Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth stoke jam-band, festival-friendly vibe at Meijer Gardens
Psychedelic at times and instrumentally bracing, Sunday’s double bill unleashed “extraordinary things” for 1,500-plus fans. (Review, photo gallery)
Tagged: bluegrass
Founders Fest 2014: Soul, funk, 6,000 revelers and rivers of beer (Story, photo gallery, videos)
Founders Brewing Co.’s seventh annual street party lived up to the hype with Charley Bradley & His Extraordinaires stealing the show with their fiery, retro-soul set, followed by the ultra-funk of Lettuce.
Founders Fest: Sparking a buzz for the weekend with special brews, record crowds and a red-hot soul singer
The seventh annual street party will boast performances on Saturday by Charles Bradley, Lettuce and six other bands on two stages, with more 6,000 people expected. (See full band schedule)
Buttermilk Jamboree to celebrate fourth year of family-friendly vibe and world-class music
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Dar Williams, Steppin’ In It, Rootstand, Drew Nelson, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, Edye Evans Hyde among 30-plus acts playing weekend festival south of Grand Rapids.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
Buses by the Beach: A day – and night – in the life of a VW bus and music fest on Lake Michigan (Story, photos, video)
Local Spins’ David Specht and photographer Tori Thomas experienced Buses by the Beach on Friday, capturing the camaraderie and music of the 13th annual event, held at Camp Blodgett.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Bonnie Raitt, Bela Fleck, Willie Nelson, Steely Dan among headliners for 2014 Interlochen series; Hoxeyville lineup features Greensky Bluegrass
The unique Interlochen venue in northern Michigan hosts more than two dozen stars – from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Buddy Guy – with tickets on sale April 18. And Hoxeyville returns in mid-August to the Manistee National Forest.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Meijer Gardens launches 2014 summer series with Santana; 30-concert lineup stars John Legend, Barenaked Ladies, Ben Harper, Ziggy Marley, Jackson Browne, Pat Metheny
Returning will be CAKE, Lyle Lovett, The Beach Boys, O.A.R., Five for Fighting and Sheryl Crow, but most acts are new to Meijer Gardens. See the full schedule; ticket presale for members begins April 26.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Aria Flame to play Metal Female Voices Fest in Europe, The Crane Wives launch ‘new look’ shows, SoundIsRed to get futuristic in Holland
This Local Spins music news roundup goes metal in a female-fronted way, electronic with “Synesthesia” and folk with a dynamic trio of bands playing together for the first time.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Lettuce, Charles Bradley and Break Science to headline 2014 Founders Fest on June 21
The mammoth, summer-starting street party expects to draw 6,000-plus folks for beer and sets by Lettuce, Charles Bradley, Break Science, Budos Band, The Giving Tree Band, Fauxgrass and Valentiger. Advance tickets on sale April 18.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Head & The Heart, Iced Earth, Ralston & Friends, Wayland: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
A weekend launched with diverse and bracing folk at Calvin College, St. Cecilia Music Center and Founders Brewing was followed by heavy metal blasts at The Intersection and more as captured in Local Spins images.
Wildly eclectic lineup sparks triumphant Fresh Folk finale at St. Cecilia Music Center (Review, photos)
Billy Strings & Don Julin, Jill Jack, Rick Chyme, Ralston Bowles and The Northern Skies turned Thursday’s Grand Rapids show into an uplifting and emotional showcase of Michigan’s diverse music.
St. Cecilia’s Fresh Folk finale: Ralston Bowles, Jill Jack, Billy Strings, Rick Chyme and The Northern Skies’ farewell
Thursday night’s Fresh Folk finale at Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center promises a dizzying array of eclectic Michigan performers and fans’ last chance to see The Northern Skies live.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mustard Plug, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Jimmie Stagger & Weezil Malone: The Weekend Photo Gallery
Charlie Worsham, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Sam Roberts Band, Cherub, A.B! and Hawks & Owls also make an appearance in this week’s collection of live music images.
Road map of musical diversity: WYCE-FM posts roster of 881 most “essential” artists
As the community radio station’s spring fund drive revs up, WYCE unveils its “881 Essentials,” including about 50 local and regional bands and solo artists they play on-air.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Blow, Uncle Kracker, Lindsay Lou, The Accidentals, Michael Packer Benefit: The Weekend Photo Gallery
LadyFest GR with The Blow and more took over The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday, but the weekend also featured Uncle Kracker’s return, Lindsay Lou’s final show for three months and a Traverse City duo igniting One Trick Pony.
The Moxie Strings push beyond Celtic fare with new album in works: The Local Spins St. Patrick’s Day artist spotlight
With roots in West Michigan, one of the state’s hottest string trios goes all out for St. Paddy’s hoopla while venture into bluegrass, folk, world music and rock.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Dar Williams to headline fourth Buttermilk Jamboree
Tickets are on sale for the June 13-15 music fest in Delton, with dozens of regional acts on the bill, including Drew Nelson, Steppin’ In It, Edye Evans, Rachael Davis, Rick Chyme, Ralston Bowles, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys.
The all-girl, old-timey folk revival vibe of Nobody’s Darlin’: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
For nine years, Grand Rapids’ Nobody’s Darlin’ has kicked up its heels with acoustic charm and female harmonies. On Friday night, the quintet lights up SpeakEZ Lounge.
Cooper’s Glen, Nick Moss, A Tribe Called Red, Graham Colton, Bowery, Equal Parts: The Weekend Photo Gallery
Ogle images and videos from a bevy of West Michigan shows: A Tribe Called Red, Nick Moss, Cooper’s Glen and MAJIC concerts, Withhold the Blood, The Trace Duo, Jim Shaneberger, Billy Strings/Don Julin, Bowery, Equal Parts, Ben Daniels Band, Nicholas James Thomasma.
West Michigan album reviews: Lindsay Lou & Joshua Rilko’s Time & Luck, John Sanger, darlenYa
The January edition of the Local Spins album round-up also features a peek at CDs by Chuck Whiting & The Tip Rail Ramblers, Heavier Than Air Flying Machines and Steven Dobias.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Domestic Problems, Heavyweights, Crane Wives, Davis/Brewer Homecoming: The Weekend Photo Gallery
A snowstorm wreaked some havoc, but live music prevailed — from a Rockford Brewing benefit for a Fauxgrass bassist to a heavy metal band competition at The Intersection. (Photos, videos)
Community Jam: Friday benefit for Fauxgrass bassist Tim McKay brings out Michigan roots music stars
The Crane Wives, Troll for Trout, Hawks & Owls and more bring night of music to Rockford Brewing to aid bassist who mangled hand in snowblower.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Afro Zuma to Vincent Hayes: WYCE reveals Jammie Awards show performers
WYCE has chosen two dozen regional acts — indie-rock to blues to jazz and way more — to play the 15th annual Jammie Awards show at The Intersection on Feb. 21.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat, Fauxgrass, The Northern Skies, Karisa Wilson: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
A bevy of folk/roots acts played the day-long Wheatland benefit at The Intersection, plus images from Fresh Folk and shows by Heavier Than Air Flying Machines, The Front Bottoms and more.
Winter Wheat: Saturday’s roots music fest aims to pack Grand Rapids venue indoors and out
Michigan folk, bluegrass and roots acts — from Lindsay Lou to Blue Molly — will ‘rub elbows’ and play the day-long Wheatland fundraiser at The Intersection.
Greensky Bluegrass, Starlight Six rock into New Year’s in rootsy way for huge Grand Rapids crowds
While thousands braved brisk temps at downtown’s outdoor Hot New Year’s Eve party, others packed Wealthy Theatre and The Intersection for lively, creative shows by the Starlight Six, Greensky Bluegrass and The Crane Wives. (Photos, video)
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Fauxgrass bassist upbeat after snowblower mangles fingers, threatens livelihood
Musicians rally to support Benzonia’s Tim McKay, who insists he’ll soon be back playing bass for the Grand Rapids bluegrass band, though his shoemaking business is on hold. See how you can help.
Thomas Rhett, Love Fossil, Kari Lynch, The Moonrays, Granger Smith: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
The mercury plummeted outside but things heated up indoors on the live music front with hard rock, bluegrass, vintage rock, country and indie-dance music.
The debut of the acoustic-based Brothers Still: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Story, podcast, video)
Three members of Grand Rapids’ Glean Infusion jam band have reunited to form a rootsy trio, with a new studio album already in the works. They play Rockford Brewing Thursday.
Zappa Plays Zappa, Harvest Party, Fauxgrass, Mary Chapin Carpenter: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
From a poignant tribute to a beloved concert promoter to a Springsteen tribute in Casnovia to a Zappa tribute at The Intersection to a tribute to a new fall beer,[…]
‘Reso-phonic’ bluegrass musician Mark Lavengood: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Podcast, videos)
Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys’ resonator guitar whiz was reared on rock but has embraced the beauty of the Dobro and bluegrass music. He hosts a special Bruce Springsteen Tribute[…]
Lamp Light Music Festival to take ‘house concerts’ to new level in Grand Rapids’ Eastown in November
The second annual Eastown music fest expands to five houses, with 35 intimate performances the first weekend in November. Frontier Ruckus, Paucity, Breathe Owl Breathe, Ghost Heart and many more[…]
Fallasburg Fest, Eastown Street Fair, Youth Lagoon, Drew Nelson: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Football was in the air, but so was music across West Michigan, with performances at outdoor festivals as well as at the usual watering holes, plus the kickoff to Hope[…]
Wheatland 2013: Roots music stars, devotees spark ‘so much energy’ at ‘amazing festival’ in a Michigan field
Banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck’s first-ever appearance at the historic event was just the icing on the cake for the 40th Wheatland fest, drawing 10,000-plus people to rural Mecosta County for[…]
Wheatland, Gramatik, Celebration on the Grand, Indigo Girls, Big Sandy: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
It started early with The Indigo Girls at Meijer Gardens and continued through the weekend, with throngs revved up by the EDM music of Gramatik at The Intersection and acoustic[…]
Wheatland: The ‘granddaddy of all Michigan traditional festivals’ stirs up musical magic this weekend
Take it from veteran performers and first-timers: There’s nothing quite like the Wheatland Music Festival in Remus when it comes to passing on roots and folk traditions. And this year’s[…]
GRandJazzFest, Jackyl, Wayland, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Michigan Mafia String Band: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
GRandJazzFest with regional and national acts took over downtown Grand Rapids, but there was plenty more live music to embrace, too. (Photos, video) Q: How does a jazz musician[…]
Steve Martin, Steep Canyon Rangers, Edie Brickell get funny, picky and jaw-dropping at Meijer Gardens
On a cool July night, Martin’s second sold-out show at the outdoor Grand Rapids amphitheater in two years had the crowd chortling and mesmerized with help from Brickell and a[…]
Steve Martin knows it’s no laughing matter: The banjo is now for hipsters
With Grammy-winning banjo star/comedian Steve Martin playing a sold-out show at Meijer Gardens, this Local Spins Sunday feature takes a look at why young folk, pop and jam-band musicians are[…]
Cowpie Music Festival pulls the plug for 2013; eyes return next summer
After booking more than a dozen bands for the Aug. 9-10 event, Shagbark Farm owner John Crissman says organizers “just couldn’t climb the mountain” to proceed with this year’s festival.[…]
Moxie Strings, Mastodon, Old Crow Medicine Show, Joe Hertler: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
This weekend’s Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery covers the gamut of live music from Lansing to Grand Rapids to the lakeshore. The summer string thing can take many forms:[…]
Old Crow Medicine Show finds the bluegrass cure in rousing Meijer Gardens show
The Nashville string band’s first-ever concert at the outdoor amphitheater had the sell-out crowd of 1,900 kicking up its heels. (Review, photos) Old Crow Medicine Show unfurls tale after[…]
Kent County String Band: The Local Spins Live Artist Spotlight (podcast, video)
With a repertoire of acoustic standards from the 1890s to the 1950s, the Grand Rapids quintet oozes a vintage feel in every performance. Next week, the band plays the Tuesday[…]
UV Hippo’s diverse musical fireworks: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (video, podcast)
With a new album coming soon, Grand Rapids’ own Ultraviolet Hippopotamus will light up Ah-Nab-Awen Park on the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids Thursday, just before the Amway Fourth[…]
Electric Forest on Day 4: Greensky Bluegrass does Michigan proud
By kicking up a wildly entertaining bluegrass dust cloud, West Michigan’s own Greensky Bluegrass launched the final day of Electric Forest in Rothbury on an energetic, smile-inducing note. (Photo gallery)[…]
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Electric Forest’s magnetic appeal, String Cheese Incident draw fans from across the land
Day 2 of Electric Forest in Rothbury, Michigan, unleashed headlining homeboys The String Cheese Incident, plenty of EDM glory, and of course, the psychedelically artsy Sherwood Forest. (Photo gallery, videos)[…]
Electric Forest powers escapist weekend with hippies, jams, late-night parties, electronic music and Greensky Bluegrass
Upwards of 20,000 or more concertgoers — along with West Michigan’s own Greensky Bluegrass — will descend on Double JJ Resort in tiny Rothbury for another edition of this singular[…]
Founders Fest: Beer, bands, throngs, and as always, The FBC All-Stars
With a revamped site in downtown Grand Rapids and a second beer tent, record crowds are expected for Saturday’s festival headlined by G. Love & Special Sauce. Oh, and some[…]
Buttermilk Jamboree, Gov’t Mule, Rockford Start of Summer Celebration: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Summer pumped up this sizzling West Michigan weekend with a cornucopia of bands playing from Grand Rapids to Rockford to the nether reaches of Barry County. (Photos, video) Favorite[…]
West Michigan’s Roosevelt Diggs: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
The Americana quartet that sings about folklore heroes and meshes folk, country, bluegrass, rockabilly and swing will play the Buttermilk Jamboree on Friday. And check out how they got their[…]
Listen to Local Spins Live
