Local Spins’ annual Labor Day column spotlights the financial plight of local musicians. For many, the unseen time and labor behind a band’s typical road gig means working 10-12 hours for $10 to $15 a day. Most bands will do it happily time and again. But is that fair?
UB40 closes out Meijer Gardens concert season with reggae- and dance-fueled nostalgia
The Labor Day weekend kick-starts with roaring bass and good vibes as one of West Michigan’s premier summer concert series comes to an end. Read the review and browse the photo gallery featuring UB40 and Raging Fyah.
Tom Hymn revels in ‘eerie and weird sounds,’ musical guests, personal pilgrimage on sophomore album
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter celebrates release of “Tom Hymn’s Tangerine Dream” with an ensemble of musical pals at Fountain Street Church next week. Read the back story, watch the video of his in-studio performance for Local Spins on WYCE.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Venue Roundup: Forest Hills series to feature Bruce Hornsby, Blind Boys of Alabama; St. Cecilia jazz series kicks off with Christian McBride; Van Andel Arena, DeVos set records
Two Grand Rapids concert halls kick off new seasons with touring stars this fall, while the downtown arena continues to make headlines nationally. Check out the lineups and details at Local Spins.
Vox Vidorra calls it quits as a band, ‘cannot continue as a group’
The award-winning Grand Rapids indie-soul/rock foursome made it official on Wednesday: They’ve broken up but still plan to release an album they recently completed.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Larry McCray, Thornetta Davis add blues power to Tuesday Evening Music Club finale
Series host Ralston Bowles showcased a roster of Michigan stars — including Brian Oberlin, Nik Carman and Eric Engblade — for a full Meijer Gardens amphitheater to close out the summer. Check out video highlights, photos and a recap of Tuesday’s show.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Cold Creek Campout cancels 2017 music festival at Val Du Lakes
Organizer Cameron Strong cites lack of ticket sales and financial considerations for forcing him to scrap the mid-October event. He vows Cold Creek Campout will be back in 2018.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 28-Sept. 3): SZA, UB40, Kane Brown, U2, Keller Williams, Ralston & Friends, George Clinton, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
The week that ends with Labor Day boasts tour stops by international superstars and summer series wrap-ups. Get the lowdown on The Big List, where you can also win tickets to see Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Week-in-Review Photo Galleries: Beer City Bike Fest, Holler Fest, Five for Fighting, Local Showcase No. 17
The late August round-up of live music features concerts and festivals from Grand Rapids to the lakeshore to Brooklyn — from Emma Loo & Sam’s cutting-edge spectacle at The Pyramid Scheme to Michigan music on the farm. Check out all the images in Local Spins’ week-in-review recap.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
French guitarist Pierre Bensusan set to wow Grand Rapids, Traverse City with mystical virtuosity, unusual tuning
The ‘Mozart of the guitar’ kicks off a U.S. tour in West Michigan this week, unfurling uncategorizable music and subtle virtuosity along the way. Read the Local Spins interview with Pierre Bensusan and get details about this week’s concerts.
Guest Column · Summer Festivals
Todd Ernst @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: Breakaway Music Festival makes impressive Grand Rapids debut
Breakaway’s EDM and hip hop spectacle is playing Grand Rapids on a site that’s never been used for an event like this. Read a veteran DJ’s take on this festival that drew thousands of young fans on opening day along with some advice for Day 2.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Breakaway Music Festival turns Grand Rapids park into mini-version of Electric Forest
With sets by Travis Scott, R.L. Grime, Waka Flocka Flame and more, EDM and hip hop acts pumped up Belknap Park on Friday on the first day of the national festival. Read the recap, browse the photo gallery, watch the video from Day 1.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Hannah Laine unfurls neo-soul, plus new tracks by Bronze Wolf, Cameron Blake, Billy Strings, Lipstick Jodi
The late August edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted Laine’s in-studio visit and regional music by The Hacky Turtles, Emma Loo, 78 Revolutions Per Minute, Rick Chyme & Nixon, Melophobix and more. Listen to the podcast and watch a video of Laine’s performance.
Features · Summer Festivals · Videos
Boney James set to release 16th album, brings tour to Muskegon’s Shoreline Jazz Festival
The jazz saxophonist plays Saturday at Heritage Landing during the weekend festival, which will also host sets by Alexander Zonjic, Peabo Bryson, Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber, Organissimo, John Gist and others. Read the Local Spins interview with James; see the full festival schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Nordy brings punk rock roots and psych-folk vibe to new release
The emerging West Michigan singer-songwriter plays a CD-release show at Rockford Brewing on Thursday night. Peruse the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, listen to the podcast, watch the videos.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Breakaway Music Fest debuts Friday in Grand Rapids with hip hop, EDM at Belknap Park
Travis Scott, Zedd and more play the two-day festival at a site that’s never hosted a music festival before. Breakaway shifts to Ohio in September and North Carolina in October. See and save the full festival schedule at Local Spins.
RSVP Music Chat, Take 2: Is breaking out in the music biz a myth, a mirage, doable or just different these days?
Billy Strings, Borns, The Accidentals, The Crane Wives and other Michigan acts have found a national spotlight in varying ways as of late. Musician Ralston Bowles and Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics debate the merits and pitfalls of ‘making it’ in music in the second episode of the RSVP Music Chat podcast.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Holler Fest: ‘Huge party’ on the farm and hidden gem of Michigan’s music festival scene
For the 11th year, this mid-Michigan music festival will unfurl on a working organic vegetable farm with weekend sets by Breathe Owl Breathe, The Whiskey Charmers, Appleseed Collective and many more regional acts. Learn more about how this charming festival has grown and download the full weekend schedule on your smartphone.
Railroad Earth, Twiddle turn Grand Rapids tour stop into sweaty, grass roots jam fest
The New Jersey newgrass ensemble was joined on its buoyant return to Meijer Gardens by Vermont’s Twiddle, ensuring a night of positive energy and boundless talent. Pore over the Local Spins review and photo gallery from Monday’s show.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 21-27): Breakaway Music Fest, Samantha Fish, Rusted Root, Beer City Bike Fest, David Bromberg, Five for Fighting, Shook Twins
Railroad Earth & Twiddle get things started, with the Shoreline Jazz Fest, Conrad Shock, Emma Loo & Sam, Holler Fest and a new Quinn & Tuite’s concert series in the mix. Check out all the live music selections and Under-the-Radar Picks for the week.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Blue Bridge Music Festival to once again amp up ArtPrize in September with regional stars
HopCat and WYCE will join forces to present live music on downtown’s Blue Bridge Sept. 29-30 with sets by Michigander, The Great Ones, Watching for Foxes, Bootstrap Boys, Yolonda Lavender and more. See the full schedule at Local Spins and learn what’s changed for this year’s ArtPrize song contest.
John Butler Trio defies labels with blazing jams during third visit to Meijer Gardens
Australian guitarist John Butler himself concedes he doesn’t know what kind of music his band plays. On a muggy August night, Butler and his bandmates wowed a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd with genre-melding, instrumental magic. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ludacris, Simple Plan, New Pornographers, Ian Anderson, Ted Nugent, Tribute on the Grand, Die Antwoord deliver one of summer’s last blasts: Week-in-Review Photos
One of the busiest weeks of the summer music season gave West Michigan a wildly diverse blend of music, plus local showcases at The Pyramid Scheme, Mulligan’s Pub and Billy’s Lounge. Check out all of the images and videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
GRandJazzFest boasts record crowds amid resplendent weather: Photo Gallery, Recap
The two-day GRandJazzFest drew enthusiastic fans to Rosa Parks Circle with invigorating sets by stars national and local. The festival wrapped up Sunday night. Check out the photos and more at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Melophobix and Cosmic Knot top bands to win Grand Haven’s 2017 Walk the Beat competition
Two Grand Rapids-based bands took home the top prizes in what organizers called the biggest and most successful Walk the Beat ever, with thousands of fans strolling the city’s east side to vote for their favorite performances. Get the details, watch video highlights and browse the photo gallery from Saturday’s event.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: The Accidentals take first flight with new album, plus fresh tracks from Suzies, FlyLiteGemini, Jetty Rae
On the same day of its much-ballyhooed Sony Masterworks CD-release, the Traverse City trio lit up the Grand Rapids radio studio with new songs. Watch the video, read the story and listen to the radio podcast, which also features new local and regional music.
Tegan and Sara create infectious, buoyant safe space to counter all that’s ‘weird in the world’
In their Meijer Gardens appearance on Thursday night, the Canadian twin sisters lived up to their billing as critically acclaimed pop stars and delivered a crowd-pleasing set as rain swept in. Read the Local Spins review and browse the photo gallery.
Features · Kalamazoo · Summer Festivals · Videos
K’zoo Folklife: Connecting musicians with lifelong dreams, staging Sunday fest in Allegan
The nonprofit group will host the Riverfront Music Festival in Allegan this Sunday featuring B&F Union Railroad, Four Got to Shave and more. Explore the back story about this group that nurtures musicians.
Grateful audience meets gracious artist as Michael Franti returns to Meijer Gardens
Michael Franti & Spearhead once again inspired a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd to dance and sing for the duration of a steamy two-hour set of reggae/rock/rap infusion on Wednesday. Check out the review and photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Walk the Beat to hoof it up Saturday with more than 50 acts rocking Grand Haven
The fourth annual festival and competition awards prizes to the best band and song, with attendees voting for favorites and winning merchandise, too. Get the lowdown, map and list of performances, plus a video from this week’s Local Spins Live performance by Walk the Beat participant Christopher C. Cordle.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Summer Festivals · Videos
GRandJazzFest to jazz up Rosa Parks Circle with assist from new West Michigan all-star band Blushing Monk
Beyond headliners Richard Elliot, Nate Harasim and other national jazz acts, the two-day weekend festival heralds local stars, including a riveting “student” jazz combo. See the full schedule, watch a performance video.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
‘Get to the woods!’ Hoxeyville returns to northern Michigan for national and regional stars, fellowship of ‘usual suspects’
The 15th anniversary festival boasts sets by Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings and Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires, and features a supporting cast of national and regional acts. Read why bands love this annual celebration so much and see the full performance schedule for the weekend.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Gov’t Mule kicks up heels for fan-pleasing Grand Rapids tour stop with boost from Larry McCray, Donald Kinsey
Jamming more than three hours of jamming into Monday night’s sold-out show at Meijer Gardens, Gov’t Mule and Galactic created the kind of upbeat, festival-styled milieu for which they’re known. Check out the review and photos from the week-opening concert.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 14-20): Michael Franti, GRandJazzFest, Ludacris, Die Antwoord, Tegan & Sara, Walk the Beat, Ted Nugent, Simple Plan, Hoxeyville, New Pornographers
Gov’t Mule and Galactic get one of the busiest weeks of the summer started, with Lil’ Ed, Ian Anderson, Tribute on the Grand and a birthday bash for Creston Brewery also in the mix. Get the lowdown on all of the big shows and under-the-radar picks.
American Acoustic tour ushers harmony-hued radiance with Punch Brothers, I’m With Her
The much-praised pairing of two progressive bluegrass and “country classical” acts turned the Meijer Gardens amphitheater on Sunday into a collaborative modern version of the Grand Ole Opry. Read the Local Spins review of The Punch Brothers and I’m With Her and ogle the photo gallery from one of the outdoor series’ most captivating shows of the summer.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Sparta Celtic Fest, Riversedge Music Series, Jake Kershaw, Grasshoppah, Here Come the Mummies pump up W. Michigan: Photo Galleries
Big crowds cheered The Soul Syndicate, Grasshoppah, Jake Kershaw, Jimmie Stagger, The Crane Wives, Michigander and all manner of Celtic bands in a week that embraced summer’s musical magic. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Cowpie Music Fest 2017 Revisited: ‘Thrills and adventure’ on the ‘hookah lounge’ farm in words, photos, videos
This year’s three-day edition of Cowpie on a Kent County farm wrapped up Saturday with more jam-heavy, genre-bending magic courtesy of moo-ving regional stars. Experience a photo-laden recap of the weekend at Local Spins.
Lake Street Dive delivers rousing set with killer tunes for ‘confusingly sedate’ crowd
The four-piece band’s return to Meijer Gardens with a guest keyboardist boasted a mix of captivating indie-pop, jazz and soul for another sold-out show. Read the Local Spins review of Friday night’s concert by Tricia Woolfenden and browse the photo gallery by Tony Norkus.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Cowpie Music Festival launches with UV Hippo’s jam-band glory, upbeat vibe
Expanding this year to three days, Thursday’s opening night of Cowpie Music Festival on Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County oozed musical charm with sets by UV Hippo, Grasshoppah, Covert and White Rabbit. Check out the first-day recap, photo gallery and video.
Album reviews · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Album Reviews + The Hot Top 5: Jake Kershaw, Dan Rickabus, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, On The Line, Paddlebots, Barbarossa Brothers
The War & Treaty’s debut EP topped July’s Hot Top 5 for WYCE airplay, with Crane Wives drummer Dan Rickabus’ solo CD right behind. Check out a review of that album and other new Michigan releases.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Sparta Celtic Festival to host 8th celebration of Celtic music, food, culture and ‘smiles’
With more than 30 performances over the weekend, Sparta’s Rogers Park in northern Kent County will immerse festivalgoers in all things Celtic in what shapes up as the biggest festival yet. See the full schedule.
Billy Strings hailed by Rolling Stone as one of “10 new country artists you need to know”
The Michigan native continues to turn heads nationally as he prepares to release a full-length debut album in September. Read more about Billy Strings and listen to a track from his upcoming new recording.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Tenth Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival set to uncork energetic ‘dance party,’ ‘great live music,’ hundreds of brews
This weekend’s festival boasts performances by Zoso, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, May Erlewine, That 1 Guy, G-Snacks, Brotha James, Andrew Sturtz, Biomassive and more. Get the lowdown on this northern Michigan event at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo’s Lushh drops debut EP that puts experimental vibe on full display
The band with roots at Western Michigan University revels in ‘creative freedom’ as it churns out distinctive jazz fusion and soul. Read the Local Spins review of the “Nebulushh” EP, listen to tracks by the up-and-coming band.
Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Cowpie Music Festival 2017 aims to leave fans ‘breathless’ with musical splendor, from UV Hippo to Ekoostik Hookah
More than 20 bands and thousands of festival-goers will descend on Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County for an expanded three-day celebration of regional music. See the full weekend schedule and save it on your smartphone to take along.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 7-13): Taking Back Sunday, Lake Street Dive, Punch Brothers, Jennifer Knapp, Michael Franti, Cowpie, Unity Christian Music Fest, Sparta Celtic Fest, Farmfest
Things ramp up the second week of August with Michigander & Benjaman James, JRob & Convotronics, Jake Kershaw, Sawyer Fredericks, Circa Survive and a Westside Weekend of rock. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s live music picks at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
La Dispute, Tesla, Andrew McMahon, The Accidentals, Midtown on Tap, Ribfest, Speak Easy, Fat Guy Fest, Fastball: Photo Galleries
National acts as well as local stars packed venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo over the past week, captured in vibrant images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grasshoppah jumps back into Michigan with uncommon, bluegrass-infused fun
Inspired to reunite so they could play next weekend’s Cowpie Music Festival, the popular, one-time Grand Rapids band is revving up its first Michigan shows in seven years. Check out the back story, watch the video, listen to the podcast, which also features new music from Michigan artists such as Nordy, Jake Kershaw, Lushh and more.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Breakaway festival to bring Travis Scott, Zedd, R.L. Grime, Waka Flocka Flame, Jon Bellion and more to Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park
Being held for the first time in Grand Rapids, 20-plus national and regional acts will play the EDM- and hip hop-oriented Aug. 25-26 Breakaway Music Festival at Belknap Park. Breakaway shifts to Ohio in September and North Carolina in October.
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