Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Ice Cube chills out in G-Rap, plus Beach Boys, Erasure, Rayland Baxter, Keep the Beat Alive

• July 29, 2018

The hip hop legend brought N.W.A., Ice-T, Tha Dogg Pound and more to Van Andel Arena during a busy week of tour stops and local shows in front of enthused West Michigan audiences. Concerts included Rayland Baxter, Erasure, The Beach Boys and Jake Kershaw & Melophobix in a special Walk the Beat event. The Ice Cube review and five photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.

Live at River City · Photos · Videos

Conrad Shock + The Noise: HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios

• July 27, 2018

The latest live-streamed performance at River City oozed artful, original blues-edged music from the Grand Rapids band which is getting ready to release its next studio album later this year. Watch the video of Conrad Shock + The Noise’s in-studio session and check out the photos at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

L7 gets lean, loud, vicious and unapologetically raucous in Grand Rapids tour stop

• July 24, 2018

Local Spins music critic John Serba absorbed the brutish, beautifully ‘apelike rock’ of the iconic L.A. punk/metal/grunge band that rattled The Pyramid Scheme on Monday. Read his take on the rock ‘n’ roll assault along with photos by Katy Batdorff — only at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Concerts-in-Review Photos: A$AP Ferg, Faster Horses Fest, Black Label Society, Seth Bernard, Japanese Breakfast, May Erlewine

• July 22, 2018

Another potent week of live music brought Michigan fans some iconic hip hop, country, heavy metal, indie-rock and regional stars Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. Check out the recaps in vibrant images by Local Spins photographers.

Concert reviews · Photos

Shania Twain delivers glitz, glam and a dash of country in Grand Rapids tour stop

• July 19, 2018

Country-pop superstar Shania Twain made a grand entrance at Van Andel Arena, then unleashed a spectacle that was flamboyant as well as fan-interactive. The concert review, photo gallery and set list from Wednesday night’s show at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Patti LaBelle beguiles Meijer Gardens as radiant goddess of soul

• July 14, 2018

At 74 years young, Patti LaBelle fully engaged fans during her first Grand Rapids appearance in three decades, unfurling everything from “Lady Marmalade” to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Janelle Monae unfurls arena-like spectacle; fans cheer fireworks, bands in Grand Rapids; PHoffman & Joshua Davis romp in Kalamazoo

• July 8, 2018

Local Spins’ weekend concert photo roundup kicks off with Janelle Monae’s crowd-pleasing tour stop at 20 Monroe Live, with throngs also flocking to Saturday’s Fourth of July bash in Grand Rapids, plus Kalamazoo fun with PHoffman and Joshua Davis at Bell’s Brewery and pianist Nat Zegree’s homecoming show at Bronson Park.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Michigan-bred Borns enchants home state crowd at Common Ground’s opening night

• July 6, 2018

The L.A.-based pop star originally from Grand Haven unleashed an impressive homecoming set at the Lansing festival, which also boasted appearances by country stars Kip Moore and Hunter Hayes and pop/rock’s The Aces and Judah & The Lion. Check out the review and opening night photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Electric Forest 2018: The magic, the music, the heat, the phenomenon revisited

• July 5, 2018

Two weekends of musical marvels in the woods of Rothbury, Michigan, came to a close last weekend. Relive some of the highlights in Local Spins photos and a video, with links to Electric Forest coverage here and elsewhere.

Concert reviews · Photos

Hot times spark hot music from Rachel Curtis, Hannah Rose, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band

• July 4, 2018

Tuesday night’s sweltering heat couldn’t temper audience enthusiasm for impressive outdoor shows: Tuesday Evening Music Club’s 2018 kickoff at Meijer Gardens and the Rogue River Blues Series in Rockford. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Electric Forest Weekend 1 Revisited: An escape from reality, a splash of Michigan roots music

• June 25, 2018

Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos plunged into the magical world of the music festival in Rothbury, caught up with the Michigan Rattlers at their Forest debut and got high, literally, in a hot-air balloon. Relive the weekend in words and photos at Local Spins.

Photos · Summer Festivals

Grand River Water Festival delivers music and message: ‘Important to take care of the earth’

• June 24, 2018

Saturday’s Grand River Water Festival at Grand Rapids’ Riverside Park served up sets from a diverse range of Michigan acts while celebrating and promoting efforts to improve water quality. Get the recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Electric Forest’s opening day sizzles with electronic trippiness, jam fervor, hippie vibe

• June 22, 2018

From the wild, fan-involving antics of Andy Frasco to the throbbing beats of Green Velvet and Keys N Krates to the lengthy jams of host String Cheese, it was a memorable opening day and night in Rothbury. Browse the photo gallery, take a video tour of Electric Forest as it morphs from day to night and check out the list of top Local Spins highlights from Day 1.

Concert reviews · Photos

Alison Krauss brings gospel heat wave to Sunday’s Meijer Gardens show

• June 18, 2018

The sold-out amphitheater crowd basked in high heat and the gorgeous vocals and fiddle-playing of the Grammy-winning artist touring behind her latest album. Read the Local Spins review, browse the photo gallery from Sunday night’s concert as well as images from another weekend bluegrass show at Perrin Brewing starring Steep Canyon Rangers, Mark Lavengood and Seth Bernard.

Features · Upcoming shows

Lowell concerts hosted by 19-year-old musician boast unique flavor, band-lifting mission

• June 16, 2018

The rock-oriented, summertime “Ryne Shyne” LowellArts series assembled by young Lowell entrepreneur Ryne Clarke boasts a special atmosphere with shows captured on video and broadcast on radio. Read more about the series and check out a photo gallery of recent performer Bet on Rats.

Concert reviews · Photos

Jackson Browne enchants fans at Meijer Gardens: The Local Spins Photo Gallery

• June 7, 2018

Browse images from Wednesday’s sold-out concert starring the iconic Jackson Browne with his band and check out a set list from the Meijer Gardens tour stop.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Camp Greensky Revisited: First-year Michigan festival awes music fans

• June 5, 2018

Hosted by Greensky Bluegrass, which played all three days with all-star sit-ins from Billy Strings, Mike Gordon and others, the inaugural northern Michigan festival hit all the right notes with festival-goers. Relive the weekend in a Local Spins recap by writer Ryan Boldrey, and photo gallery and video by Anna Sink.

Concert reviews · Photos

The Decemberists charm sold-out sea of roustabouts and rakes in Grand Rapids

• June 5, 2018

The Portland folk-rock heroes enthusiastically powered through an engaging set of old hits and new at Meijer Gardens on Monday, in spite of frontman’s recent vocal strain. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Incubus, Phillip Phillips, Gin Blossoms, JJ Grey, BoDeans, Festival launch West Michigan’s summer of music: Photos

• June 4, 2018

The week after Memorial Day brought a slew of summer musical marvels to West Michigan, including the kickoff to outdoor concert series in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo and tour stops by national touring acts. Browse 10 photo galleries — from Kalamazoo’s HippieFest to Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts — at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Photos

What You Missed: Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit, Movement revisited and more

• May 29, 2018

Tied up or out of town for Memorial Day weekend? Here’s a recap of some musical magic you may have missed, courtesy of Local Spins and media outlets elsewhere across Michigan. Check out links to coverage of Movement, Bled Fest and more.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Bus-ting out summer fun: Bus Benefit revs up lakeshore with Lipstick Jodi, Nicholas James

• May 26, 2018

The Memorial Day weekend music fest in West Olive hosted by Buses by the Beach kicked off Friday with gorgeous weather, eclectic music and VW bus camaraderie. Get the recap and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins, where you can also find the music schedule for Saturday and Sunday.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Granger Smith, Leftover Salmon, Mutoid Man wow West Michigan fans; Steppin’ In It, Utopia bring back memories: Photo Galleries

• May 21, 2018

Local Spins’ week-in-review photo roundup also features images from the Bona-Who? fest outside Cedar Springs, Chain of Lakes, Brian Koenigsknecht and Kate Pillsbury playing SpeakEZ Lounge, another Local Showcase at The Pyramid Scheme, the Barley BBQ & Beats event at Van Andel Arena, Bigfoot Buffalo at Tip Top Deluxe and more. Check out all the photos from a lively week of music at Local Spins.

Live at River City · Photos · Videos

Paradise Outlaw rocks River City: The HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios session

• May 16, 2018

The Southern rock-fueled Grand Rapids band fired up the latest edition of the studio series. Watch this week’s performance, listen to the interview, browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Steppin’ In It launches Michigan reunion tour with robust, nostalgic, packed Lansing jams

• May 16, 2018

The beloved band featuring Joshua Davis and Dominic John Davis revved up enthused sold-out crowds in the first two nights at the legendary Green Door with several more shows across the state still to come this week. Read the Local Spins review by Ryan Boldrey, browse the photo gallery by Jon Rosenberger, check out some video highlights.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

‘Amazing’ White Birch Music Festival defies Mother Nature, prevails with ‘rocking’ performances

• May 13, 2018

The first-year festival outside Stanton has delivered sets by dozens of Michigan bands. Browse the Local Spins photo gallery and check out the video of the festival site.

Concert reviews · Photos

Wildman Andrew W.K. brings outsized persona, nuclear zeal and party mayhem to The Pyramid Scheme

• May 11, 2018

The debut of Local Spins music critic John Serba has him tackling the ‘really, really high on life’ bravado of ‘the craziest person in the room’: Andrew W.K. whose ‘You’re Not Alone’ tour stopped in Grand Rapids on Thursday. Relive the evening in this rollicking review, browse the photo gallery from the sold-out show.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Punk at Tip Top, Bimini Bros’ 35th anniversary at DeltaPlex, Lindsay Lou, Michigander at Pyramid Scheme, Liquid Stranger at Intersection: Weekend Photo Galleries

• May 7, 2018

The three-day Skitchin’ Fest of punk fury, Bimini Brothers’ 35th anniversary spectacle, tour stops by Lindsay Lou and Michigander, and the wild Bass Country electronic music show powered up a weekend of live music in Grand Rapids, captured in images at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos

Sir Mix-a-Lot takes it indoors in Kalamazoo for an old-school, fan-inspiring rap show

• May 3, 2018

Rain forced Wednesday’s concert at Bell’s Brewery inside, where the Seattle-bred rapper unleashed a storm of classics, from “Baby Got Back” to a rendition of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Lady Ace Boogie unleashes new album, The Pyramid Scheme celebrates an anniversary, plus Kalamazoo’s Music Hop, The Mainstays

• April 23, 2018

The weekend show recap and photo galleries round up big celebrations at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids and a bevy of eclectic concerts in Kalamazoo, plus Phoebe Bridgers at Ladies Literary Club. Check out all the weekend photo galleries at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Jack White proves in Grand Rapids tour stop that rock definitely isn’t dead (Review, photos)

• April 22, 2018

The Michigan-bred icon made sure his Grand Rapids debut at 20 Monroe Live on Saturday was a memorable one, brimming with spontaneity and exuberance. Check out the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Lord Huron gets folky and psychedelic for Michigan homecoming show (Review, photos)

• April 21, 2018

Michigan native Ben Schneider and his band created trippy soundscapes during Friday’s sold-out show at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live — a concert marred briefly by an altercation between some fans that was quickly taken care of by security. Get the recap in the Local Spins review and browse the photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Trey Anastasio brings rock-star power, blistering trio jams to Grand Rapids

• April 19, 2018

The Phish frontman and his band delivered an audience-pleasing musical barrage for a near-capacity crowd at 20 Monroe Live on Wednesday night. Read the review, browse the photo gallery, check out the set list — only at Local Spins.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Wintry mix of West Michigan music: Local Spins Week-in-Review Concert Photos, Videos

• April 15, 2018

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 reviews · Photos

Sylvan Esso channels powerful energy, incites wild dance-club vibe at 20 Monroe Live

• March 30, 2018

The North Carolina electro-pop duo’s return to Grand Rapids was full of catchy material that inspired the young capacity crowd to heat up the dance floor. Relive the evening of music in the Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Little Big Town, The Smokin’ Dobroleles, Quantum Fleek, Fiona Dickinson, Organissimo: Local Spins Photo Galleries

• March 26, 2018

Little Big Town brought its national tour with Kacey Musgraves and Midland to Van Andel Arena, but there was way more on the docket for West Michigan music fans, including another “Local Showcase” and a couple of band battles as part of Cowpie Music Festival’s Pathway to the Pasture. Check out the photos and videos at Local Spins.

Commentary · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos

The Best of SXSW: Local Spins’ Top 5 performances from Austin 2018

• March 20, 2018

Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos ventured into the giant South by Southwest fest for the first time this year. Here are his highlights, plus images by photographer Anna Sink of some of her favorite SXSW sets.

Concert reviews · Photos

Pink pulls no punches with dazzling acrobatics, choreography, pyrotechnics at Van Andel Arena

• March 19, 2018

Chock full of eye candy and pop hooks, Pink brought her “Beautiful Trauma” to Grand Rapids for a capacity, over-the-top spectacle that was also about empowerment. Local Spins reviewer Tricia Woolfenden went in with few expectations and was blown away. Check out her review, with photos by Anthony Norkus.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Irish on Ionia fills streets, Papadosio packs new Elevation venue: Local Spins Photo Galleries

• March 18, 2018

Two of St. Patrick’s Day’s biggest events in Grand Rapids drew euphoric crowds on Saturday. Ogle the images at Local Spins, along with photos and videos from other fan-pleasing West Michigan concerts, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, including Sunday night’s Walk off the Earth show at 20 Monroe Live.

Concert reviews · Photos

Eagles ‘Take it to the Limit’ with remarkable vocals; Joe Walsh’s rock revelry at Van Andel Arena

• March 16, 2018

The iconic rock band’s return to Grand Rapids on Thursday was mostly about replicating classic songs with incredible precision. Relive the concert in the Local Spins review, photo gallery and set list.

Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos

West Michigan musicians’ ‘freaking incredible’ experience at SXSW (Story, photos, videos)

• March 15, 2018

Mark Lavengood, Seth Bernard, Lady Ace Boogie, Alexander Lynch, The Accidentals, Billy Strings, Major Murphy and more are embracing SXSW 2018, enamored of Austin’s rousing environment, its tacos and all the musical action. Discover their impressions of the gargantuan festival and conference, ogle the photos, watch the videos.

Breaking music news · Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos

The Intersection doubles its live music venues downtown; opens 1,100-capacity Elevation plus Mint VIP room

• March 14, 2018

The first big show in the basement-level Elevation at The Intersection takes place Saturday, with plenty more concerts and events to come. Read about the new venues, check out a photo gallery and take a video tour.

Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos

Tunde Olaniran, water protection, ArtPrize challenge pump up Michigan House at SXSW

• March 13, 2018

Wrapping things up with a music showcase boasting sets by 10 Michigan artists tonight, Michigan House has once again showcased the Great Lakes State in Austin in a variety ways over the past few days. Check out the recap and images from Texas at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Motionless in White, Booker T., Steel Wheels, Screaming Females, Black Tiger Sex Machine roar for West Michigan fans: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• March 12, 2018

Peer into the rearview mirror at a week of eye-pleasing shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore, captured in resplendent images by Local Spins photographers.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Weird Al stays weird — in a different sort of way — at sold-out Grand Rapids show

• March 11, 2018

The seated show at 20 Monroe Live on Saturday unfurled without the usual stage props, video screens or costumes but still displayed the goofy personality that belongs uniquely to Weird Al Yankovic. Read the Local Spins review, ogle the photo gallery.

Weekend Photo Gallery

The Musical Box, Robert Cray, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong crank it up for West Michigan fans: Week-in-Review Photos

• March 5, 2018

Local Spins week-in-review photo recaps shine on Joe Hertler, Saxsquatch & Bridge Band, Bernard Lavengood & Stovetop, Olivia Mainville, Red Tail Ring, Kaitlin Rose, Brian Koenigsknecht and more. Check out this colorful roundup of images from West Michigan concerts.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

May Erlewine, The Go Rounds lead top-drawer sets at Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival

• March 4, 2018

Saturday’s day-long festival at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew more than 1,000 people for performances by regional acts on three stages, vendors, luthiers and workshops. Get the recap, browse the photo gallery and watch a video of highlights, exclusively at Local Spins.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

PVRIS, A Day to Remember, Chase Rice, Mija, Mowglis, Suzies, UV Hippo, Last Gasp Collective light up stages: Photo Galleries

• February 25, 2018

Starting with A Day to Remember, it was a week to remember for West Michigan’s concert scene from touring stars to local faves, showcased in several photo galleries at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn bring banjo magic, echoes of folk splendor to St. Cecilia

• February 24, 2018

The duo’s sold-out show Friday night as part of the Acoustic Café Folk Series was filled with virtuosic musicianship and charming banter. Check out the review and photo gallery, only at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Pop Evil, Talib Kweli romp; Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Here Come the Mummies, Nashon, Mainstays fill dance floor: Photo Galleries

• February 18, 2018

Rock, soul, hip hop, funk and swing. There was plenty of that across West Michigan, including appearances by local faves Kathy Lamar, LOKELLA, The Soul Syndicate, Lazy Genius, EPCYA, Out of Favor Boys and many more. Relive the fun and browse the images in eight action-packed photo galleries at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Week-in-Review: Luke Combs, Marilyn Manson, The Verve Pipe, Hippo Campus, NF, Ganja White Night electrify capacity crowds

• February 11, 2018

The week also saw release shows by Public Access and 78 RPM, plus crowd-pleasing appearances by Luke Winslow King, That Beatles Thing, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Rostam, Conrad Shock and more. Ogle all the photos and videos from this February blast of concerts.