Hank Mowery album finalist for international award; Outer Vibe battles roller girls in new video
The Outer Vibe rolls and gets rocked with “Princess of Sin,” while Mowery earns International Blues Challenge nod for “Account to Me.”
Tagged: blues
Check it out: Kent District Library boosts local bands’ exposure with special ‘Local Indie @ KDL’ collection
Want your music preserved for posterity? West Michigan artists can submit CDs to the district library so patrons can literally check out their music. By Elizabeth Slowik LocalSpins.com The[…]
Halloween on Ionia and at The B.O.B., Coheed & Cambria, Chordis Bell: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Halloween descended several days early, with wild and woolly costume- and EDM-driven events in downtown Grand Rapids, plus tour stops by diverse acts from here to the lakeshore. (Photos, video)[…]
Karisa Wilson, Amanda Vernon, Brad Fritcher + trois, Molly Bouwsma-Schultz, Chris Hansen win St. Cecilia’s ArtPrize music contest
The reaction of 2013’s $2,000 winners, all from West Michigan? “Stoked,” “elated” and “somewhat surprised.” Listen to the winning songs. The Top 10 vote-getters in ArtPrize are still stumping[…]
Rick Chyme, Over the Rhine, AOK, Earthwork Harvest Gathering: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
ArtPrize’s first weekend, Founders Brewing’s grand reopening, Earthwork Harvest’s annual gathering and a historic marathon rap: All of it brought a bracing bevy of live music to Grand Rapids and[…]
ArtPrize gets its groove on: A day in the life of the Musicians’ Showcase
For the third year, St. Cecilia Music Center is hosting a weekend ArtPrize Musicians’ Showcase in downtown Grand Rapids with 50 acts on two stages. Here are highlights from Friday’s[…]
Raising the bar for under-paid West Michigan bands: The Musicians’ Soundboard commentary
It’s Labor Day: Do you know how little your favorite local musician or band is probably being paid? Pipe in with your own experiences, comments. On Labor Day 2013,[…]
Rootsy Grand Rapids singer-songwriter John Sanger: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Whether fronting The Sanger Brothers Band or flying solo, the Holland native plays with confident passion. He’s currently at work on a new studio album; get a sneak peek here[…]
Polish Harvest Fest, Backyard Bourbon & BBQ, ZZ Top, Kelsey Rottiers, Lyle Lovett: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Reveling in the final vestiges of summer, West Michigan concertgoers had plenty of live music to wallow in — from Rock the Rapids at Fifth Third Ballpark to polka parties[…]
ZZ Top brings Texas blues-rock sizzle, flair and, yes, those beards, to ignite Rock the Rapids throng
The little ol’ band from Texas, joined by Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Grand Rapids’ own Junior Valentine, closed out the three-day festival at Fifth Third Ballpark with a truckload of[…]
Grand Haven singer and guitarist Vincent Hayes: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Podcast, video, photos)
With a muscular new album, “The Grind,” being released this week, the award-winning West Michigan singer-songwriter talks about his evolving musical approach and being true to his vision. Vincent[…]
Harmonica blowout: Grand Rapids Harmonica Summit at Wealthy Theatre showcases blues harp stars
Dennis Gruenling, Joe Filisko, Jim Liban, Nick Moss, Doug Deming and Hank Mowery blow in for Thursday’s show that pays tribute to Little Walter and benefits Blue Star Connection. See[…]
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[…]
Rock the Rapids gives boost to local stars while trumpeting ZZ Top, Daughtry, Thompson Square
West Michigan’s Jessica Price Band and Junior Valentine will share the Fifth Third Ballpark stage with national headliners as part of the three-day music festival that kicks off Tuesday. […]
John Butler Trio, Grizzly Bear, The Soil & The Sun, GR Soul Club: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Unseasonably cool for early August, conditions were nearly perfect to soak up live music outdoors — and even indoors — in the Grand Rapids area, ending with WLAV-FM’s big 40th[…]
The Weekend Bucket List: 10 West Michigan shows worth catching
August’s opening salvo of live music in the Grand Rapids area heats up with Orquesta Tradicion, John Butler Trio, Grizzly Bear, Fly Moon Royalty, Loverboy, Mark Farner and an unusual[…]
Todd Wolfe’s blues-rock journey, from Sheryl Crow to solo triumphs, travails: The Local Spins interview
With a new studio album set for release next month, The Todd Wolfe Band brings its rigorous national tour to Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe on Friday. More than[…]
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals turn Meijer Gardens into an inspiring, rock ‘n’ roll revival show
The singer and multi-instrumentalist’s second show at the outdoor amphitheater proved to be as triumphant as her first appearance there in 2012. (Review, photo gallery) I’ve often endeavored to[…]
Steve Miller Band, Lucas Wilson bring rock luster to Meijer Gardens amphitheater
Steve Miller’s return to Meijer Gardens found a receptive, sold-out crowd for his big hits and gave a Grand Rapids singer-songwriter some welcome exposure. (Photo gallery) Perennial sellouts at[…]
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.[…]
Montgomery Gentry, Buddy Guy, Vincent Hayes, Wilson, July 4th: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Thursday’s Fourth of July bashes kicked off the weekend in explosive style, with performances at Meijer Gardens, Coast West Music Festival, The Intersection, Zellie’s Opry House, The Pyramid Scheme and[…]
Grand Rapids’ Fourth of July spectacle impresses with UV Hippo, Blue Molly, fireworks and more
A throng of 20,000-plus at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, including 80 new U.S. citizens, got an eyeful and earful in a vibrant pre-fireworks show by four bands and the Daredevil Circus. (Video,[…]
Lucas Wilson, Kelsey Rottiers kick off 2013 Tuesday Evening Music Club at Meijer Gardens on Tuesday
Spotlighting regional/local musical talent, the weekly series lights up the amphitheater with genre-spanning bands — another thing that makes Grand Rapids “a cool place to live.” See the full 2013[…]
Coast West takes aim at building national music festival on Michigan’s west coast
This week’s upcoming Coast West Music Festival in Muskegon boasts headliners such as O.A.R., Cheap Trick, Chicago, Josh Turner, Buddy Guy, Gregg Allmann and Kris Allen, plus some popular regional[…]
Founders Fest, Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, Wynton Marsalis, Hank Mowery, Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Things got steamy this weekend as summer kicked into gear with bracing shows at Meijer Gardens, the giant Founders Fest street party and more. (Photos, videos) Not sure what[…]
Alejandro Escovedo, Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys triple the rock fun at Meijer Gardens (review, photos)
Starting with Alejandro Escovedo’s bracing rock ‘n’ roll show, Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos had folks dancing into the evening at Meijer Gardens on Friday: The Local Spins review[…]
Grand Rapids bluesman Hank Mowery: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Harmonica player and singer Hank Mowery’s new album is a riveting tribute to the late Gary Primich. On Friday at The Stache, he’ll reintroduce the beloved icon’s music to the[…]
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
UV Hippo, Blue Molly, Kris Hitchcock, Three’s a Crowd to fire up Grand Rapids’ Fourth of July celebration
Ultraviolet Hippopotamus’ eclectic and impressive instrumental display part of the free downtown show that will also feature West Michigan-driven blues, country and Top 40/classic rock. With Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Blue[…]
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[…]
Peter Frampton’s Grand Rapids guitar party: Steve Cropper adds star power to Meijer Gardens show
Frampton’s Guitar Circus brought a Big Top of high-profile musicians — Peter Frampton, Steve Cropper, Robert Cray — to the outdoor amphitheater Monday for a tasteful show cut short by[…]
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[…]
Gov’t Mule romps in Grand Rapids, unfurls diverse set at Meijer Gardens
For the second year in a row, the Warren Haynes-led Mule fired up devotees with blues-infused favorites and singular covers. (Photo gallery, video) Pandora’s online version of “Gov’t Mule[…]
Buttermilk Jamboree: Rusted Root, Crane Wives, The Bandwagon and dozens more in ‘a beautiful setting’
For the third year, Circle Pines Center in Delton will host the unique outdoor music festival that boasts more than 30 local and regional bands performing on two stages. See[…]
ZZ Top to headline August’s Rock the Rapids festival at Fifth Third Ballpark
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is also on the Aug. 22 bill. It’s the first show announced for the festival’s return to Comstock Park after two years in downtown Grand Rapids. […]
Grand Rapids’ Festival 2013: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
As usual, Festival showcased the marvelously eclectic range of Michigan’s musical talent, bringing out huge throngs amid stellar weather. Check out the photos and “A Day in the Life” video[…]
Grand Rapids’ Festival 2013: Some Local Spins picks to peruse
From emerging act Spence & Friends to longtime fave Mid-Life Crisis, Festival covers the gamut of musical styles and sounds. But can a 13-year-old steal the show? At 13,[…]
B.B. King brings legendary guitar — and lovable personality — to Meijer Gardens for opening night
With West Michigan’s own Vincent Hayes Project getting the party started, the iconic bluesman launched the 2013 concert series amid sunny skies with a veteran band and plenty of audience[…]
Ageless B.B. King to kick off record-setting 2013 Meijer Gardens concert series on Monday
Meijer Gardens courts stars for its outdoor amphitheater series, which sells out more shows and increases attendance every summer. See the updated list of sellouts, plus a change in the[…]
Tommy Castro, Walter Trout, Kelly Richey, Nick Moss, Sena Ehrhardt part of 2013 Blues on the Mall lineup
Kicking off on June 12 with Castro, the WLAV Budweiser Blues on the Mall series returns with free Wednesday shows at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. See the[…]
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Billy’s Lounge to kick off new jazz night; HopCat’s Sunday blues jams come to an end
Grand Rapids pianist Steve Talaga will host Tuesday jazz jams at the Eastown club starting June 4; HopCat unplugs guitarist Jimmie Stagger’s weekend blues nights; West Michigan Blues Society won’t[…]
Free summer concerts: The Local Spins round-up of Grand Rapids’ outdoor live music options
Michigan music for free: It’s everywhere this summer, from jazz to rock to blues. Check out schedules for weekly summer series in the Grand Rapids area here at LocalSpins.com. […]
Grand Rapids rock band Devin & The Dead Frets: The Local Spins Live Artist Spotlight (video, podcast)
With an endearingly ragged, bluesy rock sound, The Dead Frets will celebrate release of a self-titled debut during a Founders Brewing show. But before that, they revved up Local Spins[…]
ArtPrize song competition returns with $10,000 in prizes from St. Cecilia Music Center: Register by June 6
For the second year in a row, cash prizes will be offered to song contest winners in five categories during ArtPrize; new “busking stations” will spotlight live music. Hailing[…]
The debut of Grand Rapids’ Jim Shaneberger Band: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Veteran well-known bassist and guitarist Jim Shaneberger unveils a bluesy new band on Friday and celebrates his solo album debut in June. (Podcast, video) Jim Shaneberger will never forget[…]
Breaking music news · Features
Michigan Stage Monitor: Limp Bizkit, The Breeders, Traverse City blues and other Mitten music news
Michigan music news this week ranges from a feature on Traverse City’s Peter, Paul & Mary Remembered to an interview with The Breeders to a limp Limp Bizkit, performing in[…]
Pop Evil, Honor By August, Gurf Morlix and a Bob Dylan tribute: Grand Rapids’ Big List Concert Guide
Ted Nugent’s Midwest Rock ‘n’ Roll Express kicked off the week, but the weekend offers up way more rock with a Pop Evil CD-release, Active Commute Week celebration, a Dylan[…]
Features · Photos · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bimini Brothers, Hannah Rose Graves, Jamey Johnson, Deadstring Brothers, Nathan Kalish: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
As volatile and diverse as this week’s weather, photo images of the Grand Rapids area’s live music ranged from the alt-country power of Nathan Kalish to the ribald antics of[…]
Cinco de Mayo party, Drew Nelson, Tommy Womack, The Soil & The Sun: The Local Spins Weekend Bucket List
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a day early in downtown Grand Rapids at Michigan’s biggest celebration of its kind, plus a dual CD-release show by The Wallace Collective and Chain of[…]
Cinco de Mayo party, Drew Nelson, Ben Rector, Tommy Womack, The Soil & The Sun: Grand Rapids’ Big List Concert Guide
West Michigan’s lively week of live music boasts Michigan’s biggest Cinco de Mayo Bash, a dual CD-release show by The Wallace Collective and Chain of Lakes, a chiptune celebration and[…]
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Nick Colionne, Deon Yates, Paul Keller, Sheila Landis, Kinsey Report to play 2013 GRandJazzFest
The expanded jazz festival on Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids boasts 10 acts over two days in mid-August. Chicago jazz/funk/R&B guitarist-singer Nick Colionne will headline this year’s[…]
Listen to Local Spins Live
