With roots in Michigan’s folk community and Washington D.C.’s punk scene, the Nashville-based duo creates a unique musical buzz. Adrian+Meredith’s tour stops at Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge tonight (Wednesday) and in Kalamazoo Thursday. Check out the podcast and video of their radio appearance for Local Spins Live.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Local Spins Rewind: The Ragbirds revel in centered sound, chart success with new album
The world music-infused Ann Arbor indie-folk band continues to tour behind “The Threshold and The Hearth,” with upcoming stops in Petoskey, Traverse City and Rockford. Learn more about The Ragbirds in this “Local Spins Rewind” feature and check out a brand new video for “Breakdown.”
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys find ‘Good Rhythm’ on Nashville-produced, Michigan-bred album
Frontman Gunnar Nyblad promises ‘more goosebumps’ for West Michigan country fans with this week’s homecoming and CD-release shows. Read the story and album review, and listen to a new song by Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys as they strive to become a ‘Great American Band.’
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
She Wants Revenge, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Red Legs: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
The week was packed with national tour stops and local showcases. Check out the colorful photo gallery that also features The Sauce, Chris Andrus, Jim Lauderdale, Ramblin’ Rose’s Grateful Dead tribute, Devil Elvis, Dede Alder and more, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore.
Aaron Lewis looking and playing part of country crooner, with nod to Staind, in Grand Rapids show
Metal-turned-country artist Aaron Lewis brought his “Sinner” tour to The Orbit Room to warm up a sold-out crowd on Saturday, playing songs from his latest country albums plus some familiar hard rock tunes. Read the review, browse the photo gallery — only at Local Spins.
Standing Rock protest sparks atmospheric, fund-raising tribute song created by Michigan musicians
Earthwork Music’s Seth Bernard and The Go Rounds’ Mike Savina recorded the lengthy track in October, with proceeds from digital sales donated to support the cause in North Dakota. Listen to the song and purchase it for download. And get details about two fund-raising shows by Desmond Jones and Mystic Dub.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Red Legs refines its ‘emo-influenced Gaslight Anthem’ sound for new EP (Video, podcast)
The Grand Rapids band is hosting an EP-release show and stopped earlier in the day to visit Local Spins on WYCE, which also spotlighted new regional tracks by The War Between, Boy From School, Lambo and much more. Listen to the podcast and watch the video, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: Laith Al-Saadi turns ‘fifteen minutes of fame’ on ‘The Voice’ into career-broadening success
The Ann Arbor guitarist’s national exposure on NBC was ‘wonderful thing’ that boosted his profile. He plays Grand Rapids on Feb. 3, opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd at the new 20 Monroe Live venue downtown. Check out this “Local Spins Rewind” feature on a dynamic Michigan artist who’s featured in the Local Spins 2017 wall calendars.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
West Michigan’s The Sauce spices up rock, jazz, soul and blues with jam-band fervor
The six-piece Grand Rapids band is spreading its wings as it builds upon a new EP with a catchy mix of soulful originals and unique covers. Read more about The Sauce and check out a video from the group’s performance this week for Local Spins Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
‘Concerts Under the Stars’ to offer ‘gigs of a lifetime’ – with outdoor feel to indoor shows – at Grand Rapids planetarium
The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will host a ‘really magical’ new concert series starting in January with Joshua Tree & Nate Eizenga, followed by Janga, Mishigami and Emma Loo & Sam. Get the lowdown about this unusual series in an unusual space at Local Spins.
Ultraviolet Hippopotamus romps to ‘new level of excitement’ with revamped lineup, plans for new studio recording
The band headlines a big New Year’s Eve show in Kalamazoo, then heads back into the studio later this winter to record a long-awaited, much-talked-about new album. Check out the story as Local Spins revisits some West Michigan artists featured in the new 2017 Local Spins wall calendars. Grand Rapids’ UV Hippo is the September cover.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Chris Lane, The Accidentals, Megan Dooley, May Erlewine, Mark Lavengood pump up crowds: Week-in-Review Recap, Photos
“You had to be there.” That was the theme for concerts across West Michigan this week, with special shows by The Accidentals, Chris Lane, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Fauxgrass, Rooney, Penny & Sparrow, Conrad Shock & The Noise and much more. Check out the images and recaps at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Commentary · Videos
The Rolling Stones get ‘Blue & Lonesome’ in vintage, romp-filled, ultra-respectful fashion: The Sunday Column
Like Grand Rapids’ own legend, Jimmie Stagger, The Rolling Stones are shining a bright spotlight on the genre that invigorated rock ‘n’ roll. Check out the Local Spins review of the new album, “Blue & Lonesome,” as part this Sunday column by John Sinkevics.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Paying tribute to Tom Waits, plus new music from Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Outer Vibe, Boy From School
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe with special guest Brandon James playing Tom Waits-inspired music, plus new song debuts by Boy From School, The Outer Vibe, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Sauce and Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish.
Top 15 Songs for the Road: Nicholas James Thomasma’s Local Spins Guest Playlist
It’s a highway soundtrack for the ages. By making a 2,500-mile journey to California — and back — in his ’73 VW bus, Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma had plenty of time to craft the perfect playlist for a road trip. Check out the songs, watch the videos, listen to it on Spotify.
Borns, Billy Strings, Laith Al-Saadi, The Accidentals & more: 2017 Local Spins Calendars showcasing Michigan acts now available
Once again, Local Spins is offering dynamic wall calendars that not only showcase Michigan artists but also help you track 2017 music festivals. The calendars are available for shipping starting today; order now to ensure arrival by the holidays.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins Live · Videos
Michigan Album Reviews: Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, The Mainstays, Suzies, Nashon Holloway, Conrad Shock & The Noise
Rev up December in style — and get a headstart on your Christmas CD shopping — with this Local Spins round-up of local and regional releases, which also spotlights new CDs from Murder Party, Bet on Rats and Cousin Avery, along with audio samples from the bands.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Videos
Northern Michigan singer-songwriter Benjaman James releases soulful EP, spawns collaborative ventures
The musician known by many as frontman for Old Mission Collective officially releases his first solo recording in Traverse City this weekend, but his musical reach extends to Grand Rapids, Ludington and East Lansing. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight, check out the album review and video.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Audio
Earthwork Music’s May Erlewine unwraps consoling holiday EP, mounts ‘winter dance party’ tour
With her new EP and Michigan tour, the singer-songwriter wants to create a welcoming community during the holidays for those facing “loss or struggles in their lives.” Read the story about this unique recording project and check out the Local Spins review.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings, Wayland, Chance Jones heat up homecoming shows: Week-in-Review Recap, Photo Galleries
Thanksgiving weekend gave West Michigan music fans plenty to be grateful for, including some jam-packed homecoming shows in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Bootstrap Boys continue quest for quintessential country twang with new ‘All Boots Aboard’
The Grand Rapids outlaw country act performed two new songs during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by JRob, A&E, May Erlewine, Blue Soul Express and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
Local Spins presents 2017 photo calendars spotlighting Michigan bands, festival dates
For the second year, Local Spins is offering colorful calendars that not only showcase Michigan artists but also help you track 2017 music festivals. And better yet: There’s free shipping on Cyber Monday.
Giving thanks for Seth Bernard, Rick Chyme, Big Dudee Roo, more: West Michigan musicians hail their inspiring comrades
In what’s become a Thanksgiving tradition, Local Spins asked some West Michigan musicians to cite what they’re thankful for and the artists who inspire them — and they include Seth Bernard, Rick Chyme and many more.
Stevie Nicks, The Pretenders mint golden performance for Grand Rapids fans
Nicks’ “24 Karat Gold Tour” trotted out some golden oldies as well as some fresh material, not to mention spotlighting two rock ‘n’ roll icons. Read the review and browse the photo gallery from the Thanksgiving eve show.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
Grand Rapids singer Hannah Rose Graves to play final show with “The Justins,” set to form new band for 2017 (Video)
The Grand Rapids singer was joined by guitarist Justin Wierenga and bassist Justin Avdek for this week’s edition of Local Spins Live on radio. Watch a video of the trio’s in-studio performance, a preview of their farewell show Wednesday night at SpeakEZ Lounge.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
From Hollywood sound stage to Grand Rapids rock stage: Joshua Burge reunites with Chance Jones for Saturday benefit show
Chance Jones and Lazy Genius will combine forces at Long Road Distillers to raise money for beloved barber Jazz Johnson, who suffered a serious back injury and faces mounting bills. Read about Burge, his current acting projects and the upcoming reunion show — only at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Rockford’s Corner Bar set to launch new concert series in renovated upstairs space with The Accidentals, The Ragbirds, more
The shows featuring regional stars kicks off in December, with The Crane Wives, Brian Vander Ark and Channing & Quinn also set to perform in the cozy venue. Get the full story and upcoming concert schedule at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Level Up recording studio aims to be ‘heart behind the community’ with new approach in renovated Grand Rapids building
Local Spins rewind: The top story of the past week profiles Level Up, a sprawling S. Division Avenue studio and rehearsal space that already has Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Desmond Jones, Watching for Foxes and more laying down tracks for new projects. Watch the video, check out photos of the studio.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Week-in-Review Photo Galleries: Brian Setzer, Broemel & Simonett, The Soil & The Sun, The Moxie Strings, Protomartyr, Zannies, Laith Al-Saadi
The weather has changed dramatically, so heat up with these hot images from another week of sizzling live music across West Michigan — from local gems to touring titans, from final flourishes to dynamic debuts.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
The Moxie Strings push envelope ever further with new album (Local Spins on WYCE)
The Michigan trio stopped at WYCE this week as part of a CD-release tour that touts new songs with Celtic, rock, classical, bluegrass and pop hues. The show also debuted new music from Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Lapdogs, Conrad Shock & The Noise and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, check out the story.
‘Tonight Will Be Fine’: Langhorne Slim proves it with powerful performance at St. Cecilia
The first “Acoustic Cafe Folk Series” concert of the season brought Americana/folk-rock artist Langhorne Slim for a solo concert to the refurbished St. Cecilia Music Center stage on Thursday. Read the review and browse the photos.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Level Up recording studio opens in refurbished Grand Rapids space; touts one-stop ‘guardian angel’ approach for rising bands
The sprawling S. Division Avenue studio and rehearsal space already has Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Desmond Jones, Watching for Foxes and more working on new projects. Read the Local Spins story, watch the video, browse the photo gallery.
Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows · Videos
Wine, Beer & Food Festival spices up musically with Valentiger, Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet
The fast-growing international wine, beer and food sampling event starts Thursday in Grand Rapids and boasts three days of local and regional music, with 20,000 expected to attend. Get details and the full entertainment schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Langhorne Slim launches solo tour of ‘raw, dirty, soulful’ music in Grand Rapids; St. Cecilia Music Center to host Pokey LaFarge, Los Lonely Boys, Margo Price, Marc Cohn in 2017
With a blend of rock/folk/pop, Langhorne Slim opens a series Thursday that will now also feature Los Lonely Boys, Pokey LaFarge, Margo Price and Marc Cohn. Read the Local Spins interview with Langhorne Slim and get series details.
Announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
Trombone Shorty, Umphrey’s McGee, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Shinedown, Flaming Lips, Primus to play Grand Rapids’ new 20 Monroe Live venue
The concert hall next to The B.O.B. opens in February with a wide range of bookings: The Verve Pipe, Lauryn Hill, Pop Evil and more. Tickets go on sale Friday. Check out the first slate of concerts booked for the venue.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Recap & Photo Galleries: The 1975 brings dance party to DeltaPlex, plus Kalamashoegazer, Bear Vs. Shark, more
Pop-rock’s The 1975 didn’t disappoint fans in the British band’s first West Michigan appearance. Plus, check out photos from the Kalamashoegazer festival, People’s Blues of Richmond, Bear Vs. Shark and Four Lincolns.
Avett Brothers pump up their ‘Kick Drum Heart’ for long night at Van Andel Arena
The always-energetic Avett Brothers brought their national tour to Grand Rapids, unfurling a 28-song, career-spanning affair for a non-capacity but enthusiastic audience. Check out the review, browse the photo gallery, scan the set list.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Michigan Album Reviews: Four Lincolns, The Concussions, Diff & Dudley, The JetBeats, Plain Jane Glory
his November round-up of new local and regional releases covers the retro-rock of The Concussions and The JetBeats, plus fresh music from Diff & Dudley, Plain Jane Glory and Four Lincolns. Check out the reviews and listen to some samples of music from the new albums.
Band of Horses gets melancholy, atmospheric and intense for packed Grand Rapids show
Led by frontman Ben Bridwell, the Seattle-bred rock band brought the tour behind its latest album, “Why Are You OK,” to the Orbit Room on Wednesday. Check out the review and photo gallery, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
New Music Wednesday: Rick Chyme & Nixon, The JetBeats and The Accidentals get political, get rocking, get poignant (Video, audio)
New Music Wednesday at Local Spins ranged from The JetBeats’ radio appearance for Local Spins Live to release of Rick Chyme & Nixon’s politically charged new track to The Accidentals unfurling a gorgeous and touching Beatles cover (and video) with help from The Decemberists’ Jenny Conlee. Some of it was inspired by reaction to Tuesday’s election, all of it is eclectically impressive … only at Local Spins.
Election Day Playlist: Local Spins votes for Marvin Gaye, Pink Floyd, Metallica, R.E.M., Radiohead, The Beatles, BØRNS
Amid the vitriol of this year’s presidential campaign, Local Spins presents an Election Day playlist for the ages. Go vote, then relieve your stress and immerse yourself in some great songs via video and Spotify. And do some balloting of your own by suggesting additions to this soundtrack.
Announcements · Audio · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The last time? Maybe Next Time to play farewell show at Holland’s Park Theatre
After six years and two recordings, Grand Rapids pop-punk band Maybe Next Time plans to take an “indefinite hiatus” as life pulls the group in “different directions.” The band plays its final show Saturday in Holland.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Week-in-Review Photo Galleries: John Prine tribute, The Accidentals, The Mainstays, Rusted Root, Waldo, Brian Oberlin & Friends
An all-star cast of Michigan musicians is paying tribute to icon John Prine in a week that also saw high-profile shows by The Mainstays, The Accidentals, Rusted Root and more. Check out all the colorful, action-filled images from West Michigan’s week of live music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lamp Light Music Festival 2016 rolls out inspiring, ‘unreal’ and intimate ‘good-ass’ performances
The fifth year of a unique Grand Rapids house show festival has unfurled this weekend in four Eastown neighborhood homes, boasting a diverse mix of acts and performances. Check out the Local Spins story and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grasshoppah’s Brian Oberlin inducted into Rockford Public Schools Hall of Fame, plays homecoming show Friday night
Now based in Portland, Ore., the internationally acclaimed mandolinist will perform solo in Rockford, as well as with members of Grasshoppah and The Journeymen. Read the Local Spins story and watch a new Oberlin music video.
Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center unveils gleaming results of multi-million-dollar ‘facelift’ (Video Tour)
St. Cecilia hosts ribbon-cutting and grand re-opening gala tonight, showing off new seating, lighting, sound systems, flooring, furniture and more in the historic downtown concert hall. Read what improvements were made and take an exclusive video tour of the building.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE
Kalamazoo soul band The Mainstays unleash ‘more dynamic’ new studio album with live groove (Story, Local Spins on WYCE podcast)
The Mainstays’ sophomore album, “Another Way,” reflects three years of growth as a band. The popular funksters host CD-release shows this weekend in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Read more about the group’s journey.
Lamp Light Music Festival puts Grand Rapids ‘on the map’ as regional house concert phenomenon
The uber-popular fall house show fest returns this weekend to “enrich” Eastown in Grand Rapids, but only in living rooms and an attic (not basements). Get the story, artist lineup and the full schedule of intimate shows at Local Spins.
Weekend Photo Galleries: Halloween madness, Dizzybird anniversary, Steve Vai, Red Sea Pedestrians, Dream Theater
he week and the weekend in music was mostly about Halloween, with bands diving into the macabre madness with vigor. Check out the Local Spins photo galleries of concerts, parties and more.
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