Grand Rapids alt-rock band The Static Affair crowned Battle of the Bands winner
Nine bands duked it out at Sunday’s finals at The Intersection. But another battle of the bands on Saturday at Billy’s Lounge was scrapped after four acts were no-shows.
Tagged: acoustic music
Sean Peay Hip-Hop Benefit, Testament, Chris Lawrence, Big Daddy Love: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
The Wine, Beer and Food Festival at DeVos Place drew thousands for taste-testing and tunes by a half-dozen West Michigan acts, but elsewhere fans also reveled in hip-hop.
Michigan singer-songwriter Sam Corbin: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (podcast, video)
A solo artist who also performs with Jen Sygit and the rootsy Americana band Lincoln County Process, Corbin is a vibrant product of Michigan’s folk music scene.
West Michigan Album Reviews: The Local Spins Fall Roundup, Take One
CD releases by West Michigan artists Kelsey Rottiers, Karisa Wilson, UV Hippo, The Impact Band, Roger Brown, Bowery, Steve Talaga
Breaking music news · Features
‘Give Till It Helps’: Grand Rapids’ Ralston Bowles and Bennett craft theme for 2013 Red Kettle campaign
The song by Bowles and the band Bennett debuted this morning. Fans can download it with a donation to the Salvation Army’s Christmas campaign; get the link here. Free Baker[…]
Check it out: Kent District Library boosts local bands’ exposure with special ‘Local Indie @ KDL’ collection
Want your music preserved for posterity? West Michigan artists can submit CDs to the district library so patrons can literally check out their music. By Elizabeth Slowik LocalSpins.com The[…]
Living Colour, Steve Vai, Knock on Wood, Fresh Folk: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
A guitar god, a groundbreaking alt-metal band, some Michigan roots heroes, a bracing modern percussion trio, a garage rock legend and monstrous metal: All part of Local Spins’ image-laden roundup[…]
Showcasing ‘Fresh Folk’ for a rapt audience: Rachael Davis and Dominic John launch series at St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday
The second year of St. Cecilia’s Fresh Folk series opens by spotlighting the Americana duo from Nashville and Grand Rapids’ own Troll for Trout in an unplugged setting. Win tickets[…]
Ragbirds, Sue Foley & Peter Karp, Ken Yates, Lamp Light Music Fest: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
From nightclubs to a fine arts center to a listening room to Eastown basements, West Michigan bid adieu to October and hello to November in rocking fashion, captured in photos[…]
‘Nothing average about this’: Lamp Light Music Festival kicks off cozy concerts in Eastown homes
Friday night’s opening house concerts in three locations jammed living rooms and basements for sets by The Soil & The Sun, Lasso, Kellen & Me and more. (Photos, video) […]
The ‘dark folk’ and ‘psyched-out punk’ of Kalamazoo’s Fiona Dickinson: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Podcast, video)
Playing at this weekend’s Lamp Light Music Festival in Grand Rapids with Cobalt Mexican Wolves, the well-traveled British-born singer-songwriter finds camaraderie, inspiration in the Double Phelix collective of musicians. […]
Halloween on Ionia and at The B.O.B., Coheed & Cambria, Chordis Bell: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Halloween descended several days early, with wild and woolly costume- and EDM-driven events in downtown Grand Rapids, plus tour stops by diverse acts from here to the lakeshore. (Photos, video)[…]
Steve Aoki, Remedy Blue, Molly B., Hannah Rose, ArtPrize song winners: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Starting with award presentations to the five winners of the ArtPrize/St. Cecilia song contest, West Michigan’s musical weekend ranged from EDM revelry to acoustic alt-rock to a Feedback spectacular, captured[…]
Paul Simon night at One Trick Pony: West Michigan pays tribute to a songwriting icon
More than 30 Grand Rapids-area musicians are lined up to perform songs spanning Simon’s long career tonight, one day after his 72nd birthday. Paul Simon Birthday Sessions WHEN: 7:30[…]
Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn Colvin bring their ‘living room’ vibe to Forest Hills Fine Arts Center
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriters played a relaxed Grand Rapids show on Thursday, one filled with entertaining tales about their songs, travels and 30-year friendship. (Review, photo gallery) Two acoustic guitars.[…]
‘Reso-phonic’ bluegrass musician Mark Lavengood: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Podcast, videos)
Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys’ resonator guitar whiz was reared on rock but has embraced the beauty of the Dobro and bluegrass music. He hosts a special Bruce Springsteen Tribute[…]
Bassnectar, Domestic Problems, Lucas Wilson: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
ArtPrize doled out its 2013 awards amid TV hoopla, but the weekend also boasted a dazzling and sweaty Bassnectar show, Domestic Problems at Rosa Parks Circle and more — captured[…]
Lamp Light Music Festival to take ‘house concerts’ to new level in Grand Rapids’ Eastown in November
The second annual Eastown music fest expands to five houses, with 35 intimate performances the first weekend in November. Frontier Ruckus, Paucity, Breathe Owl Breathe, Ghost Heart and many more[…]
The Crane Wives, Aaron Carter, Simien the Whale, Grand Haven Indie-Rock Fest: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Things rocked this weekend — from ArtPrize’s music series at Rosa Parks Circle to pop and folk stars at The Intersection to an indie-rock festival and singer-songwriter charm along the[…]
Rick Chyme, Over the Rhine, AOK, Earthwork Harvest Gathering: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
ArtPrize’s first weekend, Founders Brewing’s grand reopening, Earthwork Harvest’s annual gathering and a historic marathon rap: All of it brought a bracing bevy of live music to Grand Rapids and[…]
ArtPrize gets its groove on: A day in the life of the Musicians’ Showcase
For the third year, St. Cecilia Music Center is hosting a weekend ArtPrize Musicians’ Showcase in downtown Grand Rapids with 50 acts on two stages. Here are highlights from Friday’s[…]
ArtPrize gets even more musical for 2013: ‘Absolutely, music is art’
With 50 of 82 ArtPrize song entrants performing during this weekend’s musicians’ showcase at St. Cecilia Music Center, Grand Rapids is singing an artful tune. And ArtPrize busking and concerts[…]
Fallasburg Fest, Eastown Street Fair, Youth Lagoon, Drew Nelson: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Football was in the air, but so was music across West Michigan, with performances at outdoor festivals as well as at the usual watering holes, plus the kickoff to Hope[…]
Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Gabrial James: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (podcast, video)
After hosting an open-mic night for seven years, the acoustic roots performer has established himself as an in-demand solo act across West Michigan. He plays the 40th Eastown Street Fair[…]
Wheatland 2013: Roots music stars, devotees spark ‘so much energy’ at ‘amazing festival’ in a Michigan field
Banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck’s first-ever appearance at the historic event was just the icing on the cake for the 40th Wheatland fest, drawing 10,000-plus people to rural Mecosta County for[…]
Wheatland, Gramatik, Celebration on the Grand, Indigo Girls, Big Sandy: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
It started early with The Indigo Girls at Meijer Gardens and continued through the weekend, with throngs revved up by the EDM music of Gramatik at The Intersection and acoustic[…]
Jake Down and The Midwest Mess: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Grand Rapids indie-folk singer-songwriter Jake Down and his band are “just having fun and trying to meet people and impact people.” They release their debut EP on Saturday at The[…]
Wheatland: The ‘granddaddy of all Michigan traditional festivals’ stirs up musical magic this weekend
Take it from veteran performers and first-timers: There’s nothing quite like the Wheatland Music Festival in Remus when it comes to passing on roots and folk traditions. And this year’s[…]
Rootsy Grand Rapids singer-songwriter John Sanger: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Whether fronting The Sanger Brothers Band or flying solo, the Holland native plays with confident passion. He’s currently at work on a new studio album; get a sneak peek here[…]
Tuesday Evening Music Club’s upbeat 2013 finale: Ralston Bowles and a cast of characters
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s last local and regional spotlight concert of the summer had Grand Rapids’ iconic singer-songwriter reveling musically with help from a bevy of his pals.[…]
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
ArtPrize Musicians’ Showcase returns for 2013 to boost third annual song competition
After scrambling to find sponsors, St. Cecilia Music Center will once again put ArtPrize song entrants in the spotlight, with 50 artists and bands playing a Sept. 20-22 showcase. […]
Sparta Celtic Festival, Lo Mobb, Randy Newman, 13th Hour: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
If August Michigan weather gets any better than this, Local Spins hasn’t seen it. Bracing musical performances just added to the picturesque glory as evidenced by the Weekend Photo Gallery.[…]
Grand Rapids folk trio Bennett: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
With sibling-like harmonies, Bennett’s “natural, real” approach has caught fire in West Michigan, with the band releasing a new single later this month and a new EP this fall. (Podcast,[…]
Steve Martin knows it’s no laughing matter: The banjo is now for hipsters
With Grammy-winning banjo star/comedian Steve Martin playing a sold-out show at Meijer Gardens, this Local Spins Sunday feature takes a look at why young folk, pop and jam-band musicians are[…]
‘Total Shock’: DAAC forced to close, but plans huge final July 30 blowout show with Frontier Ruckus, others
The Division Avenue Arts Collective is suddenly being evicted, but other venues may step in to host some shows. The volunteer-run group seeks community support and advice to continue its[…]
City Lights, The Crane Wives, Peter Bradley Adams, Rick Chyme, AOK: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Steaming hot music added to the steamy hot weather at City Lights Music Festival, Taste of Grand Rapids and Meijer Gardens, with a few hot indoor shows such as GRAM[…]
Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Nidal: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
With three albums under his belt the past two years, the prolific artist has emerged as a solo artist to watch in West Michigan. (Podcast, video) Grand Rapids singer-songwriter[…]
Grand Rapids indie-folk band Chain of Lakes: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Chain of Lakes frontman Kyle Rasche creates lush, harmony-driven contemporary folk songs that have earned deserved attention. (Video, podcast) Any number of things can explain why Kyle Rasche immersed[…]
Buttermilk Jamboree, Gov’t Mule, Rockford Start of Summer Celebration: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Summer pumped up this sizzling West Michigan weekend with a cornucopia of bands playing from Grand Rapids to Rockford to the nether reaches of Barry County. (Photos, video) Favorite[…]
West Michigan’s Roosevelt Diggs: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
The Americana quartet that sings about folklore heroes and meshes folk, country, bluegrass, rockabilly and swing will play the Buttermilk Jamboree on Friday. And check out how they got their[…]
Buttermilk Jamboree: Rusted Root, Crane Wives, The Bandwagon and dozens more in ‘a beautiful setting’
For the third year, Circle Pines Center in Delton will host the unique outdoor music festival that boasts more than 30 local and regional bands performing on two stages. See[…]
Grand Rapids’ Festival 2013: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
As usual, Festival showcased the marvelously eclectic range of Michigan’s musical talent, bringing out huge throngs amid stellar weather. Check out the photos and “A Day in the Life” video[…]
Grand Rapids’ Festival 2013: Some Local Spins picks to peruse
From emerging act Spence & Friends to longtime fave Mid-Life Crisis, Festival covers the gamut of musical styles and sounds. But can a 13-year-old steal the show? At 13,[…]
Brandon Muske @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: A love letter to Grand Rapids … and a plea for fans
The support of fellow musicians helps drive Grand Rapids’ music scene. But in this Local Spins guest column, The Wallace Collective’s Muske wonders why audiences for compelling, original live music[…]
The reinvention of West Michigan singer-songwriter Brian Vander Ark: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
The Verve Pipe frontman has covered a lot of ground, from rock stardom to a solo singer-songwriter who’s turned house concerts into an art form. He plays Grand Rapids’ Wealthy[…]
Free summer concerts: The Local Spins round-up of Grand Rapids’ outdoor live music options
Michigan music for free: It’s everywhere this summer, from jazz to rock to blues. Check out schedules for weekly summer series in the Grand Rapids area here at LocalSpins.com. […]
Buses by the Beach, Liz Longley, Quinn & Tuite’s 500th Open-Mic Night: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Memorial Day weekend heated up nicely in the Grand Rapids area with some uncommon concerts — outdoors at a Buses by the Beach benefit in West Olive, indoors at Quinn[…]
The inventive folk-pop of Grand Rapids’ Ribbons of Song: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Singer-songwriter Ben Scott-Brandt’s unusual new Ribbons of Song project, “Waterbugs,” gets previewed in some inspiring ways: in-studio on Local Spins Live and in an outdoor pre-release performance Sunday. (Podcast, video)[…]
Pat Carroll’s ‘Glow in the Dark’: Earthwork artists rally around Kalamazoo singer’s epic music
West Michigan musician’s compelling new album released as he awaits a double lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic. Starting with the lonely drone of a violin, Pat Carroll’s journey through[…]
Quinn & Tuite’s to celebrate 500th open-mic night in Grand Rapids with special Friday show
For a decade, the Friday night sessions have been a tradition at the Grand Rapids pub, so this week’s milestone show will feature bands such as The Willeys and Significant[…]
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