West Michigan Venue Spotlight: Rocky’s Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids
Local Spins spotlights music venues across West Michigan, unique settings that feature local and regional acts. Check out the first music locale in our series and take a video tour.
Tagged: indie-rock
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
17 bands to be thankful for on Thanksgiving: The Local Spins picks by West Michigan artists
Led Zeppelin, The Band, Jimi Hendrix and The Velvet Underground get heartfelt thanks from Michigan bands, but there are plenty of surprises – and a bunch of local artists – on this bountiful banquet table, too, from G’itis Baggs to Lady Ace Boogie. Check out the full list, with videos of the featured bands.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Fine Fine Titans, UV Hippo, Steel Wheels, Sweet Water Warblers, Fonn Mor, Hannah Rose, Vox Vidorra: Recap, photo galleries, video
From the lilting folk of Sweet Water Warblers and singer-songwriters at the Fall Flannel Folk Fest to the searing jam-band spectacle of UV Hippo, it was another groovy week to remember, captured in images at Local Spins. And check out the video from a hectic Saturday night: Five shows at five venues in less than two hours.
West Michigan Album Reviews: The Crane Wives, Dave Hardin, Lipstick Jodi, Bennett, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish
With the holidays approaching, Local Spins rolls out Phase One of its year-end roundup of albums released by regional acts, featuring some intriguing projects from An Dro, Megan Dooley, The Bootstrap Boys and more. Check out the reviews, with audio samples to boot.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
UV Hippo returns: After a year-long hiatus, the Grand Rapids jam band gears up for the most ‘high energy and intense’ show yet
Refreshed by its time off, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus will unleash a special horn-driven display at The Intersection on Saturday while continuing work on a hush-hush new “theme” album. Read the story about the re-charged jam band.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
The Mines re-emerge with fresh singles, expanded ‘epic’ indie-pop and rock
Members of the Grand Rapids band are still stretching outside their ‘comfort zones’ with dynamic songs that they’re now releasing as singles one at a time. They play New Holland Brewing in Holland on Friday. Read the story and check out the new videos of this distinctive West Michigan group.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
All Time Low, Sublime With Rome, Bennett, Kim Wilson, Megan Dooley, Grand Rapids Showcase: Show Recap and Photo Galleries
It was a week for new albums, and new or revamped bands in West Michigan. Check out all the images, including The Bootstrap Boys, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, The Trash Hounds, Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band and more in these Local Spins photo galleries and show recaps, plus two videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Cold Mountain Child brings poetic beauty, lush ‘complex vibes’ to indie-folk scene
Frontman Tyler Bradley talks about his music and unveils two new songs during this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also features new tracks by Bennett, Lipstick Jodi, Rival Maps and more. Listen to the radio podcast and check out the video of Bradley performing a new song.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Ragbirds, Jim Lauderdale, Gwar, Murder Party, Yonder Mountain String Band, AOK, Lady Ace Boogie: Show Recap, Photo Gallery
There’s no shortage of colorful oddness, passion and down-home charm in the roundup of recent concerts across West Michigan, from The Orbit Room to Bell’s Brewery to Seven Steps Up. Check out the photo galleries and show recap.
Commentary · Concert reviews · Photos
Lamp Light Music Festival: A ‘cultural hub’ of musical diversity and intimate sets where anything is possible
The first two days of 2015’s Eastown house concert event have boasted jam-packed crowds and buoyant optimism about Grand Rapids’ musical future. See the photo gallery from the first two days, and check out the Sunday schedule.
Audio · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lamp Light Music Festival set for ‘incredibly spirited’ weekend of intimate house concerts
The extraordinary, unique event returns to Eastown with 33 diverse performances, plus classes and workshops, all unfolding in three homes. Get the lowdown here and check out Local Spins’ “five acts to catch” at Lamp Light 2015.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Halloween 2015: Bassnectar thrills DeltaPlex, Halloween on Ionia reigns despite rain, The B.O.B. screams silver screen (Photo Gallery)
Indoors and out, West Michigan celebrated Halloween with a lively mix of music, from The Crane Wives at Founders Brewing to the Red Sea Pedestrians at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo to Genetics with Desmond Jones at The Stache. See the resplendent Local Spins photo gallery.
Halloween Hoopla: 13 frightfully fun, monstrously musical West Michigan parties to get your ghoul on
For Local Spins readers, 13 is a lucky number. With the harrowing holiday falling on a weekend, we’ve picked a baker’s dozen of Halloween bashes to haunt your Saturday night. Check out the full list, then pull out your craziest costume.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Melanie Martinez, Zedd, Heaters, Jars of Clay, Smallpools, Grace Potter: Show Recap, Photo Galleries
The string of eclectic shows started with Tav Falco’s Panther Burns and included Jars of Clay, Of Montreal, Brad Fritcher’s MOODS, Mipso, Shawn Mullins, Youth Lagoon and much more. Check out all the images from a week of scintillating live music in West Michigan.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE: Shane Tripp plus new music from Borns, The Great Indoors, Fred Knapp Trio, Laura Rain
Episode No. 59 of Local Spins on WYCE was a special Fund Drive affair, with an in-studio performance by Shane Tripp and the debut of songs by Jared Sjoblom, Frederic & Ronza and many more regional acts. Listen to the full radio podcast and check out the video of an acoustic in-studio performance.
Breaking music news · Features
Joshua Davis surprised by ‘incredibly ironic,’ unauthorized use of song by Jeb Bush’s campaign
The Traverse City singer-songwriter says Bush’s campaign has agreed to stop using the song he wrote years ago. But he loses some conservative fans who’ve expressed their displeasure with Davis on Facebook.
The Go Rounds, The Verve Pipe, Kari Lynch, Sick Smile, Fauxgrass: October Music Video Picks
Local Spins opens up its screening room to showcase a diverse collection of videos by Michigan artists with plenty to offer for the eyes as well as the ears. The Go Rounds, The Verve Pipe and Kari Lynch lead the way with compelling new videos, boasting some familiar settings and faces. Check out this October video roundup.
A star is Borns: Grand Haven-bred pop singer electrifies New York fans, CMJ and beyond
With a new album, an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and a string of sold-out concerts in New York City and beyond, West Michigan native Garrett Borns may be on the verge of becoming a bona fide pop phenomenon. Read Local Spins’ exclusive back-stage interview and check out the photo gallery from a recent concert in The Big Apple.
Clutch, Disclosure, Amy Grant, Nate Ruess, Dizzybird Records anniversary: Show Recap and Weekend Photo Gallery
Check out the updated Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery, including images from the Dizzybird Records anniversary show. When it comes to live music, October’s midway point sparked some gems, with local and regional artists getting into the act, too: Organissimo, Lucas Wilson, Mid-Life Crisis, Josh Rose and others.
Clutch, Disclosure, Amy Grant, Nate Ruess, Dizzybird Records anniversary: Show Recap and Weekend Photo Gallery
When it comes to live music, October’s midway point sparked some gems, with local and regional artists getting into the act, too: Organissimo, Lucas Wilson, Mid-Life Crisis, Josh Rose and others. Check out the colorful images.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Watching for Foxes enhances its lush folk-rock sound, settles on ‘forever lineup’
With its expanded lineup, the band made a studio appearance for Local Spins on WYCE, will release a new single next week and plans to record a new album later this fall. Read the back story about this band that “reaches to all ends of the emotional and musical spectrum,” check out its new video and listen to the full radio podcast with new songs by a host of West Michigan bands.
Most musical ArtPrize ever? St. Cecilia awards ArtPrize song contest winners $1,000 prizes
In a ceremony Thursday at St. Cecilia Music Center, 10 Michigan songwriters and bands were honored in five categories of the competition, which included dozens of “busking” performances by contestants. And check out the photo gallery of some of ArtPrize 2015’s musical moments.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Commentary
15 West Michigan acts to watch: The fall 2015 Local Spins list of buzz-worthy bands
Beyond the well-known breakout artists already stepping out nationally are a host of emerging, under-the-radar West Michigan bands and solo acts. Here’s 15 of them to check out in words and music, from Hollywood Makeout to hi-ker to J. Rob to Shane Tripp to Cardboard Swords to Brother Adams.
Charles Bradley, An Dro, Hastings Roots Music Festival, Beats Antique, Dopapod: Recap and Photo Gallery
The Eddy music festival wrapped up with Bradley and his soulful band on Saturday, a day which also saw compelling performances from An Dro and bands playing the Hasting Roots Music Festival. Check out the images and a video at Local Spins, plus photos from Dopapod in Kalamazoo.
MusicPrize: The Accidentals, Amanda Vernon, Roger MacNaughton, The Legal Immigrants, AOK, Matthew Fisher lead pack of 10 song contest winners in 2015 ArtPrize competition
With separate public and critics’ awards, twice as many songwriters were honored by St. Cecilia Music Center in this year’s ArtPrize contest. Roger MacNaughton has won for the third time in four years. Check out the full list of winners, listen to the songs and check out the reaction of winners.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Lucas Wilson: Straddling the line between soulful rocker and pensive singer-songwriter
The Grand Rapids singer who left Sweet Japonic several years ago has a new rock band, The Bad Disciples, which plans to release its debut album later this year. Wilson also plans to record a solo EP. Read the story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of a new Wilson song.
Joshua Davis, Troll for Trout, Fauxgrass, Heartsick, Marshall Crenshaw, Kim Richey, Chris DuPont: Weekend Photo Gallery
Outside the hoopla of ArtPrize and the new Eddy music festival, venues from the lakeshore to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo hosted some special shows this past week. Check out the images and recaps at Local Spins.
Joshua Davis, ArtPrize, ‘The Voice’ and The Local Spins Guest Playlist
Northern Michigan’s Joshua Davis got a hero’s welcome after his impressive run on “The Voice.” Tonight, he plays St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids. To warm up for his show, check out the songs that have influenced and inspired this singer-songwriter.
Local Spins on WYCE: Fauxgrass’ new songs and quest for new blood, plus Flint Eastwood, Kari Lynch, Bennett and more
The first Local Spins on WYCE episode of October also featured a chat with Porterhouse Presents promoter Sam Porter and new tracks by Romance for Ransom, Max Lockwood and The Muteflutes. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of Fauxgrass’ in-studio performance.
Michigan House’s Ted Velie: The Local Spins Guest Playlist for ArtPrize 2015
With Michigan House running a pop-up ArtPrize venue to tout local music, art and products, Local Spins asked organizer Ted Velie for his Top 10 list of songs. Not surprisingly, they’re all Michigan acts, from Flint Eastwood to The White Stripes.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The Eddy aims for big ArtPrize splash with music fest along Grand River in Grand Rapids, but will the crowds come?
A Michigan country jamboree and The Avett Brothers kick things off this weekend, with Porterhouse Presents also offering up Charles Bradley, Ozomatli, Billy Strings, silent discos, food and beer on the site. Get the scoop on this new outdoor venue, and view (and save) the opening weekend schedule.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jonny Lang, Sylvan Esso, Wanda Jackson, Rockford Harvest Fest, Michigan House @ ArtPrize: Weekend Recap and Photo Gallery
The week unfolded with the arrival of ArtPrize 7 in Grand Rapids and a special SpeakEZ Lounge show, but there was plenty more musical art to embrace across West Michigan. Check out all the photo galleries and concert recaps..
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Desmond Jones making splash and stirring fun with genre-melding, jam-band charm
Relocating recently from East Lansing, the band now plays every Monday night at the Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, reveling in West Michigan’s fast-growing and collaborative jam-band scene. Check out the video and WYCE radio podcast.
Audio · Breaking music news · Features
The Verve Pipe abandons album format; will release new singles digitally every two weeks
With the band’s new single hitting download and streaming services today, the Grand Rapids alt-rockers don’t intend to release a new CD after all, but will ‘put out songs as we write them.’ Read the story and listen to The Verve Pipe’s new song, “If I Could Make You Feel.”
Breaking music news · Commentary
Drummer Josh Worsham leaves Jesse Ray and The Carolina Catfish; Grand Rapids band aims to continue performing
Less than three weeks after a rollicking, sold-out CD-release show for the duo’s brand new studio album, band members Josh Worsham and Jesse Ray have parted ways but remain amicable. Read more in the Local Spins story.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
ArtPrize expands live music revelry for 2015, from Charles Bradley to regional stars
It launches tonight (Wednesday) at SpeakEZ Lounge with ArtPrize song entrants and continues with a new outdoor venue, Michigan House’s indoor space and 150-plus busking performances around Grand Rapids. Get the lowdown on all of the ArtPrize-related music options.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
The Accidentals, Crane Wives, Ragbirds, Outer Vibe to headline new Fountain Point Music Festival at ‘incredible’ Lake Leelanau site
This weekend’s inaugural music festival on the water boasts sets by more than 20 Michigan acts with unique amenities, including wine and music cruises. And more music events are planned for the northern Michigan site in 2016. Read the story and check out the schedule.
Commentary · Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Earthwork Harvest Gathering ‘Elation’: A diary by Michigan musician Mark Lavengood
Illustrated with photos by Local Spins photographer Anna Sink, the Dobro player who fronts the Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza offers his impressions of last weekend’s joyful musicians’ fest outside Lake City. Check out the resplendent images and recap of an unforgettable event.
Perrin Backyard Beer Bash, Fallasburg Festival, Cottage Bar Chili Cook-Off, Taking Back Sunday: The Weekend Photo Galleries
Three Grand Rapids-area events dominated the landscape musically, but there was much more across West Michigan: Taking Back Sunday, Mustard Plug, Megan Dooley, Delilah DeWylde, Blake Elliott and Full Cord. Check out all the colorful photo galleries at Local Spins.
ArtPrize as music festival: Avett Brothers, Joshua Davis, Charles Bradley, regional stars to pump up 2015 lineup
New ArtPrize musical offerings range from The Eddy outdoor venue to Michigan House’s intimate indoor performance space, plus more than 150 busking performances in five locations around the city. Check out the robust lineup of live music offerings during ArtPrize in this Local Spins roundup.
Wilco roars with ‘Star Wars,’ band favorites in Kalamazoo; Lord Huron enchants capacity Grand Rapids crowd with cinematic indie-folk
Two much-admired, inventive rock bands brought their respective, polished spectacles to West Michigan on Wednesday night. And Local Spins was there to document the impressive performances for packed houses. Read the reviews and scan the photo galleries from these mid-week concert gems.
Wheatland 2015 Revisited: Musical virtuosity, camaraderie, inspiration and spirituality (Photo gallery, recap)
For the 42nd year, Wheatland’s special vibe was on display last weekend, propelled by performances from Dervish, Bill Kirchen, Joshua Davis, Blind Boy Paxton and many more. Check out the colorful photo gallery from a special weekend.
Guest Column · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Earthwork Harvest Gathering: Mystically vibrant music, everlasting memories and the ‘stuff of lore’
Guest columnist Mark Lavengood, better known as the resonator guitar whiz in Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, waxes eloquent about this weekend’s musician-rich Earthwork Harvest Gathering and why it’s a world-class affair. And listen to a Local Spins playlist of songs by Michigan artists playing this year’s festival.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Janet Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Of Montreal, Chase Rice, Eastown Street Fair, Harmonica Summit: Weekend Recap and Photo Galleries
Janet Jackson and Of Montreal brought their touring spectacles to Grand Rapids on Friday, but there were plenty of other fascinating shows this week to ogle as well, from Saturday’s Eastown Street Fair to Thursday’s Grand Rapids Harmonica Summit to Chase Rice — all captured in photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
Joshua Davis Band powers up ‘something so special’ for sold-out Wheatland throng on opening night
Parking lots and seating areas were jam-packed Friday as Michigan’s Wheatland Music Festival launched three days of folk, roots music and more outside Remus. Read the roundup of the festival’s first day, and check out the photo gallery and video.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: The Sailor Kicks, plus new music from The Lake Effects, Toby Bresnahan and more
The Sept. 11, 2015, edition of Local Spins on WYCE focused on regional bands performing at this weekend’s Wheatland and Eastown Street Fair events, including in-studio ska guests The Sailor Kicks. It also featured the debut of new tracks by The Lake Effects and Toby Bresnahan. Listen to the entire podcast.
Eastown Street Fair, Grand Rapids Underground Showcase to light up weekend with diverse local music
It’s a one-two punch of regional music in Grand Rapids. On Saturday, Eastown Street Fair boasts sets by 15 bands on two stages. Meanwhile, Tip Top Deluxe hosts a Sunday showcase of hip hop, funk and R&B. Get the full schedules here at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ratatat, John Hiatt, Taj Mahal, Bangups, Heaters, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Tallest Man on Earth: Weekend Recap, Photo Gallery
The weekend’s stunning array of shows by national and local acts paced an entire week of invigorating live music as Labor Day 2015 approaches. It’s all highlighted in a Local Spins recap, with photo galleries and videos.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Thunderbolt & Lightfoot with new music by Blue Water Ramblers, Rick Chyme, Jimmie Stagger and more
Local Spins on WYCE kicked off its second year with an in-studio performance by a harmonious Kalamazoo indie-folk duo and fresh tracks from Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Kim Vi & The Siblings and much more.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins Guest Playlist: Grand Rapids rock duo Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish
Grand Rapids’ uber-energetic “black-tie garage rockers” have uncorked a new album. But Jesse Ray and Josh Worsham also have taken time to offer Local Spins their playlist of favorite tunes, including The Rolling Stones and Gary Clark Jr. and local faves such as The Crane Wives and Joe Hertler.
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