Billy Strings, The Accidentals lead Hot Top 5 Chart with Laurel Premo right behind
The support for their releases makes them smile. The October chart ranking the top local and regional albums also features Desmond Jones, Lee Heerspink and Odd Space.
Tagged: acoustic music
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Larkin Poe ignites Fountain Street Church with Southern-fried blues-rock gospel
The Grammy-nominated, sister-fronted band embraced the unique surroundings for a rousing Halloween eve concert in Grand Rapids. Plus, check out photo recaps of weekend shows starring Chuck Prophet, The Way Down Wanderers, Stovepipe Stover, Emilee Petersmark, Mushmen, Wavves, Lisa Can’t Sing and more.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Mighty Big Rig, Laurel Premo, Edison Kitt, The Shook, Adam Main, John Piatek
This mid-October roundup of new Michigan releases covers artists from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Traverse City, including instrumental projects and a compelling collection inspired by loss. Browse the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Chris Renzema’s homecoming, Black Pumas, The Record Company & more rock W. Michigan
In many ways, the weekend reflected a pre-pandemic flurry of live music with some rousing national tours and a sold-out, triumphant Sunday night return of a Grand Rapids native and budding star. A review and recaps in 10 photo galleries at Local Spins.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids Guitar Festival aims to foster ‘musical creativity, learning, improvisation’
Saturday’s first-year event boasts a day of workshops, exhibits, performances and a keynote address by Djangophonique’s Andrew Brown. Get the details, ticket links and background at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Recap: Parker McCollum, Pokey LaFarge, Listening Room Open Stage
West Michigan’s weekend of live music had a rootsy, country and folk-flavored charm, with a couple of national tour stops and a new open-mic night at a high-profile venue. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
First-ever West Michigan Songwriter’s Festival aims to inspire with ‘magic’ of songcraft
Longtime songwriter and financial advisor Daniel Terry spearheads this weekend’s songwriters-in-the-round performances and workshop at Blythfield Country Club. Get the back story and ticket details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Hoxeyville 2021 Memories: Top 5 highlights from a spirited festival in the Michigan forest
Not surprisingly, multiple performances by Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings topped the roster of memorable moments at a northern Michigan festival that returned after a one-year hiatus. Browse the weekend highlights, pore over the photos and view videos from an action-packed Hoxey.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Loving Hoxeyville: Lindsay Lou, Billy Strings set for rousing return of beloved festival
It’s back for 2021 in the Manistee National Forest this weekend with national headliners and regional favorites, including a bluegrass singer who adores Hoxey and all it entails. An interview with Lindsay Lou, along with the festival schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
‘Old-time Renaissance’: History nerd Ben Traverse’s sea shanties and traditional folk
The West Michigan folk revivalist was this week’s spotlighted artist for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Bradley Sinclair, EPCYA, Rochelle & The Spoilers, Tiny Tree, Hominian, Jake Allen and more. Dig into the story of ‘old soul’ Ben Traverse and listen to this week’s interview and radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Paulie Cohen and his painful, beautiful, wild, emotional magnum opus
Battling cancer, the Kalamazoo multi-instrumentalist responded with an epic project featured by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Seth Bernard, Tobin Sprout, Ernie Clark and more. Discover more about Paulie Cohen’s remarkable musical journey and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Detroit indie-rocker Ally Evenson: Loss, revitalization and reclaiming self-esteem
The resident at Assemble Sound in Detroit just dropped a live piano single, “Bite My Tongue,” while eyeing more releases and a fall U.S. tour with Motor City artist Chloe Moriondo. Learn more about Evenson and watch a new video in the second installment of a series partnering with Ypsilanti’s Grove Studios to showcase artists from the east side of the state.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Bob Dylan at 80: The Essential Top 10 Playlist by Nicholas James Thomasma
With the American music icon hitting a major milestone today, Local Spins asked West Michigan singer-songwriter and Dylan devotee Nicholas James Thomasma to offer up a playlist for the ages. Listen to the tracks and see why these songs are on his Top 10 list, plus watch a brand new video of Thomasma & his band covering a Dylan classic.
Album Reviews: Jordan Hamilton, Nathan Walton, Justin Avdek, Lucius Fox and more
Start your Sunday with a refreshing look into six new releases by West Michigan artists, ranging from instrumental virtuosity to rock ‘n’ roll passion. Chain of Lakes and Shane Tripp are among the featured releases. Plus, listen to selected tracks from all of the albums.
Michigan Album Reviews: Major Murphy, Michigander, LVRS, Kate Hinote Trio and more
New albums from KJ & The Good Time Family Band and Amy Love fill out this mid-April roundup of releases by Michigan artists. Check out the reviews from Local Spins writers, listen to tracks from each recording.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Overdrive Orchestra’s Chris Cranick augments band’s ‘loud guitars’ with diverse solo melange
The Grand Rapids rock group frontman divulged details about an upcoming solo album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Megan Dooley, LVRS, Cal in Red, Upon Wings and more. Get Chris Cranick’s back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album Reviews: Emma Bieniewicz, Lucky Da Realest, Laine Rex, Nordy, Venoma, Troutman
This late March roundup of West Michigan releases ranges from rock and hip hop to synth-pop and folk. Check out the Local Spins reviews and listen to tracks from each featured artist.
Concert reviews · In Memoriam · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
Local Spins Rewind February 2020: Chris Thile wows fans; GR mourns bassist Eric Soules
One year ago — before the pandemic erupted — West Michigan not only cheered a tour stop by mandolin whiz Chris Thile but mourned the unexpected death of beloved local musician Eric Soules. Local Spins revisits both events in today’s ‘Rewind’ feature.
‘An extremely folked-up year’: Nicholas James Thomasma @ The Musicians’ Soundboard
In this week’s guest column giving a voice to Michigan musicians, singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma hails the advantages folk musicians have during a COVID lockdown — and the importance of staying active and educated. He performs online tonight.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Musical entertainment during COVID: A tale of three West Michigan venues in photos
Over the past week, three West Michigan establishments hosted live music in different ways — with and without audiences, and with pandemic restrictions in place. Local Spins captured it all in photo galleries featuring King Biscuit Trio, Rufus Ferguson and other local musicians.
Features · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Comeback Road: Live music going virtual a ‘no-brainer’ for St. Cecilia, local performers
Better than “sitting in my bedroom with an iPhone.” Local Spins today presents two interview and performance videos probing the unique advantages of live-stream concerts broadcast from a bona fide stage as gauged by musicians Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden, and St. Cecilia’s Cathy Holbrook. “It’s an actual venue,” Crittenden said of playing St. Cecilia even without an in-person audience.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Live music returns to the Kalamazoo area: Presidential Brewing celebrates Year 2
After a year of COVID, the Portage brewery’s second anniversary party boasted performances by Lexi Adams, St. Joe Jack and more — with limited capacity, regular sanitization and new brews. Check out the recap and photos at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: FINKEL, L. Supreme & Jasonmakesgoodbeats, Gianna Stansell & more
The first Michigan albums roundup for February hails releases from the Upper Peninsula to Detroit to Grand Rapids. Get the Local Spins take on these recordings and listen to tracks from each featured artist.
Concert reviews · Live-Stream Concerts
Ann Arbor Folk Festival heals, inspires with first-ever live-stream weekend of stars
Friday and Saturday’s unprecedented online benefit for The Ark boasted a record number of performances by local and international musical heroes who offered up 11 hours of intimate, touching sets. The review at Local Spins. The festival continues with a special John Prine tribute tonight.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Jeff Daniels, Jill Jack, FINKEL, Accidentals: New music debuts for Local Spins on WYCE
This week’s edition of the WYCE show that spotlights Michigan music spanned the state, with tracks from Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Petoskey, Traverse City, Marquette and more. Listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
Ann Arbor Folk Festival adds Sunday night John Prine tribute featuring Michigan stars
Jam-packed with acclaimed international artists, the festival kicks off in virtual, live-stream fashion Friday. The third night will pay homage to the late Prine, propelled by May Erlewine, Joshua Davis, Erin Zindle, Seth Bernard and more. Learn more about the festival lineup with links to streaming passes at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Surreal, awkwardly silent but inspiring: Audience-less live-streams bridge COVID gap
Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden kicked off St. Cecilia Music Center’s virtual folk-and-blues series on Thursday. Local Spins was there to capture the unusual vibe in an empty auditorium with two veteran West Michigan musicians.
Album Reviews: Waverlys, Jamie Brackman, Colt Snuffer, Wild Honey Collective and more
This mid-January roundup of regional releases ranges from Roger MacNaughton’s soothing instrumentals to singer-songwriter Jeff Socia’s debut album to some robust Americana gems. Read the reviews, listen to the music at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Soundtrack: Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe’s Top 10 performers playlist
The Kalamazoo brewery’s booking and marketing team reminisced about the most compelling performances by bands and solo artists pre-COVID at Bell’s, from May Erlewine and Joe Hertler to Kurt Vile and Trampled by Turtles. Check out the Top 10 playlist and videos.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: Winter Wheat 2020 delivered folk, roots charm despite snowstorm
Held at The Intersection exactly one year ago today, the 11th annual benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization boasted more than a dozen performances on two stages in spite of wintry weather. Revisit the event in words, photos and video.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Michigan Music’s Hot Top 10 for 2020: The Year-Ending Local Spins Playlist
Today, we spotlight the local and regional albums that most dominated the Local Spins Hot Top 5 charts at WYCE-FM during the year of the pandemic, from Medicinal Groove to The War and Treaty, with plenty of gems in between. See which Michigan artists made a splash and listen to tracks from all of the recordings as part of this week’s playlist.
Album Reviews: Brother Wolf, Elijah Russ, Tom Hymn, Sean Stynes, Wicker Basket and more
This mid-December roundup of new releases by West Michigan artists ranges from the soothing to the rousing, from the dreamy to the thought-provoking, and from the heart-pounding to the unique collaboration of Oxford Fields. Get the back story on these releases and listen to selected tracks at Local Spins.
West Michigan fans, friends grieve death of musicians Michael Hall II, Michael Fleckenstein
The beloved guitarists – one from Grand Rapids who battled leukemia and one from Kalamazoo stricken with COVID – passed away on Saturday, saddening fans of The Moonrays and Bride of Fleckenstein. Read the memorials and comments at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
West Michigan teen songster Lucy Lowis brings ‘old soul’ flavor to debut album
The Plainwell High School junior was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brandino Extravaganza, Heavy Color, Oxford Fields, Kate Hinote Trio and more. Learn more about Lucy Lowis and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Chris DuPont ‘uproots and replants’ with ambitious, dark new indie-folk album
With an EP and new album on the way, the Ypsilanti-based singer-songwriter took center stage for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted fresh tracks by several Michigan artists, including Rick Chyme, Eric Engblade, Olivia Dear, Jordan Moore, Jack Droppers and Shin Hoo Yong. Get the back story on DuPont, watch a video of him performing a new song and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Guitars for Vets GR: Offering instruments, camaraderie and ‘comfort to those in need’
For more than a decade, the Grand Rapids chapter of this volunteer group has tutored military veterans and handed out dozens of guitars to bring music into their lives and help them cope. A feature for Veterans Day at Local Spins, with information about how you can help veterans and the Guitars for Vets program.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List Concert Guide (Nov. 9-15): Singer-songwriter charm, jazz, country & classic rock
The days are getting shorter and so is the list of live music options in West Michigan. Nevertheless, the show goes on in a variety of locations as we move into mid-November. Browse this week’s concert listings at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
Local Spins 2019 Rewind: Brantley Gilbert hails ‘badass’ Sadie Bass, GR’s Listening Room opens
A year ago this week, Local Spins published one of the most-read stories of the year — featuring emerging Michigan country artist Sadie Bass — and hailed the long-awaited, official opening of Listening Room. Check out reviews and photo galleries from those November 2019 events, plus several major West Michigan tour stops.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up concert venue lands ‘lifesaving’ $35,000 grant
The national Live Music Society awarded grants to 20 clubs across the country, the same day that the Michigan Music Alliance announced a ‘relaunch’ of a fundraising campaign to aid musicians hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about both developments at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: St. Cecilia Music Center’s Top 10, from Margo Price to Christian McBride
Grammy Award-winning stars from folk, country, jazz and classical music light up this special Tuesday playlist compiled by Cathy Holbrook, director of the historic Grand Rapids concert venue. Check out the songs, watch the videos.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: Salt of the Earth’s Top 10 artists who’ve graced the Fennville stage
The Sweet Water Warblers, Joshua Davis, Hoots & Hellmouth, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Luke Winslow-King and other favorites pump up the intimate Fennville venue’s Local Spins playlist. Ogle the videos, listen to the featured songs on Spotify.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Trifocal, Trixy Tang, Dixon’s Violin ease the October chill: The Weekend Photo Galleries
Live music has unfurled in some unusual places in West Michigan as fall settles in — from the marquee at Kalamazoo State Theatre to a parking lot at Cedar Springs Brewing to John Ball Park in Grand Rapids. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List Concert Guide: African-American Fest, Joe Hertler, Hal Beveridge Music Fest
The days of outdoor shows in Michigan are numbered, so the final week of September features some of the final concerts and festivals at various locations across the region. The lowdown, as always, on The Big List at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Fauxgrass, Carrie McFerrin, Blue Water Ramblers’ musical medicine for troubled times
A busy September lineup of concerts after a mostly quarantined summer kicked off over Labor Day weekend with small but vibrant shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Labor Day Dirge: Is 2020 ‘The Year the Music Died’ or just an uphill battle for musicians?
This year’s Labor Day column on the plight of musicians comes amid what may be the worse year ever for live music due to COVID-19. See how bands are struggling to survive and how they view the future in this commentary.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Lansing singer-songwriter Monte Pride unfurls ‘healing songs’ on sophomore album
The guitarist was the featured guest for this week’s expanded Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Earth Radio, Dalmatian Stone, Brothers Crunch, Stone Soup & the Broken Teeth and more. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and listen to this week’s radio show.
Michigan Album Reviews: May Erlewine, From Big Sur, Andy Baker, Josh Garvelink
Local Spins delves into some brand new Michigan-made releases — from a jazzy and soulful new Erlewine project to a Lansing band hitting its stride. Read the reviews, listen to songs from each of the featured albums.
Odd Space, Danielle Cosby join Hayes Griffin on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for July
Grand Rapids’ Nicholas James Thomasma and Ian Thompson return to the chart for the second month in a row, too. Listen to tracks from all of the featured albums at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘Healing Bridges’: Brian Koenigsknecht’s candid, poignant journey of grief through song
The Kalamazoo singer-songwriter’s new album was featured for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Distant Stars, From Big Sur, Joel Comstock, The American Hotel System and more. Get Koenigsknecht’s back story and watch one of his music videos; listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Not-So-Big List Concert Guide: Driveway, piazza and patio shows (July 20-26)
A couple of new outdoor concert series fire up in Grand Rapids this week, along with the usual patio and deck shows at various bars and restaurants across West Michigan. Check out this week’s concert offerings at Local Spins.
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