Commentary · Top 10 Lists · Videos
It’s time to tune in to what Michigan musicians were listening to in 2016. Local Spins asked a bunch of ’em from the Great Lakes State to choose the best music and concerts of the year. Their choices are intriguing to say the least. Check out the lists and listen to the music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The week included small and rousing shows (Roosevelt Diggs, Adrian+Meredith), revved-up capacity affairs (Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Crane Wives) and eclectic jam-band jams (Mungion, Dopapod, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong). Ogle all of the resplendent concert images in this week’s photo galleries.
Earthwork Music’s Seth Bernard and The Go Rounds’ Mike Savina recorded the lengthy track in October, with proceeds from digital sales donated to support the cause in North Dakota. Listen to the song and purchase it for download. And get details about two fund-raising shows by Desmond Jones and Mystic Dub.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will host a ‘really magical’ new concert series starting in January with Joshua Tree & Nate Eizenga, followed by Janga, Mishigami and Emma Loo & Sam. Get the lowdown about this unusual series in an unusual space at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Pop-rock’s The 1975 didn’t disappoint fans in the British band’s first West Michigan appearance. Plus, check out photos from the Kalamashoegazer festival, People’s Blues of Richmond, Bear Vs. Shark and Four Lincolns.
The uber-popular fall house show fest returns this weekend to “enrich” Eastown in Grand Rapids, but only in living rooms and an attic (not basements). Get the story, artist lineup and the full schedule of intimate shows at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The award-winning atmospheric folk-rock band from Grand Rapids called it “a difficult announcement,” but says it’s time to “close out this chapter.” Read the story at Local Spins and revisit a video from a recent in-studio performance.
The California DJ and producer unfurled the first of two straight sold-out Halloween weekend shows for a costume-bedecked throng of exuberant fans at DeltaPlex Arena. Check out the wild and resplendent photo gallery from Friday night’s show.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids dancer and former Big Dudee Roo member has relocated to Flint, but returns home for Friday’s Tunde Olaniran show at The Pyramid Scheme. Read the story about this artist’s stage journey.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Saturday’s day-long event at Grand Armory Brewing showcases musical talent, poetry and more. Learn more in the Local Spins on WYCE podcast with Ladyfest performers and the debut of new tracks by regional artists. And check out the full Ladyfest schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Labor Day weekend and the week leading up to it rolled out an eclectic mix of national and regional acts — captured in images at Local Spins, from Red Tail Ring, Keller Williams and UV Hippo in Kalamazoo to Gringo Star, Hannah Rose Graves, The Suzies and more in Grand Rapids.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids band performs tonight at SpeakEZ Lounge to promote its upcoming EP due this fall. Boy From School released a single in July and plan to release another song in coming weeks. Read the story about this up-and-coming indie-pop/rock group by Local Spins writer Adrianna Walker.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rain, a tornado and generally fickle weather couldn’t stop the rock, jazz, EDM and more from churning out across West Michigan on Saturday and throughout the week. Overall, it was another slate of big shows indoors and out, captured in images at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
This August batch of album reviews covers an eclectic mix of genres, including releases from Jeremy Ensley, Bill Ellingboe, KidsonFire and The Preservers. Check out these new releases by regional artists, with audio samples to boot.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids producer and multi-instrumentalist who hosts an album-release show Saturday performed during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music from The Legal Immigrants, Holloway, Melophobix, Silverstiles, Bradley Sinclair and more.
Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Those flocking to northern Michigan for film screenings at the festival founded by Michael Moore will also find numerous live performances indoors and out by dozens of West Michigan bands. See which bands are playing and get links to schedules.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
A hot week got hotter with JR JR playing Kalamazoo for the first time, Coffin Problem’s album debut, South Haven’s inaugural Rhythm on the River, northern MIchigan’s Dunesville and sizzling shows by Warren G, SuperDre, Lyle Lovett, The Outer Vibe, Bootstrap Boys, Josh Rose and The Piano Cottage Rocks. Ogle the resplendent photo galleries from a week of sultry musical magic.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Crowds grew during the day for Saturday sets by Haim, G-Eazy and West Michigan’s own Borns, who helped deliver ‘electric music solid walls of sound’ along the river. Browse the photo galleries from Mo Pop’s Day 1 at Local Spins.
Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
‘Better than I imagined,’ the Grand Haven native says of the ‘Electric Love’ he’s received from fans across the globe as he prepares to play his only Michigan show in Detroit this weekend. Local Spins revisits the Michigan-bred singer and rising star. Read the interview and check out the video from a live performance.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s in-studio radio guest performed two songs during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by I Believe in Julio, Norty, Watching for Foxes, May Erlewine and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of Plessner’s in-studio performance.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The first batch of mid-year reviews of new local and regional recordings also spotlights Emma Loo, Glass-House, Trash Hounds and Eric Engblade. Check out the reviews and listen to samples from the new albums.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The northern Michigan singer-songwriter calls on an all-star band for the inspiring, inventive recording and for Sunday’s album-release show at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre. He calls the project his response to “a defining time for humanity.” Read the story behind the recording, check out the album review and get details about his upcoming CD-release concerts.
Amid high temps and humidity, Kalamazoo’s favorite sons delivered blazing bluegrass jams in the blazing sun — part of a fitting Electric Forest finale that included The String Cheese Incident, GRiZ and more. Read the recap of Day 4 and browse the photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
As this year’s Electric Forest enters its third day in the woods and fields of Rothbury, Local Spins takes a look at the cycle of festival hoopla — from morning yoga and lounging in the sunshine to grooving in Sherwood Forest at midnight. Check out the day-and-night video and photo gallery by Ricky Olmos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
More than 40,000 festival-goers packed Double JJ Resort in Rothbury for the opening salvo of the hippie-driven, four-day affair. Read the first-day recap, browse the resplendent photo gallery and watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids soul-rock band kicks off the first-ever Sound of the City festival in Grand Rapids on Saturday, followed by regular touring across the Midwest. Read about Vox Vidorra’s growth as a popular West Michigan band and see Saturday’s full festival schedule of performances by regional acts.
Summer Festivals · Top 10 Lists
Summer festival season officially is here, so we’ve rounded up the most captivating musical celebrations in the Great Lakes State – some well-known, some off the beaten path, all worth exploring. And check out the under-the-radar picks, too.
Thousands of West Michigan performers will pack stages in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend. It’s a lot to soak in. So once again, Local Spins asks some well-known musicians and its staff of writers to pick “The Best of Fest.” Check out their diverse selections in this guide to Festival 2016.
Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The first-time festival at the Harris Building on June 25 will feature Vox Vidorra, The Legal Immigrants, Lady Ace Boogie, Ty Beat, Valentiger and more. Radi8er plans similar events in other cities, too. Read the details and see the full lineup for the Grand Rapids event.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Florida metalcore/pop-punk band provoked fan fervor the same week that saw lively West Michigan shows by Mustard Plug Hannah Rose Graves, Graffiti, Vetiver, Small Brown Bike and much more. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids electronic musician performed and discussed his growth as an artist as this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Michael Dause, The Soil & The Sun, Sligh and Silverstiles. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Led by multi-instrumentalist and singer Ryan Williams, the new Grand Rapids band rocked this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured the debut of tracks by Emma Loo, Graffiti, Darkly, The Eggtones and Downie. Listen to the podcast and check out a video of a song from the upcoming new album by The Change.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The bassist and guitarist for Grand Rapids’ Heaters and frequent contributor to Local Spins gets psychedelic, heavy, pop-hued, garagey, surfy and nostalgic with his roster of tunes for spring and summer jamming. See what he’s listening to and check out the Spotify playlist, too.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
It was a week of series debuts, CD-releases, homecomings, national tour stops and an anniversary party for Short’s Brewing, with Drew Nelson, GR Live, Protomen, Slumlord Radio, The Go Rounds and much more captured in images at Local Spins. Check out all the photos and mini-reviews.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The April 8 edition of the radio show also featured the debut of new tracks by Channing & Quinn, Nathan Kalish & The Lastcallers, Jeremy Ensley and Barbarossa Brothers and much more. Read the story about Bermudas and listen to the radio podcast.
Commentary · Guest Column · Upcoming shows
The DAAC is reopening its doors in Grand Rapids, three years after it was forced to move from S. Division Avenue. Musician John Hanson has felt the power of the all-ages arts collective, inspiring this guest column for Local Spins.
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.
The two-day event at West Ottawa High School boasts 28 bands, including familiar names American WiFi, Brother Adams, Olivia Mainville, Midwest Skies, Red Legs, Lipstick Jodi and a variety of emerging high school acts, all playing for a good cause. Check out the full, downloadable schedule.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
For Episode No. 77 of Local Spins on WYCE, members of Michigan super-group Public Access chatted about their new album and tour, plus new tracks from Alexander Lynch, The Lippies, Stovepipe Stover and plenty more. Listen to the full radio podcast.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
The February roundup of new local and regional albums boasts a resplendent mix, including punk, experimental rock, jazz, folk, rock, pop, Celtic music and more. Check out the reviews and listen to samples of the artists’ music.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Showcasing the diversity of West Michigan’s talent, WYCE’s annual awards show boasted a capacity crowd, more than two dozen dynamic performances and a host of happy prize winners. Check out the complete winners’ list and a photo gallery from Friday night’s revelry.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
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.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Go back stage with The Legal Immigrants, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish and Brother Adams as they played a West Michigan mini-tour. Plus, bluesman Bobby Rush & Joe Louis Walker, EDM’s Black Tiger Sex Machine, Lowdown Brass Band, Marianas Trench, Hollywood Makeout and more heat up this week’s Local Spins photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Once a member of Kalamazoo’s Funktion, Elk Rapids musician Jeremy Reisig spent years and thousands of dollars to perfect his one-man band act, Brotha James, and audiences love it. He plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday. Read the story about his journey and watch a video that displays his live-looping technique.
Getting folks “watching and talking about new music.” That’s the goal of Michigan artists — from Valentiger to The Bootstrap Boys to the Appleseed Collective — who’ve submitted video entries into this year’s Tiny Desk Concert contest sponsored by NPR. Read the back story and check out the video entries here.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE in-studio guests gave things some punk wallop in Studio X, plus new tracks from Public Access, Dede & The Dreamers, Miriam Pico, Blue Water Ramblers and much more. Read the story, listen to the radio podcast, check out the exclusive video of I Believe in Julio’s on-air performance.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor-based band with Traverse City roots plays Rockford Brewing this week after releasing an album that was recorded in basements, garages and bedrooms across Michigan. Read the feature story and check out Dede and The Dreamers’ distinctive music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
This week’s musical potpourri spanned every genre imaginable, with contributions from Willy Porter, Valentiger, Less Is More, Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza, Stovepipe Stover, Katy Needs a Band and others. They were all part of the photo roundup. Plus check out video highlights from an unusual edition of Music in the Stacks.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Guitarist, Dobro-meister and mandolinist Mark Lavengood brought his solo version of the Bluegrass Bonanza to Local Spins on WYCE, with Scott and Molly Schultz of Vox Vidorra adding soul to the radio show. Listen to the full radio podcast and check out the video at Local Spins.
The Grand Rapids area is becoming a mecca for music partly because its musicians relish backing each other in so many ways. And that bodes well for the future. Read the Local Spins commentary by editor and publisher John Sinkevics.
