With temps in the 40s, about 3,500 fans warmed up Saturday with fiery performances at the striking outdoor venue in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the photo gallery and recap of Day 1 and Day 2 of this inaugural music festival.
Local Spins on WYCE: Fauxgrass’ new songs and quest for new blood, plus Flint Eastwood, Kari Lynch, Bennett and more
The first Local Spins on WYCE episode of October also featured a chat with Porterhouse Presents promoter Sam Porter and new tracks by Romance for Ransom, Max Lockwood and The Muteflutes. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of Fauxgrass’ in-studio performance.
Hobbyists, professional musicians, exposure and ‘the greatest band you’ve never heard’: Diego Morales @ The Musicians’ Soundboard
For professional musicians, the obstacles to surviving and thriving can include public misperceptions, lack of connections and the proliferation of weekend warriors willing to play for fun and beer. Singer Diego Morales of The Soul Syndicate offers up his take in this candid Local Spins guest column.
Michigan House’s Ted Velie: The Local Spins Guest Playlist for ArtPrize 2015
With Michigan House running a pop-up ArtPrize venue to tout local music, art and products, Local Spins asked organizer Ted Velie for his Top 10 list of songs. Not surprisingly, they’re all Michigan acts, from Flint Eastwood to The White Stripes.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The Eddy aims for big ArtPrize splash with music fest along Grand River in Grand Rapids, but will the crowds come?
A Michigan country jamboree and The Avett Brothers kick things off this weekend, with Porterhouse Presents also offering up Charles Bradley, Ozomatli, Billy Strings, silent discos, food and beer on the site. Get the scoop on this new outdoor venue, and view (and save) the opening weekend schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Indie-folk’s Chris DuPont and his inspiring musical quest: ‘Grappling with chaos, emerging with hope’
The Michigan singer-songwriter with roots in Grand Rapids brings his new “Outlier” album to SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday, with a Midwest and East Coast tour on tap. Read the story behind this emerging indie-folk artist and listen to a song from the new album.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jonny Lang, Sylvan Esso, Wanda Jackson, Rockford Harvest Fest, Michigan House @ ArtPrize: Weekend Recap and Photo Gallery
The week unfolded with the arrival of ArtPrize 7 in Grand Rapids and a special SpeakEZ Lounge show, but there was plenty more musical art to embrace across West Michigan. Check out all the photo galleries and concert recaps..
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Desmond Jones making splash and stirring fun with genre-melding, jam-band charm
Relocating recently from East Lansing, the band now plays every Monday night at the Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, reveling in West Michigan’s fast-growing and collaborative jam-band scene. Check out the video and WYCE radio podcast.
Wanda Jackson to rev up classic rockabilly on Saturday in Grand Rapids: ‘People always have a good time’
The legendary ‘Queen of Rockabilly’ still gives it ‘110 percent,’ tours 10 months out of the year. Read the Local Spins interview with a singer who’s idolized by Jack White and who’s found a new generation of fans. She plays Wealthy Theatre on Saturday.
Audio · Breaking music news · Features
The Verve Pipe abandons album format; will release new singles digitally every two weeks
With the band’s new single hitting download and streaming services today, the Grand Rapids alt-rockers don’t intend to release a new CD after all, but will ‘put out songs as we write them.’ Read the story and listen to The Verve Pipe’s new song, “If I Could Make You Feel.”
Breaking music news · Commentary
Drummer Josh Worsham leaves Jesse Ray and The Carolina Catfish; Grand Rapids band aims to continue performing
Less than three weeks after a rollicking, sold-out CD-release show for the duo’s brand new studio album, band members Josh Worsham and Jesse Ray have parted ways but remain amicable. Read more in the Local Spins story.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
ArtPrize expands live music revelry for 2015, from Charles Bradley to regional stars
It launches tonight (Wednesday) at SpeakEZ Lounge with ArtPrize song entrants and continues with a new outdoor venue, Michigan House’s indoor space and 150-plus busking performances around Grand Rapids. Get the lowdown on all of the ArtPrize-related music options.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
The Accidentals, Crane Wives, Ragbirds, Outer Vibe to headline new Fountain Point Music Festival at ‘incredible’ Lake Leelanau site
This weekend’s inaugural music festival on the water boasts sets by more than 20 Michigan acts with unique amenities, including wine and music cruises. And more music events are planned for the northern Michigan site in 2016. Read the story and check out the schedule.
Commentary · Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Earthwork Harvest Gathering ‘Elation’: A diary by Michigan musician Mark Lavengood
Illustrated with photos by Local Spins photographer Anna Sink, the Dobro player who fronts the Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza offers his impressions of last weekend’s joyful musicians’ fest outside Lake City. Check out the resplendent images and recap of an unforgettable event.
Perrin Backyard Beer Bash, Fallasburg Festival, Cottage Bar Chili Cook-Off, Taking Back Sunday: The Weekend Photo Galleries
Three Grand Rapids-area events dominated the landscape musically, but there was much more across West Michigan: Taking Back Sunday, Mustard Plug, Megan Dooley, Delilah DeWylde, Blake Elliott and Full Cord. Check out all the colorful photo galleries at Local Spins.
ArtPrize as music festival: Avett Brothers, Joshua Davis, Charles Bradley, regional stars to pump up 2015 lineup
New ArtPrize musical offerings range from The Eddy outdoor venue to Michigan House’s intimate indoor performance space, plus more than 150 busking performances in five locations around the city. Check out the robust lineup of live music offerings during ArtPrize in this Local Spins roundup.
Wilco roars with ‘Star Wars,’ band favorites in Kalamazoo; Lord Huron enchants capacity Grand Rapids crowd with cinematic indie-folk
Two much-admired, inventive rock bands brought their respective, polished spectacles to West Michigan on Wednesday night. And Local Spins was there to document the impressive performances for packed houses. Read the reviews and scan the photo galleries from these mid-week concert gems.
Wheatland 2015 Revisited: Musical virtuosity, camaraderie, inspiration and spirituality (Photo gallery, recap)
For the 42nd year, Wheatland’s special vibe was on display last weekend, propelled by performances from Dervish, Bill Kirchen, Joshua Davis, Blind Boy Paxton and many more. Check out the colorful photo gallery from a special weekend.
Guest Column · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Earthwork Harvest Gathering: Mystically vibrant music, everlasting memories and the ‘stuff of lore’
Guest columnist Mark Lavengood, better known as the resonator guitar whiz in Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, waxes eloquent about this weekend’s musician-rich Earthwork Harvest Gathering and why it’s a world-class affair. And listen to a Local Spins playlist of songs by Michigan artists playing this year’s festival.
Robert Plant, Jimmie Stagger, The Go Rounds and the Art of Reinvention (Commentary)
Inspired by last week’s extraordinary Detroit-area performance by former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, a Local Spins columnist finds enlightenment and virtuosity in not standing still — and sees some shining examples right here in West Michigan.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Thunderbolt & Lightfoot: Old-school, harmony-drenched indie-folk duo from Kalamazoo turning heads and ears
Phil Barry and Sarah Fuerst, members of The Corn Fed Girls, are working on a full-length album and will bring their new duo to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday. Read the story about this talented duo and check out the video of a harmony-laden in-studio performance for Local Spins on WYCE.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Janet Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Of Montreal, Chase Rice, Eastown Street Fair, Harmonica Summit: Weekend Recap and Photo Galleries
Janet Jackson and Of Montreal brought their touring spectacles to Grand Rapids on Friday, but there were plenty of other fascinating shows this week to ogle as well, from Saturday’s Eastown Street Fair to Thursday’s Grand Rapids Harmonica Summit to Chase Rice — all captured in photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
Joshua Davis Band powers up ‘something so special’ for sold-out Wheatland throng on opening night
Parking lots and seating areas were jam-packed Friday as Michigan’s Wheatland Music Festival launched three days of folk, roots music and more outside Remus. Read the roundup of the festival’s first day, and check out the photo gallery and video.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: The Sailor Kicks, plus new music from The Lake Effects, Toby Bresnahan and more
The Sept. 11, 2015, edition of Local Spins on WYCE focused on regional bands performing at this weekend’s Wheatland and Eastown Street Fair events, including in-studio ska guests The Sailor Kicks. It also featured the debut of new tracks by The Lake Effects and Toby Bresnahan. Listen to the entire podcast.
Eastown Street Fair, Grand Rapids Underground Showcase to light up weekend with diverse local music
It’s a one-two punch of regional music in Grand Rapids. On Saturday, Eastown Street Fair boasts sets by 15 bands on two stages. Meanwhile, Tip Top Deluxe hosts a Sunday showcase of hip hop, funk and R&B. Get the full schedules here at Local Spins.
Features · Playlists · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
‘Sacred musical magic’ of Wheatland to unfold for 42nd time with Joshua Davis, Dervish, Bill Kirchen, Savoy Family and more this weekend
This weekend’s folk festival amid rural splendor boasts international roots music stars, but also showcases top-notch Michigan acts such as Joshua Davis, Lindsay Lou and Gifts or Creatures. Read the story and save the performance schedule on your smartphone to take along to Wheatland. And if you’re unfamiliar with some of the artists, check out the Local Spins playlist of songs by featured acts.
Tony Bennett closes Meijer Gardens series by ‘stepping out’ with standards, ‘best American songs ever written’
The legendary, Grammy-winning singer delivered a bevy of classics for a capacity crowd in Meijer Gardens’ 20th anniversary concert at what he called the world’s ‘finest concert hall.’ Fireworks capped the show. Read the review and check out the photo gallery.
Under-paid, under-appreciated? On Labor Day 2015, West Michigan’s musicians continue to struggle even as the scene builds momentum
This column spotlighting the financial plight of local musicians first appeared at Local Spins two years ago amid an explosion in the music scene. But have things really changed? Read the Local Spins commentary.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ratatat, John Hiatt, Taj Mahal, Bangups, Heaters, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Tallest Man on Earth: Weekend Recap, Photo Gallery
The weekend’s stunning array of shows by national and local acts paced an entire week of invigorating live music as Labor Day 2015 approaches. It’s all highlighted in a Local Spins recap, with photo galleries and videos.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Thunderbolt & Lightfoot with new music by Blue Water Ramblers, Rick Chyme, Jimmie Stagger and more
Local Spins on WYCE kicked off its second year with an in-studio performance by a harmonious Kalamazoo indie-folk duo and fresh tracks from Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Kim Vi & The Siblings and much more.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins Guest Playlist: Grand Rapids rock duo Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish
Grand Rapids’ uber-energetic “black-tie garage rockers” have uncorked a new album. But Jesse Ray and Josh Worsham also have taken time to offer Local Spins their playlist of favorite tunes, including The Rolling Stones and Gary Clark Jr. and local faves such as The Crane Wives and Joe Hertler.
O.A.R. gets boost from Allen Stone in churning up jam-band waters for exuberant Grand Rapids audience
One of the final Meijer Gardens concerts of the summer boasted the return of a Maryland rock band which once again sold out the outdoor amphitheater and got plenty of ‘hands up’ in the process. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery from a hot night of music.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Bangups record new rock album with Steve Albini, add two band members and find a fourth chord
The ferocious Grand Rapids garage-rock duo is now performing as a foursome, itching to unleash its ‘fantastic’ new studio album and ready to tour the land. The Bangups play Founders on Saturday.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
Grand Rapids’ LOUIS making waves in Chicago and beyond with hip hop, pop and rock
The 22-year-old singer-songwriter who grew up on the West Side has generated a major buzz for his recent single and video, with more to come as he works with a Grammy-winning recording engineer in the Windy City. Check out the video for his first single.
Commentary · Concert reviews · Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery
Trace Adkins, The Crane Wives, The Go Rounds, May Erlewine, Polish Festival: The Weekend Photo Gallery & Show Recap
CD-release shows and late summer festivals dominated a wet and cool August week, along with a first-time country show in Ionia and a packed Wealthy Theatre tour stop by May Erlewine and The Moonlighters. Check out all the photos at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE: Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, plus new music from Phil Denny, The Go Rounds, The Crane Wives, Steve Rivers
The Grand Rapids “black-tie garage rock” duo cranked up the volume in Studio X at WYCE, with sound therapist Geoff Lamden also making a guest appearance during Local Spins on WYCE’s one-year anniversary show. Check out the full podcast and the video.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The Crane Wives find triumph after ‘paradigm shift’: The Local Spins Live at River City Studios session (Video, podcast)
With release of a new album Saturday at Founders Brewing, the Grand Rapids folk-rock band is poised to build a national audience and live the dream. Check out the story and the exclusive in-studio performance via video and podcast. Consider it a sneak preview of Saturday’s show.
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club unfurls ‘pure magic’ of Cuban music in Meijer Gardens debut
The revered Cuban ensemble entertained a sellout crowd with top-notch musicianship and dance-inspiring songs. Check out the Local Spins recap and photo gallery of a special night on the band’s “Adios Tour.”
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos
Tuesday Evening Stars: Producer Marshall Crenshaw praises ‘precocious’ Accidentals, performs for first time with trio
The Accidentals, with help from singer-songwriter and Michigan native Marshall Crenshaw, stole the show during the final Tuesday Evening Music Club show of the summer at Meijer Gardens. Check out the photos and video highlights from a night that celebrated regional music.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Marshall Crenshaw to guest star with The Accidentals at Meijer Gardens; Indigo Girls, Kenny G to play Forest Hills series
Tonight’s final Tuesday Evening Music Club show at Meijer Gardens will be a star-studded affair. And Forest Hills Fine Arts Center has announced its four-show series for 2015-16. Check out the details at Local Spins.
Girl Power: Girls Rock! camp fosters new generation of musicians, closes with amped-up flourish at Wealthy Theatre
“Girls can do anything” was the mantra for over two dozen girls last week at GR!GR with instructors’ encouraging positive motivation and empowerment for the budding musicians. Read the story and check out the photo gallery.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Leo Kottke, Alejandro Escovedo added to Acoustic Café series at St. Cecilia Music Center
The four-concert series already features bluegrass’ The Steel Wheels and singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin. Tickets for the Kottke and Escovedo shows go on sale today. Get details here.
Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Legal Immigrants, Vox Vidorra, Holler Fest, Kid Ink, Jimmie Stagger: The Weekend Photo Gallery
Summer hasn’t started winding down just yet: Music is firing on all cylinders from Grand Rapids to Holland to Jackson County. Check out the images at Local Spins in The Weekend Photo Gallery.
Pop Evil rocks the lot for fist-pumping hometown crowd; Vince Gill brings country twang and humor to Meijer Gardens
Friday night delivered two Grand Rapids concerts that couldn’t have been more different, but were every bit as satisfying for their respective throngs of fans. Check out the review and photo gallery from shows featuring Pop Evil and Vince Gill.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
Hoxeyville Revisited: Photo galleries, video from an ‘incredible’ Michigan music festival
With thousands of attendees reveling in sets by some of Michigan’s biggest stars, last weekend’s Hoxeyville was a true celebration of ‘the good stuff’ — most of it by regional acts. Read the story and check out the photos and video.
Features · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Robert Randolph to bring pedal steel magic and ‘really joyful’ music to Holland, Traverse City
The acclaimed soul/funk guitarist relishes ‘great’ Michigan connections while touring the globe and finishing up a new album. His band makes two Michigan tour stops this week. Read the Local Spins interview and check out Randolph’s playlist of favorite songs.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jimmie Stagger finds musical re-birth, joy with new album, new attitude, new energy
The legendary Grand Rapids bluesman rededicates himself to music and celebrates release of his first studio recording in 14 years on Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge. Read the Local Spins review of the album, check out the back story about the guitarist’s renewed confidence and listen to one of the new songs.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
West Michigan’s Pop Evil soars to global success, looks “UP” with new CD set for release in Grand Rapids
The chart-topping rockers unleash their new album at The Intersection’s “Rock the Lot” on Friday and recently released “Ghost of Muskegon” single in a hometown nod. Read about the band’s hard-gigging journey and watch the video for “Footsteps.”
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Moose Fest, Party in the Park, Walter Trout, An Dro, The Go Rounds, Billy Strings, Kari Lynch: Weekend Photo Gallery
Another monster, very hot week of music across West Michigan, from Grand Rapids to the lakeshore to the north country, all captured in images at Local Spins. Sizzling photos in this weekend’s gallery.
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