Michigan homecoming show (Review, photos)
Michigan native Ben Schneider and his band created trippy soundscapes during Friday’s sold-out show at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live — a concert marred briefly by an altercation between some fans that was quickly taken care of by security. Get the recap in the Local Spins review and browse the photo gallery.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Founders Fest 2018 to go soulful, Grateful, Afrobeatful with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Antibalas, Monophonics and San Fermin
The 11th annual street party on June 16 boasts a Grateful Dead cover band and emerging indie acts with Desmond Jones and FBC All-Stars adding local flavor. Get the lowdown and ticket links — plus check out videos of the featured bands — at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: Jack White, Vox Vidorra, Brad Fritcher’s MOODS, Mark Harrell, Robin Lee Berry
On the eve of Jack White’s buzzed-about Grand Rapids show, the Local Spins “countdown” assesses his bold new album, along with regional releases by a diverse mix of Michigan artists. Read the reviews, listen to audio samples from the albums.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Steppin’ In It returns with 20th anniversary Michigan tour, vowing ‘fly-by-the-seat’ fun
The iconic Michigan band of musical “brothers” featuring Joshua Davis and Jack White bassist Dominic John Davis will relive its glory days in Lansing and more during a seven-night run of shows. Get the back story at Local Spins and see where Steppin’ In It will be performing, plus get some insights into White’s tour and new album.
Trey Anastasio brings rock-star power, blistering trio jams to Grand Rapids
The Phish frontman and his band delivered an audience-pleasing musical barrage for a near-capacity crowd at 20 Monroe Live on Wednesday night. Read the review, browse the photo gallery, check out the set list — only at Local Spins.
Record Store Day 2018 all about vinyl, Jack White and keeping indie-shops spinning
Saturday’s celebration in West Michigan will includes some special live performances, tons of vinyl exclusives and a special Grand Rapids appearance by Third Man Records’ Rolling Record Store. Get the lowdown on all the fun at Local Spins and see what record shops have planned for the big day.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Dawes, Infamous Stringdusters, Billy Strings, Leftover Salmon to power up Hoxeyville 2018
The August festival in Michigan’s Manistee National Forest puts some national zing into its lineup, along with regional stars Steppin’ In It, Luke Winslow King, Lindsay Lou, The Crane Wives and dozens more. And a few members of Greensky Bluegrass will be on hand, too. Get details and ticket links at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Jack White bans cellphones at shows; announces ‘intimate’ pre-tour concert at Detroit’s Third Man Records
Day 4 of Local Spins’ ‘Countdown’ to Jack White’s Grand Rapids show sheds light on how fans will have to lock away their phones, even for a special pop-up concert tonight at Third Man Records in Detroit. See how this ‘Yondr pouch’ system will work at White’s concerts and see what other intriguing things he has planned.
Grand Haven’s Jessica in the Rainbow tackles unique year-long writing challenges to grow as musician and person
West Michigan songwriter Jessica Fogle recently wrapped up a 365-day challenge of writing a song a day, and now she’s ready to launch into another year-long musical project. Read the story of her musical journey, then check out her songs and videos.
Vinyl revolution or passing fad? RVSP Music Chat podcast with Vertigo Music’s Herm Baker
With the 11th national Record Store Day set for Saturday, Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast sat down with longtime Vertigo Music record store operator Herm Baker to talk about the challenges of retail sales for businesses and bands. Listen to this eye-opening, candid assessment of the retail side of the music business.
Local Spins Rewind: Jack White walks tightrope during 2014 ‘Lazaretto’ tour stop in Chicago
Day 3 of our ‘Countdown’ to Jack White’s upcoming Grand Rapids concert takes a look back at his last major tour, which included an epic 2014 show in Chicago reviewed by Local Spins. Relive that concert gem in preparation for White’s 20 Monroe Live debut on Saturday.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (April 16-22): Lord Huron, Twin Peaks, Jack White, Trey Anastasio, YFN Lucci, Phoebe Bridgers, Record Store Day
A busy West Michigan week of live music boasts release shows for Lady Ace Boogie and The Native Howl, plus intriguing appearances by The Sauce, The Outer Vibe, House of Hamill, Theatre Bizarre Orchestra, 1964 The Tribute and much more. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s big shows on The Big List and a full roster of upcoming concerts via ‘On the Horizon.’
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