Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Live music in the great outdoors is everywhere – often free – across West Michigan every summer. Here are the first few announcements of summer lineups featuring regional acts. See the schedules thus far.
The early March edition of Local Spins reviews probes regional albums with a pop sheen along with a few that boast truly inventive folk textures. Check out this month’s lineup, along with links for listening to the featured albums.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
The teaser announcement of three 2015 concerts for the outdoor amphitheater boasts big names, with the full schedule revealed in mid-April. Tickets go on sale to Meijer Gardens members on April 25.
Features · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Mark VandenBerge’s lush ‘Ken Burns meets Trans-Siberian Orchestra’ production on Saturday will boast an all-star band, orchestra, choir and striking visuals. And check out his playlist of Top 5 Van Morrison songs.
Commentary · Features · Top 10 Lists
Once again, Local Spins asked music writers and West Michigan musicians to submit picks for the year’s best albums and songs – and they came through with a truly diverse mix, from Future Islands and New Pornographers to Snarky Puppy and Against Me! to The Go Rounds and Heaters. Submit yours and you could win a special gift package
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids radio station WYCE-FM (88.1) reveals the roster of local and regional acts nominated for top honors during February awards show at The Intersection; 88-plus acts will vie for album of the year.
Some of West Michigan’s most compelling concerts didn’t feature arena-sized superstars, but inventive bands in their respective genres: jazz, psych rock/garage rock, hip hop, EDM and more.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
WYCE has revealed its final performance lineup with Legacy Award winner The Verve Pipe, Micah Ling, Nicholas James Thomasma, Tom Hymn and more now part of the evening-long entertainment on two stages. Dozens will be honored with awards in several categories. See the full list of performers.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The long Thanksgiving weekend gave live music fans plenty for which to be thankful, including some rising EDM stars at The Intersection, a much-anticipated CD-release show at Founders Brewing and rockabilly fervor at the Tip Top.
West Michigan musicians, Fenian’s Irish Pub (as it winds down toward the end of an era) and yes, the Detroit Lions, rank high on this Thanksgiving Day roster for 2014.[…]
With his vintage soul ensemble playing a special night-before-Thanksgiving show at Fifth Third Ballpark’s Pepsi Stadium Club, Diego Morales offers up thanks to an eclectic roster of influential songs … including some true R&B classics.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
With a new album on the way, the singer has re-established her music career in West Michigan after a long and successful run in Las Vegas. She plays One Trick Pony on Saturday night.
This year’s ArtPrize song contest winners officially got their rewards Tuesday, so Local Spins wanted to reward readers with a special playlist, from Edye Evans Hyde to Nick Drake.
The acclaimed singer plays Grand Rapids Thursday for the first time in years, performing as a duo while touring behind her new album, “Love and Hate.” And check out what[…]
Dozens of bands and musicians entering songs in Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize competition took their music to the streets this week in hopes of snagging votes for their tunes. Others were, well, just busking for dollars. (Photos)
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on a band that picked up where Kalamazoo’s Funktion left off, led Fennville native Andrew Schrock. (Story, podcast, video)
While folk and roots music fans — including British actor Tom Hiddleston — packed a field in rural Mecosta County for Wheatland No. 41, local faves Hank Mowery & The Hawktones made their Founders Brewing debut and The Soul Syndicate played Billy’s Lounge for the first time.
After a spirited opening set by Lowdown Brass Band, Lake Street Dive delivered one of the true musical highlights of the summer. (Review, photo gallery)
The August batch of Local Spins reviews spotlights some much-anticipated recording projects from acclaimed bands (with sneak audio peeks), plus releases from The Northern Soul, Junior Valentine & Jason Wheeler, The Carboys, Bruce Matthews and Jake Vroon.
The first night of the unusual co-headlining tour starring G. Love & Special Sauce and Keb’ Mo’ at a sold-out Meijer Gardens amphitheater boasted separate sets by the pals and invigorating collaborations.
The seventh annual festival boasts a diverse lineup of music and beer, and Grand Rapids-area fans can take advantage of special daily bus trip to the event.
Two years in the making, the new retro-flavored R&B/funk album from the well-traveled musician boasts a who’s who lineup of Michigan talent. Frisinger’s band plays shows Thursday and Friday in Grand Haven.
The singer may feel ‘anonymous’ in The Music City but he’s still a star in West Michigan, performing Saturday in Kalamazoo’s District Square concert series.
The first batch of mid-July Local Spins CD reviews covers a dizzying range of Michigan artists and musical styles, from pop to funk to folk. And there’s plenty more to come.
The first Guest Playlist of July comes courtesy of an iconic West Michigan guitarist with a brand new album and an ear toward a perfectly retro soundtrack for summer.
Founders Brewing Co.’s seventh annual street party lived up to the hype with Charley Bradley & His Extraordinaires stealing the show with their fiery, retro-soul set, followed by the ultra-funk of Lettuce.
Musical lightning strikes thrice: Unusual confluence of stellar acts playing Grand Rapids on single night impresses crowds despite stormy weather.
The seventh annual street party will boast performances on Saturday by Charles Bradley, Lettuce and six other bands on two stages, with more 6,000 people expected. (See full band schedule)
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Flying under the radar in West Michigan, the 21-year-old singer already has racked up hits on the pop charts and worked with Grammy-winning producers. She’ll debut her live show this summer. Check out the exclusive in-studio video.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The Celadon Summer Concert Series is back, adding to a long list of free outdoor summer shows across West Michigan. And today’s the deadline for bidding on some bracing house concerts by acclaimed Michigan bands.
The seven-piece Grand Rapids soul band with an inspiring lead singer makes its public debut at the Tip Top on Saturday. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight preview and an exclusive premiere of a new Soul Syndicate song.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The weekend started early with some soulful Fitz and continued with rousing celebrations: Seven Steps Up’s 100th show, GR Songwriters Alliance’s 10th anniversary and Local Spins’ rollicking second anniversary rock show.
The veteran Grand Rapids guitarist, performer and instructor fronts an intriguing new trio with mandolinist Jason Wheeler and percussionist Brandan Grinwis, mining American roots gems. (Story, podcast, video)
National tours of note made West Michigan stops, but there was plenty more with a big lineup of regional acts at Jake’s Music Festival plus shows by The Bangups, Seabird, Scott Pellegrom & Kevin Kozel, Nathan Kalish and Teddy Geiger.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
The unique Interlochen venue in northern Michigan hosts more than two dozen stars – from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Buddy Guy – with tickets on sale April 18. And Hoxeyville returns in mid-August to the Manistee National Forest.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Returning will be CAKE, Lyle Lovett, The Beach Boys, O.A.R., Five for Fighting and Sheryl Crow, but most acts are new to Meijer Gardens. See the full schedule; ticket presale for members begins April 26.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
The mammoth, summer-starting street party expects to draw 6,000-plus folks for beer and sets by Lettuce, Charles Bradley, Break Science, Budos Band, The Giving Tree Band, Fauxgrass and Valentiger. Advance tickets on sale April 18.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The time to warm up is now: Topped by the No. 1 hit from West Michigan’s own Frankie Ballard, the 2014 edition of best songs for cottage and lakefront relaxation spotlights summery songs of the past decade.
Friday night’s Jammie Awards hosted by WYCE-FM (88.1) at The Intersection will boast two dozen bands on two stages and a packed house. It’s come a long way since its humble beginnings. Local Spins asked three key Jammie-ites to recount its growth and importance.
The Grand Rapids duo in this week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight draws rockabilly-styled inspiration from Elvis but adds a fresh punk growl. (Story, video, podcast)
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The Waxies, Tosspints and more to rock an even bigger Irish on Ionia on Saturday; after years of regaling West Michigan audiences, the award-winning Blue Molly has played its final show.
Michigan writers, musicians and readers offer their picks for the best albums and best songs of the past year, from Bradley to Beyonce to Bipolar Sunshine.
The Brooklyn-based R&B singer delivered a heartfelt performance on Sunday with The Extraordinaires, igniting a sold-out Grand Rapids crowd.
The dynamic Grand Rapids singer won the pop/electronic category in this year’s ArtPrize song contest hosted by St. Cecilia Music Center while promoting her fifth album and crisscrossing the country[…]
After a crowd-pleasing opening set by Grand Rapids’ own Serita’s Black Rose, the legendary soul singer and his nine-piece band retraced some of Motown’s greatest hits. (Review, photo gallery) […]
A splendid mid-week summer evening offered up two completely different musical vibes — with vastly different audiences — at separate outdoor shows in the Grand Rapids area. Call it[…]
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[…]
A throng of 20,000-plus at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, including 80 new U.S. citizens, got an eyeful and earful in a vibrant pre-fireworks show by four bands and the Daredevil Circus. (Video,[…]
Thursday’s groovy benefit for Well House features six one-time bands led by Eric Kehoe, Molly Bouwsma-Schultz, Jason Roy and others covering The Beatles, The Supremes, David Bowie, Sly Stone and[…]
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a day early in downtown Grand Rapids at Michigan’s biggest celebration of its kind, plus a dual CD-release show by The Wallace Collective and Chain of[…]
