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.
Our Brewing in Holland’s ‘great atmosphere’ for music: West Michigan Venue Spotlight
For more than three years in the heart of downtown Holland, Our Brewing has offered up 20 taps, a “bring your own food” vibe and a cozy performance spot for live weekly music. Check out the latest in the Local Spins series on unique West Michigan music venues and take a video mini-tour of the brewpub.
Tiny Desk Concerts: West Michigan bands join flurry of video entries for shot at NPR glory
Getting folks “watching and talking about new music.” That’s the goal of Michigan artists — from Valentiger to The Bootstrap Boys to the Appleseed Collective — who’ve submitted video entries into this year’s Tiny Desk Concert contest sponsored by NPR. Read the back story and check out the video entries here.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts deadline for performance applications is Feb. 13
Hundreds of bands, dance groups and other performers fill stages downtown every year at Festival. But the application deadline is fast approaching. Get details here, with a link to the online application form.
Blue Man Group: Weird, loud, messy, immersive, celebratory, creative and bizarre show invades Grand Rapids
The avant garde rock spectacle on Tuesday played the first of two nights at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids with ardent fans ‘moving, laughing and reacting’ to the Blue Man Group’s colorful hijinks. Read the review, check out the photos.
Super Bowl commercials ahead for West Michigan bands? Maybe not yet, but ad placements for their music are growing
West Michigan faves Borns, The Accidentals and Pop Evil have boosted their exposure with songs used in current television commercials. In the New Millennium, placements in commercials, movies and TV shows are a growing and ever more important part of a musician’s arsenal. Read the story behind this trend and check out the commercials.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Umphrey’s McGee, Kip Moore, Lamb of God, Oh Hellos, Scotty McCreery heat up West Michigan stages (Photo Galleries, Reviews)
From country to heavy metal to folk, venues were brimming to capacity to close out January with tour stops by Kip Moore, Lamb of God, Oh Hellos and Umphrey’s McGee, not to mention rousing shows by local stars, too. The action, of course, was captured in Local Spins images. Read the show recaps, check out the photo galleries.
City and Colour unfurls haunting approach, powerful songs at sold-out Grand Rapids show
The final stop on Canadian indie-folk artist Dallas Green’s North American tour proved the singer-songwriter’s star power with songs that left much of The Intersection crowd spellbound. Read the review of City and Colour’s Grand Rapids concert and check out the photo gallery.
From Blue Man Group to ‘Phantom’ and ‘Mormon’: Broadway Grand Rapids gives music theatrical twist in 2016
The second half of Broadway Grand Rapids’ 2015-16 season kicks off with the ever-rousing Blue Man Group, with more big shows to come. Check out the season preview by Local Spins writer Tricia Woolfenden.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Anthrax: Still ‘breathing lightning’ and loving ‘a strong melody with a heavy riff’
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.
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