Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival to unfurl this weekend with live music, guitar fanfare
It’s been three years since the Kalamazoo Valley Museum has hosted the festival as an in-person event. Get the lowdown and the performance schedule at Local Spins.
Tagged: blues
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
February Frolic: Whiskey Myers, Tab Benoit, Jo Dee Messina, Winter Beer Fest (Photos, Videos)
Our recap of this week’s live music blizzard — indoors and out — travels from Comstock Park to GR to Hudsonville to Kalamazoo, and from touring stars to local band favorites. Browse all of the images and check out the show recaps at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Buddy Guy, Wood Bros., Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova to heat up Meijer Gardens concerts
Today’s teaser announcement of three concerts in the 2023 amphitheater series covers folk, blues, rock and roots music, with the complete concert lineup being announced in April. Get the lowdown on the shows revealed thus far, along with music videos of the featured artists.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Traverse City’s revived Great Indoor Folk Festival set for ‘escape from winter blues’
Interrupted for two years by COVID, the unique indoor event will boast more than 40 performances by folk-hued artists on several stages later this month. The lowdown and schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest back as in-person event; ‘Songwriter’s Night’ set to debut in GR
West Michigan music fans have a couple of fresh events to embrace this winter: Stovepipe hosts the first singer-songwriter show next week at The Pyramid Scheme and Kalamazoo Valley Museum returns with its Fretboard Fest in early March. Details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
February’s WYCE Jammie Awards show reveals lineup, braces for ‘high-energy’ night
More than 20 regional acts will perform during the Feb. 24 celebration at The Intersection, described as the ‘premier music event of the season.’ View the lineup and get reactions from some performers, plus a link to the list of award nominees and the public vote for album and artist of the year.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Incredible Feeling: Winter Wheat returns Saturday with potent lineup, ‘Wheatland magic’
Eleven diverse bands will play two stages at The Intersection in the first Winter Wheat fest since early 2020. The back story, the schedule and a playlist at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Latin jazz, Celtic music marvels, blistering blues spark Sunday serenades: Photos
A pair of new global music concert series kicked off on Sunday in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, with a healthy helping of blues to boot in both cities. The photos and more at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Domestic Problems, Rockford’s Got Talent, Luke Winslow-King amp it up: Photo recaps
From crowd-pleasing shows by veteran Michigan artists to performances by up-and-coming young acts at a second-year talent competition, there was a lot to celebrate in early January. The photos, a video and more at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Vulfpeck, Citizen Keen, Weezil Malone, C.A.R.Ma Quartet and more
Local Spins kicks off the year by spotlighting yet another flurry of new releases by Michigan artists, including projects by Dana Nyson and The Heiden Underground. Read the reviews, listen to the music.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2022: The Local Spins Critics’ Picks for albums, songs, concerts of the year
Amid another turbulent and hectic year, recorded and live music made a huge comeback. Today, Local Spins writers reveal their picks for the best of both in 2022. Check out the robust roster of notable releases and concerts and listen to select tracks in this special feature being published today in lieu of our usual Thursday ‘Amplified’ newsletter.
Album Reviews: The Concussions, Bronze Nazareth, Nathan Walton, Crazy Chestur, more
With Christmas just ahead, we review six new Michigan releases you might want to add to your shopping list, including fresh collections from Silver Creek Revival and The Dangling Participles. Delve into the recordings and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Photo Recap: Kyle Jennings, Sadie Bass, Dixon’s Violin, Andy Frasco & more
As Christmas approaches, live music continues to rev up audiences from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore. Revisit the action in photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
Joshua Davis: The Albums That Changed My World, Mississippi John Hurt to Joni Mitchell
Today, the popular Local Spins series revealing the recordings that have impacted Michigan musicians the most continues with popular, award-winning singer-songwriter Joshua Davis. Listen to tracks from all of his picks.
Album Reviews: Austin Benzing, Cole Hansen, Bruce Madden, Conklin Ceili Band and more
This pre-Thanksgiving round-up of new releases by West Michigan artists also features Lisa Can’t Sing and The Good Old Days. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Nathan Walton, Eliza Thorp, Dreas, Aspen Jacobsen, Ethereal, Mercury Salad
The early November round-up of Michigan releases not only covers a wide swath of genres, but artists from Grand Rapids to the Detroit area to Petoskey. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Cheap Trick, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Teddy Swims, Attack Attack ‘Light up the Fire’ in W. Michigan
From decades-old classics to music by emerging stars, the region’s week of live music boasted some intriguing tour stops beyond just the return of Michigan’s Billy Strings. Browse the weekend photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Bruce Madden expands raw blues vibe with lyric-driven ‘Trouble Times’
The Grand Rapids harp player and singer’s latest album basked in the spotlight for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Billy Strings, Josh Rose, Jair, 84 Tigers, Nathan Walton and more. Read more about Bruce Madden and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rising to the Top: Joanne Shaw Taylor ignites fans, critics with ‘genuine’ blues fire
The British-born blues-rock phenom who splits time between Detroit and Nashville brings the tour behind a new album to Kalamazoo State Theatre on Wednesday. The Local Spins interview, with two music videos.
‘Beautiful Diversity’: GR’s Music in the Heights concert series to showcase multi-genre talent
Kicking off the season on Friday with Serita’s Black Rose and Kait Rose, the free, four-concert series at Alger Park Church will spotlight folk, world music, soul, classical, blues and more. Learn more about the series and view the schedule at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Rochelle and The Spoilers win Grand Rapids Blues Challenge to qualify for Memphis finals
The seasoned Grand Rapids blues outfit outpolled four other West Michigan bands to take home the top prize in Sunday’s competition hosted by the West Michigan Blues Society at Billy’s Lounge. Learn more and check out photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Contests · Upcoming shows
Emerging West Michigan blues acts to pump up weekend Blues Challenge competition
Five groups will play Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids on Sunday, vying for a chance to travel to Memphis in January as part of the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. Learn more about the bands and the competition at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
I Prevail leads lively music assault along with Lokella, Kaivon, Mustard Plug & beyond
When Michigan-bred post-hardcore band I Prevail revved things up at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Saturday, it capped a week of fan-pleasing music from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
‘Sacred Ground’: Highlights from Wheatland 2022’s revelry, energy, musical prowess
The return of the beloved Wheatland Music Festival for the first time in three years outside Remus last weekend electrified fans and bands alike. Revisit the action in words, photos and video.
Biggest Eastown Street Fair in six years rolls out Saturday: Schedule & Local Spins playlist
More than 20 bands playing three different stages highlight the Grand Rapids Eastown community’s upcoming weekend celebration, which will also feature vendors, food trucks, beer. art and the WYCE CD & Record Sale. View the performance schedule, listen to a playlist of performers and get the complete Eastown Streetfair lowdown at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Albion’s Walk the Beat festival expands with 28 bands playing 14 venues on Saturday
Launched six years ago and inspired by a similar event in Grand Haven, this weekend’s Walk the Beat will light up Albion’s downtown area with performances by more than two dozen regional acts. Get details at Local Spins.
Still getting ‘Lowdown’: Boz Scaggs and Robert Cray bring soulful vibe to Meijer Gardens
From enduring hits such as “Lido Shuffle” and “JoJo,” Boz Scaggs made the most of his amphitheater debut, with guitarist-singer Robert Cray and singer-songwriter Jeff LeBlanc also on board. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Just a peninsula – and another world – away: The tasty buffet of eclectic U.P. music festivals
The Upper Peninsula offers a remote but unique setting for a surprising variety of music festivals, worthy of a trip across the bridge. Here’s a look at this U.P. experience, with previews of upcoming events.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Tamarack, Wild Thyme fests revel in radiant weather; Blackberry Smoke rocks State Theatre
Fans couldn’t have asked for a better weekend to soak in live music in the great outdoors, especially at cozy festivals in Morley and Allegan. Plus, Blackberry Smoke sizzled in its Kalamazoo tour stop. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Podcasts
Songs inspiring Michigan musicians: The WYCE edition of ‘Albums That Changed the World’
This week’s special edition of the radio show focuses on Michigan music with a twist: We play tracks from albums that a dozen local and regional artists say have influenced them the most, from Kanye West to The Beatles. Get the back story and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Summer Strains: Here Come the Mummies, Troll for Trout, Red Wanting Blue & More
The weekend got an early start with live music indoors and out, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. View the images from several shows at Local Spins.
Can’t Stop the Blues (or Rock): Legends Buddy Guy, John Hiatt power through interruption
Thursday’s passing storm that caused temporary evacuation of the Meijer Gardens amphitheater didn’t prevent either seasoned artist from regaling fans with career-spanning selections. The review, photos at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Outdoor community concerts unite Michigan music lovers, showcase regional talent
Dozens of free summer concerts unfold every night across the state, spotlighting everything from rock to jazz to blues. Local Spins explores why they’re so popular as a seasonal pastime. Plus, view photos from several of these series.
Soul & Sunshine: The War and Treaty, Corinne Bailey Rae heat up Grand Rapids audience
It was a sweet Michigan homecoming on Wednesday for The War and Treaty who got right into the crowd amid perfect weather that carved out an ideal evening for 1,200 summer concert series attendees. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Revelry in Trufant: Smiling Acres fest launches holiday weekend with diverse musical charm
Friday’s opening salvo of the Trufant festival had folks smiling thanks to sets by Barbarossa Brothers, Nathan Walton & The Remedy, The Bootstrap Boys, Local Commuters and more. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
WYCE Jammie Awards 2022: Multiple voices, inclusive representation, musical collaboration
After COVID delays, West Michigan’s biggest night for music returns Saturday with a full day celebrating regional music. Local Spins checked in with WYCE Music Director Shane German ahead of the very big day, plus get the full performance schedule.
Eleven Years of Rocking: Tip Top Deluxe set to celebrate anniversary with weekend romp
The Destination Live Music video crew and Local Spins spotlight the beloved West Side GR venue with a special mini-documentary as Tip Top hosts The Hi-Jivers and Hank Mowery for its birthday on Saturday.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
B93 Bash, GR Pride Festival and Day 2 of Buttermilk Jamboree: Recaps, photos
Saturday’s brilliant weather offered an ideal backdrop for three diverse festivals: country’s B93 Bash at LMCU Ballpark, GR Pride Festival downtown and the second day of music at Circle Pines Center. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Celebrating 15 years of high-energy blues: Steve Hilger Band and Thirsty Perch Blues Band
Both Grand Rapids blues bands mark their 15th birthdays with special performances in June. Learn more about the upcoming shows in Q&As with both bands at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Torrid Tuesday: Rogue River Blues Series, Tue Evening Music Club heat things up
The week’s intense heat lowered turnout for two popular concert series on Tuesday, but those that flocked to Rockford and to Meijer Gardens were treated to some sizzling performances. Photos, videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Festival of the Arts rocks Day 1 with sunny, breezy weather and animated regional music
The return of Festival to downtown Grand Rapids on Friday after a long, COVID hiatus attracted families and fans of live music, food and art. Check out the opening-day highlights, photos and video at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Festival Returns: W. Michigan music, energy, community, joy & 10,000 feet of toilet paper
The first Festival of the Arts since 2019 kicks off Friday in downtown Grand Rapids with more than 140 performances on five stages. Get the lowdown and the full performance schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Catching Musical Fire: Built to Spill, Brenden Monroe, Catch the Fish launch summer early
A weekend of milestones: the first Bell’s Beer Garden show, the finals of B93’s Battle to the Bash, the State on the Street opener, Judy Collins at St. Cecilia Music Center’s final folk concert and a rare Rush tribute show. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Jake Kershaw & Hank Mowery, Desmond Jones & The Legal Immigrants double down on fun
Enthused, happy crowds cheered Friday’s Local Spins 10th anniversary double-header: Jake Kershaw and Hank Mowery at a packed Tip Top Deluxe, Desmond Jones with The Legal Immigrants at Elevation. Get the recaps and browse photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Resurrecting the GravesTones: Hannah Rose Graves goes ‘old-school,’ soulful and rootsy
When Grand Rapids singer Hannah Rose Graves plays Local Spins Fest on Saturday, she’ll lean on her popular, throwback approach. The Artist Spotlight and Local Spins on WYCE podcast, including brand new tracks by Entransient, Kyle Brown and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Listening ‘Boon’: Luke Winslow-King and Songtellers shows garner pin-drop passion
The first two concerts celebrating Local Spins Week at Listening Room attracted an all-ears attitude from fans enamored of the performers’ story-telling charm and top-shelf musicianship. Check out the recaps, photos and videos from Monday and Tuesday’s 10th anniversary kickoff.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Great to be back’: Luke Winslow-King returns to Michigan with soulful new rootsy album
As part of a U.S. tour, the Spain-based Cadillac native kicks off Local Spins Week in Grand Rapids on Monday. The Local Spins interview, and a ticket giveaway.
Audio · Concert reviews · Hot Top 5 · Photos
Larry McCray powers his blues to No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart just as his tour hits Grand Rapids
The Saginaw blues guitarist played Listening Room on Tuesday, the same week that Local Spins revealed that his latest album had hit No. 1 at WYCE. See what other albums made the chart; listen to tracks at Local Spins and view a photo gallery from McCray’s Grand Rapids concert.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Larry McCray: Albums That Changed My World, George Benson to Albert King to Candi Staton
Highly regarded Michigan guitarist Larry McCray plays Listening Room in Grand Rapids tonight as he tours behind his latest studio album. Today, he reveals the albums that shaped his own music. Check out tracks from the recordings, along with songs from his latest release.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kaleo, Sevendust, Deepfall, Kari Lynch, North 41, Coldville rock W. Michigan’s rafters: Photos
With a disparate batch of bands and solo artists touring behind new material, West Michigan got an earful over the weekend, including a B93 battle featuring regional country acts. See who’s moving on, get the show recaps and browse eight photo galleries at Local Spins.
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