The Stray set for band battle finals amid atmosphere of ‘mutual support’
Marcus AK, The Mannequins, The Rupple Brothers and Ironwood will face off for the top prize to close out the month-long battle on Saturday. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Tagged: Celtic rock
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Irish Tidal Wave: Early St. Patrick’s Day parties and more musical revelry revisited
Saturday was dominated by early toasts to St. Patrick’s Day with Irish Off Ionia, Irish Remedy and more, with a few other concerts thrown into the mix over the past week, including Wheatus, Yellowhouse, King Garbage and more. The photos and a video at Local Spins.
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SXSW · Upcoming shows · Videos
March Madness: SXSW and Michigan’s Top 12 concerts and live music events for the month
It’s another full-flavored month of music and we’ve picked a dozen compelling concerts, festivals and celebrations to circle on your calendar, while spotlighting some Michigan artists headed to Austin for SXSW. Plus, check out the Local Spins video roundup on EightWest.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Olllam brings intoxicating Celtic flair, instrumental prowess, rare U.S. tour to GR
The all-star, transatlantic band The Olllam — featuring Michigan musicians Michael Shimmin, Joe Hettinga and Joe Dart and the U.K.’s John McSherry, Ross Ainslie and Sean O’Meara — plays The Pyramid Scheme on Thursday and Detroit’s Magic Stick on Friday. Learn more about the band and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Vibes Fest, Michigan Irish Fest, Lucius Fox, Celeste Allison, Soccer Mommy: Photo Recap
Music lovers couldn’t have asked for much more: Regional bands at Vibes Fest, Celtic strains in Muskegon, an M-45 Celebration, two album-release shows in Kalamazoo and a tour stop by Soccer Mommy. The photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Lucky Charm Saturday: Irish Off Ionia and more toast early St. Paddy’s revelry
Grand Rapids celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in many ways on Saturday, from more than 10,000 revelers on Calder Plaza to area pubs and breweries. Browse the photos and video at Local Spins, along with a roster of some area taverns continuing the St. Patrick’s Day parties on Monday.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Winter Wheat Wonders: Wheatland puts Michigan stars in January spotlight
Saturday’s 10-band winter festival at The Intersection in Grand Rapids unfurled everything from bluegrass to soulful pop to Cajun and Celtic charm on Saturday. Check out the recap, photos and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Michigan Irish Music Festival, The Verve Pipe keep Michigan’s musical heat on
Celtic music fans flooded Muskegon’s Heritage Landing for the 25th anniversary of the Michigan Irish Music Fest on Thursday and Friday, while The Verve Pipe rocked Otsego’s Liquid Note. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Audio · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan Irish Music Festival set to showcase ‘stellar musicianship, diversity of acts’
The festival at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing celebrates its 25th anniversary starting Thursday with a host of international stars and regional favorites. The preview, schedule ad playlist at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
‘Let the Shenanigans Begin’: Irish on Ionia, Quinn & Tuite’s charm hordes of revelers
Thousands of merrymakers packed streets in downtown Grand Rapids for Michigan’s largest St. Patrick’s Day street party while others jammed into places such as Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub. Photos, videos at Local Spins.
St. Paddy’s Day Mania: Irish on Ionia throngs to Irish pub charm, it’s the Local Spins preview
St. Patrick’s Day revelry begins early this week and continues through the weekend across West Michigan. Get the lowdown on Irish on Ionia and performances at other watering holes in the region in this preview. We’ve got the details and party listings.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Moxie Strings closing 17-year run as high-energy string duo with Michigan shows
Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn say they’re ending their successful stint on “a complete high note,” playing for longtime Michigan fans in four cities. Get the back story on this talented duo, with details about their upcoming shows.
St. Patrick’s Shenanigans: Snowy Irish on Ionia in Grand Rapids draws throngs of revelers
Temps in the 20s, snow flurries and stiff breezes didn’t thwart thousands of attendees from packing the return of downtown’s Irish on Ionia, which also boasted chilly, jig-inciting sets by Celtic bands and DJs. View the photo gallery and video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s CrossBow: Injecting ‘whole new taste, new life’ into Celtic music
The band playing Irish on Ionia and Liquid Note Brewing on Saturday showcased its tunes for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by John Sanger, DL Rossi, Pop Evil, The Still Wonder, NLIIGHTiN, The Junky Swinger, Ohly, Weezil Malone and more. Learn more about CrossBow and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Irish on Ionia returns Saturday aiming to rev up downtown GR with ‘high-energy’ vibe
After a COVID hiatus, Michigan’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day street party roars back with Celtic bands and DJs. Get details and the performance schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
March Music Madness: Dropkick Murphys, May Erlewine, Sam Bush, Band Battle photo recap
Local Spins crisscrossed the state for this recap of national touring artists, regional stars, two fundraisers and a competition featuring emerging acts. The images from ten different shows at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Treading beyond Irish punk, Dropkick Murphys tap Woody Guthrie; play Grand Rapids Sunday
Celtic punk’s Dropkick Murphys bring their March sojourn — and labor union advocacy — to GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Sunday night. The interview and back story at Local Spins, along with recent band music videos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Toronto’s Enter the Haggis to uncork ‘rock with bagpipes’ in GR, Traverse City, Ann Arbor
With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, Local Spins chats with band guitarist Trevor Lewington about the Celtic rock group’s ‘high-energy’ tour that boasts three Michigan stops this week. Learn more about this unique band and watch their videos at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Muskegon Gets Celtic: Michigan Irish Music Festival returns with global and local stars
After a COVID interruption, the long-running Irish music spectacle kicks off tonight and runs through Sunday. Get the preview and festival map, playlist and videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Roundup: Irish revelry, Caroline Rose, Jon Langston, Whorled, Lokella, Laith Al-Saadi
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.
Gaelic Storm, Proxima Parada, Fake Baseball rev up Bell’s busiest week in two years
Launching a St. Patrick’s Day celebration a few weeks early, Gaelic Storm kicked up its heels Tuesday, followed by jam band Proxima Parada and Kalamazoo’s own Fake Baseball on Wednesday. Get the show recaps and view the photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Beaver Island Music Festival ‘absolutely stoked’ to rekindle northern Michigan celebration
The remote, cozy festival in northern Lake Michigan will feature a host of Michigan stars this weekend, including The Gasoline Gypsies, Hacky Turtles, Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps, The Founding and more. Learn more about this year’s event and watch videos of some of the featured bands at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Moxie Strings’ St. Patrick’s Day Playlist: From Ireland to Canada to West Michigan
For this week’s playlist, Local Spins asked Michigan’s The Moxie Strings to unfurl a Top 10 playlist of Celtic tracks to serve as a St. Patrick’s Day soundtrack for Wednesday’s upcoming celebrations. The selections span the globe. Plus, see where some of those St. Paddy’s parties are taking place.
Coronavirus closures leave musicians hanging out to dry on St. Patrick’s Day
A day normally filled with revelry and live music was eerily quiet Tuesday with bars closed across Michigan. And that means “the financial implications are huge” for musicians, especially Celtic music acts.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The Intersection, Founders to close for three weeks; more bands postpone tours
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to ban events drawing more than 250 people to stem the spread of the coronavirus has forced the closures, though smaller bars still plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Dozens of concerts have been canceled or postponed; the lowdown at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Festivals
Irish on Ionia delayed due to coronavirus concerns; concert venues fret about future
After Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recommended state residents avoid large gatherings, street party organizers postponed the event to summer. And concert venues are “feeling uneasy” amid this “uncharted territory.” Read more about the reaction to this pandemic at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (March 9-15): Irish on Ionia and Dermot Kennedy Postponed, Lauren Daigle, Killswitch Engage, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
St. Patrick’s Day revelry begins early, plus there’s Howard Jones, Of Montreal, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Fit for a King, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Robert Cray, Leigh Nash, Ajax Stacks and more. See all of this week’s live music picks, along with this week’s concert ticket giveaways.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Nov. 18-24): Third Eye Blind, Kris Allen, Spyro Gyra, Aaron Lewis, Chase Rice, Madeon, Wine Beer & Food Fest
From jazz to rock to funk to country, it’s a busy week that also features Ganja White Night, Moxie Strings, Unknown Hinson, Freekbass, Mark Lavengood, Peat in the Creel, the Diatribe’s Grand Showcase, Terry Lower Quartet and more. This week’s “Under-the-Radar” picks are special, too.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 9-15): The Head and The Heart, B-52s, EOTO, Michigan Irish Music Fest, Fallasburg Fest, Perrin Backyard Bash
The week also features Reverend Raven, Sebastian Bach, Patty PerShayla, Laith Al-Saadi, Langhorne Slim, Deerfield Run and Project 1’s first-ever Blue Bridge Amplified. Get the complete concert lowdown in this week’s Big List Concert Guide at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 5-11): Styx, CAKE, Sarah McLachlan, Jon Anderson, Cowpie Music Fest, Foreigner, Walk the Beat
The second week of August also boasts Beach House, JD McPherson, Bass Country, Low Cut Connie, Grasshoppah, Tommy Tutone, Farmfest, I Prevail, likemelikeyou, a John Prine Tribute, Sparta Celtic Fest and more. Plus, win tix to Tutone and Cowpie.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Celtic Joy: St. Patrick’s revelry at Irish on Ionia, Flanagan’s, Quinn & Tuite’s, One Trick Pony
St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Sunday gave folks an excuse to celebrate all things Irish all weekend long in Grand Rapids, with Saturday’s revelry filling downtown streets and several watering holes. Check out the photos and video at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan Irish Music Festival’s international flair paired with homey, family flavor
With the Celtic festival unfurling this weekend in Muskegon, Diana Ladio of Michigan’s The Moxie Strings offers up the Top 5 reasons to attend plus a Top 10 playlist of songs by festival performers.
Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Conklin Ceili Band revs up Irish spirit; set to play Sparta Celtic Fest: Local Spins Rewind
The West Michigan Celtic fave is part of a jam-packed festival this weekend. In spring 2017, prior to St. Patrick’s Day, they performed on Local Spins on WYCE, which also[…]
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Irish on Ionia fills streets, Papadosio packs new Elevation venue: Local Spins Photo Galleries
Two of St. Patrick’s Day’s biggest events in Grand Rapids drew euphoric crowds on Saturday. Ogle the images at Local Spins, along with photos and videos from other fan-pleasing West Michigan concerts, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, including Sunday night’s Walk off the Earth show at 20 Monroe Live.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Willeys keep their Celtic rock rolling three decades on: Local Spins on WYCE
The venerable Grand Rapids band brought its rootsy, seven-piece attack to this week’s radio show, which also boasted new tracks by Brian Koenigsknecht, DAYZ, The Crane Wives, Sleeping Timmy, Cousin Avery and more. Listen to the radio show podcast, watch the video of The Willeys performing in-studio.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 11-17): Of Montreal, Thomas Rhett, Harvest Gathering, Fallasburg Festival, Funtcase, The Verve Pipe, Greta Van Fleet, Alabama, Michigan Irish Music Fest
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.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven’s Music at the Museum series returns with Joe Pug, Scythian, Way Down Wanderers and more
The Red House Concert Series has announced the third season of concerts boasting a diverse lineup of national and regional acts playing the Grand Haven museum. See the full lineup at Local Spins. Season passes go on sale later this month.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Sparta Celtic Festival to host 8th celebration of Celtic music, food, culture and ‘smiles’
With more than 30 performances over the weekend, Sparta’s Rogers Park in northern Kent County will immerse festivalgoers in all things Celtic in what shapes up as the biggest festival yet. See the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Irish on Ionia draws thousands of green-clad revelers for annual St. Patrick’s Day street party (Photo Gallery)
Green Party, indeed. Saturday was a day for taking it to the streets in Grand Rapids for what was billed as the largest outdoor St. Paddy’s Day party in Michigan. Check out Local Spins images from the massive bash that is Irish on Ionia.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Pop Evil, Dropkick Murphys, Knee Deep Shag, Big Gigantic, Lettuce, Melophobix, Yolonda Lavender: Weekend Photo Galleries
Check out photo galleries and show recaps from a week of punk, funk, pop and more across West Michigan, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse images of national tour stops plus a Local Showcase and the Winter Beer Festival at Fifth Third Ballpark.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Buttermilk Jamboree switches to third weekend in June, ramps up 2017 lineup with Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Michigan acts
The roster for the seventh annual regional music festival at Circle Pines Center mixes national acts with local stars, and expands one of its stages. Check out the full lineups, get links to early-bird ticket sales and watch videos of some featured Buttermilk bands.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins Live · Videos
Michigan Album Reviews: Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, The Mainstays, Suzies, Nashon Holloway, Conrad Shock & The Noise
Rev up December in style — and get a headstart on your Christmas CD shopping — with this Local Spins round-up of local and regional releases, which also spotlights new CDs from Murder Party, Bet on Rats and Cousin Avery, along with audio samples from the bands.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Week-in-Review Photo Galleries: Brian Setzer, Broemel & Simonett, The Soil & The Sun, The Moxie Strings, Protomartyr, Zannies, Laith Al-Saadi
The weather has changed dramatically, so heat up with these hot images from another week of sizzling live music across West Michigan — from local gems to touring titans, from final flourishes to dynamic debuts.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Irish on Ionia uncorks early-spring revelry for one of Grand Rapids’ biggest street parties
From The Waxies and The Moxie Strings to DJs to Irish dancers regaling attendees, Irish on Ionia 2016 took advantage of stellar weather to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a couple days late but with real gusto. Check out the photo gallery by Local Spins photographer Anthony Norkus.
Irish on Ionia to paint the town green for Saturday St. Patrick’s Day bash in Grand Rapids
Expecting its biggest crowd ever, Irish on Ionia aims to welcome an estimated 20,000 costumed revelers for its sixth annual street party. And there are plenty o’ other Irish-themed gatherings, too. Check out the list of St. Patrick’s parties.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Charlie Darling set to cause an epidemic of musical individuality, plus new tracks by Bet on Rats, The Crane Wives: Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter also known as Samantha Andrade talked about being a ‘germ’ during her in-studio visit for Local Spins on WYCE, which also got Celtic, got punky and got folky with its lineup of regional tracks. Read the feature story, listen to the podcast and watch the video of Charlie Darling’s compelling in-studio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Paddy’s Cure pumps up St. Patrick’s Day charm with new studio album, Irish pub-styled camaraderie
Musical shenanigans abound as this West Michigan band releases its debut CD during a busy month of performances, with two shows Saturday in Holland. Read the Artist Spotlight feature, listen to the podcast and watch the video of the band’s in-studio radio performance.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jammie Awards vs. Grammy Awards: Why Grand Rapids’ Jammies are better and why the Grammys have lost their luster
Industry honchos descended on the Grammy Awards in L.A. this week, but the really big show for West Michigan music takes place Friday at The Intersection in Grand Rapids. And it’s no contest which is better. Check out the full schedule and a list of ‘acts to watch’ at the 2016 Jammies hosted by WYCE.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Jammie Awards show to feature sets by Big Dudee Roo, Lady Ace Boogie, Tunde Olaniran, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Lippies
Community radio station WYCE-FM’s 2016 mega-party at The Intersection on Feb. 19 will feature 23 bands on two stages, with Bigfoot Buffalo, The Waxies, Rick Chyme and many more in the mix. And singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles will be honored with a Legacy Award. See the entire lineup.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Fine Fine Titans, UV Hippo, Steel Wheels, Sweet Water Warblers, Fonn Mor, Hannah Rose, Vox Vidorra: Recap, photo galleries, video
From the lilting folk of Sweet Water Warblers and singer-songwriters at the Fall Flannel Folk Fest to the searing jam-band spectacle of UV Hippo, it was another groovy week to remember, captured in images at Local Spins. And check out the video from a hectic Saturday night: Five shows at five venues in less than two hours.
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