Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Beast in the Field, Spoke Folks Crank 2016, Rumsey St. Bazaar, Start of Summer: Photo Galleries

• June 12, 2016

Summer wastes no time cranking up the amps for outdoor music across West Michigan. And things were hectic indoors over the past week, too. Ogle all the images in these Local Spins galleries with shows at The Intersection, The Pyramid Scheme, SpeakEZ Lounge, Bell’s Brewery, Spoke Folks’ Crank 2016, Rumsey Street Bazaar, Rockford’s Start of Summer Celebration and more.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Buttermilk Jamboree Day 2 and Day 3: ‘A place of magic,’ from The Blasters to Delilah DeWylde to Eggs Bernard to The Accidentals

• June 12, 2016

The unique festival at Circle Pines Center in Delton hosted headliners The Blasters on Saturday, along with a bevy of top-drawer regional acts. And the best edition of Buttermilk Jamboree yet wrapped up with a real bang on Sunday with The Accidentals, The Crane Wives and more. Read the recap of Saturday’s performances and browse the photo galleries.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Buttermilk Jamboree sets new musical milestone with ‘beautiful’ kickoff to 2016 festival

• June 11, 2016

The sixth annual festival in a remote area of Barry County reveled Friday in rousing regional music and a family-friendly atmosphere with much more to come. Read the roundup, scan the photo gallery and watch some video highlights from opening day.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The Soil & The Sun presses reset button, reemerges as smaller, ‘more focused’ four-piece group (Story, podcast, video)

• June 10, 2016

The Grand Rapids indie-folk band returns home from a U.S. tour — after downsizing — and performs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Seth Bernard, The Preservers, Sligh, Kari Lynch and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the video.

Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Summer concert series mania: Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Kalamazoo, Sparta, Fennville rock the season

• June 7, 2016

Starting this month, communities across West Michigan showcase regional talent in free outdoor concerts that light up almost every night of the week. Browse all of the lineups, embrace the music. And GRAM on the Green returns for its eighth season in July.

Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Waldron hosts first Songwriters Night on Tuesday to showcase regional talent

• June 6, 2016

River City Studios engineer Kenton Giar hopes the ‘in-the-round’ sessions in downtown Grand Rapids will help nurture West Michigan’s songwriting scene and build talent. Read more about the new series in this Local Spins story.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Rain and music reign: Grand Rapids Festival, Local First Street Party power through showers (Weekend Photo Galleries)

• June 5, 2016

Saturday’s wet weather kept throngs away, but those that endured the raindrops were treated to some rousing sets by some intrepid regional bands. It capped a week of rollicking concerts including Greensky Bluegrass’ three-night run at Bell’s in Kalamazoo. Check out all of the show recaps and photo galleries.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The Crane Wives stretch out on new album, inspire fans from stage: Local Spins on WYCE

• June 3, 2016

The Grand Rapids folk-rock band rocked Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new material from Red Sea Pedestrians, The Muteflutes, Dead Eye Zack, Matt Gabriel and more. Read the feature story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of The Crane Wives’ in-studio radio performance.

Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos

Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe’s boundary-pushing, Michigan-bred indie-folk: Local Spins Live at River City (Podcast, video)

• June 2, 2016

The spring edition of HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios featured an up-and-coming West Michigan band with eclectic, diverse instrumentation and ever-changing rhythms. Check out the interview and performances by this unique ensemble in podcast, video and photos.

Summer Festivals · Top 10 Lists

Michigan’s Top 10 Summer Music Festivals: The Local Spins List

• June 2, 2016

Summer festival season officially is here, so we’ve rounded up the most captivating musical celebrations in the Great Lakes State – some well-known, some off the beaten path, all worth exploring. And check out the under-the-radar picks, too.

Features · Summer Festivals

Local Spins’ Festival 2016 Music Picks: The Zannies, Dante Cope, Watching for Foxes, The Suburbans, Lipstick Jodi, Ty Beat and more

• June 1, 2016

Thousands of West Michigan performers will pack stages in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend. It’s a lot to soak in. So once again, Local Spins asks some well-known musicians and its staff of writers to pick “The Best of Fest.” Check out their diverse selections in this guide to Festival 2016.

Album reviews · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Accidentals’ “Parking Lot EP” another entertaining step forward on a magical indie-folk journey

• May 31, 2016

After three years, the Traverse City trio finally releases a new studio recording this week. Like the musicians themselves, it’s buoyant and fresh – and will likely earn them even more acclaim. Read the Local Spins review and sample some of the music in new videos from The Accidentals.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Rob Zombie, La Dispute, Disturbed, The Concussions, Fishbone, Greg Nagy: Weekend Photo Galleries

• May 30, 2016

Wild, raucous and resplendent all describe West Michigan’s live music assault for the last week of May with national and regional acts firing up stages for big crowds. Check out the Local Spins photo galleries from some of those high-energy shows.

Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Bob Dylan Tribute, Bring Me the Horizon, Bullet for My Valentine, The Go Rounds and more: Weekend Photo Galleries

• May 22, 2016

Metalcore, folk, indie-rock, bluegrass, psychedelic rock, pop and deliciously indescribable music captivated West Michigan audiences over the past week. Check out all of the images at Local Spins, including some special musical celebrations and tributes.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

The Change poised to unfurl genre-spanning ‘driving music’ with debut album on the way: Local Spins on WYCE

• May 6, 2016

Led by multi-instrumentalist and singer Ryan Williams, the new Grand Rapids band rocked this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured the debut of tracks by Emma Loo, Graffiti, Darkly, The Eggtones and Downie. Listen to the podcast and check out a video of a song from the upcoming new album by The Change.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Boy From School goes to head of the class with pop-hued, genre-blending indie-rock: Local Spins on WYCE

• April 29, 2016

The Grand Rapids band working on its second EP performed during the Local Spins radio show, which also debuted tracks by Bill Ellingboe, Channing & Quinn, Watching for Foxes and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows

The Moxie Strings’ Diana Ladio joins The Elders; tour stops Saturday in Grand Rapids

• April 28, 2016

The fiery Michigan fiddler based in Traverse City is doing double-duty — balancing touring and performances with both bands. The Elders and Ladio play the Boat & Canoe Club in Grand Rapids on Saturday night. Read the story about this new Celtic music partnership.

Announcements · Upcoming shows

New ‘GR Live’ radio show to showcase regional artists in live lunchtime concerts at The B.O.B.

• April 26, 2016

Every Thursday for 19 weeks, the free one-hour show hosted by Quinn Mathews will spotlight the music scene and preview upcoming area concerts. John Shea, Michigander and Sleep Cheaters play the first event this week in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the schedule.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

The Accidentals soar to one-quarter-million views for ‘Michigan and Again’ video, prepare to release first EP in years

• April 25, 2016

The young Traverse City indie-folk trio continues to make waves, earning widespread attention for its latest, ultra-catchy single as it eyes release of a new EP in June. Read the back story, watch the video and download the song for free.

Announcements · Local Spins Exclusives · Upcoming shows · Videos

Local Spins celebrates 4th anniversary in May with Heaters, Big Dudee Roo, The Concussions, Local Spinsation Ale and giveaways

• April 20, 2016

May’s Local Spins Month celebration boasts special parties and swag at Rockford Brewing, Long Road Distillers and SpeakEZ Lounge, plus a first-ever Muskegon event. Read the story to see how you can enter to win Local Spins anniversary gift packages with swag, concert tickets and more.

Announcements · Summer Concerts

Tuesday Evening Music Club’s 2016 series to boast regional hip hop, reggae, indie-folk, rockabilly, bluegrass at Meijer Gardens

• April 18, 2016

This summer’s showcase of Michigan acts will feature La Famiglia, Zion Lion, Mark Lavengood, Delilah DeWylde, Brother Adams, Nicholas James, Ralston Bowles and more. See the full lineup and details about this year’s special local and regional series.

Concert reviews · Photos

Jake’s Music Festival rocks Wealthy Theatre with upbeat bands, high energy, worthy cause

• April 17, 2016

Falling on a busy and beautiful Saturday in Grand Rapids, the 12th annual festival at Wealthy Theatre showcased West Michigan bands of every ilk and raised thousands for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Review, photo gallery)

Concert reviews · Photos

The Mountain Goats climb tale-telling heights, Leo Kottke impresses with humor, guitar prowess in separate Grand Rapids concerts

• April 15, 2016

Folk music of different stripes in different places ruled Grand Rapids Thursday, with The Mountain Goats unfurling musical tales at Calvin College and Kottke regaling a sold-out St. Cecilia Music Center. Read the Local Spins reviews by Tricia Woolfenden and Charley Honey.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Ragbirds ‘return home’ and find centered sound, chart success with new album

• April 12, 2016

The world music-infused Ann Arbor indie-folk band — one of Michigan’s most respected group of musicians — brings its tour behind “The Threshold and The Hearth” to Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Traverse City this week. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and check out the videos of songs from the new album.

Commentary · Guest Column · Upcoming shows

Rebirth of The DAAC and why it keeps the heart of Grand Rapids’ music and arts scene beating: John Hanson @ The Musicians’ Soundboard

• April 8, 2016

The DAAC is reopening its doors in Grand Rapids, three years after it was forced to move from S. Division Avenue. Musician John Hanson has felt the power of the all-ages arts collective, inspiring this guest column for Local Spins.

Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Blissfest 2016 to celebrate 36 years of musical bliss with Keller Williams, Peter Yarrow, Hot Tuna, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers

• April 4, 2016

Michigan acts and stars from across the globe pump up this year’s Blissfest lineup. Regular advance tickets for the July 8-10 festival are now on sale. Check out some of the featured acts in the 2016 lineup.

Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos

Earthwork Covers Earthwork: Michigan music collective stars to release covers of songs by fellow Earthwork artists

• March 31, 2016

The first single in the Earthwork Music collective’s unique project will feature Seth Bernard’s take on a 2010 May Erlewine song. That comes out Friday, with new covers by Earthwork Music artists released monthly and a full album set to be completed next winter.

Features · Upcoming shows

WO-Stock Festival 2016: ‘Not your average high school talent show’ with 28 bands on two stages

• March 8, 2016

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.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

String Paradise: Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival draws thousands for upbeat West Michigan bands, instrument displays

• March 6, 2016

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

• March 5, 2016

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’

• March 4, 2016

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.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

Tiny Desk Concerts contest gives nod to Minnesota not Michigan in compelling, ‘arresting’ fashion

• March 3, 2016

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.

Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight

Seven Steps Up celebrates five years of bringing high-caliber talent, ‘amazing experiences’ to Spring Lake

• March 2, 2016

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.

Features · Upcoming shows

Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival to showcase stars of stringed instruments, connect musicians ‘across culture and time’

• March 1, 2016

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.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements

Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth to headline 2016 Hoxeyville Music Festival

• February 24, 2016

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.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Shawn Colvin, Lil Wayne, Lazy Blue Tunas, Whitey Morgan, Andrew Ripp enchant devoted fans (Weekend Photo Gallery)

• February 21, 2016

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.

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)

• February 19, 2016

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.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Lazy Blue Tunas calling it quits with trademark harmonies, humor and far-reaching repertoire

• February 18, 2016

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

• February 17, 2016

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.

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

• February 15, 2016

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

Cooper’s Glen Music Festival, Bowie Night, Keys N Krates ramp up colorful, fan-pleasing sets (Photos, reviews)

• February 7, 2016

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)

• February 5, 2016

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.

Venue Spotlight · Videos

Our Brewing in Holland’s ‘great atmosphere’ for music: West Michigan Venue Spotlight

• February 5, 2016

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.

Features · Videos

Tiny Desk Concerts: West Michigan bands join flurry of video entries for shot at NPR glory

• February 4, 2016

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.

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)

• January 29, 2016

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

• January 28, 2016

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.

Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Deep Greens & Blues hits stride as foursome, finds sweet spot with ‘Chasing Horizons’

• January 27, 2016

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.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Tommy Schichtel, Carnage, Oh Wonder, Hinder and more deliver rare musical mix: Weekend Photo Galleries

• January 24, 2016

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)

• January 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.

Commentary

‘Blown away by the collaborative spirit’: Can West Michigan’s ultra-cooperative approach take the music scene to the next level?

• January 21, 2016

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.