Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (May 14-20): Halestorm, Steppin’ In It, Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, Granger Smith, Rhiannon Giddens, Justin Townes Earle, John Pizzarelli, Barley BBQ & Beats

• May 14, 2018

The week kicks off with Big Sandy and closes out with Steve Martin & Martin Short’s Grand Rapids tour stop, with plenty of musical action in between, including special SpeakEZ shows, Hip Hop Appreciation Week, the Bona-Who? festival, Thunder Chicken, The Extra Texture and Stryper. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Granger Smith.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

‘Amazing’ White Birch Music Festival defies Mother Nature, prevails with ‘rocking’ performances

• May 13, 2018

The first-year festival outside Stanton has delivered sets by dozens of Michigan bands. Browse the Local Spins photo gallery and check out the video of the festival site.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Grand Rapids’ Melophobix builds on ‘positive energy,’ diverse influences for new album: Local Spins on WYCE

• May 12, 2018

The May 11 edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted an in-studio visit by Melophobix, plus the on-air premiere of new songs by Coffin Problem, Brant Satala, Brian Koenigsknecht, Act Casual, Andrew Starr and more. Read about Melophobix, watch an in-studio video and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Album reviews · RSVP Music Chat · Videos

Michigander’s ‘Midland’ and Jason Singer’s life on the road to anthemic pop glory

• May 10, 2018

RSVP Music Chat sat down with Michigander for an in-depth and upbeat conversation about his music, his touring, his quest as a career artist, his favorite coffee and why it isn’t “Michiganian” or “Dad Jokes.” Listen to the podcast, read a review of Michigander’s new EP.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Lighting up the Lakeshore: Summer concert lineups for Grand Haven, Spring Lake, South Haven, Montague, Fennville

• May 9, 2018

The free weeknight music series showcase a wide range of regional bands. See and save the schedules for several community concert series in cities along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s Local Spins latest round-up of summer shows.

Artist Spotlights · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio for May: Music from The Go Rounds, Lady Ace Boogie, The Founding, The Hacky Turtles

• May 8, 2018

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.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (May 7-13): Brantley Gilbert, Tony Bennett, Beach Boys, Devil Makes Three, Chris Lane, Andrew W.K., White Birch festival

• May 7, 2018

Holland’s Tulip Time kicks May into full gear but there’s plenty more music on the docket: Lipstick Jodi, Coffin Problem, Rebecca Loebe, Hank Mowery, Marc Scibilia and a John Prine Tribute, plus win tix to see Chris Lane or Rival Sons. See all of this week’s music picks at Local Spins, plus some intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks and a look ahead to shows later this month.

Audio · Hot Top 5

Bluegrass queen Lindsay Lou shoots to No. 1 on April’s Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart

• May 4, 2018

The latest from the Michigan-bred bluegrass outfit led by singer Lindsay Lou Rilko topped all other acts for regional airplay at WYCE, with Vox Vidorra and Lazy Genius also making their chart debut. See the entire Hot Top 5 and listen to tracks from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows

The Hacky Turtles’ obsession with hacky sack, jamming, ‘bass rap’ and ‘highly emotional’ genuine music

• May 2, 2018

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

Desmond Jones, Hollywood Makeout energize Feedback benefit; Victor Wooten brings ‘fun and funk’ to Kalamazoo + more concerts

• April 30, 2018

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.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

The Accidentals to fire up Local Spins Summer Kickoff; Perrin’s inaugural Can’d Aid Concert to star Steep Canyon Rangers

• April 25, 2018

Two outdoor events announced today will help launch a summer of music festivals across West Michigan. The Local Spins Summer Kickoff on Memorial Day weekend with The Accidentals and Conrad Shock is also the post-party for HopCat’s Beer Me! 5k Race in downtown Grand Rapids; Perrin is hosting its inaugural Can’d Aid Concert for a good cause. Get the details about both events at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Free summer concerts galore: 2018 lineups for Grand Rapids Jazz in the Park, Hastings, Holland’s Felt Mansion, Allendale, Parchment

• April 24, 2018

Local Spins has rounded up another batch of free community concert series being staged across West Michigan this summer, including the return of the West Michigan Jazz Society’s Monday concerts in Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the lineups for a half-dozen summer series, only at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (April 23-29): X Ambassadors, Morbid Angel, George Thorogood, Victor Wooten, Maddie & Tae, Kevin Morby, Alphonso Horne, John Waite

• April 23, 2018

Regional acts rule the roost, too, with Cameron Blake, The Legal Immigrants, Indika Reggae Band, Exposure Therapy, The Zannies and more, plus a three-band Feedback benefit Sunday at Founders Brewing, which also hosts shows earlier in the week by Big Dudee Roo and Valentiger. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s live music events via The Big List.

Features · Photos · Videos

West Michigan’s Record Store Day spins vinyl fervor with big throngs, bands, Rolling Record Store and a goofy parade

• April 22, 2018

Saturday’s celebration of independent record shops even drew a pair of newlyweds into the happy fray during a West Side parade, with stores from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo boasting mobs of vinyl-loving shoppers and in-store performances. Browse the photos at Local Spins and watch video highlights from Saturday’s short but exuberant procession outside Dodds Record Shop.

Concert reviews · Photos

Lord Huron gets folky and psychedelic for Michigan homecoming show (Review, photos)

• April 21, 2018

Michigan native Ben Schneider and his band created trippy soundscapes during Friday’s sold-out show at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live — a concert marred briefly by an altercation between some fans that was quickly taken care of by security. Get the recap in the Local Spins review and browse the photo gallery.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Founders Fest 2018 to go soulful, Grateful, Afrobeatful with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Antibalas, Monophonics and San Fermin

• April 20, 2018

The 11th annual street party on June 16 boasts a Grateful Dead cover band and emerging indie acts with Desmond Jones and FBC All-Stars adding local flavor. Get the lowdown and ticket links — plus check out videos of the featured bands — at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio

Michigan Album Reviews: Jack White, Vox Vidorra, Brad Fritcher’s MOODS, Mark Harrell, Robin Lee Berry

• April 20, 2018

On the eve of Jack White’s buzzed-about Grand Rapids show, the Local Spins “countdown” assesses his bold new album, along with regional releases by a diverse mix of Michigan artists. Read the reviews, listen to audio samples from the albums.

Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Steppin’ In It returns with 20th anniversary Michigan tour, vowing ‘fly-by-the-seat’ fun

• April 19, 2018

The iconic Michigan band of musical “brothers” featuring Joshua Davis and Jack White bassist Dominic John Davis will relive its glory days in Lansing and more during a seven-night run of shows. Get the back story at Local Spins and see where Steppin’ In It will be performing, plus get some insights into White’s tour and new album.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Grand Haven’s Jessica in the Rainbow tackles unique year-long writing challenges to grow as musician and person

• April 18, 2018

West Michigan songwriter Jessica Fogle recently wrapped up a 365-day challenge of writing a song a day, and now she’s ready to launch into another year-long musical project. Read the story of her musical journey, then check out her songs and videos.

Features

Local Spins Rewind: Jack White walks tightrope during 2014 ‘Lazaretto’ tour stop in Chicago

• April 17, 2018

Day 3 of our ‘Countdown’ to Jack White’s upcoming Grand Rapids concert takes a look back at his last major tour, which included an epic 2014 show in Chicago reviewed by Local Spins. Relive that concert gem in preparation for White’s 20 Monroe Live debut on Saturday.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (April 16-22): Lord Huron, Twin Peaks, Jack White, Trey Anastasio, YFN Lucci, Phoebe Bridgers, Record Store Day

• April 16, 2018

A busy West Michigan week of live music boasts release shows for Lady Ace Boogie and The Native Howl, plus intriguing appearances by The Sauce, The Outer Vibe, House of Hamill, Theatre Bizarre Orchestra, 1964 The Tribute and much more. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s big shows on The Big List and a full roster of upcoming concerts via ‘On the Horizon.’

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

The Jack White ‘Countdown to Grand Rapids’: Local Spins Top 10 Playlist

• April 16, 2018

With Detroit native Jack White set for an epic sold-out Grand Rapids show Saturday at 20 Monroe Live, Local Spins asked photographer and fan Anna Sink to create a career-spanning playlist for West Michigan concertgoers. Check out the videos and the Spotify playlist of classic White tunes at Local Spins.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Wintry mix of West Michigan music: Local Spins Week-in-Review Concert Photos, Videos

• April 15, 2018

It was a storm of eclectic shows: The Accidentals, Ministry, Julien Baker, Kevin Jones Quintet, Asleep at the Wheel, John Sebastian, Go Rounds, Wailin’ Jennys, Tauk, Mustard Plug and more in Local Spins images.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Nicholas James Thomasma’s banner year and new songs from The Go Rounds, E Minor, Hacky Turtles, Entransient, Brian Koenigsknecht

• April 14, 2018

This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by very busy Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma who’s headed to Spain with the FBC All-Stars, plus riveting new regional music by more than a half-dozen artists. Listen to the radio show podcast.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Videos

GR Symphony Picnic Pops to star Ben Folds; Lansing’s Three Stacks Music Festival

• April 11, 2018

A new Michigan street fair fires up Lansing June 23 with national and local rock bands; piano whiz Folds is part of a 2018 Picnic Pops series which also boasts Tito Puente Jr. and an “’80s Rewind” show. Get the lineups for both at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio · Videos

Michigan Album Reviews: Lindsay Lou, Lady Ace Boogie, Pop Evil, El Brandino, Cousin Avery, Bruce Matthews, The Krelboynes, Dayz

• April 10, 2018

Get an earful of compelling music in this April round-up of new releases by local and regional artists, featuring a mix of genres from folk to hip hop to hard rock to bluegrass to indie-rock to R&B. And listen to tracks from the new albums along with some select videos.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (April 9-15): Ministry, Asleep at the Wheel, Tauk, Julien Baker, Broccoli Samurai, The Go Rounds, Lazy Genius

• April 9, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Dashboard Confessional gets nostalgic, plus Wild Child, Starkbierfest and more: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• April 8, 2018

This week’s live music recap showcases concerts at 20 Monroe Live, The Intersection’s Elevation, The Pyramid Scheme, Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe, SpeakEZ Lounge and the third annual Starkbierfest at Cedar Springs Brewing. Ogle all the images, including shots from performances by Reggie & The Full Effect, Delilah DeWylde, Lipstick Jodi, Tambourina, Fauxgrass, Cardboard Highway, The Mushmen and more.

Audio · Breaking music news · Hot Top 5

Earth Radio rockets to top spot on Local Spins Hot Top 5 for March

• April 6, 2018

Grand Rapids’ genre-melding neo-soul band Earth Radio hit No. 1 last month, with Public Access, The Bootstrap Boys and Shane Tripp making their first appearances on the radio chart. Check out the new Top 5, with audio samples from all of the releases. And see a list of all the new local and regional albums added to WYCE’s rotation.

Album reviews · Local Spins Live · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: New music from The Bootstrap Boys, Chain of Lakes, The Crane Wives

• April 3, 2018

Local Spins’ April segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” focused on a single from folk-rock’s The Crane Wives submitted to the Tiny Desk contest, plus a new live country album by The Bootstrap Boys and new studio album from indie-folk’s Chain of Lakes. Listen to the podcast at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (April 2-8): Brad Paisley, Dashboard Confessional, Over The Rhine, Robin Trower, MercyMe, Jake’s Music Festival

• April 2, 2018

April also heats up across West Michigan with Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Wild Child, We Came as Romans, Kayzo, Olin Clark and more. Check out this week’s live music picks for the region — including Saturday’s Starkbierfest — and see how you can win tickets to Jake’s Music Festival at Elevation in Grand Rapids on Friday,

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos

Blissfest 2018 to showcase Bruce Cockburn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nahko & Medicine for the People plus Michigan favorites

• April 2, 2018

The 38th annual edition of the July festival in northern Michigan combines internationally acclaimed artists as well as regional acts such as May Erlewine, Luke Winslow King, Mark Lavengood and more. Check out the Blissfest lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

EOTO, Biomassive, Nightwish, Twiddle, Eastghost, Bootstrap Boys, Zannies, Jennifer Westwood, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ Krelboynes, All American Funk Parade: Photo Galleries

• April 2, 2018

These week-in-review photo galleries recap West Michigan appearances by electronic music, jam band and heavy metal stars along with a boatload of regional acts performing from Grand Rapids to Lansing to Kalamazoo. Check out all of the resplendent images at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Gasoline Gypsies to fire up Beaver Island Music Festival

• April 1, 2018

The charming July 19-21 festival in the middle of northern Lake Michigan continues to grow, blending national acts with Michigan stars for its 2018 event. See the lineup at Local Spins. Advance tickets are on sale now.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Local Spins on WYCE: New music from Valley Girl, Tony Bakker, The Smokin’ Dobroleles, Young Pioneer, Cassidy Bisher and more

• March 31, 2018

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.

Album reviews

Michigan Album Reviews: Oceans Beneath Us, LVRS, Chain of Lakes, The Bootstrap Boys, Saxsquatch & Bridge Band, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet

• March 29, 2018

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.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Lipstick Jodi revels in fans’ emotional bonds with its infectious pop: Local Spins on WYCE

• March 24, 2018

Building on the success of its full-length debut album, Lipstick Jodi went acoustic in performing in-studio for this week’s radio show, which also featured the debut of tracks by Chain of Lakes, Olin Clark, Antighost and more. (Video, podcast)

Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows

Bell’s Brewery announces first wave of garden shows in Kalamazoo as music moves outdoors

• March 23, 2018

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.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

WO-Stock festival’s blowout weekend in Holland boasts sets by 33 West Michigan bands

• March 22, 2018

Midwest Skies, Red Legs, Lipstick Jodi, Boy From School, All is Well, Tiger and Frame, Jake Kalmink and more will join student bands for West Ottawa High School’s annual WO-Stock benefit Friday and Saturday. See the full schedule.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

The Mainstays, Lipstick Jodi, Adrian+Meredith, Watching for Foxes, Roosevelt Diggs to kick off summer at Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit

• March 21, 2018

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.

Commentary · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos

The Best of SXSW: Local Spins’ Top 5 performances from Austin 2018

• March 20, 2018

Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos ventured into the giant South by Southwest fest for the first time this year. Here are his highlights, plus images by photographer Anna Sink of some of her favorite SXSW sets.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (March 19-25): Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Bruce Hornsby, Kurt Elling, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Joshua Davis

• March 19, 2018

Styx and REO Speedwagon get the week started, but there’s plenty more: VaporPalooza, Chilly Blues & Brews, Organissimo, Flamingo Nosebleed, JOUNCE, WO-Stock, The Big Gig and another Local Showcase. Get all of this week’s live music picks on The Big List.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Keller Williams to headline August’s Cowpie Music Festival; Jake’s Music Fest moves to downtown’s new Elevation club

• March 18, 2018

Cowpie Music Festival has finalized the lineup for its summer soiree with UV Hippo, May Erlewine, Desmond Jones, Jake Kershaw and many more. Meanwhile, Jake’s Music Fest in early April will star four Grand Rapids bands playing the city’s newest music venue. Get details at Local Spins.

Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos

West Michigan musicians’ ‘freaking incredible’ experience at SXSW (Story, photos, videos)

• March 15, 2018

Mark Lavengood, Seth Bernard, Lady Ace Boogie, Alexander Lynch, The Accidentals, Billy Strings, Major Murphy and more are embracing SXSW 2018, enamored of Austin’s rousing environment, its tacos and all the musical action. Discover their impressions of the gargantuan festival and conference, ogle the photos, watch the videos.

Breaking music news · Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos

The Intersection doubles its live music venues downtown; opens 1,100-capacity Elevation plus Mint VIP room

• March 14, 2018

The first big show in the basement-level Elevation at The Intersection takes place Saturday, with plenty more concerts and events to come. Read about the new venues, check out a photo gallery and take a video tour.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (March 12-18): The Eagles, Pink, St. Patrick’s Day revelry, Walk Off the Earth, Papadosio

• March 12, 2018

Celtic music, of course, can be found everywhere across West Michigan, but there’s also much more: Heaters, Kyle Cook, Nathan Kalish, Protomartyr, Trixy Tang, The Willeys, the christening of a new music venue and a Cowpie Music Festival band battle. Get the complete lowdown on live music via The Big List and see how you can win tickets to Irish on Ionia.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

An Dro’s ‘great spirit’ and instrumental Celtic glory (minus ‘The Unicorn Song’): Local Spins on WYCE

• March 10, 2018

An Dro performed for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted local and regional tracks by Luke Winslow King, Mat Churchill, Mark Harrell, Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet, The Bootstrap Boys, Wing Vilma and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.

Festivals · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows

A ‘powerful music scene’ on the rise: Michigan bands ready to shine at SXSW in Austin

• March 9, 2018

Dozens of Michigan acts – from The Accidentals to Seth Bernard to Tunde Olaniran to Oliver Houston – are headed to Texas to strut their stuff, with Michigan House set to showcase Great Lakes State music, expertise and more. Read about the impact they’re hoping to make and see a list of bands who will be performing in Austin next week.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Northern Michigan pianist-singer Charlie Millard turns heads with rootsy ‘nuanced’ music, eyes new album

• March 8, 2018

The Accidentals call Millard an “incredible songwriter” with a “really cool roots rock vibe.” He plays Grand Rapids’ River City Saloon with his band on Saturday. Read the back story about this young, rising Michigan star.

Audio · Hot Top 5

LVRS, Nathan Kalish make splash on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for February

• March 6, 2018

The Jackson pop-rock band and one-time Grand Rapids-based singer-songwriter made a splash on WYCE with their latest recordings. See who else made the chart and listen to music from all five Michigan artists.