Singer-pianist Diana Krall embraces sultry, mysterious vibe at Meijer Gardens
The jazz singer and pianist unfurled a beautifully ‘brooding’ set in her Monday tour stop, with Michigan’s Abigail Stauffer opening. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Tagged: jazz
Herb Alpert turns back clock with verve, charisma and Tijuana Brass classics
The 90-year-old trumpeter made a Sunday tour stop at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall and drew standing ovations for he and his band’s performance. The Local Spins review.
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Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Living legend Herb Alpert still going strong at 90 with his Tijuana Brass playing GR on Sunday
The iconic trumpeter, pianist, composer, producer and co-founder of A&M Records is on tour with a stop Sunday at DeVos Performance Hall. He insists: ‘It gives me energy to play.’ The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Award-winning Simply in Time creates party groove with ‘theatrical funk fusion’
The eclectic West Michigan band releasing a new recording later this year makes it SpeakEZ Lounge debut in Grand Rapids on Friday. Learn more about the band in this Artist Spotlight feature.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Judy Collins, Bob James, Red Sea Pedestrians and more heat up mid-March (Photos)
From Traverse City to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, the unseasonable heat wave sparked sizzling concerts by veterans and emerging artists alike. The recaps and images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Bob James, California’s Dave Koz team up for unplugged duo jazz album, tour
The celebrated pianist and saxophonist play a sold-out show at Traverse City’s The Alluvion on Thursday, kicking off a U.S. tour behind a new recording, “Just Us.” The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Youth Movement: Emerging Money Soup electrifies audiences with funk-soul-pop fusion
The band which plays Billy’s Lounge, Founders, Chicago Beef Joint and Park Theatre in coming weeks joined other Michigan artists in debuting music for Local Spins: Mary Beth Orr, Deerfield Run, Stanley & Quiggle and more.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Big Ticket Festival cancels; Rockwell Republic closure in GR ends Monday night jazz
The roster of festivals and music venues disappearing over the past several months continues to grow with the announcements by a Christian music fest and downtown GR restaurant.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bilmuri, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Wilder Woods lead W. Michigan’s February music parade
The week’s concert lineup also boasted a Jackson Browne/Linda Ronstadt/Warren Zevon tribute, Mark Lavengood and a musical Winter Beer Fest romp. The images and more at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Podcasts
Local Spins expands reach with Michigan music showcase on Interlochen Public Radio
Starting this weekend, northern Michigan radio listeners will get an earful of music by Michigan artists as part of Local Spins’ weekly program. Learn more in today’s announcement.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
WNMC’s Eric Hines: Albums by The Clash, Marley, Stones & more that changed my world
The station manager for the Traverse City radio station has been inspired by a wide swath of artists since growing up in Philly. Listen to tracks from all of his selections at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals · Venue Spotlight
GRNoir jazz venue to close; Faster Horses cancels 2025 country music festival
Two popular destinations for fans of different genres in different Michigan cities — Grand Rapids and Brooklyn — made the sad announcements over the past 24 hours. The back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Squatch ‘breaking the rules’ with electrifying progressive rock and jazz fusion
The Grand Rapids band with two shows over the next week and a live album on tap lights up Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Local Commuters, Sixman, Elisabeth Pixley-Fink and more.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Unprecedented Local Spins Wednesdays & Fridays series set for SpeakEZ Lounge
Today, Local Spins announces the winter/spring concert series at the downtown club and restaurant, showcasing Michigan acts and tribute bands. View the full schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
Northern Michigan’s Third Coast Swing brings fresh energy on ‘Stompin’ at Griswold’ release
With a new band member adding dynamic vocals to its jazz-fueled approach, Third Coast Swing views its latest album as “a real stepping stone.” Get the back story, listen to a track from the new recording at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
LowDown Brass Band’s multi-genre energy: ‘You don’t need a guitar to get down’
The celebrated Chicago brass ensemble that blends funk, jazz, hip hop and soul into its lively approach plays Grand Rapids’ Midtown tonight. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ficus pollinates ‘fresh, original, modern twist’ on psychedelic, progressive, stoner rock
The Grand Rapids band releasing ‘Pollinator’ next week talks about its new project for Local Spins, which also debuted fresh tracks by The War and Treaty, Spencer LaJoye, Crystal Trench, Melanie Pierce, The Crane Wives, Patty PerShayla, Joel Mabus, Hunter Noll Bell & more.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Michigan Music Potpourri: Handmade Music Fest, Candid Antics, Billy Strings light it up
From Grand Rapids to Chesaning to Clarkston, the early October flurry of Michigan music made an impact amid summer-like weather. View the photo galleries and recaps at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Claudettes bringing wildly entertaining ‘garage cabaret’ to GR & Northern Michigan
The Chicago quartet returns to Michigan for bluesy, jazzy, rollicking shows led by piano-pounder Johnny Iguana and dynamic singer Rachel Williams. The Local Spins interview, with videos and ticket links.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Acoustic Stew launches with ‘flawless’ folk; Sounds of the Zoo closes out with diversity
Hawks and Owls delivered a tantalizing first chapter in a new Grand Rapids concert series, while eclectic bands from across the state closed out Kalamazoo’s week-long music festival. The images from both events at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
September Romps: Clutch, Lake Street Dive, Alkaline Trio, Sounds of the Zoo (Photos)
The last week in September uncorked hard rock, pop-punk, pop-soul, jazz, hip hop, Americana and more from Grand Rapid to Kalamazoo. Revisit the early-week shows in words and photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Musician, artist, entrepreneur Hugo Claudin: Albums That Changed My World
Grand Rapids musician, artist and Mexicains Sans Frontieres curator reveals the albums and artists that influenced him most, from the obscure to the legendary. Check out his picks.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Buena Vista Social Orchestra closes Meijer Gardens season + weekend photo galleries
Meijer Gardens wrapped up its final summer concert on Sunday with an esteemed Cuban ensemble, closing out a weekend that also featured Lettuce, the Kalamashoegazer Festival, a One Well block party and the Fallasburg Arts Festival. Check out the recaps and photos at Local Spins..
Sierra Ferrell creates ‘Garden’ dreams, The Crane Wives go well ‘Beyond’ the usual
Friday’s Grand Rapids lineup boasted two sold-out shows: Indie-folk/bluegrass/jazz artist Sierra Ferrell made her Meijer Gardens debut while Michigan’s Crave Wives lit up The Intersection. The recaps and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5
Candid Antics rebrands, soars straight to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The up-and-coming jazz fusion outfit topped Earth Radio and other regional favorites to top the August chart at WYCE (88.1 FM). Learn more about the band and listen to tracks from all the releases.
Michigan Musicians’ Labor Day Report ’24: Unsustainable wages, devalued artistry
Musicians’ financial and labor struggles have continued in 2024. So here in their own words, Local Spins provides its annual Labor Day column exploring the plight of Michigan artists and performers.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
‘Like Spotify, except we get paid’: KDL Vibes Fest toasts regional stars, streaming platform
Saturday’s second annual festival celebrated the KDL Vibes regional music streaming service with sets by more than a dozen acts, including Phabies, Earth Radio, Ralston Bowles and more. Revisit the event in words and photos at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: In the Valley Below, Major Murphy, RyneShyne, Overdrive Orchestra
Michigan’s thriving music scene has spawned another intriguing volley of new releases reviewed at Local Spins, including fresh recordings from Josiah DeNooyer and Rabbit Fur. Learn more about these releases and listen to tracks from the albums.
Bruce Hornsby, Sarah Jarosz, Victor Wooten, Accidentals, Wyatt Flores say ‘Yes to Michigan’
All five acts took to stages across the state this week, from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Sparta and beyond. Browse the photo galleries from these shows and more, only at Local Spins.
Trombone Shorty blows into town yet again with fiery New Orleans swagger
With Orleans Avenue in tow, the popular singer and trombonist brought funk and fun to Meijer Gardens on Monday. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Harmonica legend Howard Levy bringing all-star jazz lineup to Traverse City
Traverse City’s The Alluvion will host Levy and his band for a Friday concert. The Local Spins interview with the trailblazing harmonica player along with a video of a live performance.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts 2024: The preview, can’t-miss picks and a users’ guide
Grand Rapids’ annual Festival revs up again for three days on Friday afternoon, with dozens of regional acts performing and the usual, tasty food-vending smorgasboard. Get the lowdown at Local Spins, along with maps of stages and food vendors.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Jordan Hamilton, Greensky Bluegrass, Nathan Kalish, G.E. Orr tout buzzed-about new releases
Local Spins on WYCE debuted fresh tracks from these Michigan artists and more — from Sophia McIntosh to Don Julin — with high-profile shows and tours on tap. The lowdown and the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
Fast-emerging Pocket Watch pushing jazz fusion boundaries with funk, rock, more
The multi-talented band led by drummer Zach Dubay lights up SpeakEZ Lounge tonight for the Local Spins Wednesdays series along with Traverse City’s The Marsupials. Learn more about the band, Dubay and the group’s upcoming shows.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Dayseeker, Gilmore Fest, Drake White, Greg Orr, Desmond Jones: Concert Photo Roundup
From a post-hardcore throwdown to acclaimed jazz to jam-band fun to country twang and more, Local Spins offers a visual sampling of the week’s concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In-demand organist Jim Alfredson oozes versatility with ‘Family Business’ show on tap
The Lansing musician showcases his own new album, “Family Business,” in a Traverse City concert at The Alluvion this weekend, part of a hectic multi-band touring schedule. Learn more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan-bred Claudia Schmidt back in her home state, showcasing her versatility
The much-admired folk tunesmith and jazz singer plays The Alluvion twice this week before returning to northern Michigan for a June show. The interview and back story at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Michigan Rattlers’ Graham Young: Albums That Changed My World, AC/DC to Keith Jarrett
Today, Local Spins reveals the albums that have greatly influenced guitarist and songwriter Graham Young from Petoskey’s Michigan Rattlers. Check out — and listen to — his picks.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Playlists
Keyboard chameleon & producer Joe Hettinga: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
Keyboardist, producer and studio engineer Joe Hettinga lists recordings by Paul Simon, Phish and Cannonball Adderley among those that shaped him as a musician. Learn more about Hettinga, check out his picks and listen to one of his current favorites along with tracks on which he’s featured.
Artist Spotlights · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Saxophone great Bob Mintzer’s commanding quartet set to amp up Traverse City’s Alluvion
Advocating communication and improvisation on stage, the acclaimed Mintzer — who attended Interlochen Arts Academy — brings his quartet to northern Michigan on Saturday. The Local Spins interview, along with two Mintzer videos.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat triumphs + Domestic Problems, LowDown Brass, Spencer LaJoye, jazz & more
Sunday’s rescheduled Winter Wheat and the return of jazz to SpeakEZ Lounge capped off a fascinating week of live music across West Michigan. The photo galleries, videos and more from seven shows at Local Spins, including Jackson Dean, LowDown Brass Band. Spencer LaJoye and Randissimo’s Sunday Night Jazz.
Concert announcements · Features · Upcoming shows
Sunday night jazz set for return to SpeakEZ this weekend with ‘best live jazz’ in West Michigan
Nearly four years after the jazz jams were silenced by COVID, drummer Randy Marsh brings the ‘special’ tradition back to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Sunday night. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Let the parties begin: Mardi Gras revelry, The Verve Pipe, Sinatra, Walker & Royce (Photos)
The week leading up to Fat Tuesday had a whale of a lot to offer musically in West Michigan: Great Lakes Brass bringing NOLA to Kalamazoo; The Verve Pipe’s homecoming bash; Frank Sinatra and Steely Dan tributes; Walker & Royce, Dylan Marlowe, Willi Carlisle, Josh Meloy and more. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Blue Note’s all-star jazz quintet with a Michigan connection to play cupid in Traverse City
After wowing fans in Grand Rapids, the impressive quintet marking the Blue Note jazz label’s 85th anniversary and featuring Interlochen alum Matt Brewer on bass heats up northern Michigan on Valentine’s Day.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Drummer Zach Dubay’s obsessive, hamburger-inspiring, multi-band wizardry
Today’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight and feature on up-and-coming Michigan musicians to watch focuses on Grand Rapids drummer Zach Dubay, who’s been turning heads with several different bands. Get his back story, watch videos of his performances with two different bands.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Audio
Kalamazoo’s Jarad ‘Saxsquatch’ Selner: Albums That Changed My World, Pink Floyd to Herbie
Local Spins kicks off the 2024 edition of its popular ‘Albums That Changed the World’ series with a look at the recordings that inspired the renowned Kalamazoo saxophonist. Check out his picks; listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2023, Pt. 1: Local Spins writers’ picks for albums and concerts of the year
Music of every ilk burst out of the gates in early 2023 and never stopped turning heads. Today, the first round of Local Spins writers reveal picks for the best albums and concerts of the year, from international stars such as Paramore to local faves like Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Short Panic gets groovy with funky, jazzy rock debut
The emerging band playing an album-release show tonight was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by The Night Caps, Troy Ceasar, Cal in Red, Michael Waite, Ficus, Annie & Rod Capps and more. Get the Short Panic back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions jump to No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart with latest release
The all-new Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for November also features new albums from Free Hat, Full Cord, Liz Townsend and Roosevelt Diggs. Listen to tracks from all the releases.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
U.P. Singer-Songwriter Michael Waite: Three Albums That Changed My World
The popular Local Spins series revealing the musical influences for Michigan musicians and producers continues with the picks of a Michigan tunesmith from the wilds of the Upper Peninsula. Check out his picks, listen to tracks from all of the albums — including a couple of songs from his most recent release.
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