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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The rambunctious Grand Rapids rock, blues and rockabilly duo celebrates release of a new recording with a robust, three-band show Saturday at The Pyramid Scheme. Learn more about Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s return to the studio and the stage.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
View another batch of free community concerts being hosted on weeknights across the state in summer 2022, with a wide range of regional acts performing at 11 different series. […]
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The series announced today features a record 33 shows, including the return of Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Goo Goo Dolls and The Decemberists. Fans can expect higher ticket prices, too. View the full schedule and get details at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Michigan harmonica legend Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth has long graced stages with his instrumental prowess. Today, he reveals the albums that forever altered his life. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
Today, the leader of Hank Mowery & The Hawktones reveals the albums that have shaped his own music and his love of top-drawer songwriting, along with a current favorite legend who has him mesmerized. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
To close out Women’s History Month, Local Spins recaps a special night in Grand Rapids: The “Music That Raised Us” concert at Listening Room starring some of West Michigan’s most dynamic female artists performing enduring, influential songs. Photos, video.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tonight, Michigan Music Alliance and Grand Rapids singer Sarena Rae stage “Music That Raised Us” at Listening Room — a tribute to influential black female artists. Before that, Sarena Rae shares a compelling soundtrack of female icons, from local favorites to internationally acclaimed stars.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations may have been the focus for many, but West Michigan’s live music week also delivered country, indie-pop, metal, blues, alt-country and world music charm. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Today, Local Spins takes a deep dive into six recent, varied releases by artists from across West Michigan — Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Traverse City to Albion. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos · Whatever Happened To
A rising West Michigan mainstay more than a decade ago, the folk-driven Potato Moon hints that its first album in 10-plus years may be in the works. Find out what band members are up to now in the latest installment of our “Whatever Happened To” series revisiting once prominent regional acts.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens also plans to expand its Tuesday Evening Music Club Series, according to today’s teaser announcement. Get more details at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The northern Michigan venue and arts academy today revealed the first two of its summer 2022 shows, with more in the offing. Details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
This week’s roundup of concert photos actually starts last weekend with the return of live music to Founders, plus the first West Michigan shows in quite some time starring some compelling bands. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
To help kick off Black History Month, Local Spins today profiles veteran singer Serita Crowley of Serita’s Black Rose, a mainstay on area stages with compelling, blues-fired new original music in the works. The Artist Spotlight feature and video.
