Features · Local Spins at SXSW
Heading on tour? Trying to survive SXSW? We asked Michigan musicians heading to Austin to list the tour necessities they won’t leave home without. Their answers are revealing and entertaining.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The concert week also features Moneybagg Yo, The Crystal Method, Brother Elsey & Jack Droppers in a pre-SXSW preview show, Gibbz, Runa and much, much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Local H, with Valentiger and Slumlord Radio.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The 20th Jammie Awards show on Friday evening at The Intersection drew lively crowds for award presentations and 30-plus performances. See the full winners’ list and a photo gallery at Local Spins, along with a special Jammies edition podcast of Local Spins on WYCE.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Videos
The sky’s the limit: The Grand Rapids neo-soul/rock super-group is set to release its second album in May and will be honored by Local Spins at Friday night’s Jammie Awards. Read more about the band and watch a video at Local Spins.
WYCE-FM hosts the 20th Jammies show Friday at The Intersection, with 34 acts on stage and tons of awards doled out. Browse — and save — the jam-packed schedule and see who some of last year’s winners have chosen as their ‘best artists of the year.’
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
With much-respected jazz pianist Robin Connell playing several upcoming shows in Grand Rapids this week, Local Spins today revisits the profile it published in 2017 after she was named West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year, along with a podcast and in-studio performance
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Videos
The contemporary jazz band led by Dutcher Snedeker on Friday played Founders and Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Kaitlyn Zittel, The Ryne Experience and more. Get the back story about Blushing Monk, listen to the radio show podcast, watch the video, browse the photo gallery.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Last week, it was the critics. Today, Local Spins features West Michigan musicians’ favorite albums of the year. Pore over the lists of their picks for top albums of 2018 and listen to the music.
As the holidays approach, this month’s Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’ uncorked a diverse trio of new releases by Grand Rapids-area bands. Read about the artists, listen to their songs and the ‘Stateside’ podcast.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio
Local Spins’ second batch of November reviews of regional album releases covers a lot of musical territory from hip hop to hard rock to ’60s sizzle to boundary-pushing jazz. Get the lowdown on new Michigan releases and preview music from the recordings.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Videos
With Greta Van Fleet’s first full-length album soaring straight to No. 3 on the charts, Local Spins reviews — and defends — the release, plus takes a closer look at three other new regional recordings. Read the reviews, sample the new music.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Videos
The acclaimed West Michigan jazz-folk artist took a ‘no-holds-barred’ approach on ‘People are Fragile.’ Ashley Daneman will preview the powerful album with her band Thursday at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe. Get the back story and watch her videos at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Goo Goo Dolls have canceled their Grand Rapids show, but the week leading up to Halloween hoopla also boasts the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference & showcases, plus Ashley McBryde, Conrad Shock, Earth Radio, The Drifters, Julien Labro and more. Check out all of Local Spins’ spotlighted shows, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks and see how you can win tickets to see Ashley McBryde.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Social Distortion’s weekend tour stop at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live was just part of a music week that also featured appearances by Arturo Sandoval, Collective Soul, Blockhead, Kind Country and more. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The first week in October also brings the Sacred Vibrations fest, Pulaski Days, Red Flannel Days, Bill Laurance, Public Access, Field Report’s Chris Porterfield, Gorgeous Oranges & more. And win tickets to see The Motet or Lettuce. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s live music picks at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The arrival of autumn also brings Keller Williams, Heather Maloney, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, a jazzy Grand Rapids Symphony tribute to Paul McCartney and more. Check out this week’s spotlighted shows, plus our Under-the-Radar Picks.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Lansing singer-songwriter turns from ‘sideman’ to star with songs from ‘It’s About Time’ during this week’s radio show, which also featured the premiere of tracks by Red Legs, Lushh and Jacob Simons, plus the Hot Top 5 countdown. Listen to the podcast, watch the in-studio video.
The lengthy New Orleans jazz and funk showcase at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday boasted an impressive roster of Big Easy faves: Trombone Shorty, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, New Breed Brass Band and special guests. Check out the review of what was described as the most fun night ever at Meijer Gardens, plus a robust photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE shed light on a New Jersey-bred, Grand Rapids percussionist with a robust career and a diverse selection of music by Michigan artists. Get the back story about Kevin Jones; listen to the full radio show podcast.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Mid-August also brings Girls Rock! GR, Ladyfest at the Lakeshore, The Frog King, Sleep Waker, FINKEL, The Ghost of Paul Revere, Lokella, The Go Rounds and more to West Michigan stages. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Sleep Waker and Lokella.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival makes waves on the lakeshore, Ribfest heats up Kalamazoo, Joywave washes over GR, SuperPartyWonderDay closes the week out. Check out all of this week’s West Michigan concert selections and Under-the-Radar Picks. Plus, win tickets to see Save Face or Flynt Flossy.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The West Michigan blues band, which plays this weekend’s Kalamazoo Blues Fest, debuted new songs on the WYCE radio show, which also boasted new tracks by In the Valley Below, Luna Puer and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of Big Boss Band’s in-studio performance.
The electronic music duo capitalizes on the buzz about its upcoming new release with impressive airplay on WYCE, with Brad Fritcher’s MOODS making its chart debut, too. Fritcher plays a farewell show at SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night. Check out the Hot Top 5 and listen to songs from each of the featured artists.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Local Spins’ first batch of July releases covers a broad range of Michigan artists, from prog-pop to jazz to jamgrass to rock ‘n’ roll. Read the reviews, listen to samples of the music, find out where these bands are playing.
On what turned out to be a nearly flawless summer evening, the legendary keyboard player unfurled a genre-bending lesson in jazz that flaunted looping, synthesizer magic, vocoder, a keytar and more. Read the Local Spins review by Ross Boissoneau and a special musician’s take on the show by Dutcher Snedeker.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The 78-year-old keyboard legend brings a brief U.S. tour to Meijer Gardens on Wednesday as he eyes another new album. Read the Local Spins interview with Herbie Hancock.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
This weekend’s family-friendly festival at Circle Pines Center boasts more than three dozen mostly regional acts, including The Accidentals, Mustard Plug and Joshua Davis. Check out the schedule and save it on your smartphone; read more about Donna the Buffalo and Luke Winslow King; watch videos of some featured bands.
This weekend’s Festival of the Arts will pack downtown Grand Rapids for regional music on a half-dozen stages. And once again, Local Spins asked musicians and writers to spotlight some must-see acts. Use the ‘Best of Fest’ picks as a starting point to guide your Festival exploration.
Concert announcements · Kalamazoo · Summer Concerts
Local Spins’ latest round-up of free community concert series across West Michigan puts the spotlight on outdoor shows in the Kalamazoo area. Take a gander at the diverse band lineups, then grab a lawn chair and go.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The week leading up to Memorial Day is jam-packed with music and fun in the sun, from Evidence Jazz to Earth Radio to I Believe in Julio to Michigan Rattlers to the Local Spins Summer Kickoff outside HopCat in Grand Rapids. Get the scoop on all of this week’s live music highlights, plus some stellar Under-the-Radar Picks at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Milk Carton Kids have been added to the lineup at Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia, which previously announced its upcoming jazz and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center concerts as well as the first Acoustic Café show for next season. Get the lowdown on all of the upcoming shows at Local Spins and listen to new music from The Lone Bellow.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The week kicks off with Big Sandy and closes out with Steve Martin & Martin Short’s Grand Rapids tour stop, with plenty of musical action in between, including special SpeakEZ shows, Hip Hop Appreciation Week, the Bona-Who? festival, Thunder Chicken, The Extra Texture and Stryper. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Granger Smith.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The much-admired saxophonist and member of the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra will be honored Monday by the West Michigan Jazz Society for his outstanding conributions to the region’s jazz scene. Read more about Nixon in this Local Spins profile by Devin Anderson.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Holland’s Tulip Time kicks May into full gear but there’s plenty more music on the docket: Lipstick Jodi, Coffin Problem, Rebecca Loebe, Hank Mowery, Marc Scibilia and a John Prine Tribute, plus win tix to see Chris Lane or Rival Sons. See all of this week’s music picks at Local Spins, plus some intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks and a look ahead to shows later this month.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins’ week-in-review boasts images from a rock-hued fundraiser, a bass-and-comedy spectacle, the country twang of Maddie & Tae, a “Reggaefest,” another anniversary celebration for The Pyramid Scheme and more. Check out all of the images and photos at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Local Spins has rounded up another batch of free community concert series being staged across West Michigan this summer, including the return of the West Michigan Jazz Society’s Monday concerts in Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the lineups for a half-dozen summer series, only at Local Spins.
On the eve of Jack White’s buzzed-about Grand Rapids show, the Local Spins “countdown” assesses his bold new album, along with regional releases by a diverse mix of Michigan artists. Read the reviews, listen to audio samples from the albums.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
It was a storm of eclectic shows: The Accidentals, Ministry, Julien Baker, Kevin Jones Quintet, Asleep at the Wheel, John Sebastian, Go Rounds, Wailin’ Jennys, Tauk, Mustard Plug and more in Local Spins images.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Starting in late June, the Interlochen Arts Festival southwest of Traverse City will unfurl with more than two dozen concerts covering a wide range of genres. Get the full lineup and ticket prices at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Plenty of familiar names grace the 30-concert bill, including Trombone Shorty, The Decemberists, Temptations, Beach Boys, B-52s, Seal and Styx. Huey Lewis’ July 8 show has been canceled and he will be replaced by Michael Franti & Spearhead. Get details and the full Meijer Gardens series schedule at Local Spins.
Audio · Breaking music news · Hot Top 5
Grand Rapids’ genre-melding neo-soul band Earth Radio hit No. 1 last month, with Public Access, The Bootstrap Boys and Shane Tripp making their first appearances on the radio chart. Check out the new Top 5, with audio samples from all of the releases. And see a list of all the new local and regional albums added to WYCE’s rotation.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Building on the success of its full-length debut album, Lipstick Jodi went acoustic in performing in-studio for this week’s radio show, which also featured the debut of tracks by Chain of Lakes, Olin Clark, Antighost and more. (Video, podcast)
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Accidentals call Millard an “incredible songwriter” with a “really cool roots rock vibe.” He plays Grand Rapids’ River City Saloon with his band on Saturday. Read the back story about this young, rising Michigan star.
Album reviews · Local Spins Live · Podcasts
Local Spins’ March segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” unveiled new releases from veteran, road-tested and emerging artists. Listen to the podcast and get details about all of the featured acts.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Videos
The March music news roundup at Local Spins has a distinct keyboard angle: Elton John joined Michigan’s Greta Van Fleet during a much-ballyhooed Oscars viewing party on Sunday and Hope College hosts its second jazz organ summit this weekend.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids super-group previewed its upcoming release on this week’s WYCE radio show, which also debuted music by Nathan Kalish, Lushh, The Plastic Bears, El Brandino, Urban Cowboy and more. Read the back story about the band, listen to the podcast, watch a video of Earth Radio’s in-studio performance.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The week of West Michigan concerts is heavy on local stars, too, with Cabildo, Watching for Foxes, Brian Morris, Jack Droppers, Jimmie Stagger, VAZUM and much more on the docket. See all of this week’s big shows, Under-the-Radar Picks and The Really Big List covering more than 100 venues. And see how you can win tickets to see Candlebox.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Another bustling weekend of live music across West Michigan showcased national and regional acts on various stages. Check out the images and videos at Local Spins, with everything from country to swing to house music to rock ‘n’ roll.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Guest Column · Kalamazoo
The genre-bending Kalamazoo band recently depicted sleep and dreams artistically — from the serene to the frenetic — in a unique concert that will be available on video. Read the back story about this unusual event at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Chevelle kicked off the week with a bang, but there’s plenty of diversity – nationally and locally – crammed into this week’s Big List Concert Guide, along with some holiday-themed shows. And see how you can win tickets to see Matisyahu.
