The week leading up to Christmas gets rolling with EyeCandy and Antighost, plus there are shows featuring The Bootstrap Boys, Reggie, Mary Rademacher, Great Black Night and much more. And see how you can win tickets to a Michael Jackson tribute, courtesy of Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Granger Smith, Dustin Lynch, Matisyahu, Desmond Jones, Breathe Owl Breathe uncork musical blizzard: Week-in-Review Photos
Relive a December week of live music across West Michigan, from hip hop to country to jam bands and more — all captured in Local Spins photo galleries, plus videos.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
Frankie Ballard plays Santa with sleigh full of hits at sold-out ‘Country Christmas’ show
The West Michigan-bred, Nashville-based country singer unfurled his ninth annual holiday show at Kalamazoo’s State Theatre on Saturday for a jolly “family” of fans. Read the Local Spins review, ogle the photo gallery
Greta Van Fleet, The War & Treaty, In the Valley Below, Jake Kershaw fuel Michigan’s music stories of the year, Local Spins’ 2018 calendar
For the third year, Local Spins calendars are spotlighting emerging Michigan acts with a national buzz in its calendars, not to mention Michigan music festivals. Get the lowdown on these unique Michigan-made artifacts and order yours by Tuesday to ensure delivery by Christmas.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Nordy embraces the beautiful, plus new tracks from Hannah Rose, The Howlers, Michigander
This week’s episode of the radio show boasted an in-studio visit from Nordy, plus new holiday music from Peat in the Creel and River City Narrative, and much more. Listen to the full podcast, watch a video of Nordy’s on-air performance.
Breaking music news · Features · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens amphitheater renovation on schedule; dramatic changes in store
Photos released this week show dynamic alterations to the top of the amphitheater where new permanent seats will be installed. Read more about the plans at Local Spins and see what the revamped amphitheater will look like.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Sultry, haunting singer-songwriter Jetty Rae revels in Airstream road life, returns home to Michigan for holiday concerts
Raised in Charlevoix, Jetty Rae brings her musical passion to northern Michigan this month and “sharing of struggles” with her fans. Read the back story about this unique, Michigan-bred artist, watch her videos.
Breaking music news · Commentary
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame vs. WYCE’s Jammie Awards: The Jammies win
It was no contest. This year’s Jammie Award ballot is proof of Michigan’s burgeoning, impressive talent. Check out the local nominees for best new artist of the year and links to news about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
West Michigan Video of the Week: Slumlord Radio’s explosive, rollicking “Holy Smokes”
The Grand Rapids rock band enlists a gang to help them out of a jam and shootouts ensue. See what happens in Slumlord Radio’s new video as part of Local Spins’ West Michigan Video of the Week series.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Dec. 11-17): Matisyahu, Ginuwine, Mannheim Steamroller, Bill Kirchen, People’s Blues of Richmond, Granger Smith
Chevelle kicked off the week with a bang, but there’s plenty of diversity – nationally and locally – crammed into this week’s Big List Concert Guide, along with some holiday-themed shows. And see how you can win tickets to see Matisyahu.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Dec. 11-17): Matisyahu, Mannheim Steamroller, Bill Kirchen, People’s Blues of Richmond, Ginuwine, Granger Smith
Chevelle kicks off the week, but there’s plenty of diversity – nationally and locally – crammed into this week’s Big List Concert Guide. And see how you can win tickets to see Matisyahu.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Joe Pug, Secret Sisters, Soul Patch, Less Is More, Bell’s Eccentric Day: Weekend Photo Galleries
As winter sets in, West Michigan’s indoor concert season has heated up with some sizzling national and local acts. Browse all the photo galleries at Local Spins, including shows over the past week in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Grand Haven and Spring Lake.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
Tab Benoit, Jake Kershaw power up special, long night of blues in Kalamazoo
Marshall teenager and blues-rock guitarist Jake Kershaw stole the show at State Theatre, while Tab Benoit did double-duty by later playing drums with Out of Favor Boys at Old Dog Tavern. Read the review, browse the photo gallery. .
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With ‘Fear Not,’ Cameron Blake boldly embraces ‘more energy, bigger instrumentation’: Local Spins on WYCE
This week’s guest talks about his acclaimed new album and performs with his band on a show that also featured the debut of tracks by hi-ker, Dori, Andy Baker, Bruce Matthews, Charles the Osprey and Talismans. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Singer-songwriter May Erlewine leapfrogs to No. 1 on November’s Hot Top 5 radio chart
The Earthwork Music artist’s latest album, “Mother Lion,” led a reshuffling of chart positions last month for local and regional albums which previously have appeared in the Top 5 at WYCE-FM. Check out the latest chart and watch videos of the featured artists.
Announcements · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Less is More set for final show as band founders move to Los Angeles; name change on horizon
Electro-pop’s Less is More aims to continue broadening its musical universe as it departs West Michigan. The band plays a farewell show at Bell’s Brewery on Saturday night. Get the back story, check out a video.
Local Spins on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’: West Michigan’s Under-the-Radar Album Picks for 2017
For this month’s Michigan Radio segment on “Stateside,” Local Spins spotlights a few bubbling-below-the-surface West Michigan releases you might have overlooked: The Turnips, Cosmic Knot and The Zannies. Listen to the full statewide radio podcast.
West Michigan Music Video of the Week: Jim Spalink’s stunning ‘eulogy for an old piano’
The Rockford multi-instrumentalist from Celtic/world music’s An Dro moved an old piano into his garden and created an amazing video montage filmed over a year, enhanced by an original composition. Watch this incredible video, along with another Spalink project where he burned instruments that were no longer playable.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Asleep at the Wheel added to St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Cafe series
The annual folk series gets a big boost with these iconic acts in 2018. St. Cecilia also will host another jazz show: A February CD-release concert for jazz pianist John Proulx. Get all the details and ticket prices at Local Spins, and check out music from the featured acts.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
Traverse City’s Soul Patch uncorks ‘conscious groove’ music with ‘love, positivity, laughter’
The long-running northern Michigan band with a jam, funk, rock and bluegrass vibe makes its Local Spins Wednesdays debut this week at Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge. Get the back story on Soul Patch, listen to the band’s music, watch the videos.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Dec. 4-10): Katy Perry, Suicideboys, Joe Hertler, Snails, Damien Escobar, Scarface, Broccoli Samurai, Tab Benoit
A week heavy on EDM also features Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith, Jon Pardi, Soul Patch, The Concussions, Luke Winslow King, The Secret Sisters, Juanita Stein and much more. Get the full concert lowdown, plus intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks, in The Big List Concert Guide.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
UV Hippo, Over the Rhine, Tommy Emmanuel, Brett Young, May Erlewine, The Outer Vibe, 1997 and Tom Waits Tributes: Recaps, photos
Another eclectic week of live music across West Michigan: Check out reviews of Over the Rhine and UV Hippo, plus photo galleries from fan-pleasing shows by Brett Young, Tommy Emmanuel, The Outer Vibe, May Erlewine and super-groups reprising 1997 and paying tribute to Tom Waits. You’ll find this flurry of photos and videos only at Local Spins.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
No. 1 Local Spins Story of the Year: Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith wows fans by sitting in with three different bands in Grand Rapids
The ‘Top 10 Rewind’ series wraps up with Local Spins’ top story of 2017: the fun June night when drummer Chad Smith made the rounds on stage at the three Grand Rapids venues, some 24 hours before the Chili Peppers’ sold-out show at Van Andel Arena. Relive the evening in this story and videos from Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts 2018 performer applications now available online
West Michigan musicians can now apply online to perform at Festival 2018 next June. The applications, with a $15 fee, are due by the end of February. Find the links to the online form at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues, Public Access rev up Local Spins on WYCE
A legendary Grand Rapids blues band performed live in-studio and an emerging instrumental rock band previewed two new tracks on Local Spins on WYCE, which also boasted new music from The Outer Vibe, Bob Seger, The Fever Haze, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Michigan Album Reviews: Bob Seger, Moses, Cameron Blake, Blushing Monk, Venson Dix, Wicker Basket
The holidays are the perfect time to round up some of the latest releases by Michigan artists, spotlighting albums you can add to your gift lists. Check out the reviews, with audio samples of the new music.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins Rewind Top 10: The Accidentals sign with Sony Music Masterworks
The No. 2 Local Spins story of the year broke the news in January that the much-buzzed-about Traverse City band had inked a contract with the eclectic label to release a new album. Check out the band’s video message and find links to follow-up stories.
Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Videos
From stage-diving heavy metal to no-rules bluegrass: Billy Strings in the RSVP Music Chat
Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast sat down with Michigan-bred guitarist Billy Strings for a free-wheeling chat about small-town boredom, a’no rules’ attitude and bluegrass snootiness, pride in parents, exploring one’s full potential, rowdy concerts, love of life and riding the wave as long as you can. Listen to the full podcast, watch the video highlights.
Artist Spotlights · Concert reviews · Photos · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins’ No. 3 Story of the Year: Greta Van Fleet proves future of rock is in good hands
The ‘Local Spins Rewind’ series continues with another one of the most-read Local Spins stories of 2017: A look at a young band from Frankenmuth that’s become Michigan’s hottest hard rock export. Revisit the concert review, photo gallery and video from September’s sold-out Grand Rapids show, and see what national media outlets are saying about this buzz band. Greta Van Fleet plays another sold-out show at The Intersection in late December.
West Michigan Music Video of the Week: Grand Haven singer-guitarist Dave Palmer’s ‘Burn’
This week’s featured music video at Local Spins focuses on something new from the founder of the Walk the Beat festival. Check out Dave Palmer’s “Burn,” then see how he’s raising money for a special cause in Haiti through his upcoming performances.
Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: Record Store Day leads police to shut down one Grand Rapids celebration
Local Spins’ recap of the Top 10 stories of 2017 takes a look back at Record Store Day 2017. The No. 4 story on the list notes that no arrests were made, but Dodds’ Record Store Day celebration was cut off by authorities mid-stream. Still, most of the day across West Michigan shaped up as a vinyl lover’s dream. Check out the photo gallery and video from an unusual day.
Features · Kalamazoo · Top 10 Lists
Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: Kalamazoo’s Heritage Guitar restoring the Gibson legacy by renovating historic plant
Check out the latest entry in the “Local Spins Top 10 Rewind Series,” recapping the biggest stories of 2017. This feature about Kalamazoo’s Heritage Guitar aiming to restore the luster of the Gibson factory to make it a destination for devotees of handcrafted guitars drew lots of attention from musicians and history buffs. And find links to follow-up stories, too.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Nov. 27-Dec. 3): Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Over The Rhine, Brett Young, UV Hippo, Tommy Emmanuel, Guttermouth
The week also features the Brad Mehldau Trio, Fall Flannel Folk Fest, Kris Delmhorst, the return of The Outer Vibe, Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues and much more. Browse all the live music selections for the week, plus the intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Top 10 Lists
Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: Bob Dylan sends up daring, frustrating, brilliant, unexpected, bizarre Grand Rapids show
The Local Spins Top 10 Rewind series of top 2017 stories continues with something a little different: With the media deterred from covering the legendary Bob Dylan’s concert at Van Andel Arena in October, Local Spins asked fans to offer up their own takes on the 76-year-old icon’s tour stop. The results were entertaining, intriguing and, often, poles apart.
Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: Vox Vidorra calls it quits as a band
As part of the “Local Spins Top 10 Rewind” series of articles that most captivated readers in 2017, this August story broke the sad news that the the award-winning Grand Rapids indie-soul/rock foursome had broken up but still planned to release an album they recently completed.
Artist Spotlights · Concert reviews · Podcasts · Videos
‘I’ll never stop’: Billy Strings brandishes ceaseless bluegrass passion in Grand Rapids
From swinging by Local Spins on WYCE to firing up a big crowd at The Intersection, the one-time heavy metal kid from Ionia proved his instrumental bluegrass prowess with help from ‘a killer band.’ Browse the photo galleries, watch the video of his in-studio interview and performance, and listen to the full radio podcast. And check out the bonus video from The Intersection show.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Greensky Bluegrass electrifies hometown fans with wide-ranging State Theatre show
From a fresh cover of Led Zeppelin to old rarities and fan favorites, the Kalamazoo-bred heroes made the opening blast of a two-night stand a special show for GSBG devotees. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery and videos, only at Local Spins.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: Dozens of Michigan musicians rally to support Ralston and Cindy Bowles at Intersection benefit
The ‘Local Spins Rewind Top 10’ continues with a heartwarming story: This March feature that came in at No. 8 on the countdown announced a concert raising money for the couple’s medical bills — an event boasting a who’s who roster of acts, including Troll for Trout, Larry McCray, The Soul Syndicate, Drew Nelson, Hannah Rose Graves and more. Check out the story, with a photo gallery and video highlights from the successful event itself.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Fall Flannel Folk Festival to showcase singer-songwriters as part of ‘Giving Tuesday’
The Tuesday benefit for WGVU at SpeakEZ Lounge will feature performances by half-dozen solo artists, including Michael Riley, who was featured on this week’s Local Spins on WYCE. Get the lowdown and listen to the full radio podcast featuring new local and regional music and an in-studio performance by Billy Strings and his band.
Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: Steely Dan stays faithful to classics, keeps Walter Becker’s legacy alive
Local Spins Rewind No. 9: Longtime fans got an impressive earful of jazz-rock faves from the Donald Fagen-led ensemble during October’s concert at Van Andel Arena. As part of a Local Spins series recapping the best of 2017, check out the review, photo gallery and set list from this memorable show.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: 20 Monroe Live set to rock Grand Rapids (Video tour, photos)
Local Spins Rewind Top 10: In this January feature that tied for the No. 10 spot on our list of top 2017 stories, Local Spins gave readers a tour of the new downtown venue that unleashed its first concert in February with Trombone Shorty and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. Plus, check out a bonus photo gallery recapping the first 10 months of concerts at 20 Monroe Live.
Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: Harbor Springs third-graders make splash with video take on The Accidentals’ ‘Michigan and Again’
On the day before Thanksgiving, Local Spins kicks off a series recapping the music website’s Top 10 most-read stories of 2017. The countdown starts at No. 10 with a story about a northern Michigan school video project inspired by The Accidentals’ ‘Michigan and Again.’ The young students garnered 20,000-plus views for their video in a matter of days. Check it out at Local Spins.
The travails of ‘making it’ as a Nashville musician: Dominic John Davis in the RSVP Music Chat
Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast caught up with the Michigan-bred bassist in a Grand Rapids studio, and he opened up about doing ‘a lot of juggling’ to survive during a ‘weird time’ in the music biz. Listen to Episode 7 in the RSVP Music Chat series.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Nov. 20-26): A Perfect Circle, Greensky Bluegrass, Bro Safari, Billy Strings, Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, Dacia Bridges
There’s plenty to be thankful for this week as the live music scene explodes around the holidays with special shows, both national and local, starting with a Monday jazz show. And check The Big List for your chance to win tickets to Friday’s Billy Strings show.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Yolonda Lavender strikes balance between roles as poet, artist and activist
The singer’s third album, “Back 4 The 1st Time,” unfurls a positive message through R&B, poetry and hip hop. Read the back story about this compelling artist who’s also head of Kalamazoo’s Black Arts & Cultural Center and listen to her music.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Photo Gallery: Hair-raising stuff from Dubloadz, Odesza, Christian McBride, Conklin Ceili Band, Loaves & Fishes benefit
It was a live music week of rock, EDM, folk, bluegrass, jazz and Celtic charm to remember. Relive the week in concert images and videos at Local Spins, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Local Spins 2018 Calendars showcasing Michigan bands, music festivals now on sale
The 2018 edition of the Local Spins Calendar is bigger than ever, with 24 Michigan acts featured in dazzling Local Spins concert photos, plus music festival dates. It’s a one-of-a-kind, Mitten State Christmas gift and the first 25 orders will also receive a “Local Spins Live at River City Studios” CD.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Joshua Davis in-studio, plus new music from Sligh Talkbox & 40 Loccsta, Moses, Cameron Blake, The Change
The northern Michigan singer-songwriter stopped by the day before his Grand Rapids album-release show. Listen to the full podcast, which also boasts tracks by The Founding, Michael Waite, Conklin Ceili Band, Steve Talaga and more.
Driven to write: Venson Dix ignites powerful, brash raps on social injustice, religion, family
The Grand Rapids hip hop artist and saxophonist prefers to unleash his art — and leave his legacy — in the studio. It paid off with his compelling new album, “Montshon.” Read the back story about this fascinating, up-and-coming artist, watch a video, listen to his music.
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