The Monday concert paired one of music’s most influential bluesman, Buddy Guy, with a blues-rock virtuoso, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, for a night of guitar-driven joy. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids musician Brandon Proch demonstrated his musical “tap dance” for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Cold Mountain Child, Desmond Jones, Von Kaiser, James Reeser & The Backseat Drivers and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
The 2019 edition of the series will kick off June 12 in the DeltaPlex Arena parking lot, with local bands opening each concert. See the full schedule at Local Spins, with videos from all of the featured artists.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Outdoor festival season kicks off on a week that also boasts several album-release shows by West Michigan artists along with much, much more. Peruse this week’s featured concerts and Under-the-Radar Picks, and see how you can win tickets to the White Birch Music Festival.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Feedback 25 (with The Crane Wives and The Concussions at Founders Brewing), Casting Crowns, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Murlocs, Political Lizard, Mason Jennings, a Pathway to the Pasture band contest, the Spring ReggaeFest and more help fill out the week of concerts. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways for Talib Kweli and Twin Peaks, plus peruse the delightfully diverse Under-the-Radar Picks.
From a jam-packed Selena tribute to a rock star’s acoustic solo tour stop to Kalamazoo album-release concerts, West Michigan music fans had plenty to celebrate. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The outdoor summer concert season starts early in Grand Rapids, with downtown lunchtime shows starting in early May. Check out the schedule for those shows as well as series lineups for Hastings, Ada and Allendale.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The acclaimed northern Michigan singer-songwriter previewed his upcoming Grand Rapids concert for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pretoria, August, American Hotel System and more. Read more about the musician and his upcoming tour, and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The revamped amphitheater will also host summer shows by Foreigner, The B-52s, Mandolin Orange, Tash Sultana, Steve Miller & Marty Stuart, O.A.R., CAKE, Andrew Bird, Trombone Shorty, Lake Street Dive, JJ Grey with Jonny Lang and more. Member tickets on sale April 27. See the full concert lineup and ticket prices at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
With summer right around the corner, cities across the region are starting to reveal band lineups for their free community concerts which draw thousands on weeknights for outdoor shows. Here are schedules for four of them.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s week in live music included crowd-pleasing shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, from blues to pop, and rock to Celtic beauty, captured in images at Local Spins. Check out all the photo galleries and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
The March Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’ showcased new music from four attention-getting West Michigan acts from different ends of the musical spectrum: pop to country to soft indie-rock to funky blues. Listen to the ‘Stateside’ podcast as well as full versions of new songs by the featured West Michigan artists.
The Sunday night appearance in Grand Rapids boasted a tight five-piece band, uplifting songs and Michael and Tanya Trotter’s infectious, rootsy stage-stomping power. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
After taking a year off, the popular and unusual competition featuring dozens of West Michigan acts playing a host of different venues on a single day is back. And Walk the Beat is hosting a benefit concert on Friday. Get the lowdown on the return of Walk the Beat at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Turning heads with their unique, bluesy sound that gives new meaning to ‘power trio,’ West Michigan’s The Strapping Owls launch an eight-state tour behind their new recording in Saugatuck on Friday. Learn more about this unique band and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Kent District Library offers free live music, from Jimmie Stagger to CrossBow, and is launching a “Needledrop” program allowing checkout of vinyl LPs and turntables, and a speaker series on local music. Get the upcoming schedule of shows and learn more about the programs at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The August music festival in southern Kent County has assembled perhaps its most impressive lineup to date, with a host of regional stars joining Cracker for the three-day affair. Performers will include Joe Hertler, Desmond Jones, Lady Ace Boogie, Jimmie Stagger, Mungion, Don Julin, Motor City Josh and more. See the roster and get more details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
With two concerts this weekend, the seasoned artist and bassist Ian Grant performed new songs in-studio for the latest edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also boasted new music from Max Lockwood, the Samsara Music Collective, Hundo and more. Learn more about Lynn Thompson, listen to the podcast, watch the in-studio video.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
WYCE-FM’s record-setting Jammie Awards show in February just got bigger with the addition of the nationally acclaimed Albion band, which also plays a full concert later that month at St. Cecilia Music Center. Learn more about both upcoming performances at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
A robust week of live music also features Way Down Wanderers, Roger Brown, Rob Reider, Gasoline Gypsies, Earth Radio, Big Trouble and lots of Under-the-Radar Picks. Browse West Michigan’s most comprehensive weekly concert guide.
Breaking music news · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Friday night’s band and solo artist battle at Kalamazoo Valley Museum determined the final two performance slots for the March festival. Check out photos and video from the play-in contest, and browse the rest of the 2019 lineup for the Fretboard Festival.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
Local Spins profiles the in-demand keyboard player who’s bolstered the likes of Joshua Davis, May Erlewine, Jack White and Larry McCray, not to mention Steppin’ In It, The Lash and more. Read the back story about this much-respected musician and watch videos of him performing with a variety of Michigan artists.
This Local Spins roundup of albums recorded in Michigan has a cross-state, inter-state and international flavor – and covers a lot of territory musically, too. Read the reviews, listen to music from the featured artists.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The approaching holidays heat things up on the music scene this week with Red Legs, The Crane Wives, Junior Valentine & Hank Mowery, Dalmatian Stone, Jake Kershaw, ‘The Nutcracker,’ Schubert Male Chorus, a ‘Roaring ’20s Holiday Ball’ and much more. Plus win concert tickets to see The Devil Wears Prada or Morgan Wallen via The Big List.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted a visit from two Grand Rapids blues icons who performed in-studio, plus track debuts from several Michigan artists, including Lockwood, Justin Wierenga, Dalmatian Stone, Float Here Forever, Frankie & Myrrh and North Country Rounders. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, learn more about Junior Valentine and Hank Mowery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Marcus King Band plays Elevation inside The Intersection on Friday as the group continues to grow its fan base and impress critics with its frontman’s eye-popping musicianship. Read the Local Spins interview, check out videos and songs from his new album.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Harry Connick Jr. launches a week that also features San Holo, The Midnight Hour, Rodney Atkins, Marcus King Band, The Hill People, Weezil Malone and much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Bishop Briggs.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
With the year’s biggest bar night just ahead, Stefan Paul from Melophobix and Hannah Rose Graves stopped by Local Spins on WYCE to chat about a one-two punch of Wednesday night concerts. The radio show also debuted new regional tracks and previewed a Christmas album by Melophobix, The Legal Immigrants and Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys.
Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The fast-rising band led by Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter stopped by River City Studios for a scintillating Sunday session, 10 days before they open for Bob Seger at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. Watch the video of their inspiring in-studio performance, read the story, browse the photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Blues, rock, folk, Americana, funk, pop, ‘crabgrass’ and more: Local Spins’ week-in-review photo galleries cover the gamut of live music from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Spring Lake. And you’ll only find these images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The guitarist who’s set to release a ‘more rocking’ new album brings his tour to State Theatre in Kalamazoo on Saturday, with Michigan’s own guitar sensation, Jake Kershaw, opening. Check out the Local Spins interview with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, along with recent videos of Shepherd and Kershaw.
Anchored in Grand Rapids through 2020, the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel confab will draw hundreds of industry pros for sets by Sons of the Never Wrong, Jen Sygit and numerous regional acts, panels and a speech by music historian Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr. Get the lowdown on this important musical gathering at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The five-concert series at Grand Haven’s Tri-Cities Historical Museum kicks off in December with regional stars. See the full schedule and ticket sales information at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The weekend brought country, rock, blues, hip hop, alt-rock, electronic music and more to West Michigan, captured as usual in Local Spins photo galleries and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a Grand Rapids tour stop at Wealthy Theatre tonight, the guitarist performed in-studio on this week’s radio show, which also debuted new tracks by several Michigan artists, including The Blueflowers, Lexi Schaub, Charlie Walmsley, Carrie McFerrin and more.
Gary Clark Jr.’s musical conversation proved to be a powerful, dynamic dialogue of groaning blues, searing rock ’n’ roll and riveting soul Monday night at 20 Monroe Live.
The Albion duo of Michael and Tanya Trotter — The War and Treaty — has impressed critics with its new album, which led the way on a chart that also featured four more new entries, including Peace to Mateo and Joshua Davis. Listen to tracks from all five releases.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With new stages, enhancements and a robust lineup, the three-day ‘granddaddy’ festival on a cattle farm in southern Kent County this weekend shapes up as the best yet. Get the preview, full weekend schedule and forecast, plus a festival playlist at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Although Grand Haven’s multi-venue Walk the Beat fest won’t fire up this August, Saturday’s ‘Keep the Beat Alive’ concert will rock the city with popular acts from past events, including Jake Kershaw, Melophobix, Cosmic Knot and Dave Palmer. See the full schedule at Local Spins.
There’s nothing like it anywhere. The Beaver Island Music Festival is a musical experience and escape unlike any other this summer. Get the lowdown — and a festival soundtrack — at Local Spins. Listen to the playlist of festival acts, get background on this unique Michigan celebration.
There’s no letting up when it comes to summer music in West Michigan, with celebrations and concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Hudsonville, displayed in images at Local Spins. Check out all of the photo galleries and links to coverage.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The West Michigan blues band, which plays this weekend’s Kalamazoo Blues Fest, debuted new songs on the WYCE radio show, which also boasted new tracks by In the Valley Below, Luna Puer and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of Big Boss Band’s in-studio performance.
The featured West Michigan concerts leading up to another steamy weekend were hot in many ways, from Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders at 20 Monroe Live to the opening night of the Kalamazoo Blues Fest to Tunde Olaniran revving up the dance party at GRAM on the Green. See all of the photos at Local Spins.
Tuesday night’s sweltering heat couldn’t temper audience enthusiasm for impressive outdoor shows: Tuesday Evening Music Club’s 2018 kickoff at Meijer Gardens and the Rogue River Blues Series in Rockford. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Bringing together some of Michigan’s most talented, emerging artists, the popular Tuesday series kicks off in the amphitheater tonight with Hannah Rose & The GravesTones and Rachel Curtis. See the full series lineup.
Kaleo’s indie-rock flourish Sunday at 20 Monroe Live ended a week that boasted Grand Rapids stops by Helmet, Yes, Blondie and Herbie Hancock, plus local showcases in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, including Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, The Dacia Bridges Project and The Legal Immigrants. Browse all of the resplendent images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids group which plays a Saturday night showcase in Kalamazoo lit up this week’s radio show, which also boasted new tracks by Brutes, Flint Eastwood, The Deputies, Overdrive Orchestra, Shawn Butzin and more. Listen to the podcast, watch a video of The GravesTones’ in-studio performance.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The week after Memorial Day brought a slew of summer musical marvels to West Michigan, including the kickoff to outdoor concert series in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo and tour stops by national touring acts. Browse 10 photo galleries — from Kalamazoo’s HippieFest to Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts — at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The summer’s first concert in the renovated Meijer Gardens amphitheater had to tangle with Mother Nature, but Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and crew jammed on with a robust, fan-pleasing performance. Read the Local Spins review of the show (and the amphitheater improvements), browse a photo gallery, scan the set list.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
This week’s packed lineup also features Andrew McMahon, Gladys Knight, Phillip Phillips, The Menzingers, BoDeans and more, plus win tickets to see the Gin Blossoms and Valentiger. Get the complete lowdown in this week’s Big List, plus some riveting Under-the-Radar Picks.
