Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Fresh releases from Austin Benzing, Bermuda Teenager and Opulent Ardor round out this early October collection of albums and EPs. Browse the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the recordings by West Michigan artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
The northern Michigan drummer and guitarist today reveals the rock, jazz, soul, alt-country and funk influences which helped shape his own music, plus some artists he’s listening to these days. Bend an ear to tracks from all of the albums, plus songs from Mitchell’s latest release.
Monday proved to be an enchanting evening for devoted fans of two established, much-beloved artists whose tours made stops at different Grand Rapids venues. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Michigan native Rachael Davis plays Grand Rapids on Thursday, but before that, she reveals the recordings that most influenced her career. Listen to tracks from the albums and see how you can win tickets to Davis’ Listening Room show.
It comes straight from the musicians themselves: The sobering Labor Day assessment of where things stand for performers and songwriters after a cataclysmic, pandemic-impaired year. A must-read from Local Spins.
New Orleans-born-and-bred multi-instrumentalist Troy Andrews and the effervescent Orleans Avenue band enraptured a sold-out Meijer Gardens on Wednesday with virtuosic musicianship and Big Easy spirit. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
As August continues to heat up, Local Spins spotlights six new releases by West Michigan artists, from compelling Americana to lively indie-pop to reimagined punk. Check out the reviews, with audio samples from each album.
The legendary and celebrated New Orleans act partnered with Grand Rapids Symphony on Sunday night for an upbeat mix of jazz and classical performed under clear skies and with perfect temps. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Symphony will join Preservation Hall Jazz Band on Sunday night, the first of three summer shows at the amphitheater that will feature the orchestra. Get the lowdown on this new collaboration and watch a video preview of the upcoming Meijer Gardens concert season.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The West Michigan band which plays the Smiling Acres festival on Saturday debuted new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Willamena, Wild Air, Travis Atkinson, John Piatek and more. Get the back story on this super-group and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Canada’s Brass Transit plays Bay View outside Petoskey on Saturday, kicking off a hectic month of concerts across northern Michigan. Learn more about this band and view a full schedule of “up north” shows.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Playlists
In honor of today’s Juneteenth celebration, Local Spins Rewind revisits its compelling playlist from a panel of musicians who chose emerging black artists with great potential from the region who deserve a brighter spotlight. Check out the roster of artists and listen to their music at Local Spins.
