Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan ushered in 2017 in style with performances by UV Hippo, The Go Rounds, The Crane Wives, Seth Bernard, La Famiglia, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Vox Vidorra, The Mainstays and plenty more — and Local Spins has the photos and some videos to prove it.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The in-demand Grand Rapids multi-instrumentalist who’s performed with Hannah Rose Graves, Northern Skies, The Change, Bigfoot Buffalo and many more unleashed a rootsy new album in 2016. He plays “GR Live” later today at The B.O.B. and Rockford Brewing’s New Year’s Eve party on Saturday. (Story, radio podcast, video)
Commentary · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Beyonce, Bon Iver, The Crane Wives, David Bowie, Angel Olsen, Of Montreal, Angel Olsen and Childish Gambino made the grade with Local Spins writers in 2016. See who else impressed our critics this year and listen to the music that turned their heads.
Metal-turned-country artist Aaron Lewis brought his “Sinner” tour to The Orbit Room to warm up a sold-out crowd on Saturday, playing songs from his latest country albums plus some familiar hard rock tunes. Read the review, browse the photo gallery — only at Local Spins.
Once again, Local Spins is offering dynamic wall calendars that not only showcase Michigan artists but also help you track 2017 music festivals. The calendars are available for shipping starting today; order now to ensure arrival by the holidays.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins Live · Videos
Rev up December in style — and get a headstart on your Christmas CD shopping — with this Local Spins round-up of local and regional releases, which also spotlights new CDs from Murder Party, Bet on Rats and Cousin Avery, along with audio samples from the bands.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Thanksgiving weekend gave West Michigan music fans plenty to be grateful for, including some jam-packed homecoming shows in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids outlaw country act performed two new songs during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by JRob, A&E, May Erlewine, Blue Soul Express and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The shows featuring regional stars kicks off in December, with The Crane Wives, Brian Vander Ark and Channing & Quinn also set to perform in the cozy venue. Get the full story and upcoming concert schedule at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
The Michigan trio stopped at WYCE this week as part of a CD-release tour that touts new songs with Celtic, rock, classical, bluegrass and pop hues. The show also debuted new music from Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Lapdogs, Conrad Shock & The Noise and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, check out the story.
The first “Acoustic Cafe Folk Series” concert of the season brought Americana/folk-rock artist Langhorne Slim for a solo concert to the refurbished St. Cecilia Music Center stage on Thursday. Read the review and browse the photos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With a blend of rock/folk/pop, Langhorne Slim opens a series Thursday that will now also feature Los Lonely Boys, Pokey LaFarge, Margo Price and Marc Cohn. Read the Local Spins interview with Langhorne Slim and get series details.
The always-energetic Avett Brothers brought their national tour to Grand Rapids, unfurling a 28-song, career-spanning affair for a non-capacity but enthusiastic audience. Check out the review, browse the photo gallery, scan the set list.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
An all-star cast of Michigan musicians is paying tribute to icon John Prine in a week that also saw high-profile shows by The Mainstays, The Accidentals, Rusted Root and more. Check out all the colorful, action-filled images from West Michigan’s week of live music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The fifth year of a unique Grand Rapids house show festival has unfurled this weekend in four Eastown neighborhood homes, boasting a diverse mix of acts and performances. Check out the Local Spins story and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Now based in Portland, Ore., the internationally acclaimed mandolinist will perform solo in Rockford, as well as with members of Grasshoppah and The Journeymen. Read the Local Spins story and watch a new Oberlin music video.
The uber-popular fall house show fest returns this weekend to “enrich” Eastown in Grand Rapids, but only in living rooms and an attic (not basements). Get the story, artist lineup and the full schedule of intimate shows at Local Spins.
he week and the weekend in music was mostly about Halloween, with bands diving into the macabre madness with vigor. Check out the Local Spins photo galleries of concerts, parties and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
A songwriting challenge produced many of the tracks that appear on Wicks’ new album, which officially gets released Sunday. He performed with guitarist Eric Boyea for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by regional artists. Listen to the full radio podcast.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
For this week’s concert roundup, Local Spins chose a mix of regional acts and those performing at Founders Brewing Co.’s 13th annual Harvest Party in Grand Rapids, Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up and Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo. Check out the images in these photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids-area artist who first made a splash as an animator has reinvented himself as a uniquely entertaining songwriter embarking on a bold new adventure. He plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night.
Acclaimed Americana artist Jason Isbell, touring behind his latest album, “Something More Than Free,” left the DeVos Performance Hall crowd mesmerized on Monday night. Read the review, browse the photo gallery and check out the set list at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Being staged this year at Sesquicentennial Park in Middleville, Saturday’s day-long festival will feature sets by Seth Bernard, Big Dudee Roo, Megan Dooley, Peter Madcat Ruth and more. Local Spins has the full schedule for Saturday’s event.
Heaters, Flint Eastwood, The Go Rounds, Kari Lynch, JRob and other regional acts will play the free Sept. 30-Oct. 1 event on the pedestrian bridge over the Grand River. See how it all came together and check out the full performance schedule.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The first volley of the three-day festival was an impressive one, with more than two dozen performances and an unparalleled musical spirit. Check out the story, video highlights and photo gallery. Check out the recap, video highlights and photo gallery from the opening salvo of this beloved northern Michigan music festival.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a new album, “Fall Away Blues,” the Kalamazoo musicians are touring the Midwest, stopping by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Public Access, Michael Robertson and more. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, videos and the full radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
From Eastown Streetfair and Tribute on the Grand in Grand Rapids to a Courtyard Concert in Spring Lake to Crime Funk and more in Kalamazoo, it was a September weekend to remember — and revisited in photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This weekend’s Wheatland Music Festival boasts Asleep at the Wheel, Charlie Musselwhite and scores of Michigan musicians — from May Erlewine to The Go Rounds — for the ‘precious’ 43rd anniversary event outside Remus. Peruse the schedule and save it on your smartphone.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Labor Day weekend and the week leading up to it rolled out an eclectic mix of national and regional acts — captured in images at Local Spins, from Red Tail Ring, Keller Williams and UV Hippo in Kalamazoo to Gringo Star, Hannah Rose Graves, The Suzies and more in Grand Rapids.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
Ralston Bowles orchestrated a rousing Grand Rapids variety show of talent for the summer-ending show, including Maurice Townsend, Channing & Quinn, Eric Engblade and more. Peruse the recap and photo gallery from Tuesday night’s show.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
More than five dozen regional acts played over three days at this mid-Michigan festival held on an organic vegetable farm. Check out images from last weekend’s Holler Fest 10.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
From folk to country to metal and more, this August round-up of new releases by Michigan artists covers the gamut. Check out reviews of the recordings, audio samples and see where you can catch these performers live.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This three-day festival unfolding this weekend on Frog Holler Farm in southern Jackson County is an out-of-the-way affair featuring bands from across the state, including West Michigan acts Vox Vidorra, Watching for Foxes and Olivia Mainville. Check out the full schedule for the 10th anniversary of this rootsy festival.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Last weekend’s Hoxeyville festival drew thousands to the northern Michigan woods near Wellston for sets by dozens of artists, including Greensky Bluegrass, Seth Bernard, Billy Strings, Ralston Bowles and more. Check out the recap of this memorable musical soiree.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Despite early afternoon rain that wiped out some performances, dozens of regional acts played dozens of Grand Haven venues as fans strolled the streets and voted for their favorites. And a raffle raised upwards of $40,000 to support musical ventures for those in need. Check out the story, photo gallery and video highlights.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
This August batch of album reviews covers an eclectic mix of genres, including releases from Jeremy Ensley, Bill Ellingboe, KidsonFire and The Preservers. Check out these new releases by regional artists, with audio samples to boot.
Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Saturday will mark the third year for this unusual benefit that showcases regional artists vying for thousands in prizes, with concertgoers getting a chance to win, too. See the roster of performers and Grand Haven venues, lists which you can save on your smartphone.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Along with fellow headliner Railroad Earth, Greensky Bluegrass will join more than 30 other acts at this weekend’s Hoxeyville music festival in Wellston in the Manistee National Forest. Check out the full lineup/performance schedule and listen to a new Greensky tune.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Following a successful first season, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum in downtown Grand Haven will once host another series of monthly concerts in its Centennial Room featuring stars from across the region. See — and save — the full schedule, and read the intriguing back story of this popular venture.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This weekend’s regional music fest on Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County embraces the tradition of a friendly atmosphere, with more than a dozen acts on stage, including Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Strange Arrangement and more. See the full schedule and save it on your smartphone.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Traverse City musician has hit the ground running and hasn’t missed a step since the popular bluegrass duo parted ways. On Wednesday, he’ll perform in Grand Rapids for the first time with a jazz quartet led by Jeff Haas. Learn more about this mandolin virtuoso in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature.
Each with its own character, a few West Side establishments have started showcasing live music, offering West Michigan acts and Grand Rapids music lovers new settings and experiences. Sample them in this feature story by Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
To rev up August, Local Spins writer Matt Marn went heavy on Mitten artists — from The Accidentals to Channing & Quinn to Hannah Rose Graves — in between tracks from Trombone Shorty, Sturgill Simpson and James Vincent Morrow. Check out the videos and Spotify playlist.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
A rock band’s farewell tour rolled into West Michigan, plus some bracing indoor and outdoor rock, blues and folk shows dominated the landscape in the Grand Rapids area this week. Check out the concert recaps and photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The award-winning singer and guitarist talked about songwriting and performed on the show, which also featured song debuts by Stepladders, Tony Gebhard, David Barrett, Matt Plessner and Kari Lynch. Listen to the entire podcast and check out the video of Hardin’s in-studio performance.
Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Those flocking to northern Michigan for film screenings at the festival founded by Michael Moore will also find numerous live performances indoors and out by dozens of West Michigan bands. See which bands are playing and get links to schedules.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Traverse City singer-songwriter Joshua Davis talks with Local Spins about staying and writing in Michigan, his thirst for knowledge and the hopeful “soul-soaked” songs on his new album and upcoming big shows this weekend in Williamsburg and Kalamazoo. Read the update, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
A hot week got hotter with JR JR playing Kalamazoo for the first time, Coffin Problem’s album debut, South Haven’s inaugural Rhythm on the River, northern MIchigan’s Dunesville and sizzling shows by Warren G, SuperDre, Lyle Lovett, The Outer Vibe, Bootstrap Boys, Josh Rose and The Piano Cottage Rocks. Ogle the resplendent photo galleries from a week of sultry musical magic.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids band with a twist on death rock and a Halloween album release date made its debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Coffin Problem, The Outer Vibe, The Change, The Alien Dogs, Elroy Meltzer and John Kite. Read the story about this singular band and listen to this week’s radio podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts
Alto singer-songwriter Josh Rose is as committed to crafting compelling music worth listening to as any artist in West Michigan. He talked about that and teaching others that craft for this edition of Local Spins Live.
