This week’s edition of Local Spins Live featured the Grand Rapids vintage rock band performing a couple of Stones classics on the air as it prepares for a Saturday extravaganza. Listen to the podcast from the Local Spins Live radio show and watch the video of the band’s in-studio performance.
Announcements · Local Spins Exclusives · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins celebrates 4th anniversary in May with Heaters, Big Dudee Roo, The Concussions, Local Spinsation Ale and giveaways
May’s Local Spins Month celebration boasts special parties and swag at Rockford Brewing, Long Road Distillers and SpeakEZ Lounge, plus a first-ever Muskegon event. Read the story to see how you can enter to win Local Spins anniversary gift packages with swag, concert tickets and more.
Wilson carries Detroit’s hard rock flag proudly, earns ‘Right to Rise’ amid ramped-up touring with metal royalty
The Motor City rockers have been taking their blue-collar mentality on the road, pumping up fans in Grand Rapids and beyond with snarling guitars and passionate vocals. Read the feature on this emerging hard rock band and check out the video for Wilson’s latest single.
Announcements · Summer Concerts
Tuesday Evening Music Club’s 2016 series to boast regional hip hop, reggae, indie-folk, rockabilly, bluegrass at Meijer Gardens
This summer’s showcase of Michigan acts will feature La Famiglia, Zion Lion, Mark Lavengood, Delilah DeWylde, Brother Adams, Nicholas James, Ralston Bowles and more. See the full lineup and details about this year’s special local and regional series.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Record Store Day, Kiefer Sutherland, Larry McCray, Wilson pump up West Michigan’s weekend: Photo galleries
On a weekend with resplendent spring weather, West Michiganders couldn’t go far without bumping into live music of all varieties — documented in images at Local Spins. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries, from Record Store Day to Kiefer Sutherland.
Jake’s Music Festival rocks Wealthy Theatre with upbeat bands, high energy, worthy cause
Falling on a busy and beautiful Saturday in Grand Rapids, the 12th annual festival at Wealthy Theatre showcased West Michigan bands of every ilk and raised thousands for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Review, photo gallery)
Preserving the blues: Keeping the genre alive on radio the goal of blues-hued Billy’s Lounge benefit starring regional acts
Saturday night’s Local Blues Matters show for WGVU-FM will feature Detroit’s Larry McCray, plus Hank Mowery, Jimmie Stagger and Hannah Rose & the GravesTones.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
Emma Loo’s ‘weird,’ lovable inter-dimensional music: Local Spins on WYCE
Performing frequently with Sam Kenny, the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter has a solo album on the way. This edition of the show also featured new songs from Kari Lynch, Vox Vidorra and Jack & The Bear. Listen to the podcast, read the story about Emma Loo.
The Mountain Goats climb tale-telling heights, Leo Kottke impresses with humor, guitar prowess in separate Grand Rapids concerts
Folk music of different stripes in different places ruled Grand Rapids Thursday, with The Mountain Goats unfurling musical tales at Calvin College and Kottke regaling a sold-out St. Cecilia Music Center. Read the Local Spins reviews by Tricia Woolfenden and Charley Honey.
Audio · Features · Local Spins Exclusives
Listen to Vox Vidorra’s “Best You Can”: Local Spins’ Record Store Day exclusive
Grand Rapids soul-rock band Vox Vidorra will release a limited-edition 7-inch EP on Record Store Day. Get a sneak-peek listen to one of the tracks only at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Commentary
Meijer Gardens summer series 2016: Diana Ross, Ben Folds, Edward Sharpe, Gregg Allman, Tears for Fears, Tedeschi Trucks Band
Ziggy Marley, Bonnie Raitt, Gavin DeGraw, O.A.R., Toto, Lake Street Dive, Grace Potter, America, even Jay Leno are part of the 30-show series, with tickets on sale to Meijer Gardens members on April 30. See the entire 2016 lineup and find out how ticket prices have changed from last year.
Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Founders Fest 2016 taps The Motet, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band; Local First Street Party books Joshua Davis, The Crane Wives, Lady Ace Boogie
Founders Fest will pump up the streets around the brewery on June 18 with ‘an extra special’ edition of the festival, and Local First Street Party returns for its 13th year on June 4. Check out the full lineups for both of these giant outdoor celebrations.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Record Store Day hoopla from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo: Live and local music, tons of vinyl and a community spirit
On Saturday, Vertigo Music, Dodds Record Shop, Corner Record Shop, Green Light Music and more across West Michigan will celebrate their independence like never before. Find out why this is such a big day for music lovers and check out the live music schedules.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ragbirds ‘return home’ and find centered sound, chart success with new album
The world music-infused Ann Arbor indie-folk band — one of Michigan’s most respected group of musicians — brings its tour behind “The Threshold and The Hearth” to Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Traverse City this week. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and check out the videos of songs from the new album.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Feedback 2016 boasts capacity crowd, record-breaking donations, upbeat vibe with The Accidentals, Soul Syndicate
Sunday’s 22nd anniversary Feedback benefit heated up Founders Brewing Co. with performances by The Accidentals, The Soul Syndicate and The Honeytones, and raised thousands for Access of West Michigan. Check out the recap and photo gallery.
Panic! at the Disco, Disturbed, Holy-Holy, Underoath, Marshall Crenshaw, Bermudas, Zannies light up West Michigan: Photo galleries
This edition of the Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries and the week-in-review concert recap boasts a couple of sold-out national tour stops, several jam-packed local CD-release shows, a Cris Kauffman tribute and plenty more.
Ian Anderson gives unusual virtual reality spin to Jethro Tull in Grand Rapids (Review, photos)
The flute-playing prog-rock frontman brought “Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera” to DeVos Performance Hall on Saturday night, with his vocals getting an assist from video accompanists. (Review, photo gallery)
Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson: Candid, happy and proud of his ‘oddball’ music (except for maybe 50 songs or so)
With Ian Anderson bringing his “Jethro Tull” show to Grand Rapids tonight, check out this 2001 interview with the cerebral frontman and farmer who has a lot to say about his career, touring and the mistakes rock stars make. For longtime fans, it’s a fascinating look into the mind of a prog-rock icon.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Bermudas get ‘scrappy’ and eclectic on new EP: Local Spins on WYCE
The April 8 edition of the radio show also featured the debut of new tracks by Channing & Quinn, Nathan Kalish & The Lastcallers, Jeremy Ensley and Barbarossa Brothers and much more. Read the story about Bermudas and listen to the radio podcast.
Commentary · Guest Column · Upcoming shows
Rebirth of The DAAC and why it keeps the heart of Grand Rapids’ music and arts scene beating: John Hanson @ The Musicians’ Soundboard
The DAAC is reopening its doors in Grand Rapids, three years after it was forced to move from S. Division Avenue. Musician John Hanson has felt the power of the all-ages arts collective, inspiring this guest column for Local Spins.
Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Louie’s Back Room: Kalamazoo’s intimate, inclusive, energy-sparking music hot spot (West Michigan Venue Spotlight)
Kalamazoo’s oldest bar houses Louie’s Back Room, which boasts live entertainment five days a week. Read more about it in the latest entry in this Local Spins series spotlighting unique music venues, and take a video tour of Louie’s.
Commentary · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Accidentals, Soul Syndicate, Honeytones to ignite Feedback 2016: 22 years of feeding the hungry and showcasing Michigan music
The Feedback benefit for Access of West Michigan celebrates its 22nd anniversary at Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids on Sunday afternoon with live music from three bands, a raffle, poster sales and more. Read about the history of this event and the cause that inspired it.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
Buses by the Beach benefit to kick off summer on Lake Michigan with music, VW buses, ‘community atmosphere,’ good cause
The Memorial Day weekend festival once again will feature top-notch regional acts, including performances by Way Down Wanderers, Third Coast Kings, Fauxgrass, Nicholas James & the Bandwagon, Roosevelt Diggs, Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe and more. Tickets are now on sale.
Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Blissfest 2016 to celebrate 36 years of musical bliss with Keller Williams, Peter Yarrow, Hot Tuna, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers
Michigan acts and stars from across the globe pump up this year’s Blissfest lineup. Regular advance tickets for the July 8-10 festival are now on sale. Check out some of the featured acts in the 2016 lineup.
UV Hippo, John Nemeth, The Crane Wives, Big Dudee Roo, Ben Rector heat up a cool week: Weekend Photo Galleries
Check out images — and a video — from a week of live music across West Michigan that featured a jam-packed CD-release show, a sold-out two-night stand in Kalamazoo, a first-time beer festival and performances by Rachel B, Hank Mowery & The Hawktones and another LadyFest GR.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
Local Spins on WYCE: Jake Down’s indie-acoustic-rock, plus American WiFi, Crane Wives, Nathan Kalish, Glassfield
The April 1 edition of the radio show also featured new songs by The Change, Organissimo, Rachel B, Andy & The Pandy’s and Charlie Darling. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: The Crane Wives, Nathan Kalish & The Lastcallers, Big Dudee Roo, Dear Tracks, Loren Johnson, The Timnz
No fooling, the April 1 batch of new local and regional albums is a blast of fresh air, starting with The Crane Wives who host a CD-release show Saturday at Founders Brewing. Check out the reviews, including video and audio clips of new songs by six regional artists.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos
Earthwork Covers Earthwork: Michigan music collective stars to release covers of songs by fellow Earthwork artists
The first single in the Earthwork Music collective’s unique project will feature Seth Bernard’s take on a 2010 May Erlewine song. That comes out Friday, with new covers by Earthwork Music artists released monthly and a full album set to be completed next winter.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows
Rachel B brings Michigan flair to her big-city, ‘soul empowerment pop’ (Story, podcast, video)
The Traverse City native now based in Pittsburgh is touring the Great Lakes State behind her debut album. She plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night. Read the story, watch the video, listen to the Local Spins Live radio podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Summer concert series shine for 2016: Check out band lineups for Lowell, Rockford, Wyoming and Holland
Time to think summer and outdoor concerts: Joe Hertler, The Accidentals, Hannah Rose, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Outer Vibe, Kari Lynch and plenty more grace four free concert series. Check out the lineups for these free summer concerts.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
Radi8er app to reveal ‘sound of the city,’ allow users to discover artists others are listening to
Created in Grand Rapids, the radical new music platform that will start beta testing next month will allow users to zoom in to neighborhoods, even areas around venues, to pinpoint their musical vibe. Those spearheading the music discovery system say it will help showcase local artists and grow the music scene.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Lone Bellow, Jesus Christ Superstar, Waka Flocka Flame, Puscifer, Heaters and more shine for Easter week: Photo Galleries
The holiday week bloomed with shows of every ilk: from indie-folk’s The Lone Bellow to a star-heavy musical to a Maynard James Keenan homecoming to rap and blistering guitar rock. Check out all the Local Spins images and a video from singer-songwriter night at Richard App Gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
Trash Hounds find bliss in reverb-heavy, ‘old swampy stuff’ with debut EP on the way: Local Spins on WYCE
The fresh Grand Rapids rock trio revved up Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured an interview with Radi8er creators and new tracks by CrossBow, Lloyd Braun, The Zannies, Jake Down and more. Listen to the podcast, read the story.
Announcements · Features · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat seeking bands and songs for August festival, aims for biggest spectacle yet
In its third year, Walk the Beat is seeking 70 bands to play 35 venues and will host another song contest, with $12,500 in prizes for musicians at stake. Check out the back story about this unusual annual event and find links to sign up.
Elton John fires up his ‘Rocket Man’ engines for a piano-jam-laden Grand Rapids show
Two days before his 69th birthday, the iconic rock star pumped out hits, new songs and deep tracks during a 2-1/2-hour show at a sold-out Van Andel Arena. Check out the review and photo gallery.
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ to bring heavenly rock ‘n’ roll to St. Cecilia Music Center on Friday
An “amazing cast” of top-drawer local musicians is poised to display its versatility with a one-night-only performance of the 1970 rock opera, with proceeds going to Grand Rapids’ Well House. Read the story and check out the cast list.
Audio · Local Spins at SXSW · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos
Michigan House-Austin and SXSW revisited: Photo gallery, podcast interviews, new Flint Eastwood track
Check out photos o Michigan bands in Austin, listen to a new track by Flint Eastwood and check out the Local Spins on WYCE podcast, all recorded at Michigan House during SXSW.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Upper Peninsula’s Farm Block announces 2016 lineup; Cedar Springs Brewing to host first Starkbierfest
The “family reunion” Farm Block festival held in July in the far reaches of the U.P. boasts familiar Michigan acts and supports a good cause. Meanwhile, Cedar Springs Brewing will stage a one-day “beer tent” fest on April 2. Get details and the lineup for both in this Local Spins story.
Announcements · Artist Spotlights · Features
Working hard and ‘touching people’ with his music: Jazz pianist Terry Lower named West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year
Battle Creek-area musician Terry Lower is a much-in-demand sideman and “dazzling soloist” who’s toured the state and the globe. He’ll be honored by the West Michigan Jazz Society on May 10. Read more about Lower in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Cowpie Music Festival to pump up 2016 summer party with Strange Arrangement, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers
The Kent County festival on Shagbark Farm returns in August with roots music, funky jams, soul, bluegrass and blues. Check out the full lineup and details, with links to photos and a video from last year’s festival.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Hip Hop 4 Flint pours out rap for the cause, plus G. Love, Parmalee, Nick Carter, Stylust Beats: Weekend Photo Galleries
While thousands of Irish-for-the-day revelers continued to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, others rapped for a good cause. It was part of a busy week that also included shows by G. Love & Special Sauce, Jim Shaneberger, Parmalee, Nick Carter, Stylust Beats, Big Dudee Roo and a “Kalamazoo Strong” benefit — all captured in images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Irish on Ionia uncorks early-spring revelry for one of Grand Rapids’ biggest street parties
From The Waxies and The Moxie Strings to DJs to Irish dancers regaling attendees, Irish on Ionia 2016 took advantage of stellar weather to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a couple days late but with real gusto. Check out the photo gallery by Local Spins photographer Anthony Norkus.
Commentary · Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Bolstering Michigan’s music scene: Lessons learned from Austin
It wasn’t all fun and games at Michigan House-Austin during the South by Southwest music festival this week. A panel of Texas and Michigan musicians also got serious in exploring way to improve their respective scenes. Check out the photos, videos and more.
Audio · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
New recordings by Heaters, ONEFREQ, In Tall Buildings: The ArtPrize Sessions, Michigan House-Austin
From Detroit to Grand Rapids and beyond, Michigan bands unleashed new music in special recording sessions at Michigan House-Austin during SXSW. Local Spins was there to capture the vibe. Listen to the tracks, experience Mitten music.
Audio · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
New music from The Accidentals, “There’s Too Much Noise on 6th Street” (The ArtPrize Sessions, Michigan House-Austin)
With a new EP set for release later this year, Traverse City’s The Accidentals stopped by Michigan House-Austin during South by Southwest this week to record a new song, the day before playing an official SXSW showcase for a rapt crowd. Listen to it here.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Michigan House-Austin Day 2: An oasis for Michigan bands fighting the SXSW maelstrom and noise
Making the 1,300-mile trip from Michigan doesn’t always pay off for a band seeking exposure at the Texas music mega-conference. Michigan House is a place they can make connections … and relax. (Story, photo gallery, videos)
Irish on Ionia to paint the town green for Saturday St. Patrick’s Day bash in Grand Rapids
Expecting its biggest crowd ever, Irish on Ionia aims to welcome an estimated 20,000 costumed revelers for its sixth annual street party. And there are plenty o’ other Irish-themed gatherings, too. Check out the list of St. Patrick’s parties.
Concert reviews · Features · Local Spins at SXSW
‘Magic in the Streets’: The Accidentals, Outer Vibe, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish among Michigan bands wowing SXSW crowds
The Michigan House pop-up venue hosted an opening reception amid brilliant, summer-like weather in Texas, and followed that with an evening rock show at an Austin hot spot. Check out the story, photo gallery and videos.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Daughter, Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings, Fonn Mor, WO-Stock launch March music madness: Local Spins Photo Galleries
National and local acts revved up fans in venues large and small this week, including performances by The Go Rounds, Rival Maps and others. Check out all the Local Spins images in these photo galleries from the live music week that was.
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