Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (April 22-28): Hunter Hayes, Talib Kweli, Veil of Maya, Twin Peaks, Boney James, The Accidentals, OK Go

• April 22, 2019

Feedback 25 (with The Crane Wives and The Concussions at Founders Brewing), Casting Crowns, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Murlocs, Political Lizard, Mason Jennings, a Pathway to the Pasture band contest, the Spring ReggaeFest and more help fill out the week of concerts. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways for Talib Kweli and Twin Peaks, plus peruse the delightfully diverse Under-the-Radar Picks.

Videos

Michigan bands aim for big splash with videos in 2019 Tiny Desk Contest

• April 22, 2019

Once again, the National Public Radio competition is drawing hundreds of video entries from musical artists across the country, and many of them are from the Great Lakes State. View more than 30 of the Michigan entries at Local Spins, from the homemade to the slick and creative. The winner will be announced in May.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (April 15-21): Godsmack, Black Stone Cherry, Rick Springfield, Leo Kottke, Luke Winslow-King, The Cadillac Three

• April 15, 2019

Todd Snider, Neyla Pekarek, Foxing, Jai Wolf, Eric Anderson, The Livery’s Funk Fest, Mary Rademacher and a bevy of bold local shows pump up The Big List of concerts. And scrutinize this week’s fascinating Under-the-Radar Picks and shows On the Horizon.

Features · Photos · Videos

Record Store Day in W. Michigan: Vinyl passion that ‘gets bigger every year’ and a parade

• April 14, 2019

Check out a recap, photos and video of Saturday’s upbeat Record Store Day celebration at indie shops which hosted live music, DJs and more — including a robust parade down Bridge Street in Grand Rapids.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Estar Cohen, Mark Harrell, Callab debut new songs: Local Spins on WYCE

• April 13, 2019

On the first day of the Spring Fund Drive at WYCE, Local Spins on WYCE show host John Sinkevics premiered new tracks by Michigan artists, had an in-studio chat with singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles and counted down some of the top local and regional tracks of the past six months. Listen to the podcast and watch the video of a new single by Estar Cohen.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Kaskade, Wiz Khalifa, Louis the Child, Big Gigantic to light up Breakaway 2019

• April 11, 2019

Troyboi, Herobust, Blackbear, Bryce Vine and much more are on the bill for the two-day electronic music and hip hop festival at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park in August. Browse the lineups for both days at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: The magic of In the Valley Below, JRob, Super Future

• April 3, 2019

Local Spins’ statewide April segment showcasing new West Michigan music on “Stateside” focused on three acts with intoxicating songs and a powerful message. Listen to the podcast and check out full versions of songs from each of the featured artists.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (April 1-7): Kenny Chesney, Justin Timberlake, Lil Baby, SOJA, Cash’d Out, Sinclair

• April 1, 2019

Blackbear at Grand Valley, Public Access, Trout Steak Revival, Jack Droppers, Henhouse Prowlers, Biomassive and Starkbierfest IV are on tap, as well as tributes to Johnny Cash, Pink Floyd and Nirvana. Check out this week’s spotlighted shows, the Under-the-Radar Picks and win tickets to see Sinclair.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Black Super Heroes: JRob, Steven Malcolm reflect ‘everyday life’ with dynamic hip hop

• March 23, 2019

The Grand Rapids artists play a hip hop showcase Saturday night and previewed their music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Super Future, Desmond Jones, Dead Eye Zack, Distant Stars and more. Read the story, watch the videos of their in-studio performances and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows

Lady Ace Boogie and DC to headline ‘Women in Hip Hop’ showcase Friday night at Bell’s

• March 21, 2019

It’s Women’s History Month and Kalamazoo will get a dose of potent female-driven hip hop via a pair of West Michigan stars. And Lady Ace Boogie follows up by hosting another hip-hop showcase Saturday in Grand Rapids. Get the back story, watch videos at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (March 18-24): Weezer, Pixies, Billy Idol, La Luz, Glen Phillips, Cradle of Filth, Gary Allan

• March 18, 2019

Mid-March also brings us In the Valley Below, LadyFest GR, Pink Sky, Lady Ace Boogie, Dan Rickabus, Desmond Jones, Trevor Hall and much more. And see how you can win concert tickets to two different shows at The Pyramid Scheme this week.

Concert reviews · Photos

Quinn XCII ignites capacity Grand Rapids crowd with emotional, Michigan-bred pop

• March 15, 2019

The Detroit singer reveling in a breakout year on the pop scene brought his “From Tour With Love” to 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids, beguiling enthused fans with “Straightjacket,” “Sad Still” and other hits. Check out the review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos

Michigan bands bring northern cool to Austin’s SXSW heat (Review, photos, video)

• March 12, 2019

Brother Elsey, Jordan Hamilton, Jack Droppers, Michigander, Stef Chura, Steppes and more closed out the Michigan House run in Texas with a diverse showcase Monday at an Austin nightclub. Get the recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (March 11-17): Metallica, Irish on Ionia, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Quinn XCII, Rubblebucket, Supersuckers, All Them Witches

• March 11, 2019

St. Patrick’s Day revelry is everywhere, but the week also sizzles with Tab Benoit, Kyle Hollingsworth, Blackberry Smoke, The Flesh Eaters, Vienna Boys Choir, Amy Lavere, Mustard Plug, The Outer Vibe, Domestic Problems and more. See how you can win tickets to the giant Irish on Ionia party and peruse our riveting Under-the-Radar Picks.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Vince Staples lifts up 20 Monroe Live, plus Nothing More, Jeff Austin, Veronica Swift

• March 10, 2019

The California rapper’s weekend tour stop was just part of a rambunctious week of live music across West Michigan, with shows by Nothing More, Badflower, Jeff Austin, Travelin’ McCourys, Veronica Swift & The Benny Green Trio, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Brother Elsey and more. Check out the photo galleries and recaps at Local Spins.

Features · Local Spins at SXSW

A rock band’s must-have tour necessities: Tea, headphones, books, sweatpants, denim, a flask

• March 8, 2019

Heading on tour? Trying to survive SXSW? We asked Michigan musicians heading to Austin to list the tour necessities they won’t leave home without. Their answers are revealing and entertaining.

Audio · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Mo Pop set to heat up Detroit with Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, Ella Mai

• March 5, 2019

The seventh edition of the annual festival on July 27-28 will also boast sets by Kali Uchis, Lizzo, King Princess, The Story So Far, Noname and more. Tickets go on sale Friday. Check out details and listen to a playlist of Mo Pop artists at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos

Gov’t Mule, Toots & The Maytals, Macy Gray to headline Founders Fest 2019

• March 5, 2019

Organizers say the June festival in downtown Grand Rapids will pay homage to the event’s legacy while offering ‘delightful curveballs’ that include The War and Treaty, Lady Ace Boogie and, as always, the FBC All-Stars. Check out details, ticket links and videos at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (March 4-10): Vince Staples, KISS, Nothing More, TobyMac, Disturbed, Sarah Borges, Veronica Swift

• March 4, 2019

The concert week also features Moneybagg Yo, The Crystal Method, Brother Elsey & Jack Droppers in a pre-SXSW preview show, Gibbz, Runa and much, much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Local H, with Valentiger and Slumlord Radio.

Festivals · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos

Cozy Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest set to showcase indoor music, instruction, instrument makers

• February 27, 2019

The festival kicks off Friday night with a concert by Shari Kane and Dave Steele at Kalamazoo Valley Museum, followed by Saturday’s day-long affair with 15 acts on three stages, vendors, workshops and “pop-up” shows. Get the lowdown and the full Saturday schedule at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Feb. 25-March 3): Switchfoot, Big Head Todd, Milk Carton Kids, Ben Rector, Sawyer Fredericks, Chieftains, Russell Dickerson, Fretboard Festival

• February 25, 2019

Amid national tour stops are a host of intriguing local shows this week, including FlyLite Gemini, Heaters, Bronze Wolf, FADE, Silverstiles, Peat in the Creel, an Elton tribute and much more. And see how you can win tickets to see Heaters, Major Murphy and Ghost Orchard at The Pyramid Scheme.

Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: How to Live Together, Bermudas, Jordan Hamilton, Elroy Meltzer

• February 14, 2019

This February roundup of releases by Michigan artists also takes a look at new recordings by Andrew Saliba, Kaitlyn Zittel and The Aquaerials. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the artists.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Feb. 11-17): Kelly Clarkson, Black Violin, John Mellencamp, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Shad, Space Jesus, Dr. Dog

• February 11, 2019

The Go Rounds, John Gorka, Candlebox, Insane Theatre, Cabildo, Deep Greens & Blues, Strapping Owls, Sherman Gepherd, Desmond Jones and Taste of Soul Sunday round out a busy week. Get the complete lowdown in The Big List Concert Guide and win tickets to see the Deep Greens & Blues’ album-release show.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Jammie Awards 2019 Revisited: ‘A little bit of everything’ plus electrifying performances

• February 9, 2019

“It was crazy.” That was one description of Friday night’s 20th annual Jammie Awards show hosted by WYCE-FM at The Intersection which drew 1,600 people for show-stopping sets by Tunde Olaniran, The War and Treaty, Heavy Color, The Hacky Turtles and more. Check out the highlights in words, photos and video at Local Spins

Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

The War and Treaty, Michigander rack up flurry of WYCE Jammie Awards

• February 8, 2019

The 20th Jammie Awards show on Friday evening at The Intersection drew lively crowds for award presentations and 30-plus performances. See the full winners’ list and a photo gallery at Local Spins, along with a special Jammies edition podcast of Local Spins on WYCE.

Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows

Michigander, Brother Elsey, Jack Droppers among Michigan acts at Michigan House SXSW

• February 8, 2019

Ten artists were selected from 300-plus entries to play an official showcase in Austin, with Flint Eastwood, Seth Bernard and Jordan Hamilton playing other Michigan House shows. And Local Spins will host an SXSW preview show in Grand Rapids featuring Brother Elsey and Droppers on March 6. See who else was chosen and listen to music from all of the Michigan House acts.

Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Videos

Local Spins’ ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ Earth Radio a true shooting star

• February 8, 2019

The sky’s the limit: The Grand Rapids neo-soul/rock super-group is set to release its second album in May and will be honored by Local Spins at Friday night’s Jammie Awards. Read more about the band and watch a video at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Jordan Hamilton, Melophobix, Max Lockwood

• February 7, 2019

February’s Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” gave listeners statewide a taste of Kalamazoo cellist/hip hop artist Jordan Hamilton, Grand Rapids’ funky Melophobix and pop/folk-rock’s Max Lockwood. Enjoy the podcast, read more about the featured artists and listen to their songs at Local Spins.

Upcoming shows

Winning a Jammie Award: The ‘dream come true’ effect for Michigan bands

• February 6, 2019

WYCE-FM hosts the 20th Jammies show Friday at The Intersection, with 34 acts on stage and tons of awards doled out. Browse — and save — the jam-packed schedule and see who some of last year’s winners have chosen as their ‘best artists of the year.’

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Feb. 4-10): Bela Fleck, Shoreline Mafia, Albert Lee, Heavy Color, Jim Brickman, Talib Kweli, WYCE Jammie Awards

• February 4, 2019

The Jammies are the big show of the week, but the concert lineup also features Red Tail Ring, Joey DeFrancesco, Kathy Lamar, Xavier Davis, Frankie & Myrrh, Flexadecibel and the annual West Michigan Luthier Concert. Plus win tickets to Political Lizard’s album-release show — and check out the Under-the-Radar Picks.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Cracker, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers to headline Cowpie Music Festival 2019

• February 3, 2019

The August music festival in southern Kent County has assembled perhaps its most impressive lineup to date, with a host of regional stars joining Cracker for the three-day affair. Performers will include Joe Hertler, Desmond Jones, Lady Ace Boogie, Jimmie Stagger, Mungion, Don Julin, Motor City Josh and more. See the roster and get more details at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows

Album Reviews: Greensky Bluegrass, Josh Davis, McWeakerton, Ajax Stacks and more

• January 24, 2019

Check out the latest batch of Michigan releases being showcased at Local Spins — from high-profile acts to under-the-radar artists — and sample tracks from the featured albums, including recordings by Blueflowers and The Dead Shepherds.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Jan. 21-27): Sublime with Rome, Eric Johnson, Gregory Alan Isakov, Walk the Moon, Jesse McCartney, Rick Springfield, Ice Jam

• January 21, 2019

This week’s concert lineup also features the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Lady Ace Boogie, Serengeti, FINKEL, Dirty Deville, Byron Stripling, Roosevelt Diggs, Chely Wright, Bass Country, The Crane Wives and a “Synth Night.” And see how you can win tickets to the big Bass Country show at The Intersection.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Ty Beat fashions soulful new electronic music with singer Hannah Rose Graves

• January 12, 2019

The Grand Rapids DJ and electronic music producer debuted the new project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Melophobix, Jonn-e, The Journeymen, Phabies, Sundry and more. Listen to the podcast and watch a video of the Ty Beat/Graves in-studio performance.

Announcements · Upcoming shows

WYCE Jammie Awards reveals record number of performers for biggest awards show yet

• January 8, 2019

Lady Ace Boogie, Tunde Olaniran and Seth Bernard will be joined by 23 first-timers at the February event being held in all four venues inside Grand Rapids’ The Intersection. Check out the list of all the performers at Local Spins, along with details about the upcoming awards show.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Jan. 7-13): Lee Brice, Martin Sexton, Winter Wheat, Mothers, Hal Beveridge Tribute, School of Rock

• January 7, 2019

A robust week of live music also features Way Down Wanderers, Roger Brown, Rob Reider, Gasoline Gypsies, Earth Radio, Big Trouble and lots of Under-the-Radar Picks. Browse West Michigan’s most comprehensive weekly concert guide.

Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Best Music of 2018: The Musicians’ Picks

• December 28, 2018

Last week, it was the critics. Today, Local Spins features West Michigan musicians’ favorite albums of the year. Pore over the lists of their picks for top albums of 2018 and listen to the music.

Album Releases

Local Spins wants your picks for the Top 5 albums or songs of 2018

• December 18, 2018

Attention, Local Spins readers: Send us your choices for best albums or songs of the year, and we’ll publish the lists and enter your name in a drawing for a Local Spins gift package. And we’ve included a bunch of ‘best music’ lists from other media outlets to give you some ideas.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Dec. 3-9): Old Dominion, Eve 6, Dave East, Melissa Etheridge, Manic Focus, Todd Albright, GR Symphony Holiday Pops

• December 3, 2018

Ryley Walker, The Japanese House, The Moxie Strings, Nathan Walton, The Concussions, Jackyl, Kaitlin Rose, The Accidentals, a blues benefit and more pump up the first full week of December. Get the lowdown on West Michigan’s concert lineup at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

The Midnight Hour gets groove-heavy in Grand Rapids, plus Cody Jinks, Marcus King and more

• December 2, 2018

The Midnight Hour collective’s Pyramid Scheme tour stop was just part of this week’s eclectic image recap that includes Cody Jinks, Marcus King Band, Dacia Bridges Project, The Hill People, Weezil Malone & Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Browse the images, watch the videos at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Nov. 26-Dec. 2): Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Breaking Benjamin, Bishop Briggs, The Lone Bellow, The LACS, Cody Jinks

• November 26, 2018

Harry Connick Jr. launches a week that also features San Holo, The Midnight Hour, Rodney Atkins, Marcus King Band, The Hill People, Weezil Malone and much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Bishop Briggs.

Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: Moto, Sligh Talkbox, JetBeats, The Blue Pines, Benje Daneman, Joe Wilson

• November 21, 2018

Local Spins’ second batch of November reviews of regional album releases covers a lot of musical territory from hip hop to hard rock to ’60s sizzle to boundary-pushing jazz. Get the lowdown on new Michigan releases and preview music from the recordings.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Nov. 5-11): Lynyrd Skynyrd, Big Gigantic, Lecrae, Thievery Corporation, Tim Reynolds, El Ten Eleven, Earthwork Music

• November 5, 2018

John Medeski’s Mad Skillet kicks off a week that includes Kalamashoegazer and album-release shows by Roosevelt Diggs, Frederic & Ronza, Lower Leisure Class and Valley Girl, plus tributes to Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, Phish, Frank Sinatra and more. And see how you can win tickets to see Lecrae.

Concert reviews · Photos

Lamp Light maintains intimacy, rolls out ‘awesome’ performances (Review, photos)

• November 4, 2018

Moving this year from living rooms in Eastown homes to Wealthy Theatre and other venues, Lamp Light 7 has charged up stages with an eclectic blend of regional and national artists. Check out the recap, photo gallery from the first two days of this Grand Rapids festival.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Brother Elsey never holds back, shines as band of brothers with Americana-fueled rock

• November 3, 2018

After relocating from Detroit to Grand Rapids, this band of brothers released a new single the same day Brother Elsey made its debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Saltbreaker, Jake Simmons, Alyssa Wettlaufer and more. Listen to the podcast, watch Brother Elsey’s official new video.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Oct. 29-Nov.4): Seether, Good Charlotte, Of Montreal, Arlo Guthrie, Gov’t Mule, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Lamp Light Fest

• October 29, 2018

Alice Cooper gets Halloween week started on a scary foot but there’s more: Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, MewithoutYou, Kenny Barron, Sister Sparrow, Nobody’s Girl, Black Jake and much more. And see how you can win tickets to see Kenny Barron at St. Cecilia Music Center.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Oct. 22-28): Machine Head, Kansas, Young the Giant, Kevin Gates, Brothers Osborne, Halloween Parties

• October 22, 2018

The Goo Goo Dolls have canceled their Grand Rapids show, but the week leading up to Halloween hoopla also boasts the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference & showcases, plus Ashley McBryde, Conrad Shock, Earth Radio, The Drifters, Julien Labro and more. Check out all of Local Spins’ spotlighted shows, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks and see how you can win tickets to see Ashley McBryde.

Announcements · Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW

Michigan House seeking Michigan bands to play South by Southwest in 2019

• October 18, 2018

For the pop-up venue’s fifth year, Michigan House is partnering with Detroit’s Opnr to take applications online from Great Lakes State artists, with 10 selected to perform in Austin. Get details and a link to apply at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Oct. 15-21): Keith Urban, War, G Herbo, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Peter Yarrow, Reel Big Fish, Clutch, Maria Muldaur

• October 15, 2018

On his farewell tour, Elton John kicks off a week that also features AOK, The Main Squeeze, Harry Lucas, Fiesta Caribena, Jack Russel’s Great White, Indie Fest 18, Dave Bruzza, Monty Alexander and more. And check The Big List to see how you can win free tickets to one of four different Intersection shows this week or to see Alexander at Fountain Street Church.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Social Distortion’s rocking ‘Ring of Fire,’ Collective Soul and more: Local Spins Photos

• October 14, 2018

Social Distortion’s weekend tour stop at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live was just part of a music week that also featured appearances by Arturo Sandoval, Collective Soul, Blockhead, Kind Country and more. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.