The Traverse City singer-songwriter and ‘Voice’ star has released the Steve Berlin-produced ‘The Way Back Home’ and will play The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Saturday. He appears for Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM at 11 a.m. Friday. Check out a review of his new album and listen to new songs.
Michigan Album Reviews: Bigfoot Buffalo, The Zannies, The Founding, Jukejoint Handmedowns, Organissimo
This November batch of recent regional releases will make many folks thankful for Michigan’s music scene. Check out the reviews and listen to the music. Then stay tuned for Part II later this monrth.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo’s The Founding sheds Blarney Castle moniker to reflect ‘new style’ of Celtic music with release of first full-length album
The young, award-winning, up-and-coming West Michigan band already has become a staple at top-tier Irish music festivals and has honed a unique sound for its Celtic-driven music. It plays a Grand Rapids CD-release show Thursday night. Learn more about The Founding and watch videos of its songs.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Nov. 13-19): Dubloadz, Styx, Joshua Davis, Front Country, Descendents, Christian McBride, Wine, Beer & Food Festival
Odesza starts the week with a sold-out show, but there’s more: Kerosene Stars, The Ragbirds, Brubeck Brothers, The Contenders, The Krank Daddies, Conklin Ceili Band and a Simon & Garfunkel tribute. And see how you can win free tickets to the mammoth International Wine, Beer and Food Festival.
Infamous Stringdusters stir up their ‘jamily’ in weekend-ending Kalamazoo tour stop
The powerhouse bluegrass band proved its mettle on Sunday night at Bell’s Brewery with bracing covers and originals for a devoted audience that boasted fans from across the Midwest. Relive the show in this Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Aaron Lewis, New Found Glory, Borgore, Needtobreathe, Mister Heavenly, Joshua Davis, Take Hold Fest pump up West Michigan: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
This edition of the week-in-review also boasts a tour stop by The Yawpers, a Tom Petty tribute and local showcases featuring the likes of Great Black Night, Lapdogs and more. Browse the photos, watch the videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Brant Satala’s musical voyage continues, plus Sleepover, Nordlund, New Music Ensemble, Rick Chyme & Nixon
This week’s episode featured Satala playing a new song in-studio, plus music from Benjaman James, Jukejoint Handmedowns, The Zannies, Last Gasp Collective, Magenta Flag and more. Watch the video, listen to the full podcast.
Breaking music news · Festivals · Podcasts
Fretboard Festival seeks play-in contest bands; Revolve Records moves; November’s Local Spins on Michigan Radio podcast
November’s music news roundup: a call for bands to enter a Fretboard Fest play-in contest, a Grand Rapids record store move and this month’s Local Spins podcast on Michigan Radio showcasing new West Michigan releases. Get the lowdown and listen to the podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals
Tulip Time 2018 ramps up offerings with Beach Boys, Joshua Davis, Texas Tenors, Jake Kershaw
Tickets went on sale this morning for concerts taking place next May at the long-running Holland festival, which aims to add variety as well as ‘appeal to a younger spectrum’ of fans. Check out Tulip Time’s musical lineup at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
From Grand Rapids to Scotland: Singer-songwriter Rachel Zylstra’s adventure brings her back to West Michigan
Now based in Edinburgh, the pop-pianist plays a homecoming show tonight (Thursday) at Ladies Literary Club, her first Grand Rapids show since 2012 and a chance for fans to hear songs from her most recent album. Read the back story, listen to Zylstra’s music at Local Spins.
Billy Strings snags No. 1 on Hot Top 5 chart for October, plays Grand Rapids Nov. 24
The bluegrass guitar whiz and Michigan native bumped The Accidentals from the top slot last month, with four new regional album entries coming in right behind. See the full chart and listen to music from some of the featured artists.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Louder Than Words: Rock ’n’ roll’s impact on American politics the focus of new Ford Museum exhibit
The special exhibit curated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Newseum opens Tuesday night in Grand Rapids with compelling videos and rock artifacts. Take a video tour and find out more about this display at Local Spins.
Terrorism, guns, security, fear, stolen gear and live music: RSVP Music Chat
In the sixth episode of Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast, our intrepid music commentators delve into the scary world of mass mayhem that’s rocked major public concerts and festivals, plus event security in general. Listen to the full RSVP Music Chat podcast.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Nov. 6-12): Borgore, Aaron Lewis, New Found Glory, Mister Heavenly, Joshua Davis, Needtobreathe
Jai Wolf, The Yawpers, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Fareed Haque and tributes to Tom Petty, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young help pump up the live music slate. And see this week’s ticket giveaway at The Intersection.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Lamp Light Music Festival 2017: An uncommon, copacetic and cozy glow (Review, photos, video)
The sixth annual house concert festival in Grand Rapids’ Eastown neighborhood featured tightly packed performances by Mark Lavengood, Lando Chill, Glum, Mutual Benefit, Timbre, Breathe Owl Breathe, May Erlewine, Tom Hymn’s Tangerine Dream, Stef Chura and more. Check out the recap, photo gallery and video at Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Regina Spektor gets happy, plus Kalamashoegazer, Bigfoot Buffalo, Jake Kershaw: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
Regina Spektor’s sold-out show at 20 Monroe Live was just part of an inspiring week that spotlighted regional and national acts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Check out all of the photo galleries and videos.
Chris Stapleton lights up Grand Rapids with songs to ‘drown out all the hate in the world’
The award-winning country singer brought his “All-American Road Show” to Van Andel Arena on Saturday, with icon Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb in tow. Check out the recap, photo gallery and set list from the sold-out show at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Pink Sky in-studio, plus new tracks by The Zannies, Joshua Davis, M. Teal, The Lasso, LittleGoodBad
Grand Rapids electronic music duo Pink Sky previewed its Lamp Light Music Festival performance this weekend for Local Spins on WYCE, which also showcased songs from Rachel Zylstra, Bigfoot Buffalo, Great Black Night and FLUSHED. Listen to the full podcast.
Janet Jackson packs 30-plus years of history, provocation into hit-filled Van Andel Arena tour stop
Janet Jackson’s return to Grand Rapids on Wednesday showcased her trademark dance moves, gracious charm and badass power poses, proving the singer is still in command. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Festivals · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
Airiel, Dead Leaf Echo, Whimsical top bill Saturday for Kalamashoegazer 11 fest
Variety rules this popular festival being held at Bell’s in Kalamazoo, with national and regional shoegaze, dream pop and noise bands taking center stage. See the full schedule, check out videos of some featured acts.
Lamp Light Music Festival set for sixth year of illuminating creativity, culture, community
The unique Grand Rapids house concert festival will showcase 29 acts over three days in three Eastown neighborhood homes, spotlighting emerging and well-known acts from across the region. Get the lowdown on this weekend’s festival and a schedule at Local Spins.
Haunting Halloween Rock: Local Spins’ Top 10 Creepy Song Playlist by Ted Smith
For this year’s Halloween roster of haunting songs, Local Spins turned to Tip Top Deluxe co-owner — and vintage horror devotee — Ted Smith to create a scary-soundtrack for the creepy holiday. Ogle the vidoes, listen to the playlist on Spotify.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 30-Nov. 5): Janet Jackson, Periphery, Animals As Leaders, Chris Stapleton, Jeff Daniels, Regina Spektor, Lamp Light Music Fest, Colin Hay, The Used
Irma Thomas, Blind Boys of Alabama and Preservation Hall Legacy Quintet jumpstart the week of live music in West Michigan, but this week’s live music picks at Local Spins also feature Cold Hard Cash, Kalamashoegazer Fest, Elephant Revival, Jake Kershaw and some must-see local showcases.
Ben Folds pilots fervid Grand Rapids fans on wild flight of ‘Paper Airplane Request’ tour stop
Suffice to say, beloved power pop piano-pounder Ben Folds soared during his concert for a capacity crowd at 20 Monroe Live on Sunday night with a career-spanning set list and lively stage banter. Read the show recap and ogle the photo gallery, only at Local Spins.
Fright Nights and Haunting Holiday Hoopla with ghouls, freaks, fiends and rock ‘n’ EDM (Photo Galleries)
This weekend’s galleries are awash in early Halloween celebrations which mixed costumed craziness with DJs and bands providing the musical backdrop to haunt venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. But there were also some special shows beyond that, including Dinosaur Jr. and a Domestic Problems reunion. See all the images at Local Spins.
Bob Dylan sends up daring, frustrating, wonderful, unexpected, bizarre, brilliant Grand Rapids show: Fan reviews at Local Spins
With the media deterred from covering the legendary Bob Dylan’s concert at Van Andel Arena on Saturday night, Local Spins asked some fans to offer up their takes on the 76-year-old icon’s tour stop.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
‘Michigan Loves You’: The Accidentals revel in spirited and collaborative homecoming shows
After a Western tour, the band’s album-release shows in Kalamazoo and Muskegon on Thursday and Friday nights were exuberant displays featuring guests such as The Crane Wives and Rick Chyme. Read the recaps, browse the photo galleries and check out the video of a special on-stage pairing of The Crane Wives and Accidentals.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Bigfoot Buffalo and new music from Venson Dix, Josiah Zittel and more
With guest host Nicholas James Thomasma on the mic, this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by roots rock’s Bigfoot Buffalo and tracks by a host of regional bands, including Josiah Zittel, Venson Dix, The Concussions, Ralston Bowles, The Bootstrap Boys, The Crane Wives, Fauxgrass and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Musical heroes: Forest Hills series spotlights Irma Thomas, Preservation Hall Jazz, Blind Boys, Tower of Power, Bruce Hornsby
Irma Thomas, Preservation Hall Jazz Quintet and Blind Boys of Alabama kick off a series Monday that also features Tower of Power, Dublin Irish Dance and Bruce Hornsby. Check out the interviews with Preservation Hall’s Calvin Johnson Jr. and Tower of Power’s Emilio Castillo. Only at Local Spins.
GRCC’s new Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall touts ‘beautiful’ acoustics, empowering space to create art
Dedicated last week, the ‘completely transformed’ hall is part of an $8.5 million renovation of the Grand Rapids college’s music center, giving students and musicians an acoustically fetching performance space. Get the back story about this project in this Local Spins Q&A.
The Accidentals Tour Diary: A 40-day ‘Odyssey’ of flat tires, broken axles, police calls, kind strangers and inspiring concerts
Experience the crazy life of a band on the road courtesy of Traverse City’s emerging national act The Accidentals, who play Michigan album-release dates this week after a grueling West Coast tour. All of it is documented for Local Spins in this event- and calamity-filled tour diary.
Lights, synths, action: Alt-J rolls out ‘awesome wave’ of haunting sights, sounds in Grand Rapids show
Promoting its latest album, “Relaxer,” the English rock band’s tour stop Tuesday at 20 Monroe Live got a boost from an impressive light show and an opening set by indie-pop singer Bishop Briggs. Read the Local Spins review, browse the photo gallery, scan the set list.
Michigan Music News: Conrad Shock wins Albion’s Walk the Beat; Kid Rock’s ‘Senate run’ was a joke; Bob Seger recovering from surgery
The October music news roundup at Local Spins checks in with the latest Walk the Best contest winner, Kid Rock’s faux political campaign and Bob Seger’s recovery.
Obstacles to a band’s success: Disrespecting fans, lack of preparation, money? Part II of the RSVP Music Chat podcast
The fifth episode of Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast takes a second crack at why some bands can’t seem to get traction. Take a listen to the podcast, then pipe in with your own take on the subject — or on any musical topic.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 23-29): Bob Dylan, Alt-J, Leo Kottke, Kip Moore, Crowder, Dinosaur Jr., Ben Folds, The Accidentals
The week leading up to Halloween is a scary-good one when it comes to live music, and of course, the holiday gets started early with plenty of ghoulish weekend parties. Scour The Big List and Under-the-Radar Picks, and win VIP tickets to see The Accidentals at their CD-release show at the Frauenthal Center.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Gavin DeGraw, O.A.R., Ghostface Killah, Floozies, Michigander, Jake Kershaw pump up West Michigan fans: Week-in-Review Photos
Another week of audience-inspiring music had West Michigan fans cheering national touring acts and local stars alike — and Local Spins was there to capture the images. Browse all of the photo galleries and find links to reviews of Steely Dan and 311.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: The Hacky Turtles in-studio, plus new tracks by Watching for Foxes, Olivia Mainville, Cassidy Bisher, Blushing Monk
The 162nd episode of the show spotlighting local and regional acts also boasted music from Wicker Basket, Cosmic Knot, Jake Kershaw, Hannah Laine and Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys. Listen to this week’s radio podcast.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Gifts or Creatures’ new Michigan-centric album hits on definite, historic tones of home
With a new batch of lilting songs about the Great Lakes Basin, the indie-folk duo is set to perform in its new hometown of Kalamazoo and play Grand Rapids’ Lamp Light Music Festival in coming weeks. Discover the back story about this musical couple and watch a video of the first single from their new album.
311 fuels undying spirit of uber-fandom in career-spanning Grand Rapids show
Thursday’s tour stop at 20 Monroe Live unleashed the band’s rousing, genre-melding attack while attracting a throng of devotees, including one Grand Rapids fan who was seeing 311 for the 67th time. Relive the show with this Local Spins review and photo gallery; browse the set list.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan Album Reviews: Cosmic Knot, Deerfield Run, Desmond Jones, Wala Gum, Mid-Life Crisis, Willamena, FlyLiteGemini, Lapdogs
This October round-up of new regional releases covers the musical gamut, from prog-rock to jam bands to indie-rock and more. Check out the reviews, listen to samples of the new music at Local Spins.
Crafting songs with ‘big crowds in mind’: Michigander’s musical quest to conquer a national audience
In an immersive interview, the unassuming Jason Singer talks candidly with Local Spins about his musical endeavors as Michigander while making the rounds to a few of his favorite Grand Rapids hangouts. Check out this week’s “good read” in this profile of a fast-emerging regional artist by Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos.
River City Studios celebrates 40th anniversary of recording Grand Rapids’ musical history
Owner Roy Wallace has continued the legacy of Michigan’s longest-running studio at a new location, with 2017’s diverse projects featuring UV Hippo, Lipstick Jodi, Moxie Strings, Watching for Foxes, Rockit King and more. Learn more about the studio and take a video tour.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins Guest Playlist: Michigan blues-guitar whiz kid Jake Kershaw’s Top 10
With Jake Kershaw hosting a Grand Rapids album-release show Thursday, Local Spins asked the 17-year-old musician to share his favorite, most influential tunes — from John Mayer to Cream to Tommy Castro. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
Steely Dan stays faithful to old classics, keeps Walter Becker’s legacy alive in Grand Rapids tour stop
Longtime fans got an impressive earful of jazz-rock faves from the Donald Fagen-led ensemble during Monday’s tour stop at Van Andel Arena. Check out the review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 16-22): O.A.R., 311, Steely Dan, Gavin DeGraw, Ghostface Killah, Jake Kershaw, Space Jesus, Kris Allen
Another week of eclectic music unfolds, from Surfer Blood to Kari Lynch, Mary Chapin Carpenter to CARE, Adam Rudolph to Chris Ayer, Bex Marshall to Lindsay Lou. Get the lowdown with The Big List and this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks, and see how you can win tickets to see 311 or blues-guitar phenom Jake Kershaw.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mastodon, The War & Treaty, REZZ, Noah Gundersen: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
Rock ‘n’ roll, folk, gospel-fired and soulful Americana, EDM, you name it: West Michigan’s live music lineup was an impressive one this week. And the Local Spins photo galleries prove it. Browse the galleries, read a review of Noah Gundersen’s Grand Rapids concert at The Pyramid Scheme.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE, Michigan Radio Podcasts: May Erlewine, Desmond Jones, Valley Girl, Sojii, FlyLiteGemini, Joshua Davis
Listen to three podcasts spotlighting regional music: The past two episodes of Local Spins on WYCE, plus Local Spins on Michigan Radio, highlighting May Erlewine, Desmond Jones, Valley Girl, Cameron Blake, Sojii, FlyLiteGemini, Joshua Davis, Ruth & Max Bloomquist, Slumlord Radio and more.
Obstacles to success as a band: Ego, lack of motivation, time pressure, apathy? RSVP Music Chat podcast
How about just trying to “be nice”? The fourth episode of Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast tackles reader comments on the attitudes and stumbling blocks that can thwart a band’s progress or success. Listen and then pipe in with your own take on the topic.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
The Hacky Turtles set up musical shop in Grand Rapids while spreading funky, folk-rock ‘message of positivity and joy’
Relocating to West Michigan from Chicago, the Traverse City-bred band plays Founders Brewing on Thursday and Grand Armory Brewing on Oct. 20 while creating new songs for its sophomore album. Check out the Local Spins profile of this emerging band, along with video and audio samples of its unique music.
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