Starting today, listen to regular free-wheeling podcasts in which two veterans from different sides of West Michigan’s music scene — Ralston Bowles and John Sinkevics — chat about anything and everything music-related. The first episode of RSVP (aka, Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast) tackles the ticklish subject of concert etiquette. And sign up via iTunes and never miss an episode.
For more than two decades, Bell’s Brewery has been a go-to spot in Kalamazoo for beer and live music. Get the lowdown on this popular hot spot, take a video tour and ogle the photo gallery.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
opping the early August batch of new releases is the Sony Music Masterworks debut for a popular Traverse City trio, plus fresh recordings from an eclectic bunch of West Michigan artists. Check out the reviews, listen to samples of the new music.
Detroit hosted the fifth annual MoPop Music Festival at West Riverfront Park over the weekend, drawing thousands for national and regional stars over a sun-splashed weekend. Browse the images at Local Spins.
The rock bands’ co-headlining summer tour made a stop Monday at a sold-out Meijer Gardens amphitheater. Check out the show recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, Andrew McMahon, The Accidentals, Kalamazoo Ribfest, Fat Guy Fest and more also grace this week’s live music picks. And check out the Under-the-Radar Picks, along with this week’s ticket giveaway for a show at 20 Monroe Live.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Blistering rock dominates this weekend’s roundup of images from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, but there was also the fetching indie-folk of Kalamazoo’s Thunderbolt & Lightfoot at an inspiring CD-release show.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The 150th episode of Local Spins on WYCE featured performances by a popular Grand Rapids songwriter and his band, and plenty of new music from Michigan-bred artists. Get the back story on John Sanger, watch the video of his band’s in-studio performance and listen to the radio podcast.
The longtime indie-rock idols heated up Meijer Gardens on Thursday with a bouncy mix of old and new material in a show that included an opening set by Grand Rapids’ own MERTLE. The review — via a “texting” conversation between the reviewers — and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Under overcast skies, The Beach Boys brought sunny “Good Vibrations” — and the usual recognizable hits — on Wednesday to the Grand Rapids outdoor amphitheater. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Kalamazoo indie-folk act celebrates release of its new grant-supported album Saturday at Louie’s Trophy House Grill. Discover the project’s back story and check out videos of the duo’s new songs in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
The British band led by septuagenarians Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey returned to Van Andel Arena on Tuesday and proved their mettle with a night of timeless rock classics. Read the review, browse the photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Two of Michigan’s most intimate and distinctive music festivals starring regional acts took place last weekend, described as “truly amazing,” picturesque and magical. Check out the photo galleries and weekend reviews at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
With beat-up piano Shondra in tow, Adam Weiner and his Philly band return to Tip Top Deluxe this week, riding a reputation as one the best live bands in the country. Read the Local Spins interview; view videos of this emerging rock outfit.
The innovative singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s return to Meijer Gardens on a picturesque night was enhanced by an opening set from phenom Esperanza Spalding. Bird also had to overcome “a little commotion” in the crowd, with fans yelling at others to sit down. Get a recap via the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
With the iconic British rock band The Who returning to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, Local Spins asked some local rockers to pipe in with some choice Who cuts. Scour — and listen to — their picks.
For more than two decades, Bell’s Brewery has been a go-to spot in Kalamazoo for beer and live music. Get the lowdown on this popular hot spot, take a video[…]
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Beach Boys, a “Women Rock” Picnic Pops tribute, Mike Mains, Farm Block Fest and The Menzingers also fire up the week. And check out the splendid Under-the-Radar Picks.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
The fifth annual, two-day MoPop music festival held along the Detroit River kicks off Saturday with a mix of national and regional stars. Check out the full schedule and see what Michigan acts have in store for fans.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Sultry July weather didn’t hinder Michigan’s music train, which steamed through country stars in Jackson County, regional stars at Arcadia Ales in Kalamazoo, indie-folk along the water in South Haven and rock ‘n’ roll in Grand Rapids and more. Browse all the images and read the recaps at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Music on Campus · Videos
The jazzy, pop-infused indy quartet with Western Michigan University ties made a Kalamazoo tour stop last week as it readies release of its second album. Check out the Local Spins interview, photos and video featuring this up-and-coming band.
Separated by 47 miles, two highly revered rootsy acts — one leaning toward folk and soul, the other toward alt-country and Southern rock — ignited capacity crowds at outdoor West Michigan venues on Friday, amid some wet weather. Read the reviews and browse the photo galleries.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The July 21 episode of the Local Spins on WYCE radio show boasted two in-studio performances and lots of new tracks by Michigan artists. Listen to this week’s podcast and watch the videos.
With an engaging jam-band vibe, the 62-year-old piano whiz and his Noisemakers band made the sweltering Grand Rapids stop on their national tour a memorable one. Check out the review and photos at Local Spins.
The sold-out crowd of fans at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday embraced the heat and their humor-laden Canadian heroes, who even spent time at The Pyramid Scheme after the show. Check out the concert recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows · Videos
Led by guitarist and singer-songwriter Tom Wall, the Grand Rapids-based super-group delivers distinctive music (tuned to 432 Hz), all aimed to ‘make the world a better place.’ Learn the back story about this unusual band and watch the video of its in-studio performance this week.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This unusual Michigan music festival on Lake Michigan’s biggest island officially kicks off Thursday with a star-studded lineup of regional acts. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Costello’s first appearance at Meijer Gardens since 2011 focused heavily on tracks from his 1982 classic “Imperial Bedroom,” but also trotted out some earlier hits and unearthed some rare gems. Browse the photos, read the review.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
A busy week at Meijer Gardens kicks off with Elvis Costello, but there’s plenty more on the docket: A Grand Rapids Symphony tribute to Chicago, The Piano Cottage Rocks, Riversedge Summer Series, Albert Lee, plus other gems. See all of this week’s highlighted concerts, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks and the On the Horizon calendar through July.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Another busy summer week of live music saw everything from blues to rock to folk stretching from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Hastings. Check out the images from the Kalamazoo Blues Festival, Grand Rapids on Tap, Mitski, Steel Panther, The Accidentals, Falling in Reverse, David J, Tim Reynolds, May Erlewine and much more.
The band’s return to Meijer Gardens also marked a return to the 1980s for a capacity crowd that believes in the “Power of Love” and the “Heart of Rock & Roll.” Read the review, check out the photo gallery from Sunday night’s show.
This special Local Spins “Sunday Feature” spotlights Kalamazoo recording engineer and producer Ian Gorman’s ‘super comfy’ recording studio that’s attracted a bevy of Michigan’s musical stars. And check out the videos and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a back story that involves Saddam Hussein’s piano and gospel roots, this Albion duo and backing band are creating a buzz with passionate performances and a new soulful, upbeat album. Plus, the debut of new music by Cosmic Knot, Gifts or Creatures, The Out of Favor Boys and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the video of The War & Treaty’s in-studio performance.
The popular Grand Rapids vintage blues/jazz trio appeared on Local Spins Live and officially released its new album at SpeakEZ Lounge this week. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
The singer and multi-instrumentalist rolled out familiar hits and brand new material for a sold-out amphitheater on a sticky summer night. Read the review and browse the photos from Sheryl Crow’s third appearance at Meijer Gardens.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The Native Howl, The Gasoline Gypsies, Watching for Foxes, Desmond Jones, Biomassive, The Change and more play this “beautiful” northern Michigan site July 21-23. Get details and ticket links, and watch videos of some of the festival’s featured bands.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Relive the weekend: Northern Michigan performer and musician Brotha James, aka Jeremy Reisig, provides his take on one of the state’s most beloved music festivals, with photos by Local Spins photographer Anna Sink.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
This week’s national tours are balanced by shows from Michigan-bred acts B-Side Growlers, Michigan Rattlers, Theatre Bizarre Orchestra, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, Comments of Aether, a Picnic Pops Abba tribute and more.
Commentary · Concert reviews · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins asked its reviewers to choose their favorite shows of the first half of the year, and their picks covered a broad range of bands, genres and venues. Check out the top picks, from The Flaming Lips to Trombone Shorty to Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, along with some videos.
The band’s tour kickoff at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids on Friday trotted everything from “Blister in the Sun” to new gems like “Memory.” (Review, photos)
The Grand Rapids folk-rockers topped semi-finalists in fan voting, winning $5,000 and a performance slot at JBL Fest in Las Vegas. Read their reaction to winning and check out the video that sent them into first place.
Breaking music news · Hot Top 5 · Videos
The Local Spins compilation boasting live tracks by 12 West Michigan artists racked up the most spins among regional acts at WYCE-FM in June, followed by solo CDs from Mark Lavengood and Dan Rickabus. And see what new regional music has been added on the air.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The Americana duo with deep Michigan roots is eyeing a new studio album as it continues to travel the country building an audience for its unique music. Read the Local Spins interview with these Petoskey natives and watch a rare video from a performance at South by Southwest 2017.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan faves The Legal Immigrants, Lisa Mary, Tugga the Rapper and more are in the lineup for the four-day Lansing music festival that kicks off Thursday. See and download the full schedule.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
In what ranks as one of Park Theatre’s biggest shows yet, keyboard icon Booker T. Jones will make a tour stop there on Friday night with Kalamazoo soul/funk band The Mainstays opening. Read about the upcoming concert at watch Booker T videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The 2017 season of weekly regional music at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park had more than 1,500 people smiling and dancing to sets by Green on Blue and The Red Sea Pedestrians. View the video highlights.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Los Lobos, Michael Franti, Donna the Buffalo and a passel of regional stars will light up this sold-out northern Michigan music festival this weekend. See what’s in store for Blissfest 2017 and see the full lineup for this year’s three-day event.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Independence Day holiday doesn’t mean taking time off from live music, with Tuesday Evening Music Club kicking off on the Fourth of July, followed by much more to occupy your week. See all of the live music selections for the week, plus some amazing Under-the-Radar Picks.
The holiday weekend brought fireworks of the musical and pyrotechnic variety to Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lowell, from bluegrass to soul to rock ‘n’ roll. Check out the images at Local Spins from special events at The Pyramid Scheme, Bell’s Brewery, Kent County Fairgrounds and Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
After a sold-out Weekend 1 with 40,000 attendees, crowds at Weekend 2 of Electric Forest in Rothbury proved to be considerably thinner but every bit as enthusiastic with a host of memorable musical highlights. Read the Local Spins recap, check out the photo gallery.
