Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
The busy northern Michigan artist just released a new album, with plans for another release later this year. Local Spins catches up with country/roots rocker Drew Hale in today’s profile and showcases some of his latest tracks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
This weekend’s photo roundup of West Michigan concerts zeroes in on a Grammy-nominated star, an emerging country artist, tributes to ABBA and The Beatles, and three compelling female singer-songwriters. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
It was a spectacle. For Friday’s Grand Rapids tour stop on his ‘Gather Again’ tour, country star Eric Church uncorked his mix of ‘Country Music Jesus,’ ‘That’s Damn Rock & Roll’ and ‘Smoke a Little Smoke’ for enthused fans. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The 21-year-old blues-rock phenom from Albion boasts a more mature sound on tracks featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted songs by Les Creatif, Au Gres, Fake Baseball, Y-Not, DL Rossi, Travis Atkinson, Emma Bieniewicz and more.
The end of 2021 and beginning of 2022 have seen an avalanche of new music by acts from the Great Lakes State. Here are eight must-see videos from some of those releases, including La Furia Del Ritmo, DL Rossi, Grace Theisen, Katie Pederson, Prior Noon and Greensky Bluegrass.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
January has been quieter than usual on the live music front due to continued COVID concerns, but some national and local shows fired up area stages on a chilly weekend. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Welcome to the first album review roundup of 2022, with a half-dozen new releases by West Michigan artists encompassing rock, country, electronic music, folk, pop and more. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
January’s roundup covers a lot of territory, from a weekend competition to the return of a Hudsonville fundraiser to news about a Michigan tour stop for The Eagles. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins not only debuted new regional music and recapped 2021 highlights Friday, but guest-hosted Thursday’s “GR Live” for WYCE with Lexi Adams and Lucy Lowis. Listen to the podcasts today at Local Spins and browse a photo gallery from The Bootstrap Boys’ EP-release show earlier this week.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Get an eyeful with these photo galleries recapping a weekend of music from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, from touring stars to local favorites such as Hannah Laine, Patty PerShayla, Lokella, Hollow Front, Nathan Walton and The Insiders. Browse the photos from more than a half-dozen area shows.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Some compelling albums across a wide spectrum have inspired Grand Rapids singer Hannah Rose Graves, who also reveals her current penchant for Nashville darling Margo Price. Listen to tracks from her picks, as well as songs by Graves herself.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The band led by Boyne City’s Mark Blaauw-Hara spotlighted tracks from its debut album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by The Wire Monkeys, Saajtak, Roots Asylum and more. Learn more about The Lonely Lovers and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Three new releases by Grand Rapids artists made a splash on the November chart at WYCE, with Heerspink’s jazz-fueled “Monsters’ Impromptu” swapping places with Billy Strings. View the chart, listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series focusing on records that most influenced Michigan musicians continues with Desmond Jones drummer/multi-instrumentalist John Nowak, who explores a diverse roster of artists. Get the back story, listen to the music — plus a couple of tracks from Desmond Jones, which plays a Thanksgiving Eve show in Grand Rapids..
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The festival presented by The Ark is back again as an in-person event for 2022, with Punch Brothers and the Michigan-bred Sweet Water Warblers also on the bill. See the full lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Americana icon regaled fans at St. Cecilia Music Center amid a week filled with varied musical spectacles at West Michigan venues. Browse all the photo galleries at Local Spins, from Jinjer to Zach Bryan to Dixon’s Violin to Major Murphy and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids jam band with a big upcoming Thanksgiving Eve show went acoustic for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Lucy Lowis, Aquaerials, Lexi Adams, Allie Fennema and more. The back story, radio show podcast and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter plays Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Friday night, touring behind a highly praised new studio album. The Local Spins interview.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
This mid-October roundup of new Michigan releases covers artists from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Traverse City, including instrumental projects and a compelling collection inspired by loss. Browse the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
In many ways, the weekend reflected a pre-pandemic flurry of live music with some rousing national tours and a sold-out, triumphant Sunday night return of a Grand Rapids native and budding star. A review and recaps in 10 photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The frontman for The Hacky Turtles tilts toward country as Hutch Green, spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Kari Lynch, Lazy Genius, Odd Space, Adam Main and more. Learn more about Hutch Green and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Features · Playlists · Uncategorized · Upcoming shows
The acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist plays Grand Rapids’ Listening Room on Saturday as he returns to the road. The Local Spins interview, plus see how you can win tickets to the show.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s weekend of live music had a rootsy, country and folk-flavored charm, with a couple of national tour stops and a new open-mic night at a high-profile venue. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Fresh releases from Austin Benzing, Bermuda Teenager and Opulent Ardor round out this early October collection of albums and EPs. Browse the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the recordings by West Michigan artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
This week’s edition of “Albums That Changed the World” reveals the recordings that forever influenced young Michigan guitarist Jake Kershaw. Check out his picks and bend an ear to all of the recordings, along with a couple of Kershaw’s recent singles.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The co-leader of Benzing-Graves Collective drops his solo debut next week. He was featured this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Bradley Sinclair, Syd Burnham, Lady Ace Boogie, Phabies and more. Learn more about Benzing and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
The ’80s rock band’s first-ever show at the amphitheater felt like a race to reviewer Lorilee Craker, but the capacity crowd did get to hear some fan favorites. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
After taking 2020 off due to COVID, Saturday’s afternoon event will boast performances by 46 bands in ‘some pretty unconventional places.’ Get the preview and schedule at Local Spins.
The final night of the legendary acts’ August joint touring run enchanted a sold-out crowd Sunday at Meijer Gardens. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
On the heels of releasing two new singles, the band was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured new tracks by Phabies, Mannhattan, Superfluiid,Michigan Rattlers and more. Get the back story on Paradise Outlaw and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
Female artists, not surprisingly, have had a big impact on the music of country singer Kari Lynch. Today, she reveals the albums that influenced her most, along with a current favorite band on her playlist. Plus, listen to a track from her band’s latest release.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
The frontman for West Michigan’s popular Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys reveals the rootsy, blue-collar gems that have influenced him the most, from Johnny Cash to Bruce Springsteen. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins celebrates the first day of summer and Father’s Day with a photo gallery of live music that heated up outdoor stages in Lowell, Grand Rapids, Three Rivers, Jackson and Rockford. Browse the images and a video from these concerts.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With chart-topping success for music from Lord Huron’s latest album, frontman Ben Schneider today reveals the recordings that have inspired him the most, from hip hop to vintage country to “shining” art rock. View his picks and listen to tracks from the albums at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
It was the first big week of live music in the great outdoors across West Michigan with nightly offerings of regional stars from Kalamazoo to Allegan to Grand Rapids to Rockford. Relive the performances in images and a highlights video at Local Spins.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The Alpine Township farm hosts regular shows, including band performances on a stage built to deliver a unique concert experience for musicians and fans. The back story about this unusual concert venue, with photos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The new West Michigan super-group of multi-instrumentalists debuted two songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured tracks by EPCYA, Sherdizzil, Laura Rain, The Accidentals, Ally Evenson, Lord Huron, ttypes, .Shi, Keeynote and more. Check out the profile of King Possum — who play Tip Top Deluxe on Saturday night — and listen this week’s complete radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band premiered a new single for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by DJ Blaze, Medicinal Groove, Dawning, Emma A. Ward, WOOTS, Biomassive and more. Get an update on The Bootstrap Boys and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
More than 200 free concerts have been added to the lineups of Michigan communities hosting shows by local and regional artists. View all of the schedules at Local Spins.
Friday night’s inaugural show at the baseball stadium on Grand Rapids’ West Side drew more than 100 people who soaked up the live music and unique outdoor atmosphere. The concert roundup and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Welcome to Grand Rapids’ newest outdoor “amphitheater,” namely the historic West Side baseball stadium that will host an outdoor concert Friday night. Get details at Local Spins and see what The Hacky Turtles have in store for fans in their first concert in nearly 18 months.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
More communities across West Michigan are re-entering the concert fray after a year that silenced live music due to COVID. View the schedules, from Monday night jazz at Walker’s Millennium Park Meadows to weekend rock and blues in several outdoor hot spots.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Regional stars The Bootstrap Boys, Patty PerShayla, Molly, Last Gasp Collective, Cabildo and more will perform outdoors at the Grand Rapids nature center starting in June. View the full schedule at Local Spins.
Audio · Features · Playlists · Videos
On what’s become an annual holiday for many, today’s special playlist from Agri-Med and Local Spins reveals the most popular cannabis-inspired tunes as chosen by readers in our 4/20 contest. Peruse the diverse 20+4 list and see which four readers won smoking-cool gift packs.
In-Depth Report · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Amid capacity restrictions and limited ticket sales, bands and solo artists must adjust to an altered financial landscape as live music returns. Local Spins presents an in-depth report on the impact the pandemic has had on musicians’ livelihood.
Announcements · Contests · Features · Videos
West Michigan’s Agri-Med & Local Spins announce a contest asking readers for their favorite pot-flavored tunes to be revealed in a playlist on April 20. Plus, we feature several local artists who’ve paid tribute to marijuana in song and video.
Concert reviews · In Memoriam · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
One year ago — before the pandemic erupted — West Michigan not only cheered a tour stop by mandolin whiz Chris Thile but mourned the unexpected death of beloved local musician Eric Soules. Local Spins revisits both events in today’s ‘Rewind’ feature.
Concert reviews · Live-Stream Concerts
Friday and Saturday’s unprecedented online benefit for The Ark boasted a record number of performances by local and international musical heroes who offered up 11 hours of intimate, touching sets. The review at Local Spins. The festival continues with a special John Prine tribute tonight.
After a brutal, COVID-impaired 2020, music fans need to step up if regional artists are to survive. In this guest column, Grand Rapids musician Justin ‘Stovepipe’ Stover explains why buying music, not just streaming for free, is imperative.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
As Christmas approaches, the folks at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena assembled this holiday-hued soundtrack featuring some of the top artists who’ve played the venue or are slated to play it in 2021. Get into the spirit of things with this Top 10 playlist.
