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.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Relive Memorial Day weekend’s musical marvels in photos and videos, from Bell’s Brewery and State Theatre in Kalamazoo to 20 Monroe Live and Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids to the Local Spins Summer Kickoff. Check out the photo galleries at Local Spins, along with video highlights from Sunday’s Local Spins Summer Kickoff outside HopCat.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Temperatures are heating up and so are outdoor concerts in communities across West Michigan. Here’s the latest Local Spins roundup of schedules for several free series starring regional acts from the lakeshore to Lansing.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Marcus King Band plays Kalamazoo’s State Theatre on Thursday, part of the group’s ceaseless touring as it builds its audience and impresses critics with its frontman’s eye-popping musicianship. Read the Local Spins interview with this guitar sensation and check out videos of his performances.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
Celebrating its fourth year in the DeltaPlex Arena parking lot, WLAV also is seeking local opening acts for the nine-concert, Wednesday night blues series. See the full lineup at Local Spins and check out videos of some featured acts for 2018.
Saturday’s event in Whirlpool Centennial Park dodged the rain to entertain a big crowd with sets by Yonder Mountain String Band, Albert Cummings, Pokey LaFarge, Appleseed Collective and The Grascals. Read the recap, check out the photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The all-day free event outside Cedar Springs this weekend boasts an eclectic lineup of young and experienced Michigan acts. See the full schedule and get details at Local Spins.
The early May round-up of music news takes a look at Marshall blues-guitar sensation Jake Kershaw making a splash in Texas and the end of a popular bluegrass venue in Howard City. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins’ week-in-review boasts images from a rock-hued fundraiser, a bass-and-comedy spectacle, the country twang of Maddie & Tae, a “Reggaefest,” another anniversary celebration for The Pyramid Scheme and more. Check out all of the images and photos at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Victor Wainwright, Angel Forrest, Jason Ricci & Bad Kind, Nick Moss, Ghost Town Blues Band and more will headline the festival that heads back to Kalamazoo’s Arcadia Festival Place in mid-July. See the lineup at Local Spins and check out videos of some featured acts.
The Accidentals, JJ Grey, Chris Robinson and more to headline the Kalamazoo venue this summer as Greensky Bluegrass trades its traditional Bell’s opener for its own new music festival. See the initial Garden schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Accidentals call Millard an “incredible songwriter” with a “really cool roots rock vibe.” He plays Grand Rapids’ River City Saloon with his band on Saturday. Read the back story about this young, rising Michigan star.
The Jackson pop-rock band and one-time Grand Rapids-based singer-songwriter made a splash on WYCE with their latest recordings. See who else made the chart and listen to music from all five Michigan artists.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The one-day May festival at St. Joseph’s Whirlpool Centennial Park will also feature Appleseed Collective, The Grascals and Albert Cummings. Get ticket information and details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Having the time of their lives: The 67-year-old Kalamazoo bluesmen will open for the Grammy Award-winning Robert Cray Wednesday night at State Theatre in Kalamazoo. Read the back story about how these veteran players landed the gig of a lifetime.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Videos
This week, Local Spins and River City Studios hosted their first-ever live-stream session, spotlighting acclaimed teenage blues guitarist Jake Kershaw and his band. Relive the performance via video and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
The second annual winter festival outside Perrin Brewing in Comstock Park on Saturday reveled in spring-like weather and boisterous sets by four West Michigan favorites. Check out the recap, highlights video and photos, only at Local Spins, plus separate galleries from shows by The Cadillac Three, Cabildo and GR Soul Club with Maseo.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The week of West Michigan concerts is heavy on local stars, too, with Cabildo, Watching for Foxes, Brian Morris, Jack Droppers, Jimmie Stagger, VAZUM and much more on the docket. See all of this week’s big shows, Under-the-Radar Picks and The Really Big List covering more than 100 venues. And see how you can win tickets to see Candlebox.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Colorado band entering its fourth decade after releasing its 11th studio album plays State Theatre on Thursday, with Luther Dickinson opening. Check out the Local Spins interview with Big Head Todd frontman Todd Park Mohr.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Saturday’s ninth annual benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization boasted more than a dozen performances, including sets by Joshua Davis, K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, Gasoline Gypsies and more. Check out video highlights and a photo gallery, only at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals
The outdoor festival on Jan. 27 will also boast sets by Jake Kershaw, Hollywood Makeout and Fauxgrass, with proceeds benefiting Kids’ Food Basket. See the full schedule and check out details at Local Spins.
The ninth annual fundraiser for the Wheatland Music Organization will take over The Intersection on Saturday with sets by Joshua Davis, Benzie Playboys, Gasoline Gypsies with Native Howl, Jimmie Stagger and others. Get the lowdown on this beloved event and the full schedule.
Local Spins’ first segment of 2018 on the statewide radio show spotlighted Borns, Greta Van Fleet, The Accidentals, Billy Strings, The War & Treaty and Jake Kershaw, plus new releases from Grand Rapids’ Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, hi-ker and Cassidy Bisher. Listen to this week’s podcast and learn more about these rising acts.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
It’s a triumphant start to 2018: Local acts rule The Big List, with The Hacky Turtles, Hey Marco!, Dave Palmer, Bruce Matthews and a bunch of “Under-the-Radar” gems, plus the Winter Jam tour stopping at Van Andel Arena and a Boy Band revue at 20 Monroe Live. And see how you can win tickets to the Elvis tribute and Harper & Midwest Kind at the Tip Top Deluxe.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Relive a December week of live music across West Michigan, from hip hop to country to jam bands and more — all captured in Local Spins photo galleries, plus videos.
For the third year, Local Spins calendars are spotlighting emerging Michigan acts with a national buzz in its calendars, not to mention Michigan music festivals. Get the lowdown on these unique Michigan-made artifacts and order yours by Tuesday to ensure delivery by Christmas.
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos
Marshall teenager and blues-rock guitarist Jake Kershaw stole the show at State Theatre, while Tab Benoit did double-duty by later playing drums with Out of Favor Boys at Old Dog Tavern. Read the review, browse the photo gallery. .
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
A legendary Grand Rapids blues band performed live in-studio and an emerging instrumental rock band previewed two new tracks on Local Spins on WYCE, which also boasted new music from The Outer Vibe, Bob Seger, The Fever Haze, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The week also features the Brad Mehldau Trio, Fall Flannel Folk Fest, Kris Delmhorst, the return of The Outer Vibe, Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues and much more. Browse all the live music selections for the week, plus the intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
It was a live music week of rock, EDM, folk, bluegrass, jazz and Celtic charm to remember. Relive the week in concert images and videos at Local Spins, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo.
Concert announcements · Festivals
Tickets went on sale this morning for concerts taking place next May at the long-running Holland festival, which aims to add variety as well as ‘appeal to a younger spectrum’ of fans. Check out Tulip Time’s musical lineup at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
With Jake Kershaw hosting a Grand Rapids album-release show Thursday, Local Spins asked the 17-year-old musician to share his favorite, most influential tunes — from John Mayer to Cream to Tommy Castro. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Another week of eclectic music unfolds, from Surfer Blood to Kari Lynch, Mary Chapin Carpenter to CARE, Adam Rudolph to Chris Ayer, Bex Marshall to Lindsay Lou. Get the lowdown with The Big List and this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks, and see how you can win tickets to see 311 or blues-guitar phenom Jake Kershaw.
Album Releases · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Call it the youth movement. Traverse City indie-folk faves The Accidentals once again hit No. 1 for regional airplay on WYCE, with teen guitarist Jake Kershaw and bluegrass phenom Billy Strings debuting in the Top 5. Check out videos, audio of the Top 5 artists, along with a listing of new local and regional releases.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
In the wake of Monday’s death of rock icon Tom Petty, Local Spins asked West Michigan musician Jack Leaver — who fronts a Petty tribute band — to list his top Petty tunes, with Local Spins publisher offering up his under-the-radar picks of Petty classics you might not know but should Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlists.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Bonamassa, Maria Muldaur and William Elliott Whitmore get a week started that also boasts big shows by Wayland, Lipstick Jodi, Organissimo, Deerfield Run, Mustard Plug, Nick Fradiani and more. Get the full lowdown and Under-the-Radar Picks in the Local Spins Concert Guide.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The teen guitar sensation made an impressive in-studio visit for Local Spins on WYCE, which this week also premiered tracks by Cruelworld, The Autumnatic, Desmond Jones, Hominian, Jukejoint Handmedowns, Gifts or Creatures and more. Listen to the podcast and check out Cruelworld’s new video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band rocked the studio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also boasted new tracks by Cosmonaut, May Erlewine, Cosmic Knot, The B-Side Growlers and more. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, podcast and video.
Breaking music news · Features
The national music publication praised the Albion husband-and-wife duo for a ‘tense and hypnotic’ performance during the showcase festival and conference. Read more about it and the band’s reaction at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This weekend’s summer-ending festival outside Lake City shapes up as the biggest, most heartwarming assemblage of musicians yet. Get the lowdown on the three-day Harvest Gathering with a full list of performers.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The last big festival week of the summer also boasts tour stops by State Champs, San Fermin, P.O.S, Apocalypta, Elliott Brood, Marisela, Ben Sollee, some riveting local shows, the Cottage Bar Chili Cook-Off and the Knickerbocker’s first anniversary. See all the featured live music listings, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Nick Moss.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The rambunctious blues and rockabilly duo brings its fiery music to River City for a blistering in-studio session and interview. Get the back story about the band, listen to the podcast, watch the video and browse the photo gallery.
The Traverse City trio’s new Sony Masterworks album was the most-played regional recording on WYCE last month, with other local faves close behind. Check out the chart, videos of the Top 5 acts and a list of new regional releases.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Wheatland Music Festival’s 2017 lineup this weekend boasts national roots music stars and a strong Michigan contingent, too. Read profiles of two of them and peruse the festival schedule.
Teen phenoms Jake Kershaw and Sammy Melchi are among the slate of performers for Heritage Guitar’s party commemorating a century of Gibson in Kalamazoo. See the full lineup and read more about Saturday’s special celebration.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
September gets rolling with Voodoo Glow Skulls, Seth Glier, Lauren Duski, Greg Nagy, Tom Hymn, the Freedom Flag Benefit and anniversary celebrations in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Holland. Check out all of this week’s live music picks on The Big List.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Series host Ralston Bowles showcased a roster of Michigan stars — including Brian Oberlin, Nik Carman and Eric Engblade — for a full Meijer Gardens amphitheater to close out the summer. Check out video highlights, photos and a recap of Tuesday’s show.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Railroad Earth & Twiddle get things started, with the Shoreline Jazz Fest, Conrad Shock, Emma Loo & Sam, Holler Fest and a new Quinn & Tuite’s concert series in the mix. Check out all the live music selections and Under-the-Radar Picks for the week.
