After 35 years, heavy metal mainstays Anthrax are still on the road and play Grand Rapids’ Orbit Room on Sunday night with headliner Lamb of God. The band also has a new album on the way. Check out the interview by Local Spins writer Brian J. Bowe.
Breaking music news · Features · Photos
The Ghost Inside drummer aims to rock on after tour bus crash, leg amputation, coma
Michigan native Andrew Tkaczyk, 28, of metalcore band The Ghost Inside, leaves Grand Rapids’ Mary Free Bed today after rehab for leg, spinal, nerve and shoulder injuries sustained in a November crash in Texas. Read the remarkable story of this musician’s perseverance after a traumatic accident and check out the photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
I Believe in Julio: ‘Punk rockers at heart’ with musical riches simmering below the surface (Local Spins on WYCE)
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE in-studio guests gave things some punk wallop in Studio X, plus new tracks from Public Access, Dede & The Dreamers, Miriam Pico, Blue Water Ramblers and much more. Read the story, listen to the radio podcast, check out the exclusive video of I Believe in Julio’s on-air performance.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Country singer Kari Lynch makes move to ‘super-inspiring’ Nashville, tours behind new studio album
Kari Lynch returns to West Michigan this week to play the Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids (Aug. 24). Read the story about her Nashville experience and upcoming new album, then check out an exclusive Local Spins video of a new Lynch song.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW
Calling all Michigan bands heading to SXSW: Michigan House wants you
Michigan House and Local Spins will serve as a clearinghouse for information about where Michigan artists will be performing during Austin’s mammoth March music conference. Find out where to send information.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Deep Greens & Blues hits stride as foursome, finds sweet spot with ‘Chasing Horizons’
With its sophomore album being unveiled Thursday at Founders Brewing, the alt-country-styled Grand Rapids band has enhanced its sound with a drummer, diverse songs and a harmony-driven vibe. Learn about the band’s journey, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video of a new song.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Dede and The Dreamers get ‘daydreamy’ while expanding audience for psychedelic folk-jazz
The Ann Arbor-based band with Traverse City roots plays Rockford Brewing this week after releasing an album that was recorded in basements, garages and bedrooms across Michigan. Read the feature story and check out Dede and The Dreamers’ distinctive music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Tommy Schichtel, Carnage, Oh Wonder, Hinder and more deliver rare musical mix: Weekend Photo Galleries
This week’s musical potpourri spanned every genre imaginable, with contributions from Willy Porter, Valentiger, Less Is More, Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza, Stovepipe Stover, Katy Needs a Band and others. They were all part of the photo roundup. Plus check out video highlights from an unusual edition of Music in the Stacks.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Mark Lavengood, Scott and Molly from Vox Vidorra: Local Spins on WYCE (Jan. 22, 2016)
Guitarist, Dobro-meister and mandolinist Mark Lavengood brought his solo version of the Bluegrass Bonanza to Local Spins on WYCE, with Scott and Molly Schultz of Vox Vidorra adding soul to the radio show. Listen to the full radio podcast and check out the video at Local Spins.
‘Blown away by the collaborative spirit’: Can West Michigan’s ultra-cooperative approach take the music scene to the next level?
The Grand Rapids area is becoming a mecca for music partly because its musicians relish backing each other in so many ways. And that bodes well for the future. Read the Local Spins commentary by editor and publisher John Sinkevics.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Silverstiles: Indie-rock band creates something ‘new to the ears,’ informed by ’70 country rock, Warren Zevon
The emerging Grand Rapids band is finishing up its debut album at Goon Lagoon studios and plays SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Read the story about this band’s diverse background, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Jammie Awards show to feature sets by Big Dudee Roo, Lady Ace Boogie, Tunde Olaniran, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Lippies
Community radio station WYCE-FM’s 2016 mega-party at The Intersection on Feb. 19 will feature 23 bands on two stages, with Bigfoot Buffalo, The Waxies, Rick Chyme and many more in the mix. And singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles will be honored with a Legacy Award. See the entire lineup.
Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
West Michigan Venue Spotlight: Odd Side Ales in Grand Haven
The Local Spins series focusing on interesting — and sometimes off-the-beaten-path — music venues continues with a look at a popular Grand Haven brewery that hosts shows weekly. Read the story, check out the photos and video, and peruse the upcoming lineup of live music performances.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Heaters, The Accidentals, La Famiglia, The Crane Wives, Torres romp for mega-crowds: Photo Galleries
New and familiar West Michigan venues hosted spirited performances over the past week by the likes of Bigfoot Buffalo, Lady Ace Boogie, Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe, Dead Eye Zack, Mavericks & Monarchs and Dear Tracks — documented in Local Spins photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Alexander Lynch: Making waves with electronic R&B inspired by Motown’s ‘great soul singers’
The emerging electro-pop artist who recently moved to Grand Rapids from the Upper Peninsula visited Local Spins on WYCE this week along with psych-rock’s Heaters, who talked about their upcoming European tour. And listen to new tracks by Deep Greens & Blues, The Soul Syndicate and more.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos
Vox Vidorra motors into auto show-inspired Michigan House to bolster cross-Mitten connections
East met west when Grand Rapids soul-rock band Vox Vidorra made its Detroit debut at the pop-up venue that closes Friday night with a dance party. Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos traveled with the band to the Motor City to document the whole experience. Check out the story, photo gallery and video.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
Lady Ace Boogie: Emerging Grand Rapids hip hop star stays honest, upbeat and striving to ‘give people light at the end of the tunnel’
The Grand Rapids rapper talks about her gang background, her move to Grand Rapids, her current projects and performs several songs in-studio with DJ Dean Martian and J. Rob in this exclusive Local Spins session. Check out the story, video and full podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
Olivia Mainville: Finding the indie-folk groove with a new album, a new band and a collaborative mission
The celebrated Holland teen who fronts Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe hosts a CD-release show at SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night, with a major out-of-state tour lying ahead.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE (1/8/16): Megan Dooley, Rick Chyme and new tracks from Connell-Brewer Jazz Band, Benzie Playboys, Kohns
Episode No. 70 of Local Spins on WYCE featured from Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Megan Dooley with bassist Jason Walker, plus Rick Chyme chatting about a new project and the debut of fresh regional album tracks. Listen to the complete podcast at Local Spins.
Features · Playlists · Top 10 Lists
David Bowie tribute: West Michigan musicians pay homage with Top 10 playlists of favorite Bowie tracks
When influential and legendary rock star David Bowie died Sunday, musicians across the globe responded with shock and sadness. Three West Michigan musicians offered Local Spins their playlists of Top 10 favorite Bowie tunes. And listen to Local Spins’ Top 10 David Bowie Playlist on Spotify.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
Michigan House: ‘East meets west’ musically at pop-up venue during Detroit auto show
Grand Rapids’ Vox Vidorra, Detroit’s Pierre Anthony and more will take the spotlight and boost “creative energy” this week at temporary quarters in downtown Detroit. Read more about this instrastate project in this Local Spins story.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
I Believe in Julio, Way Down Wanderers, Mucca Pazza, Crane Wives, Robin Connell, Eddy Clearwater uncork revelry: Photo Galleries
It was a week of legends, legendary performances and coming-out parties for new ventures and future legends in their respective genres across West Michigan, captured in images at Local Spins. View several different photo galleries from shows in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Grand Haven.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat heats up with blazing sets by Billy Strings & Don Julin, The Accidentals, Benzie Playboys, Delilah DeWylde
Winter Wheat set a record for attendance on Saturday while lining up all-star bands in fiery performances on two stages for nearly 12 hours on Saturday at The Intersection. Soak up the vibe from this special event in this Local Spins recap, photo gallery and video highlights.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Fauxgrass, Brotha James win play-in contest for Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival
In a close vote, the acts vying to play the Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival topped nine other diverse West Michigan bands and solo artists during a jam-packed Friday event at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Read a recap of the evening and view a full photo gallery from the competition.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Jake Kalmink: Zeeland producer, frontman for The Fever Haze earns ‘boy genius’ tag for fresh rock approach
With his band finishing up its third album, Jake Kalmink also brings other artists’ “vision to life” in the studio. He debuted a new song live on the air this week for Local Spins Live. Check out the video and podcast; The Fever Haze plays Grand Rapids on Thursday night.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Music at the Museum: Grand Haven concert series to launch with Way Down Wanderers, spotlight regional stars
The Accidentals, The Ragbirds, Brian Vander Ark and more will grace the monthly concerts in downtown Grand Haven, presented by the Red House Concert Series. See the full schedule of upcoming shows.
Winter Wheat: A mini-Wheatland ‘home away from home’ set to showcase celebrated Michigan folk, roots bands
Saturday’s day-long Winter Wheat fest at The Intersection boasts dancing, 12 bands on two stages — including The Accidentals, Billy Strings & Don Julin and Roosevelt Diggs — and a “family reunion” vibe for musicians. Read the story behind this singular event and check out the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Features · Weekend Photo Gallery
New Year’s Eve West Michigan-style: Joe Hertler, The Crane Wives, Carolina Liar, Billy Strings, DJs and more (Photo Galleries)
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore, jam-packed venues ushered in 2016 with some of West Michigan’s most popular bands and DJs — The Crane Wives, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Billy Strings and more — captured in colorful images at Local Spins. And The Go Rounds with Seth Bernard revved up Founders the day after New Year’s.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Vox Vidorra, Dave Hardin share Local Spin of the Year honors for riveting 2015 studio albums
Vox Vidorra’s “Promise Land” and Hardin’s “Magnolia” showcase different genres, but both boast brilliant songwriting, performances and production to top a banner year for West Michigan music. Read the story behind these recordings, then check out videos and audio samples from the award-winning albums.
Album reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Best Music of 2015: The Local Spins Musicians’ Picks
Last week, it was the Local Spins critics’ picks. This week, West Michigan musicians and bands present their choices for the best music and concerts of 2015, both local and national — with audio and video clips from the selected artists. Some of the picks will surprise and inspire you.
Commentary · Features · Upcoming shows
Remembering Eric Petroelje: Inspired by a metalhead’s life-changing passion for music
Local Spins writer Brian J. Bowe recalls his late friend and uber-fan of metal who died suddenly earlier this month. Bowe joins a host of West Michigan bands and musicians in playing a benefit Wednesday at Holland’s Park Theatre.
New Year’s Eve Parties West Michigan-style: The Local Spins List
Celebrating the arrival of another year requires musical revelry, so Local Spins has rounded up some of the best and biggest New Year’s Eve bashes unfolding across West Michigan on Friday.
Local Spins’ top stories of 2015: May Erlewine, Joshua Davis, Meijer Gardens, Billy Strings & Don Julin and emerging West Michigan bands
Another busy year for music gave fans much to celebrate, with Local Spins spotlighting a fast-growing scene that’s producing stellar talent – some of it basking in the national spotlight.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ renovated Harris Building to host new weekly jazz series in 2016
The Robin Connell Trio will accompany a rotating who’s who lineup of West Michigan jazz stars – from Kathy Lamar to Mary Rademacher – on Wednesday nights in the ballroom of the Division Avenue landmark. Read about this new venture and check out the complete lineup.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Frankie Ballard, Hannah Rose, Kris Hitchcock, Suport, Roosevelt Diggs, Lazy Blue Tunas, Rogue River Boys rev up the holidays: Photos
Holiday hoopla and homecomings: West Michigan’s music scene was full of both this weekend as Christmas approached, with the story told through images at Local Spins. Check out the local and regional stars in the weekend photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mustard Plug ignites ska-liday spirit in rambunctious Intersection show
Grand Rapids’ much-adored ska ensemble uncorked another rollicking holiday affair for an ebullient bunch in the main showroom while American WiFi got poppy in the front lounge for its first-ever Christmas bash. Check out the photo gallery and video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
The Rogue River Boys’ ‘bluegrassy, honky-tonky’ assault: Local Spins on WYCE
Check out the in-studio performance by this new super-group of musicians from three different bands, plus new tracks from Kris Hitchcock, Loren Johnson, The Soul Syndicate, Dalinian and more.
Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
West Michigan Venue Spotlight: Elk Brewing in Grand Rapids
Part of a Local Spins series spotlighting unique music venues that feature local and regional acts. Check out this microbrewery and take a video tour of the venue.
Giving the gift of Michigan music: Local Spins 2016 calendars put local and regional bands in the spotlight
With only 10 shopping days left till Christmas, Local Spins has the ideal gift for the music lover or musician on your list: Two different calendars featuring Michigan artists in colorful photos taken at concerts by Local Spins photographers.
Rodriguez, Zac Brown Band, Break Science, Masked Intruder: Photo Galleries
This week’s Local Spins photo gallery also boasts images from performances by regional acts Channing & Quinn, Nobody’s Darlin’, Heartsick, Megan Dooley and a Mitten Kitten Christmas, plus video highlights from Hazy Past’s tribute to the Allman Brothers Band.
Michigan Album Reviews: Olivia Mainville, Chris DuPont, Bigfoot Buffalo, Fred Knapp Trio, Roger MacNaughton, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot
The third installation of Local Spins’ late-year roundup of new local and regional releases also includes a new single from Steve Rivers and a Christmas EP by The Crane Wives. Check out the reviews and listen to the music.
A Christmas soundtrack for the ages: Megan Dooley’s Guest Playlist
Local Spins asked the Kalamazoo singer for a Top 10 roster of holiday tunes, and she came up with a flurry of seasonal gems, ranging from Elvis Presley to Tom Waits to Judy Garland to Andrew Bird. Get into the holiday spirit by checking out the videos and Spotify playlist.
Flint Eastwood: Living in the moment to unleash ‘pop music that never sleeps’
With a powerful, poignant and catchy new EP inspired by her mother’s death, Jax Anderson is ready to take her ultra-collaborative, attention-getting Flint Eastwood project to a broader regional and national audience. Read the Local Spins interview with this compelling Detroit artist.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Local Spins 2016 Calendars: Showcasing Michigan bands in dazzling photos by Local Spins photographers
Looking for the perfect gift for the music lover on your list? For the first time ever, Local Spins is offering snazzy wall and desk calendars featuring 24 Michigan musical artists and five talented photographers. Get details in the Local Spins gift shop.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lazy Lester, Wayland, Flint Eastwood, Nordlund & The Nomad Assembly rock the casbah in Grand Rapids
A vintage bluesman, West Michigan hard-rock fave, up-and-coming Detroit pop star and emerging alt-country/rock band strutted their stuff this week — captured in compelling images by Local Spins photographers.
Artist Spotlights · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Billy Strings spreads his bluegrass gospel from Grand Rapids to Spring Lake in two-day blitz
Billy Strings & Don Julin played one of their few remaining Michigan shows Friday at Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up, the day after Billy Strings lit up One Trick Pony in a surprise gig with his dad. Check out the photo gallery from both shows.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Jared Sjoblom: Soulful melodies, edgy lyrics and sonic diversity inspired by West Michigan’s music scene
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE guest talked about his musical journey and performed in-studio. Read the story, watch the video and listen to the full radio show podcast, featuring new tracks from Michigan artists Flint Eastwood, Valley Girl, Otis Blueswell Jr. and more.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news
Nobody’s Darlin’ ‘ending on a very high note’ with farewell show at One Trick Pony
After 11 years of joyful music and performances, Grand Rapids’ all-female string band is calling it quits with a celebratory ‘grand finale’ on Dec. 10 at one of its favorite haunts. Read about the decision and watch a video of a band performance.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Flint Eastwood, Fine Fine Titans, Dede & The Dreamers, Slumlord Radio, Rival Maps, Kaitlin Rose
Phase Two of the pre-holiday Local Spins albums roundup also spotlights new releases by Nordlund & The Nomad Assembly and Brotha James. Check out the reviews with sound clips from the featured albums by local and regional artists. Consider them perfect additions to any Christmas gift list.
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