Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Rings of Saturn gets Halloween week started, with Nobuntu, Blue Water Ramblers, Michigan-I-O, The Crane Wives, Andreas Kapsalis and some horrifically good Under-the-Radar Picks on tap, too. Check out all of this week’s live music selections at Local Spins.
Thursday night’s concert offerings in Grand Rapids boasted fan-pleasing shows by an acclaimed singer, a revered guitarist, and Colorado and U.K. indie-rock faves. Get the recap of this special Thursday at three different venues in recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The renowned prog-rock guitarist brings his ‘Genesis Revisited’ show to Grand Rapids this week, playing the entirety of ‘Selling England by the Pound’ plus his solo material. He spoke with Local Spins about the show and his career.
Commentary · Features · Playlists · Videos
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” in the United Kingdom. And because The Beatles are one of the most covered bands of all time, Local Spins has compiled a playlist of the best covers of songs from this classic album, from Aerosmith and Joe Cocker to Elliott Smith and Florence + The Machine. Check out the videos and listen to the songs on Spotify.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The ‘top secret’ project had 15 female vocalists gathering to record the Fleetwood Mac song at Third Coast Recording in Grand Haven earlier this week. Watch the video at Local Spins and see which artists were involved in this unusual project.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
From dream pop to piano-driven rock to prog-pop to metalcore mania to chart-topping classic rock, it was another rousing week of live music in the Grand Rapids area. Local Spins was there to recap the action in words, photos and video.
The iconic former frontman of Yes brought his national tour to 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids on Thursday to regale diehard prog-rock fans. and he didn’t disappoint. Check out the review by writer Ross Boissoneau, with photo gallery by Anthony Norkus.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The non-stop Styx — with a new album to add to its platinum-selling classics as it prepares to return to Meijer Gardens on Friday — chatted with Local Spins about the ‘artistic flair’ the band continues to flaunt. Read the Local Spins interview and watch videos of its live performances.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
With the iconic long-time lead singer for prog-rock’s Yes slated to play Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live on Thursday, Local Spins writer Ross Boissoneau interviewed Jon Anderson about his tour and hopes for one last Yes record.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s musical weekend featured some beloved icons (Lyle Lovett, The Temptations, Righteous Brothers) plus tour stops by Marcus Rezak, Sir Mix-a-Lot and Murder by Death. Peruse all of the colorful concert images at Local Spins.
Lynne and an impressive rock ensemble unfurled a high-tech spectacle Tuesday at Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena filled with nostalgic hits. Check out the Local Spins review of the show (which featured an opening set by Dhani Harrison) and browse the photo gallery.
The second big national concert at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium packed the riverfront venue with baby boomers who reveled in classic tracks ranging from “Amie” to “You Are the Woman” and more. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Friday night’s tour stop at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena showcased new songs, imaginative covers and classic fan favorites with the sisters of Heart once again proving their mettle in the spotlight. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
The sold-out baby boomer crowd at Meijer Gardens on Thursday cheered hits from the ’70s on a picturesque summer night. Read the review, browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Celebrate Independence Day with a Local Spins soundtrack for the holiday that’s all about freedom, in all its glory, with songs by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Neil Young to Tom Petty to Beyonce.
Returning to Meijer Gardens, the Steve Miller Band held off the rain Monday night with help from country star Marty Stuart — who joined Miller on stage — and blues guitarist Matt Andersen. Peruse the review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
With a jump in attendance from last year, Founders Fest 2019 drew thousands for a beer-propelled Grand Rapids street party with no shortage of dynamic sets by national and regional acts. Check out the review and recap at Local Spins, along with two photo galleries and three videos.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Seven Steps Up, Third Coast Recording and the city will launch a new summer concert series in the ‘spectacular’ riverfront stadium in July. Get the details at Local Spins, watch videos of the featured performers.
The latest rock biopic reflects the rise, fall and rise again of Elton John in a different and highly entertaining way. The Local Spins movie review by John Serba, with photos and the official trailer.
Veteran lighting designer Tom Kenny, the creative director for The Who on tour, shared behind-the-scenes details with Local Spins about the iconic band’s tour-opening show in Grand Rapids and relayed the group’s love for ‘the local orchestra.’
Backed by an orchestra featuring members of the Grand Rapids Symphony and other musicians, the iconic British band led by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey rocked a career-spanning set at Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. Read the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
With The Who rocking Grand Rapids tonight, longtime Who fan and Local Spins contributor Charley Honey wasn’t fooling around when he assembled this hard-hitting playlist of classic faves. As he’ll attest, even in their 70s, “The Kids Are Alright.” Warm up for the show by listening to these classic tracks.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
West Michigan’s jam-packed week of live music also features Hatebreed, Nora Jane Struthers, Perturbator, Frances Luke Accord, Phyre Fest and a Bob Dylan tribute. Peruse all of this week’s spotlighted concerts and the robust Under-the-Radar Picks. And see how you can win tickets to the Phyre Fest at 20 Monroe Live.
Check out a recap, photos and video of Saturday’s upbeat Record Store Day celebration at indie shops which hosted live music, DJs and more — including a robust parade down Bridge Street in Grand Rapids.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The northern Michigan venue will also boast tour stops by Lady Antebellum, Weird Al Yankovic, I’m With Her, Vince Gill, Joshua Davis and many more. See the full lineup at Local Spins. Tickets go on sale in late April.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Show announcements include the April return to Elevation of Jake’s Music Festival and the summer 2019 Picnic Pops lineup, featuring acts ranging from pianist Rich Ridenour to Nashville songwriters. Get the details and full lineups at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The three-day festival in mid-July will take place at Heritage Landing and also feature sets by Warrant and Jessie G. Tickets go on sale later this month.
Forty-five years after the band’s first West Michigan show, KISS brought its “End of the Road” tour to Van Andel Arena on Saturday, bidding a bombastic farewell to fans — many of whom dressed and spent accordingly for the occasion. The Local Spins review by John Serba with dazzling photos by Anthony Norkus.
Rock’s flamboyant blood-spitters make a ‘farewell’ tour stop at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Saturday. That means it’s time to unleash a John Serba playlist of KISS classics, the[…]
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Gungor kicks off the week in Holland, with Laith Al-Saadi, Michigander, Max Lockwood, That Beatles Thing, Mark Lavender, The Holy Warheads and more also featured on The Big List.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The “John Mellencamp Show” closed out the weekend, part of the Local Spins wrap-up of Grand Rapids concerts which includes everything from a video montage of an impressive Doors tribute to photo galleries of national tour stops by wildly popular artists, new and old.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s great weekend thaw was accompanied by face-melting shows covering rock in all its many forms from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Check out the photo galleries at Local Spins, including concerts starring local and national acts.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos
Saturday’s tribute to the late Grand Rapids rock icon overflowed at Eastern Avenue Hall with fans, stage jams and ‘positivity.’ Read the recap of this loving, standing-room-only event, browse the photos and watch the video.
The much-beloved Michigan rocker returned for yet another sold-out show Saturday at Van Andel Arena. But as he continues his ‘Final Tour,’ was this his last West Michigan soiree? The concert recap and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
Local Spins’ Top 10 countdown of 2018’s most-read stories continues with a review of The Eagles’ mid-March Van Andel Arena show when they replicated their classic songs with incredible precision. On this Christmas Day, revisit the review, photo gallery and set list in this Local Spins Rewind feature.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind
Our countdown of 2018’s most-read stories continues with this October review of the superstar rock band’s concert at Van Andel Arena with a controversial new lineup. See what the band’s Grand Rapids performance was like minus Lindsey Buckingham. a
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins today starts its countdown of the most-read stories of 2018, starting with a wild night of music that boasted capacity crowds in three Grand Rapids venues to close out 2017. Revisit the No. 10 story of the year, along with photos and videos.
Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band kicked off their “final tour” at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, once again regaling fans with his classic tunes on Thanksgiving Eve. And they’ll be back in January for what’s billed as a final, final Grand Rapids show. Michigan’s own The War and Treaty opened Wednesday’s concert. The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
West Michigan is special to Seger, who once again kicks off a tour here this week and returns for yet another show in January. Exactly 12 years ago, he staged his first concert in 10 years at Van Andel Arena. It’s all part of what’s cultivated a special connection with Grand Rapids fans.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
It’s a busy holiday stretch with a host of rock icons playing West Michigan this week, plus lively appearances by Desmond Jones, Hannah Rose Graves, The Soul Syndicate, The North 41 and much more. And see how you can win tickets to see Billy Strings.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Coheed & Cambria and Rising Appalachia get things started in a week that also features The Tallest Man on Earth, Lara Hope, Coldville, Lady Ace Boogie, Brotha James, Yonder Mountain String Band and much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to the big Wine Beer & Food Festival at DeVos Place.
Features · Movie Reviews · Videos
The band’s irrepressible, bombastic legacy gets short shrift treatment in this much-ballyhooed biopic, says movie critic John Serba, who wishes the film would have done more than stoke nostalgia. Check out the review and the official movie trailer.
Commentary · Photos · Videos
Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s biggest album, Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics took a nostalgic journey to Liverpool and London to evaluate The Beatles’ place in history. Check out this special column, photo gallery and videos.
Two nights before Halloween, the 70-year-old shock-rock pioneer brought his ever-entertaining, creepy rock show to DeVos Performance Hall. Check out the review by Troy Reimink and photo gallery by Anthony Norkus of Monday’s musical mayhem, along with a set list from the show.
The sold-out “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” concert at Van Andel Arena on Monday delivered what the piano-pounding rocker does best: dazzling keyboard work, terrific production and enduring songs. The review, photo gallery and set list from this historic show at Local Spins
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows
With Elton’s farewell tour stopping at Van Andel Arena Monday, Grand Rapids artist Mic Carlson, who’s seen the piano legend 30-plus times and featured him in countless paintings, lists his top EJ songs of all time. Listen to the songs on Spotify, watch the videos, check out a photo gallery of Carlson’s artwork.
The superstar classic rock band flaunted its new lineup in an intriguing, early-tour show at Van Andel Arena. Read the review and check out the set list from Monday night’s concert at Local Spins.
Kendall College of Art & Design student D. Cavinder won a contest to create a striking new lavish costume for the Rocket Man, who brings his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour to Van Andel Arena on Oct. 15. Check out all of the entries produced by 10 student designers.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
With piano rock legend Elton John kicking off a farewell tour that includes an October stop in Grand Rapids — and SpeakEZ hosting an Elton John tribute show — Local Spins picks 20 underplayed EJ gems. Listen to the playlist, watch the videos from a robust career.
Friday’s sold-out Meijer Gardens concert proved the instrumental and vocal mettle of the beloved prog-pop band. The show review and photos, exclusively at Local Spins.
