Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Sept. 11-17): Of Montreal, Thomas Rhett, Harvest Gathering, Fallasburg Festival, Funtcase, The Verve Pipe, Greta Van Fleet, Alabama, Michigan Irish Music Fest

• September 11, 2017

The last big festival week of the summer also boasts tour stops by State Champs, San Fermin, P.O.S, Apocalypta, Elliott Brood, Marisela, Ben Sollee, some riveting local shows, the Cottage Bar Chili Cook-Off and the Knickerbocker’s first anniversary. See all the featured live music listings, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Nick Moss.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Weekend Photo Galleries and Recap: Conor Oberst, Buddy Guy, Tucker Beathard, Perrin 5th Anniversary, State Theatre 90th Anniversary, Eastown Street Fair, Tom Hymn

• September 11, 2017

Outdoor parties boasting regional artists, national tour stops and an album-release show highlighted West Michigan’s musical weekend. Ogle more than a half-dozen photo galleries in this Local Spins roundup.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Sept. 5-10): Buddy Guy, Kid Rock, Wheatland, Queens of the Stone Age, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Conor Oberst, Eastown Streetfair, Tucker Beathard, The Fall of Troy

• September 5, 2017

September gets rolling with Voodoo Glow Skulls, Seth Glier, Lauren Duski, Greg Nagy, Tom Hymn, the Freedom Flag Benefit and anniversary celebrations in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Holland. Check out all of this week’s live music picks on The Big List.

Breaking music news · Summer Festivals

Cold Creek Campout cancels 2017 music festival at Val Du Lakes

• August 29, 2017

Organizer Cameron Strong cites lack of ticket sales and financial considerations for forcing him to scrap the mid-October event. He vows Cold Creek Campout will be back in 2018.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Aug. 28-Sept. 3): SZA, UB40, Kane Brown, U2, Keller Williams, Ralston & Friends, George Clinton, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys

• August 28, 2017

The week that ends with Labor Day boasts tour stops by international superstars and summer series wrap-ups. Get the lowdown on The Big List, where you can also win tickets to see Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Week-in-Review Photo Galleries: Beer City Bike Fest, Holler Fest, Five for Fighting, Local Showcase No. 17

• August 28, 2017

The late August round-up of live music features concerts and festivals from Grand Rapids to the lakeshore to Brooklyn — from Emma Loo & Sam’s cutting-edge spectacle at The Pyramid Scheme to Michigan music on the farm. Check out all the images in Local Spins’ week-in-review recap.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Hannah Laine unfurls neo-soul, plus new tracks by Bronze Wolf, Cameron Blake, Billy Strings, Lipstick Jodi

• August 25, 2017

The late August edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted Laine’s in-studio visit and regional music by The Hacky Turtles, Emma Loo, 78 Revolutions Per Minute, Rick Chyme & Nixon, Melophobix and more. Listen to the podcast and watch a video of Laine’s performance.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos

Nordy brings punk rock roots and psych-folk vibe to new release

• August 24, 2017

The emerging West Michigan singer-songwriter plays a CD-release show at Rockford Brewing on Thursday night. Peruse the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, listen to the podcast, watch the videos.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Holler Fest: ‘Huge party’ on the farm and hidden gem of Michigan’s music festival scene

• August 22, 2017

For the 11th year, this mid-Michigan music festival will unfurl on a working organic vegetable farm with weekend sets by Breathe Owl Breathe, The Whiskey Charmers, Appleseed Collective and many more regional acts. Learn more about how this charming festival has grown and download the full weekend schedule on your smartphone.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Aug. 21-27): Breakaway Music Fest, Samantha Fish, Rusted Root, Beer City Bike Fest, David Bromberg, Five for Fighting, Shook Twins

• August 21, 2017

Railroad Earth & Twiddle get things started, with the Shoreline Jazz Fest, Conrad Shock, Emma Loo & Sam, Holler Fest and a new Quinn & Tuite’s concert series in the mix. Check out all the live music selections and Under-the-Radar Picks for the week.

Concert reviews · Photos

John Butler Trio defies labels with blazing jams during third visit to Meijer Gardens

• August 21, 2017

Australian guitarist John Butler himself concedes he doesn’t know what kind of music his band plays. On a muggy August night, Butler and his bandmates wowed a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd with genre-melding, instrumental magic. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: The Accidentals take first flight with new album, plus fresh tracks from Suzies, FlyLiteGemini, Jetty Rae

• August 18, 2017

On the same day of its much-ballyhooed Sony Masterworks CD-release, the Traverse City trio lit up the Grand Rapids radio studio with new songs. Watch the video, read the story and listen to the radio podcast, which also features new local and regional music.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Aug. 14-20): Michael Franti, GRandJazzFest, Ludacris, Die Antwoord, Tegan & Sara, Walk the Beat, Ted Nugent, Simple Plan, Hoxeyville, New Pornographers

• August 14, 2017

Gov’t Mule and Galactic get one of the busiest weeks of the summer started, with Lil’ Ed, Ian Anderson, Tribute on the Grand and a birthday bash for Creston Brewery also in the mix. Get the lowdown on all of the big shows and under-the-radar picks.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Cowpie Music Festival launches with UV Hippo’s jam-band glory, upbeat vibe

• August 11, 2017

Expanding this year to three days, Thursday’s opening night of Cowpie Music Festival on Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County oozed musical charm with sets by UV Hippo, Grasshoppah, Covert and White Rabbit. Check out the first-day recap, photo gallery and video.

Album reviews · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos

Album Reviews + The Hot Top 5: Jake Kershaw, Dan Rickabus, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, On The Line, Paddlebots, Barbarossa Brothers

• August 10, 2017

The War & Treaty’s debut EP topped July’s Hot Top 5 for WYCE airplay, with Crane Wives drummer Dan Rickabus’ solo CD right behind. Check out a review of that album and other new Michigan releases.

Audio · Breaking music news

Billy Strings hailed by Rolling Stone as one of “10 new country artists you need to know”

• August 9, 2017

The Michigan native continues to turn heads nationally as he prepares to release a full-length debut album in September. Read more about Billy Strings and listen to a track from his upcoming new recording.

Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Cowpie Music Festival 2017 aims to leave fans ‘breathless’ with musical splendor, from UV Hippo to Ekoostik Hookah

• August 8, 2017

More than 20 bands and thousands of festival-goers will descend on Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County for an expanded three-day celebration of regional music. See the full weekend schedule and save it on your smartphone to take along.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Aug. 7-13): Taking Back Sunday, Lake Street Dive, Punch Brothers, Jennifer Knapp, Michael Franti, Cowpie, Unity Christian Music Fest, Sparta Celtic Fest, Farmfest

• August 7, 2017

Things ramp up the second week of August with Michigander & Benjaman James, JRob & Convotronics, Jake Kershaw, Sawyer Fredericks, Circa Survive and a Westside Weekend of rock. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s live music picks at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

La Dispute, Tesla, Andrew McMahon, The Accidentals, Midtown on Tap, Ribfest, Speak Easy, Fat Guy Fest, Fastball: Photo Galleries

• August 7, 2017

National acts as well as local stars packed venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo over the past week, captured in vibrant images at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio · Videos

Michigan Album Reviews: The Accidentals embark on ‘Odyssey,’ plus Paucity, Hollywood Makeout, The War & Treaty, Antighost

• August 2, 2017

opping the early August batch of new releases is the Sony Music Masterworks debut for a popular Traverse City trio, plus fresh recordings from an eclectic bunch of West Michigan artists. Check out the reviews, listen to samples of the new music.

Photos · Summer Festivals

Sun-splashed but ‘very chill’ MoPop 2017 Revisited: Local Spins Photo Gallery

• August 1, 2017

Detroit hosted the fifth annual MoPop Music Festival at West Riverfront Park over the weekend, drawing thousands for national and regional stars over a sun-splashed weekend. Browse the images at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (July 24-30): The Who, The Shins, 2Cellos, Andrew Bird, Melvins, Low Cut Connie, MoPop Festival

• July 24, 2017

The Beach Boys, a “Women Rock” Picnic Pops tribute, Mike Mains, Farm Block Fest and The Menzingers also fire up the week. And check out the splendid Under-the-Radar Picks.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

MoPop Festival’s return to Detroit balances Alt-J, Solange, Foster the People with Michigan’s Heaters, Michigander, Stef Chura

• July 24, 2017

The fifth annual, two-day MoPop music festival held along the Detroit River kicks off Saturday with a mix of national and regional stars. Check out the full schedule and see what Michigan acts have in store for fans.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Beaver Island Music Fest grows from ‘fluke’ to musical utopia where time stands still

• July 18, 2017

This unusual Michigan music festival on Lake Michigan’s biggest island officially kicks off Thursday with a star-studded lineup of regional acts. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (July 17-23): Barenaked Ladies, Walter Trout, Amos Lee, Faster Horses, Bruce Hornsby, Heather Maloney, Dunesville, Taste of GR, Lamb of God, Beaver Island Music Fest

• July 17, 2017

A busy week at Meijer Gardens kicks off with Elvis Costello, but there’s plenty more on the docket: A Grand Rapids Symphony tribute to Chicago, The Piano Cottage Rocks, Riversedge Summer Series, Albert Lee, plus other gems. See all of this week’s highlighted concerts, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks and the On the Horizon calendar through July.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Kalamazoo Blues Festival regales modest crowds with hot blues, plus GR on Tap, Steel Panther, Mitski, Falling in Reverse and more

• July 17, 2017

Another busy summer week of live music saw everything from blues to rock to folk stretching from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Hastings. Check out the images from the Kalamazoo Blues Festival, Grand Rapids on Tap, Mitski, Steel Panther, The Accidentals, Falling in Reverse, David J, Tim Reynolds, May Erlewine and much more.

Features · Kalamazoo · Photos

La Luna Recording: Hidden Kalamazoo gem hits five-year anniversary, celebrates 200th project

• July 16, 2017

This special Local Spins “Sunday Feature” spotlights Kalamazoo recording engineer and producer Ian Gorman’s ‘super comfy’ recording studio that’s attracted a bevy of Michigan’s musical stars. And check out the videos and photos.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Albion’s The War & Treaty charge up ‘gospel revival feeling’ with fiery live shows, new album, powerful message

• July 14, 2017

With a back story that involves Saddam Hussein’s piano and gospel roots, this Albion duo and backing band are creating a buzz with passionate performances and a new soulful, upbeat album. Plus, the debut of new music by Cosmic Knot, Gifts or Creatures, The Out of Favor Boys and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the video of The War & Treaty’s in-studio performance.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos

Dunesville to once again bring ‘outstanding lineup’ of Michigan bands to Lake Ann farm

• July 12, 2017

The Native Howl, The Gasoline Gypsies, Watching for Foxes, Desmond Jones, Biomassive, The Change and more play this “beautiful” northern Michigan site July 21-23. Get details and ticket links, and watch videos of some of the festival’s featured bands.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (July 10-16): Huey Lewis & The News, Brothers Osborne, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Kalamazoo Blues Fest, David J, Toad the Wet Sprocket

• July 10, 2017

This week’s national tours are balanced by shows from Michigan-bred acts B-Side Growlers, Michigan Rattlers, Theatre Bizarre Orchestra, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, Comments of Aether, a Picnic Pops Abba tribute and more.

Commentary · Concert reviews · Top 10 Lists · Videos

The best concerts of 2017 … so far: The Local Spins List

• July 9, 2017

Local Spins asked its reviewers to choose their favorite shows of the first half of the year, and their picks covered a broad range of bands, genres and venues. Check out the top picks, from The Flaming Lips to Trombone Shorty to Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, along with some videos.

Concert reviews · Photos

Violent Femmes deliver old and new ‘hard-hitting folk-rock’ for Beer City devotees

• July 8, 2017

The band’s tour kickoff at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids on Friday trotted everything from “Blister in the Sun” to new gems like “Memory.” (Review, photos)

Breaking music news · Hot Top 5 · Videos

‘Local Spins Live’ greatest hits album tops West Michigan’s Hot Top 5 for June

• July 7, 2017

The Local Spins compilation boasting live tracks by 12 West Michigan artists racked up the most spins among regional acts at WYCE-FM in June, followed by solo CDs from Mark Lavengood and Dan Rickabus. And see what new regional music has been added on the air.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Big Sean, Toby Keith, Shinedown, LOCASH set to pump up Common Ground Music Festival with local artists paving the way

• July 5, 2017

Michigan faves The Legal Immigrants, Lisa Mary, Tugga the Rapper and more are in the lineup for the four-day Lansing music festival that kicks off Thursday. See and download the full schedule.

Concert reviews · Photos

Red Hot Chili Peppers show hometown love for Grand Rapids with heartfelt, energetic display

• June 26, 2017

Led by singer Anthony Kiedis, who grew up in the Grand Rapids area, the Chili Peppers uncorked a night to remember Sunday at Van Andel Arena. Read the review and browse the photo gallery from the band’s West Michigan tour stop.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: In the Valley Below live, plus new tracks from Afterglow, Darin Zarzecki, Yolonda Lavender

• June 23, 2017

To gear up for a new EP and July tour, Angela Gail and Jeffrey Jacob of In the Valley Below appeared on this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured tracks by Michigan Mafia, Alexander Lynch, Fauxgrass and more. Listen to the podcast, watch a video of In the Valley Below’s recent performance at Founders Brewing.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Electric Forest turns Rothbury into ‘greatest spot on Earth’ for opening salvo of EDM, rock, hip hop, alt-folk and lots of jams

• June 23, 2017

With 40,000 wildly adorned attendees flooding Double JJ Resort on Thursday, the West Michigan music festival dodged rain for a celebratory explosion of national and regional stars. Read the recap, browse the photo galleries and watch a highlights video from Day 1 at Electric Forest 2017.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Electric Forest shows Mitten love with Michigan acts in 2017, set to create elaborate ‘planet away from Earth’

• June 20, 2017

Joe Hertler, The Accidentals, Vox Vidorra and Flint Eastwood are ready to join the wondrous party that is Electric Forest. It unfurls over two weekends in West Michigan led by String Cheese Incident, My Morning Jacket and Bassnectar to create an un-Earthly musical vibe. Check out the schedule for Michigan’s contingent, only at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Founders Fest dodges rain for jam-packed anniversary bash, gets groovy musical exclamation point from Umphrey’s McGee

• June 18, 2017

The sold-out street party drew thousands to downtown Grand Rapids Saturday with regional and national stars playing a super-sized stage. Get the recap, browse the photo gallery and watch video highlights of Founders Fest at Local Spins.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Buttermilk Jamboree set for weekend of ‘awe’: National and regional stars, art, family-friendly atmosphere

• June 14, 2017

New York’s Slambovian Circus of Dreams leads a lineup of more than four dozen acts playing several stages this weekend in a scenic setting south of Grand Rapids. Get the schedule and details at Local Spins.

Audio · Breaking music news · Hot Top 5 · Videos

Bluegrass whiz Mark Lavengood tops Hot Top 5 local radio chart for May

• June 13, 2017

The Grand Rapids bluegrass musician’s latest solo album soared to WYCE’s top spot, with the Jim Shaneberger Band appearing on the chart for the third month in a row. Listen to music from all five artists who made May’s Hot Top 5 and check out the list of new local releases.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Here Come the Mummies, Laith Al-Saadi, GR Asian Fest, Kehlani, Jamnesty, Blackbear, The Go Rounds: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• June 11, 2017

Live music that cut across a wide spectrum: That was the M.O. for the week that was across West Michigan. Check out the photo galleries and videos from more than a dozen concerts, only at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Speak Easy goes ‘all the way to the wall’ live, plus new tracks by On the Line, WuZee, Lapdogs, more

• June 10, 2017

The reggae-fueled band from the Lansing area made its WYCE debut with a summery, in-studio performance during a show that also boasted music by Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Blanca Luz and other regional gems.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Grand Haven’s C3 Music and Pride Festival to celebrate community, diversity, live music

• June 6, 2017

Grand Haven’s first-ever Pride Fest on Sunday will boast sets by Lipstick Jodi, Olivia Mainville, Abigail Stauffer and Jack & The Bear aimed at promoting the idea that “love wins in the end.” Get the lowdown and the schedule at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Festival Friday 2017: Sunshine, soulful strains, saxophones and rock ‘n’ roll

• June 3, 2017

The weather couldn’t have been better on opening day of Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts and musicians responded with diverse, audience-pleasing sets. Check out the Local Spins photo gallery and video.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Upper Peninsula’s Farm Block Fest 2017 ‘more than a getaway or escape’ with dozens of bands, ‘pure magic’ vibe

• June 2, 2017

Hosted by The Go Rounds’ Graham Parsons, the 10th anniversary “reunion” in late July in the Keweenaw Peninsula boasts performances by Vox Vidorra, Kansas Bible Co., Seth Bernard, Turbo Pup, Mark Lavengood and more. See who else is playing this year’s festival and get details at Local Spins.

Commentary · Summer Concerts · Top 10 Lists

Meijer Gardens’ 10 Best Summer Concerts: The Local Spins List

• June 1, 2017

As Meijer Gardens gets set to kick off its 15th season of summer concerts this weekend, Local Spins takes a gander at some of the best shows ever held at the amphitheater. See what made the Top 10 roster and read the original concert reviews. What are your favorites?

Commentary · Festivals · Upcoming shows

Local Spins’ Festival 2017 Music Picks: The Autumnatic, Fable the Poet, Lipstick Jodi, Evidence Jazz Group, The Bitters and more

• May 31, 2017

This weekend’s Grand Rapids festival will have fewer stages and performances, a revamped layout and plenty of eclectic acts from which to choose. We’ll help on the choosing part: Local Spins once again has asked its writers and some West Michigan musicians to pick “The Best of Fest.”

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Joe Hertler returns, Lazy Genius gets ‘Holographic,’ Bled Fest spills out rock fervor: Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries

• May 29, 2017

Rocking stages from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Howell, bands playing venues large and small over the holiday weekend gave Michigan’s music devotees plenty to celebrate. Check out all of the resplendent images at Local Spins.

Audio · Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Embracing the musical ‘bus life’: Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit starts engine on summer

• May 27, 2017

The festival’s opening night at Camp Blodgett along the lakeshore between Grand Haven and Holland boasted sets by The Waverlys and Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, plus the usual VW bus-inspired camaraderie. Check out the photo gallery and audio clips from this kickoff to Memorial Day weekend.