Early next year, Grand Rapids will be home to a new 2,580-seat concert venue next to The B.O.B. Is that one of the final pieces of the puzzle for West Michigan’s music scene? Read the story and commentary at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Accidentals drummer Michael Dause uncorks ‘very different’ solo project, plays Grand Rapids Wednesday
Oozing an alt-rock, pop and prog-rock sheen, Dause and his Band of Bros play SpeakEZ Lounge this week as the multi-instrumentalist promotes a new studio album. Read more about this talented musician and his hectic performing schedule with The Accidentals, as well as his own band.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Wheatland 2016 Revisited: Musical energy, love and ‘a great atmosphere’ (Review, photos)
The granddaddy of Michigan music festivals unfurled outside Remus over the weekend, dodged a little rain and fired up fans with help from The Go Rounds, Molly Bouswma Schultz, Mike + Ruthy, drum circles and more. Check out the Local Spins recap and photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Eastown Streetfair, Tribute on the Grand, Tony Lucca, Valentiger, Crime Funk: Weekend Photo Galleries
From Eastown Streetfair and Tribute on the Grand in Grand Rapids to a Courtyard Concert in Spring Lake to Crime Funk and more in Kalamazoo, it was a September weekend to remember — and revisited in photos at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
The Go Rounds find ‘power, fervor, raw energy’ and psychedelic magic with new EP
The prolific indie-rock band releases the first of two 2016 EPs, plays Wheatland for the first time this weekend, embarks on a Western tour this fall and lays plans for another full-length album. Read the back story of The Go Rounds’ newest “psychedelia heavy” recording and check out the Local Spins review of the EP.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Paul McCartney sets sales record with electrifying August concert at Van Andel Arena
The Beatle’s August appearance in Grand Rapids now ranks as the highest grossing show in the arena’s 20-year history, adding to a record-setting year for the venue.
Gavin DeGraw concert cut short by lightning after Andy Grammer’s animated set
The next-to-last concert of Meijer Gardens’ summer series started early and ended somewhat abruptly, but not before DeGraw squeezed in some songs following sets by Grammer and Marc Sciblia. Peruse the photo gallery and recap of Wednesday night’s show.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
‘A magical place’: Wheatland Music Festival’s long tradition, special atmosphere inspire Michigan musicians
This weekend’s Wheatland Music Festival boasts Asleep at the Wheel, Charlie Musselwhite and scores of Michigan musicians — from May Erlewine to The Go Rounds — for the ‘precious’ 43rd anniversary event outside Remus. Peruse the schedule and save it on your smartphone.
Labor Day reality check: Musicians continue to face low pay, long hours for ‘labor of love’
Would you work 12 hours for $10 or $15? Unlikely. But many musicians toil for low wages simply to showcase their art and grow their audience. Their plight is the subject of Local Spins’ annual Labor Day column. Peruse the commentary, then check out the live music at West Michigan Labor Fest.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
UV Hippo, Red Tail Ring, Gringo Star, Keller Williams, Suzies: Weekend Photo Galleries
The Labor Day weekend and the week leading up to it rolled out an eclectic mix of national and regional acts — captured in images at Local Spins, from Red Tail Ring, Keller Williams and UV Hippo in Kalamazoo to Gringo Star, Hannah Rose Graves, The Suzies and more in Grand Rapids.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Great Indoors crystallizes its alt-rock sound while eyeing sophomore album: Local Spins on WYCE (Podcast, video)
Members of the Grand Rapids band made their on-air debut this week on the show that also boasted new music by The Go Rounds, Luke Winslow King, Cousin Avery, Stepladders and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
O.A.R. sparks ‘Love and Memories’ in West Michigan tour stop (Photo Gallery)
The Maryland rock band brought its 20th anniversary tour to Meijer Gardens on Thursday, earning a rousing welcome from the capacity crowd of fans. Check out the Local Spins photos by Anthony Norkus.
Blink-182 pounds out rebellious songs of youth for exuberant Grand Rapids crowd
The California pop-punk icons’ Van Andel Arena show wasn’t about vocal perfection but about raucously re-living songs that served as anthems for a generation of fans. Read the review and browse the photo gallery from Wednesday’s rousing concert.
Bonnie Raitt still rules the world — and Meijer Gardens — with exquisite, inspiring display
The Grammy-winning guitarist and singer wowed a capacity crowd in her return to Grand Rapids, with another legendary guitarist, Richard Thompson, adding to the star-studded, gorgeous night. Peruse the review and the photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Boy From School releases single, hones distinctive indie-pop sound for upcoming EP
The Grand Rapids band performs tonight at SpeakEZ Lounge to promote its upcoming EP due this fall. Boy From School released a single in July and plan to release another song in coming weeks. Read the story about this up-and-coming indie-pop/rock group by Local Spins writer Adrianna Walker.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
Tuesday Evening Music Club romps through finale with musical camaraderie, diverse spectacle, upbeat vibe
Ralston Bowles orchestrated a rousing Grand Rapids variety show of talent for the summer-ending show, including Maurice Townsend, Channing & Quinn, Eric Engblade and more. Peruse the recap and photo gallery from Tuesday night’s show.
Grand Armory Brewing embraces unique setting, live music with one-year anniversary, festival approaching: Venue Spotlight
Appealing to both the daytime coffee shop crowd working on laptops and evening music and craft beer devotees, Grand Armory Brewing and the other businesses occupying this downtown Grand Haven building make this a fun spot to meet up and relax — and soak up top-notch regional bands and solo artists.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Holler Fest celebrates 10th anniversary with Michigan-made music revelry: Photo Gallery
More than five dozen regional acts played over three days at this mid-Michigan festival held on an organic vegetable farm. Check out images from last weekend’s Holler Fest 10.
Summer Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Nelly, Fat Joe & Party in the Park, Prince Tribute, Music for Miles, Liance, Big Dudee Roo: Weekend Photo Gallery, Video
This week was all over the board for West Michigan’s music scene — from hip hop and pop at WSNX’s Party in the Park to a Prince tribute to a bevy of Saturday festivals in Grand Rapids to symphony musicians playing a free show in Kalamazoo. Check out the images and video.
Seal powers up soulful charm, leaves Grand Rapids fans swooning
The English singer had one exuberant fan “over-excited” from the get-go at Meijer Gardens on Friday, with the entire sold-out crowd embracing his engaging set. Grand Rapids’ Karisa Wilson opened the show. Peruse the review and photo gallery.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE Episode No. 101: Steve Hilger, The Concussions, Red Tail Ring, Greensky Bluegrass
The 101st edition of Local Spins on WYCE (Aug. 19, 2016) featured an in-studio chat with jazz musicians Steve Hilger and Charlie Hoats, plus the premiere of new tracks by The Concussions, Red Tail Ring, Greensky Bluegrass, London & Rome, The Legal Immigrants and more. (Due to technical glitches, this podcast was delayed a week.)
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Coffin Problem goes acoustic (well, for one day anyway): Local Spins on WYCE podcast, video
The psychedelic Grand Rapids rock band pared back its sound during an in-studio visit for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by London & Rome, Eric Engblade, The Muteflutes and other West Michigan acts. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, read the story.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The Muteflutes find ‘upbeat’ stride, unfurl potent songs on latest album: Local Spins Live at River City Studios video, podcast
Grand Rapids uber-talented folk-rock band talks about songwriting, jelling as a band and feta dips – and rolls out new songs for a small studio audience. The band’s intimate performance and interview was captured via video and podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Michigan Album Reviews: Kari Lynch, Legal Immigrants, Outer Vibe, Jonny Carroll, Bigfoot Buffalo, Michael Dause, Tony Gebhard
From folk to country to metal and more, this August round-up of new releases by Michigan artists covers the gamut. Check out reviews of the recordings, audio samples and see where you can catch these performers live.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Holler Fest 2016: A hidden Michigan music festival gem boasting 60 bands, family vibe
This three-day festival unfolding this weekend on Frog Holler Farm in southern Jackson County is an out-of-the-way affair featuring bands from across the state, including West Michigan acts Vox Vidorra, Watching for Foxes and Olivia Mainville. Check out the full schedule for the 10th anniversary of this rootsy festival.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Lake Street Dive gets bold, bewitching and ‘Bohemian’ in spirited Grand Rapids tour stop
The crush-worthy Boston band’s return to Meijer Gardens was nothing short of an energetic, crowd-pleasing spectacle — amid perfect weather after the threat of storms in a packed amphitheater. Read the review, peruse the photo gallery from another sold-out show.
Mackinac Island’s musical magic: Delving into the ‘different world’ of gigging on the island
Michigan’s most famous island offers more than fudge, horses and a rich history. Summertime and early fall boast a hotbed of live music with a unique milieu, some of it after-hours. Local Spins takes a gander at Mackinac music in words, pictures and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Hoxeyville 2016 Revisited: Greensky Bluegrass’ electrifying sets, Sunday’s rootsy romps (Photo Galleries)
Last weekend’s Hoxeyville festival drew thousands to the northern Michigan woods near Wellston for sets by dozens of artists, including Greensky Bluegrass, Seth Bernard, Billy Strings, Ralston Bowles and more. Check out the recap of this memorable musical soiree.
Girls Rock! GR celebrates ‘next generation of female musicians’ in action-packed Wealthy Theatre showcase
The Girls Rock! GR summer camp aimed at empowering girls through music culminated Sunday with sets by eight enthusiastic young bands making their stage debut, rocking the theater for impressed fans. Peruse the story about these fledgling musicians’ remarkable week and browse the photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Audiotree Music Festival, GRandJazzFest, Kane Brown, The Beach Boys, Tommy Stinson, The Steel Wheels: Weekend Recap, Photo Galleries
Rain, a tornado and generally fickle weather couldn’t stop the rock, jazz, EDM and more from churning out across West Michigan on Saturday and throughout the week. Overall, it was another slate of big shows indoors and out, captured in images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Walk the Beat saunters on through the rain in Grand Haven; Jake Kershaw Band, The Legal Immigrants win top honors
Despite early afternoon rain that wiped out some performances, dozens of regional acts played dozens of Grand Haven venues as fans strolled the streets and voted for their favorites. And a raffle raised upwards of $40,000 to support musical ventures for those in need. Check out the story, photo gallery and video highlights.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Hoxeyville gets rollicking in rootsy way on Day One with Billy Strings, Railroad Earth, Benzie Playboys, Airborne or Aquatic
The opening day of this weekend festival kicked out the jams impressively amid the Manistee National Forest with some big names still to come. Check out the recap, photo gallery and video.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Melophobix, Sligh, Watching for Foxes, Holloway, The Change
This August batch of album reviews covers an eclectic mix of genres, including releases from Jeremy Ensley, Bill Ellingboe, KidsonFire and The Preservers. Check out these new releases by regional artists, with audio samples to boot.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
GRandJazzFest boasts buzz-worthy jazz acts for fifth year of downtown festival
With nationally renowned smooth jazz acts headlining, this weekend’s jazz fest at Rosa Parks Circle will also feature two days of local and regional jazz stars. See and save the full schedule for the weekend event.
ABBA the Concert delivers ABBA the Big Hits in fashionable ’80s fashion at Meijer Gardens
The first tribute show to ever play the outdoor amphitheater eventually got plenty of “Dancing Queens” on their feet and ready to “Take a Chance” on cheering this impersonation of the Swedish superstar band. Read the recap and browse the photo gallery from Wednesday’s show.
Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Walk the Beat to roll out 72 musical acts at 36 Grand Haven venues for one-day celebration, competition
Saturday will mark the third year for this unusual benefit that showcases regional artists vying for thousands in prizes, with concertgoers getting a chance to win, too. See the roster of performers and Grand Haven venues, lists which you can save on your smartphone.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Hoxeyville, Greensky Bluegrass to pair up for star-studded jamming in the woods as band readies new studio album
Along with fellow headliner Railroad Earth, Greensky Bluegrass will join more than 30 other acts at this weekend’s Hoxeyville music festival in Wellston in the Manistee National Forest. Check out the full lineup/performance schedule and listen to a new Greensky tune.
Paul McCartney lives up to hype, unleashes epic career retrospective in Grand Rapids debut
Beatle-mania descended on Van Andel Arena on Monday, with a sold-out crowd cheering McCartney’s first-ever West Michigan appearance. Read the review, ogle the photo gallery and check out the set list from his Grand Rapids tour stop.
Toto more than meets ‘Great Expectations’ with career-spanning set, masterful musicianship
The Grammy Award-winning band had a capacity Meijer Gardens crowd of loyal fans on its feet with an impressive display of hits ranging from “Hold the Line” to “Rosanna” to new material. Read the Local Spins review and browse the photo gallery from Sunday night’s show.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Mungion, Fauxgrass, Strange Arrangement, Hannah Rose & The GravesTones rustle up impressive chops for Cowpie’s Day Two
Some jaw-dropping, lively sets marked the second day of Cowpie Music Fest, not to mention more comfortable, sunny weather that even had Shagbark Farm’s cows , quite literally, mooing their approval. Check out the photo gallery and recap of the second day of action at this rootsy festival in southern Kent County.
KISS gets patriotic, loud, fiery and ‘Psycho Circus’ theatrical in Grand Rapids tour stop
They’ve been doing it for more than 40 years, so the makeup-clad guys in platform heels didn’t unleash anything surprising at Van Andel Arena — just good old-fashioned, goofy, glammy, shock-rocking, pyrotechnic- and flame-enhanced fun. Check out the resplendent photo gallery and review from the band’s fifth appearance at the arena.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Cowpie Music Festival 2016 romps and rocks through showers, power glitches on Day One
Rain and some delays but didn’t faze fans or acts Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Turnips, Mark Lavengood and more who turned Shagbark Farm into a rootsy festival destination. Check out the recap of the opening day down on the farm and ogle the photo gallery and video. Day 2 gets rolling at lunchtime Saturday.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Autumnatic debuts ‘pop-rock baptized in blues’ for 100th episode of Local Spins on WYCE
Led by Nick Stevenson, the new Grand Rapids band started recording a new EP this week and plays Cowpie Music Festival on Saturday. The band uncorked two songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by LVNMUZIQ, Antilogical, Fauxgrass, Plain Jane Glory and Jonny Carroll. Listen to the full podcast.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Grand Rapids musicians to rock dodgeball tourney for Well House; Waldron closes as public bar and jazz hot spot
This mid-August music news update takes a gander at Do-It-Together Grand Rapids’ first-ever dodgeball tournament being held on Aug. 28, and the conversion of a restaurant/bar/music venue into a rental space. There will be no more Friday night jazz at The Waldron.
Latin rock and blues fusion dance party: War and Los Lonely Boys find their familiar groove
Fighting through some technical glitches on a sweltering night, War powered up its ’70s hits, while the sibling trio of Los Lonely Boys delivered “Texican blues” for a smaller-than-usual Meijer Gardens crowd. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
From The Accidentals to The Crane Wives, Grand Haven braces for Season Two of ‘Music at the Museum’ series
Following a successful first season, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum in downtown Grand Haven will once host another series of monthly concerts in its Centennial Room featuring stars from across the region. See — and save — the full schedule, and read the intriguing back story of this popular venture.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Cowpie Music Festival 2016 boasts ‘killer lineup,’ workshops, late-night jams and unmatched laid-back vibe
This weekend’s regional music fest on Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County embraces the tradition of a friendly atmosphere, with more than a dozen acts on stage, including Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Strange Arrangement and more. See the full schedule and save it on your smartphone.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Traverse City’s Jeff Haas’ voyage from Detroit-bred classical pianist to jazz-propelled marvel
The much-respected pianist and anti-bullying disciple based in Traverse City brings his jazz quartet featuring Don Julin to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge for the first time this week. Peruse the back story about this intriguing Michigan treasure and his remarkable musical journey.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Mandolin whiz Don Julin finds jazz, reggae and pure teaching joy in post-Billy Strings era
The Traverse City musician has hit the ground running and hasn’t missed a step since the popular bluegrass duo parted ways. On Wednesday, he’ll perform in Grand Rapids for the first time with a jazz quartet led by Jeff Haas. Learn more about this mandolin virtuoso in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature.
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