Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE showcased the Grand Rapids band in-studio, plus debuted new music from Joe Hertler, The Accidentals, Deepfall, Katy Needs a Life and Mark Lavengood. Get the back story on Leland Blue, watch the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast.
Celebrating a new live album and fresh songs, members of the Traverse City trio on Thursday proved to fans at Kalamazoo’s Bell’s Brewery just why they’re a dynamic live act with a national following. Check out the exclusive Local Spins review by Ryan Boldrey, with photos by Derek Ketchum.
This late April roundup features recent releases from artists in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Traverse City. Read the Local Spins reviews, listen to songs from the albums.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
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.
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.
From a jam-packed Selena tribute to a rock star’s acoustic solo tour stop to Kalamazoo album-release concerts, West Michigan music fans had plenty to celebrate. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The outdoor summer concert season starts early in Grand Rapids, with downtown lunchtime shows starting in early May. Check out the schedule for those shows as well as series lineups for Hastings, Ada and Allendale.
Festivals · Music on Campus · Upcoming shows
Friday’s student-run festival in the Fieldhouse Arena on GVSU’s Allendale campus will feature eight local acts, from established performers such as Brother Elsey to emerging student bands.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
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.
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.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The revamped amphitheater will also host summer shows by Foreigner, The B-52s, Mandolin Orange, Tash Sultana, Steve Miller & Marty Stuart, O.A.R., CAKE, Andrew Bird, Trombone Shorty, Lake Street Dive, JJ Grey with Jonny Lang and more. Member tickets on sale April 27. See the full concert lineup and ticket prices at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Summer festival announcements keep coming, from Southwest Michigan to the far reaches of the Upper Peninsula. Graham Parson’s July Farm Block Fest will feature regional stars Seth Bernard, Heavy Color, Molly, Cabildo, Joshua Davis and more; St. Joe’s mid-May festival will be headlined by JD McPherson, with Nora Jane Struthers and more. Check out the lineups, ticket links and details at Local Spins.
There’s no better day than Saturday to start vinyl collecting — and reveling in local performances — as West Michigan once again joins the national Record Store Day celebration. Get the store schedules and details at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
We Came As Romans, Red Elvises, Sweet Water Warblers, Da Baby, Brit Floyd, Record Store Day and much more fire up the second week of April. And browse this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
To say that it was an eclectic week of West Michigan music is an understatement. The early April shows covered a wide range of genres but had one thing in common: exuberant performances and fans captured in Local Spins images. Check out the photo galleries and concert recaps.
A fixture on West Michigan’s music scene, Nicole LaRae has brought an impressive roster of national stars to Grand Rapids while bolstering local acts on stage and on radio. With The Pyramid Scheme celebrating its eighth anniversary this month, Local Spins profiles this champion of the musical arts.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Both Grand Rapids bands fired things up in-studio for this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Lighting Matches, Dalmatian Stone, FlyLite Gemini, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Chirp and more. Read about the bands, listen to their on-air performances.
Concert announcements · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows
This summer’s stacked lineup features Trampled by Turtles, Built to Spill, Here Come the Mummies, Conor Oberst, Kurt Vile and more. Check out the initial schedule at Local Spins.
The Grand Rapids alt-country band’s latest album, “Roll On,” was one of four new chart entries, joined in March by Joshua Davis, Max Lockwood and Bermudas. Listen to songs from all of the charted artists and check out a list of new local and regional releases.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor band that’s impressed fans with its live shows for years has finally unleashed its full-length studio debut album, and will play Billy’s Lounge on Friday along with Biomassive and Bigfoot Buffalo. Check out the latest artist spotlight feature focusing on bands from the east side of the state and watch a video of Chirp.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
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.
Breaking music news · Music on Campus
The budget-cutting move by the Grand Rapids college has upset some students and will likely reduce future concerts on campus by national touring acts. Read student reaction to the move and the administration’s response at Local Spins.
Features · Music on Campus · Upcoming shows
Those enrolled in the university program are getting music industry experience by helping promote and stage Thursday’s tour stop by pop singer Sinclair in Grand Rapids, just one of many hands-on opportunities offered in the concert field. Read more about the program and check out Sinclair videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Haven’s Silent Spirit debuted songs from his new EP live for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by The Go Rounds, Hannah Rose & The GravesTones and Brian the Bold. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the podcast, read the back story.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The last week in March also boasts shows by From Ashes to New, Novo Amor, Jose Gonzalez, Thou, Jack & The Bear, Lushh, Dalmatian Stone and more. And win tickets to see Carrie Nation & The Speakeasy at the Tip Top Deluxe.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s week started with indie-rock’s In the Valley Below and ended with country singer Gary Allan, with much in between: WO-Stock, Jordan Hamilton, The Legal Immigrants, Ladyfest GR. Check out all of the photo galleries and the WO-Stock recap at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
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.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Show announcements include the April return to Elevation of Jake’s Music Festival and the summer 2019 Picnic Pops lineup, featuring acts ranging from pianist Rich Ridenour to Nashville songwriters. Get the details and full lineups at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
A movie filmed in Michigan will be part of the pop-laced indie-rock band’s April tour behind its sophomore recording. Grand Rapids gets a sneak preview of the new music Tuesday night at The Pyramid Scheme. Learn more about this unique project and watch the video for In the Valley Below’s new single/movie trailer.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
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.
Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Top 10 Lists
With the mammoth South by Southwest festival wrapping up in Texas over the weekend, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos looks back at event highlights — some with a Michigan flair.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s week in live music included crowd-pleasing shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, from blues to pop, and rock to Celtic beauty, captured in images at Local Spins. Check out all the photo galleries and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids jam band talked touring and played new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Crane Wives, Accidentals, Antighost, Jack Droppers and Mark Lavengood.
Explore some of the latest regional releases, listen to tracks from each of the featured artists and revel in a Local Spins exclusive: a sneak peek into the full new album by Grand Rapids’ The Soods prior to its official release.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
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
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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Friday’s radio show welcomed Olivia Mainville in-studio and featured tracks by Bermudas, Canceled Plans, Kaitlyn Zittel, May Erlewine, Hannah Rose, Lipstick Jodi, Lindsay Lou and more. Watch the video, read the back story and listen to the podcast starring inspiring music by female artists from across Michigan.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW
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.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The charming island festival also pumps up July with regional faves Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, The Hacky Turtles, Escaping Pavement, The Bootstrap Boys, Loren Cole and many more. And another island festival will take place in September. Get details and ticket links at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
More than a dozen Michigan acts will face off in four cities this spring, vying for a performance slot in August’s Cowpie Music Festival. Get the full lineup and contest schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
The March Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’ showcased new music from four attention-getting West Michigan acts from different ends of the musical spectrum: pop to country to soft indie-rock to funky blues. Listen to the ‘Stateside’ podcast as well as full versions of new songs by the featured West Michigan artists.
Audio · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
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.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
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.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
This edition of the weekend concert wrap-up focuses on a trifecta blend of locally bred lo-fi, pop and rock that fired up a near-capacity Grand Rapids crowd and images from Liquid Stranger’s Swedish-bred electronic magic, plus photo galleries from other West Michigan shows.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With the California alt-rock band making a Grand Rapids tour stop Saturday, Local Spins chatted with bassist Tim Foreman about the group’s early days, its recent hiatus, the new studio album, the process of healing and connecting with fans. And check out the band’s video for “Native Tongue.”
Festivals · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
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
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.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
This week’s concert images also spotlight Kalamazoo shows by Tambourina and Kate & Emilee of The Crane Wives, plus images of Hank Mowery, Rochelle & The Spoilers, The Turnips, Needtobreathe, Alan Jackson and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins kicks off a new monthly feature on Detroit- and Ann Arbor-area artists with a look at the music of Alyssa Midcalf, also known as Primer, who plays a Grand Rapids album-release show on March 1. Get the back story about this innovative artist, watch a video and listen to a track from her album.
