In a Local Spins interview, Brian Vander Ark, frontman for the Grand Rapids band, says he’s ’embraced the rock again’ as the group prepares for a homecoming show Saturday at 20 Monroe Live. Find out what the alt-rockers have been up to and watch a video of a song from The Verve Pipe’s latest album.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: New music from Cabildo, Public Access, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions
Local Spins’ February segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” showcased fresh releases by Grand Rapids artists covering a broad range of styles. Check out the podcast, along with profiles of the featured artists.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan Concert Digest: Microbrew & Music Fest to debut at Mount Mancelona; Ryan Scott Graham set for Detroit homecoming
For those willing to hit the road, there are intriguing options this weekend boasting a unique Michigan flair. Check out two of them at Local Spins: a preview of the Microbrew & Music Festival in northern Michigan and an interview with the Michigan native fronting Speak Low If You Speak Love, which plays Detroit on Friday.
WYCE’s Jammie Awards assure robust night of music, community, ‘awesome’ vibe
The 19th annual showcase of regional music unfurls Friday night at The Intersection. WYCE manager Quinn Mathews reflects on the daunting but inspiring ‘biggest night for West Michigan music.’ See and save the full schedule.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Feb. 5-11): Marilyn Manson, Luke Combs, The Verve Pipe, Public Access, Robbie Fulks, The Jammie Awards, NF, Avatar
Christian rapper NF kicks off the week with another sold-out show at 20 Monroe Live, but there’s more, including Albert Lee, Hippo Campus, Edye Evans Hyde, Old Salt Union, Lady Ace Boogie, The Jetbeats, That Beatles Thing and more. And see how you can win tickets to The Verve Pipe.
Breaking music news · Commentary
Open Letter to Local Spins Readers: Sign up for emails, bookmark Local Spins, follow us on Instagram, Twitter
Facebook has made changes that could affect how often you’re alerted to the marvelous music news that Local Spins works hard to provide. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss a beat.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Super Bowl Sunday Photo Galleries: Cooper’s Glen Fest, George Clinton, Winter Punk Fest, Blues Traveler, Trampa, Judy Collins
Super Bowl weekend is about more than just a big football game: West Michigan boasted a couple of music festivals and tour stops by George Clinton, Blues Traveler, Trampa, Judy Collins, Morgan Wallen and more. Check out all of the resplendent photo galleries at Local Spins — the perfect pre-game entertainment.
Umphrey’s McGee takes Kalamazoo by storm in first blast at Wings Event Center
Touring behind its new album, “It’s Not Us,” the popular jam band revved it up impressively in old-school fashion in the first of two straight nights at this West Michigan venue. Read the review by Local Spins writer Ryan Boldrey, with a colorful photo gallery by Derek Ketchum and a complete set list from Friday’s show.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: The Founding takes Irish tradition up a notch, plus new tracks by Molly, El Brandino and more
This week’s edition of the radio show also featured music from Sleep Cheaters, LVRS, Jeremy Ensley, Lushh, Skyking, Ttypes and An Dro. Listen to the full podcast, watch the in-studio video of The Founding’s performance.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Videos
Jake Kershaw: HopCat Presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios (Video)
This week, Local Spins and River City Studios hosted their first-ever live-stream session, spotlighting acclaimed teenage blues guitarist Jake Kershaw and his band. Relive the performance via video and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Cooper’s Glen Festival in Kalamazoo aims to ‘blow the roof off the place’ with acoustic fire
Hosted for the 16th year by the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association, Saturday’s affair boasts workshops and sets by Tom Paxton, Michael Cleveland, Don Julin and much more. See the full schedule for this year’s one-day festival.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Judy Collins follows ‘extraordinary year’ with Grand Rapids tour stop, pulling no punches politically or otherwise
In a revealing interview with Local Spins, the legendary singer talks about her 59-year career, her love of performing and her dim view of the White House. Judy Collins plays a sold-out concert at St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Jan. 29-Feb. 4): Umphrey’s McGee, Judy Collins, Blues Traveler, George Clinton, Trampa, Cooper’s Glen, Winter Punk Fest
Another big week of live music unfolds across West Michigan. Wrap up January and dive into February with national tour stops plus bracing shows featuring The Ragbirds, Watching for Foxes, The Lil Smokies, Anne Heaton, Bamfomania and more.
Børns brings stage savvy, pop glory to Grand Rapids for exuberant homecoming show
West Michigan fans gave the onetime Grand Haven resident and L.A.-based pop star a hero’s welcome during Sunday’s impressive, sold-out concert at 20 Monroe Live. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Thousands heat up Perrin Ice Jam for Mustard Plug, Hollywood Makeout, Jake Kershaw, Fauxgrass (plus weekend photo galleries)
The second annual winter festival outside Perrin Brewing in Comstock Park on Saturday reveled in spring-like weather and boisterous sets by four West Michigan favorites. Check out the recap, highlights video and photos, only at Local Spins, plus separate galleries from shows by The Cadillac Three, Cabildo and GR Soul Club with Maseo.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Michigan Album Reviews: Eminem, Børns, Cabildo, The Devil’s Cut, Ttypes, Jack Droppers
With Børns playing a homecoming show tonight, Local Spins probes his new studio album, along with new releases by Eminem, Cabildo, The Devil’s Cut, Ttypes and Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions. Read the reviews, listen to audio samples.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions’ rock ’n’ roll of self-expression, love and living in ‘the tension of the world’
With a new debut album, the Grand Rapids band performed this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music from The War & Treaty, VAZUM and Skyking. Read the story, watch the video of Jack Droppers’ in-studio performance and listen to the full radio show podcast.
RSVP Music Chat: Drinking too much, too old (or too new) guitar strings and other mistakes bands make in the recording studio
For Episode No. 11 of Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast, the duo welcomes River City Studios owner and engineer Roy Wallace to talk about how bands can better prepare for recording an album or EP, and what they often get wrong. Listen to this enlightening session from an expert audio engineer.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Albion’s The War and Treaty talks touring, their uplifting musical mission and playing Ann Arbor Folk Festival with John Prine
It’s been a whirlwind year for the engaging and soulful Americana duo with more thrills to come: They’ll make their debut at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Bonnaroo and more in 2018. Learn more about that and their work in Nashville in this exclusive Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
From ambulances to stages: Signal Point rocks out … when not saving lives as paramedics
The Grand Rapids rock band Signal Point boasts three paramedics and has featured various emergency responders over the years. Read the back story about this unusual band that’s often on-call after gigs.
Concert announcements · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan House to host Traverse City, Ann Arbor benefits for return to SXSW; Rhiannon Giddens to play St. Cecilia for second time
This Local Spins round-up focuses on Michigan House’s return to Austin for SXSW for the fourth year in a row and the latest booking for St. Cecilia’s Acoustic Cafe series, plus a groovy listing of recent buzzed-about West Michigan concert announcements.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Jan. 22-28): Candlebox, The Cadillac Three, Børns, Sweet Water Warblers, Perrin Ice Jam, A2 Folk Festival
The week of West Michigan concerts is heavy on local stars, too, with Cabildo, Watching for Foxes, Brian Morris, Jack Droppers, Jimmie Stagger, VAZUM and much more on the docket. See all of this week’s big shows, Under-the-Radar Picks and The Really Big List covering more than 100 venues. And see how you can win tickets to see Candlebox.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Dwight Yoakam, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mark Farina, Big Head Todd, Black Veil Brides, Diane Coffee perk up stages: Weekend Photo Galleries
Another bustling weekend of live music across West Michigan showcased national and regional acts on various stages. Check out the images and videos at Local Spins, with everything from country to swing to house music to rock ‘n’ roll.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Cabildo unleashes politically charged, fiery new album: Local Spins on WYCE (Story, podcast, video)
Releasing its first album in 12 years, the Latin-fueled Grand Rapids band performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Barn on Fire, Ian Link, The Aquaerials, Borns, EPCYA, Jack & the Bear and more. Listen to the full podcast, read the story, watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven-bred Børns builds pop fervor for new album; thrilled to play first ‘hometown’ show in years
The L.A.-based star and West Michigan native who plays a sold-out Grand Rapids concert next week talks to Local Spins about the ’70s influences on “Blue Madonna” and the excitement of being back home again. Revisit this hometown hero and watch videos of his latest singles.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The Legal Immigrants’ quest for rock ’n’ roll’s holy grail: Local Spins Live at River City Studios
One of Grand Rapids’ favorite rock bands performed new and old songs in-studio and chatted about getting more eclectic on their next studio album. Read the story, listen to the HopCat Presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios podcast, watch the video.
Commentary · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows
Looking for the Perfect Beat: Before Odesza and Pretty Lights came groundbreaking pioneer Mark Farina and ‘Mushroom Jazz’
Legendary DJ Mark Farina plays a much-buzzed-about show Saturday at Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids. He recently shared insights into his musical history — which began in Chicago — with Local Spins columnist Todd Ernst. Read the interview, listen to his music as part of the first Local Spins “Looking for the Perfect Beat” feature.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Holland’s Marcel & Janelle set to release new EP during hopeful, ‘heartfelt’ show at Park Theatre
Recently relocating to West Michigan from Denver, the indie-soul duo has turned the pain of a losing a child into a healing, uplifting experience through music, while aiding charities along the way. Read more about this couple’s journey and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Alt-blues rock’s Big Head Todd stays relevant; ready to prove live show legacy in Kalamazoo: The Local Spins Q&A
The Colorado band entering its fourth decade after releasing its 11th studio album plays State Theatre on Thursday, with Luther Dickinson opening. Check out the Local Spins interview with Big Head Todd frontman Todd Park Mohr.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Jan. 15-21): Dwight Yoakam, Mark Farina, Tower of Power, Chris Young, Black Veil Brides, Big Head Todd, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Dirty Heads
The week starts with a special MLK celebration and continues with McKinley James, Way Down Wanderers, The Dan Band, Kevin Olusola, Hi-Ker, Cheeze Weez, Josh Rose and much more. And see how you can win tickets to shows at 20 Monroe Live this week.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Joe Diffie & more at Beer City Music Fest, Tunde Olaniran, Flobots, Black Jake, Rebirth Brass Band: Weekend Photo Galleries
West Michigan’s week of music showcased country music, pop, R&B, hip hop, a New Orleans brass band and, yes, crabgrass. Get the lowdown in four different photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Winter Wheat cultivates summery, Michigan-bred charm for rootsy, all-day festival
Saturday’s ninth annual benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization boasted more than a dozen performances, including sets by Joshua Davis, K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, Gasoline Gypsies and more. Check out video highlights and a photo gallery, only at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
White Birch Music Festival to debut in May outside Stanton; Greensky Bluegrass hints at new Michigan festival
More than two dozen regional acts will play the White Birch event at the Morelands Motocross Park; Greensky hasn’t yet revealed the location of its new festival. See the lineup and details for the White Birch fest.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Electro-soul singer Alexander Lynch finds ‘life-changing’ inspiration in Detroit, plus the Blue Water Ramblers and new tracks by Michigan artists
This week’s episode of Local Spins on WYCE featured in-studio performances by Lynch and the Blue Water Ramblers, plus new music from Public Access, Darin Zarzecki, Seth Bernard, The Krelboynes, Max Morrison, Laura Rain, Spike the Media and Jeremy Porter & The Tucosrs (and check out a video, too).
Fighting the establishment and embracing ‘uncomfortable’ messages: Veteran GR DJs recount rock radio’s protest glory days
WLAV radio icons Tony Gates, Ed Buchanan and Steve Aldrich regaled an audience with anecdotes at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in a program linked to the Rock Hall’s “Louder Than Words: Rock, Power and Politics” exhibit. Check out a recap of the evening at Local Spins.
RSVP Music Chat: Unmasking the mystery of band bookings and how venues choose acts
For this January episode, Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast sat down with Intersection general manager Scott Hammontree to talk about booking, landing tours and how local bands get on concert bills. Listen to this fascinating conversation about what happens behind the scenes.
Concert announcements · Festivals
Perrin Ice Jam to return for second year with headliner Mustard Plug, 5K Frostbite run/walk
The outdoor festival on Jan. 27 will also boast sets by Jake Kershaw, Hollywood Makeout and Fauxgrass, with proceeds benefiting Kids’ Food Basket. See the full schedule and check out details at Local Spins.
Winter Wheat set to heat up season with more than a dozen acts at all-day Grand Rapids fest
The ninth annual fundraiser for the Wheatland Music Organization will take over The Intersection on Saturday with sets by Joshua Davis, Benzie Playboys, Gasoline Gypsies with Native Howl, Jimmie Stagger and others. Get the lowdown on this beloved event and the full schedule.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Jan. 8-14): Avenged Sevenfold, Budos Band, Tunde Olaniran, Winter Wheat, Rebirth Brass Band, Beer City Music Festival, The Werks, Tribal Seeds
The week gets started with a groovy “Louder Than Words” panel on rock, then keeps rolling with Peat in the Creel, a Samsara Showcase, Far Shores, Weezil Malone and so much more. Take a gander at the robust list of intriguing “Under-the-Radar Picks” and check out the ticket giveaway of the week.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Cosmic Knot, Sarah Lynn win Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival 2018 play-in contest
The Kalamazoo country songstress and eclectic Grand Rapids jam band topped six acts competing for slots at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s March festival. Check out photos and a video from Friday’s event, along with details and the lineup for the March festival.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: hi-ker harnesses IDM obsession for fetching new release
The West Michigan trio brought its electronic wizardry to this week’s radio show, which also boasted the debut of tracks by Shane Tripp, Peat in the Creel, Venson Dix and Bruce Matthews. Listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast, which also featured songs by performers at the upcoming Jammie Awards.
May Erlewine, Billy Strings retain peak positions on December’s Hot Top 5 chart
For the second month in a row, the latest albums by May Erlewine and Billy Strings dominated local/regional airplay on WYCE-FM (88.1). See who else made the Top 5 with videos/audio samples of all the artists on the latest chart.
RSVP Music Chat: The pros and cons of tribute acts and tribute shows, plus other groovy stuff
The first Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast of 2018 tackles the intriguing popularity of tribute acts, along with looking back at 2017 and forward to 2018. Oh, and a bunch of other stuff in this episode. Listen to the podcast, leave a voice message for RSVP Music Chat.
Music Festival Advertising at Local Spins
Local Spins offers a wealth of advertising opportunities for festivals, with special rates for non-profit organizations staging these events. Standard banner ads appearing at LocalSpins.com start at just $130 per[…]
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Regional stars breaking out nationally, plus three emerging buzzed-about acts with new releases
Local Spins’ first segment of 2018 on the statewide radio show spotlighted Borns, Greta Van Fleet, The Accidentals, Billy Strings, The War & Treaty and Jake Kershaw, plus new releases from Grand Rapids’ Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, hi-ker and Cassidy Bisher. Listen to this week’s podcast and learn more about these rising acts.
Concert announcements · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Hollywood Makeout, Jake Kershaw, The Founding, Yolonda Lavender, Desmond Jones, ConvoTronics, Major Murphy to perform at Jammie Awards for first time
February’s biggest night for local music will also boast sets by popular acts such as May Erlewine, Organissimo, Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, Afro Zuma and many more. See the full roster of performers and listen to the most recent Local Spins on WYCE podcast featuring a bevy of Jammie nominees.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Jan. 2-7): Luke Winslow King, The Howlers and Shane Tripp, Jocelyn and Chris Arndt, Tyler Hilton, plus tributes to Elvis Presley, Tom Petty, GNR
It’s a triumphant start to 2018: Local acts rule The Big List, with The Hacky Turtles, Hey Marco!, Dave Palmer, Bruce Matthews and a bunch of “Under-the-Radar” gems, plus the Winter Jam tour stopping at Van Andel Arena and a Boy Band revue at 20 Monroe Live. And see how you can win tickets to the Elvis tribute and Harper & Midwest Kind at the Tip Top Deluxe.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Week-in-Review Photos, Videos: New Year’s Eve at Wealthy Theatre & in Kalamazoo, Mustard Plug, Joe Hertler, Manic Focus and more
The week closing out 2017 boasted more than its fair share of eclectic music from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, from Hannah Rose Graves to Billy Strings, from Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers to Seth Bernard. The Go Rounds and Lady Ace Boogie. Celebrate 2018 by ogling all the photo galleries and videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Greta Van Fleet, The Accidentals and a Tom Petty salute ignite wall-to-wall fervor in separate Grand Rapids shows
Three downtown venues hosted capacity crowds on Saturday night for fan-pleasing spectacles, each with its own story line and passionate vibe. Relive the shows by Greta Van Fleet, The Accidentals and a West Michigan super-group paying homage to Tom Petty in words, photos and videos at Local Spins.
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