The three-day camp in West Olive will offer ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ guitar, mandolin and fiddle instruction for adults and youths from award-winning musicians, plus a concert starring Matt Flinner, Don Julin and Fauxgrass. Read more about this new camp and find links to register.
Trombone Shorty flouts rain to uncork blistering, crowd-shaking musical party at Meijer Gardens
Trombone Shorty and his crew brought their summery version of Mardi Gras to Grand Rapids on Thursday and raindrops couldn’t slow them — or concertgoers — down. Read the review, browse the photo gallery from the sold-out show.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Electric Forest as whimsical, groovy as ever: Weekend 1 Recap, Photo Galleries, Playlist
The second weekend of Electric Forest kicks off today, which makes this the perfect time to look back at a wondrous Weekend 1 from Rothbury in photos, stories and reports from Local Spins and publications across the country. Check out the photo galleries and see how other media outlets view this Michigan festival.
Artist Spotlights · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Traverse City singer-songwriter Jonathan Timm re-enters Michigan’s ‘amazing’ music scene, starts new band, eyes new album
Moving from Nashville back to the Great Lakes State earlier this year after releasing a ‘painful’ and poignant album inspired by the late Pat Carroll of Kalamazoo, the artist inspired by West Michigan’s music scene plays Fountain Point Resort on Thursday evening. Read the profile, watch the video of his single and listen to his music.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
Big Dudee Roo’s infectious, grunge-driven folk-rock: The Local Spins Live at River City Studios Session
The long-running Grand Rapids band of buddies made a stop at River City Studios for a thought-provoking interview and a compelling, intimate performance. Watch the video, listen to the podcast.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Flow of fine music: Grand River Water Fest, Kalamazoo Riversedge, Brews, BBQ & Bourbon, Selwyn Birchwood, Boz Scaggs (Photos)
A sun-splashed weekend of festivals wrapped up a lively week of music from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Check out the photo galleries and videos at Local Spins.
Red Hot Chili Peppers show hometown love for Grand Rapids with heartfelt, energetic display
Led by singer Anthony Kiedis, who grew up in the Grand Rapids area, the Chili Peppers uncorked a night to remember Sunday at Van Andel Arena. Read the review and browse the photo gallery from the band’s West Michigan tour stop.
Commentary · Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Rothbury Revisited: Electric Forest still flies freak flag proudly, awes columnist with ‘mind-warping’ eye candy, My Morning Jacket
Local Spins writer Troy Reimink returned to Rothbury for the first time in eight years. And what he saw at Electric Forest both impressed and amused him, a testament to the festival’s “magical legacy” — and “circus of overstimulation.” Check out this columnist’s jocular and insightful take on this Michigan festival and browse more colorful photos from ‘The Forest.’
Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers surprises fans by sitting in with three bands at three Grand Rapids venues
On Saturday, the night before the Red Hot Chili Peppers were set to play a sold-out show at Van Andel Arena, drummer Chad Smith made the musical rounds at Flanagan’s, Mojo’s and 20 Monroe Live. Check out the photos and videos.
Announcements · Local Spins Live
Become part of the Local Spins family, support West Michigan music and keep things spinning
Support Local Spins and receive the first-ever “HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios” Greatest Hits CD from Local Spins and a brewery gift card. And, of course, our eternal thanks.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: In the Valley Below live, plus new tracks from Afterglow, Darin Zarzecki, Yolonda Lavender
To gear up for a new EP and July tour, Angela Gail and Jeffrey Jacob of In the Valley Below appeared on this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured tracks by Michigan Mafia, Alexander Lynch, Fauxgrass and more. Listen to the podcast, watch a video of In the Valley Below’s recent performance at Founders Brewing.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Electric Forest turns Rothbury into ‘greatest spot on Earth’ for opening salvo of EDM, rock, hip hop, alt-folk and lots of jams
With 40,000 wildly adorned attendees flooding Double JJ Resort on Thursday, the West Michigan music festival dodged rain for a celebratory explosion of national and regional stars. Read the recap, browse the photo galleries and watch a highlights video from Day 1 at Electric Forest 2017.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins’ Electric Forest Playlist No. 3: Joe Hertler gets in a house and techno mood
With a brand new album, “Pluto,” heating things up, Joe Hertler of Michigan’s Rainbow Seekers rolls out his summer festival Top 10 playlist — the third Local Spins roster of songs aimed at getting fans ready for Electric Forest, which officially begins today in Rothbury. Hertler’s list of songs is appropriately “house and techno” in nature. Listen to the songs, watch the videos.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand River Water Festival to spill out ‘peaceful, collaborative’ Saturday of music, education at Riverside Park
With sets by Madcat Midnight Blues Journey, Fauxgrass, May Erlewine and more, this fest has expanded for 2017 with a beer tent, children’s area and lots of info about ‘healing our waters.’ Check out the Saturday schedule at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Top 10 Lists
Local Spins’ Electric Forest Playlist No. 2: The Accidentals showcase regional faves
One of Michigan’s hottest bands, Traverse City’s The Accidentals, rolls out the second of three Local Spins playlists aimed at warming fans up for Electric Forest, which kicks off Thursday in Rothbury. The band’s roster boasts lots of Michigan acts; watch the videos and check out the Spotify playlist.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Charlotte Bluegrass Festival keeps long tradition alive; showcases Rhonda Vincent, David Parmley, Joe Mullins this weekend
For 45 years, this venerable bluegrass festival held at the Eaton County Fairgrounds has hosted national stars and weekend jams as “the home of parking lot pickin’.” See the 2017 lineup and details about the Michigan festival that kicks off Thursday.
Concert announcements · Kalamazoo · Summer Festivals
Kalamazoo’s Audiotree Music Festival reveals 2017 lineup with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Twin Peaks, Noname
The September event at Arcadia Creek Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo expands to two days for 2017, leans toward hip hop and math rock acts, plans to add another ‘special headliner.’ Get details about this year’s Audiotree Music Festival and see who else is in the lineup.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Electric Forest shows Mitten love with Michigan acts in 2017, set to create elaborate ‘planet away from Earth’
Joe Hertler, The Accidentals, Vox Vidorra and Flint Eastwood are ready to join the wondrous party that is Electric Forest. It unfurls over two weekends in West Michigan led by String Cheese Incident, My Morning Jacket and Bassnectar to create an un-Earthly musical vibe. Check out the schedule for Michigan’s contingent, only at Local Spins.
Local Spins’ Electric Forest 2017 Playlist No. 1: Vox Vidorra
Electric Forest performer Vox Vidorra of Grand Rapids chimes in with the first of three Local Spins playlists geared to get folks ready for the two-weekend music festival coming up in Rothbury, Michigan. From Kendrick Lamar to Nina Simone, listen to the songs and watch the videos; check out the full playlist on Spotify.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
B93 Birthday Bash hits 25 with Big & Rich and more; Buttermilk Jamboree wraps up in inspiring fashion
Two major music festivals unfurled south of Grand Rapids on the same weekend with distinctly different vibes: Country music’s B93 Birthday Bash in Martin and the eclectic Buttermilk Jamboree in Delton. Browse photo galleries from both events that took place just 14 miles apart.
Brian Setzer, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish incite rockabilly riot at Meijer Gardens
Sunday’s sold-out show brought serious fun, top-notch musicianship and rock revelry to the amphitheather, led by Grammy-winning guitarist Brian Setzer and his band, with Grand Rapids’ own wild duo opening. Read the review and check out the photos from this weekend-closing affair.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Founders Fest dodges rain for jam-packed anniversary bash, gets groovy musical exclamation point from Umphrey’s McGee
The sold-out street party drew thousands to downtown Grand Rapids Saturday with regional and national stars playing a super-sized stage. Get the recap, browse the photo gallery and watch video highlights of Founders Fest at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Buttermilk Jamboree powers up with sunshine, inspiring performances, upbeat attitude
Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, The Accidentals, Jill Jack, The Change, Peter “Madcat” Ruth, Less Is More, Robin Connell & Kathy Lamar, The Mickeys and more ignited buoyant crowds on Day 1 of the Michigan music festival south of Grand Rapids. Get the recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Cousin Avery’s ‘uplifting’ songs, plus new tracks by Mavericks & Monarchs, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, Candy Laprie: Local Spins on WYCE
Two members of the Kalamazoo-area indie-folk band performed on air for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured new music from The Accidentals, Kevin B. Klein and Steve Leaf & The Ex-Pats. Learn more about Cousin Avery, watch the in-studio video and listen to the entire radio podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Specializing in regional music, Farmfest returns to northern Michigan in August with fellowship, ‘miles of heart’
With May Erlewine, Oh Brother Big Sister, Olivia Mainville, Watching for Foxes, The Change, Seth Bernard Trio, workshops and much more on tap, the festival east of Gaylord has expanded for 2017. See the band lineup for this unique August event.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo’s Out of Favor Boys ‘turn corner’ in releasing new contemporary blues album
For this popular Southwest Michigan band “it kind of feels like the first album in a new chapter.” The group stages a CD-release show Friday at Old Dog Tavern. Read the back story about this group and watch a video of a performance.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Buttermilk Jamboree set for weekend of ‘awe’: National and regional stars, art, family-friendly atmosphere
New York’s Slambovian Circus of Dreams leads a lineup of more than four dozen acts playing several stages this weekend in a scenic setting south of Grand Rapids. Get the schedule and details at Local Spins.
Audio · Breaking music news · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Bluegrass whiz Mark Lavengood tops Hot Top 5 local radio chart for May
The Grand Rapids bluegrass musician’s latest solo album soared to WYCE’s top spot, with the Jim Shaneberger Band appearing on the chart for the third month in a row. Listen to music from all five artists who made May’s Hot Top 5 and check out the list of new local releases.
‘Shine My Life Like a Light’: Four Voices tour stop creates evening of magical, powerful music
Icons Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter and The Indigo Girls combined forces — and voices — for a sold-out show on a sultry Monday night at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The review and photo gallery only at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Harbor Springs third-graders make big splash with their video take on The Accidentals’ ‘Michigan and Again’
Released last Friday as part of school project, the music video already has garnered 20,000-plus views and support from The Accidentals, who will sing the National Anthem at a Detroit Tigers game Tuesday. Watch the young students’ much-acclaimed new video and read the back story about this project at Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Here Come the Mummies, Laith Al-Saadi, GR Asian Fest, Kehlani, Jamnesty, Blackbear, The Go Rounds: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
Live music that cut across a wide spectrum: That was the M.O. for the week that was across West Michigan. Check out the photo galleries and videos from more than a dozen concerts, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Speak Easy goes ‘all the way to the wall’ live, plus new tracks by On the Line, WuZee, Lapdogs, more
The reggae-fueled band from the Lansing area made its WYCE debut with a summery, in-studio performance during a show that also boasted music by Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Blanca Luz and other regional gems.
St. Paul & The Broken Bones turn loose sizzling Southern soul at sold-out Meijer Gardens
The Alabama indie-soul ensemble uncorked a “Sea of Noise” — and energetic, horn-fueled funk — for an approving audience on a stellar Friday evening. Read the review and browse the photo gallery.
Jamnesty 2017 to kick out the jams on Friday night with ‘inclusive’ Grand Rapids party
At 6:30 tonight, the annual benefit for Amnesty International will rock Wealthy Theatre Annex with Lazy Genius, Lipstick Jodi, Blanca Luz, The Extra Texture, KFG Poetry and more. Get the lowdown on the Friday night event at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
L.A. sensation In the Valley Below adopts Grand Rapids, hatches ‘mind-blowing’ indie-rock and dream pop project
Now based in Grand Rapids, Angela Gail and Jeffrey Jacob are gearing up for a new EP in July with a three-week residency at Founders Brewing. Read the back story about this intriguing band, listen to the radio podcast and watch a video from In the Valley Below’s first June show in Grand Rapids.
Diana Krall captivates laid-back crowd in return to Meijer Gardens
The jazz pianist’s return to Grand Rapids’ outdoor amphitheater proved to be a display of elegance, grooving rhythms and fan favorites. Read the Local Spins review, browse the photo gallery from Wednesday night’s show.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The DAAC is back: Blushing Monk super-group, Fluxuation, Tabula Rasa launch all-ages summer shows
After a hiatus, the Division Avenue Arts Collective will host a series of concerts at 333 Rumsey St. SW in Grand Rapids while continuing to search for a permanent location. Get the lowdown on the DAAC’s future and see how you can aid the cause.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
Fable the Poet creates ‘perfect cocktail’ of music and words as Grand Rapids’ youngest poet laureate
With a life that ‘revolves completely around poetry,’ Marcel ‘Fable’ Price has earned widespread praise for brutally honest social commentaries and his mentoring of young wordsmiths. Read the Local Spins interview with this rare, prodigious talent.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Haven’s C3 Music and Pride Festival to celebrate community, diversity, live music
Grand Haven’s first-ever Pride Fest on Sunday will boast sets by Lipstick Jodi, Olivia Mainville, Abigail Stauffer and Jack & The Bear aimed at promoting the idea that “love wins in the end.” Get the lowdown and the schedule at Local Spins.
Sunshine, small crowd, nostalgia mark first Meijer Gardens show with Billy Ocean, Starship, Taylor Dayne
The popular summer series kicked off Sunday with plenty of elbow room for fans as “Replay America” unfurled retro hits on its Grand Rapids tour stop. Read the review of the 2017 season’s opening night and browse the photo gallery.
Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Photo Galleries: Mid-Life Crisis, Mark Lavengood and more get June jamming
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, live music lovers had plenty of options to heat things up. Check out the photo galleries and links to Local Spins reviews.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Local First Street Party revels in rain-less splendor, draws thousands
Picture-perfect weather greeted The Crane Wives, ConvoTronics, Cabildo, JRob and more as thousands filled the streets Saturday outside Bistro Bella Vita in Grand Rapids. Browse the photo gallery, watch the video highlights.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Festival Friday 2017: Sunshine, soulful strains, saxophones and rock ‘n’ roll
The weather couldn’t have been better on opening day of Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts and musicians responded with diverse, audience-pleasing sets. Check out the Local Spins photo gallery and video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Cabildo live, plus new tracks by Bronk Bros, Dan Rickabus, Infinity Pilot, Barbarossa Brothers, Jared Sjoblom
Members of Grand Rapids’ Latin-infused Cabildo turned up their Cumbia-fueled charm for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured new music from Barbarossa Brothers, Jared Sjoblom, Hollywood Makeout and The Underground Circus. Read the story, listen to the radio podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Upper Peninsula’s Farm Block Fest 2017 ‘more than a getaway or escape’ with dozens of bands, ‘pure magic’ vibe
Hosted by The Go Rounds’ Graham Parsons, the 10th anniversary “reunion” in late July in the Keweenaw Peninsula boasts performances by Vox Vidorra, Kansas Bible Co., Seth Bernard, Turbo Pup, Mark Lavengood and more. See who else is playing this year’s festival and get details at Local Spins.
Greensky Bluegrass launches summer with buoyant Bell’s Beer Garden bluegrass bash
In the first of three straight sold-out shows at Bell’s Brewery, the Michigan-bred progressive bluegrass heroes on Thursday proved their roots are still strong in Kalamazoo. Check out the review and photo gallery from this traditional summer kickoff which has starred Greensky Bluegrass for more than a decade.
‘Sgt. Pepper’ marches again: The mind-blowing, transcendent power lives on 50 years later
Fifty years ago today, ‘Sgt. Pepper’ and The Beatles taught the world to play. In this Local Spins Rewind guest column, Grand Rapids writer and musician Charley Honey revisits the life-changing experience of ‘Sgt. Pepper.’ Check out his take on the album five decades on, re-listen to the album and find links to other stories about the iconic recording.
Commentary · Summer Concerts · Top 10 Lists
Meijer Gardens’ 10 Best Summer Concerts: The Local Spins List
As Meijer Gardens gets set to kick off its 15th season of summer concerts this weekend, Local Spins takes a gander at some of the best shows ever held at the amphitheater. See what made the Top 10 roster and read the original concert reviews. What are your favorites?
Commentary · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins’ Festival 2017 Music Picks: The Autumnatic, Fable the Poet, Lipstick Jodi, Evidence Jazz Group, The Bitters and more
This weekend’s Grand Rapids festival will have fewer stages and performances, a revamped layout and plenty of eclectic acts from which to choose. We’ll help on the choosing part: Local Spins once again has asked its writers and some West Michigan musicians to pick “The Best of Fest.”
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