Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Metalcore, folk, indie-rock, bluegrass, psychedelic rock, pop and deliciously indescribable music captivated West Michigan audiences over the past week. Check out all of the images at Local Spins, including some special musical celebrations and tributes.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Not quite sold out after all: A few tickets to see the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Ben Folds, Grace Potter and a few other summer series shows available this week. But the opening Tears for Fears show has been postponed altogether after the band announced it was putting off its summer U.S. tour. See which shows still have tickets up for sale.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Florida metalcore/pop-punk band provoked fan fervor the same week that saw lively West Michigan shows by Mustard Plug Hannah Rose Graves, Graffiti, Vetiver, Small Brown Bike and much more. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries.
With two dozen of the summer’s 30 concerts already sold out to Meijer Gardens members, it’s slim pickings for Saturday’s public sales offering, with just a few tickets left for Lyle Lovett and Seal. Get the lowdown in this Local Spins story.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Led by multi-instrumentalist and singer Ryan Williams, the new Grand Rapids band rocked this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured the debut of tracks by Emma Loo, Graffiti, Darkly, The Eggtones and Downie. Listen to the podcast and check out a video of a song from the upcoming new album by The Change.
The highly acclaimed rock and Americana artist brought his trio and a powerful set of music to historic Royce Auditorium for the final Acoustic Café show of the season. Read the review of Thursday’s show and check out the photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The renowned Texas alt-country, roots rock and Americana artist plays Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center this week as he wraps up work on a studio album with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck. Read the Local Spins interview with this iconic singer-songwriter and listen to a playlist of Escovedo’s songs.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
The June 27 Jackson Browne concert sold out in mere minutes Saturday morning, with Diana Ross, O.A.R., Bonnie Raitt, Gavin DeGraw, Goo Goo Dolls, Of Monsters & Men, America and Ben Folds quickly following suit. By noon Monday, 24 of the 30 concerts had sold out to members. See the entire list of sellouts.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The young Traverse City indie-folk trio continues to make waves, earning widespread attention for its latest, ultra-catchy single as it eyes release of a new EP in June. Read the back story, watch the video and download the song for free.
Announcements · Local Spins Exclusives · Upcoming shows · Videos
May’s Local Spins Month celebration boasts special parties and swag at Rockford Brewing, Long Road Distillers and SpeakEZ Lounge, plus a first-ever Muskegon event. Read the story to see how you can enter to win Local Spins anniversary gift packages with swag, concert tickets and more.
Announcements · Summer Concerts
This summer’s showcase of Michigan acts will feature La Famiglia, Zion Lion, Mark Lavengood, Delilah DeWylde, Brother Adams, Nicholas James, Ralston Bowles and more. See the full lineup and details about this year’s special local and regional series.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The world music-infused Ann Arbor indie-folk band — one of Michigan’s most respected group of musicians — brings its tour behind “The Threshold and The Hearth” to Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Traverse City this week. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and check out the videos of songs from the new album.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Sunday’s 22nd anniversary Feedback benefit heated up Founders Brewing Co. with performances by The Accidentals, The Soul Syndicate and The Honeytones, and raised thousands for Access of West Michigan. Check out the recap and photo gallery.
Commentary · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Feedback benefit for Access of West Michigan celebrates its 22nd anniversary at Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids on Sunday afternoon with live music from three bands, a raffle, poster sales and more. Read about the history of this event and the cause that inspired it.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
The Memorial Day weekend festival once again will feature top-notch regional acts, including performances by Way Down Wanderers, Third Coast Kings, Fauxgrass, Nicholas James & the Bandwagon, Roosevelt Diggs, Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe and more. Tickets are now on sale.
Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan acts and stars from across the globe pump up this year’s Blissfest lineup. Regular advance tickets for the July 8-10 festival are now on sale. Check out some of the featured acts in the 2016 lineup.
Check out images — and a video — from a week of live music across West Michigan that featured a jam-packed CD-release show, a sold-out two-night stand in Kalamazoo, a first-time beer festival and performances by Rachel B, Hank Mowery & The Hawktones and another LadyFest GR.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
No fooling, the April 1 batch of new local and regional albums is a blast of fresh air, starting with The Crane Wives who host a CD-release show Saturday at Founders Brewing. Check out the reviews, including video and audio clips of new songs by six regional artists.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos
The first single in the Earthwork Music collective’s unique project will feature Seth Bernard’s take on a 2010 May Erlewine song. That comes out Friday, with new covers by Earthwork Music artists released monthly and a full album set to be completed next winter.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Time to think summer and outdoor concerts: Joe Hertler, The Accidentals, Hannah Rose, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Outer Vibe, Kari Lynch and plenty more grace four free concert series. Check out the lineups for these free summer concerts.
Announcements · Features · Upcoming shows
In its third year, Walk the Beat is seeking 70 bands to play 35 venues and will host another song contest, with $12,500 in prizes for musicians at stake. Check out the back story about this unusual annual event and find links to sign up.
Concert reviews · Features · Local Spins at SXSW
The Michigan House pop-up venue hosted an opening reception amid brilliant, summer-like weather in Texas, and followed that with an evening rock show at an Austin hot spot. Check out the story, photo gallery and videos.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
The Accidentals, Heaters, Flint Eastwood, Rick Chyme, LOUIS, The Outer Vibe and many more Michigan bands travel to Texas this week in hopes of making waves at the music industry’s biggest conference and festival. Check out who’s headed South and return to Local Spins throughout the week for SXSW updates.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The sixth annual three-day festival at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids returns June 10-12 with a who’s who lineup of Michigan stars and a family-friendly vibe. Check out the full lineup of bands and solo artists that Buttermilk Jamboree has booked.
The two-day event at West Ottawa High School boasts 28 bands, including familiar names American WiFi, Brother Adams, Olivia Mainville, Midwest Skies, Red Legs, Lipstick Jodi and a variety of emerging high school acts, all playing for a good cause. Check out the full, downloadable schedule.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Red Sea Pedestrians, Megan Dooley, Neil Jacobs, Dragon Wagon, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Bob Rowe, Fauxgrass and much more lit up downtown Kalamazoo for the day-long celebration. Read the festival recap and check out the photo gallery and video, which includes a mini-tour of the festival.
Announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
On the same day he announced he’ll be releasing a new recording in April, the Traverse City singer-songwriter played during a Michigan appearance by the Democratic presidential candidate and called it an honor. Watch a sneak peek video of one of Davis’ new songs.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
A haunting music video earns a Duluth fiddler the top prize in the NPR Music contest that drew 6,100 entries, including dozens submitted by West Michigan artists. Read the story and check out the winning video.
Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Gary and Michelle Hanks’ Pin Drop Concerts series has showcased more than 200 artists in the Seven Steps Up listening room since 2011, with plenty more to come. They say it’s been an addictive adventure. Read the story behind this unique Spring Lake venue and learn more about the fifth anniversary show on Friday.
The free weekend Fretboard Festival at Kalamazoo Valley Museum kicks off Friday night with The Crane Wives, followed by a full Saturday of workshops and more than a dozen performances, including sets by Red Sea Pedestrians, Neil Jacobs, Dragon Wagon, Fauxgrass, Joel Mabus and a host of other Michigan acts. Check out the full schedule.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Thirteen years in, Hoxeyville continues to stay “fresh” with regional and national roots music talent playing in the Manistee National Forest, with artists ranging from Luke Winslow King to The Accidentals to The Go Rounds on the bill for this August festival. Weekend passes are on sale now.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Hip hop, country, folk, pop, rock and jazz: West Michigan’s week of live music targeted aficionados of diverse acts and didn’t disappoint, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Lil Wayne even visited a local skate park. Check out the photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
WYCE’s Jammie Awards show was a love-in: a one-night music fest at The Intersection in Grand Rapids with more than two dozen memorable sets, coveted awards, a capacity crowd and camaraderie galore. Local Spins’ extended coverage continues: Watch exclusive video highlights, ogle another colorful photo gallery and check out Local Spins’ picks for the night’s best performances.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Showcasing the diversity of West Michigan’s talent, WYCE’s annual awards show boasted a capacity crowd, more than two dozen dynamic performances and a host of happy prize winners. Check out the complete winners’ list and a photo gallery from Friday night’s revelry.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Frontman Kyle Brown chats about the evolution of Bigfoot Buffalo’s distinctive jam-band vibe, with the group performing fresh as well as familiar tunes in this exclusive studio session hosted by Local Spins. The band performs twice this weekend in Grand Rapids.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter plays Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center this week, touring behind her “Uncovered” album with a Steve Earle duo project on the horizon. Read the Local Spins interview.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
The amphitheater this week revealed four shows for its 2016 lineup, with remaining concerts to be announced in mid-April. Tickets go on sale to Meijer Gardens members on April 30. Check out details and dates in this Local Spins story.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Industry honchos descended on the Grammy Awards in L.A. this week, but the really big show for West Michigan music takes place Friday at The Intersection in Grand Rapids. And it’s no contest which is better. Check out the full schedule and a list of ‘acts to watch’ at the 2016 Jammies hosted by WYCE.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Go back stage with The Legal Immigrants, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish and Brother Adams as they played a West Michigan mini-tour. Plus, bluesman Bobby Rush & Joe Louis Walker, EDM’s Black Tiger Sex Machine, Lowdown Brass Band, Marianas Trench, Hollywood Makeout and more heat up this week’s Local Spins photo galleries.
The iconic British guitarist with a star-filled resume played the first of two sold-out concerts at Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up and proved he hasn’t lost a step. Check out the recap by Matt Marn.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The 75th edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by The Bootstrap Boys, tracks from a host of Jammie Award nominees and new music from Rip VanRipper and Reviving the Era. Listen to the radio podcast and check out an exclusive performance of a new, unreleased song by The Bootstrap Boys.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With 50-plus years on the road under his belt, the British-born Albert Lee has a U.S. band, a devoted audience from ‘way back’ and plans for another studio album. Read the Local Spins interview with this iconic musician who boasts a star-studded history.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Grand Haven, February’s first week delivered diverse performances, including shows from Joshua Davis, The Accidentals, Black Jake, The Bangups, Watching for Foxes, Roosevelt Diggs and a superstar tribute to David Bowie. Check out the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The new Grand Rapids duo of Elroy Meltzer is readying release of its debut album and ramping up its gigging schedule for 2016. Check out the interview and performance, plus listen to tracks by a host of West Michigan artists, from Drew Nelson and Joshua Davis to Boy From School and Big Boss Blues.
For more than three years in the heart of downtown Holland, Our Brewing has offered up 20 taps, a “bring your own food” vibe and a cozy performance spot for live weekly music. Check out the latest in the Local Spins series on unique West Michigan music venues and take a video mini-tour of the brewpub.
Getting folks “watching and talking about new music.” That’s the goal of Michigan artists — from Valentiger to The Bootstrap Boys to the Appleseed Collective — who’ve submitted video entries into this year’s Tiny Desk Concert contest sponsored by NPR. Read the back story and check out the video entries here.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE in-studio guests gave things some punk wallop in Studio X, plus new tracks from Public Access, Dede & The Dreamers, Miriam Pico, Blue Water Ramblers and much more. Read the story, listen to the radio podcast, check out the exclusive video of I Believe in Julio’s on-air performance.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With its sophomore album being unveiled Thursday at Founders Brewing, the alt-country-styled Grand Rapids band has enhanced its sound with a drummer, diverse songs and a harmony-driven vibe. Learn about the band’s journey, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video of a new song.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
This week’s musical potpourri spanned every genre imaginable, with contributions from Willy Porter, Valentiger, Less Is More, Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza, Stovepipe Stover, Katy Needs a Band and others. They were all part of the photo roundup. Plus check out video highlights from an unusual edition of Music in the Stacks.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Guitarist, Dobro-meister and mandolinist Mark Lavengood brought his solo version of the Bluegrass Bonanza to Local Spins on WYCE, with Scott and Molly Schultz of Vox Vidorra adding soul to the radio show. Listen to the full radio podcast and check out the video at Local Spins.
