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.’
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Jack White ‘Countdown to Grand Rapids’: Local Spins Top 10 Playlist
With Detroit native Jack White set for an epic sold-out Grand Rapids show Saturday at 20 Monroe Live, Local Spins asked photographer and fan Anna Sink to create a career-spanning playlist for West Michigan concertgoers. Check out the videos and the Spotify playlist of classic White tunes at Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Wintry mix of West Michigan music: Local Spins Week-in-Review Concert Photos, Videos
It was a storm of eclectic shows: The Accidentals, Ministry, Julien Baker, Kevin Jones Quintet, Asleep at the Wheel, John Sebastian, Go Rounds, Wailin’ Jennys, Tauk, Mustard Plug and more in Local Spins images.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
‘Countdown to Grand Rapids’: Michigan hero Jack White pumps up ‘Saturday Night Live’ plus other media buzz
In seven days, Michigan-bred music icon Jack White makes his 20 Monroe Live debut in Grand Rapids. Local Spins will prepare fans with daily posts about White, his band and his new album, starting with a recap of his “Saturday Night Live” appearance. Check out the videos and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Nicholas James Thomasma’s banner year and new songs from The Go Rounds, E Minor, Hacky Turtles, Entransient, Brian Koenigsknecht
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by very busy Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma who’s headed to Spain with the FBC All-Stars, plus riveting new regional music by more than a half-dozen artists. Listen to the radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Kalamazoo Blues Fest lines up Victor Wainwright and other big names, returns as outdoor downtown event for 25th celebration
Victor Wainwright, Angel Forrest, Jason Ricci & Bad Kind, Nick Moss, Ghost Town Blues Band and more will headline the festival that heads back to Kalamazoo’s Arcadia Festival Place in mid-July. See the lineup at Local Spins and check out videos of some featured acts.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Avett Brothers, Yes, Reba McEntire, George Clinton, Lindsey Stirling to ramp up diverse Interlochen summer series
Starting in late June, the Interlochen Arts Festival southwest of Traverse City will unfurl with more than two dozen concerts covering a wide range of genres. Get the full lineup and ticket prices at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens heats up summer 2018 with Jason Mraz, Patti LaBelle, Alabama, Joe Jackson, Alison Krauss, Dispatch
Plenty of familiar names grace the 30-concert bill, including Trombone Shorty, The Decemberists, Temptations, Beach Boys, B-52s, Seal and Styx. Huey Lewis’ July 8 show has been canceled and he will be replaced by Michael Franti & Spearhead. Get details and the full Meijer Gardens series schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Videos
GR Symphony Picnic Pops to star Ben Folds; Lansing’s Three Stacks Music Festival
A new Michigan street fair fires up Lansing June 23 with national and local rock bands; piano whiz Folds is part of a 2018 Picnic Pops series which also boasts Tito Puente Jr. and an “’80s Rewind” show. Get the lineups for both at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Michigan Album Reviews: Lindsay Lou, Lady Ace Boogie, Pop Evil, El Brandino, Cousin Avery, Bruce Matthews, The Krelboynes, Dayz
Get an earful of compelling music in this April round-up of new releases by local and regional artists, featuring a mix of genres from folk to hip hop to hard rock to bluegrass to indie-rock to R&B. And listen to tracks from the new albums along with some select videos.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (April 9-15): Ministry, Asleep at the Wheel, Tauk, Julien Baker, Broccoli Samurai, The Go Rounds, Lazy Genius
Revel in benefits starring The Accidentals, Soul Syndicate and Jimmie Stagger plus shows by John Sebastian, Three Dog Night, Brian Culbertson, Willamena, Kevin Jones Quintet, Mustard Plug and a special Grand Rapids Film Festival screening. Check out this week’s live music picks, a full roster of shows on the REALLY Big List, and see how you can win tickets to see The Go Rounds.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Dashboard Confessional gets nostalgic, plus Wild Child, Starkbierfest and more: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
This week’s live music recap showcases concerts at 20 Monroe Live, The Intersection’s Elevation, The Pyramid Scheme, Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe, SpeakEZ Lounge and the third annual Starkbierfest at Cedar Springs Brewing. Ogle all the images, including shots from performances by Reggie & The Full Effect, Delilah DeWylde, Lipstick Jodi, Tambourina, Fauxgrass, Cardboard Highway, The Mushmen and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Jake’s Music Festival debuts at Elevation with rip-roaring rock, toilet paper-powered hoopla
The 14th festival raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation revved up downtown’s newest venue Friday with lively sets by PototoeBabies, The Autumnatic, Valley Girl and Conrad Shock + The Noise. Browse the colorful photo gallery, watch the video and read about all of the late-night antics.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
KJ & the Good Time Family Band’s soul- and rock-fueled funk that ‘makes people want to move’
The Grand Rapids band, which plays Wealthy Theatre on Wednesday, powered up its dance-happy music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Lady Ace Boogie, Lazy Genius, Angela Josephine, Shawn Butzin, Silverstiles, ESME and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the podcast, read the Artist Spotlight feature.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Common Ground 2018 to star Børns, Gucci Mane, Halsey, NF, Kip Moore, Hunter Hayes
The lineup for the July music festival in Lansing mixes things up with pop, hip hop and country stars for 2018. See the roster of performers thus far — from Judah & the Lion to T-Pain — with links to ticket sales.
Audio · Breaking music news · Hot Top 5
Earth Radio rockets to top spot on Local Spins Hot Top 5 for March
Grand Rapids’ genre-melding neo-soul band Earth Radio hit No. 1 last month, with Public Access, The Bootstrap Boys and Shane Tripp making their first appearances on the radio chart. Check out the new Top 5, with audio samples from all of the releases. And see a list of all the new local and regional albums added to WYCE’s rotation.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Lowell, Rockford, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Hudsonville heat up with free summer concerts
Summer is approaching and communities across West Michigan are set to host free weeknight concerts starring regional acts, from May Erlewine to The Soul Syndicate and much more. See the lineups for five of them at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Local Spins Live · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: New music from The Bootstrap Boys, Chain of Lakes, The Crane Wives
Local Spins’ April segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” focused on a single from folk-rock’s The Crane Wives submitted to the Tiny Desk contest, plus a new live country album by The Bootstrap Boys and new studio album from indie-folk’s Chain of Lakes. Listen to the podcast at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (April 2-8): Brad Paisley, Dashboard Confessional, Over The Rhine, Robin Trower, MercyMe, Jake’s Music Festival
April also heats up across West Michigan with Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Wild Child, We Came as Romans, Kayzo, Olin Clark and more. Check out this week’s live music picks for the region — including Saturday’s Starkbierfest — and see how you can win tickets to Jake’s Music Festival at Elevation in Grand Rapids on Friday,
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Blissfest 2018 to showcase Bruce Cockburn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nahko & Medicine for the People plus Michigan favorites
The 38th annual edition of the July festival in northern Michigan combines internationally acclaimed artists as well as regional acts such as May Erlewine, Luke Winslow King, Mark Lavengood and more. Check out the Blissfest lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
EOTO, Biomassive, Nightwish, Twiddle, Eastghost, Bootstrap Boys, Zannies, Jennifer Westwood, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ Krelboynes, All American Funk Parade: Photo Galleries
These week-in-review photo galleries recap West Michigan appearances by electronic music, jam band and heavy metal stars along with a boatload of regional acts performing from Grand Rapids to Lansing to Kalamazoo. Check out all of the resplendent images at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Gasoline Gypsies to fire up Beaver Island Music Festival
The charming July 19-21 festival in the middle of northern Lake Michigan continues to grow, blending national acts with Michigan stars for its 2018 event. See the lineup at Local Spins. Advance tickets are on sale now.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: New music from Valley Girl, Tony Bakker, The Smokin’ Dobroleles, Young Pioneer, Cassidy Bisher and more
Listen to this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which showcases an hour of local and regional music every week including the premiere of several new tracks by Michigan artists.
Sylvan Esso channels powerful energy, incites wild dance-club vibe at 20 Monroe Live
The North Carolina electro-pop duo’s return to Grand Rapids was full of catchy material that inspired the young capacity crowd to heat up the dance floor. Relive the evening of music in the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Michigan Album Reviews: Oceans Beneath Us, LVRS, Chain of Lakes, The Bootstrap Boys, Saxsquatch & Bridge Band, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet
The March roundup of new regional releases boasts a mix of styles: rock, folk, outlaw country, funk, soul, jazz and fusion music. Read the reviews, listen to the music.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Wheatland 2018 to feature Nora Jane Struthers, Front Country, Thornetta Davis, Town Mountain, John McCutcheon
The first wave of headliner announcements boasts some traditional mainstays as well as emerging roots artists. Tickets for the September festival go on sale to members on April 2 and to the general public in May. See the lineup thus far, with more to come.
RSVP Music Chat: Foul language, sloppy presentation, CDs with no track listings – or how not to get your music played on the radio
What’s the best way to get your music played on the air? This edition of Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast checks in with WYCE-FM honchos to offer up practical advice for local and regional acts when it comes to submitting their music to radio stations.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (March 26-April 1): Sylvan Esso, EOTO, Of Montreal, Twiddle, Supersuckers, Keyshia Cole, Cold Hard Cash, Shannon & The Clams
April is almost here, no fooling. And the week leading up to it is chock full of intriguing West Michigan concerts starting with Brit Floyd, plus The Zannies, Jake Kershaw, Howie Day, “Jesus Christ Superstar” and much more. And check how you can win tickets to see Twiddle.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Little Big Town, The Smokin’ Dobroleles, Quantum Fleek, Fiona Dickinson, Organissimo: Local Spins Photo Galleries
Little Big Town brought its national tour with Kacey Musgraves and Midland to Van Andel Arena, but there was way more on the docket for West Michigan music fans, including another “Local Showcase” and a couple of band battles as part of Cowpie Music Festival’s Pathway to the Pasture. Check out the photos and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Lipstick Jodi revels in fans’ emotional bonds with its infectious pop: Local Spins on WYCE
Building on the success of its full-length debut album, Lipstick Jodi went acoustic in performing in-studio for this week’s radio show, which also featured the debut of tracks by Chain of Lakes, Olin Clark, Antighost and more. (Video, podcast)
Bell’s Brewery announces first wave of garden shows in Kalamazoo as music moves outdoors
The Accidentals, JJ Grey, Chris Robinson and more to headline the Kalamazoo venue this summer as Greensky Bluegrass trades its traditional Bell’s opener for its own new music festival. See the initial Garden schedule at Local Spins.
WO-Stock festival’s blowout weekend in Holland boasts sets by 33 West Michigan bands
Midwest Skies, Red Legs, Lipstick Jodi, Boy From School, All is Well, Tiger and Frame, Jake Kalmink and more will join student bands for West Ottawa High School’s annual WO-Stock benefit Friday and Saturday. See the full schedule.
Michigan goes tiny in a big way for national competition: 2018 Tiny Desk Contest Entries
The always entertaining National Public Radio competition once again is drawing entries from lots of Michigan bands and solo artists. Check out more than two dozen of the 2018 video entries here, including submissions by The Crane Wives, Fauxgrass, Chris DuPont and The Hacky Turtles.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The Mainstays, Lipstick Jodi, Adrian+Meredith, Watching for Foxes, Roosevelt Diggs to kick off summer at Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit
The Memorial Day weekend festival south of Grand Haven also will boast sets by Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Mark Lavengood, Cold Mountain Child and more. See the full lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.
Commentary · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
The Best of SXSW: Local Spins’ Top 5 performances from Austin 2018
Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos ventured into the giant South by Southwest fest for the first time this year. Here are his highlights, plus images by photographer Anna Sink of some of her favorite SXSW sets.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (March 19-25): Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Bruce Hornsby, Kurt Elling, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Joshua Davis
Styx and REO Speedwagon get the week started, but there’s plenty more: VaporPalooza, Chilly Blues & Brews, Organissimo, Flamingo Nosebleed, JOUNCE, WO-Stock, The Big Gig and another Local Showcase. Get all of this week’s live music picks on The Big List.
Pink pulls no punches with dazzling acrobatics, choreography, pyrotechnics at Van Andel Arena
Chock full of eye candy and pop hooks, Pink brought her “Beautiful Trauma” to Grand Rapids for a capacity, over-the-top spectacle that was also about empowerment. Local Spins reviewer Tricia Woolfenden went in with few expectations and was blown away. Check out her review, with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Irish on Ionia fills streets, Papadosio packs new Elevation venue: Local Spins Photo Galleries
Two of St. Patrick’s Day’s biggest events in Grand Rapids drew euphoric crowds on Saturday. Ogle the images at Local Spins, along with photos and videos from other fan-pleasing West Michigan concerts, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, including Sunday night’s Walk off the Earth show at 20 Monroe Live.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Keller Williams to headline August’s Cowpie Music Festival; Jake’s Music Fest moves to downtown’s new Elevation club
Cowpie Music Festival has finalized the lineup for its summer soiree with UV Hippo, May Erlewine, Desmond Jones, Jake Kershaw and many more. Meanwhile, Jake’s Music Fest in early April will star four Grand Rapids bands playing the city’s newest music venue. Get details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Willeys keep their Celtic rock rolling three decades on: Local Spins on WYCE
The venerable Grand Rapids band brought its rootsy, seven-piece attack to this week’s radio show, which also boasted new tracks by Brian Koenigsknecht, DAYZ, The Crane Wives, Sleeping Timmy, Cousin Avery and more. Listen to the radio show podcast, watch the video of The Willeys performing in-studio.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Local First to skip GR Street Party for 2018; East Lansing’s Great Lakes Folk Festival takes one-year hiatus, too
Local First has decided to take a year off from its usual Street Party hoopla in June in downtown Grand Rapids. And in another bit of festival news: Another summer event in East Lansing has decided to do essentially the same thing. Read why these events are skipping 2018.
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