The 14th annual festival along Lake Michigan between Grand Haven and Holland kicked off the holiday weekend with live music, a family vibe and VW buses. Read the story and check out the opening-day photo gallery.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: New music from Fauxgrass, The Accidentals, Jackie Chiles, Flushed
Grand Rapids’ progressive bluegrass band Fauxgrass unveiled a new original and a new cover in the studio for Local Spins, which also debuted new music by The Accidentals and other Michigan artists. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of an in-studio performance.
Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Sound of the City festival to showcase Grand Rapids bands, draw attention to new radi8er music platform
The first-time festival at the Harris Building on June 25 will feature Vox Vidorra, The Legal Immigrants, Lady Ace Boogie, Ty Beat, Valentiger and more. Radi8er plans similar events in other cities, too. Read the details and see the full lineup for the Grand Rapids event.
Announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
WLAV Summertime Blues concerts will return to DeltaPlex for second year, kicking off in mid-June with Tommy Castro
Series host WLAV attracted big crowds after moving the Wednesday series to Walker last summer so it has nine concerts on tap for 2016; Garage Bar resumes its Wednesday night block parties, too. Check out the lineups for both summertimes series.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Local Spins Live
Singer-songwriter Matt Gabriel takes eclectic, diverse approach on new EP, ‘Fiction’
On his latest EP, “Fiction,” the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter aimed to “write something different” and he has plenty more compelling material where that came from. He’ll be sharing that music with lakeshore audiences in coming weeks. Read the Local Spins profile and check out his performance schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Commentary
Laith Al-Saadi finishes fourth on ‘The Voice’ but the Ann Arbor guitarist proves he’s a real champion of the blues
For the second year in a row, a veteran Michigan musician has won over judges and fans on the NBC show. More important, Al-Saadi has shined a spotlight on the blues and on Mitten State talent. Read the Local Spins commentary and watch the videos of this week’s performances.
Local Spins Spring Playlist No. 4: Troy Reimink’s hilarious, cruel, crazy-cool soundtrack for summer 2016
Seeking the perfect tracks for kiddie-pool beer, hippie camping, crashing weddings, fireworks, power tools, age-inappropriate partners and buying rounds? Well, this Local Spins pundit has you covered. Check out Troy Reimink’s Top 10 songs for the season in words, video and Spotify glory.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bob Dylan Tribute, Bring Me the Horizon, Bullet for My Valentine, The Go Rounds and more: Weekend Photo Galleries
Metalcore, folk, indie-rock, bluegrass, psychedelic rock, pop and deliciously indescribable music captivated West Michigan audiences over the past week. Check out all of the images at Local Spins, including some special musical celebrations and tributes.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘Great’ friendship, collaboration between Grand Rapids’ JRob and Lady Ace Boogie spawns hip hop’s The Great Ones
The performers became fast friends after battling each other in a hip hop competition. The duo is releasing its debut album, “The Great Ones,” on Saturday at Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids. Read the story and listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast which also includes the premiere of tracks by Bangups, Heaters, Elroy Meltzer, Kari Lynch and more.
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ lights up Grand Rapids for the first time
Stars of the touring Broadway musical want to impress the city with ‘what this show’s all about live‘ and fans are ready: 95 percent of tickets for the run here already have been sold. Read about this new touring production hosted by Broadway Grand Rapids.
Announcements · Breaking music news
AJ Paschka stepping down as WYCE-FM station manager to work for Peopledesign
After taking the reigns of the community radio station in fall 2014, Paschka is moving on to a new job but expresses love for — and a continued commitment to — WYCE’s mission, much of which includes showcasing the local and regional music scene.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens releases a few tickets for Tedeschi Trucks, Ben Folds, other previously sold-out concerts; Tears for Fears reschedules show to September
Not quite sold out after all: A few tickets to see the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Ben Folds, Grace Potter and a few other summer series shows available this week. But the opening Tears for Fears show has been postponed altogether after the band announced it was putting off its summer U.S. tour. See which shows still have tickets up for sale.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Summer Festivals
Grand Rapids’ Bong Mountain takes its punk attack on the road, eyes major vinyl release
The emerging punk act will share stages with some “heavy hitters” on its current tour, with more big festival appearances and a special vinyl release on the docket for 2016. Read the story about this Grand Rapids band and check out its performance schedule.
Breaking music news · Features
Ann Arbor’s Laith Al-Saadi soars to Final Four on ‘The Voice’ in last-second save by America
The Ann Arbor blues guitarist and singer was the final contestant to make it to next week’s finals in a dramatic finish to Tuesday night’s show. It’s the second year in a row that a 30-something, veteran Michigan musician has made it to the finals of “The Voice.” In 2015, it was Joshua Davis.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Heaters celebrate new single from upcoming album, headline Local Spins 4th Anniversary at Rockford Brewing
The popular Grand Rapids psychedelic garage rockers release a new album in August. Before that, they’ll headline Friday’s party, which includes release of Local Spinsation Ale and giveaways. Get details about Friday’s celebration and the band’s summer plans.
Joshua Davis offers advice as Laith Al-Saadi performs with Top 8 on ‘The Voice’ this week
The Traverse City singer-songwriter who finished third on the NBC show last year has been following the Ann Arbor blues guitarist’s run and calls his national exposure ‘incredible.’ Read the story about Joshua Davis’ take on another veteran Michigan musician finding success on “The Voice.”
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
A Day to Remember caps a week of live music to remember: Weekend Photo Galleries
The Florida metalcore/pop-punk band provoked fan fervor the same week that saw lively West Michigan shows by Mustard Plug Hannah Rose Graves, Graffiti, Vetiver, Small Brown Bike and much more. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
E. Andrei explores ‘dark, strange’ side of electronic pop music: Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids electronic musician performed and discussed his growth as an artist as this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Michael Dause, The Soil & The Sun, Sligh and Silverstiles. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Meijer Gardens has tickets for just six concerts left for public sales come Saturday morning
With two dozen of the summer’s 30 concerts already sold out to Meijer Gardens members, it’s slim pickings for Saturday’s public sales offering, with just a few tickets left for Lyle Lovett and Seal. Get the lowdown in this Local Spins story.
Garth Brooks rewards Michigan country fans with high-energy spectacle at Van Andel Arena
Along with Trisha Yearwood, the country superstar delivered hit after hit in the first of six straight Grand Rapids shows. West Michigan country singer Kari Lynch offers up her take on the much-anticipated concert by one of her biggest influences. Read the review, check out the photo gallery from this historic show.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Channing & Quinn embrace Michigan as duo’s new home on ‘Up North’ album, revel in audience-pleasing, multi-instrumental shows
With their new album, Channing Lee and Quinn Mathews have added a Great Lakes State perspective to their unique indie-folk — crowd-pleasing material that comes to life next week in concert at SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids. Read about this couple’s new studio project.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Guitarist Russell Olmsted leaving UV Hippo; to play final show with Grand Rapids band July 9
The popular West Michigan jam band will introduce new guitarist Andy Kirby at The Intersection concert, after Olmsted announces he’s stepping down to pursue other goals. The guitarist tells Local Spins it’s been a life-changing ride.
Local Spins Spring Playlist No. 3: Tricia Woolfenden cruises to the beach with dreamy, dance-y, nostalgic soundtrack
Longtime Local Spins contributor, reviewer and WYCE ‘New Standards’ co-host Tricia Woolfenden offers up Joy Formidable, INXS, Santigold, Youth Lagoon, Tunde Olaniran and more to heat up the spring. Check out this eclectic roster and videos, along with a Spotify version of the playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Features
Ann Arbor’s Laith Al-Saadi moves into Top 8 on ‘The Voice’; bandmate says TV performances ‘barely scratch the surface’ of his talent
Much like Joshua Davis in 2015, Laith Al-Saadi represents Michigan as the oldest remaining contestant in the NBC competition, impressing judges with his voice and guitar work. His bandmate back in Michigan says there’s no one quite like Al-Saadi and he knew he’d make it to the final rounds all along. Read the back story about this remarkable musician.
Breaking music news · Features
Camp H Skate Park shuts down, halts concerts after township uncovers zoning violations
Complaints about alcohol use around the Comstock Park venue sparked a review that revealed the skate park doesn’t have a permit for live music. It will be closed at least through summer and owners might seek a new location that allows concerts.
Announcements · Summer Concerts
Jazz in the Park returns in June to Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids
The free Monday night jazz concerts hosted by the West Michigan Jazz Society boast renowned artists from across the state, from Mike Frost to Mary Rademacher Reed to the Mack Avenue Jazz Band. See the full lineup.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Cage the Elephant gets pretty, gets wild at DeltaPlex, plus L.A. Witch, Eric Bachmann, Baroness, Emma Loo: Weekend Photo Galleries
Cage the Elephant and Portugal. The Man highlighted a week of live music in West Michigan that also featured Aaron Diehl, Big Dudee Roo and others. Check out all the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Change poised to unfurl genre-spanning ‘driving music’ with debut album on the way: Local Spins on WYCE
Led by multi-instrumentalist and singer Ryan Williams, the new Grand Rapids band rocked this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured the debut of tracks by Emma Loo, Graffiti, Darkly, The Eggtones and Downie. Listen to the podcast and check out a video of a song from the upcoming new album by The Change.
Alejandro Escovedo cranks up the volume and story-telling charm at St. Cecilia Music Center
The highly acclaimed rock and Americana artist brought his trio and a powerful set of music to historic Royce Auditorium for the final Acoustic Café show of the season. Read the review of Thursday’s show and check out the photo gallery.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins Spring Playlist No. 2: Heaters’ Nolan Krebs fires up with Black Sabbath, Holy Wave, George Harrison, Froth, Darkly
The bassist and guitarist for Grand Rapids’ Heaters and frequent contributor to Local Spins gets psychedelic, heavy, pop-hued, garagey, surfy and nostalgic with his roster of tunes for spring and summer jamming. See what he’s listening to and check out the Spotify playlist, too.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Big Dudee Roo spices things up with its psychedelic folk-rock – from bars to bank lobbies to music festivals
With a new EP catching fire, the Grand Rapids band talked about its music for Local Spins Live, and performed on the air (and in a bank) as it prepares for Local Spins’ 4th anniversary show at Long Road Distillers on Saturday. Listen to the radio podcast and watch the videos.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Alejandro Escovedo: Inspiring songs, stories, musical collaborations and a burning desire to ‘put on good shows’
The renowned Texas alt-country, roots rock and Americana artist plays Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center this week as he wraps up work on a studio album with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck. Read the Local Spins interview with this iconic singer-songwriter and listen to a playlist of Escovedo’s songs.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens alternatives: Jackson Browne, Tears for Fears, Greg Allman, Goo Goo Dolls, more playing venues within short drive
Although 24 of 30 Meijer Gardens concerts sold out by noon Monday, Interlochen, Freedom Hill, Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater and other nearby venues have booked some of the same artists this summer. Find out where these acts are playing and get links to ticket sales.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Outer Vibe, Watching for Foxes, The Cadillac Three, Reverend Horton Heat fly high: Weekend Photo Gallery and Show Recap
It was a week of series debuts, CD-releases, homecomings, national tour stops and an anniversary party for Short’s Brewing, with Drew Nelson, GR Live, Protomen, Slumlord Radio, The Go Rounds and much more captured in images at Local Spins. Check out all the photos and mini-reviews.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens sells out 17 concerts in first blast of ticket sales, including Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Gavin DeGraw, Diana Ross
The June 27 Jackson Browne concert sold out in mere minutes Saturday morning, with Diana Ross, O.A.R., Bonnie Raitt, Gavin DeGraw, Goo Goo Dolls, Of Monsters & Men, America and Ben Folds quickly following suit. By noon Monday, 24 of the 30 concerts had sold out to members. See the entire list of sellouts.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Laith Al-Saadi, Jack White, The Infatuations snag Detroit Music Awards; Music Hop aims to ignite Kalamazoo’s music scene; Trombone Shorty headlines Microbrew & Music Fest
Local Spins’ roundup of music news from around the state features everything from Detroit honoring Southeast Michigan’s best artists to events heating up Kalamazoo and Traverse City. Read about musical events across the Great Lakes State.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Boy From School goes to head of the class with pop-hued, genre-blending indie-rock: Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids band working on its second EP performed during the Local Spins radio show, which also debuted tracks by Bill Ellingboe, Channing & Quinn, Watching for Foxes and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins Spring Playlist No. 1: Ricky Olmos lets the good times roll
From Bob Marley to Macklemore to Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos fashions a playlist to get folks dreaming of summer and sunny skies. Watch the videos, listen to the full Spotify playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The Outer Vibe homecoming show to unveil new material with concert recorded for live album: Local Spins Live
Grand Rapids’ The Outer Vibe talks about touring, new songs and getting a chance to regale hometown fans at a big weekend show at The Intersection being recorded for a live album. Listen to the podcast and check out the video of the band’s acoustic in-studio performance this week.
Announcements · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Common Ground to light up Lansing with Tim McGraw, A$AP Rocky, Jason Derulo; Relax at Rosa series kicks off May 5; Celadon series launches in June with Steve Hilger
Summer is fast approaching, which means outdoor festivals and concerts continue to roll out their lineups aimed at rocking the season. Check out details online here for the Common Ground Music Festival in Lansing, the ‘Relax at Rosa’ series in downtown Grand Rapids and this year’s Celadon Summer Concert Series.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
The Moxie Strings’ Diana Ladio joins The Elders; tour stops Saturday in Grand Rapids
The fiery Michigan fiddler based in Traverse City is doing double-duty — balancing touring and performances with both bands. The Elders and Ladio play the Boat & Canoe Club in Grand Rapids on Saturday night. Read the story about this new Celtic music partnership.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Cindy Bradley, Chris Standring, Organissimo, Steve Hilger, Tumbao Bravo part of 2016 GRandJazzFest lineup
The fifth annual free festival taking place in downtown Grand Rapids Aug. 20-21 will feature 11 national and local acts. The event draws thousands to Rosa Parks CIrcle each year. Check out the details and the full lineup.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Paul McCartney to play Van Andel Arena on Aug. 15 in first-ever Grand Rapids appearance
Tickets go on sale Monday to see the celebrated Beatle on his U.S. “One on One” tour, with McCartney’s website promising a “dazzling” show covering nearly three hours of hits. Get the details on Sir Paul’s West Michigan tour stop.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
New ‘GR Live’ radio show to showcase regional artists in live lunchtime concerts at The B.O.B.
Every Thursday for 19 weeks, the free one-hour show hosted by Quinn Mathews will spotlight the music scene and preview upcoming area concerts. John Shea, Michigander and Sleep Cheaters play the first event this week in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the schedule.
Short’s brews up ‘dream lineup’ of Vulfpeck, The Go Rounds, The Crane Wives for 12th anniversary bash this weekend
Saturday’s celebration will fill the streets of Bellaire with thousands of revelers in what the drummer for The Crane Wives calls “a magical place.” See what’s planned for the anniversary event outside the popular northern Michigan brewery.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The Accidentals soar to one-quarter-million views for ‘Michigan and Again’ video, prepare to release first EP in years
The young Traverse City indie-folk trio continues to make waves, earning widespread attention for its latest, ultra-catchy single as it eyes release of a new EP in June. Read the back story, watch the video and download the song for free.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan rocks out with Rolling Stones tribute, Keb’ Mo’, Noah Gundersen, Jack DeJohnette: Weekend Photo Galleries
Jazz and blues icons topped a week of live music that also included The Pyramid Scheme’s two-night anniversary party, a Stones tribute, Roosevelt Diggs, Hannah Rose Graves and Megan Dooley, and the kickoff to Kalamazoo’s “Music Hop.” Peruse the show recaps and view the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Killswitch Engage cheers crowd-surfing blind fan, revs up Grand Rapids to fever pitch
Not only did the metalcore pioneers fire up a near-capacity crowd at The Intersection, but a Local Spins photo of a blind fan crowd-surfing in their moshpit has earned widespread attention. Check out an interview with the fan, concert review and photo gallery.
In tribute to Prince: West Michigan musicians mourn the untimely death of a boundary-pushing legend
The Minneapolis superstar’s influence was wide-ranging and his music inspiring. West Michigan artists react to the sad news and list their favorite Prince tracks.
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