Concert announcements · Kalamazoo · Summer Festivals
Moving from an outdoor event downtown to an indoor festival at Wings Event Center, the July celebration will also boast sets by Joe Louis Walker, Dana Fuchs and many more. See the full Kalamazoo Blues Festival lineup, with videos of featured performers.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
In what may be Founders’ biggest street party yet, the June 17 festival will tap a mix of regional and national stars, along with plenty of beer. Scroll down for concert videos of the featured bands and check out details about this year’s Founders Fest.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Spanning the east and west sides of the state, this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted pop, rock, folk, blues and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, read the story.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The one-day festival aims to jumpstart summer with an all-star cast that features highly regarded national acts as well as Southwest Michigan’s Slim Gypsy Baggage. Check out details, videos and links to ticket sales at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
The young Michigan guitarist plays SpeakEZ Lounge for the first time Wednesday night, and the award-winning 10th grader already has shared stages with Jonny Lang and Anthony Gomes. He releases his debut album later this spring. Read the story, listen to the radio podcast, watch the videos.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The trio of Texas brothers will play the Acoustic Cafe series in Grand Rapids, unfurling music with ‘a unique Latin twist’ and ‘a taste of Texican rock ‘n’ roll,’ says JoJo Garza.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos
They came, they saw, they strummed guitars and they watched regional acts on four stages at Kalamazoo Valley Museum this weekend. Check out the Local Spins roundup, photo gallery and videos from the 2017 Kalamazoo festival, which attracted thousands of visitors and boasted sets by more than a dozen acts.
Guest Column · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo’s 2017 Fretboard Festival unfolds once again this weekend at Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Musician Megan Dooley has been a regular attendee. Read her Local Spins column about this special event and check out the complete schedule of performances by top-drawer regional acts and workshops.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The Aug. 10-12 festival on Kent County’s Shagbark Farm boasts a wealth of regional acts, from jam bands Earphorik and Ekoostik Hookah to local faves Fauxgrass and Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish and many more. See the full lineup and links to early-bird ticket sales.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Ann Arbor-based legend plays Traverse City’s Microbrew & Music Festival with Grand Rapids’ The Change this weekend, but juggles plenty more projects – from his own Madcat Midnight Blues Journey to touring internationally with Chris Brubeck. Read all about this Michigan music icon.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
Get a sneak peek into 20 Monroe Live by taking a video tour of the new downtown venue that unleashes its first concert Wednesday with Trombone Shorty and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. Then browse the photo gallery and opening-week lineup of shows.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted an in-studio performance by the emerging duo, plus the debut of new songs by Seth Bernard, Truth In Fiction, The Turnips and other Michigan artists. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
With roots in Big Rapids — and links to Ultraviolet Hippopotamus – the Michigan band is happily touring behind its sophomore studio album and embracing its eclectic approach. Read the story and album review, listen to the radio podcast, watch the video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The all-day benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization drew fewer people than usual to The Intersection on Saturday, but the performances by more than dozen bands were inspiring. Ogle the photos, check out the videos in this Local Spins wrap-up.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Episode No. 122 of Local Spins on WYCE boasted on-air performances by artists playing big benefit shows on Saturday, and also featured songs from Diff & Dudley, Jeremy Ensley, Carolyn Keobel, Lady Ace Boogie and Public Access. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Audio · Breaking music news · Videos
In a Local Spins exclusive, Grand Rapids jam band Desmond Jones has produced and released its first music video. And listen to the new single from blues guitarist Jim Shaneberger and his band, who crank out a real gem from a CD slated for release in February.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
The up-and-coming Grand Rapids band stages a CD-release show Thursday at The Pyramid Scheme after its frontman spent two ‘grueling’ years recording the album. Check out the story and a pair of videos from this week’s in-studio radio appearance.
Saturday’s 12-hour musical marathon at The Intersection in Grand Rapids boasts sets by K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, Drew Nelson, Fauxgrass, Stella, Madcat Midnight Blues Journey and other regional roots music stars. See the full lineup.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The week was packed with national tour stops and local showcases. Check out the colorful photo gallery that also features The Sauce, Chris Andrus, Jim Lauderdale, Ramblin’ Rose’s Grateful Dead tribute, Devil Elvis, Dede Alder and more, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor guitarist’s national exposure on NBC was ‘wonderful thing’ that boosted his profile. He plays Grand Rapids on Feb. 3, opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd at the new 20 Monroe Live venue downtown. Check out this “Local Spins Rewind” feature on a dynamic Michigan artist who’s featured in the Local Spins 2017 wall calendars.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
The six-piece Grand Rapids band is spreading its wings as it builds upon a new EP with a catchy mix of soulful originals and unique covers. Read more about The Sauce and check out a video from the group’s performance this week for Local Spins Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge.
Album reviews · Commentary · Videos
Like Grand Rapids’ own legend, Jimmie Stagger, The Rolling Stones are shining a bright spotlight on the genre that invigorated rock ‘n’ roll. Check out the Local Spins review of the new album, “Blue & Lonesome,” as part this Sunday column by John Sinkevics.
Once again, Local Spins is offering dynamic wall calendars that not only showcase Michigan artists but also help you track 2017 music festivals. The calendars are available for shipping starting today; order now to ensure arrival by the holidays.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
The Grand Rapids singer was joined by guitarist Justin Wierenga and bassist Justin Avdek for this week’s edition of Local Spins Live on radio. Watch a video of the trio’s in-studio performance, a preview of their farewell show Wednesday night at SpeakEZ Lounge.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With a blend of rock/folk/pop, Langhorne Slim opens a series Thursday that will now also feature Los Lonely Boys, Pokey LaFarge, Margo Price and Marc Cohn. Read the Local Spins interview with Langhorne Slim and get series details.
he week and the weekend in music was mostly about Halloween, with bands diving into the macabre madness with vigor. Check out the Local Spins photo galleries of concerts, parties and more.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Forced to move from Hart earlier this week due to a miscommunication regarding use of the property, the organizer has shifted the first-time festival to eight acres of rural land outside Fremont. Check out details of this free event and a full schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Charette-Alfredson Organ Duo featuring two acclaimed, award-winning musicians will play Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Saturday to wrap up a limited Midwest tour. Read the back story of this unique collaboration.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids guitarist for Hannah Rose & The GravesTones is at work on a riveting new solo project. He performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted some ArtPrize-related songs from Caffein, Four Lincolns, Brian Criner and more.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
This week’s live music hoopla ranged from a tribute to blues icon William Clarke to support the Killer Blues Headstone Project — featuring Nick Moss, Dennis Gruenling and Hank Mowery — to musical magic from AJJ, Brother Adams, Frank Turner and Nashon Holloway. Check out all the images in the Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries.
The legendary 82-year-old British bluesman made a rare West Michigan appearance Wednesday, playing the intimate confines of Holland’s Park Theatre. Local Spins contributor Mark R. Smith interviewed the icon and provided this exclusive Local Spins review of the show.
Thursday’s concert at The B.O.B. will raise funds for the Killer Blues Headstone Project with some of blues music’s most scintillating performers paying tribute to blues harp icon William Clarke. Get the lowdown on the fourth annual Harmonica Summit at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Room Full of Elephants has taken its roots-based rock music to the next level, with members pushing comfort levels to create “a new different sound.” The band makes its SpeakEZ Lounge debut in Grand Rapids on Wednesday. Get an inside look at this up-and-coming lakeshore act.
The Grammy-winning guitarist and singer wowed a capacity crowd in her return to Grand Rapids, with another legendary guitarist, Richard Thompson, adding to the star-studded, gorgeous night. Peruse the review and the photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
The crush-worthy Boston band’s return to Meijer Gardens was nothing short of an energetic, crowd-pleasing spectacle — amid perfect weather after the threat of storms in a packed amphitheater. Read the review, peruse the photo gallery from another sold-out show.
Michigan’s most famous island offers more than fudge, horses and a rich history. Summertime and early fall boast a hotbed of live music with a unique milieu, some of it after-hours. Local Spins takes a gander at Mackinac music in words, pictures and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Despite early afternoon rain that wiped out some performances, dozens of regional acts played dozens of Grand Haven venues as fans strolled the streets and voted for their favorites. And a raffle raised upwards of $40,000 to support musical ventures for those in need. Check out the story, photo gallery and video highlights.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
This August batch of album reviews covers an eclectic mix of genres, including releases from Jeremy Ensley, Bill Ellingboe, KidsonFire and The Preservers. Check out these new releases by regional artists, with audio samples to boot.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Rain and some delays but didn’t faze fans or acts Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Turnips, Mark Lavengood and more who turned Shagbark Farm into a rootsy festival destination. Check out the recap of the opening day down on the farm and ogle the photo gallery and video. Day 2 gets rolling at lunchtime Saturday.
Fighting through some technical glitches on a sweltering night, War powered up its ’70s hits, while the sibling trio of Los Lonely Boys delivered “Texican blues” for a smaller-than-usual Meijer Gardens crowd. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This weekend’s regional music fest on Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County embraces the tradition of a friendly atmosphere, with more than a dozen acts on stage, including Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Strange Arrangement and more. See the full schedule and save it on your smartphone.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
From the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival to the Kalamazoo Ribfest to Ottawa County’s Marnia, summer festival season marched on. But there were fun indoor shows last week, too, from Dave Hardin to Desmond Jones to Delilah DeWylde to Cheap Girls. Check out all the images from the past week in Local Spins’ weekend photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
A rock band’s farewell tour rolled into West Michigan, plus some bracing indoor and outdoor rock, blues and folk shows dominated the landscape in the Grand Rapids area this week. Check out the concert recaps and photo galleries.
The second Local Spins batch of mid-year album reviews also takes a gander at new releases by The Ragbirds, Graffiti, Tiles and Christopher Sloan, with audio samples to boot.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
The engaging singer-guitarist brought his band The Innocent Criminals with him in his return to the Meijer Gardens amphitheater. The sold-out audience embraced them and opener Molly and Scott from Grand Rapids’ Vox Vidorra. Get the scoop in this Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The weather wasn’t the only thing steaming up West Michigan: Tons of big events and big shows — including some CD-release parties and tour stops by Andrew McMahon, REO Speedwagon, Gin Blossoms and Here Come the Mummies — dotted the landscape from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Ogle all the images from a hot week of live music in West Michigan.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The longtime side project for members of Hey Marco!, Brett Mitchell & The Giant Ghost and Dave Kellan Band will unleash three performances this week, including a Wednesday show at SpeakEZ Lounge. Read more about these three lifelong musical pals from Midland.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor guitarist concedes national exposure on the NBC show was a ‘wonderful thing’ that boosted his profile and album sales. He headlines the National Cherry Festival this weekend with more big Michigan concerts on tap. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight profile, listen to his music and check out his upcoming performance schedule.
Concert reviews · Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery
It was a hot week in West Michigan, indoors and out. Browse images from some sizzling concerts featuring national and regional acts, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Holland — and from Summertime Blues to the Grand Rapids Pride Festival — in these weekend photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Even an unhinged trombone and steamy weather couldn’t stop Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and crew at Meijer Gardens on Friday night, with the 12-member band unleashing an audience-pleasing spectacle. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery from a hot night at the amphitheater.
