Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Festivals
After being staged over two weekends in recent years, the popular festival in Rothbury, Michigan, will be held the last weekend in June only, with wristbands on sale in early December. One fan called it a “bummer.” Learn more about the festival’s plan at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Harry Connick Jr. launches a week that also features San Holo, The Midnight Hour, Rodney Atkins, Marcus King Band, The Hill People, Weezil Malone and much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Bishop Briggs.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
This week’s West Michigan photo roundup covered the gamut, from national tour stops by acts such as Turkuaz and Andy Frasco to rousing local shows featuring Roosevelt Diggs, Lower Leisure Class and much more.
Guest Column · Playlists · Videos
Local Spins columnist and DJ Todd Ernst first met — and was transfixed by — Thievery Corporation more than two decades ago. With the band playing Grand Rapids this weekend, he retraces his journey as a Thievery Corporation fan.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
John Medeski’s Mad Skillet kicks off a week that includes Kalamashoegazer and album-release shows by Roosevelt Diggs, Frederic & Ronza, Lower Leisure Class and Valley Girl, plus tributes to Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, Phish, Frank Sinatra and more. And see how you can win tickets to see Lecrae.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
After relocating from Detroit to Grand Rapids, this band of brothers released a new single the same day Brother Elsey made its debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Saltbreaker, Jake Simmons, Alyssa Wettlaufer and more. Listen to the podcast, watch Brother Elsey’s official new video.
The Earthwork Music artists based in Toledo generated a buzz and lots of WYCE radio airplay for their latest collaborative project. See who else made the Local Spins Hot Top 5 for October and listen to music from all of the charted artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids duo created its vibrant new recording at Detroit’s Assemble Sound and will bid farewell to fans at a star-studded Saturday release party. Get the back story at Local Spins and see what the future may hold for these musicians.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
On his farewell tour, Elton John kicks off a week that also features AOK, The Main Squeeze, Harry Lucas, Fiesta Caribena, Jack Russel’s Great White, Indie Fest 18, Dave Bruzza, Monty Alexander and more. And check The Big List to see how you can win free tickets to one of four different Intersection shows this week or to see Alexander at Fountain Street Church.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Cabildo, Last Gasp Collective, Tom Hymn, Breathe Owl Breathe and more pump up the festival bill in early November, but the big news is it’s no longer a house concert event. Find out why organizers have changed things up and see the full festival lineup at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The weekend brought country, rock, blues, hip hop, alt-rock, electronic music and more to West Michigan, captured as usual in Local Spins photo galleries and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a Grand Rapids tour stop at Wealthy Theatre tonight, the guitarist performed in-studio on this week’s radio show, which also debuted new tracks by several Michigan artists, including The Blueflowers, Lexi Schaub, Charlie Walmsley, Carrie McFerrin and more.
Detroit producer Matt Black’s fetching, trippy release swapped top spots at WYCE-FM with Albion’s The War & Treaty. Check out the rest of the Top 5; listen to music from all of the artists on the September chart.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The first week in October also brings the Sacred Vibrations fest, Pulaski Days, Red Flannel Days, Bill Laurance, Public Access, Field Report’s Chris Porterfield, Gorgeous Oranges & more. And win tickets to see The Motet or Lettuce. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s live music picks at Local Spins.
Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Festival season didn’t slow down for fall as Local Spins’ weekend photo galleries prove, along with some fun indoor shows like Blue October, Butch Walker, Margaret Glaspy and Mustard Plug. Recap another active week in music. Browse the images, watch the videos exclusively at Local Spins.
Matt Johnson, one half of the popular indie-pop duo Matt and Kim, spoke recently to Local Spins about the band’s 14-year-long career, returning to the road after Kim’s onstage injury, and the ‘slow burn’ success of the song “Daylight.”
The Albion duo of Michael and Tanya Trotter — The War and Treaty — has impressed critics with its new album, which led the way on a chart that also featured four more new entries, including Peace to Mateo and Joshua Davis. Listen to tracks from all five releases.
The September Local Spins segment spotlighted new releases from a veteran, in-demand singer, an electronic music duo and an emerging indie-rock/pop band. Listen to the “Stateside’ podcast with new songs from Jen Sygit, Pink Sky and Tiger and Frame.
The second-year festival at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park wrapped up late Saturday night with a rousing set by Khalid, following a day of electronic music and hip hop. Relive it in Local Spins photos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The first day of the second-year music festival brought bigger crowds and bigger names to Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park, with another robust lineup unfurling Saturday. Check out the review, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.
Guest Column · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
In this ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ column, DJ/electronic music devotee Todd Ernst lists his Top 5 reasons for attending this weekend’s music fest in Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park — from the performers to the quality of the production. See the full schedule and a playlist, too.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
We Banjo 3, Cole Swindell, Shoreline Jazz Fest, Holler Fest, Pink Sky, Benjaman James, The Rockit King, The Accidentals, Hop Along, Insane Theatre, Earth Radio and more fill out the week. Get the complete concert lowdown at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
It was another lively week of concerts across West Michigan, with country courtesy of Kip Moore and others, hard and soft rock, electro-pop and the music of tomorrow’s stars just part of the story. Ogle the photo galleries at Local Spins.
The Grand Rapids indie-rock/pop band has attracted attention local and nationally. Check out the full chart for July which boasts a whole new roster of releases and sample music from the Top 5 artists.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The first day of the music festival in Detroit’s West Riverfront Park boasted summer sun, thousands of attendees and a diverse mix of acts, closing with the enigmatic and powerful Bon Iver. Check out the Day 1 recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
The electronic music duo capitalizes on the buzz about its upcoming new release with impressive airplay on WYCE, with Brad Fritcher’s MOODS making its chart debut, too. Fritcher plays a farewell show at SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night. Check out the Hot Top 5 and listen to songs from each of the featured artists.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Two weekends of musical marvels in the woods of Rothbury, Michigan, came to a close last weekend. Relive some of the highlights in Local Spins photos and a video, with links to Electric Forest coverage here and elsewhere.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
From the wild, fan-involving antics of Andy Frasco to the throbbing beats of Green Velvet and Keys N Krates to the lengthy jams of host String Cheese, it was a memorable opening day and night in Rothbury. Browse the photo gallery, take a video tour of Electric Forest as it morphs from day to night and check out the list of top Local Spins highlights from Day 1.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, Lanco, Shawn Mullins, Rebirth Brass Band, Priests and Tip Top Deluxe’s seventh anniversary show are all part of this week’s live music lineup. Check out all of the West Michigan concert picks, including Langhorne Slim with The Accidentals and Roosevelt Diggs at St. Cecilia Music Center.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Summer Concerts
The Thursday night series on the Grand Rapids Art Museum terrace boasts seven weeks of performances by Michigan stars, including Yolonda Lavender, Organissimo, Fauxgrass, Earth Radio and others. See the full schedule at Local Spins and check out a Spotify playlist of songs from GRAM on the Green artists.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Summer festival season is in full gear, plus there are riveting shows this week featuring Reverend Horton Heat, Trevor Hall, Davina & The Vagabonds (this week’s Local Spins ticket giveaway), some terrific local music showcases and the kickoff of several outdoor concert series. Get the lowdown on this week’s West Michigan concerts, plus some tantalizing Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins’ photo recap of the week in music also features Brena at the summer’s first Garage Bar Block Party, Kalamazoo’s Pride celebration, Jack Droppers and Nathan Kalish at SpeakEZ Lounge, Brian Koenigsknecht and Mark Lavengood at Old Dog Tavern and much more. Browse 10 colorful photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Tied up or out of town for Memorial Day weekend? Here’s a recap of some musical magic you may have missed, courtesy of Local Spins and media outlets elsewhere across Michigan. Check out links to coverage of Movement, Bled Fest and more.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
A London-based website has ranked the colorful Michigan festival — which spans two weekends in late June — right alongside SXSW and Burning Man as ‘incredible.’ Check out the news at Local Spins, along with links to coverage of last year’s Electric Forest.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The all-day free event outside Cedar Springs this weekend boasts an eclectic lineup of young and experienced Michigan acts. See the full schedule and get details at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Holland’s Tulip Time kicks May into full gear but there’s plenty more music on the docket: Lipstick Jodi, Coffin Problem, Rebecca Loebe, Hank Mowery, Marc Scibilia and a John Prine Tribute, plus win tix to see Chris Lane or Rival Sons. See all of this week’s music picks at Local Spins, plus some intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks and a look ahead to shows later this month.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The three-day Skitchin’ Fest of punk fury, Bimini Brothers’ 35th anniversary spectacle, tour stops by Lindsay Lou and Michigander, and the wild Bass Country electronic music show powered up a weekend of live music in Grand Rapids, captured in images at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
In the festival’s second year at Belknap Park, the two-day event will spotlight R&B’s Khalid and electronic music’s Odesza, plus Flosstradamus, Jaden Smith, Borgeous and more. See the initial lineup and ticket information at Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
It was a storm of eclectic shows: The Accidentals, Ministry, Julien Baker, Kevin Jones Quintet, Asleep at the Wheel, John Sebastian, Go Rounds, Wailin’ Jennys, Tauk, Mustard Plug and more in Local Spins images.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Revel in benefits starring The Accidentals, Soul Syndicate and Jimmie Stagger plus shows by John Sebastian, Three Dog Night, Brian Culbertson, Willamena, Kevin Jones Quintet, Mustard Plug and a special Grand Rapids Film Festival screening. Check out this week’s live music picks, a full roster of shows on the REALLY Big List, and see how you can win tickets to see The Go Rounds.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
April also heats up across West Michigan with Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Wild Child, We Came as Romans, Kayzo, Olin Clark and more. Check out this week’s live music picks for the region — including Saturday’s Starkbierfest — and see how you can win tickets to Jake’s Music Festival at Elevation in Grand Rapids on Friday,
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
These week-in-review photo galleries recap West Michigan appearances by electronic music, jam band and heavy metal stars along with a boatload of regional acts performing from Grand Rapids to Lansing to Kalamazoo. Check out all of the resplendent images at Local Spins.
The North Carolina electro-pop duo’s return to Grand Rapids was full of catchy material that inspired the young capacity crowd to heat up the dance floor. Relive the evening of music in the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
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.
Breaking music news · Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos
The first big show in the basement-level Elevation at The Intersection takes place Saturday, with plenty more concerts and events to come. Read about the new venues, check out a photo gallery and take a video tour.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Celtic music, of course, can be found everywhere across West Michigan, but there’s also much more: Heaters, Kyle Cook, Nathan Kalish, Protomartyr, Trixy Tang, The Willeys, the christening of a new music venue and a Cowpie Music Festival band battle. Get the complete lowdown on live music via The Big List and see how you can win tickets to Irish on Ionia.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Peer into the rearview mirror at a week of eye-pleasing shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore, captured in resplendent images by Local Spins photographers.
Festivals · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Dozens of Michigan acts – from The Accidentals to Seth Bernard to Tunde Olaniran to Oliver Houston – are headed to Texas to strut their stuff, with Michigan House set to showcase Great Lakes State music, expertise and more. Read about the impact they’re hoping to make and see a list of bands who will be performing in Austin next week.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The “Million Dollar Quartet,” Hope College Jazz Organ Summit, Cosmic Knot, Newtown, Sons of F.U.N.K., The Steel Wheels, Peat in the Creel, The Ganders and much more fill out this week’s music picks. And win tickets to see Motionless in White.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Starting with A Day to Remember, it was a week to remember for West Michigan’s concert scene from touring stars to local faves, showcased in several photo galleries at Local Spins.
