Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

Local Spins to host ‘Michigan Mondays’ concerts at new downtown Listening Room

• October 15, 2019

The monthly series showcasing stars from across the Great Lakes State kicks off Nov. 25 with a ‘Time Out’ show featuring Savannah and Katie of The Accidentals, paired up with two other up-and-coming female songwriters. Get the lowdown on this new series in the much-buzzed-about Listening Room, and check out the lineup of other local shows on tap at the venue starting this week.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Kip Moore goes to church, plus Blue October, Michigander, The Crane Wives: Photo Recap

• October 13, 2019

A country star at a historic church, alt-rock heroes at a downtown nightclub, regional folk-rock faves and an emerging Michigan pop star wrapping up a tour behind a new EP. All of them are featured in our glorious weekend photo galleries.

Breaking music news · Festivals

Grand Rapids’ Lamp Light Music Festival pulls plug on 2019 event

• October 11, 2019

After operating for years as a unique Eastown house-concert fest, Lamp Light – which moved to Wealthy Theatre last year – is on hiatus and the future is uncertain. Learn why the festival won’t be taking place.

Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Eric Church doubles down, plus Shinedown, May Erlewine, Mungion and more: Photo Recap

• October 6, 2019

Country star Eric Church played two straight nights at Van Andel Arena, giving lots of shout-outs to GR, with Shinedown and other stars also unleashing fan-pleasing shows across West Michigan, which is celebrating fall in festive fashion — including Pulaski Days at Grand Rapids clubs. The Eric Church concert recap, plus a full photo roundup at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Amy Young and Daves at 7 revel in ‘super-invigorating,’ diverse musical approach

• October 5, 2019

The West Michigan band celebrated its new album Friday with a stop at Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Laurel Premo, Last Gasp Collective, Jack & The Bear, Dante Cope, The Bootstrap Boys and more. Check out the in-studio video, the Daves at 7 back story and the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight

Site:Lab’s Tanglefoot project unfurling uncommon West Side space for music, art

• October 4, 2019

The ArtPrize Project 1 installation is hosting DJs, bands, poets and more this fall in a unique multi-level venue in an old warehouse complex on Grand Rapids’ West Side. Kyd Kane, J. Oscar Bittinger, Lady Ace Boogie and more take the stage this weekend.

Features · Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Venue Spotlight

St. Cecilia Music Center’s ‘unsurpassed’ milieu: The RSVP Music Chat with Cathy Holbrook

• October 3, 2019

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.

Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows

GLAMA-versary to celebrate 20 years of acoustic music excellence in SW Michigan

• October 2, 2019

Saturday’s day-long event at Kalamazoo Valley Community College will feature numerous workshops and an evening concert starring folk icons Robin & Linda Williams and fingerstyle guitar whiz Pat Donohue. Get the details at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Features · Videos

May Erlewine offers ‘Second Sight’ as instrument for healing, change, connecting

• October 2, 2019

Michigan’s leading folk-singer activist this week mounts a Michigan tour behind a powerful and political new album. The Local Spins interview, with review of the new album and a new video for the single, “Whole Again.”

Album reviews · Audio · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Patty PerShayla, May Erlewine, The Skinny Limbs

• October 1, 2019

From established stars (May Erlewine) to up-and-coming Grand Rapids acts (Patty PerShayla, The Skinny Limbs), this month’s edition of Local Spins on ‘Stateside’ showcased some Michigan-bred music that’s begging to be heard. Listen to the podcast and interview, check out songs from the featured artists.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Max Lockwood in-studio, plus new tracks by May Erlewine, Erin Zindle

• September 28, 2019

This week’s edition of the radio show also featured new regional music from Patty PerShayla, Lifeline, Donny Zuzula and more. Read more about Max Lockwood, watch the in-studio video of his performance, listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast and interview.

Concert reviews · Photos

Strand of Oaks turns Tuesday into intense, fiery, soulful family affair

• September 25, 2019

Led by Timothy Showalter, the Philly-based band made a memorable tour stop at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, with Showalter’s mom even making a guest appearance. Find the review and photo gallery, only at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Earthwork Harvest Gathering launches with jam-packed Friday of powerful music

• September 21, 2019

The season-ending Lake City-area music festival drew hundreds of musicians and thousands of revelers for an opening salvo of magical experiences. Check out the first-day highlights and a photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Iron & Wine, Calexico roll out masterful set in season’s final Meijer Gardens show

• September 19, 2019

Despite a few imperfect moments and an early departure by some attendees, Wednesday’s collaborative performance served up fresh and captivating songs. Get the review and a photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

After outcry, Calvin to maintain Student Activities Office, full slate of concerts

• September 17, 2019

Students, alumni and staff rallied to save the program. Now, ‘the future of SAO is bright,’ with the campus concert series kicking off later this month. Get the back story on how the program was rescued and what it means for Calvin University and concertgoers.

Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery

The Head and The Heart, Laith Al-Saadi, EOTO, Turnover, Blue Bridge Amplified: Photo Recap

• September 16, 2019

The West Michigan music week that was welcomed indie-folk, blues, hip hop, electronic music, rock and more to indoor and outdoor stages, including the Blue Bridge over the Grand River and the final blast at Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden. Peruse the images at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Wheatland 2019 Revisited: Good vibes, wistful music, fun community, fall-like weather

• September 10, 2019

The 46th edition of this much-admired Michigan music festival rolled out last weekend with a hefty slate of national and regional roots music stars. The recap by Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos, with photos by Anna Sink.

Concert reviews · Photos

Avett Brothers, crowd get ‘Closer Than Together’ in dynamic Van Andel performance

• September 7, 2019

With a politically conscious new record releasing in four weeks, the North Carolina folk/rock band was ready to connect with a modest-but-enthused audience. Check out the review of Friday night’s show at Local Spins. along with a photo gallery.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Leftover Salmon to headline Saturday’s ‘feel-good’ Spring Lake fest celebrating Earth’s Edge

• September 5, 2019

The “adventurous” event at Mill Point Park also stars The Way Down Wanderers and Arkansauce. Get the lowdown about this first-time event at Local Spins and watch videos of the featured performers.

Concert reviews · Features · Photos

Mandolin Orange brings ‘more mandolin’ mantra to Grand Rapids for captivating set

• September 5, 2019

The North Carolina indie-folk group made its Meijer Gardens debut on Wednesday, touring behind its latest studio album. Check out the review and a photo gallery, plus a Local Spins Q&A with the band.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Playing Wheatland Music Festival a lifetime goal, feather in the cap for Michigan bands

• September 1, 2019

Among the national and international folk/roots music stars at next weekend’s 46th Wheatland will be several Michigan acts who will treasure their time in the spotlight. See why it’s special for them and check out the full Main and Centennial stage schedules.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Ralston Bowles puts exclamation point on Tuesday Evening Music Club finale

• August 28, 2019

With Ralston & The Family, The Strike Percussion Ensemble and Samuel Nalangira providing musical diversity on a picture-perfect night at Meijer Gardens, the last show of the summer series was a memorable one. The concert recap, photo gallery and video, exclusively at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Aug. 26-Sept. 1): Jon Spencer, Jojo Siwa, Aaron Kamm, Kalamashoegazer

• August 26, 2019

Why Don’t We kicks off the week leading to Labor Day weekend, with Wilson, The Quirk, Wuzee, Birdie Country, Unruly Brewing’s anniversary, an Amy Winehouse tribute and much more also on tap. See the full list and this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

Joshua Davis, Luke Winslow-King, Crane Wives to fire up Grand Haven’s Music at the Museum

• August 22, 2019

Kicking off in December, the series will also feature Way Down Wanderers, Roosevelt Diggs, Earth Radio and a songwriters-in-the-round show. Details at Local Spins.   SCROLL DOWN FOR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST[…]

Concert reviews · Photos

Sarah McLachlan dazzles Grand Rapids with show-stopping voice, orchestrally backed songs

• August 9, 2019

The award-winning, iconic Canadian singer brought heartfelt stories of life’s lessons Thursday to Meijer Gardens on a picturesque summer night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Summer Festivals · Videos

Farmfest set to offer 70-plus sets, ‘gorgeous’ northern Michigan experience and setting

• August 7, 2019

This weekend’s festival near Johannesburg, east of Gaylord, unfurls with a huge roster of Michigan acts, including Traverse City’s Chris Michels, who’s fast building a fan base for his funky, jazzy music. Read more about the festival and MIchels, and listen to his music

In Memoriam

Memorial celebrations, GoFundMe campaign set for late singer Dacia Bridges

• August 6, 2019

The first memorial service for the beloved performer will be held in the Battle Creek area on Friday, with another celebration planned for Sept. 1 in Kalamazoo. See how you can help and read tributes to the singer.

Concert reviews · Photos

Dawes, Margo Price unfurl masterful stories, musical charisma for Grand Rapids fans

• August 1, 2019

On another splendid summer evening, Meijer Gardens concertgoers were treated to an intriguing double-bill that spanned vintage country and California-bred folk-rock. Get the review and peruse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio

Michigan Album Reviews: Earth Radio, August, Free Hat, iamnotaperson, Daves at 7

• July 25, 2019

The late-July roundup of new releases by local and regional artists covers the gamut of styles and genres. Check out the reviews, audio samples and upcoming performance dates at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Conor Oberst brings raw, poignant, heart-rending connectiveness to Kalamazoo

• July 24, 2019

The much-vaunted singer-songwriter brought his U.S. tour Tuesday to a jam-packed Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden for a night of honest lyrical commentary, with opener Joanna Sternberg. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Best of Beaver Island Music Festival: The Musicians’ picks from a weekend of Island fun

• July 23, 2019

Local Spins asked several performers from last weekend’s Beaver Island Music Festival to choose three highlights that stood out. Read their picks and browse a photo gallery, only at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Andrew Bird takes musical flight in Grand Rapids with his ‘Finest Work Yet’

• July 19, 2019

Touring behind his latest album, the whistling, winsome singer and violinist brought his genre-spanning music to Meijer Gardens on a sultry but breezy night. The Local Spins review and photos from Thursday night’s concert.

Concert reviews · Photos

Amos Lee’s soulful voice, energizing stage presence create perfect summer night

• July 16, 2019

The singer’s return to Grand Rapids was greeted by an engaged and passionate sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens on Monday. Check out the Local Spins review of Amos Lee at Meijer Gardens and browse the photo gallery.

Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Kris Allen, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Bad Plus, David Bazan to heat up Listening Room

• July 9, 2019

The Verve Pipe, David Wax Museum, Loudon Wainwright III and Mary Gauthier are also among the first acts announced for the ‘world-class’ venue that hosts a soft opening in late October and a grand opening in early November. See a comprehensive list of initial bookings at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows

After U.K. tour, The Accidentals heat up hectic summer on stage, in studio, aiding fan in need

• July 4, 2019

The Traverse City alt-folk trio joined other Michigan stars in a Holland benefit concert for an ailing super-fan, part of a 55-concert summer that also includes finishing up a new studio album and scoring songs for orchestras

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Winnow revisits stripped-down approach for dynamic, alt-country musical stories

• June 29, 2019

Reoriented as a duo, Winnow releases a new EP this month and performed during this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by As Am I, Ghost-Orchard, Free Hat, The Accidentals and more. Watch the video, read Winnow’s back story and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Common Ground launches with sweaty, crowd-wowing sets by Brandi Carlile, Robert Randolph

• June 28, 2019

The four-day festival in Lansing reveled in summer weather and a rock vibe, with hip hop, country and electronic music still to come. Check out the opening-day recap and Local Spins photo gallery featuring Brandi Carlile, Robert Randolph and City and Colour.

Photos · Summer Festivals

Grand River Water Festival oozes ‘relaxed’ vibe with music for a good cause

• June 23, 2019

With a chill, laid-back atmosphere, the 10th edition of the Grand River Water Festival spilled out along the Grand River in Grand Rapids on Saturday. Get the recap and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Local Spins on WYCE: Nobody’s Darlin’ reunites in-studio plus new regional music

• June 21, 2019

Check out a live performance by the all-female string band Nobody’s Darlin’ and the debut of tracks by Dennie Middleton, Porter Kenyon, Beaver Xing, August, Aspen Jacobsen and more. Listen to the full radio show podcast.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Grand River Water Festival poised for 10th year of music, environmental advocacy

• June 20, 2019

Saturday’s day-long affair in Riverside Park will once again blend music with water education. See the full schedule for Grand River Water Festival 2019 and a festival playlist at Local Spins, and find out why this is such a beloved event for many Michiganders.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Sweet Water Warblers super-group preparing for Michigan mini-tour, debut LP

• June 18, 2019

The all-star trio of Michigan-bred singers — May Erlewine, Lindsay Lou and Rachael Davis — launch a four-show run through the Mitten at Bell’s in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, and are eyeing a really big year for Sweet Water Warblers in 2020. Learn more about the group, watch videos of their performances at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Buttermilk Jamboree rocks, rolls, folks and funks on a robust Day 1

• June 15, 2019

Amid Friday’s pleasant weather, Buttermilk Jamboree boasted one of the best opening days for a Michigan music festival in recent memory. Get the recap, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

GRAM on the Green 2019: Last Gasp Collective, Molly, Pink Sky, Lipstick Jodi, Hannah Rose

• June 12, 2019

The summer music scene is heating up. Check out the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s diverse lineup for Thursday nights, plus the June schedule for Garage Bar’s Wednesday Block Party and Bike Night series.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Camp Greensky Revisited: Camaraderie, collaboration, ‘incredible energy’

• June 11, 2019

Last weekend’s second-year festival hosted by Greensky Bluegrass in the Manistee National Forest gave 2,100-plus attendees from all over the country memories to treasure. Relive some of the highlights in this recap by writer Ryan Boldrey with a colorful photo gallery by Anna Sink.

Audio · Features · Summer Festivals

Collaborative songwriter Aaron Allen hailed as one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets

• June 4, 2019

Working with Joshua Davis, Greensky Bluegrass and others, the Grayling songwriter has become a go-to collaborator whose songs likely will be heard at this weekend’s Camp Greensky Music Festival in Wellston. Get the back story about this artist from Local Spins writer Ryan Boldrey, listen to his music and find details about this weekend’s festival.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

Listening Room set to transform downtown concert landscape this fall

• June 4, 2019

Local Spins updates construction of “Listening Room by Studio C,” which will be part of the impressive Studio Park project south of Van Andel Arena. Get the back story and check out the photos, video and an artist’s rendering of the new venue.

Kalamazoo · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Free Summer Concerts: Kalamazoo, Portage, Oshtemo, Parchment, Delton, Richland

• May 26, 2019

With Memorial Day weekend serving as the kickoff to the summer concert season, Local Spins spotlights free community concerts in the Kalamazoo area. Check out the robust lineups and complete schedules in several locations.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Bus Benefit about to rev up again along Lake Michigan for Memorial Day weekend

• May 21, 2019

The Go Rounds, Legal Immigrants, Gasoline Gypsies, Political Lizard, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Roosevelt Diggs and more are set to roll at Camp Blodgett south of Grand Haven. See the full schedule at Local Spins and save it on your smartphone to take along for the holiday weekend.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (May 20-26): Marianas Trench, Eric Roberson, Bear’s Den, Nick Moss, Bus Benefit

• May 20, 2019

Hip hop, Latin music and hard rock showcases starring local bands help fire up the week leading up the holiday, plus another album-release show. Peruse this week’s concert selections, ogle the Under-the-Radar Picks and check out details of a special rock ‘n’ roll photo exhibit by Paul Jendrasiak.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Lighting Matches sparks ‘unique, listenable’ debut of ‘alt-rock with folk roots’

• May 17, 2019

Led by songwriters Matt Plessner and Rachel White, the Grand Rapids band releases its new album next week. Get the Lighting Matches back story and watch the band’s music video at Local Spins.