Large-scale music festivals are notorious for the disheartening amount of trash attendees leave behind. At Electric Forest, Electricology’s mission is to change the trend with a multitude of fun initiatives for festivalgoers in Rothbury this weekend and next. Get the back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Bello Spark hones its harmony-hued Americana, Bruce Ling serenades a hornet: Local Spins on WYCE
Grand Rapids’ Bello Spark debuted two new songs on the air, Ling hawked his Grand River Water Festival that takes place Saturday and the show premiered new tracks by The Gorgeous Oranges, Pink Sky and Barrel Bones. Listen to the podcast, watch a video of Bello Spark’s fetching in-studio performance.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Electric Forest’s opening day sizzles with electronic trippiness, jam fervor, hippie vibe
From the wild, fan-involving antics of Andy Frasco to the throbbing beats of Green Velvet and Keys N Krates to the lengthy jams of host String Cheese, it was a memorable opening day and night in Rothbury. Browse the photo gallery, take a video tour of Electric Forest as it morphs from day to night and check out the list of top Local Spins highlights from Day 1.
Fueled by familiarity, Seal serves up fresh renditions of classics at Meijer Gardens
Giving new life to “Luck Be a Lady,” “I Put a Spell on You” and a few of his own well-known hits, the British-born performer graced the crowd at Meijer Gardens with as much class as those from the Rat Pack era. Read the show recap, browse the photo gallery from Wednesday’s show.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Electric Forest 2018: A guide to the life-changing Forest in words and music
This year’s edition of the two-weekend music festival in Rothbury kicks off Thursday afternoon. Get a musical preview via two Local Spins’ playlists, check out valuable links and a map for your Electric Forest visit and find out why so many fans come back to this special place year after year.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Rick Chyme’s incredible, empowering ‘giant puzzle’: Story, Local Spins on WYCE podcast
Grand Rapids’ popular hip hop artist is in the midst of creating 365 straight days of new music and challenging others at the same time. Listen to the radio show podcast, which also features new tracks by Nathan Walton, Blair Miller and Bronze Wolf, and watch the video of Chyme’s unusual in-studio appearance.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand River Water Festival set to celebrate conservation and music at Riverside Park
Saturday’s annual gathering along the river in Grand Rapids boasts more than a half-dozen performances by regional acts, including Molly, Evolucion, Seth Bernard, Fauxgrass, Dede & the Dream, Peter “Madcat” Ruth and more. See the full schedule and save it on your smartphone to take along.
Why Grand Rapids demands a downtown listening room: RSVP Music Chat with Quinn Mathews
Studio C’s $180 million theater/retail/housing complex being built in downtown Grand Rapids is set to include a world-class listening room run by Quinn Mathews. RSVP Music Chat sat down with Mathews to explore this buzz-generating project. Listen to the podcast at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Buttermilk Jamboree 2018 Revisited: ‘An incredible Michigan experience’
The eighth annual music festival at Circle Pines Center thrived in spite of some rainy disruptions, celebrating three days of vibrant, diverse music. Relive this special West Michigan festival via words, photo gallery and video.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (June 18-24): Seal, Langhorne Slim, Al Di Meola, JD McPherson, Grand River Water Festival, Lanco, Electric Forest, Jake Kershaw
The Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, Lanco, Shawn Mullins, Rebirth Brass Band, Priests and Tip Top Deluxe’s seventh anniversary show are all part of this week’s live music lineup. Check out all of the West Michigan concert picks, including Langhorne Slim with The Accidentals and Roosevelt Diggs at St. Cecilia Music Center.
Alison Krauss brings gospel heat wave to Sunday’s Meijer Gardens show
The sold-out amphitheater crowd basked in high heat and the gorgeous vocals and fiddle-playing of the Grammy-winning artist touring behind her latest album. Read the Local Spins review, browse the photo gallery from Sunday night’s concert as well as images from another weekend bluegrass show at Perrin Brewing starring Steep Canyon Rangers, Mark Lavengood and Seth Bernard.
Pride Festival exudes joy, energy, spirit for lively crowd at Grand Rapids’ Calder Plaza
From drag queens and kings to lively performances by Betty Who, David Hernandez, En Vogue and more, Saturday’s Grand Rapids Pride Festival proved to be a colorful expression of freedom and individuality. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Founders Fest heats up Grand Rapids streets with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, sun, beer
A somewhat lower turnout at Founders Fest amid steamy weather didn’t Dead-en the enthusiasm for Saturday’s headliner not to mention five other acts who jammed and powered up sets on a relocated stage for the annual street party. Browse the photo galleryand watch video highlights from Saturday’s big party at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Bounty of good vibes on Day 1 of Buttermilk Jamboree: Local Spins recap, photos
The opening day of Buttermilk Jamboree 2018 at Circle Pines Center spotlighted the dance-inspiring zip of Radio Free Honduras and the regional charm of Madcat Midnight Blues Journey, Zion Lion, The Change and more. The fun continues Saturday and Sunday; get the Friday recap, photos and the weekend schedule at Local Spins.
Lowell concerts hosted by 19-year-old musician boast unique flavor, band-lifting mission
The rock-oriented, summertime “Ryne Shyne” LowellArts series assembled by young Lowell entrepreneur Ryne Clarke boasts a special atmosphere with shows captured on video and broadcast on radio. Read more about the series and check out a photo gallery of recent performer Bet on Rats.
Grand Rapids’ Studio Park reveals 200-seat listening room headed by WYCE’s Quinn Mathews
The unique new music venue is part of the $180 million theatre, retail and housing project opening south of Van Andel Arena in 2019. Quinn Mathews will lead the venture and curate the listening room, stepping down as WYCE manager late this summer.
Brandi Carlile and band offer up catharsis, catchy tunes in Grand Rapids tour stop
Perfect temperatures and a receptive, sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens set the stage for an evening of emotional but uplifting folk rock. Check out the Local Spins review by Tricia Woolfenden and photo gallery from Kendra Kamp.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Donna the Buffalo, Luke Winslow King set to electrify Buttermilk Jamboree with upbeat vibe
This weekend’s family-friendly festival at Circle Pines Center boasts more than three dozen mostly regional acts, including The Accidentals, Mustard Plug and Joshua Davis. Check out the schedule and save it on your smartphone; read more about Donna the Buffalo and Luke Winslow King; watch videos of some featured bands.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Summer Concerts
Tunde Olaniran, May Erlewine, Major Murphy and more to pump up 2018 GRAM on the Green
The Thursday night series on the Grand Rapids Art Museum terrace boasts seven weeks of performances by Michigan stars, including Yolonda Lavender, Organissimo, Fauxgrass, Earth Radio and others. See the full schedule at Local Spins and check out a Spotify playlist of songs from GRAM on the Green artists.
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Catching up with Lazy Genius, Suzies, Dacia Bridges Project
This month’s Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” lent an ear to a rising Southwest Michigan star and two psych-rock bands from Grand Rapids. Listen to the podcast and more from Dacia Bridges, Lazy Genius and Suzies.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (June 11-17): Founders Fest, Brandi Carlile, Everclear, Buttermilk, Alison Krauss, Steep Canyon Rangers, Four Year Strong
Summer festival season is in full gear, plus there are riveting shows this week featuring Reverend Horton Heat, Trevor Hall, Davina & The Vagabonds (this week’s Local Spins ticket giveaway), some terrific local music showcases and the kickoff of several outdoor concert series. Get the lowdown on this week’s West Michigan concerts, plus some tantalizing Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concerts in Review: Tech N9NE, B-52s & Lazy Genius, Matisyahu & Stephen Marley, Fitz & The Tantrums, The Record Company, Magic Giant
Local Spins’ photo recap of the week in music also features Brena at the summer’s first Garage Bar Block Party, Kalamazoo’s Pride celebration, Jack Droppers and Nathan Kalish at SpeakEZ Lounge, Brian Koenigsknecht and Mark Lavengood at Old Dog Tavern and much more. Browse 10 colorful photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘Unpredictable Child’: Dacia Bridges’ journey from German mega-star to rising Michigan act
The singer, songwriter and musician with success in everything from heavy metal to dance music has re-established herself in Southwest Michigan as a rising star while fronting the Dacia Bridges Project all-female super-group. Read the back story about this remarkable artist, listen to the full Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast featuring her in-studio performance and new music from other regional acts, and check out Dacia Bridges videos at Local Spins.
Audio · Breaking music news · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Lindsay Lou holds onto No. 1 spot in the Local Spins Hot Top 5 for May
Four of the five local and regional artists on the May chart were also on the list for April, with only Michigander breaking into the Top 5 for the first time. Browse the Top 5 and sample music from all of the featured artists.
Marks Swanson’s long ‘strange ride’ in Grand Rapids’ music scene: RSVP Music Chat
The Grand Rapids singer, guitarist and luthier bantered about the ups and downs of a long career — and the lessons he’s learned — as he prepared to make his 43rd straight appearance at Festival last weekend. Listen to the latest edition of Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast.
Jackson Browne enchants fans at Meijer Gardens: The Local Spins Photo Gallery
Browse images from Wednesday’s sold-out concert starring the iconic Jackson Browne with his band and check out a set list from the Meijer Gardens tour stop.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
On the Line’s quest to craft polished sound from complexity: Local Spins on WYCE
The young Grand Rapids prog-rock band was the latest guest on the radio show, which also debuted new tracks by The War & Treaty, Michigan Rattlers, Eric Fulton and more. Learn more about the group, listen to the radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Crane Wives keep honing ‘new electric sound’ while growing a national audience
The popular Grand Rapids folk-rock heroes kick off Sparta’s Concerts in Rogers Park series on Wednesday night and play East Lansing and Allegan later this week — part of a busy summer touring schedule for the band. Get the latest about The Crane Wives and watch their videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Camp Greensky Revisited: First-year Michigan festival awes music fans
Hosted by Greensky Bluegrass, which played all three days with all-star sit-ins from Billy Strings, Mike Gordon and others, the inaugural northern Michigan festival hit all the right notes with festival-goers. Relive the weekend in a Local Spins recap by writer Ryan Boldrey, and photo gallery and video by Anna Sink.
The Decemberists charm sold-out sea of roustabouts and rakes in Grand Rapids
The Portland folk-rock heroes enthusiastically powered through an engaging set of old hits and new at Meijer Gardens on Monday, in spite of frontman’s recent vocal strain. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (June 4-10): Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Decemberists, The Record Company, Fitz & The Tantrums, Tech N9ne, Front Bottoms
The first full week of June also boasts Jackson Browne, The B-52s, Steeldrivers, Red Elvises Callaghan, Magic Giant, Stephen Marley & Matisyahu, Nathan Kalish, Rockford Start of Summer Celebration , Scott Pellegrom’s “Dream Hang” and much more. And win tickets to see The Record Company at Elevation inside The Intersection. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s big shows on The Big List.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Incubus, Phillip Phillips, Gin Blossoms, JJ Grey, BoDeans, Festival launch West Michigan’s summer of music: Photos
The week after Memorial Day brought a slew of summer musical marvels to West Michigan, including the kickoff to outdoor concert series in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo and tour stops by national touring acts. Browse 10 photo galleries — from Kalamazoo’s HippieFest to Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts — at Local Spins.
‘Empress of Soul’ Gladys Knight warms chilly evening at Meijer Gardens with lessons of love
The second Meijer Gardens show of the 2018 season delivered heartfelt classics from a legendary singer, with help from opener Rachel Curtis. Read the review, browse the photo gallery, check out the set list from Sunday night’s show at Local Spins.
B93 Birthday Bash shines at Fifth Third Ballpark with Rascal Flatts
The one-day country music celebration in a new location fired up thousands on a sunny Saturday with sets by Rascal Flatts, Gary Allan, Morgan Evans and more. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Summer concerts heating up: Holland, Zeeland, Sparta, Middleville band lineups for 2018
From Delilah DeWylde to The Moxie Strings to Mid-Life Crisis to Brena and much more, regional acts are turning up the heat for a summer of outdoor music across West Michigan. Check out the lineups in four cities.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Festival takes it to the streets – and stages – for sunny Day 1
‘A great place to share peace and love and spread music’: An apropos theme for the opening day of a revamped Festival of the Arts 2018 in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the Local Spins story, photo gallery and some video highlights from the first day’s performances.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Breaking music news
The War and Treaty announce August release of Buddy Miller-produced album with Emmylou Harris as guest
The Albion-based duo’s meteoric rise on the national music scene also brings festival appearances at Camp Greensky, Bonnaroo, Telluride and Newport Folk Festival. Read the inside story of their Nashville recording sessions and how they met Emmylou Harris for the first time.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
From Camp Greensky to Farm Block Fest, Graham Parsons and The Go Rounds find triumph, camaraderie, ‘the beauty of life’
The Go Rounds play this weekend’s inaugural Camp Greensky in Wellston, with frontman Graham Parsons touting his Upper Peninsula Farm Block Fest & Reunion come July with an “improbable” roster of stars. Get the lowdown and lineups for both festivals at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Tedeschi Trucks Band impresses in rain-shortened, opening Meijer Gardens show
The summer’s first concert in the renovated Meijer Gardens amphitheater had to tangle with Mother Nature, but Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and crew jammed on with a robust, fan-pleasing performance. Read the Local Spins review of the show (and the amphitheater improvements), browse a photo gallery, scan the set list.
Local Spins ‘Best of Festival’ 2018 Picks: From Trixy Tang to Bowery to The Hacky Turtles
This weekend’s Festival of the Arts will pack downtown Grand Rapids for regional music on a half-dozen stages. And once again, Local Spins asked musicians and writers to spotlight some must-see acts. Use the ‘Best of Fest’ picks as a starting point to guide your Festival exploration.
What You Missed: Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit, Movement revisited and more
Tied up or out of town for Memorial Day weekend? Here’s a recap of some musical magic you may have missed, courtesy of Local Spins and media outlets elsewhere across Michigan. Check out links to coverage of Movement, Bled Fest and more.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (May 29-June 3): Incubus, Yung Joc, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gin Blossoms, Festival of the Arts, Camp Greensky, B93 Birthday Bash
This week’s packed lineup also features Andrew McMahon, Gladys Knight, Phillip Phillips, The Menzingers, BoDeans and more, plus win tickets to see the Gin Blossoms and Valentiger. Get the complete lowdown in this week’s Big List, plus some riveting Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Los Lobos, The Accidentals, Vance Joy, Bob Dylan Tribute bring musical heat wave: Local Spins Photo Galleries
Relive Memorial Day weekend’s musical marvels in photos and videos, from Bell’s Brewery and State Theatre in Kalamazoo to 20 Monroe Live and Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids to the Local Spins Summer Kickoff. Check out the photo galleries at Local Spins, along with video highlights from Sunday’s Local Spins Summer Kickoff outside HopCat.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Revamped Meijer Gardens amphitheater flaunts new sponsor seating, more spacious lawn area and ‘the wall’
When fans flock to Wednesday’s season-opening show starring Tedeschi Trucks Band they’ll find a dramatically different look to the venue, which also has improved band and crew access to the stage. Take a video tour of the renovated facility and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Bus-ting out summer fun: Bus Benefit revs up lakeshore with Lipstick Jodi, Nicholas James
The Memorial Day weekend music fest in West Olive hosted by Buses by the Beach kicked off Friday with gorgeous weather, eclectic music and VW bus camaraderie. Get the recap and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins, where you can also find the music schedule for Saturday and Sunday.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Suzies get ‘pretty’ in a psychedelic way, plus new regional music (Local Spins on WYCE)
This week’s episode of the Local Spins radio show showcased Suzies in-studio, plus new tracks by I Believe in Julio, Upstage Crew, Political Lizard, Winnow, Tony Bakker, Baker Brothers and more. Listen to the podcast.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest hailed as one of the world’s Top 10 music festivals
A London-based website has ranked the colorful Michigan festival — which spans two weekends in late June — right alongside SXSW and Burning Man as ‘incredible.’ Check out the news at Local Spins, along with links to coverage of last year’s Electric Forest.
Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Videos
From ‘American Idol’ to changing young lives through music: RSVP Music Chat with singer Maurice Townsend
Maurice Townsend visited Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast to recap his Top 15 experience during “American Idol” and his work with low-income youth as music director for New City Kids. Listen to the podcast and watch a video from Townsend’s “American Idol” run.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
From The Moonrays to Flexadecibel to Delilah DeWylde: East Grand Rapids, Celadon, Muskegon, Lansing summer concert lineups
Temperatures are heating up and so are outdoor concerts in communities across West Michigan. Here’s the latest Local Spins roundup of schedules for several free series starring regional acts from the lakeshore to Lansing.
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