Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Granger Smith, Leftover Salmon, Mutoid Man wow West Michigan fans; Steppin’ In It, Utopia bring back memories: Photo Galleries

• May 21, 2018

Local Spins’ week-in-review photo roundup also features images from the Bona-Who? fest outside Cedar Springs, Chain of Lakes, Brian Koenigsknecht and Kate Pillsbury playing SpeakEZ Lounge, another Local Showcase at The Pyramid Scheme, the Barley BBQ & Beats event at Van Andel Arena, Bigfoot Buffalo at Tip Top Deluxe and more. Check out all the photos from a lively week of music at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Fountain Point summer concert series returns with The Accidentals, Mark Lavengood, The Fitzgeralds, Earth Radio, The Ragbirds

• May 18, 2018

The Accidentals, The Ragbirds, Appleseed Collective, Mark Lavengood, May Erlewine and many more regional stars have been booked to perform along the shores of Lake Leelanau in northern Michigan. See the full summer schedule of concerts at this picturesque resort.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Bona-Who? festival set to mix things up Saturday with Jake Kershaw, Don Julin, Asamu Johnson, hi-ker and emerging young acts

• May 17, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Steppin’ In It launches Michigan reunion tour with robust, nostalgic, packed Lansing jams

• May 16, 2018

The beloved band featuring Joshua Davis and Dominic John Davis revved up enthused sold-out crowds in the first two nights at the legendary Green Door with several more shows across the state still to come this week. Read the Local Spins review by Ryan Boldrey, browse the photo gallery by Jon Rosenberger, check out some video highlights.

Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Lone Bellow, Pokey LaFarge, Bela Fleck, Milk Carton Kids, Asleep at the Wheel, Kenny Barron, Leo Kottke to play St. Cecilia

• May 15, 2018

The Milk Carton Kids have been added to the lineup at Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia, which previously announced its upcoming jazz and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center concerts as well as the first Acoustic Café show for next season. Get the lowdown on all of the upcoming shows at Local Spins and listen to new music from The Lone Bellow.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (May 14-20): Halestorm, Steppin’ In It, Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, Granger Smith, Rhiannon Giddens, Justin Townes Earle, John Pizzarelli, Barley BBQ & Beats

• May 14, 2018

The week kicks off with Big Sandy and closes out with Steve Martin & Martin Short’s Grand Rapids tour stop, with plenty of musical action in between, including special SpeakEZ shows, Hip Hop Appreciation Week, the Bona-Who? festival, Thunder Chicken, The Extra Texture and Stryper. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Granger Smith.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

‘Amazing’ White Birch Music Festival defies Mother Nature, prevails with ‘rocking’ performances

• May 13, 2018

The first-year festival outside Stanton has delivered sets by dozens of Michigan bands. Browse the Local Spins photo gallery and check out the video of the festival site.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Grand Rapids’ Melophobix builds on ‘positive energy,’ diverse influences for new album: Local Spins on WYCE

• May 12, 2018

The May 11 edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted an in-studio visit by Melophobix, plus the on-air premiere of new songs by Coffin Problem, Brant Satala, Brian Koenigsknecht, Act Casual, Andrew Starr and more. Read about Melophobix, watch an in-studio video and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Lighting up the Lakeshore: Summer concert lineups for Grand Haven, Spring Lake, South Haven, Montague, Fennville

• May 9, 2018

The free weeknight music series showcase a wide range of regional bands. See and save the schedules for several community concert series in cities along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s Local Spins latest round-up of summer shows.

Artist Spotlights · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio for May: Music from The Go Rounds, Lady Ace Boogie, The Founding, The Hacky Turtles

• May 8, 2018

Recorded in front of a live studio audience, this month’s Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” showcased two celebrated acts from Grand Rapids and two from Kalamazoo. Listen to the podcast and a Spotify playlist of the featured tracks.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Meijer Gardens’ Tuesday Evening Music Club lineup for 2018 to feature Hannah Rose Graves, Moxie Strings, Desmond Jones, Soul Syndicate

• May 8, 2018

The weeknight series starring regional acts will also feature Kathy Lamar, Lipstick Jodi, Hollywood Makeout, Six-Pak, Eric Engblade, Watching for Foxes and more. See the full schedule at Local Spins and find out why bands love playing this series.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows

The Hacky Turtles’ obsession with hacky sack, jamming, ‘bass rap’ and ‘highly emotional’ genuine music

• May 2, 2018

Local Spins sat down with the eclectic Grand Rapids band, which just released a new single, has an album in the works and is playing a series of May shows, including the Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight (Wednesday). Check out the Q&A with The Hacky Turtles and listen to the single, “Grace.”

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (April 30-May 6): Sir Mix-A-Lot, Lindsay Lou, Bass Country, Skitchin’ Fest, Bimini Brothers, The Mersey Beatles

• April 30, 2018

Lots of local heroes — young and old — grace this week’s Big List, from teen artists to The Hacky Turtles to Michigander to Cosmic Knot. And see how you can win tickets to see Lindsay Lou.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Desmond Jones, Hollywood Makeout energize Feedback benefit; Victor Wooten brings ‘fun and funk’ to Kalamazoo + more concerts

• April 30, 2018

Local Spins’ week-in-review boasts images from a rock-hued fundraiser, a bass-and-comedy spectacle, the country twang of Maddie & Tae, a “Reggaefest,” another anniversary celebration for The Pyramid Scheme and more. Check out all of the images and photos at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

The Accidentals to fire up Local Spins Summer Kickoff; Perrin’s inaugural Can’d Aid Concert to star Steep Canyon Rangers

• April 25, 2018

Two outdoor events announced today will help launch a summer of music festivals across West Michigan. The Local Spins Summer Kickoff on Memorial Day weekend with The Accidentals and Conrad Shock is also the post-party for HopCat’s Beer Me! 5k Race in downtown Grand Rapids; Perrin is hosting its inaugural Can’d Aid Concert for a good cause. Get the details about both events at Local Spins.

Features · Photos · Videos

West Michigan’s Record Store Day spins vinyl fervor with big throngs, bands, Rolling Record Store and a goofy parade

• April 22, 2018

Saturday’s celebration of independent record shops even drew a pair of newlyweds into the happy fray during a West Side parade, with stores from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo boasting mobs of vinyl-loving shoppers and in-store performances. Browse the photos at Local Spins and watch video highlights from Saturday’s short but exuberant procession outside Dodds Record Shop.

Concert reviews · Photos

Lord Huron gets folky and psychedelic for Michigan homecoming show (Review, photos)

• April 21, 2018

Michigan native Ben Schneider and his band created trippy soundscapes during Friday’s sold-out show at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live — a concert marred briefly by an altercation between some fans that was quickly taken care of by security. Get the recap in the Local Spins review and browse the photo gallery.

Album reviews · Audio

Michigan Album Reviews: Jack White, Vox Vidorra, Brad Fritcher’s MOODS, Mark Harrell, Robin Lee Berry

• April 20, 2018

On the eve of Jack White’s buzzed-about Grand Rapids show, the Local Spins “countdown” assesses his bold new album, along with regional releases by a diverse mix of Michigan artists. Read the reviews, listen to audio samples from the albums.

Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Steppin’ In It returns with 20th anniversary Michigan tour, vowing ‘fly-by-the-seat’ fun

• April 19, 2018

The iconic Michigan band of musical “brothers” featuring Joshua Davis and Jack White bassist Dominic John Davis will relive its glory days in Lansing and more during a seven-night run of shows. Get the back story at Local Spins and see where Steppin’ In It will be performing, plus get some insights into White’s tour and new album.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Grand Haven’s Jessica in the Rainbow tackles unique year-long writing challenges to grow as musician and person

• April 18, 2018

West Michigan songwriter Jessica Fogle recently wrapped up a 365-day challenge of writing a song a day, and now she’s ready to launch into another year-long musical project. Read the story of her musical journey, then check out her songs and videos.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Nicholas James Thomasma’s banner year and new songs from The Go Rounds, E Minor, Hacky Turtles, Entransient, Brian Koenigsknecht

• April 14, 2018

This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by very busy Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma who’s headed to Spain with the FBC All-Stars, plus riveting new regional music by more than a half-dozen artists. Listen to the radio show podcast.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Avett Brothers, Yes, Reba McEntire, George Clinton, Lindsey Stirling to ramp up diverse Interlochen summer series

• April 13, 2018

Starting in late June, the Interlochen Arts Festival southwest of Traverse City will unfurl with more than two dozen concerts covering a wide range of genres. Get the full lineup and ticket prices at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (April 9-15): Ministry, Asleep at the Wheel, Tauk, Julien Baker, Broccoli Samurai, The Go Rounds, Lazy Genius

• April 9, 2018

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.

Album reviews · Local Spins Live · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: New music from The Bootstrap Boys, Chain of Lakes, The Crane Wives

• April 3, 2018

Local Spins’ April segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” focused on a single from folk-rock’s The Crane Wives submitted to the Tiny Desk contest, plus a new live country album by The Bootstrap Boys and new studio album from indie-folk’s Chain of Lakes. Listen to the podcast at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos

Blissfest 2018 to showcase Bruce Cockburn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nahko & Medicine for the People plus Michigan favorites

• April 2, 2018

The 38th annual edition of the July festival in northern Michigan combines internationally acclaimed artists as well as regional acts such as May Erlewine, Luke Winslow King, Mark Lavengood and more. Check out the Blissfest lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

EOTO, Biomassive, Nightwish, Twiddle, Eastghost, Bootstrap Boys, Zannies, Jennifer Westwood, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ Krelboynes, All American Funk Parade: Photo Galleries

• April 2, 2018

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.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Gasoline Gypsies to fire up Beaver Island Music Festival

• April 1, 2018

The charming July 19-21 festival in the middle of northern Lake Michigan continues to grow, blending national acts with Michigan stars for its 2018 event. See the lineup at Local Spins. Advance tickets are on sale now.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Wheatland 2018 to feature Nora Jane Struthers, Front Country, Thornetta Davis, Town Mountain, John McCutcheon

• March 28, 2018

The first wave of headliner announcements boasts some traditional mainstays as well as emerging roots artists. Tickets for the September festival go on sale to members on April 2 and to the general public in May. See the lineup thus far, with more to come.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

The Mainstays, Lipstick Jodi, Adrian+Meredith, Watching for Foxes, Roosevelt Diggs to kick off summer at Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit

• March 21, 2018

The Memorial Day weekend festival south of Grand Haven also will boast sets by Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Mark Lavengood, Cold Mountain Child and more. See the full lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.

Commentary · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos

The Best of SXSW: Local Spins’ Top 5 performances from Austin 2018

• March 20, 2018

Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos ventured into the giant South by Southwest fest for the first time this year. Here are his highlights, plus images by photographer Anna Sink of some of her favorite SXSW sets.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements

Local First to skip GR Street Party for 2018; East Lansing’s Great Lakes Folk Festival takes one-year hiatus, too

• March 16, 2018

Local First has decided to take a year off from its usual Street Party hoopla in June in downtown Grand Rapids. And in another bit of festival news: Another summer event in East Lansing has decided to do essentially the same thing. Read why these events are skipping 2018.

Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos

West Michigan musicians’ ‘freaking incredible’ experience at SXSW (Story, photos, videos)

• March 15, 2018

Mark Lavengood, Seth Bernard, Lady Ace Boogie, Alexander Lynch, The Accidentals, Billy Strings, Major Murphy and more are embracing SXSW 2018, enamored of Austin’s rousing environment, its tacos and all the musical action. Discover their impressions of the gargantuan festival and conference, ogle the photos, watch the videos.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

An Dro’s ‘great spirit’ and instrumental Celtic glory (minus ‘The Unicorn Song’): Local Spins on WYCE

• March 10, 2018

An Dro performed for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted local and regional tracks by Luke Winslow King, Mat Churchill, Mark Harrell, Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet, The Bootstrap Boys, Wing Vilma and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.

Festivals · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows

A ‘powerful music scene’ on the rise: Michigan bands ready to shine at SXSW in Austin

• March 9, 2018

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.

Audio · Hot Top 5

LVRS, Nathan Kalish make splash on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for February

• March 6, 2018

The Jackson pop-rock band and one-time Grand Rapids-based singer-songwriter made a splash on WYCE with their latest recordings. See who else made the chart and listen to music from all five Michigan artists.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (March 5-11): Keys N Krates, Motionless in White, Tall Heights, Weird Al Yankovic, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Booker T. Jones, Screaming Females

• March 5, 2018

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.

Weekend Photo Gallery

The Musical Box, Robert Cray, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong crank it up for West Michigan fans: Week-in-Review Photos

• March 5, 2018

Local Spins week-in-review photo recaps shine on Joe Hertler, Saxsquatch & Bridge Band, Bernard Lavengood & Stovetop, Olivia Mainville, Red Tail Ring, Kaitlin Rose, Brian Koenigsknecht and more. Check out this colorful roundup of images from West Michigan concerts.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

May Erlewine, The Go Rounds lead top-drawer sets at Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival

• March 4, 2018

Saturday’s day-long festival at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew more than 1,000 people for performances by regional acts on three stages, vendors, luthiers and workshops. Get the recap, browse the photo gallery and watch a video of highlights, exclusively at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Channing & Quinn song debut; plus KJ & The Good Time Family Band, Saxsquatch & Bridge Band, Lindsay Lou: Local Spins on WYCE

• March 2, 2018

This week’s edition of the Local Spins on WYCE radio show which spotlights local music also featured tracks by Van Tassel’s Uncanny Elixir, Earth Radio, Vox Vidorra, Cosmic Knot and Mark Lavengood. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of Channing & Quinn’s new song.

Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe show will mark guitarist Ollie Davidson’s return to Kalamazoo stage

• March 1, 2018

Now based in Chicago, Ollie Davidson’s duo Almond&Olive has been touring the country with its harmony-driven Americana music and will open for Scythian Sunday at Bell’s. Read the story of this Kalamazoo native’s musical journey and watch videos of the band.

Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival poised to once again celebrate ‘the amazing community’ of instrument builders and players

• February 28, 2018

The 13th annual Fretboard Festival, being held this weekend at Kalamazoo Valley Museum, will boast workshops and sets by May Erlewine, The Go Rounds, The Moxie Strings, Mark Lavengood Band, Channing & Quinn and more. See the full schedule and festival details at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn bring banjo magic, echoes of folk splendor to St. Cecilia

• February 24, 2018

The duo’s sold-out show Friday night as part of the Acoustic Café Folk Series was filled with virtuosic musicianship and charming banter. Check out the review and photo gallery, only at Local Spins.

Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows · Videos

Tunde Olaniran, Lady Ace Boogie, Major Murphy, Bernard, Lavengood & Stovetop ready to make waves at Michigan House SXSW

• February 20, 2018

Michigan House once again aims to offer ‘breath of fresh air’ and ‘authentic’ Mitten State vibe amid the craziness of world’s largest music festival and conference in Austin next month. Get the lowdown on the 2018 events and lineup at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kalamazoo’s Nashon Holloway finds direction, inspiration and ‘Chicago soul’ in the Windy City

• February 15, 2018

After making her home in Chicago the past year while exploring new musical connections, the singer and guitarist returns to Kalamazoo for a homecoming show at Bell’s Brewery on Saturday. Local Spins writer Ryan Boldrey checks back in with the talented singer as she prepares for the next step in her career.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos

Donna the Buffalo to headline Buttermilk Jamboree 2018 along with Michigan stars

• February 14, 2018

Advance tickets are on sale now for the mid-June festival at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids, with Joshua Davis, The Accidentals, Mustard Plug, May Erlewine, Last Gasp Collective and more pumping up the bill. See the full roster of 2018 performers and watch videos of the headlining acts.

Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos

Short’s Brewing street bash to star Steppin’ In It, Lindsay Lou and winner of band battle

• February 13, 2018

The Bellaire brewery is hosting a two-month-long band battle leading up to its April street party which is expected to attract 3,000 revelers. Get the details about the competition and the 14th birthday celebration.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Feb. 12-18): Pop Evil, Talib Kweli, Here Come the Mummies, Marillion, Ballroom Thieves, Valerie June, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

• February 12, 2018

Valentine’s Day brings Kathy Lamar’s “Sade/Love Songs” to SpeakEZ Lounge, with the week also featuring Brockhampton, Cabildo, Kofi Baker, Twin Flame, Badfish and more. Plus, see how you can win Pop Evil tickets as part of our weekly giveaway. And plan ahead with our exclusive “On the Horizon” list.

Guest Column · Upcoming shows

WYCE’s Jammie Awards assure robust night of music, community, ‘awesome’ vibe

• February 6, 2018

The 19th annual showcase of regional music unfurls Friday night at The Intersection. WYCE manager Quinn Mathews reflects on the daunting but inspiring ‘biggest night for West Michigan music.’ See and save the full schedule.

Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Cooper’s Glen Festival in Kalamazoo aims to ‘blow the roof off the place’ with acoustic fire

• January 31, 2018

Hosted for the 16th year by the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association, Saturday’s affair boasts workshops and sets by Tom Paxton, Michael Cleveland, Don Julin and much more. See the full schedule for this year’s one-day festival.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Judy Collins follows ‘extraordinary year’ with Grand Rapids tour stop, pulling no punches politically or otherwise

• January 30, 2018

In a revealing interview with Local Spins, the legendary singer talks about her 59-year career, her love of performing and her dim view of the White House. Judy Collins plays a sold-out concert at St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday.