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.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
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.”
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
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.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band, which plays Wealthy Theatre on Wednesday, powered up its dance-happy music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Lady Ace Boogie, Lazy Genius, Angela Josephine, Shawn Butzin, Silverstiles, ESME and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the podcast, read the Artist Spotlight feature.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Listen to this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which showcases an hour of local and regional music every week including the premiere of several new tracks by Michigan artists.
The March roundup of new regional releases boasts a mix of styles: rock, folk, outlaw country, funk, soul, jazz and fusion music. Read the reviews, listen to the music.
The Accidentals, JJ Grey, Chris Robinson and more to headline the Kalamazoo venue this summer as Greensky Bluegrass trades its traditional Bell’s opener for its own new music festival. See the initial Garden schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
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.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
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.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The week also boasts CD-releases by Suzies and John Proulx, Grand Rapids Symphony’s “Symphony With Soul” and shows by Frontier Ruckus, Gregory Porter, Last Gasp Collective, Murder Party, El Brandino and Jesse Ray, plus West Michigan’s first-ever tribute to Steve Earle. And win tickets to see Galactic or PVRIS.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rock, soul, hip hop, funk and swing. There was plenty of that across West Michigan, including appearances by local faves Kathy Lamar, LOKELLA, The Soul Syndicate, Lazy Genius, EPCYA, Out of Favor Boys and many more. Relive the fun and browse the images in eight action-packed photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
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.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Super Bowl weekend is about more than just a big football game: West Michigan boasted a couple of music festivals and tour stops by George Clinton, Blues Traveler, Trampa, Judy Collins, Morgan Wallen and more. Check out all of the resplendent photo galleries at Local Spins — the perfect pre-game entertainment.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
As winter sets in, West Michigan’s indoor concert season has heated up with some sizzling national and local acts. Browse all the photo galleries at Local Spins, including shows over the past week in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Grand Haven and Spring Lake.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
The long-running northern Michigan band with a jam, funk, rock and bluegrass vibe makes its Local Spins Wednesdays debut this week at Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge. Get the back story on Soul Patch, listen to the band’s music, watch the videos.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The 162nd episode of the show spotlighting local and regional acts also boasted music from Wicker Basket, Cosmic Knot, Jake Kershaw, Hannah Laine and Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys. Listen to this week’s radio podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Relocating to West Michigan from Chicago, the Traverse City-bred band plays Founders Brewing on Thursday and Grand Armory Brewing on Oct. 20 while creating new songs for its sophomore album. Check out the Local Spins profile of this emerging band, along with video and audio samples of its unique music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Sultry July weather didn’t hinder Michigan’s music train, which steamed through country stars in Jackson County, regional stars at Arcadia Ales in Kalamazoo, indie-folk along the water in South Haven and rock ‘n’ roll in Grand Rapids and more. Browse all the images and read the recaps at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This unusual Michigan music festival on Lake Michigan’s biggest island officially kicks off Thursday with a star-studded lineup of regional acts. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
A busy week at Meijer Gardens kicks off with Elvis Costello, but there’s plenty more on the docket: A Grand Rapids Symphony tribute to Chicago, The Piano Cottage Rocks, Riversedge Summer Series, Albert Lee, plus other gems. See all of this week’s highlighted concerts, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks and the On the Horizon calendar through July.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The Native Howl, The Gasoline Gypsies, Watching for Foxes, Desmond Jones, Biomassive, The Change and more play this “beautiful” northern Michigan site July 21-23. Get details and ticket links, and watch videos of some of the festival’s featured bands.
Commentary · Concert reviews · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins asked its reviewers to choose their favorite shows of the first half of the year, and their picks covered a broad range of bands, genres and venues. Check out the top picks, from The Flaming Lips to Trombone Shorty to Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, along with some videos.
Trombone Shorty and his crew brought their summery version of Mardi Gras to Grand Rapids on Thursday and raindrops couldn’t slow them — or concertgoers — down. Read the review, browse the photo gallery from the sold-out show.
Led by singer Anthony Kiedis, who grew up in the Grand Rapids area, the Chili Peppers uncorked a night to remember Sunday at Van Andel Arena. Read the review and browse the photo gallery from the band’s West Michigan tour stop.
Electric Forest performer Vox Vidorra of Grand Rapids chimes in with the first of three Local Spins playlists geared to get folks ready for the two-weekend music festival coming up in Rothbury, Michigan. From Kendrick Lamar to Nina Simone, listen to the songs and watch the videos; check out the full playlist on Spotify.
Concert announcements · Festivals
About 3,000 revelers are expected to once again attend the northern Michigan brewery’s anniversary bash on April 29, with Short’s Brewing also announcing the winner of its first battle of the bands contest. Get details and ticket links in this Local Spins story.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The colorful mid-Michigan ensemble celebrated its new album and kicked off a U.S. tour Saturday with a big boost from Grand Rapids’ The Legal Immigrants and Kalamazoo’s Less is More. Read the Local Spins review, ogle the photos, watch the videos.
Features · Festivals · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Creative Many, Michigan House and Local Spins are back in Austin for the giant SXSW conference this weekend, shedding an even brighter spotlight on Great Lakes State artists, products and innovators. See which Michigan acts will be joining them and why.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
The once-popular alt-rock/funk/pop group has reunited to play a show at Bell’s Brewery this week and to record its first album since 1999. Yes, it’s all ‘quirky and ridiculous’ and absolutely thrilling. Get the back story, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted a Grand Rapids ensemble with a fresh, lively and eclectic musical attack, plus airing new tracks by Tail from the Crypt, Ashley McGrath, Beach Thief, Afro Zuma and Brother Adams & Emma Loo. (Podcast, video, story)
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Southwest Michigan band opens for The Marcus King band at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre on Sunday, one of several high-profile gigs planned for Slim Gypsy Baggage in 2017. Read about the band and its upcoming new album in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The Aug. 10-12 festival on Kent County’s Shagbark Farm boasts a wealth of regional acts, from jam bands Earphorik and Ekoostik Hookah to local faves Fauxgrass and Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish and many more. See the full lineup and links to early-bird ticket sales.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Downtown Grand Rapids’ newest concert venue earned high marks from a teeming and happy crowd on Wednesday night. Check out the Local Spins review and two photo galleries from the milestone show.
Festivals · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The first-ever winter festival takes place Saturday with five bands performing. One of those, punk rock’s I Believe in Julio, was the featured artist during this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE. Listen to the podcast which features the debut of new songs by Michigan bands and check out the festival schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The popular mid-Michigan band has wrapped up work on its first studio album in years and is eager to be the first act to play 20 Monroe Live next week. Check out the exclusive Local Spins interview and Hertler’s view of the new Grand Rapids venue.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
This battle of the bands contest that started in northern Michigan last weekend will see 20 bands competing to land a paid set during Short’s 13th anniversary celebration this spring. Get details here, with a list of the acts competing the next several weeks.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos
With roots in Big Rapids — and links to Ultraviolet Hippopotamus – the Michigan band is happily touring behind its sophomore studio album and embracing its eclectic approach. Read the story and album review, listen to the radio podcast, watch the video.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, West Michigan bands and touring acts – including Nathan Kalish, Delilah DeWylde, Mark Lavengood, Analogue Earth and Gina Sicilia – kicked off the first week of January with hot, audience-pleasing shows at The Pyramid Scheme, Bell’s Brewery, Founders Brewing and Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Break out the sweatpants, a jam-band attitude and shed a tear: After more than 50 shows, Grand Rapids’ Desmond Jones will play its final Monday night residency gig at the West Side’s Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill this week. Read the back story, including the wacky things that have happened on Monday nights in this Grand Rapids watering hole.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The tented event outside Perrin’s Comstock Park taproom will serve as a preview to WYCE Jammie Awards show and raise money for Kids’ Food Basket. Read more about this inaugural one-day music festival and get the links to pre-sales.
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.
The band headlines a big New Year’s Eve show in Kalamazoo, then heads back into the studio later this winter to record a long-awaited, much-talked-about new album. Check out the story as Local Spins revisits some West Michigan artists featured in the new 2017 Local Spins wall calendars. Grand Rapids’ UV Hippo is the September cover.
Announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
The concert hall next to The B.O.B. opens in February with a wide range of bookings: The Verve Pipe, Lauryn Hill, Pop Evil and more. Tickets go on sale Friday. Check out the first slate of concerts booked for the venue.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
An all-star cast of Michigan musicians is paying tribute to icon John Prine in a week that also saw high-profile shows by The Mainstays, The Accidentals, Rusted Root and more. Check out all the colorful, action-filled images from West Michigan’s week of live music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The fifth year of a unique Grand Rapids house show festival has unfurled this weekend in four Eastown neighborhood homes, boasting a diverse mix of acts and performances. Check out the Local Spins story and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE
The Mainstays’ sophomore album, “Another Way,” reflects three years of growth as a band. The popular funksters host CD-release shows this weekend in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Read more about the group’s journey.
Local Spins Live · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Oct. 21 edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted an in-studio performance by vintage country’s Diff & Dudley, plus new music by Nashon Holloway, Benjaman James and Friends With the Weather. And this week’s episode of Local Spins Live on WJRW got creepy for the holidays with some Halloween-hued rock. Read the story and check out both radio podcasts at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Some jaw-dropping, lively sets marked the second day of Cowpie Music Fest, not to mention more comfortable, sunny weather that even had Shagbark Farm’s cows , quite literally, mooing their approval. Check out the photo gallery and recap of the second day of action at this rootsy festival in southern Kent County.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Rain and some delays but didn’t faze fans or acts Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Turnips, Mark Lavengood and more who turned Shagbark Farm into a rootsy festival destination. Check out the recap of the opening day down on the farm and ogle the photo gallery and video. Day 2 gets rolling at lunchtime Saturday.
