In this Musicians’ Soundboard column, musician and Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos relates the true tale of two stolen guitars – and bemoans the all-too-common problem of instrument thievery for touring, hard-gigging bands.
Grand Rapids couple covers 100 Paul Simon songs in 100 days in tribute to legendary songwriter
The Instagram campaign by musicians Rusty and Kelsy Vining attracted hundreds of followers by the time they attended a Simon concert in Detroit, just prior to his retirement announcement. Explore the back story behind this remarkable project and check out a video featuring the couple’s snippets of Simon songs.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Laith Al-Saadi sticks to his blues-rock guns for ‘best-case scenario’ on ‘The Voice’ and beyond
The Ann Arbor guitarist concedes national exposure on the NBC show was a ‘wonderful thing’ that boosted his profile and album sales. He headlines the National Cherry Festival this weekend with more big Michigan concerts on tap. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight profile, listen to his music and check out his upcoming performance schedule.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Gregg Allman embraces Allman Brothers legacy, exudes Southern charm in Grand Rapids concert
Shifting between a Hammond B3 organ and guitar, the Southern rock legend brought his familiar voice and songs to Meijer Gardens to entertain a sold-out crowd on a picture-perfect Wednesday evening. Peruse the review and flip through the images in the Local Spins photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows
Liance: Fashioning deeply personal ‘haunt-folk’ that brings audiences to tears
Led by singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and recent Calvin College graduate James Li, the Grand Rapids alt-rock band fueled by folk’s narrative style releases a new EP at The DAAC on Thursday. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video from an in-studio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Seth Bernard hatches ‘Eggtones for Peace’ as first entry in ambitious, groovy, socially conscious multi-album project
The northern Michigan singer-songwriter calls on an all-star band for the inspiring, inventive recording and for Sunday’s album-release show at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre. He calls the project his response to “a defining time for humanity.” Read the story behind the recording, check out the album review and get details about his upcoming CD-release concerts.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Jackson Browne brings full band, ageless voice, engaging tales, familiar hits to Meijer Gardens
On a sumptuous, sunny evening, the rock legend performed songs spanning his five-decade career backed for the first time at the outdoor amphitheater by a six-piece band. Read the review and browse a photo gallery from Monday’s sold-out show.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Grand River Water Festival, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Red Sea Pedestrians, Sound of the City heat up the weekend: Photo Galleries
The Grand River Water Festival on Sunday wrapped up an impressive week of live music that also featured album-release shows, the debut of a new local music festival, a West Michigan tour stop by Yonder Mountain String Band, the kickoff to the Celadon concert series and a birthday bash at The Pyramid Scheme. Ogle the updated Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries as part of our weekly concert recap.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Fitz and The Tantrums pump up pop-laced dance party for Meijer Gardens multitude
The Los Angeles band delivered familiar hits and fresh tracks from its brand new album during a Grand Rapids tour stop on Sunday night, demanding to see fans’ “dance skills.” Read the Local Spins review by Adrianna Walker and browse the photo gallery by Anthony Norkus.
Electric Forest’s ‘sweaty mob of madness’: Greensky Bluegrass gives West Michigan twist to music festival’s final day
Amid high temps and humidity, Kalamazoo’s favorite sons delivered blazing bluegrass jams in the blazing sun — part of a fitting Electric Forest finale that included The String Cheese Incident, GRiZ and more. Read the recap of Day 4 and browse the photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Red Sea Pedestrians, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Sound of the City heat up the weekend: Photo Galleries
Album-release shows and the debut of a new local music festival were just part of a week that also featured a West Michigan tour stop by Yonder Mountain String Band and the kickoff to the Celadon Summer Concert Series. Browse all of the resplendent images from a top-drawer week of music across West Michigan.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Electric Forest 2016: Children of the sun and the moon (Photo gallery, video)
As this year’s Electric Forest enters its third day in the woods and fields of Rothbury, Local Spins takes a look at the cycle of festival hoopla — from morning yoga and lounging in the sunshine to grooving in Sherwood Forest at midnight. Check out the day-and-night video and photo gallery by Ricky Olmos.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
Fetching folk with Bruce & Becca Ling, atmospheric Americana with Bello Spark: Local Spins on WYCE
This week’s radio show focused on Sunday’s Water Festival and fetching new music from Bello Spark, plus the debut of tracks by Diff & Dudley, Plain Jane Glory and Nicholas James & The Bandwagon. Listen to the podcast and save the schedule for Sunday’s festival on your smartphone.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
‘Let’s get weird’: Electric Forest 2016 gets into Day 1 groove with sunshine, humor, booming bass and Major Lazer
More than 40,000 festival-goers packed Double JJ Resort in Rothbury for the opening salvo of the hippie-driven, four-day affair. Read the first-day recap, browse the resplendent photo gallery and watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Vox Vidorra embraces ‘Sound of the City,’ musical diversity and band camaraderie to grow fan base
The Grand Rapids soul-rock band kicks off the first-ever Sound of the City festival in Grand Rapids on Saturday, followed by regular touring across the Midwest. Read about Vox Vidorra’s growth as a popular West Michigan band and see Saturday’s full festival schedule of performances by regional acts.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Michael Franti & Spearhead spread reggae love in upbeat, familiar and crowd-interactive Meijer Gardens show
The engaging singer and guitarist’s return to Grand Rapids with his band had him climbing into the crowd and bringing fans on stage for a memorable evening at the outdoor amphitheater. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Nicholas James & The Bandwagon hone ‘hippy-tonk’ sound for new album, upcoming summer festival shows
The Grand Rapids group fronted by singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma releases its sophomore album, ‘Tall Tall Tales,’ at Founders Brewing on Saturday. Explore the back story of the new recording, listen to the radio podcast and view the video of Thomasma’s performance inside his VW bus.
Features · Local Spins Exclusives · Upcoming shows
Open-Mic Nights in Grand Rapids: Rare, creative and rambunctious affairs where ‘anything can happen’
An abundance of West Michigan open mics throughout the week offer performers a chance to ‘find their voice’ — from folk to hip hop to poetry — at dozens of venues which open their stages to fledgling as well as veteran performers. Get a glimpse into the vibrant world of open mics in this feature story by Ricky Olmos and browse the photos of performers.
Local Spins Summer Playlist No.6: Festival fun with Edward Sharpe, The Accidentals, Ben Folds, Greensky Bluegrass, Andy Frasco
Local Spins photographer and contributor Anna Sink delves deeply into the groovy world of outdoor music — and many Michigan-bred artists — for this Top 10 list that spotlights bands playing scads of these summer spectacles. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
Concert reviews · Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery
Hot Fun in the Summer: Tommy Castro, Twistin’ Tarantulas, Zion Lion, The Legal Immigrants (Weekend Photo Galleries)
It was a hot week in West Michigan, indoors and out. Browse images from some sizzling concerts featuring national and regional acts, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Holland — and from Summertime Blues to the Grand Rapids Pride Festival — in these weekend photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
B93 Birthday Bash fires up country-driven excitement for two steamy days in Martin
Chris Young, Chris Janson, Granger Smith and more regaled an exuberant bunch Saturday at the sun-drenched, 24th celebration held at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. And Day 2 was even hotter on stage and in the audience. Check out the colorful images by photographer Eric Stoike.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Founders Fest fuels summer party atmosphere for happy throng with The Motet, Lee Fields, People’s Blues of Richmond and more
Attendance was down a bit, but the music was as hot as the weather with The Go Rounds and FBC All-Stars representing Michigan during the ninth annual day-long street party that also featured People’s Blues of Richmond, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Main Squeeze and Dos Santos: Anti-Beat Orquesta. Check out the story, photo gallery and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Tedeschi Trucks Band simmers with genre-defying kaleidoscope, happy vibe and masterful musicianship in Grand Rapids show
Even an unhinged trombone and steamy weather couldn’t stop Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and crew at Meijer Gardens on Friday night, with the 12-member band unleashing an audience-pleasing spectacle. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery from a hot night at the amphitheater.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Devin & The Dead Frets take two years to ‘dial in’ for passionate debut rock record (Story, Local Spins on WYCE podcast)
The Grand Rapids band is part of Friday night’s Local Spins Non-Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll Show at Tip Top Deluxe and previewed its new album with a performance for Local Spins on WYCE. The new album officially gets released July 9. Listen to the podcast, including the debut of new songs by Bello Spark, Barbarossa Brothers, Bennett, Bigfoot Buffalo and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Singer-songwriter Jonny Carroll set to release ‘intrinsically delicate and beautiful’ studio album, followed by U.S. tour
Inspired by a breakup, the Grand Rapids artist’s impressive ‘Leaving on the Light’ is a full-band project that will be showcased Friday at The DAAC. Listen to the new album now in a Local Spins exclusive “first listen,” along with this week’s Local Spins Live radio podcast. And watch a video of his in-studio performance.
Ziggy Marley ignites zealous Grand Rapids reggae fans, pays tribute to legendary father
A sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd cheered the upbeat, summery display by the singer who melded joyful originals with some Bob Marley classics. Read the review of Wednesday’s amphitheater concert and browse the photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
Tedeschi Trucks Band to bring talented ‘traveling circus,’ energetic jams to Meijer Gardens on Friday
In an interview with Local Spins, guitarist-singer Susan Tedeschi talks about touring, musical chemistry and the band’s tendency to ‘mix it up’ on stage. The band returns to Meijer Gardens for a sold-out show on Friday.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Founders Fest to once again tap Grand Rapids’ ‘biggest keg party’ on Saturday with The Motet, Lee Fields, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Go Rounds and lots of beer
The ninth annual street party will pack the area around Founders Brewing and showcase some of the most popular acts that previously have played the brewery’s taproom. See the full schedule for Saturday’s festival.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
West Michigan’s The JMM Trio embraces jazz standards and classic crooners Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Mel Torme
Led by Diego Morales, the frontman for R&B’s The Soul Syndicate, the jazz trio serves as a side project and labor of love for a singer who grew up with The Rat Pack and other vintage vocalists. Read the back story about this emerging Michigan jazz outfit that plays SpeakEZ Lounge and Tip Top Deluxe this week.
Of Monsters and Men unfurl epic amphitheater show in Grand Rapids on final week of U.S. tour
The surprisingly loud and lush nine-piece indie-folk/pop ensemble from Iceland lit up Meijer Gardens on a gray, overcast evening, with much of the capacity crowd on its feet the entire night. Read the review and browse the striking photo gallery from a special night at the outdoor amphitheater.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
America shows off its timeless hits, first-rate harmonies at Meijer Gardens (Review, photos)
The second concert of the season at the outdoor amphitheater regaled a sold-out crowd with favorites from the ’70s, including “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Golden Hair” and “Don’t Cross the River.” And opener Brennin of “Nashville” fame impressed fans, too. Check out the review.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Beast in the Field, Spoke Folks Crank 2016, Rumsey St. Bazaar, Start of Summer: Photo Galleries
Summer wastes no time cranking up the amps for outdoor music across West Michigan. And things were hectic indoors over the past week, too. Ogle all the images in these Local Spins galleries with shows at The Intersection, The Pyramid Scheme, SpeakEZ Lounge, Bell’s Brewery, Spoke Folks’ Crank 2016, Rumsey Street Bazaar, Rockford’s Start of Summer Celebration and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Buttermilk Jamboree Day 2 and Day 3: ‘A place of magic,’ from The Blasters to Delilah DeWylde to Eggs Bernard to The Accidentals
The unique festival at Circle Pines Center in Delton hosted headliners The Blasters on Saturday, along with a bevy of top-drawer regional acts. And the best edition of Buttermilk Jamboree yet wrapped up with a real bang on Sunday with The Accidentals, The Crane Wives and more. Read the recap of Saturday’s performances and browse the photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Buttermilk Jamboree sets new musical milestone with ‘beautiful’ kickoff to 2016 festival
The sixth annual festival in a remote area of Barry County reveled Friday in rousing regional music and a family-friendly atmosphere with much more to come. Read the roundup, scan the photo gallery and watch some video highlights from opening day.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Soil & The Sun presses reset button, reemerges as smaller, ‘more focused’ four-piece group (Story, podcast, video)
The Grand Rapids indie-folk band returns home from a U.S. tour — after downsizing — and performs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Seth Bernard, The Preservers, Sligh, Kari Lynch and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Hey, hey, they’re The Monkees: Meijer Gardens opens 2016 series with nostalgic ’60s party
The first concert of the summer series was full of slapstick humor and familiar pop hits — plus some new gems — that satiated a sold-out, baby-boomer crowd on a sumptuous June evening. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery.
Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Rumsey Street Bazaar to turn Grand Rapids neighborhood into ‘different animal’ of live music, art and fashion
A David Bowie tribute band, Cabildo and Grand Rapids Symphony musicians will light up the unusual weekend ‘marketplace extravaganza’ with The Concussions playing an opening night party. Read the story and review the schedule of events.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Summer concert series mania: Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Kalamazoo, Sparta, Fennville rock the season
Starting this month, communities across West Michigan showcase regional talent in free outdoor concerts that light up almost every night of the week. Browse all of the lineups, embrace the music. And GRAM on the Green returns for its eighth season in July.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Waldron hosts first Songwriters Night on Tuesday to showcase regional talent
River City Studios engineer Kenton Giar hopes the ‘in-the-round’ sessions in downtown Grand Rapids will help nurture West Michigan’s songwriting scene and build talent. Read more about the new series in this Local Spins story.
Local Spins Spring/Summer Playlist No. 5: Deshia Dunn’s soulful, relaxing, indie-pop gems
The latest in Local Spins’ series of summery soundtracks boasts tracks by Alabama Shakes, Kali Uchis, Blood Orange, Frankie Cosmos and Jonti, who’s seen in a pink furry suit strolling through a dreamy video. Check out all the intriguing picks, along with a Spotify version of the playlist.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rain and music reign: Grand Rapids Festival, Local First Street Party power through showers (Weekend Photo Galleries)
Saturday’s wet weather kept throngs away, but those that endured the raindrops were treated to some rousing sets by some intrepid regional bands. It capped a week of rollicking concerts including Greensky Bluegrass’ three-night run at Bell’s in Kalamazoo. Check out all of the show recaps and photo galleries.
Twenty One Pilots uncork crazy, intense, athletic spectacle for crazy, intense Grand Rapids fans
Some rabid fans camped out overnight in line for the sold-out Van Andel Arena show and Ohio’s Twenty One Pilots rewarded them Saturday with a show for the ages. Read the review and check out the photo gallery from a wild night.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Grand Rapids’ sun-splashed Festival 2016 gets loud, gets busy, gets exciting: Day One recap, photo gallery
‘Loving the vibe and loving the music’: That was the theme of Festival of the Arts on Friday as thousands of attendees jammed streets in downtown Grand Rapids for dozens of performances. Check out the recap and photo gallery from a hectic first day of the 47th annual event.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Crane Wives stretch out on new album, inspire fans from stage: Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids folk-rock band rocked Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new material from Red Sea Pedestrians, The Muteflutes, Dead Eye Zack, Matt Gabriel and more. Read the feature story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of The Crane Wives’ in-studio radio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe’s boundary-pushing, Michigan-bred indie-folk: Local Spins Live at River City (Podcast, video)
The spring edition of HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios featured an up-and-coming West Michigan band with eclectic, diverse instrumentation and ever-changing rhythms. Check out the interview and performances by this unique ensemble in podcast, video and photos.
Summer Festivals · Top 10 Lists
Michigan’s Top 10 Summer Music Festivals: The Local Spins List
Summer festival season officially is here, so we’ve rounded up the most captivating musical celebrations in the Great Lakes State – some well-known, some off the beaten path, all worth exploring. And check out the under-the-radar picks, too.
Local Spins’ Festival 2016 Music Picks: The Zannies, Dante Cope, Watching for Foxes, The Suburbans, Lipstick Jodi, Ty Beat and more
Thousands of West Michigan performers will pack stages in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend. It’s a lot to soak in. So once again, Local Spins asks some well-known musicians and its staff of writers to pick “The Best of Fest.” Check out their diverse selections in this guide to Festival 2016.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Accidentals’ “Parking Lot EP” another entertaining step forward on a magical indie-folk journey
After three years, the Traverse City trio finally releases a new studio recording this week. Like the musicians themselves, it’s buoyant and fresh – and will likely earn them even more acclaim. Read the Local Spins review and sample some of the music in new videos from The Accidentals.
Upcoming Album Releases · Upcoming shows
Upcoming West Michigan Album Releases: The Muteflutes, Seth Bernard, Silverstiles, May Erlewine, Sligh West, Red Sea Pedestrians
With this new feature, Local Spins rounds up a bevy of upcoming recordings by West Michigan bands and solo artists, with some audio and video samples to boot. See what’s coming down the pike from a bunch of talented regional acts.
Listen to Local Spins Live
