Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
This weekend recap of West Michigan’s live music ranges from the neoclassical zest of Detroit’s BLKBOK to the enduring fan favorites of Sublime and some psych-rock fervor — all covered in images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The wildly creative keyboardist who turns classical music on its ear plays Grand Rapids’ Midtown Thursday. Learn more about this Michigan phenom and watch a video at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
Local Spins’ countdown of its top stories of the year takes a sad turn today: We revisit the September column by drummer Bill Vits, who shared his life story just weeks before he died of cancer.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Orchestral power, indie-folk charm, country crooning, alluring electronic music, rock and pop zest and mummified funk: All on display this past week and recapped at Local Spins in resplendent images and words.
Commentary · In Memoriam · Videos
‘He made the world a better place.’ Grand Rapids drummer Bill Vits had a huge impact on musicians, fans and students. His death has sparked loving memorials to this local icon and Local Spins shares some of them with readers today.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With renowned jazz saxophonist Timothy McAllister joining GR Symphony this week, Local Spins asked the symphony president to reveal the music and artists who’ve impacted her most — including a band that’s driven by horns and saxophones.
GR Symphony opened its season with passion, a premiere and one of the final concerts for a beloved percussionist, on the same night that iconic songwriters held court for a new series in Forest Hills. The concert reviews and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Guest Column · Upcoming shows
Battling terminal cancer, beloved W. Michigan musician Bill Vits played his final concerts with Grand Rapids Symphony in September. Before he passed away on Oct. 19, he shared his remarkable story in his own words with Local Spins
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After laying down his violin 15 years ago, the celebrated Grand Rapids singer-songwriter will play a classical concert at St. Cecilia Music Center this weekend while also wrapping up work on a new EP. Learn the story behind the concert and watch a music video for the title track from his forthcoming release.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The first “Albums That Changed the World” feature for 2022 stars Full Cord bluegrass mandolinist Brian Oberlin, who reveals influences with an acoustic, bluegrass and classical bent. Check out his selections and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
On Saturday, Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Cameron Blake plays a special show at Listening Room. Today, he shares the recordings that most influenced him. Plus, win tickets to see him live.
A nearly 90-minute storm delay and venue evacuation didn’t entirely put a damper on the acts’ sunny outlooks, with Black Violin’s soaring strings and hip hop closing out an unpredictable evening, The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
The legendary and celebrated New Orleans act partnered with Grand Rapids Symphony on Sunday night for an upbeat mix of jazz and classical performed under clear skies and with perfect temps. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Symphony will join Preservation Hall Jazz Band on Sunday night, the first of three summer shows at the amphitheater that will feature the orchestra. Get the lowdown on this new collaboration and watch a video preview of the upcoming Meijer Gardens concert season.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The ultra-collaborative, award-winning Kalamazoo musician has long been fascinated by the cello and orchestral music — and, yes, hip hop. Today, he reveals the albums that shaped his career.
Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Despite some COVID obstacles, the summer of 2021 looks a lot different than 2020 when it comes to music events in northern Michigan. Local Spins previews some recently announced concert series in the region. Get details and view the lineups of this summer’s performers.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The historic Grand Rapids venue will kick off its 2021-22 season in October, aiming to bring back in-person shows after a long pandemic shutdown. Shawn Colvin, Leo Kottke also will return. But fans can expect to wear masks. View the full schedule at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau retires in May after three dozen years with the distinguished orchestra. Today, he reveals the albums that helped shape his career, from Stravinsky to CSNY. Check out the playlist, along with a track from Grand Rapids Symphony.
Concert announcements · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
The historic Grand Rapids venue will ‘keep music alive’ in 2021 by hosting a wide array of virtual shows starring Ralston Bowles, Michael Crittenden, Roger MacNaughton, Rachael & Dominic Davis and many others. Check out the lineup of upcoming concerts at Local Spins.
Features · In-Depth Report · Videos
The marathon pandemic has completely upended West Michigan arts groups, musicians and dancers, and hit them hard financially. But videos and other innovations are keeping them alive and keeping them connected to fans. Learn more about how these prominent cultural organizations are weathering the storm and see how you can help.
Features · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The renowned, international touring ensemble will play to a socially distanced audience in Manistee this weekend, with the show — sponsored by West Shore Community College — also live-streamed across the country. Learn more at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Grammy Award-winning stars from folk, country, jazz and classical music light up this special Tuesday playlist compiled by Cathy Holbrook, director of the historic Grand Rapids concert venue. Check out the songs, watch the videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
Tuesday’s kickoff to a driveway concert series is just one way West Michigan has returned to live music, with shows unfurling at parks, parking lots and farms. Check out photos and a recap of Tuesday’s concert, and see what other outdoor shows are on the horizon at Local Spins.
Commentary · Features · Videos
As leader of Grand Rapids’ Vintage Parlor Orchestra, Thomas Pike faces unique challenges in gathering his large ensemble for practices and performances while following new social-distancing rules. He explores the issues facing music groups in this Local Spins essay and provides some guidance in how bands can make it work.
This video roundup also features northern Michigan students performing an Andy Grammer classic and a peek at the first live concert in the Grand Rapids area in three months. Watch the videos, along with background information about the projects.
Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
Friday and Saturday’s online presentation at WOODTV.com will feature 100 videos by various Michigan performers, from orchestras to rock bands to dance groups. Learn more about this new venture by Festival of the Arts and find a link to the full schedule at Local Spins.
The second video in the Elevator a GoGo series features a Nashville Americana act. And Grand Rapids’ Vintage Parlor Orchestra used a garage as the setting for a unique performance video during the stay-at-home pandemic. Watch both distinctive videos at Local Spins.
The historic downtown Grand Rapids venue today announced a record-setting lineup of folk, jazz and chamber music concerts starting this fall. See the full lineup and details about the post-pandemic challenges facing venues such as St. Cecilia Music Center.
2018 GILMORE ARTIST IGOR LEVIT PERFORMS LIVE, TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2:00 PM EASTERN TIME 2018 Gilmore Artist Levit performs his planned repertoire from the 2020 Festival, an all-Beethoven program that[…]
2020 GILMORE YOUNG ARTIST MISHA GALANT STREAMS VIRTUALLY GILMORE PERFORMANCE, SATURDAY, MAY 2, 4:00 PM EASTERN TIME Misha Galant, one of two 2020 Gilmore Young Artists, presents a performance recorded[…]
2020 GILMORE YOUNG ARTIST MAXIM LANDO STREAMS VIRTUALLY GILMORE PERFORMANCE, SATURDAY APRIL 25, 4:00 PM EASTERN TIME Maxim Lando, one of two 2020 Gilmore Young Artists, presents a performance recorded[…]
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
From Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to northern Michigan, this round-up of new releases by Michigan artists delves into pop, jazz, folk, hard rock and even classical music. Soak up the reviews along with tracks from all of the featured artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Performing in breweries and non-traditional venues, the unusual West Michigan chamber orchestra is on a mission to reinvent the classical music concert experience. The back story at Local Spins, with videos. The Vintage Parlor Orchestra plays Listening Room in Grand Rapids on Sunday.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Grammy-nominated band of virtuosos made a tour stop Wednesday at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, impressing a small but approving crowd. They play Petoskey, Interlochen and Ann Arbor next. Peruse the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Features · Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Venue Spotlight
On Thursday night, Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center kicks off its folk series with country and Americana singer Lee Ann Womack. Listen to the podcast with venue honcho Cathy Holbrook to learn why St. Cecilia stands out as a concert hall and discover the journey that led her to the helm of this organization.
With help of a grant, GVSU’s nationally acclaimed contemporary classical group – which has performed the music at National Parks across the country — will release the CD in April. The story, video and photo gallery at Local Spins.
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 · Upcoming shows
The upcoming year boasts some live music in non-traditional venues – namely museums – to help get you through the winter, with Fiona Dickinson kicking off 2019’s Concerts Under the Stars series, May Erlewine and Crystal Bowersox playing Grand Haven’s Music at the Museum and more. Here’s a look at a few of them with schedules to help you make your plans for early 2019.
The power pop pianist and former Schuss Mountain “Schussy Cat” was joined by the Grand Rapids Symphony and conductor Jacomo Bairos for “Rock this Bitch,” “Effington” and more, regaling 2,500 strong on a gorgeous summer night at the ski area. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Friday’s special season-ending concert at Cannonsburg Ski Area will boast a Grand Rapids Symphony collaboration starring the boundary-pushing power pop pianist and a rising classical music star. Read the Local Spins interview with Jacomo Bairos and check out videos of both featured performers.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Beaver Island follows up its music festival with the nine-day Baroque on Beaver series, a quaint, mostly classical music-oriented affair starring guitarist Matthew Cochran, pianist Kevin Cole and much more. Learn more about this fascinating music series at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
‘A great place to share peace and love and spread music’: An apropos theme for the opening day of a revamped Festival of the Arts 2018 in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the Local Spins story, photo gallery and some video highlights from the first day’s performances.
Concert announcements · Kalamazoo · Summer Concerts
Local Spins’ latest round-up of free community concert series across West Michigan puts the spotlight on outdoor shows in the Kalamazoo area. Take a gander at the diverse band lineups, then grab a lawn chair and go.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Milk Carton Kids have been added to the lineup at Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia, which previously announced its upcoming jazz and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center concerts as well as the first Acoustic Café show for next season. Get the lowdown on all of the upcoming shows at Local Spins and listen to new music from The Lone Bellow.
Dedicated last week, the ‘completely transformed’ hall is part of an $8.5 million renovation of the Grand Rapids college’s music center, giving students and musicians an acoustically fetching performance space. Get the back story about this project in this Local Spins Q&A.
The Landslide tribute show as part of the GR Pops series kicked off Friday and continues Saturday and Sunday at DeVos Performance Hall. Get the recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
The ‘Mozart of the guitar’ kicks off a U.S. tour in West Michigan this week, unfurling uncategorizable music and subtle virtuosity along the way. Read the Local Spins interview with Pierre Bensusan and get details about this week’s concerts.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Beach Boys, a “Women Rock” Picnic Pops tribute, Mike Mains, Farm Block Fest and The Menzingers also fire up the week. And check out the splendid Under-the-Radar Picks.
Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center today announced its jazz, folk and chamber music series for 2017-18, and it’s a who’s who roster of award-winning musicians. See the full schedule of concerts at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Music on Campus · Top 10 Lists
The new rankings by MusicSchoolCentral.com cited Kalamazoo for its ‘artistic intrigue, hip music scene’ and top-notch jazz program. See the entire list of top schools.
