Traverse City’s Joshua Davis was saved on Tuesday, after a week in which he also sparked more attention for West Michigan’s burgeoning music scene. See what other regional roots acts are on the cusp of a national breakout.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Pokey LaFarge leans on Midwest ties to craft fresh, timeless American roots music
LaFarge brings a national tour with his band in support of a new album, “Something in the Water” – and his vintage, stylistic authenticity – to Grand Rapids’ Pyramid Scheme this week. Read the Local Spins interview with Brian J. Bowe.
Mustard Plug, Tyler the Creator, The Accidentals, Bimini Brothers, Hip Hop battle: Weekend Photo Gallery
This live music week in West Michigan also boasted shows by The Accidentals, Fauxgrass, Hey Marco!, Full Catastrophe, Hall & Oates and, yes, a Traverse City homecoming bash for “The Voice’s” Joshua Davis. Check out the full photo gallery at Local Spins.
Hall & Oates deliver safe, yacht rock nostalgia for sea of approving Grand Rapids fans
The duo brought a boatload of catchy ’70s and ’80s pop hits to stoke the embers of a Saturday night dance party for an audience of about 7,500 at Van Andel Arena. Read Local Spins review by Tricia Woolfenden and view the photo gallery by Anthony Norkus.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Hey Marco! and Full Catastrophe, plus new tracks from Barbarossa Bros. and more
Episode 37 of the show also featured the debut of songs by Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish and Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, with a cover of May Erlewine by Sawyer Fredericks on the “The Voice.” Listen to the entire show podcast.
Michigan Album Reviews: Vox Vidorra, Frontier Ruckus, Full Catastrophe, Hey Marco!
May’s batch of Local Spins album reviews covers the gamut from soul to folk, a round-up that also includes new releases from Plain Jane Glory, Watching for Foxes and Complicated Animals. Check out the reviews, with links to audio samples and upcoming gig schedules for the featured bands.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Double the music, double the fun: The Crane Wives set to release two studio albums in coming months
With so many “killer” grooves and “mind-blowing” sounds shaped in a Kalamazoo studio, the Grand Rapids folk-rock band decides to drop not one but two CDs, with first out in late August. And check out a video for their new song, “Turn Out the Lights.”
‘Shine On’ songwriter May Erlewine: The Local Spins Guest Playlist and Joshua Davis’ return
“The Voice” and Sawyer Fredericks showcased an Erlewine tune this week, making it a Top 10 iTunes hit. She returns the favor by spotlighting Joshua Davis and other Michigan artists on a Local Spins Guest Playlist, including Joshua Davis.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Tom Hymn: Delivering ‘Early Magic’ as a captivating singer-songwriter
The Grand Rapids drummer turned troubadour has gotten well-deserved attention for his solo work, with planning for another studio album under way. Read the story and check out the video and Local Spins Live radio podcast.
Grand Rapids’ The Lippies set to take punk-fueled ‘music with a message’ to West Coast
Inspired by Hayley Williams, singer Tonia Broucek fronts the fast-emerging pop-punk band that aims to release its first full-length album this summer. Read by the story by Nolan Krebs and check out the video of an acoustic performance by the band.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Joshua Davis, Sawyer Fredericks ‘Shine On,’ boost Michigan’s music scene on ‘The Voice’
Viewers voted Tuesday to send both singers on to the next round after Frederickson soared up the iTunes chart with a May Erlewine song and Davis scored big with The Beatles. Read the back story and watch the video.
Breaking music news · Features
Sawyer Fredericks gives May Erlewine’s ‘Shine On’ gleaming treatment on ‘The Voice’
Update: Song soars up singles charts. Erlewine joins Joshua Davis as Michigan’s second Earthwork Music singer-songwriter spotlighted by the NBC show, with Fredericks getting special permission to perform the tune. Read the back story about how the tune was chosen and what it means to Michigan’s music scene.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Hank Mowery with new tracks from JOE, The Rockit King and more
Episode 36 of Local Spins on WYCE brought an in-studio chat with harmonica player and singer Hank Mowery who talked about his new album, with two new tracks spotlighted on the air. The show also featured songs from JOE, The Rockit King, Dante Cope and more.
Jana Kramer, Trampled by Turtles, Hank Mowery, Alice Peacock, The Rockit King: Weekend Photo Gallery
The shock of a Michigan earthquake and temperatures in the ’70s notwithstanding, it was another week of diverse live music, captured in images by Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
GRandJazzFest snags Grammy winner Paul Brown, plus saxophonist Steve Cole, to headline August weekend
The veteran smooth jazz producer, guitarist and singer tops the 2015 lineup with Edye Evans Hyde and the GRJO, Walt Gutowski, Mike Frost, Grupo Aye and more to play Rosa Parks Circle. Check out the complete roster of performers.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Videos
The Crane Wives to play Local Spins anniversary show; The Accidentals top list of favorite Michigan bands in Local Spins poll
Local Spins’ third anniversary celebration in May will feature shows by some of our readers’ favorite bands, all of whom have much-anticipated new albums on the way. See which other Michigan acts ranked high among reader favorites and find out who won our Local Spins gift packages.
Sufjan Stevens’ oddly liberating songs of death create inspiring, powerful performance
The celebrated Michigan singer-songwriter’s return to Calvin College in Grand Rapids on Tuesday focused on his latest album and spotlighted his incisive writing. Read the review by Local Spins writer Tricia Woolfenden and check out the photo gallery by Anna Sink.
Joshua Davis shines on ‘Fields of Gold’ to soar into Top 6 on ‘The Voice’
Michigan’s favorite musical son advances once again in the NBC singing competition, giving a shout-out to his mother in the process. Read the story and check out the video of his performance this week.
Award-winning bluegrass singer Claire Lynch embraces acoustic revival; plays Muskegon, Traverse City this week
Fronting a top-drawer band a week after Earth Day, Lynch will play two West Michigan shows, including a benefit for protecting the Great Lakes basin. And she hopes to start work on a new studio album later this year. Read the Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Vox Vidorra, Joe Louis Walker, Mayer Hawthorne, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: Weekend Photo Gallery
Beyond sellouts by Todd Rundgren, Rhiannon Giddens and Andrew W.K., the week was a musical marvel: Jam-packed shows for Vox Vidorra, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Joe Louis Walker, with Mayer Hawthorne, Big K.R.I.T. and more playing Ferris Fest in BIg Rapids. Check out all the photos.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens sells out nine summer concerts to members in first two hours of sales
Saturday’s pre-sale to Meijer Gardens members drew long lines and saw quick sellouts for Harry Connick, O.A.R., Steve Miller Band, The Beach Boys & Temptations, Colbie Caillat, Diana Krall, Styx, Tony Bennett and more. And by Monday, show No. 12 had sold out. Read the story at Local Spins.
Todd Rundgren, Rhiannon Giddens, Andrew W.K. light up Grand Rapids in VERY different ways: Reviews, photos
Icons representing vastly different genres and musical approaches descended on Grand Rapids Thursday and Friday, and Local Spins was there to document the three sold-out shows. Check out the reviews and photo gallery.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: The Appleseed Collective, Moxieville, ElectroCats (April 24, 2015)
Episode No. 35 of Local Spins on WYCE was a rollicking double-header with in-studio performances by The Appleseed Collective and Moxieville, plus a chat with Craig “Griff” Griffith of the GR Musician Collective. The show also debuted a song by his duo, The ElectroCats, Grand Rapids jazz singer Kathy LaMar and northern Michigan’s Crazy Chestur. Listen to the entire podcast and check out a video of The Appleseed Collective’s performance.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Grand Rapids’ North Monroe block parties to rock summer Wednesdays; Buddy Guy headlines St. Joseph BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass fest
Another Wednesday summer concert series kicks off in Grand Rapids on June 10 with Big Boss Blues, with more blues — and bluegrass — on tap in St. Joseph in mid-May. Get the details and the full concert lineups at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Local First Street Party boasts who’s who lineup; May Bona-Who? expands to two days
Springtime music celebrations get the warm-weather festival ball rolling in West Michigan, with Heaters, The Accidentals and more heating up the Local First bash and northern Kent County’s Bona-Who expanding to two days. Check out the lineups.
Rhiannon Giddens pays tribute to influential female artists, emerges as one of folk’s brightest stars
A founding member of the celebrated Carolina Chocolate Drops plays Grand Rapids on Friday, touring behind her solo album, “Tomorrow is My Turn.” Read the Local Spins interview and listen to her incredible interpretation of a classic song.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Joshua Davis narrowly survives, moving on as final contestant in Top 8 on ‘The Voice’
After performing a Tom Petty tune on Tuesday, Traverse City’s Joshua Davis moves on to the Top 8 after an “instant save” by America. Earlier, he publicly thanked his Michigan fans. Read the story and information about watch parties being held Monday in Grand Rapids and Lansing.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
B-Side Growlers on a mission: Vintage folk, jazz and American roots music ‘to dance to’
The Grand Rapids trio has ‘fun no matter what.’ The band known for its lively shows and story-telling plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night as part of the Local Spins Wednesdays series. Read the back story about the group and check out the video.
Todd Rundgren brings legendary inventiveness, infectious new electronic project to Grand Rapids
With an L.A. producer, two singers and a light show in tow, this is not a greatest hits revue but a tour touting Rundgren’s new ‘Global’ album and ‘collective consciousness.’ He plays a sold-out show at The Intersection Thursday. Read the Local Spins interview with Rundgren by Brian J. Bowe.
GRiZ, Grandmaster Flash, Local Blues Matters, Chilly Blues, Whitey Morgan: The Weekend Photo Gallery
Testament got the week thrashing early, with other big names following, plus a CD-release show from Drawing Monsters and sets by Oracle, Whitey Morgan, An Dro and a huge helping of blues. Check out the full photo gallery of shows from Grand Rapids to Grand Haven to Muskegon.
Record Store Day gets groovy: Thousands vaunt vinyl, cheer local bands (Video, photo gallery)
Grand Rapids music mavens and record buffs came out in droves Saturday, snapping up special vinyl releases and embracing live local music at Vertigo Music, Dodds Record Shop and Corner Record Shop. Local Spins columnist Brian J. Bowe provides his take on the phenomenon. Check out the photo gallery and video.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Grand Rapids pop-punk band The Lippies, plus new tracks from Vox Vidorra, Brother Adams, Puzzlecuts
The Lippies were this week’s in-studio guests delivering acoustic renditions of their feminist pop-punk, with the show also featuring song debuts by Brother Adams, Vox Vidorra, Black Monuments, Puzzlecuts and more. Listen to the radio podcast, watch the video, read the story.
Breaking music news · Features
Joshua Davis soars to Top 10 on ‘The Voice’ with boost from ‘America,’ watch parties Monday
The Traverse City singer-songwriter takes the next big step this week on the NBC show. Check out the video and links to Monday night watch parties in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Portage, Leland, Bellaire and Frankfort.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Cowpie Music Festival ‘ready to go’ for 2015 with Rootstand, Macpodz, Legal Immigrants, Afro Zuma and more on tap
The rootsy August festival returns to Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County with more than a dozen acts and a ‘Stampede Mud Run,’ too. Check out the Michigan band lineup and details.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Local Spins celebrates 3rd anniversary in May with Local Spinsation Ale, The Accidentals, Devin & The Dead Frets and giveaways
Cheers! Local Spins is turning 3. Check out our big birthday events in May (including the debut of a new Local Spins microbrew), then give us a list of your favorite Michigan bands to win festival tickets, CDs, T-shirts and more.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Dopapod, Jake’s Music Festival, La Dispute, Houndmouth, Yellowcard: Weekend Photo Gallery (4/12/15)
There were lots of musical goodies to devour the week after Easter, including Michigan acts Asamu Johnson, E Minor, The Extra Texture, Shane Tripp, Desmond Jones, and a ton of others at Jake’s Music Festival, including PotatoeBabies and Sext Farm. Check out the photo gallery and video.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club series to feature Vox Vidorra, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Bennett
The popular regional music series kicks off for 2015 with world music on July 7 and wraps up with Ralston & Friends, with a host of impressive local acts in between. Check out the full season schedule and some highlights from last year.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Spinal Tap tribute Sext Farm ‘goes to 11,’ carries on satiric spirit of fabled faux rockers
The Grand Rapids band led by satirist Cliff Frantz not only headlines Jake’s Music Festival at Wealthy Theatre Saturday but boasts, yes, 11 mockumentary episodes of its hijinx. Read the back story, get the full festival schedule and watch Sext Farm’s hilarious videos here.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Harry Connick Jr., Boz Scaggs, Vince Gill, Diana Krall, Pink Martini in 2015 Interlochen series
Interlochen’s summer of music opens with Michael McDonald in mid-June and wraps up with O.A.R on Sept. 1. Tickets go on sale April 24. See the full lineup.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens pumps up 2015 series with Tony Bennett, Grand Funk Railroad, Harry Connick, Vince Gill, Umphrey’s McGee
First-time Meijer Gardens acts Gary Clark Jr., The New Pornographers, Patty Griffin are on tap with returnees Steve Miller, Indigo Girls, O.A.R., Bela Fleck and The Doobie Brothers in the mix. Member tickets go on sale April 25. See the entire lineup here.
Joshua Davis moves up to Top 12 finalists on ‘The Voice,’ credits fans for support
The Traverse City-based singer-songwriter gets “saved by America” in voting by viewers as revealed on the NBC reality show. Check out the video from his performance in the live rounds. The show resumes Monday.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Nahko & Medicine for the People to headline 2015 Founders Fest
The June 20 street party also features Elephant Revival, Gringo Star, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Devin & The Dead Frets, Organissimo and FBC All-Stars. Advance tickets go on sale April 17. Check out the details for one of Grand Rapids’ biggest summer street fests.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Indie-folk’s E Minor relishes supportive northern Michigan music scene while eyeing next studio album
Raised in an ultra-musical family, the singer-songwriter with collaborative ties to Blake Elliott and The Accidentals plays the Grand Rapids area this week. Read the story and check out a video/podcast of her appearance on Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks from several West Michigan bands.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Videos
Joshua Davis watch party for ‘The Voice’ Tuesday at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre
To show support for the Earthwork Music artist, the Grand Rapids Community Media Center has organized a live simulcast of the TV reality show this week, and supporters urge fans to vote for Davis. Get details here.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
La Famiglia, The Soil & The Sun, Willamena, LadyFest GR: Weekend Photo Gallery
Easter week yielded an intriguing mix of performances around West Michigan, from Darlingside and Tall Heights in Spring Lake to South of Wealthy Trio in Rockford to the Mike G’s birthday bash and the annual LadyFest GR celebration. Check out the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
La Dispute credit DAAC roots for early rock success; ‘hometown heroes’ return for Grand Rapids show to support cause
Update: The internationally acclaimed experimental post-hardcore band from Grand Rapids plays a sold-out show at The Pyramid Scheme on Tuesday night. Read the remarkable story about rock ‘n’ rollers with a mission.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Greensky Bluegrass, Hard Working Americans to headline 2015 Hoxeyville fest; Michigan guitarist Greg Nagy tops national R&B chart
The April Fool’s Day edition of the music news roundup is no joke: A much-beloved Michigan blues artist is making big waves nationally and the Hoxeyville festival in the middle of the Manistee National Forest is back for a 12th year. Read details and see the full lineup.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Nicholas James Thomasma, plus a new track from The Extra Texture
To celebrate kickoff of the 2015 spring fund drive, Edition No. 31 of Local Spins on WYCE chatted with longtime WYCE supporter and singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma, who also performed a song on the air. Listen to the full podcast.
Breaking music news · Features
Joshua Davis gives ‘masterful performance,’ secures Top 20 berth on ‘The Voice’
The northern Michigan singer-songwriter took the next step in the TV reality show competition, continuing to wow judges with his vocals. He’ll now move on to the live performance round. Read the post-show Local Spins interview with Davis and watch the video from Monday’s show.
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