Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

STS9, Kishi Bashi, Crystal Garden, Parachute, Marc Cohn bring genre-spanning charm to W. Michigan: Week-in-Review Photos

• April 16, 2017

Like a basket full of multi-colored eggs, the week leading up to Easter mixed things up impressively on West Michigan’s music scene from Kishi Bashi’s wild display to STS9’s psychedelic electronica to rock’s Crystal Garden led by Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band. Plus, Marc Cohn, Sweet Water Warblers, Parachute. Check out all the images at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

The Jayhawks unleash gorgeous tour de force for Grand Rapids devotees

• April 15, 2017

Playing a sold-out Wealthy Theatre on Friday night, the Minneapolis band showcased its impeccable songcraft and infectious, harmony-laden approach. Read the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Local Spins on WYCE: The JetBeats, new music from Hollywood Makeout, Rusty Vining, Brian Koenigsknecht, Standing Sun, Folias

• April 14, 2017

The 135th edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted an in-studio performance by retro pop/rock’s The JetBeats, plus a spotlight on a bevy new local and regional tunes. Listen to the podcast here.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Local First Street Party taps diverse lineup for June event, from The Crane Wives to ConvoTronics to Hollywood Makeout

• April 13, 2017

The 14th street party taking place June 3 will also feature sets by Bedrock, Cabildo, Molly from Vox Vidorra and students from Triumph Music Academy. Get the rest of the lowdown in this Local Spins story.

Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos

Lambo turns musical camaraderie into cheeky, self-deprecating, ‘super fun’ (Local Spins Live at River City Studios Session)

• April 12, 2017

The side rock ‘n’ roll project of friends from several Grand Rapids bands has produced a fresh, ‘goofy but serious’ debut album. Read the Local Spins story about this unusual group, watch the video and listen to the podcast.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Feedback 2017’s record-breaking day and Weekend Photo Galleries: Anthrax, Killswitch Engage, Chicano Batman, Dan + Shay, UV Hippo

• April 10, 2017

The week and weekend rocked the Grand Rapids area in a variety of ways with a bevy of national and regional bands, including a feel-good benefit for Access of West Michigan — all captured in images and videos at Local Spins.

Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat festival taking applications from performers for 2017

• April 7, 2017

The fourth edition of this unusual August contest in this lakeshore community boasts thousands of dollars in prizes for winning acts, with this year’s festival limited to 25 bands and 25 solo artists. The deadline for registration is April 28. Get details here.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Umphrey’s McGee, Mustard Plug, Blues Traveler, Leftover Salmon, The Accidentals to pump up 10th Founders Fest

• April 5, 2017

In what may be Founders’ biggest street party yet, the June 17 festival will tap a mix of regional and national stars, along with plenty of beer. Scroll down for concert videos of the featured bands and check out details about this year’s Founders Fest.

Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos

Tobin Sprout embraces northern Michigan life after Guided By Voices; launches U.S. tour behind new solo album (Story, Video, Playlist)

• April 4, 2017

The much-respected, Leland-based indie-rocker and painter has added Grand Rapids guitarist-producer Tommy Schichtel to his “very special” band, with two Michigan performances as part of a spring U.S. tour. Read about this much-respected Michigan artist, listen to Sprout’s music and check out his playlist of favorite songs.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Peter Frampton brings acoustic ‘Wind of Change’ to Grand Rapids, plus Bear Grillz, Norma Jean, Fishbone, Dragon Wagon

• April 3, 2017

The classic rock guitarist brought his virtuosic talents to 20 Monroe Live on Sunday night, closing out a week that also featured a host of dynamic shows — from EDM to heavy metal — in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Check out the Peter Frampton review and all the images at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Music on Campus · Photos

Calvin Festival of Faith & Music challenges conventions of spirituality and art with David Bazan, Julien Baker, Jamila Woods, Vox Vidorra

• April 2, 2017

Concerts, workshops and speeches at the weekend event in Grand Rapids focused on “valuing unconventional expression and promoting community dialogue.” Check out the concert recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Angst, dynamic songs and rock ‘n’ roll: Devin & The Dead Frets (Local Spins on WYCE podcast, video)

• April 1, 2017

The Grand Rapids rock band returned with some special guests to Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Chris DuPont, Lazy Genius, Mark Lavengood and more. Watch the video, listen to the radio podcast.

Album Releases · Audio · Videos

Michigan Album Reviews: Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Verve Pipe, Organissimo, Afro Zuma, Jack and the Bear

• March 31, 2017

With Joe Hertler and band unveiling an album today and kicking off a U.S. tour, Local Spins takes a gander at the new collection and fresh releases from other notable Michigan bands. Check out the reviews and listen to samples of the new music.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Miss Atomic, Van Morrison Tribute, WO-Stock, Joey Alexander, Vox Vidorra, The Go Rounds, The Crane Wives, Jeff Austin: Photos, Videos

• March 26, 2017

The weekend got started early with a piano prodigy and continued with soul, rock, pop, folk, blues and a bevy of young, emerging West Michigan acts. Check out the photos and videos at Local Spins, from Chilly, Blues & Brews at The B.O.B. to bluegrass at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Detroit’s The Timbre of Cedar; new tracks by likemelikeyou, Sam Parks, Lipstick Jodi, The Autumnatic, Jim Shaneberger

• March 24, 2017

Spanning the east and west sides of the state, this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted pop, rock, folk, blues and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, read the story.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Greensky Bluegrass, Charles Bradley, The Accidentals, Sam Bush, Billy Strings, Joshua Davis to light up Hoxeyville 2017

• March 22, 2017

Hoxeyville’s 15th anniversary celebration heats up mid-August in the Manistee National Forest with an impressive blend of local, regional and national acts. Tickets are on sale now. See the full lineup for this year’s festival.

Features · Upcoming shows

WO-Stock 2017 offers ‘super rewarding’ experience for West Michigan bands and fans

• March 22, 2017

With 32 bands playing two stages over two nights, this weekend’s festival at West Ottawa High School meshes experienced groups with up-and-coming high school acts. See the full schedule at Local Spins, from Lipstick Jodi to Fried Egg Nebula to Midwest Skies.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Blessed: All-star performers raise thousands during Ralston & Cindy Bowles Benefit show (Photo gallery, video)

• March 20, 2017

Sunday’s seven-hour showcase of West Michigan talent drew hundreds of people to The Intersection to show support for Ralston and Cindy Bowles and help pay their medical bills. Check out the Local Spins story, video highlights and a photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Wilco delivers robust career-spanning show for robust Kalamazoo crowd

• March 15, 2017

Leaning on its latest album, “Schmilco,” as well as the milestone “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,” Jeff Tweedy and band’s return to State Theatre proved to be a special night. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos

Michigan does Austin: Michigan House’s rousing swan song at SXSW (Photos, video)

• March 15, 2017

The Go Rounds, Flint Eastwood and other Michigan acts put an exclamation point on Michigan’s House South by Southwest 2017, with Local Spins hosting a musicians’ roundtable, too. Check out the photo gallery and videos.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Dozens of Michigan musicians rally to support Ralston and Cindy Bowles at weekend Intersection benefit

• March 14, 2017

The Sunday concert raising money for the couple’s medical bills features a who’s who roster of regional artists, including Troll for Trout, Larry McCray, The Soul Syndicate, Drew Nelson, Hannah Rose Graves, Fauxgrass and more. See the full schedule and details about this special event.

Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos

Michigan House set to ‘bring the party’ on final day in Austin; The Accidentals make splash at first SXSW showcase

• March 14, 2017

Tuesday’s Michigan House lineup at Austin boasts loads of potential. Read about the performances and a special Local Spins roundtable that will stream live. Meanwhile, Traverse City’s The Accidentals continue to live up to the hype at SXSW. Read about their first show for 2017 in Austin and check out the premiere of a new Rick Chyme & Nixon video featuring The Accidentals.

Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Adrian Belew, Juicy J, Johnnyswim, Organissimo, Bonehawk: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries

• March 12, 2017

Musical diversity: West Michigan flaunted it with a prog-pop legend, a Memphis rapper, an L.A. folk-soul duo, a Michigan jazz organ trio, a Kalamazoo hard-rock fave and more, all captured in Local Spins images. Check out the recap.

Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos

Michigan House finds Texas-sized love for ‘creative hub’ in opening volley at Austin’s SXSW

• March 12, 2017

With SXSW panels probing Michigan initiatives on creativity, innovation, equity and more, Michigan House turned the gym at an Austin church into a Mitten State mecca with Michigan beer, a visit from Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and music from Seth Bernard. Check out the videos, story and photos, only at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Conklin Ceili Band revs up Irish spirit in-studio, plus new tracks by Justin Avdek, The Suburbans and more

• March 10, 2017

The March 10 edition of the radio show also featured new music from The Accidentals, Alex Mendenall, The Go Rounds, Stef Chura, Michigander and Frontier Ruckus. Check out the podcast, video and story.

Announcements · Audio · Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW

The Accidentals’ new single and The Michigan House Mixtape: Fresh tracks by The Go Rounds, Flint Eastwood, Stef Chura, Michigander, more

• March 10, 2017

To mark their return to South by Southwest, Traverse City’s The Accidentals released the first single from their upcoming new album today. And five other Michigan acts headed for a Michigan House-Austin showcase have recorded fresh songs for SXSW and ArtPrize. All six premiere here at Local Spins. Listen to the songs, read the back story.

Concert reviews · Photos

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah flexes indie-rock muscles for modest crowd in Grand Rapids tour stop

• March 10, 2017

Touring behind its latest album, “The Tourist,” the Alec Ounsworth-led Clap Your Hands Say Yeah made folks wonder why they’ve “slept on this band for the past four albums.” At least, that’s the take of Local Spins reviewer Troy Reimink. Check out the review and photo gallery from Thursday night’s concert at The Pyramid Scheme.

Breaking music news · Guest Column · Top 10 Lists

Seth Bernard tops Hot Top 5 chart for February, and how you can rule the airwaves on WYCE

• March 9, 2017

What were the Top 5 most-played local and regional acts for February at WYCE-FM? What new local and regional albums have been added to the on-air rotation? What exactly is a listener-supported community radio station? How can listeners become programmers? Get answers to all these questions and more in this Local Spins guest column by station manager Quinn Mathews.

Features · Festivals · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows

South by Southwest 2017: Turning up the volume on the Michigan Music Connection

• March 6, 2017

Creative Many, Michigan House and Local Spins are back in Austin for the giant SXSW conference this weekend, shedding an even brighter spotlight on Great Lakes State artists, products and innovators. See which Michigan acts will be joining them and why.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Lotus, Jeezy, The Accidentals, GZA fire up capacity West Michigan crowds: Local Spins Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• March 5, 2017

Jam-packed venues across West Michigan boasted rousing shows by Lotus, Jeezy, GZA and The Accidentals with Jake Allen. Check out the images — and videos — from a busy week at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos

Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival strums up fan-pleasing performances for 12th celebration

• March 5, 2017

They came, they saw, they strummed guitars and they watched regional acts on four stages at Kalamazoo Valley Museum this weekend. Check out the Local Spins roundup, photo gallery and videos from the 2017 Kalamazoo festival, which attracted thousands of visitors and boasted sets by more than a dozen acts.

Concert announcements · Festivals · Upcoming shows

Jake’s Music Festival announces diverse lineup, switch to Orbit Room for annual benefit show

• March 2, 2017

After a decade at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre, this year’s festival will take place in April at The Orbit Room, with Papa Vegas headlining a five-band bill. Read the back story and see who else will be performing at the fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

New York roots-folk group Driftwood brings punk-rock spirit to new album, Michigan tour stops

• March 1, 2017

Touring behind its fifth album, “City Lights,” Driftwood plays four Michigan shows this week, including a Friday concert at Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up. Read the band’s back story and watch a video from its new album.

Guest Column · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows

Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival: A ‘whirlwind’ of picks, twangs and ‘incredibly diverse’ music

• February 28, 2017

Kalamazoo’s 2017 Fretboard Festival unfolds once again this weekend at Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Musician Megan Dooley has been a regular attendee. Read her Local Spins column about this special event and check out the complete schedule of performances by top-drawer regional acts and workshops.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Hot dog hell: The trials, tribulations and stunning music of singer-songwriter Jonny Carroll (Local Spins on WYCE)

• February 24, 2017

The Grand Rapids-turned-Indy artist has put a life-altering medical crisis behind him with ‘full-gear’ touring and a new EP on the horizon. Plus, hear new tracks by Chasing the Sky, Jim Shaneberger, The Film Stars, Weezil Malone, Andrew Gulledge and much more.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

The Giving Tree Band and Michigan favorites to play 2017 Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit

• February 24, 2017

The Memorial Day weekend festival of VW buses along the Lake Michigan shoreline has announced its lineup of performers, with a second acoustic stage added to this year’s hoopla. See the full lineup and revisit coverage from the 2016 festival at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos

The girl with the butterfly tattoo: Red Rio for Local Spins Live on WJRW (Podcast, videos)

• February 22, 2017

Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Red Rio, aka Alexis Brooke, performed two new songs for this week’s edition of Local Spins Live and chatted about her edgy music. Listen to the radio podcast, watch the videos.

Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos

Knee Deep Shag: 13 years later, the Kalamazoo band is back on stage and back in the studio

• February 21, 2017

The once-popular alt-rock/funk/pop group has reunited to play a show at Bell’s Brewery this week and to record its first album since 1999. Yes, it’s all ‘quirky and ridiculous’ and absolutely thrilling. Get the back story, only at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Young the Giant, Twin Peaks, Frontier Ruckus, Less is More, Heaters: Weekend Photo Galleries, Show Recaps

• February 19, 2017

The week in music was diversity embodied: a globally acclaimed choral group, a fist-pumping Chicago rock band, an uber-popular California alt-rock band, a revamped Kalamazoo buzz band, a Detroit-area folk-rock outfit kicking off its world tour and much, much more in Local Spins images. Check out the photo galleries and show recaps.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

St. Joseph’s Slim Gypsy Baggage stretching musical boundaries, building audiences with new album on the way

• February 17, 2017

The Southwest Michigan band opens for The Marcus King band at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre on Sunday, one of several high-profile gigs planned for Slim Gypsy Baggage in 2017. Read about the band and its upcoming new album in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Twin Peaks: The Midwest rock ‘n’ roll swagger of a band that’s spontaneous, fun and carefree

• February 16, 2017

Rock is not dead. Take it from the Chicago band which plays Holland’s Park Theatre on Friday and which took time out from touring Europe to share thoughts with Local Spins writer Troy Reimink about Twin Peaks’ latest album, its fans and loathing Trump.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos

Cowpie Music Festival 2017 expands to three days, rounds up UV Hippo, Fareed Haque, Grasshoppah, Delilah DeWylde, Desmond Jones

• February 15, 2017

The Aug. 10-12 festival on Kent County’s Shagbark Farm boasts a wealth of regional acts, from jam bands Earphorik and Ekoostik Hookah to local faves Fauxgrass and Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish and many more. See the full lineup and links to early-bird ticket sales.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kalamazoo’s Less is More takes ‘anything goes’ approach to hone soulful, electronic sound

• February 14, 2017

The group featuring Jane Finkel, Brian Spencer, Mike Sord and Matt Milowe is redefining its sound, unfurling its fresh, eclectic music this week at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Café. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature on this emerging Kalamazoo band.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

The Outer Vibe, Cloud Nothings, Dirty Heads, Alexander Lynch, Watching for Foxes: The Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• February 12, 2017

One of the busiest weeks of 2017 thus far also boasted some killer under-the-radar shows, capturing in images at Local Spins. Check out the week-in-review photo galleries.

Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos

Jammie Awards show uncorks ‘huge love fest’ starring ‘unbelievable’ musical talent

• February 11, 2017

The 2017 edition of WYCE’s Jammie Awards drew more than 1,500 people to The Intersection in Grand Rapids for dynamic performances by Michigan bands, with plenty of musicians “lovin’ the hell out of each other.” Brows the resplendent photo gallery, watch the video and read the reaction of musicians to the West Michigan music scene’s biggest night of the year.

Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos

The Accidentals, FLUSHED, Emma Loo lead pack of Michigan’s 2017 Jammie Award winners

• February 10, 2017

Friday night’s crowded awards show at The Intersection honored Michigan’s best albums and songs of the year, with 25 performances on two stages. See the complete winners’ list, photos and more from West Michigan music’s “biggest night of the year” at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Jammie Awards preview and singer-songwriter Joe Shields in-studio (Podcast, video)

• February 10, 2017

On the day of the 2017 Jammie Awards, Local Spins on WYCE not only spotlighted some nominees but also debuted a couple of new tracks from Michigan bands and hosted singer-songwriter Joe Shields for an in-studio performance. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.

Announcements · Breaking music news · Features · Videos

Red Tail Ring wins Local Spin of the Year for gorgeous, melancholy “Fall Away Blues”

• February 10, 2017

Local Spins’ choice for best local album of 2016 salutes a Kalamazoo old-timey folk duo’s masterpiece. And rock’s Conrad Shock & The Noise earns honors as Emerging Artist of the Year. Check out videos of both bands and get the lowdown on Red Tail Ring’s award-winning recording at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Pokey LaFarge finds ‘really good’ vibe with new and old songs in Grand Rapids tour stop

• February 10, 2017

The vintage-sounding singer and his band kicked off a Midwest tour at St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday, playing rock-hued tunes from an upcoming studio album live for the first time. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery of Pokey LaFarge’s Grand Rapids show.

Commentary · Guest Column · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows

Revving up for the Jammie Awards and the Hot Top 5 Local Spins of the Month: The WYCE Musicians’ Soundboard Column

• February 7, 2017

Community radio station WYCE-FM (88.1) is partnering with Local Spins for a monthly column highlighting West Michigan’s music scene, including a listing of the Top 5 Local Spins of the Month. This week, it’s all about the Jammie Awards. See the full schedule of performances for Friday’s big awards show at The Intersection.