KDL Vibes streaming service invites West Michigan bands to submit music
For the third time, the special Kent District Library streaming platform will accept music submissions from local and regional artists. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Tagged: folk
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
Indigo Girls, Fastball, Soccer Mommy, Soul Rebels to heat up GR’s Listening Lawn series
Staged at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids, the eight-show outdoor series kicks off with Tank & The Bangas on July 12 and also features local faves The Crane Wives and The Verve Pipe. Get the full schedule at Local Spins.
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Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kate Hinote Trio’s beautiful, weird, dark alternative folk to make Grand Rapids debut
The Detroit-area band playing SpeakEZ on Wednesday was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Jesse Cline, Silverstiles, Chance Jones, Tess Clark, Letrick Olson, Pink Sky, Emma Bieniewicz and more. Learn more about the Kate Hinote Trio and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
City and Colour, Troll for Trout, Cadillac Three & More: Week-in-Review Concert Photos
The week had plenty to offer live music fans, from national touring acts to milestone shows featuring regional bands. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins, including images from appearances by Kolby Cooper, Organissimo, Kait Rose, Ringo Deathstarr, Tambourina and the Bass Country electronic music bash.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Troll for Trout takes folk-rock fans down ‘North Downriver Road’ for new double-album
Thirteen years after its last original release, the West Michigan band is back with new music. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted tracks by Max Lockwood, American Restless, Jim Alfredson, Jeff Socia, Jeff Karoub, Michigander, Silver Creek Revival and more. Get the back story on Troll for Trout and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Night of Heavenly Voices: The Lone Bellow and Lindsay Lou cast spell at St. Cecilia
It was a night of captivating vocals in Grand Rapids on Thursday, as well as heartfelt stories and inspiring songs. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lindsay Lou: Loving harmonies, energetic late-night jams and celebratory spaces
Michigan-bred singer and songwriter Lindsay Lou opens for The Lone Bellow at St. Cecilia Music Center tonight (Thursday). Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos checks in with the talented, Nashville-based artist.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Michigan Festival Fervor: Lineups for Tie Dye, Porcupine Mountains, Jackson Blues and more
The flurry of summer music festival news continues, with Michigan boasting celebrations covering everything from metal to folk to blues to jazz and more. Details at Local Spins with links to Phil Denny’s Jazz Fete, Battle Creek Caribbean Festival, Battle Creek Music Fest, Smiling Acres, Local Spins Fest and more.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Live Music Romps: Alice Cooper, Bootstrap Boys, Keller Williams, Sponge & more
From a homecoming show for alt-country’s Michelle Billingsley to a “Candlelight Concert” tribute to Taylor Swift to a school shootings vigil, West Michigan’s live music covered a lot of bases. Browse all of the photo galleries of the concert action and view a video at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Pop Evil, Loren Johnson, Mike Ward, Sunny Bleau, Folias Duo and more
New releases from Michigan artists Cody Robert DeWindt, Story Cafe and Adam Main are also part of this Local Spins roundup of reviews. Check out Local Spins takes and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Eight Years After ‘The Voice’: Joshua Davis still writing, still performing, still grateful
The Traverse City singer-songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday with his all-star band. Local Spins checks in with Joshua Davis — and his life several years removed from national TV prominence. An insightful Q&A with a Michigan institution.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Chicago to The Verve Pipe to Blood Sweat & Tears: Northern Michigan’s summer buffet
From Michigander to NEEDTOBREATHE to Girl Named Tom, two Petoskey venues boast robust summer series for 2023. Plus, check out other unique performance spaces in northern Michigan that make the picturesque region even more of a draw in summer. Get the lineups at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Sam Bush, Ruthie Foster, Lúnasa lead charge in Wheatland 2023 festival lineup
The 50th anniversary celebration taking place in early September will also feature Tuba Skinny, The Onlies and an impressive roster of Michigan acts. View the full lineup and other details at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Earthwork Music tour of Michigan to uncork ‘beautiful’ and ‘uniquely different’ showcases
Kicking off next week, the 18-artist tour hits five Michigan cities, spotlighting Mitten State talent. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted music by Greta Van Fleet, Rahill, Rockit King, Adaboy, G-Hollow, The Wire Monkeys & more.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
Detroit tunesmith Mike Ward traces love’s unexpected trajectory on ‘Love Never Rests’
The veteran artist (aka, ‘Psychosongs’) officially releases his new album Friday, with upcoming release shows in Ferndale, Clarkston and Grand Rapids. Local Spins has an exclusive song premiere, with information about his upcoming performances.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Valerie June, Molly Tuttle, Colin Hay, Abigail Washburn to ramp up Blissfest 2023
The beloved northern Michigan festival today announced the 60-plus-act lineup for July, including Marc Broussard, Sweet Water Warblers, Myron Elkins, Gina Chavez and The Crane Wives. View the full lineup and get details at Local Spins.
Drummer Michael Dause departs from The Accidentals after ‘extraordinary adventure’
The multi-talented Grand Rapids-based instrumentalist plans to focus on his recording studio, solo projects and the new Moss Manor trio. Read more about Michael Dause’s future and The Accidentals’ new drummer — who’s also a Michigan native.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Reviews: May Erlewine, War & Treaty, Earth Radio, Eva Under Fire + More Michigan Albums
New recordings by Y-Not, Rob Jordan, Pink Sky and John Lamb also pump up this late March round-up of reviews of fresh music by Michigan bands and solo artists. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ben Rector, Indigo Girls, Mustard Plug ‘Let the Good Times Roll’: Weekend Photo Galleries
Weird weather during the first full weekend of spring didn’t hamper turnout at sold-out tour stops in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Plus, recaps of Hawthorne Heights, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Dirt Monkey, Starkbierfest, Ingrid Andress and more. View all of the images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Steve Forbert set to usher forth gems from 20-album songwriting catalog in GR
The veteran tunesmith plays Midtown on Tuesday, aiming to ‘keep the singer-songwriter tradition alive’ as he tours behind his latest album, ‘Moving Through America.’ The Local Spins Q&A with a music video of the title track from Steve Forbert’s new record.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
The Rebel Eves super-group: Creating ‘heaven’ and acceptance with ‘killer harmonies’
The vibrant combination of Michigan songwriters Grace Theisen, Katie Pederson and Jilian Linklater is turning heads with a mission of empowering women in music. The Local Spins Q&A with the up-and-coming trio, a video and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Veteran Michigan sideman Brad Phillips dives into waters as solo singer-songwriter
Well-known for his work with May Erlewine, The Verve Pipe, Joshua Davis, Jeff Daniels, Stevie Wonder, Millish and more, Phillips has released his first solo project. Get the back story; listen to the single.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lainey Wilson, Badflower, Josh Ritter, TVBOO, Accidentals, Blue October: Concert Photo Recap
From singer-songwriter charm to bass music to rock ‘n’ roll to rising-star country to metalcore, West Michigan’s music week pumped up fans of all stripes. It also produced an on-stage butt tattoo for one of the touring artists. Really. Get the lowdown and view all the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
‘Such a unique event’: Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival strums up eclectic Saturday of music
Saturday’s free event at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew hundreds of fans, luthiers and musicians, including guitar virtuosos Fareed Haque & Goran Ivanovic. The recap, photo gallery and video at Local Spins.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Accidentals bring latest ‘mind-bending’ cadre of Time Out songwriters to Michigan
Starting their Michigan run with two shows at Grand Rapids’ Midtown, the indie-folksters join Georgia Middleman, Gary Burr and Mary Bragg for the latest iteration of their ‘in-the-round’ concerts. Learn more about the tour and listen to a new Accidentals single at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Full of colors’: Josh Ritter set to deliver astronomical new songs to St. Cecilia
The acclaimed singer-songwriter plays the Acoustic Cafe Folk Series in Grand Rapids on Thursday. The Local Spins interview, with a chance for readers to win tickets to the show. Plus, watch a Josh Ritter video previewing songs from his upcoming new album.
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival to unfurl this weekend with live music, guitar fanfare
It’s been three years since the Kalamazoo Valley Museum has hosted the festival as an in-person event. Get the lowdown and the performance schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
WYCE Jammie Awards 2023 Highlights: Love, incredible Michigan music, ‘unreal energy’
West Michigan music lovers gathered in huge numbers at The Intersection on Friday night for the 23rd edition of the Jammie Awards, with 19 acts firing up three stages. Photos, video highlights and more at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Buddy Guy, Wood Bros., Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova to heat up Meijer Gardens concerts
Today’s teaser announcement of three concerts in the 2023 amphitheater series covers folk, blues, rock and roots music, with the complete concert lineup being announced in April. Get the lowdown on the shows revealed thus far, along with music videos of the featured artists.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Toasting John Prine, HARDY, Big Gigantic, Jon Hayes, Great Lakes Brass: Concert Recaps
Jam-packed concerts rolled out as the primary theme across West Michigan this week at venues in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. View the photos and videos; revel in the reviews at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Singer-songwriter Rob Jordan’s atmospheric ‘music as therapy’ displayed on new EP
The West Michigan artist appeared on this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by May Erlewine, Singing Lungs, John D. Lamb, Cody Robert DeWindt and more. Learn more about Rob Jordan’s musical journey and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Traverse City’s revived Great Indoor Folk Festival set for ‘escape from winter blues’
Interrupted for two years by COVID, the unique indoor event will boast more than 40 performances by folk-hued artists on several stages later this month. The lowdown and schedule at Local Spins.
Discovering What Happened to The Soil & The Sun: GR’s award-winning space-folk sensation
Playing their final show in 2017, band members are now spread across the country, with the fronting duo Alex and Ashley McGrath performing and recording new music as Turtledoves. Get the back story and listen to a brand new Turtledoves single at Local Spins.
Gregory Alan Isakov and band unfurl striking songs, heavenly harmonies in Kalamazoo
Wednesday’s concert at Kalamazoo State Theatre displayed the riveting power of the singer-songwriter’s acclaimed catalog. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest back as in-person event; ‘Songwriter’s Night’ set to debut in GR
West Michigan music fans have a couple of fresh events to embrace this winter: Stovepipe hosts the first singer-songwriter show next week at The Pyramid Scheme and Kalamazoo Valley Museum returns with its Fretboard Fest in early March. Details at Local Spins.
‘No Bad News’: Patty Griffin ends weekend with poignant St. Cecilia sellout show
The award-winning singer-songwriter performed as part of a trio on Sunday night, with Parker Millsap getting the evening started. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
A ‘Winter Wonderland’ of live music: Perrin Ice Jam, Umphrey’s McGee, A2 Folk Fest & more
Michigan’s wintry weekend delivered more than snow: Bands heated up stages from Grand Rapids to Comstock Park to Kalamazoo to Ann Arbor. The photo galleries and recaps at Local Spins, including coverage of The Floozies, Buku, Hail Your Highness, Lucius Fox and much more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan super-trio Moss Manor’s lush, cosmic and adventurous musical puzzle
Seth Bernard, Dan Rickabus and Michael Dause previewed their debut album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Annie Capps, Y-Not, Overdrive Orchestra, Earth Radio, T.H.V., Loren Johnson and more. Explore the genesis of Moss Manor and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Annie Capps, Rosewood 2055, Moon Orchids, Hominian & more
Another January round-up of fresh releases by artists from across the Great Lakes State also includes our takes on new offerings from Flint’s Heat Above and Detroit’s Superego. Check out our takes on these releases and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
BanjoFest ‘barnstormer’ to kick off weekend’s star-studded return of Ann Arbor Folk Fest
Songwriter, banjoist and Michigan native Rachael Davis joins Valerie June at The Ark ahead of Saturday’s folk fest with Ani DiFranco, Patty Griffin, St. Paul & the Broken Bones & more. The preview and a festival playlist at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
February’s WYCE Jammie Awards show reveals lineup, braces for ‘high-energy’ night
More than 20 regional acts will perform during the Feb. 24 celebration at The Intersection, described as the ‘premier music event of the season.’ View the lineup and get reactions from some performers, plus a link to the list of award nominees and the public vote for album and artist of the year.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Jam, Kaia Kater, Spencer Crandall, American Hotel System: Concert Photo Recap
It was another week of concerts that appealed to fans from different musical quarters in West Michigan, while showcasing local favorites, too. The photo galleries at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · In Memoriam · Summer Festivals
Music News: David Crosby’s final video interview; Nor-East’r fest reveals 2023 lineup
The death of the Crosby, Stills & Nash co-founder — who addressed his mortality in a recent interview — has sparked memorial tributes across the globe. Plus, a northern Michigan festival has announced its roster of regional performers
Album Reviews: DJ Blaze 589, Dede & The Dreamers, The Fever Haze and more
Our second January roundup of new albums and EPs by Michigan artists ranges from hip hop to jazzy indie-folk to rock, including Kings of Strings, Nathan K. and Big B & The Actual Proof. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Charley Honey’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: The Beatles, Kinks, Steve Miller Band
As the band carrying his moniker prepares to play Rockford Brewing Co. on Thursday, Local Spins asked the Grand Rapids guitarist to reveal the recordings that influenced him most. Listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat fest stays ‘hot all day’; Myron Elkins packs house for album-release show
Saturday’s musical revelry on three stages at The Intersection highlighted a weekend that celebrated Michigan-made bands. Photos, recaps at Local Spins, including a Kalamazoo show led by Celestial.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Incredible Feeling: Winter Wheat returns Saturday with potent lineup, ‘Wheatland magic’
Eleven diverse bands will play two stages at The Intersection in the first Winter Wheat fest since early 2020. The back story, the schedule and a playlist at Local Spins.
Audio · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Local Spins Wednesdays return to SpeakEZ in February with rousing Michigan lineup
After a hiatus of nearly three years due to COVID, the popular series will spotlight a wide spectrum of Michigan-based bands and solo artists twice a month. Check out the schedule, plus listen to music from some of the featured acts.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The emerging Round Creek String Band bows to the groove of old-time folk music
Led by mandolinist Jason Wheeler, the new band was featured this week by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Vulfpeck, Ada LeAnn, Myron Elkins, Laddermatch, Moss Manor, Steve Leaf, Nathan K. and more. Learn more about Round Creek String Band and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Announcements · Local Spins on WYCE · Top 10 Lists
Brie Stoner, Debra Perry, Greensky Bluegrass boast the top Michigan songs of 2022
Based on radio airplay at WYCE (88.1 FM), Local Spins reveals the Top 10 list of songs by Michigan artists that made the biggest impact on listeners and programmers in 2022. Listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast and see how you can win tickets to see Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers at The Pyramid Scheme this weekend.
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