Check out images and videos of concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, including the fifth anniversary of Grand Rapids Soul Club, in Local Spins’ latest week-in-review roundup.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
20 Monroe Live ready to rock Grand Rapids: Local Spins video tour, photo gallery
Get a sneak peek into 20 Monroe Live by taking a video tour of the new downtown venue that unleashes its first concert Wednesday with Trombone Shorty and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. Then browse the photo gallery and opening-week lineup of shows.
Festivals · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Perrin Ice Jam winter festival debuts today, previews performances at Jammie Awards (Local Spins on WYCE)
The first-ever winter festival takes place Saturday with five bands performing. One of those, punk rock’s I Believe in Julio, was the featured artist during this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE. Listen to the podcast which features the debut of new songs by Michigan bands and check out the festival schedule.
Venue Spotlight: The Intersection revels in diverse live shows as ‘godfather’ of Grand Rapids’ music scene
The first Venue Spotlight of 2017 focuses on The Intersection — a venerable Grand Rapids nightclub with a goal of showcasing ‘every genre of music’ and to ‘do a little bit of everything.’ As the general manager puts it: ‘The crowd sets the tone of the room and we never want to lose that appeal.’ Read the story, take the video tour and browse the photo gallery.
The Lumineers lead night of indie-folk glory in Grand Rapids tour stop: Photo Gallery
With much-respected artists Andrew Bird and Margaret Glaspy getting things started, The Lumineers brought their “Cleopatra” world tour to Van Andel Arena on Thursday. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers to christen new 20 Monroe Live; ‘thoughtful, shimmery’ new album and U.S. tour on the way
The popular mid-Michigan band has wrapped up work on its first studio album in years and is eager to be the first act to play 20 Monroe Live next week. Check out the exclusive Local Spins interview and Hertler’s view of the new Grand Rapids venue.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigander aims to be ‘next American rock ’n’ roll band’ with anthemic, commanding songs
The project of Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Jason Singer, Michigander has its sights set on a busy and productive 2017 with shows, festivals and a new EP. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature, along with a video and radio podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
EDM collective aims to ‘breathe new life’ into Grand Rapids’ electronic scene
Comprised of five emerging Grand Rapids EDM artists, “Samsara” released its debut mixtape ahead of a showcase at The Pyramid Scheme on Feb. 16. Read the back story of this new collective and listen to the mixtape.
Breaking music news · Features · Music on Campus · Top 10 Lists
Kalamazoo named among Top 10 best U.S. college towns for music students
The new rankings by MusicSchoolCentral.com cited Kalamazoo for its ‘artistic intrigue, hip music scene’ and top-notch jazz program. See the entire list of top schools.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Michigan bands battling at Short’s Brewing for performance slot in April festival
This battle of the bands contest that started in northern Michigan last weekend will see 20 bands competing to land a paid set during Short’s 13th anniversary celebration this spring. Get details here, with a list of the acts competing the next several weeks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Robbie Fulks, Kill the Noise, ConvoTronics, Big Dudee Roo, Morgan Haner light up West Michigan: Week-in-Review, Photo Galleries
It was spring-like outside, but things warmed up indoors, too. Check out the photo galleries and show recaps from a week that featured national touring acts and local gems firing up venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The reinvention of Roberta Bradley: Grand Rapids singer returns as part of Roberta Lee & Denny G duo
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted an in-studio performance by the emerging duo, plus the debut of new songs by Seth Bernard, Truth In Fiction, The Turnips and other Michigan artists. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Buttermilk Jamboree switches to third weekend in June, ramps up 2017 lineup with Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Michigan acts
The roster for the seventh annual regional music festival at Circle Pines Center mixes national acts with local stars, and expands one of its stages. Check out the full lineups, get links to early-bird ticket sales and watch videos of some featured Buttermilk bands.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts application deadline for 2017 performers is looming
For more than 350 acts playing several stages in downtown Grand Rapids, it’s crunch time when it comes to applying for a performance slot at the June festival. Get details and a link to the online application.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
The Turnips jam on with fresh lineup, funkier sound and diverse new album
With roots in Big Rapids — and links to Ultraviolet Hippopotamus – the Michigan band is happily touring behind its sophomore studio album and embracing its eclectic approach. Read the story and album review, listen to the radio podcast, watch the video.
‘Let’s Talk GR Music’ reveals disconnect in the music scene, seeks grassroots unity, growth: Scott Rider @ The Musicians’ Soundboard
For more than a year, Valentiger’s Scott Rider has hosted open conversations on various topics affecting Grand Rapids’ music community. Local Spins asked him to reflect on what he’s learned in this guest column and describe what’s in store for 2017.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Darkly, Conrad Shock, Big Dudee Roo, Sam Melchi Generations, ‘Plan B’ get the party started: Weekend Photo Galleries
Call it coming-out-party week: The arrival of Conrad Shock & The Noise, a Winspear Records showcase of electronic-hued artists, a ‘Plan B’ benefit and much more captured in Local Spins photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Winter Wheat 2017 revs up Michigan-styled roots music for small but enthused crowd
The all-day benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization drew fewer people than usual to The Intersection on Saturday, but the performances by more than dozen bands were inspiring. Ogle the photos, check out the videos in this Local Spins wrap-up.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Drew Nelson, Lena Trinket and the debut of music by Jim Shaneberger, Lake Effects and more
Episode No. 122 of Local Spins on WYCE boasted on-air performances by artists playing big benefit shows on Saturday, and also featured songs from Diff & Dudley, Jeremy Ensley, Carolyn Keobel, Lady Ace Boogie and Public Access. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Holland natives flying high in Nashville as Midnight Pilot, put ‘heart and soul’ into new EP
With deep roots in West Michigan, Midnight Pilot band members are finding key connections in ‘the center of the music universe’ as they create some engaging indie-rock/Americana music. Read the story, listen to the new EP, watch a video.
Audio · Breaking music news · Videos
Desmond Jones premieres video for ‘Taco Bell (In the Rain),’ Jim Shaneberger debuts single from upcoming new album
In a Local Spins exclusive, Grand Rapids jam band Desmond Jones has produced and released its first music video. And listen to the new single from blues guitarist Jim Shaneberger and his band, who crank out a real gem from a CD slated for release in February.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Nathan Kalish, Michael Riley and new songs by Desmond Jones, The Turnips, My Little Empire, Birdie Country
Songwriters Nathan Kalish and Michael Riley were the in-studio guests during the most recent edition of Local Spins on WYCE, with the premiere of new regional tracks and a look back at some Jammie-nominated music from 2016. Listen to the full podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
Conrad Shock & The Noise: Reveling in ‘the extremes’ of blues, folk, soul and rock
The up-and-coming Grand Rapids band stages a CD-release show Thursday at The Pyramid Scheme after its frontman spent two ‘grueling’ years recording the album. Check out the story and a pair of videos from this week’s in-studio radio appearance.
Winter Wheat to bring summer festival season indoors with all-day showcase of Michigan acts
Saturday’s 12-hour musical marathon at The Intersection in Grand Rapids boasts sets by K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, Drew Nelson, Fauxgrass, Stella, Madcat Midnight Blues Journey and other regional roots music stars. See the full lineup.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos
The Accidentals sign with Sony Music Masterworks label, look forward to national and international distribution of new album
The much-buzzed-about Traverse City band has inked a highly anticipated contract with the eclectic and respected label. The group’s Sony Masterworks debut recording is set for release in the spring. Read the story and check out a video message from the band.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Afro Zuma, Fauxgrass, Slim Gypsy Baggage, Desmond Jones, All American Funk Parade thaw winter chill: Weekend Photo Galleries
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, West Michigan bands and touring acts – including Nathan Kalish, Delilah DeWylde, Mark Lavengood, Analogue Earth and Gina Sicilia – kicked off the first week of January with hot, audience-pleasing shows at The Pyramid Scheme, Bell’s Brewery, Founders Brewing and Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.
Breaking music news · Photos · Videos
Last Gasp Collective, Blarney Castle win Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival play-in contest
The bands were among 11 acts competing for two slots in the March Fretboard Festival festival at Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Friday’s event drew a packed house and boasted lively performances. Check out the story, photo gallery and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Northern Michigan’s Oh Brother Big Sister puts sibling-harmony spin on indie-folk, jazz, rock
The Grayling brother-and-sister duo brings its fetching approach to Grand Rapids on Thursday after releasing an album of originals in 2016, with plans for extensive touring this year. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and watch a video, then catch them this week at their West Michigan show.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The Underground Circus juggles jazz, prog-rock and heavy metal for rare, uncategorizable vibe
The super-group of West Michigan musicians views The Underground Circus side project as a creative melding of ‘firepower’ unlike anything else on the scene. Read the back story about this unusual band, watch a video of a rare acoustic performance and listen to this week’s Local Spins Live radio podcast.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
2017 Jammie Awards Lineup: The Go Rounds, Accidentals, Heaters, Great Ones, Legal Immigrants, Kari Lynch, Red Tail Ring
Veteran acts will join first-time performers at West Michigan’s ‘biggest night for music’ in February at The Intersection. See the initial lineup of acts playing the event, with links to their music, only at Local Spins. And check out a link to see the long roster of 2017 Jammie nominees.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Val Du Lakes to host second annual Cold Creek Campout festival showcasing regional stars
The Michigan festival will expand to two days in October and feature sets by Desmond Jones, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Melophobix, Watching for Foxes, Devin & The Dead Frets and several more acts. Check out the initial lineup and a link to early-bird ticket sales.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
New Year’s Eve in West Michigan: The Local Spins Photo Galleries
West Michigan ushered in 2017 in style with performances by UV Hippo, The Go Rounds, The Crane Wives, Seth Bernard, La Famiglia, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Vox Vidorra, The Mainstays and plenty more — and Local Spins has the photos and some videos to prove it.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
2016 West Michigan music in review plus Vox Vidorra, Eric Engblade, Phil Stancil: Podcasts
Happy New Year from Local Spins! Listen to this holiday troika of podcasts, featuring two Local Spins on WYCE broadcasts and this week’s edition of “GR Live” to wrap up 2016 on an upbeat musical note. Featured artists include Vox Vidorra, Eric Engblade, Phil Stancil and many more.
Concert announcements · Photos · Upcoming shows
Perrin Brewing Ice Jam fest adds Mustard Plug to lineup with Heaters, Mainstays, I Believe in Julio, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish
The first-ever tented event outside Perrin Brewing’s Comstock Park taproom in late January will serve as a preview to the WYCE Jammie Awards show and raise money for Kids’ Food Basket. Get the details at Local Spins, along with a photo gallery from Mustard Plug’s holiday show this week at The Intersection.
New Year’s Eve Parties and Concerts in West Michigan: The Local Spins List
Not all parties are created equal. If you’re looking for an excuse to get out this New Year’s Eve, Local Spins has the perfect guide to get your party started. Check out some of the biggest — and grooviest — parties in West Michigan.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Eric Engblade revels in ‘warm, alive’ solo project while hailing West Michigan’s music scene as the best anywhere
The in-demand Grand Rapids multi-instrumentalist who’s performed with Hannah Rose Graves, Northern Skies, The Change, Bigfoot Buffalo and many more unleashed a rootsy new album in 2016. He plays “GR Live” later today at The B.O.B. and Rockford Brewing’s New Year’s Eve party on Saturday. (Story, radio podcast, video)
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Matt Plessner releases moodier ‘Forest Blue’ on mission to be tighter, better (Videos, podcasts)
Matt Plessner, this week’s in-studio radio guest for Local Spins Live, performed two songs as his band prepares to perform for Local Spins Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge. Check out the podcasts and videos.
Commentary · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Best Music of 2016: The Musicians’ Picks from Local Spins
It’s time to tune in to what Michigan musicians were listening to in 2016. Local Spins asked a bunch of ’em from the Great Lakes State to choose the best music and concerts of the year. Their choices are intriguing to say the least. Check out the lists and listen to the music.
Top 10 Summer Music Festivals in Michigan: The Local Spins List
Here it is: The top Local Spins story of 2016. With Michigan’s festival scene exploding in recent years, it’s not surprising that Local Spins’ roundup of the best summer music festivals in the state would get a lot of attention. Revisit the Top 10 roster and start planning for 2017’s festival season now.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Kari Lynch’s Jingle Jam, The Outer Vibe and The Legal Immigrants get festive: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
The holiday week took on a homecoming-styled festive flair, from Morgan Haner, Max Lockwood and Dan Rickabus’ “songwriters’ night” to Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s rockabilly romp and more, all captured in Local Spins images. Check out the photo galleries and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: Lady Ace Boogie & JRob parlay friendship, collaborative songwriting into The Great Ones (Video, podcast)
They became fast friends after a hip-hop battle and released their debut album, “The Great Ones,” earlier this year. Listen to the Local Spins on WYCE interview and performance as part of the “Local Spins Rewind” series.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Corner Bar cancels winter concert series due to zoning and code glitches
After the city steps in due to capacity and zoning concerns, the Rockford tavern’s “Cool Beats @ The Corner” series scraps three concerts that were planned for early 2017. Refunds will be issued to those who bought tickets to see The Ragbirds, The Crane Wives and Brian Vander Ark.
Commentary · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Best Music of 2016: The Critics’ Picks from Local Spins
Beyonce, Bon Iver, The Crane Wives, David Bowie, Angel Olsen, Of Montreal, Angel Olsen and Childish Gambino made the grade with Local Spins writers in 2016. See who else impressed our critics this year and listen to the music that turned their heads.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: I Believe in Julio brings fire, heart and beautiful brevity to Grand Rapids’ punk rock scene
This Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and podcast first ran at Local Spins in January. Since then, the band has released another album (which is reviewed here) and will play The Intersection with Mustard Plug on Dec. 29. I Believe in Julio is also the featured band for February in the 2017 Local Spins Calendar.
Audio · Features · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Nashville as second home? The Outer Vibe, Kari Lynch and other West Michigan artists find inspiration, connections in Music City
The Outer Vibe releases a new EP this week at a Grand Rapids homecoming show. The band reflects on its recent move to Nashville where the rock/pop band stands out from the country pack. Learn about the band’s experiences in Nashville thus far and listen to a new single.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Dopapod, The Crane Wives, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Mungion, Sam Corbin heat it up: Local Spins Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
The week included small and rousing shows (Roosevelt Diggs, Adrian+Meredith), revved-up capacity affairs (Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Crane Wives) and eclectic jam-band jams (Mungion, Dopapod, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong). Ogle all of the resplendent concert images in this week’s photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Craziness, camaraderie, killer jams and heartbreak: Desmond Jones set to end Monday night jam-band tradition at Tip Top
Break out the sweatpants, a jam-band attitude and shed a tear: After more than 50 shows, Grand Rapids’ Desmond Jones will play its final Monday night residency gig at the West Side’s Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill this week. Read the back story, including the wacky things that have happened on Monday nights in this Grand Rapids watering hole.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Singer-songwriter Lynn Thompson ‘on a roll’ with diverse new folk album, upcoming band project (Story, podcast, video)
The Grand Rapids guitarist and singer chatted and performed during this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by The Turnips, Everyday Junior, Monte Pride and more. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, podcast and video.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Perrin Brewing hosts first Ice Jam fest in January with Mustard Plug, Heaters, Mainstays, I Believe in Julio, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish
The tented event outside Perrin’s Comstock Park taproom will serve as a preview to WYCE Jammie Awards show and raise money for Kids’ Food Basket. Read more about this inaugural one-day music festival and get the links to pre-sales.
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