West Michigan poured out another full-bodied flask of live music to get August rolling and Local Spins was there to capture some of the action in photos. Check out all of the photo galleries and show recaps at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Inspired by Lake Michigan, the Grand Rapids-area band brought its summery vibe to this week’s radio show, which also aired new tracks by Brotha James, Political Lizard, Joshua Davis, The Quirk and Hope Waidley. Read the back story about this emerging West Michigan band, watch a video of their in-studio performance, listen to the full radio show podcast.
The Grand Rapids indie-rock/pop band has attracted attention local and nationally. Check out the full chart for July which boasts a whole new roster of releases and sample music from the Top 5 artists.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
An odd, abrupt finish by Matt Berninger and The National wrapped up the spirited, eclectic Detroit festival in “an iconic place.” Check out Local Spins’ review and photo gallery of a second day that featured St. Vincent, Daniel Caesar, Portugal. The Man and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival makes waves on the lakeshore, Ribfest heats up Kalamazoo, Joywave washes over GR, SuperPartyWonderDay closes the week out. Check out all of this week’s West Michigan concert selections and Under-the-Radar Picks. Plus, win tickets to see Save Face or Flynt Flossy.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The hip hop legend brought N.W.A., Ice-T, Tha Dogg Pound and more to Van Andel Arena during a busy week of tour stops and local shows in front of enthused West Michigan audiences. Concerts included Rayland Baxter, Erasure, The Beach Boys and Jake Kershaw & Melophobix in a special Walk the Beat event. The Ice Cube review and five photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The first day of the music festival in Detroit’s West Riverfront Park boasted summer sun, thousands of attendees and a diverse mix of acts, closing with the enigmatic and powerful Bon Iver. Check out the Day 1 recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The multi-instrumentalist touring behind a new prog-pop album, “Deviant Motions” brought his impressive musicianship to the radio show, which also showcased tunes by a host of regional artists. Read the story, listen to the full radio podcast which also features new regional music.
Live at River City · Photos · Videos
The latest live-streamed performance at River City oozed artful, original blues-edged music from the Grand Rapids band which is getting ready to release its next studio album later this year. Watch the video of Conrad Shock + The Noise’s in-studio session and check out the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · RSVP Music Chat
This edition of the RSVP Music Chat spotlights one of Michigan’s most respected collaborative musicians, Seth Bernard, who also has taken a strong stand on protecting Michigan’s water resources. Why other musicians should join him. Listen to the latest and wholly intriguing podcast.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Dispatch, L7 and Frank Turner launch a week that boasts local faves, Farm Block Fest showcases and tour stops by Between the Buried & Me, Against Me!, Blue Oyster Cult and many more. And win tickets to this week’s Farm Block showcases.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Although Grand Haven’s multi-venue Walk the Beat fest won’t fire up this August, Saturday’s ‘Keep the Beat Alive’ concert will rock the city with popular acts from past events, including Jake Kershaw, Melophobix, Cosmic Knot and Dave Palmer. See the full schedule at Local Spins.
Another potent week of live music brought Michigan fans some iconic hip hop, country, heavy metal, indie-rock and regional stars Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. Check out the recaps in vibrant images by Local Spins photographers.
Award-winning drummer Sandy “Sledge” Kaye will lead a rare drum clinic for women in August aimed at creating “experiences that you will not easily find elsewhere.” Get the lowdown on this special camp at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The 38th annual Blissfest captivated capacity crowds in northern Michigan over the weekend. Local Spins was there to capture the action in words and photos. Relive highlights from the festival, courtesy of writer Devin Anderson and photographer Anna Sink.
There’s nothing like it anywhere. The Beaver Island Music Festival is a musical experience and escape unlike any other this summer. Get the lowdown — and a festival soundtrack — at Local Spins. Listen to the playlist of festival acts, get background on this unique Michigan celebration.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
It’s a week of big names and big local shows, including the Tuesday Evening Music Club, On the Line, another Local Showcase, hi-ker, Yolonda Lavender and a special GR Symphony concert. See the full roster of upcoming concerts, plus some intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks.
There’s no letting up when it comes to summer music in West Michigan, with celebrations and concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Hudsonville, displayed in images at Local Spins. Check out all of the photo galleries and links to coverage.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The future of rock ‘n’ roll gets showcased over two nights in Grand Rapids as the 7th anniversary Piano Cottage Rocks! event brings remarkable student performers to the Wealthy Theatre stage. Get details at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Local Spins’ first batch of July releases covers a broad range of Michigan artists, from prog-pop to jazz to jamgrass to rock ‘n’ roll. Read the reviews, listen to samples of the music, find out where these bands are playing.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
May Erlewine, Appleseed Collective, Wire in the Wood, Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish, Barbarossa Brothers and many more regional favorites will play the Aug. 24-26 fest in Jackson County. Get the Holler Fest lowdown and scan the roster of 2018 festival acts at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
July continues to heat up with Flame Fest, Louie’s 100th Anniversary, Picnic Pops, The Temptations, The Red Elvises, GWAR, Brad Fritcher’s farewell show, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and more. Browse all of this week’s live music picks, plus see how you can win tickets to Saturday’s big Flame Fest in Hudsonville.
Reggae/rock/fusion singer Michael Franti and his band Spearhead delivered a scorching 110-minute set for a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd Sunday amid high temps and even higher spirits. Relive the upbeat show, browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The Byron Center native and singer-songwriter Nathan Walton uncorked live renditions of songs from his debut EP with his band for the radio show, which also debuted tracks by The Aquaerials, Major Murphy and Pink Sky. Listen to the podcast, watch a video of his in-studio performance..
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The L.A.-based pop star originally from Grand Haven unleashed an impressive homecoming set at the Lansing festival, which also boasted appearances by country stars Kip Moore and Hunter Hayes and pop/rock’s The Aces and Judah & The Lion. Check out the review and opening night photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
The July Local Spins segment spotlighting West Michigan artists gave “Stateside” listeners a sampling of dream pop, well-crafted Americana and harmony-laden indie-folk. Listen to the podcast and featured tracks by all three artists, including the brand new single by Major Murphy.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Bringing together some of Michigan’s most talented, emerging artists, the popular Tuesday series kicks off in the amphitheater tonight with Hannah Rose & The GravesTones and Rachel Curtis. See the full series lineup.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The holiday week also features the kickoff to the Tuesday Evening Music Club series, Pedro’s Pig Roast in Grand Haven and, of course, Grand Rapids’ Fourth of July fireworks show on Saturday starring local bands. See all of this week’s featured concerts, along with our Under-the-Radar Picks.
Kaleo’s indie-rock flourish Sunday at 20 Monroe Live ended a week that boasted Grand Rapids stops by Helmet, Yes, Blondie and Herbie Hancock, plus local showcases in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, including Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, The Dacia Bridges Project and The Legal Immigrants. Browse all of the resplendent images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids group which plays a Saturday night showcase in Kalamazoo lit up this week’s radio show, which also boasted new tracks by Brutes, Flint Eastwood, The Deputies, Overdrive Orchestra, Shawn Butzin and more. Listen to the podcast, watch a video of The GravesTones’ in-studio performance.
Outpolling three other West Michigan bands. Grand Rapids’ The Zannies won the last performance slot for August’s Cowpie Music Festival during Friday’s finals at The Intersection. Check out a recap of the event along with video highlights.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Bello Spark debuted two new songs on the air, Ling hawked his Grand River Water Festival that takes place Saturday and the show premiered new tracks by The Gorgeous Oranges, Pink Sky and Barrel Bones. Listen to the podcast, watch a video of Bello Spark’s fetching in-studio performance.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
From the wild, fan-involving antics of Andy Frasco to the throbbing beats of Green Velvet and Keys N Krates to the lengthy jams of host String Cheese, it was a memorable opening day and night in Rothbury. Browse the photo gallery, take a video tour of Electric Forest as it morphs from day to night and check out the list of top Local Spins highlights from Day 1.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, Lanco, Shawn Mullins, Rebirth Brass Band, Priests and Tip Top Deluxe’s seventh anniversary show are all part of this week’s live music lineup. Check out all of the West Michigan concert picks, including Langhorne Slim with The Accidentals and Roosevelt Diggs at St. Cecilia Music Center.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
A somewhat lower turnout at Founders Fest amid steamy weather didn’t Dead-en the enthusiasm for Saturday’s headliner not to mention five other acts who jammed and powered up sets on a relocated stage for the annual street party. Browse the photo galleryand watch video highlights from Saturday’s big party at Local Spins.
The unique new music venue is part of the $180 million theatre, retail and housing project opening south of Van Andel Arena in 2019. Quinn Mathews will lead the venture and curate the listening room, stepping down as WYCE manager late this summer.
Perfect temperatures and a receptive, sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens set the stage for an evening of emotional but uplifting folk rock. Check out the Local Spins review by Tricia Woolfenden and photo gallery from Kendra Kamp.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Summer Concerts
The Thursday night series on the Grand Rapids Art Museum terrace boasts seven weeks of performances by Michigan stars, including Yolonda Lavender, Organissimo, Fauxgrass, Earth Radio and others. See the full schedule at Local Spins and check out a Spotify playlist of songs from GRAM on the Green artists.
This month’s Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” lent an ear to a rising Southwest Michigan star and two psych-rock bands from Grand Rapids. Listen to the podcast and more from Dacia Bridges, Lazy Genius and Suzies.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Summer festival season is in full gear, plus there are riveting shows this week featuring Reverend Horton Heat, Trevor Hall, Davina & The Vagabonds (this week’s Local Spins ticket giveaway), some terrific local music showcases and the kickoff of several outdoor concert series. Get the lowdown on this week’s West Michigan concerts, plus some tantalizing Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins’ photo recap of the week in music also features Brena at the summer’s first Garage Bar Block Party, Kalamazoo’s Pride celebration, Jack Droppers and Nathan Kalish at SpeakEZ Lounge, Brian Koenigsknecht and Mark Lavengood at Old Dog Tavern and much more. Browse 10 colorful photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The singer, songwriter and musician with success in everything from heavy metal to dance music has re-established herself in Southwest Michigan as a rising star while fronting the Dacia Bridges Project all-female super-group. Read the back story about this remarkable artist, listen to the full Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast featuring her in-studio performance and new music from other regional acts, and check out Dacia Bridges videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The popular Grand Rapids folk-rock heroes kick off Sparta’s Concerts in Rogers Park series on Wednesday night and play East Lansing and Allegan later this week — part of a busy summer touring schedule for the band. Get the latest about The Crane Wives and watch their videos.
The Portland folk-rock heroes enthusiastically powered through an engaging set of old hits and new at Meijer Gardens on Monday, in spite of frontman’s recent vocal strain. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The first full week of June also boasts Jackson Browne, The B-52s, Steeldrivers, Red Elvises Callaghan, Magic Giant, Stephen Marley & Matisyahu, Nathan Kalish, Rockford Start of Summer Celebration , Scott Pellegrom’s “Dream Hang” and much more. And win tickets to see The Record Company at Elevation inside The Intersection. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s big shows on The Big List.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The week after Memorial Day brought a slew of summer musical marvels to West Michigan, including the kickoff to outdoor concert series in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo and tour stops by national touring acts. Browse 10 photo galleries — from Kalamazoo’s HippieFest to Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts — at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
‘A great place to share peace and love and spread music’: An apropos theme for the opening day of a revamped Festival of the Arts 2018 in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the Local Spins story, photo gallery and some video highlights from the first day’s performances.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Go Rounds play this weekend’s inaugural Camp Greensky in Wellston, with frontman Graham Parsons touting his Upper Peninsula Farm Block Fest & Reunion come July with an “improbable” roster of stars. Get the lowdown and lineups for both festivals at Local Spins.
This weekend’s Festival of the Arts will pack downtown Grand Rapids for regional music on a half-dozen stages. And once again, Local Spins asked musicians and writers to spotlight some must-see acts. Use the ‘Best of Fest’ picks as a starting point to guide your Festival exploration.
Tied up or out of town for Memorial Day weekend? Here’s a recap of some musical magic you may have missed, courtesy of Local Spins and media outlets elsewhere across Michigan. Check out links to coverage of Movement, Bled Fest and more.
