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.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Tyler Farr, Shinedown, Cooper’s Glen festival, AJJ fire up February with flair: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• February 5, 2017

A week that saw arrival of a new Grand Rapids venue also boasted tour stops by Tyler Farr and AJJ, a Buddy Holly tribute, the Grand Rapids debut of The Boulevard Billies and Roger Brown Band, and Kalamazoo’s Cooper’s Glen music festival. Check out the week-in-review roundup of West Michigan shows and browse the photo galleries.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Delilah DeWylde & Jack Leaver’s Buddy Holly tribute, plus new music by Miss Atomic, Antighost, The Great Indoors

• February 3, 2017

This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE saw two popular West Michigan musicians paying homage in-studio to Buddy Holly, not to mention the premiere of new tracks by emerging Grand Rapids acts. Listen to the radio podcast and watch videos of Delilah DeWylde and Jack Leaver performing in-studio.

Features · Videos

Tiny Desk Concert contest attracts swarm of West Michigan band entries for 2017

• February 1, 2017

The fun and diverse National Public Radio competition has drawn even more attention from Mitten State artists this year. Check out some of the video entries here, from popular West Michigan acts to obscure emerging artists.

Concert announcements · Music on Campus · Upcoming shows

Independent Showcase to bring indie artists to Ferris State University for Thursday concerts

• January 30, 2017

The FSU Music Industry Management Association series kicks off this week with Wisconsin’s The Millennium. Chicago’s Marina City and Grand Rapids’ likemelikeyou also perform in February. Get the details and full schedule for the series being held on the Big Rapids campus.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

The Temptations, Perrin Ice Jam, Luke Winslow King, Seth Bernard, Michigander deliver musical flurry: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• January 29, 2017

Check out images and videos of concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, including the fifth anniversary of Grand Rapids Soul Club, in Local Spins’ latest week-in-review roundup.

Festivals · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Perrin Ice Jam winter festival debuts today, previews performances at Jammie Awards (Local Spins on WYCE)

• January 28, 2017

The first-ever winter festival takes place Saturday with five bands performing. One of those, punk rock’s I Believe in Julio, was the featured artist during this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE. Listen to the podcast which features the debut of new songs by Michigan bands and check out the festival schedule.

Concert reviews · Photos

The Lumineers lead night of indie-folk glory in Grand Rapids tour stop: Photo Gallery

• January 27, 2017

With much-respected artists Andrew Bird and Margaret Glaspy getting things started, The Lumineers brought their “Cleopatra” world tour to Van Andel Arena on Thursday. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers to christen new 20 Monroe Live; ‘thoughtful, shimmery’ new album and U.S. tour on the way

• January 25, 2017

The popular mid-Michigan band has wrapped up work on its first studio album in years and is eager to be the first act to play 20 Monroe Live next week. Check out the exclusive Local Spins interview and Hertler’s view of the new Grand Rapids venue.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows · Videos

Michigander aims to be ‘next American rock ’n’ roll band’ with anthemic, commanding songs

• January 25, 2017

The project of Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Jason Singer, Michigander has its sights set on a busy and productive 2017 with shows, festivals and a new EP. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature, along with a video and radio podcast.

Breaking music news · Features · Music on Campus · Top 10 Lists

Kalamazoo named among Top 10 best U.S. college towns for music students

• January 24, 2017

The new rankings by MusicSchoolCentral.com cited Kalamazoo for its ‘artistic intrigue, hip music scene’ and top-notch jazz program. See the entire list of top schools.

Announcements · Upcoming shows

Michigan bands battling at Short’s Brewing for performance slot in April festival

• January 24, 2017

This battle of the bands contest that started in northern Michigan last weekend will see 20 bands competing to land a paid set during Short’s 13th anniversary celebration this spring. Get details here, with a list of the acts competing the next several weeks.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Robbie Fulks, Kill the Noise, ConvoTronics, Big Dudee Roo, Morgan Haner light up West Michigan: Week-in-Review, Photo Galleries

• January 22, 2017

It was spring-like outside, but things warmed up indoors, too. Check out the photo galleries and show recaps from a week that featured national touring acts and local gems firing up venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The reinvention of Roberta Bradley: Grand Rapids singer returns as part of Roberta Lee & Denny G duo

• January 21, 2017

This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted an in-studio performance by the emerging duo, plus the debut of new songs by Seth Bernard, Truth In Fiction, The Turnips and other Michigan artists. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the video.

Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos

The Turnips jam on with fresh lineup, funkier sound and diverse new album

• January 19, 2017

With roots in Big Rapids — and links to Ultraviolet Hippopotamus – the Michigan band is happily touring behind its sophomore studio album and embracing its eclectic approach. Read the story and album review, listen to the radio podcast, watch the video.

Commentary · Guest Column

‘Let’s Talk GR Music’ reveals disconnect in the music scene, seeks grassroots unity, growth: Scott Rider @ The Musicians’ Soundboard

• January 17, 2017

For more than a year, Valentiger’s Scott Rider has hosted open conversations on various topics affecting Grand Rapids’ music community. Local Spins asked him to reflect on what he’s learned in this guest column and describe what’s in store for 2017.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Darkly, Conrad Shock, Big Dudee Roo, Sam Melchi Generations, ‘Plan B’ get the party started: Weekend Photo Galleries

• January 15, 2017

Call it coming-out-party week: The arrival of Conrad Shock & The Noise, a Winspear Records showcase of electronic-hued artists, a ‘Plan B’ benefit and much more captured in Local Spins photo galleries.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos

Holland natives flying high in Nashville as Midnight Pilot, put ‘heart and soul’ into new EP

• January 13, 2017

With deep roots in West Michigan, Midnight Pilot band members are finding key connections in ‘the center of the music universe’ as they create some engaging indie-rock/Americana music. Read the story, listen to the new EP, watch a video.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Videos

Conrad Shock & The Noise: Reveling in ‘the extremes’ of blues, folk, soul and rock

• January 11, 2017

The up-and-coming Grand Rapids band stages a CD-release show Thursday at The Pyramid Scheme after its frontman spent two ‘grueling’ years recording the album. Check out the story and a pair of videos from this week’s in-studio radio appearance.

Upcoming shows

Winter Wheat to bring summer festival season indoors with all-day showcase of Michigan acts

• January 10, 2017

Saturday’s 12-hour musical marathon at The Intersection in Grand Rapids boasts sets by K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, Drew Nelson, Fauxgrass, Stella, Madcat Midnight Blues Journey and other regional roots music stars. See the full lineup.

Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos

The Accidentals sign with Sony Music Masterworks label, look forward to national and international distribution of new album

• January 9, 2017

The much-buzzed-about Traverse City band has inked a highly anticipated contract with the eclectic and respected label. The group’s Sony Masterworks debut recording is set for release in the spring. Read the story and check out a video message from the band.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Afro Zuma, Fauxgrass, Slim Gypsy Baggage, Desmond Jones, All American Funk Parade thaw winter chill: Weekend Photo Galleries

• January 8, 2017

From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, West Michigan bands and touring acts – including Nathan Kalish, Delilah DeWylde, Mark Lavengood, Analogue Earth and Gina Sicilia – kicked off the first week of January with hot, audience-pleasing shows at The Pyramid Scheme, Bell’s Brewery, Founders Brewing and Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.

Breaking music news · Photos · Videos

Last Gasp Collective, Blarney Castle win Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival play-in contest

• January 7, 2017

The bands were among 11 acts competing for two slots in the March Fretboard Festival festival at Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Friday’s event drew a packed house and boasted lively performances. Check out the story, photo gallery and videos.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Northern Michigan’s Oh Brother Big Sister puts sibling-harmony spin on indie-folk, jazz, rock

• January 5, 2017

The Grayling brother-and-sister duo brings its fetching approach to Grand Rapids on Thursday after releasing an album of originals in 2016, with plans for extensive touring this year. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and watch a video, then catch them this week at their West Michigan show.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

2017 Jammie Awards Lineup: The Go Rounds, Accidentals, Heaters, Great Ones, Legal Immigrants, Kari Lynch, Red Tail Ring

• January 3, 2017

Veteran acts will join first-time performers at West Michigan’s ‘biggest night for music’ in February at The Intersection. See the initial lineup of acts playing the event, with links to their music, only at Local Spins. And check out a link to see the long roster of 2017 Jammie nominees.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Val Du Lakes to host second annual Cold Creek Campout festival showcasing regional stars

• January 1, 2017

The Michigan festival will expand to two days in October and feature sets by Desmond Jones, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Melophobix, Watching for Foxes, Devin & The Dead Frets and several more acts. Check out the initial lineup and a link to early-bird ticket sales.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

New Year’s Eve in West Michigan: The Local Spins Photo Galleries

• January 1, 2017

West Michigan ushered in 2017 in style with performances by UV Hippo, The Go Rounds, The Crane Wives, Seth Bernard, La Famiglia, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Vox Vidorra, The Mainstays and plenty more — and Local Spins has the photos and some videos to prove it.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

2016 West Michigan music in review plus Vox Vidorra, Eric Engblade, Phil Stancil: Podcasts

• December 31, 2016

Happy New Year from Local Spins! Listen to this holiday troika of podcasts, featuring two Local Spins on WYCE broadcasts and this week’s edition of “GR Live” to wrap up 2016 on an upbeat musical note. Featured artists include Vox Vidorra, Eric Engblade, Phil Stancil and many more.

Upcoming shows

New Year’s Eve Parties and Concerts in West Michigan: The Local Spins List

• December 30, 2016

Not all parties are created equal. If you’re looking for an excuse to get out this New Year’s Eve, Local Spins has the perfect guide to get your party started. Check out some of the biggest — and grooviest — parties in West Michigan.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Eric Engblade revels in ‘warm, alive’ solo project while hailing West Michigan’s music scene as the best anywhere

• December 29, 2016

The in-demand Grand Rapids multi-instrumentalist who’s performed with Hannah Rose Graves, Northern Skies, The Change, Bigfoot Buffalo and many more unleashed a rootsy new album in 2016. He plays “GR Live” later today at The B.O.B. and Rockford Brewing’s New Year’s Eve party on Saturday. (Story, radio podcast, video)

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Matt Plessner releases moodier ‘Forest Blue’ on mission to be tighter, better (Videos, podcasts)

• December 28, 2016

Matt Plessner, this week’s in-studio radio guest for Local Spins Live, performed two songs as his band prepares to perform for Local Spins Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge. Check out the podcasts and videos.

Commentary · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Best Music of 2016: The Musicians’ Picks from Local Spins

• December 28, 2016

It’s time to tune in to what Michigan musicians were listening to in 2016. Local Spins asked a bunch of ’em from the Great Lakes State to choose the best music and concerts of the year. Their choices are intriguing to say the least. Check out the lists and listen to the music.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Kari Lynch’s Jingle Jam, The Outer Vibe and The Legal Immigrants get festive: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• December 24, 2016

The holiday week took on a homecoming-styled festive flair, from Morgan Haner, Max Lockwood and Dan Rickabus’ “songwriters’ night” to Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s rockabilly romp and more, all captured in Local Spins images. Check out the photo galleries and videos.

Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Corner Bar cancels winter concert series due to zoning and code glitches

• December 22, 2016

After the city steps in due to capacity and zoning concerns, the Rockford tavern’s “Cool Beats @ The Corner” series scraps three concerts that were planned for early 2017. Refunds will be issued to those who bought tickets to see The Ragbirds, The Crane Wives and Brian Vander Ark.

Commentary · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Best Music of 2016: The Critics’ Picks from Local Spins

• December 22, 2016

Beyonce, Bon Iver, The Crane Wives, David Bowie, Angel Olsen, Of Montreal, Angel Olsen and Childish Gambino made the grade with Local Spins writers in 2016. See who else impressed our critics this year and listen to the music that turned their heads.

Audio · Features · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

Nashville as second home? The Outer Vibe, Kari Lynch and other West Michigan artists find inspiration, connections in Music City

• December 20, 2016

The Outer Vibe releases a new EP this week at a Grand Rapids homecoming show. The band reflects on its recent move to Nashville where the rock/pop band stands out from the country pack. Learn about the band’s experiences in Nashville thus far and listen to a new single.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Dopapod, The Crane Wives, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Mungion, Sam Corbin heat it up: Local Spins Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• December 19, 2016

The week included small and rousing shows (Roosevelt Diggs, Adrian+Meredith), revved-up capacity affairs (Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Crane Wives) and eclectic jam-band jams (Mungion, Dopapod, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong). Ogle all of the resplendent concert images in this week’s photo galleries.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Craziness, camaraderie, killer jams and heartbreak: Desmond Jones set to end Monday night jam-band tradition at Tip Top

• December 18, 2016

Break out the sweatpants, a jam-band attitude and shed a tear: After more than 50 shows, Grand Rapids’ Desmond Jones will play its final Monday night residency gig at the West Side’s Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill this week. Read the back story, including the wacky things that have happened on Monday nights in this Grand Rapids watering hole.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Singer-songwriter Lynn Thompson ‘on a roll’ with diverse new folk album, upcoming band project (Story, podcast, video)

• December 17, 2016

The Grand Rapids guitarist and singer chatted and performed during this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by The Turnips, Everyday Junior, Monte Pride and more. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, podcast and video.