Bring Me the Horizon, MGMT, Ryan Hurd, Lokella and more: Week-in-Review Photos
Mid-May proved to pump up West Michigan with a lively mix of concerts, from high-profile tour stops to local shows. Find the images in these photo recaps at Local Spins.
Tagged: americana
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Michigan’s The War and Treaty nominated for two prestigious Americana Music awards
The popular band led by Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter joins some renowned artists who are nominated for awards being presented in September. Read more about it and their reaction to the honor at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lighting Matches sparks ‘unique, listenable’ debut of ‘alt-rock with folk roots’
Led by songwriters Matt Plessner and Rachel White, the Grand Rapids band releases its new album next week. Get the Lighting Matches back story and watch the band’s music video at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Free Summer Concerts: Lineups for Holland, East Grand Rapids, Fennville, Sparta
Some of the most popular outdoor — and free — concert series of the summer in West Michigan communities have revealed their lineups of regional performers. Get the schedules at Local Spins and make your plans for music-filled summer evenings.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The Go Rounds, Appleseed Collective, Earth Radio primed to howl at Holler Fest 2019
The lineup for the August music festival on a Jackson County farm features a who’s who roster of regional favorites. Check out the full list of performers and other details about the 2019 event.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kari Lynch Band hits stride, hones country-rock, Americana sound with new album
The Michigan-bred, Nashville-based singer and her band previewed the milestone recording in performances at WYCE and River City Studios this weekend. Watch the video of their River City session, learn more about the group’s recording project, listen to their new songs and the Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Lansing’s Three Stacks Music Fest 2019 with The Breeders, Talib Kweli canceled; Alto’s Between the Silos series boasts regional stars
Michigan’s outdoor summer fun includes a charming series starring regional acts on the Wildwood Family Farms. But the second year of a Lansing street fair has been canceled. Get the lowdown on both at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: Lushh, La Dispute, Eliza Thorp, Leland Blue, The Real Ingredients
Local Spins kicks off May with another roundup of releases by local and regional acts, from Grand Rapids to Petoskey to Kalamazoo. Check out the reviews and listen to songs from each artist.
Summer Concert Lineups: Grand Haven, South Haven, Muskegon, Montague, Felt Mansion
Outdoor music abounds in summertime in communities across West Michigan and today’s lineups feature bands playing free shows along the lakeshore. Check out the schedules for a half-dozen series at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Annagail endures Lyme disease, ‘wild ride’ to return to stage and studio
The Zeeland-based Americana/rock band revealed a compelling back story and performed during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by several Michigan artists, including The Howlers, The Real Ingredients, Eliza Thorp and more. Learn more about Annagail, watch a video of the band’s in-studio performance, listen to the full radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
War and Treaty, Dustbowl Revival to headline 2019 Porcupine Mountains Music Festival
Staged in the U.P.’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the 15th annual festival aims to leave visitors with “a little bit of the Porkies in their soul.” See the lineup at Local Spins and learn more about this music festival that was the first to be held in a Michigan State Park.
More Summer Concert Lineups: Wyoming, Allegan, Camp Blodgett, Parchment
Local Spins presents another roundup of summer concerts taking place across West Michigan, many of them featuring an impressive lineup of regional stars. Peruse the schedules for these free shows.
Michigan Album Reviews: Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Aquaerials, Kaitlin Rose, North Carolines
This late April roundup features recent releases from artists in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Traverse City. Read the Local Spins reviews, listen to songs from the albums.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Luke Winslow-King: Loving nature and Michigan’s supportive music scene
The acclaimed northern Michigan singer-songwriter previewed his upcoming Grand Rapids concert for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pretoria, August, American Hotel System and more. Read more about the musician and his upcoming tour, and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Estar Cohen, Mark Harrell, Callab debut new songs: Local Spins on WYCE
On the first day of the Spring Fund Drive at WYCE, Local Spins on WYCE show host John Sinkevics premiered new tracks by Michigan artists, had an in-studio chat with singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles and counted down some of the top local and regional tracks of the past six months. Listen to the podcast and watch the video of a new single by Estar Cohen.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
SOJA, Sinclair, Jack Droppers, Mungion, Trout Steak Revival, Public Access: Concert Photos
To say that it was an eclectic week of West Michigan music is an understatement. The early April shows covered a wide range of genres but had one thing in common: exuberant performances and fans captured in Local Spins images. Check out the photo galleries and concert recaps.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Trout Steak Revival set to close spring tour with ‘homecoming’ stop in Kalamazoo
The Colorado jamgrass faves boast strong West Michigan roots and say they’re in it for the long haul. Trout Steak Revival play Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe on Saturday. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and videos.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Rockford, Lowell, Grand Rapids, Hudsonville set to kick off summer with outdoor concerts
With summer right around the corner, cities across the region are starting to reveal band lineups for their free community concerts which draw thousands on weeknights for outdoor shows. Here are schedules for four of them.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (March 18-24): Weezer, Pixies, Billy Idol, La Luz, Glen Phillips, Cradle of Filth, Gary Allan
Mid-March also brings us In the Valley Below, LadyFest GR, Pink Sky, Lady Ace Boogie, Dan Rickabus, Desmond Jones, Trevor Hall and much more. And see how you can win concert tickets to two different shows at The Pyramid Scheme this week.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Michigan bands bring northern cool to Austin’s SXSW heat (Review, photos, video)
Brother Elsey, Jordan Hamilton, Jack Droppers, Michigander, Stef Chura, Steppes and more closed out the Michigan House run in Texas with a diverse showcase Monday at an Austin nightclub. Get the recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Vince Staples lifts up 20 Monroe Live, plus Nothing More, Jeff Austin, Veronica Swift
The California rapper’s weekend tour stop was just part of a rambunctious week of live music across West Michigan, with shows by Nothing More, Badflower, Jeff Austin, Travelin’ McCourys, Veronica Swift & The Benny Green Trio, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Brother Elsey and more. Check out the photo galleries and recaps at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Women’s Day for Local Spins on WYCE: Olivia Mainville seeks ‘Higher Ground’ and other inspiring female artists
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Friday’s radio show welcomed Olivia Mainville in-studio and featured tracks by Bermudas, Canceled Plans, Kaitlyn Zittel, May Erlewine, Hannah Rose, Lipstick Jodi, Lindsay Lou and more. Watch the video, read the back story and listen to the podcast starring inspiring music by female artists from across Michigan.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW
A rock band’s must-have tour necessities: Tea, headphones, books, sweatpants, denim, a flask
Heading on tour? Trying to survive SXSW? We asked Michigan musicians heading to Austin to list the tour necessities they won’t leave home without. Their answers are revealing and entertaining.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Beaver Island Music Festival 2019: Hymn for Her, Falling Through April, ClusterPluck
The charming island festival also pumps up July with regional faves Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, The Hacky Turtles, Escaping Pavement, The Bootstrap Boys, Loren Cole and many more. And another island festival will take place in September. Get details and ticket links at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Cowpie Music Festival’s Pathway to Pasture band contest back for second year
More than a dozen Michigan acts will face off in four cities this spring, vying for a performance slot in August’s Cowpie Music Festival. Get the full lineup and contest schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Michigander, Political Lizard, Deep Greens & Blues, Strapping Owls
The March Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’ showcased new music from four attention-getting West Michigan acts from different ends of the musical spectrum: pop to country to soft indie-rock to funky blues. Listen to the ‘Stateside’ podcast as well as full versions of new songs by the featured West Michigan artists.
Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos
Fretboard Festival unwraps musical ‘gift to the community’ with memorable, upbeat sets
Saturday’s day-long event at Kalamazoo Valley Museum unfurled everything from folk to hip hop to blues courtesy of Red Tail Ring, Jordan Hamilton, Chris Canas and more. Read the event wrap-up, check out photos and a video at Local Spins.
Festivals · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
Cozy Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest set to showcase indoor music, instruction, instrument makers
The festival kicks off Friday night with a concert by Shari Kane and Dave Steele at Kalamazoo Valley Museum, followed by Saturday’s day-long affair with 15 acts on three stages, vendors, workshops and “pop-up” shows. Get the lowdown and the full Saturday schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Milk Carton Kids branch out, dig deep, get political, stay funny: The Local Spins interview
The California folk duo brings a full band – and some beautiful, sad songs – to Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. Read the Local Spins interview with band co-founder Joey Ryan, check out videos and listen to a Spotify playlist created by Ryan exclusively for Local Spins.
The War and Treaty uncork soulful, bluesy musical cyclone at St. Cecilia Music Center
The Sunday night appearance in Grand Rapids boasted a tight five-piece band, uplifting songs and Michael and Tanya Trotter’s infectious, rootsy stage-stomping power. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Walk the Beat festival set for return to Grand Haven in August
After taking a year off, the popular and unusual competition featuring dozens of West Michigan acts playing a host of different venues on a single day is back. And Walk the Beat is hosting a benefit concert on Friday. Get the lowdown on the return of Walk the Beat at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Deep Greens & Blues expand alt-country sound while staying true to harmony-driven roots
Now a six-piece band, Deep Greens & Blues releases its new album Friday night. A trio version of the band previewed the release show for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by several artists, including Sherman Gepherd, The Strapping Owls, Dawning, Bermudas and more.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Nikki Hill, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Las Cafeteras set to pump up Buttermilk 2019
May Erlewine, Samantha Crain, Billy Davis, Earth Radio, Seth Bernard, Jordan Hamilton and other regional stars will play the mid-June festival south of Grand Rapids. Check out the roster of more than three dozen Buttermilk acts and get links to early-bird tickets at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Camp Greensky fires up Year 2 with Del & Dawg, Stephen Marley, Billy Strings, Hiss Golden Messenger
Hosted once again by co-headliner Greensky Bluegrass, the June 6-8 festival in the Manistee National Forest also will boast sets by Circles Around the Sun, The Lil Smokies, Rebirth Brass Band, Ghost Light, Bombino and regional stars such as Joshua Davis, Lindsay Lou, Dominic & Rachael Davis and Seth Bernard.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Jammie Awards 2019 Revisited: ‘A little bit of everything’ plus electrifying performances
“It was crazy.” That was one description of Friday night’s 20th annual Jammie Awards show hosted by WYCE-FM at The Intersection which drew 1,600 people for show-stopping sets by Tunde Olaniran, The War and Treaty, Heavy Color, The Hacky Turtles and more. Check out the highlights in words, photos and video at Local Spins
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The War and Treaty, Michigander rack up flurry of WYCE Jammie Awards
The 20th Jammie Awards show on Friday evening at The Intersection drew lively crowds for award presentations and 30-plus performances. See the full winners’ list and a photo gallery at Local Spins, along with a special Jammies edition podcast of Local Spins on WYCE.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Keller & the Keels, Railroad Earth part of Hoxeyville 2019
The lineup for August’s Hoxeyville Music Festival in the northern Michigan woods also boasts returning faves Lindsay Lou, May Erlewine plus earlier-announced acts The Crane Wives, Airborne or Aquatic and The Ragbirds. More details at Local Spins along with links to ticket sales.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Greensky Bluegrass, Josh Davis, McWeakerton, Ajax Stacks and more
Check out the latest batch of Michigan releases being showcased at Local Spins — from high-profile acts to under-the-radar artists — and sample tracks from the featured albums, including recordings by Blueflowers and The Dead Shepherds.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Bus Benefit 2019 to star The Go Rounds, Legal Immigrants, Gasoline Gypsies, Roosevelt Diggs
The annual Memorial Day weekend festival hosted by Buses by the Beach along Lake Michigan will also boast sets by Nicholas James, Deerfield Run, Political Lizard, Full Cord and more. Check out the lineup, ticket information and more about this early-season festival.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Jan. 21-27): Sublime with Rome, Eric Johnson, Gregory Alan Isakov, Walk the Moon, Jesse McCartney, Rick Springfield, Ice Jam
This week’s concert lineup also features the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Lady Ace Boogie, Serengeti, FINKEL, Dirty Deville, Byron Stripling, Roosevelt Diggs, Chely Wright, Bass Country, The Crane Wives and a “Synth Night.” And see how you can win tickets to the big Bass Country show at The Intersection.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
West Michigan’s Lynn Thompson embraces ‘mountain music’ for latest raw album
With two concerts this weekend, the seasoned artist and bassist Ian Grant performed new songs in-studio for the latest edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also boasted new music from Max Lockwood, the Samsara Music Collective, Hundo and more. Learn more about Lynn Thompson, listen to the podcast, watch the in-studio video.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Jan. 14-20): Infected Mushroom, Dixon’s Violin, Jesse Cook, Winter Jam, Charly Bliss, Twisted Pine
This week’s concert lineup also features Wayne Hancock, Full Cord, GR Soul Club, Jen Sygit, Jesse Ray and a bunch of delectable Under-the-Radar Picks. And see how you can win tickets to see Infected Mushroom at Elevation inside The Intersection.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The War and Treaty added to robust lineup for 20th annual Jammie Awards
WYCE-FM’s record-setting Jammie Awards show in February just got bigger with the addition of the nationally acclaimed Albion band, which also plays a full concert later that month at St. Cecilia Music Center. Learn more about both upcoming performances at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Winter Wheat revs up 12 hours of ‘Wheatland love,’ musical fun at The Intersection
The 10th annual mini-festival in Grand Rapids on Saturday convened veterans and newcomers for a celebration of bluegrass, folk, country and roots music. Relive the day-long event in this Local Spins exclusive, with three photo galleries and video highlights.
Winter Wheat back for 10th year of regional roots music splendor in Grand Rapids
The day-long affair hosted by the Wheatland Music Organization at The Intersection on Saturday will feature more than a dozen Michigan bands playing two stages. Get the back story and browse the full schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: May Erlewine & the Motivations, Heaters, Justin Wierenga
The first Local Spins segment of 2019 showcases new music from “The Michigan Songbird,” a Grand Rapids psych-rock powerhouse and the first solo album from an in-demand sideman. Listen to the podcast and the artists’ featured songs.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
WYCE Jammie Awards reveals record number of performers for biggest awards show yet
Lady Ace Boogie, Tunde Olaniran and Seth Bernard will be joined by 23 first-timers at the February event being held in all four venues inside Grand Rapids’ The Intersection. Check out the list of all the performers at Local Spins, along with details about the upcoming awards show.
May Erlewine’s Motivations move to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart
The Earthwork Music singer and her band’s soulful, dance-hued EP soared to the top of the WYCE play rotation the same month it was released. The Gasoline Gypsies and McWeakerton also made their chart debut in December. See the full chart and listen to music from all of the featured releases.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Best Music of 2018: The Musicians’ Picks
Last week, it was the critics. Today, Local Spins features West Michigan musicians’ favorite albums of the year. Pore over the lists of their picks for top albums of 2018 and listen to the music.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Best Music of 2018: The Critics’ Picks
It’s another mind-bending array of music that’s impressed Local Spins writers over the past year, from Robyn to Janelle Monae, Lindsay Lou to Urfaust, Childish Gambino to Julian Allen and more. Browse these “best of” lists, sample music from the featured artists and then submit your own Top 5 picks.
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