West Michigan Album Reviews: The Local Spins Fall Roundup, Take One
CD releases by West Michigan artists Kelsey Rottiers, Karisa Wilson, UV Hippo, The Impact Band, Roger Brown, Bowery, Steve Talaga
Tagged: indie-rock
UV Hippo, Asking Alexandria, Bowery, Barrence Whitfield: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Sun, rain, snow, falling leaves, wind, thunder, sleet. It’s that wacky time of year, and the same sort of wildly varying live music descended on West Michigan.
Grand Rapids rock band Bowery: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
With its effervescent, pop-tinged indie-rock, Bowery has hit the re-set button with a new lead singer and a new EP that gets released this week. (Podcast, video) Happenstance. Fate.[…]
Kris Hitchcock set to release new album; Crane Wives among few Michigan acts to play Ann Arbor Folk Fest; Sleigh Bells ring up Detroit
Local Spins’ November news update: Kalamazoo’s Hitchcock signs with Nashville booking agent, Crane Wives and Appleseed Collective get Ann Arbor Folk Fest love, and Local Spins’ Sleigh Bells concert photo[…]
Check it out: Kent District Library boosts local bands’ exposure with special ‘Local Indie @ KDL’ collection
Want your music preserved for posterity? West Michigan artists can submit CDs to the district library so patrons can literally check out their music. By Elizabeth Slowik LocalSpins.com The[…]
Troll for Trout, Rachael Davis, Dominic John get folky in a new way at St. Cecilia Music Center
Frustrating sound glitches aside, the opening night of St. Cecilia Music Center’s Fresh Folk series turned the tables on folk-rock and put a Nashville couple in the spotlight.
The hopeful alt-rock of Uncommon Road: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
The award-winning Grand Rapids band unveils its debut EP recording with a full-blown rock concert production at Allegan’s Griswold Auditorium on Saturday. (Podcast, video) Uncommon Road guitarist Sean Louis[…]
Ragbirds, Sue Foley & Peter Karp, Ken Yates, Lamp Light Music Fest: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
From nightclubs to a fine arts center to a listening room to Eastown basements, West Michigan bid adieu to October and hello to November in rocking fashion, captured in photos[…]
‘Nothing average about this’: Lamp Light Music Festival kicks off cozy concerts in Eastown homes
Friday night’s opening house concerts in three locations jammed living rooms and basements for sets by The Soil & The Sun, Lasso, Kellen & Me and more. (Photos, video) […]
The ‘dark folk’ and ‘psyched-out punk’ of Kalamazoo’s Fiona Dickinson: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (Podcast, video)
Playing at this weekend’s Lamp Light Music Festival in Grand Rapids with Cobalt Mexican Wolves, the well-traveled British-born singer-songwriter finds camaraderie, inspiration in the Double Phelix collective of musicians. […]
The BoDeans launch Wealthy Concert Series in lively fashion in return to Grand Rapids
Led by frontman Kurt Neumann, the roots-rock band’s Wealthy Theatre debut made for a triumphant series-opening show. (Review, photos) Take your pick of lines from BoDeans’ songs to describe[…]
Paul Simon night at One Trick Pony: West Michigan pays tribute to a songwriting icon
More than 30 Grand Rapids-area musicians are lined up to perform songs spanning Simon’s long career tonight, one day after his 72nd birthday. Paul Simon Birthday Sessions WHEN: 7:30[…]
Zappa Plays Zappa, Harvest Party, Fauxgrass, Mary Chapin Carpenter: Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
From a poignant tribute to a beloved concert promoter to a Springsteen tribute in Casnovia to a Zappa tribute at The Intersection to a tribute to a new fall beer,[…]
Drew Nelson @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: From ‘dust bowl’ to grateful tears, success in music always a moving target
One of Grand Rapids’ most beloved singer-songwriters shares the frustrations, snares and joys of making music and touring in a guest column for Local Spins. EDITOR’S NOTE: This Spins on[…]
Bassnectar, Domestic Problems, Lucas Wilson: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
ArtPrize doled out its 2013 awards amid TV hoopla, but the weekend also boasted a dazzling and sweaty Bassnectar show, Domestic Problems at Rosa Parks Circle and more — captured[…]
Lamp Light Music Festival to take ‘house concerts’ to new level in Grand Rapids’ Eastown in November
The second annual Eastown music fest expands to five houses, with 35 intimate performances the first weekend in November. Frontier Ruckus, Paucity, Breathe Owl Breathe, Ghost Heart and many more[…]
The Crane Wives, Aaron Carter, Simien the Whale, Grand Haven Indie-Rock Fest: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Things rocked this weekend — from ArtPrize’s music series at Rosa Parks Circle to pop and folk stars at The Intersection to an indie-rock festival and singer-songwriter charm along the[…]
Grand Haven Indie-Rock Music Festival expands its Midwest vibe; 10 bands play two stages this weekend
The fifth-year festival boasts bands from New York to Grand Rapids, playing indoors at the Dee-Lite and outdoors on Washington Street, with beer, wine, food and art to boot. […]
Rick Chyme, Over the Rhine, AOK, Earthwork Harvest Gathering: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
ArtPrize’s first weekend, Founders Brewing’s grand reopening, Earthwork Harvest’s annual gathering and a historic marathon rap: All of it brought a bracing bevy of live music to Grand Rapids and[…]
Founders unveils revamped taproom: improved stage and sound, beer garden, second bar (photos)
Founders Brewing Co. mug club members on Sunday got a special preview of the expanded taproom and many liked what they saw — and drank. For those who love[…]
Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Gabrial James: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight (podcast, video)
After hosting an open-mic night for seven years, the acoustic roots performer has established himself as an in-demand solo act across West Michigan. He plays the 40th Eastown Street Fair[…]
Jake Down and The Midwest Mess: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Grand Rapids indie-folk singer-songwriter Jake Down and his band are “just having fun and trying to meet people and impact people.” They release their debut EP on Saturday at The[…]
Indigo Girls preach to their choir in lively folk-rock finale to Meijer Gardens series (Review, photos)
Thursday night’s season-ending concert brought Georgia’s Indigo Girls back to one of their favorite Grand Rapids haunts, with devotees helping pack the sold-out amphitheater. In the annals of Frederik[…]
WYCE kicks off new Wealthy Theatre series with BoDeans, GR native goes viral with ‘Blue Collar’ video, MAJIC announces concert lineup
The early September Local Spins music news roundup is chock full of nuggets, from a new concert series at Wealthy Theatre to a hot music video that pays tribute to[…]
Reverend Horton Heat, La Famiglia, Don Campbell, The Muteflutes: The Weekend Photo Gallery
Things rockabilly’d their way into the Labor Day holiday weekend, with a rollicking show at The Pyramid Scheme, not to mention blasts of folk-rock, indie-rock, hip-hop and, yes, Dan Fogelberg.[…]
Rootsy Grand Rapids singer-songwriter John Sanger: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Whether fronting The Sanger Brothers Band or flying solo, the Holland native plays with confident passion. He’s currently at work on a new studio album; get a sneak peek here[…]
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
ArtPrize Musicians’ Showcase returns for 2013 to boost third annual song competition
After scrambling to find sponsors, St. Cecilia Music Center will once again put ArtPrize song entrants in the spotlight, with 50 artists and bands playing a Sept. 20-22 showcase. […]
The Koh Kohs say Aloha; Grand Rapids’ Phil Stancil and Midnight Faces get some national love
Grand Rapids music news for early August sees the relocation of a popular indie-folk band’s founders to Hawaii and a promising pop debut for a former Potato Moon-ite who’s also[…]
John Butler Trio, Grizzly Bear, The Soil & The Sun, GR Soul Club: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Unseasonably cool for early August, conditions were nearly perfect to soak up live music outdoors — and even indoors — in the Grand Rapids area, ending with WLAV-FM’s big 40th[…]
Grizzly Bear roars in prog-folk fashion for small-but-enthused Meijer Gardens audience
The New York indie-rockers flashed alluring three-part harmonies and top-drawer instrumental virtuosity for the concert series’ smallest crowd of the summer. (Review, photo gallery) There were moments Saturday night[…]
John Butler Trio turns up the musical heat to fire up Meijer Gardens crowd
On a cool August night, things got so hot at the Grand Rapids amphitheater that fans were leaping on stage and getting escorted off by security guards. Talk about rocking[…]
The Weekend Bucket List: 10 West Michigan shows worth catching
August’s opening salvo of live music in the Grand Rapids area heats up with Orquesta Tradicion, John Butler Trio, Grizzly Bear, Fly Moon Royalty, Loverboy, Mark Farner and an unusual[…]
Grand Rapids indie-folk band Antrim Dells: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
With recent release of their hauntingly beautiful debut album, members of West Michigan’s Antrim Dells put vocals at the forefront of their engaging, poetic music. (Podcast, video) Antrim Dells[…]
‘Total Shock’: DAAC forced to close, but plans huge final July 30 blowout show with Frontier Ruckus, others
The Division Avenue Arts Collective is suddenly being evicted, but other venues may step in to host some shows. The volunteer-run group seeks community support and advice to continue its[…]
David Byrne and St. Vincent blossom in luminous Meijer Gardens concert
The two New York artists with rare musical flair treated the crowd of 1,700 on a muggy night at the amphitheater to a singular show. (Review, photo gallery) “Oh[…]
Lucas Wilson, Kelsey Rottiers kick off 2013 Tuesday Evening Music Club at Meijer Gardens on Tuesday
Spotlighting regional/local musical talent, the weekly series lights up the amphitheater with genre-spanning bands — another thing that makes Grand Rapids “a cool place to live.” See the full 2013[…]
Brandi Carlile, The Lone Bellow turn Meijer Gardens into a musical love-fest (review, photo gallery)
An exuberant, near-capacity crowd of 1,800-plus cheered Carlile and her band’s third appearance at the outdoor amphitheater, with The Lone Bellow winning over fans with an invigorating opening set of[…]
Grand Rapids indie-folk band Chain of Lakes: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
Chain of Lakes frontman Kyle Rasche creates lush, harmony-driven contemporary folk songs that have earned deserved attention. (Video, podcast) Any number of things can explain why Kyle Rasche immersed[…]
Electric Forest powers escapist weekend with hippies, jams, late-night parties, electronic music and Greensky Bluegrass
Upwards of 20,000 or more concertgoers — along with West Michigan’s own Greensky Bluegrass — will descend on Double JJ Resort in tiny Rothbury for another edition of this singular[…]
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros light up Kalamazoo’s State Theatre
A capacity West Michigan crowd on Monday cheered the California psychedelic pop/rock ensemble and opener The Giving Tree Band. (Photo gallery) With a new album on the way in[…]
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
UV Hippo, Blue Molly, Kris Hitchcock, Three’s a Crowd to fire up Grand Rapids’ Fourth of July celebration
Ultraviolet Hippopotamus’ eclectic and impressive instrumental display part of the free downtown show that will also feature West Michigan-driven blues, country and Top 40/classic rock. With Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Blue[…]
Founders Fest: Beer, bands, throngs, and as always, The FBC All-Stars
With a revamped site in downtown Grand Rapids and a second beer tent, record crowds are expected for Saturday’s festival headlined by G. Love & Special Sauce. Oh, and some[…]
Lord Huron, Escondido get groove on with Michigan-bred indie-folk at The Pyramid Scheme
Los Angeles’ Lord Huron and Nashville’s Escondido rocked a loving bunch of Michigan fans on Monday. Despite sound glitches, Local Spins reviewer Tricia Woolfenden found the sold-out Grand Rapids homecoming[…]
Holland’s Tyler James and Escondido bring nationally acclaimed ‘desert rock’ to West Michigan
Part of the Nashville-based Escondido, the Holland Christian High School grad plays a sold-out show with Lord Huron at The Pyramid Scheme on Monday. For a guy who readily[…]
The return of Willamena: The Local Spins Artist Spotlight
The West Michigan rock band celebrates its first studio album in nine years and its first concerts in 10 months with a series of Michigan CD-release shows, including Friday at[…]
Buttermilk Jamboree: Rusted Root, Crane Wives, The Bandwagon and dozens more in ‘a beautiful setting’
For the third year, Circle Pines Center in Delton will host the unique outdoor music festival that boasts more than 30 local and regional bands performing on two stages. See[…]
Grand Rapids’ Festival 2013: Some Local Spins picks to peruse
From emerging act Spence & Friends to longtime fave Mid-Life Crisis, Festival covers the gamut of musical styles and sounds. But can a 13-year-old steal the show? At 13,[…]
Brandon Muske @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: A love letter to Grand Rapids … and a plea for fans
The support of fellow musicians helps drive Grand Rapids’ music scene. But in this Local Spins guest column, The Wallace Collective’s Muske wonders why audiences for compelling, original live music[…]
Local First Street Party, Guster, Seth Bernard, Brian Vander Ark, Stephen Kellogg, Marshall Crenshaw: The Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery
Grand Rapids rocked into June with a downtown street bash, a season-opening music fest at Jam ‘N’ Bean, rock from Guster, Jukebox the Ghost, Brian Vander Ark, Stephen Kellogg, Seth[…]
Ageless B.B. King to kick off record-setting 2013 Meijer Gardens concert series on Monday
Meijer Gardens courts stars for its outdoor amphitheater series, which sells out more shows and increases attendance every summer. See the updated list of sellouts, plus a change in the[…]
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