Ben Folds gets snarky, fun, fan-involving and profane in Kalamazoo
The piano-pounding phenom brought his always-unique, one-of-a-kind spectacle to State Theatre in Kalamazoo on Wednesday. Get the concert recap, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Tagged: indie-rock
Announcements · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival seeking bands, solo artists for play-in contest
Performers have until Nov. 1 to apply, with the top three ensembles and solo artists taking part in a Jan. 10 play-in contest for two paid slots at the March festival. Get details and a link to the online application at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 21-27): Kenny G, Ben Folds, Andy Grammer, San Fermin, TAUK
Los Straitjackets, J.S. Ondara, Jon Langston, Lazer Lloyd, The Japanese House, Erin Zindle, a Folk Alliance gathering and tons of Halloween parties are also on the agenda this week. The Under-the-Radar Picks also feature a rescheduled Luke Bryan show, an album-release show and the closing event for ArtPrize’s Project 1.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Joshua Davis, Joe Hertler, Keller Williams, The Accidentals, Judy Collins and more: Photos
The music weekend began with Joshua Davis’ debut at Grand Rapids’ new Listening Room and continued with a host of crowd-pleasing regional and national concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Rockford. Browse all of the colorful images at Local Spins, including images from a two-night stand by Joe Hertler and a brewery’s anniversary bash.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: New music from Lipstick Jodi, Borr McFerrin, Jack Droppers and more
The Oct. 18 edition of Local Spins on WYCE — on the last day of the Fall Fund Drive — was full of new regional music, including John Sanger, Stone Hands, Dean Madonia, Jeremy Ensley and much more. Listen to the podcast at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Album Reviews: Billy Strings’ bluegrass masterpiece, plus Last Gasp Collective, ‘Songs of the Pumpkin Boy,’ Laurel Premo
Fall brings with it some frightfully good new regional music, including the latest from Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings, a popular hip hop collective, fetching fiddle music and scary-cool Halloween gems. Check out the reviews, sample the new music at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Local Spins to host ‘Michigan Mondays’ concerts at new downtown Listening Room
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.
The Big List (Oct. 14-20): AJR, Skizzy Mars, Moon Hooch, Judy Collins, Selwyn Birchwood, Joshua Davis, COIN, Keller Williams, Joe Hertler
Ghost gets things started in a week that also boasts the first shows at the Listening Room in downtown Grand Rapids, Jinjer, Tyrone Wells, Faren Strnad, Fred Hersch and much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets and a special prize package to an upcoming TAUK concert in Kalamazoo.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kip Moore goes to church, plus Blue October, Michigander, The Crane Wives: Photo Recap
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
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.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Northern Michigan’s Chris Michels wants ‘it all musically,’ set to fire up funky jams in GR
The Chris Michels Band, which plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday, boasts a rotating cast of talented musicians, led by a songwriter about to release a new solo album and determined to squeeze “as much music” as he can into his life. Get the back story on Michels and listen to his new singles at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Eric Church doubles down, plus Shinedown, May Erlewine, Mungion and more: Photo Recap
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.
Vintage Thursday: Lee Ann Womack revels in ‘sad country’; Steve Hackett revisits Genesis
Thursday night’s concert offerings in Grand Rapids boasted fan-pleasing shows by an acclaimed singer, a revered guitarist, and Colorado and U.K. indie-rock faves. Get the recap of this special Thursday at three different venues in recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Amy Young and Daves at 7 revel in ‘super-invigorating,’ diverse musical approach
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.
Album Releases · Audio · Hot Top 5
The Bootstrap Boys gallop to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for September
The latest chart of most-played local and regional albums on Grand Rapids’ WYCE-FM also featured the debut of a new album by hip hop’s Dante Cope. See the full chart, listen to music from the featured artists.
Album reviews · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Patty PerShayla, May Erlewine, The Skinny Limbs
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
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.
Strand of Oaks turns Tuesday into intense, fiery, soulful family affair
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.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 23-29): Luke Bryan, Strand of Oaks, Black Violin, Bruce Cockburn, Skillet, BoomBox, Judah & The Lion, Jars of Clay
Big Sandy gets the week started, with Witt Lowry, Greyhounds, Yuno, Mdou Moctar, Pistil Whips, Mustard Plug, Rockford Harvest Festival, Flat River Songwriter Showcase and Grand Rapids Symphony’s Queens of Soul also on the bill. And see how you can win tickets to see BoomBox or Witt Lowry at Elevation inside The Intersection.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Delbert McClinton, Pink Sky, JRob, Grand Armory Anniversary: Weekend Photo Galleries
From Grand Haven to Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, and from electronic music to hip hop to blues-rock and funk, it was another entertaining week of live music in West Michigan. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Earthwork Harvest Gathering launches with jam-packed Friday of powerful music
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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
JRob displays super powers on new hip hop classic ‘Peace of a King 2’: Local Spins on WYCE
The Grand Rapids hip hop artist unfurled new songs in-studio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by 10 other West Michigan acts. Read the story of JRob, watch a video of his in-studio performance and listen to the entire radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: JRob, Brother Adams, Mike Mains, After Ours, The Skinny Limbs
This mid-September sampling of new local and regional releases offers everything from boundary-pushing folk-punk to socially conscious hip hop. Check out the reviews and listen to the music, exclusively at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
After outcry, Calvin to maintain Student Activities Office, full slate of concerts
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.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 16-22): Miranda Lambert, Iron & Wine, Calexico, Avatar, The Cadillac Three, Blackberry Smoke, Henhouse Prowlers
The week starts with the roar of GWAR, but there are also big shows starring JRob, The Accidentals, Pink Sky, Earth Radio, Delbert McClinton and way more firing up stages in West Michigan. Get the complete concert lowdown at Local Spins along with this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks.
Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Head and The Heart, Laith Al-Saadi, EOTO, Turnover, Blue Bridge Amplified: Photo Recap
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 · Videos
Perrin Brewing revels in diverse music, sunshine, full moon for anniversary bash
Saturday’s Backyard Bash outside the Comstock Park brewery drew thousands for sets by Jake Kershaw, The Hacky Turtles, Paradise Outlaw, Hollywood Makeout and Kozmic Mama. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
War and Treaty wins Americana Music Award; Nathan Walton makes ‘American Idol’ cut
Two Michigan artists earned acclaim this week, with Albion’s The War and Treaty winning the Americana Music Association’s “Emerging Act of the Year” in Nashville and Nathan Walton getting a thumbs up in a Detroit audition for ‘American Idol.’
Album Reviews: Paradise Outlaw, Boy from School, Jordan Hamilton, FlyLiteGemini, Temporary Arrangement
This mid-September round-up of new regional releases spans several genres in fetching fashion with bands based in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Check out the reviews, see where you can see the artists live and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Avett Brothers, crowd get ‘Closer Than Together’ in dynamic Van Andel performance
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.
Album Releases · Audio · Hot Top 5
Pink Sky, The Go Rounds, Full Cord romp in Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for August
A new slate of regional albums made a splash on WYCE-FM in August. Check out the full chart, listen to the featured artists and check out the roster of new local releases.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 2-8): Avett Brothers, Mandolin Orange, Jonas Brothers, Tash Sultana, Wheatland, Eastown Street Fair
The week starts with the West Michigan Labor Fest and also features a special Courtyard Concerts show with Leftover Salmon, plus The Real Ingredients, AB, Skinny Limbs, Winnow, Trixy Tang and more. And see how you can win tickets to see Leftover Salmon at the Courtyard Concerts and Earth’s Edge 25th anniversary show.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Willowsong Music Festival 2019 Revisited: Welcoming, diverse, ‘as good as it gets’
The third year of the regional music fest unfurled last weekend in Sidney north of Grand Rapids. Local Spins asked some of the performers to pick their favorite experiences, with a photo gallery by Anna Sink.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 26-Sept. 1): Jon Spencer, Jojo Siwa, Aaron Kamm, Kalamashoegazer
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.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Papa Roach, Holler Fest, Joshua Davis: Week-in-Review Photos
It was a week of tantalizing festivals, outdoor and indoor shows and more, captured in images at Local Spins — from Tiny Desk Concert winner Gaelynn Lea to regional fave Joshua Davis. Browse the galleries at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Joshua Davis, Luke Winslow-King, Crane Wives to fire up Grand Haven’s Music at the Museum
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 · Summer Festivals
Hoxeyville 2019 Revisited: Top 9 Experiences from a weekend in Wellston
The Hoxeyville Music Festival in the Manistee National Forest near Wellston wrapped up Sunday with two memorable sets by bluegrass star Billy Strings. But Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos found plenty more to like about Hoxey 2019, with photos by Anna Sink.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concerts-in-Review: Domestic Problems, Beth Bombara, Here Come the Mummies, Allah-Las
Funk, rock, Americana, jam-band fun, indie-folk, country, blues, you name it, it was on display on stages across West Michigan this past week, including Muskegon’s Moose Fest and a rousing Joe Cocker tribute. Browse the images and show recaps at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jenison’s Beth Bombara returns to Michigan for tour behind ‘strong’ Americana rock album
The St. Louis-based musician, songwriter and Cornerstone University alum soaked up elements of rock while playing in Grand Rapids bands. She’s home this week to perform in support of “Evergreen.” Read the Local Spins interview, watch her new music video and listen to the title track from her new album.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Aug. 12-18): Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson, Stray Cats, Chris Stapleton, JJ Grey & Mofro, GRandJazzFest, Hoxeyville
Over the Rhine, Still Remains, Why?, Stephen Marley, Domestic Problems, Allah-Las, Boy From School and much more are also on the docket. And see how you can win tickets to the first-ever Arcfest in Watervliet.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The return of Brother Adams, plus new music from Jordan Hamilton,The Moxie Strings
The Holland folk-rock-punk trio unleashed new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pink Sky, Ashley Daneman and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast and watch the video of Brother Adams’ in-studio performance.
Sarah McLachlan dazzles Grand Rapids with show-stopping voice, orchestrally backed songs
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.
CAKE once again goes ‘The Distance’ in lively fashion for West Michigan fans
The sardonic California alt-rock band charmed a capacity Meijer Gardens crowd on Wednesday with quirky instrumentation, trademark dry wit and a mix of old and somewhat-new songs. Check out the review and photos, exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Summer Festivals · Videos
Farmfest set to offer 70-plus sets, ‘gorgeous’ northern Michigan experience and setting
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
Memorial celebrations, GoFundMe campaign set for late singer Dacia Bridges
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.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Summer Festivals · Videos
Cowpie Music Festival-bound Cracker still touring, still inspired, still political
The band fronted by David Lowery has weathered the ups and downs of the music business, with help from devoted fans, including many in the Great Lakes State. With Cracker preparing to return to Michigan, check out the Local Spins interview as part of a special Sunday spotlight feature.
Michigan Album Reviews: Desmond Jones, Trixy Tang, Vee Tha Rula, Full Cord
The first batch of Local Spins album reviews for August features a popular jam band, a hard-rock fave, an up-and-coming hip hop artist and a bluegrass gem. Check out the latest round-up of new releases and listen to songs from each of the featured albums.
Dawes, Margo Price unfurl masterful stories, musical charisma for Grand Rapids fans
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.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Best of Mo Pop 2019: Kali Uchis does Radiohead, Tame Impala’s dazzling psychedelic rock
The Detroit music festival wrapped up Sunday night after two days of fun in the sun for thousands of concertgoers. Revisit the action in this Local Spins recap and photo gallery.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (July 29-Aug. 4): Dawes & Margo Price, Nas, Billy Currington, Badfish, Yonder Mountain String Band, Kalamazoo Ribfest
Prettymuch, Corrosion of Conformity, The Beach Boys, Gaelic Storm, The Menzingers, the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival and much more are also on the docket. Check all of this week’s featured concert selections, Under-the-Radar Picks and win tickets to see Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime at The Intersection’s Rock The Lot.
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