It’s all about ‘getting back to your roots’ for Detroit’s much-respected, award-winning ‘Queen of the Blues’ who headlines Saturday’s ‘Local Blues Matters’ benefit at Billy’s Lounge. Read the Local Spins interview, listen to her inspiring music.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan-bred Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys brace for major festivals, national tour, upcoming new album: The Local Spins Q&A
With much of the band now based in Nashville, the popular Michigan-bred bluegrass quartet plays Grand Haven on Friday and has a hectic 2017 ahead. Members also are flourishing with a variety of side projects, including Sweet Water Warblers and the Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza. Check out the Local Spins interview and band videos.
Jake’s Music Festival to rock Orbit Room for first time Saturday with Papa Vegas, The Autumnatic, PotatoeBabies
After a decade at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre, this year’s festival will take place Saturday at The Orbit Room, with Papa Vegas headlining a five-band bill that also includes Lipstick Jodi and The JetBeats. See the full schedule at Local Spins.
Flaming Lips fire up wild, weird, wonderful barrage of music, marvels at 20 Monroe Live
Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne led the usual assault of balloons, confetti, streamers, a unicorn, psychedelic lights and, of course, a super-sized bubble to engage and energize an audience that was more than ready to revel. Read the Local Spins review and check out the frenetic, colorful action in photos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Detroit’s Stef Chura: A boiling cauldron of witty, melancholy, buzz-worthy lo-fi indie-rock
The attention-getting rocker raised in Alpena and making waves in Detroit talks with Local Spins about the ’emotional mess’ of songs from her new album and the struggles of touring. She plays The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday. Read about this emerging Michigan artist, listen to her music and watch one of her videos.
‘Anything goes’ for festive Record Store Day’s ‘big party’ on Saturday with parade, live music
Record Store Day 2017 in West Michigan will be chock full of special performances, special releases, special discounts and a special love for indie record shops. Get the lowdown on Saturday’s performances and what’s happening at some of these stores.
Kalamazoo’s open-mic scene offers performers test stages for music and comedy
Looking for a jam or an open microphone in Kalamazoo? Growing opportunities for musicians, spoken-word artists and stand-up comics abound in Kalamazoo, with an emphasis on community, collaboration and cross-promotion.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
STS9, Kishi Bashi, Crystal Garden, Parachute, Marc Cohn bring genre-spanning charm to W. Michigan: Week-in-Review Photos
Like a basket full of multi-colored eggs, the week leading up to Easter mixed things up impressively on West Michigan’s music scene from Kishi Bashi’s wild display to STS9’s psychedelic electronica to rock’s Crystal Garden led by Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band. Plus, Marc Cohn, Sweet Water Warblers, Parachute. Check out all the images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Jayhawks unleash gorgeous tour de force for Grand Rapids devotees
Playing a sold-out Wealthy Theatre on Friday night, the Minneapolis band showcased its impeccable songcraft and infectious, harmony-laden approach. Read the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: The JetBeats, new music from Hollywood Makeout, Rusty Vining, Brian Koenigsknecht, Standing Sun, Folias
The 135th edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted an in-studio performance by retro pop/rock’s The JetBeats, plus a spotlight on a bevy new local and regional tunes. Listen to the podcast here.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Interlochen Arts Festival 2017 gets ‘multi-generational’ with OK Go, Salt-N-Pepa, Trace Adkins, ZZ Top, Gavin DeGraw, Diana Ross
The summer concert series announced today by Interlochen Center for the Arts also boasts appearances by Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, Paul Shaffer, Amos Lee and Ian Anderson. See the full lineup and details in this Local Spins story.
Aretha Franklin cruises soulful ‘Freeway of Love’ for nostalgic, passionate fans in long-awaited Grand Rapids concert
At 75, the Detroit legend proved Thursday she’s still “The Queen of Soul” in a DeVos Performance Hall show that featured some of her biggest hits, including “Respect,” “Chain of Fools” and “Baby I Love You.” Read the Local Spins review, browse the photo gallery.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Local First Street Party taps diverse lineup for June event, from The Crane Wives to ConvoTronics to Hollywood Makeout
The 14th street party taking place June 3 will also feature sets by Bedrock, Cabildo, Molly from Vox Vidorra and students from Triumph Music Academy. Get the rest of the lowdown in this Local Spins story.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Daughtry, Lifehouse, The Shins, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Beach Boys, Boz Scaggs to play Meijer Gardens 2017 summer series
Punch Brothers, Brian Setzer, Taylor Dayne and Switchfoot will play the Grand Rapids amphitheater for the first time, with Huey Lewis, Lyle Lovett, Diana Krall and Gov’t Mule among returning faves. See the full lineup and ticket prices for the 2017 Meijer Gardens series.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
Lambo turns musical camaraderie into cheeky, self-deprecating, ‘super fun’ (Local Spins Live at River City Studios Session)
The side rock ‘n’ roll project of friends from several Grand Rapids bands has produced a fresh, ‘goofy but serious’ debut album. Read the Local Spins story about this unusual group, watch the video and listen to the podcast.
Concert announcements · Festivals
Short’s Brewing to celebrate 13th anniversary with street party starring Laith Al-Saadi, May Erlewine, Benjaman James
About 3,000 revelers are expected to once again attend the northern Michigan brewery’s anniversary bash on April 29, with Short’s Brewing also announcing the winner of its first battle of the bands contest. Get details and ticket links in this Local Spins story.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Feedback 2017’s record-breaking day and Weekend Photo Galleries: Anthrax, Killswitch Engage, Chicano Batman, Dan + Shay, UV Hippo
The week and weekend rocked the Grand Rapids area in a variety of ways with a bevy of national and regional bands, including a feel-good benefit for Access of West Michigan — all captured in images and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Conrad Shock + The Noise, plus new tracks by ConvoTronics, Miss Atomic, Coffin Problem
This week’s edition of the Local Spins on WYCE radio show boasted an in-studio performance by Conrad Shock & The Noise, plus new music from Parlor Voice, Yolonda Lavender, Coffin Problem, ConvoTronics, Miss Atomic and more. Listen to the podcast and watch the video.
Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat festival taking applications from performers for 2017
The fourth edition of this unusual August contest in this lakeshore community boasts thousands of dollars in prizes for winning acts, with this year’s festival limited to 25 bands and 25 solo artists. The deadline for registration is April 28. Get details here.
Breaking music news · Guest Column · Top 10 Lists
Organissimo tops Hot Top 5 radio chart for March; WYCE celebrates 30th anniversary with special April fund drive events
What were the Top 5 most-played local acts for March on WYCE? Find out here, along with station manager Quinn Mathews’ monthly guest column providing the scoop on the community radio station’s 30th anniversary events and special fund-raising efforts.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids Film Festival to fuse music videos and fashion for Friday showcase
This year’s Fashion & Music for Film Showcase will boast fashion lines inspired by music videos and created by Kendall College of Art and Design students. Watch the videos by Grand Rapids’ AB, Los Angeles’ Matt Rose and others.
Concert announcements · Kalamazoo · Summer Festivals
Kalamazoo Blues Festival grows wings, lands at new site with Bobby Rush, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robben Ford
Moving from an outdoor event downtown to an indoor festival at Wings Event Center, the July celebration will also boast sets by Joe Louis Walker, Dana Fuchs and many more. See the full Kalamazoo Blues Festival lineup, with videos of featured performers.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Umphrey’s McGee, Mustard Plug, Blues Traveler, Leftover Salmon, The Accidentals to pump up 10th Founders Fest
In what may be Founders’ biggest street party yet, the June 17 festival will tap a mix of regional and national stars, along with plenty of beer. Scroll down for concert videos of the featured bands and check out details about this year’s Founders Fest.
Commentary · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Legal Immigrants, Conrad Shock & The Noise to rock Sunday’s Feedback 2017 for good cause
The 23rd anniversary of this benefit for Access of West Michigan aids a worthy cause by rattling the rafters at Founders Brewing with regional rock faves. It’s all about a community of caring. Are you ready to join in? Read the Local Spins commentary and get the lowdown on this weekend event.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Tobin Sprout embraces northern Michigan life after Guided By Voices; launches U.S. tour behind new solo album (Story, Video, Playlist)
The much-respected, Leland-based indie-rocker and painter has added Grand Rapids guitarist-producer Tommy Schichtel to his “very special” band, with two Michigan performances as part of a spring U.S. tour. Read about this much-respected Michigan artist, listen to Sprout’s music and check out his playlist of favorite songs.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Peter Frampton brings acoustic ‘Wind of Change’ to Grand Rapids, plus Bear Grillz, Norma Jean, Fishbone, Dragon Wagon
The classic rock guitarist brought his virtuosic talents to 20 Monroe Live on Sunday night, closing out a week that also featured a host of dynamic shows — from EDM to heavy metal — in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Check out the Peter Frampton review and all the images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Music on Campus · Photos
Calvin Festival of Faith & Music challenges conventions of spirituality and art with David Bazan, Julien Baker, Jamila Woods, Vox Vidorra
Concerts, workshops and speeches at the weekend event in Grand Rapids focused on “valuing unconventional expression and promoting community dialogue.” Check out the concert recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers lead electrifying spectacle of regional stars at 20 Monroe Live
The colorful mid-Michigan ensemble celebrated its new album and kicked off a U.S. tour Saturday with a big boost from Grand Rapids’ The Legal Immigrants and Kalamazoo’s Less is More. Read the Local Spins review, ogle the photos, watch the videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Angst, dynamic songs and rock ‘n’ roll: Devin & The Dead Frets (Local Spins on WYCE podcast, video)
The Grand Rapids rock band returned with some special guests to Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Chris DuPont, Lazy Genius, Mark Lavengood and more. Watch the video, listen to the radio podcast.
Album Releases · Audio · Videos
Michigan Album Reviews: Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Verve Pipe, Organissimo, Afro Zuma, Jack and the Bear
With Joe Hertler and band unveiling an album today and kicking off a U.S. tour, Local Spins takes a gander at the new collection and fresh releases from other notable Michigan bands. Check out the reviews and listen to samples of the new music.
Western Michigan University set to graduate second class of future recording engineers
WMU’s Multimedia Arts Technology program is not only innovative but popular: Three times as many students have applied for the studio recording classes as there are spaces in the program. Get the lowdown in this week’s “Music on Campus” feature.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
In-demand Michigan guitarist Michael Robertson dives into solo projects while juggling band work
The Midland singer-songwriter released his first solo album, “All My Stories,” last year and is transitioning to the Grand Rapids area. He plays SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Listen to the radio podcast and watch the video of his in-studio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Local Spins Rewind: Kalamazoo’s Less is More to bring creative approach, drum-fueled pop to 20 Monroe Live
The group featuring Jane Finkel, Brian Spencer, Mike Sord and Matt Milowe has redefined its sound, and will unfurl that for a Grand Rapids audience when it plays 20 Monroe Live on Saturday, opening for Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature on this emerging Kalamazoo band.
Petoskey’s Famous Last Words finds chart success with new ‘theatrical post-hardcore’ album, launches tour in April
Spawned and based in the northern Michigan hamlet of 5,600, Famous Last Words is a hard-rocking, national touring headliner with a fast-growing audience of hundreds of thousands of fans. Get the back story at Local Spins, watch their videos.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Miss Atomic, Van Morrison Tribute, WO-Stock, Joey Alexander, Vox Vidorra, The Go Rounds, The Crane Wives, Jeff Austin: Photos, Videos
The weekend got started early with a piano prodigy and continued with soul, rock, pop, folk, blues and a bevy of young, emerging West Michigan acts. Check out the photos and videos at Local Spins, from Chilly, Blues & Brews at The B.O.B. to bluegrass at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Detroit’s The Timbre of Cedar; new tracks by likemelikeyou, Sam Parks, Lipstick Jodi, The Autumnatic, Jim Shaneberger
Spanning the east and west sides of the state, this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted pop, rock, folk, blues and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, read the story.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass to spice up St. Joseph in May with Jonny Lang, The Steeldrivers, Marcus King, Slim Gypsy Baggage, Lil’ Smokies
The one-day festival aims to jumpstart summer with an all-star cast that features highly regarded national acts as well as Southwest Michigan’s Slim Gypsy Baggage. Check out details, videos and links to ticket sales at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens amphitheater to replace six-year-old concession building, add restrooms, bars, permanent VIP seating for concerts
Over the next couple of years, concertgoers to Meijer Gardens will see some big changes to the amphitheater. The outdoor venue for summer shows will be upgraded, “reshaped” and expanded slightly starting in September as part of a $115 capital improvement campaign at Meijer Gardens.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Greensky Bluegrass, Charles Bradley, The Accidentals, Sam Bush, Billy Strings, Joshua Davis to light up Hoxeyville 2017
Hoxeyville’s 15th anniversary celebration heats up mid-August in the Manistee National Forest with an impressive blend of local, regional and national acts. Tickets are on sale now. See the full lineup for this year’s festival.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
Striking ‘while the iron is hot’: 16-year-old Jake Kershaw brings eye-popping blues-guitar fire to Grand Rapids
The young Michigan guitarist plays SpeakEZ Lounge for the first time Wednesday night, and the award-winning 10th grader already has shared stages with Jonny Lang and Anthony Gomes. He releases his debut album later this spring. Read the story, listen to the radio podcast, watch the videos.
WO-Stock 2017 offers ‘super rewarding’ experience for West Michigan bands and fans
With 32 bands playing two stages over two nights, this weekend’s festival at West Ottawa High School meshes experienced groups with up-and-coming high school acts. See the full schedule at Local Spins, from Lipstick Jodi to Fried Egg Nebula to Midwest Skies.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Tiny Desk, Big Praise: The Crane Wives make ‘All Songs Considered’ list of 10 entries that judges loved
A New Orleans band won the grand prize in NPR’s annual Tiny Desk Concert Contest. But Grand Rapids folk-rock band The Crane Wives turned judges’ heads with their video, too. Read the band’s reaction to making NPR’s spotlighted list of entries and watch their attention-getting submission.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Van the Man’ Soul Tribute to Van Morrison: A ‘beautiful way to hear this music’
Get ready to “Moondance.” Grand Rapids singer Mark VandenBerge will unleash his most ambitious tribute to the legendary Van Morrison on Friday at 20 Monroe Live. Check out a video and get a preview in the Local Spins on WYCE podcast.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Blessed: All-star performers raise thousands during Ralston & Cindy Bowles Benefit show (Photo gallery, video)
Sunday’s seven-hour showcase of West Michigan talent drew hundreds of people to The Intersection to show support for Ralston and Cindy Bowles and help pay their medical bills. Check out the Local Spins story, video highlights and a photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Irish on Ionia draws thousands of green-clad revelers for annual St. Patrick’s Day street party (Photo Gallery)
Green Party, indeed. Saturday was a day for taking it to the streets in Grand Rapids for what was billed as the largest outdoor St. Paddy’s Day party in Michigan. Check out Local Spins images from the massive bash that is Irish on Ionia.
Fenton Records resurfaces in Sparta, aims to revive ’60s glory days of recording and more
Hoping to capitalize on the talent and ‘untapped market’ of West Michigan music, the historic record label’s return could put Sparta back on the map as a creative hub, operators of Fenton Records insist. Read the Local Spins story and browse the photo gallery.
Wilco delivers robust career-spanning show for robust Kalamazoo crowd
Leaning on its latest album, “Schmilco,” as well as the milestone “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,” Jeff Tweedy and band’s return to State Theatre proved to be a special night. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Michigan does Austin: Michigan House’s rousing swan song at SXSW (Photos, video)
The Go Rounds, Flint Eastwood and other Michigan acts put an exclamation point on Michigan’s House South by Southwest 2017, with Local Spins hosting a musicians’ roundtable, too. Check out the photo gallery and videos.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Dozens of Michigan musicians rally to support Ralston and Cindy Bowles at weekend Intersection benefit
The Sunday concert raising money for the couple’s medical bills features a who’s who roster of regional artists, including Troll for Trout, Larry McCray, The Soul Syndicate, Drew Nelson, Hannah Rose Graves, Fauxgrass and more. See the full schedule and details about this special event.
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