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.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan snowbirds fly South by Southwest to rock Austin with Michigan House as home base
The Accidentals, Heaters, Flint Eastwood, Rick Chyme, LOUIS, The Outer Vibe and many more Michigan bands travel to Texas this week in hopes of making waves at the music industry’s biggest conference and festival. Check out who’s headed South and return to Local Spins throughout the week for SXSW updates.
Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan Bands at SXSW 2016 in Austin: The Local Spins List
Check out the schedule of Michigan acts performing during South by Southwest, with many of them spending time at the Michigan House pop-up venue in Austin.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Charlie Darling set to cause an epidemic of musical individuality, plus new tracks by Bet on Rats, The Crane Wives: Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter also known as Samantha Andrade talked about being a ‘germ’ during her in-studio visit for Local Spins on WYCE, which also got Celtic, got punky and got folky with its lineup of regional tracks. Read the feature story, listen to the podcast and watch the video of Charlie Darling’s compelling in-studio performance.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins Guest Playlist for St. Patrick’s Day: Curt Tramel of Fonn Mor
With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching, Celtic music is being uncorked everywhere. And Fonn Mor, led by frontman Curt Tramel, is helping lead the way. He offered up this playlist of favorite songs for the season. Listen to his Top 10 songs and watch the videos.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Got Buttermilk? The Blasters, Vox Vidorra, Accidentals, Lady Ace Boogie, Crane Wives to churn up tasty 2016 Buttermilk Jamboree
The sixth annual three-day festival at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids returns June 10-12 with a who’s who lineup of Michigan stars and a family-friendly vibe. Check out the full lineup of bands and solo artists that Buttermilk Jamboree has booked.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
‘Like Magic’: Grand Haven songwriter Loren Johnson enjoys early success, local support with debut EP
The uber-talented 19-year-old musician and singer currently is studying Down Under but plans more live performances, a music video and a full-length album after she returns to West Michigan later this year. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature on this up-and-coming Grand Haven singer-songwriter, listen to her music and watch a video of her performing.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Paddy’s Cure pumps up St. Patrick’s Day charm with new studio album, Irish pub-styled camaraderie
Musical shenanigans abound as this West Michigan band releases its debut CD during a busy month of performances, with two shows Saturday in Holland. Read the Artist Spotlight feature, listen to the podcast and watch the video of the band’s in-studio radio performance.
Fall Out Boy unleashes ‘extra large’ rock spectacle for exuberant Grand Rapids fans
The Midwest pop-punk band brought its signature hits, an uplifting message and indoor snow to Van Andel Arena to pump up fans as it prepares to take a hiatus from the road. Read the review and check out the Local Spins photo gallery.
WO-Stock Festival 2016: ‘Not your average high school talent show’ with 28 bands on two stages
The two-day event at West Ottawa High School boasts 28 bands, including familiar names American WiFi, Brother Adams, Olivia Mainville, Midwest Skies, Red Legs, Lipstick Jodi and a variety of emerging high school acts, all playing for a good cause. Check out the full, downloadable schedule.
Photos · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Lippies roar, Valley Girl and Red Legs shine, Valentiger and The Bootstrap Boys kick up their heels (Photo Galleries)
West Michigan’s week of live music featured a rousing CD-release party, a rambunctious homecoming, an epic pop-meets-rock show and the fifth anniversary of a unique listening room. Check out all the photos and some video highlights.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
String Paradise: Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival draws thousands for upbeat West Michigan bands, instrument displays
The Red Sea Pedestrians, Megan Dooley, Neil Jacobs, Dragon Wagon, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Bob Rowe, Fauxgrass and much more lit up downtown Kalamazoo for the day-long celebration. Read the festival recap and check out the photo gallery and video, which includes a mini-tour of the festival.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Muskegon’s Rival Maps takes indie-rock to far-flung new places: Story, video, podcast
The band of siblings which plays Grand Rapids Wednesday boasts an eclectic approach. Watch the video and listen to the Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast which includes the premiere of new tracks by The Crane Wives, Devin & The Dead Frets, The Balsam Brothers, Dear Tracks, Paddy’s Cure, The Lippies and more
Announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
Joshua Davis performs at Bernie Sanders rally; announces first new songs since ‘The Voice’
On the same day he announced he’ll be releasing a new recording in April, the Traverse City singer-songwriter played during a Michigan appearance by the Democratic presidential candidate and called it an honor. Watch a sneak peek video of one of Davis’ new songs.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan House to serve up impressive slice of Michigan music during Austin’s SXSW 2016
For the second year in a row, the pop-up venue in Texas will showcase a bevy of Michigan bands while promoting the state’s creativity and products. Five Michigan-connected bands, including The Accidentals, Flint Eastwood and Heaters, will record songs at Michigan House for ArtPrize and earn the chance to win a $5,000 prize.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Tiny Desk Concerts contest gives nod to Minnesota not Michigan in compelling, ‘arresting’ fashion
A haunting music video earns a Duluth fiddler the top prize in the NPR Music contest that drew 6,100 entries, including dozens submitted by West Michigan artists. Read the story and check out the winning video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
Red Legs staying true to its mission: Original, driving, melodic and ‘organic’ alternative rock
With an EP and full-length album under its belt, the Grand Rapids band kicks off a Midwest tour with a show Thursday night at The Pyramid Scheme and “high hopes” for the future. Read the story, listen to the podcast from this week’s Local Spins Live radio interview and check out the videos.
Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Seven Steps Up celebrates five years of bringing high-caliber talent, ‘amazing experiences’ to Spring Lake
Gary and Michelle Hanks’ Pin Drop Concerts series has showcased more than 200 artists in the Seven Steps Up listening room since 2011, with plenty more to come. They say it’s been an addictive adventure. Read the story behind this unique Spring Lake venue and learn more about the fifth anniversary show on Friday.
Audio · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Nordlund & The Nomad Assembly to play farewell show Friday; Grand Rapids pop/hip hop artist LOUIS to launch national tour
The early March music news roundup takes a look at frontman R.J. Nordlund’s departure from an emerging West Michigan rock band and a first-ever U.S. tour for a youthful Grand Rapids pop and hip hop artist. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival to showcase stars of stringed instruments, connect musicians ‘across culture and time’
The free weekend Fretboard Festival at Kalamazoo Valley Museum kicks off Friday night with The Crane Wives, followed by a full Saturday of workshops and more than a dozen performances, including sets by Red Sea Pedestrians, Neil Jacobs, Dragon Wagon, Fauxgrass, Joel Mabus and a host of other Michigan acts. Check out the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Beer Fest, Kacey Musgraves, Lotus, Here Come the Mummies, Rick Chyme, The Accidentals light up a big week: Weekend Photo Galleries
The week that was had it all: Country from Kacey Musgraves in Kalamazoo, electronic jam-band fun from Lotus in Grand Rapids, an instrumental rock debut, hip hop meshed with indie-folk, and a giant outdoor festival of beer. It was all captured in images at Local Spins, with video highlights from Saturday’s Rick Chyme and The Accidentals show at Founders Brewing.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Public Access in-studio, plus new tracks by The Lippies, Alexander Lynch, Stovepipe Stover
For Episode No. 77 of Local Spins on WYCE, members of Michigan super-group Public Access chatted about their new album and tour, plus new tracks from Alexander Lynch, The Lippies, Stovepipe Stover and plenty more. Listen to the full radio podcast.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: The Lippies, Public Access, Connell-Brewer Jazz Band, Alexander Lynch, Martyr for Madison, Stovepipe Stover, Benzie Playboys, Paddy’s Cure
The February roundup of new local and regional albums boasts a resplendent mix, including punk, experimental rock, jazz, folk, rock, pop, Celtic music and more. Check out the reviews and listen to samples of the artists’ music.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Thirsty Perch Blues Band still cranking it out swimmingly for its school of fish
One of Grand Rapids’ most popular blues outfits plays a Local Spins show at SpeakEZ Lounge on Thursday night. On Wednesday, they stopped by News Talk 1340 AM WJRW. Listen to the Local Spins Live radio podcast and watch the video of their in-studio performance.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth to headline 2016 Hoxeyville Music Festival
Thirteen years in, Hoxeyville continues to stay “fresh” with regional and national roots music talent playing in the Manistee National Forest, with artists ranging from Luke Winslow King to The Accidentals to The Go Rounds on the bill for this August festival. Weekend passes are on sale now.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Public Access super-group unleashes all-instrumental ‘labor of love,’ Alex Atkin’s return in Michigan mini-tour
Steve Leaf, Seth Bernard and two members of The Crane Wives’ will be joined by Alex Atkin and other guests to debut the melodic, experimental project on a tour of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Traverse City and Lansing. Read the back story about this unusual collaboration.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Shawn Colvin, Lil Wayne, Lazy Blue Tunas, Whitey Morgan, Andrew Ripp enchant devoted fans (Weekend Photo Gallery)
Hip hop, country, folk, pop, rock and jazz: West Michigan’s week of live music targeted aficionados of diverse acts and didn’t disappoint, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Lil Wayne even visited a local skate park. Check out the photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Jammie Awards 2016: Michigan music’s night to remember (Video, photo gallery)
WYCE’s Jammie Awards show was a love-in: a one-night music fest at The Intersection in Grand Rapids with more than two dozen memorable sets, coveted awards, a capacity crowd and camaraderie galore. Local Spins’ extended coverage continues: Watch exclusive video highlights, ogle another colorful photo gallery and check out Local Spins’ picks for the night’s best performances.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Vox Vidorra, The Go Rounds, Lady Ace Boogie clean up at jam-packed, jam-happy 2016 Jammie Awards (Story, photos)
Showcasing the diversity of West Michigan’s talent, WYCE’s annual awards show boasted a capacity crowd, more than two dozen dynamic performances and a host of happy prize winners. Check out the complete winners’ list and a photo gallery from Friday night’s revelry.
Jammie Awards 2016: The Local Spins preview
Check out tonight’s performance schedule, scan a list of ‘acts to watch’ and listen to the podcast of today’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show with The Soul Syndicate as part of this special Jammie Awards preview. (Podcast, video, story and downloadable schedule)
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Bigfoot Buffalo’s rootsy, improvisational spin on Americana and rock: Local Spins Live at River City Studios (Video, podcast)
Frontman Kyle Brown chats about the evolution of Bigfoot Buffalo’s distinctive jam-band vibe, with the group performing fresh as well as familiar tunes in this exclusive studio session hosted by Local Spins. The band performs twice this weekend in Grand Rapids.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lazy Blue Tunas calling it quits with trademark harmonies, humor and far-reaching repertoire
After ‘a great run’ of 15 years, the popular West Michigan acoustic cover band will play its farewell show Saturday night at One Trick Pony in downtown Grand Rapids. Read the back story and watch a video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Shawn Colvin proud to create soundtrack to fans’ lives, from striking covers to heartfelt originals and powerful collaborations
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter plays Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center this week, touring behind her “Uncovered” album with a Steve Earle duo project on the horizon. Read the Local Spins interview.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
The Monkees, Decemberists, Of Monsters and Men, Ben Harper to play Meijer Gardens summer concert series
The amphitheater this week revealed four shows for its 2016 lineup, with remaining concerts to be announced in mid-April. Tickets go on sale to Meijer Gardens members on April 30. Check out details and dates in this Local Spins story.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jammie Awards vs. Grammy Awards: Why Grand Rapids’ Jammies are better and why the Grammys have lost their luster
Industry honchos descended on the Grammy Awards in L.A. this week, but the really big show for West Michigan music takes place Friday at The Intersection in Grand Rapids. And it’s no contest which is better. Check out the full schedule and a list of ‘acts to watch’ at the 2016 Jammies hosted by WYCE.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Legal Immigrants, Bobby Rush, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Marianas Trench belt out rousing jams: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries
Go back stage with The Legal Immigrants, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish and Brother Adams as they played a West Michigan mini-tour. Plus, bluesman Bobby Rush & Joe Louis Walker, EDM’s Black Tiger Sex Machine, Lowdown Brass Band, Marianas Trench, Hollywood Makeout and more heat up this week’s Local Spins photo galleries.
Albert Lee keeps fans engaged with versatile mix in Spring Lake concert (Review)
The iconic British guitarist with a star-filled resume played the first of two sold-out concerts at Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up and proved he hasn’t lost a step. Check out the recap by Matt Marn.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos
Jake’s Music Festival plans star-studded 12th anniversary; new Waldron to host Friday jazz nights; The Accidentals pump up Feedback 2016
Local Spins’ February music news update reveals a star-studded lineup for the upcoming Jake’s Music Festival at Wealthy Theatre, new life for what was once McFadden’s Restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids and another robust Feedback benefit planned for Founders Brewing this spring.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: The Bootstrap Boys’ outlaw country, plus The Legal Immigrants, Reviving the Era, Scott Pellegrom
The 75th edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by The Bootstrap Boys, tracks from a host of Jammie Award nominees and new music from Rip VanRipper and Reviving the Era. Listen to the radio podcast and check out an exclusive performance of a new, unreleased song by The Bootstrap Boys.
Breaking music news · Features
Flint water crisis sparks rock benefit album striving to ‘make a difference’
With nearly 70 Michigan and national acts — Taking Back Sunday to Fine Fine Titans — on board, the Flint musician who launched the digital project aims to raise money to help affected children with ‘diversity and dynamics.’ Read about the “shock and anger” that rallied bands to the cause and how you can purchase the recording.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Brotha James’ crazy mission to ‘spread the message’ of joy and gratitude with mesmerizing live-looping show
Once a member of Kalamazoo’s Funktion, Elk Rapids musician Jeremy Reisig spent years and thousands of dollars to perfect his one-man band act, Brotha James, and audiences love it. He plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday. Read the story about his journey and watch a video that displays his live-looping technique.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Albert Lee: After ‘good long ride’ with Clapton, Emmylou, Everlys and more, Grammy-winning guitarist brings own band to Spring Lake
With 50-plus years on the road under his belt, the British-born Albert Lee has a U.S. band, a devoted audience from ‘way back’ and plans for another studio album. Read the Local Spins interview with this iconic musician who boasts a star-studded history.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Cooper’s Glen Music Festival, Bowie Night, Keys N Krates ramp up colorful, fan-pleasing sets (Photos, reviews)
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Grand Haven, February’s first week delivered diverse performances, including shows from Joshua Davis, The Accidentals, Black Jake, The Bangups, Watching for Foxes, Roosevelt Diggs and a superstar tribute to David Bowie. Check out the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Elroy Meltzer: ‘Weird folk,’ humor and compelling indie-rock stories (Video, Local Spins on WYCE podcast)
The new Grand Rapids duo of Elroy Meltzer is readying release of its debut album and ramping up its gigging schedule for 2016. Check out the interview and performance, plus listen to tracks by a host of West Michigan artists, from Drew Nelson and Joshua Davis to Boy From School and Big Boss Blues.
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