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.
RSVP Music Chat: Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast, Take 1 (Concert Etiquette)
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.
Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe & Beer Garden: Top-of-the-line Kalamazoo venues attracting top-tier national and regional talent
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
Michigan Album Reviews: The Accidentals embark on ‘Odyssey,’ plus Paucity, Hollywood Makeout, The War & Treaty, Antighost
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.
Sun-splashed but ‘very chill’ MoPop 2017 Revisited: Local Spins Photo Gallery
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.
Lifehouse, Switchfoot ‘come alive,’ get up close and personal with fans in Grand Rapids show
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 Big List (July 31-Aug. 6): Tesla, Lifehouse & Switchfoot, Fastball, Hot ’80s Rewind, La Dispute, Nappy Roots, Supersuckers
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
Melvins, Menzingers, Low Cut Connie, Jake Kershaw ignite musical fire: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
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
Local Spins on WYCE: John Sanger and band in-studio with new album on horizon; new music from hi-ker, Joe Hertler, Antighost, cloudlight
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 Shins and fans ride ‘High Horse’ during sold-out Grand Rapids tour stop
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.
The Beach Boys surf back in time for more summery nostalgia at Meijer Gardens
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
Thunderbolt & Lightfoot duo gets more experimental, collaborative with new ‘Songs for Mixed Company’
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 Who ‘kids’ are still alright, deliver career-spanning, tenacious gem in Grand Rapids
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
Beaver Island Music Festival and Dunesville Revisited: The ‘unforgettable’ 2017 festival recaps, photos
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
Low Cut Connie set to bring raucous, piano-pounding show to Grand Rapids as new album generates national buzz
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.
Andrew Bird whistles, fiddles, strums, loops and croons way into Grand Rapids fans’ hearts
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
The best of The Who: West Michigan musicians pick their favorite Who tracks
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.
Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe & Beer Garden: Top-of-the-line Kalamazoo venues attracting top-tier talent
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 Big List (July 24-30): The Who, The Shins, 2Cellos, Andrew Bird, Melvins, Low Cut Connie, MoPop Festival
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
MoPop Festival’s return to Detroit balances Alt-J, Solange, Foster the People with Michigan’s Heaters, Michigander, Stef Chura
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
Faster Horses Festival, Nite Jewel, Red Sea Pedestrians, Foxygen, The Accidentals keep the musical heat on: Weekend Photo Galleries
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
Brooklyn’s Maitri digs down to touch Kalamazoo roots with jazzy, soulful, experimental vibe
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.
Drive-By Truckers roll through robust Kalamazoo show; Amos Lee keeps windows ‘rolled down’ and spirits high in Grand Rapids
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
Local Spins on WYCE: Bigfoot Buffalo & Desmond Junes, plus new music from The Accidentals, Lady Ace Boogie, Carly Bins, EPCYA, G-Snacks
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.
Bruce Hornsby makes beautiful, improvisational noise in return to Meijer Gardens
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.
Barenaked Ladies make fans feel like a million dollars at steamy Grand Rapids tour stop
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
West Michigan’s Cosmic Knot untethers lively ‘gypsycore’ music, touts soothing positivity with debut album
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
Beaver Island Music Fest grows from ‘fluke’ to musical utopia where time stands still
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.
Elvis Costello & The Imposters pump up ‘Imperial Gardens’ with familiar faves, intricate album cuts
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
The Big List (July 17-23): Barenaked Ladies, Walter Trout, Amos Lee, Faster Horses, Bruce Hornsby, Heather Maloney, Dunesville, Taste of GR, Lamb of God, Beaver Island Music Fest
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
Kalamazoo Blues Festival regales modest crowds with hot blues, plus GR on Tap, Steel Panther, Mitski, Falling in Reverse and more
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.
Huey Lewis & The News still too ‘Hip to be Square,’ in nostalgic, fun, dad-joke sort of way
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.
La Luna Recording: Hidden Kalamazoo gem hits five-year anniversary, celebrates 200th project
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
Albion’s The War & Treaty charge up ‘gospel revival feeling’ with fiery live shows, new album, powerful message
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.
Grand Rapids’ B-Side Growlers bring new life to old classics on CD with bare-bones approach
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.
Sheryl Crow wraps up ‘awesome day’ at Meijer Gardens with sun-splashed rock show
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
Dunesville to once again bring ‘outstanding lineup’ of Michigan bands to Lake Ann farm
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
Blissfest 2017 Revisited: ‘Captivating, warm, amazing and like coming home’ (Photos, recap)
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
The Big List (July 10-16): Huey Lewis & The News, Brothers Osborne, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Kalamazoo Blues Fest, David J, Toad the Wet Sprocket
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
The best concerts of 2017 … so far: The Local Spins List
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.
Violent Femmes deliver old and new ‘hard-hitting folk-rock’ for Beer City devotees
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 Crane Wives win national JBL ‘Best American Band’ contest
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.
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