Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Fretboard Festival Play-In Contest and shows by Tomas Esparza Blues Band, Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds, The Fast Hands Band album-release and more are also on tap. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways for shows at Listening Room.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
As the year draws to a close, Local Spins asked some West Michigan musicians and readers to make their picks for the best albums and songs of 2019 — a diverse roster covering rock, hip hop, jazz, R&B, folk and more. And listen to music from all of the featured artists.
The No. 2 story in Local Spins’ countdown of the top stories of 2019 was a sad one: The vibrant leader of Southwest Michigan’s Dacia Bridges Project was found dead outside Traverse City in August, sparking tributes from across the globe.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
A mind-bending year of music gave Local Spins writers plenty of fodder for “best of” lists, including Lizzo, Bon Iver, The Raconteurs, Orville Peck, Black Pumas, Lana Del Rey, Sleep and more. Peruse the extensive and eclectic picks, listen to some of 2019’s most memorable tracks at Local Spins, and submit your own favorites for a chance to win a Local Spins gift package.
The year-end holidays are upon us, so Local Spins helps you plan your New Year’s Eve celebrations with a Top 10 list of music-driven bashes to behold. View the list, as well as a comprehensive calendar of year-end concerts.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band debuted new songs in an in-studio performance for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by American Hotel System, Lybrandt, Rob Mickey, The Disruption and more. Get the back story on this new West Michigan group, watch the video, listen to the radio show podcast.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Mid-December also heats up with May Erlewine, Dalmatian Stone, Wayland, Mary Gauthier, Brother Elsey, A Winter’s Tune, Tuba Christmas and more. Peruse this week’s featured concerts, check out the Under-the-Radar Picks, and win tickets to shows at The Pyramid Scheme.
Commentary · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
As the ever-woeful Detroit Lions get ready for their traditional Thanksgiving Day game, Local Spins recaps the sad history of the franchise with a rock ‘n’ roll playlist of reflective misery. The pre-game column, playlist and videos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The music weekend began with Joshua Davis’ debut at Grand Rapids’ new Listening Room and continued with a host of crowd-pleasing regional and national concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Rockford. Browse all of the colorful images at Local Spins, including images from a two-night stand by Joe Hertler and a brewery’s anniversary bash.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Fall brings with it some frightfully good new regional music, including the latest from Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings, a popular hip hop collective, fetching fiddle music and scary-cool Halloween gems. Check out the reviews, sample the new music at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
A near-capacity crowd packed the cozy downtown venue Wednesday, with fans praising the acoustics and atmosphere. Check out the story and review of the new venue, along with a photo gallery and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
With soulful Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Molly Bouwsma Schultz set to christen the new Listening Room tonight, Local Spins revisits its June profile of the dynamic singer who released a new EP over the summer. And check out her video for “Shine.”
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The week also features Reverend Raven, Sebastian Bach, Patty PerShayla, Laith Al-Saadi, Langhorne Slim, Deerfield Run and Project 1’s first-ever Blue Bridge Amplified. Get the complete concert lowdown in this week’s Big List Concert Guide at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · In Memoriam · Kalamazoo · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Labor Day weekend tribute brought a host of musicians to Kalamazoo’s Jericho Corners to pay homage to the singer and songwriter who passed away unexpectedly in early August. The photos at Local Spins, along with a gallery from another big Kalamazoo event: Kalamashoegazer 13.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The third year of the regional music fest unfurled last weekend in Sidney north of Grand Rapids. Local Spins asked some of the performers to pick their favorite experiences, with a photo gallery by Anna Sink.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Funk, rock, Americana, jam-band fun, indie-folk, country, blues, you name it, it was on display on stages across West Michigan this past week, including Muskegon’s Moose Fest and a rousing Joe Cocker tribute. Browse the images and show recaps at Local Spins.
The co-headlining pair of touring artists teamed up at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday for crowd-pleasing sets. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Over the Rhine, Still Remains, Why?, Stephen Marley, Domestic Problems, Allah-Las, Boy From School and much more are also on the docket. And see how you can win tickets to the first-ever Arcfest in Watervliet.
The unusual studio album by Grand Rapids’ Free Hat tops the list of local and regional releases that earned the most radio airplay at WYCE-FM last month — a roster of all-new names. Check out the full chart, listen to tracks from all five artists and browse the list of new local releases at Local Spins.
The first memorial service for the beloved performer will be held in the Battle Creek area on Friday, with another celebration planned for Sept. 1 in Kalamazoo. See how you can help and read tributes to the singer.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s musical weekend featured some beloved icons (Lyle Lovett, The Temptations, Righteous Brothers) plus tour stops by Marcus Rezak, Sir Mix-a-Lot and Murder by Death. Peruse all of the colorful concert images at Local Spins.
The singer’s return to Grand Rapids was greeted by an engaged and passionate sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens on Monday. Check out the Local Spins review of Amos Lee at Meijer Gardens and browse the photo gallery.
The first outdoor show of the Grand Rapids Art Museum summer series boasted the passionate soul, blues, jazz and hip hop of the Kalamazoo ensemble. Get the recap of opening night with photos at Local Spins.
After a rainout for Week 1, the popular Tuesday series at Meijer Gardens boasted blue skies and dance-hued regional music for a family-filled crowd. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
From the lakeshore to Kalamazoo, the long holiday weekend offered up plenty of live music. Check out the photo galleries and concert recaps at Local Spins.
The old-school rock duo’s latest studio album shot straight to the top of the June chart of most-played local albums on WYCE-FM. See which other albums made last month’s Hot Top 5 and listen to songs by the featured artists.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The up-and-coming Grand Rapids band rolled out some of its new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Paddlebots, Pretoria, Natural Body and more. Get the back story on August, watch the band’s in-studio performance and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
In its heyday, Idlewild served as a robust summer destination for African-American stars and their fans. The July 12-14 Idlewild festival will pay homage to the past with musical performances and historical education sessions. See the full weekend schedule at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Celebrate Independence Day with a Local Spins soundtrack for the holiday that’s all about freedom, in all its glory, with songs by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Neil Young to Tom Petty to Beyonce.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins’ July segment highlighted two Grand Rapids acts who’ve retooled their approach a little bit and a new band featuring members from another group with a vastly different sound. Listen to the statewide podcast and songs from the featured artists.
The talented multi-instrumentalist packed the amphitheater for the third year in a row, inspiring the big crowd to move to an energetic mix of jazz, funk and rock. Get the review and peruse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
With a jump in attendance from last year, Founders Fest 2019 drew thousands for a beer-propelled Grand Rapids street party with no shortage of dynamic sets by national and regional acts. Check out the review and recap at Local Spins, along with two photo galleries and three videos.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The former frontwoman for Vox Vidorra is set to release a new solo EP and video on Friday at Creston Brewery. Learn more about the project at Local Spins and listen to her captivating single.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The summer music scene is heating up. Check out the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s diverse lineup for Thursday nights, plus the June schedule for Garage Bar’s Wednesday Block Party and Bike Night series.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
The special Tuesday Evening Music Club ‘dress rehearsal’ show in the renovated amphitheater attracted a huge crowd, stellar music and some surprisingly long concession lines. Get the recap at Local Spins, with a photo gallery and video highlights.
Audio · Hot Top 5 · Upcoming shows
The country-driven Grand Rapids band was joined by Political Lizard, May Erlewine, Max Lockwood and chart newcomer Gasoline Gypsies as the hottest regional plays for May on WYCE. See where the artists are performing and listen to songs from their albums at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
From pop to rock to funk to electronic charm, this late May roundup of West Michigan album releases covers the gamut. Check out the reviews and listen to the music at Local Spins — and find out where you can catch these artists performing live.
Kalamazoo · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
With Memorial Day weekend serving as the kickoff to the summer concert season, Local Spins spotlights free community concerts in the Kalamazoo area. Check out the robust lineups and complete schedules in several locations.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Outdoor festival season kicks off on a week that also boasts several album-release shows by West Michigan artists along with much, much more. Peruse this week’s featured concerts and Under-the-Radar Picks, and see how you can win tickets to the White Birch Music Festival.
Outdoor music abounds in summertime in communities across West Michigan and today’s lineups feature bands playing free shows along the lakeshore. Check out the schedules for a half-dozen series at Local Spins.
Lots of repeat acts dominated the Hot Top 5 chart of local and regional airplay at WYCE-FM for April, but artists from Detroit and Grand Rapids made their debut, too. Peruse the chart, listen to music from all of the featured albums.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Staged in the U.P.’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the 15th annual festival aims to leave visitors with “a little bit of the Porkies in their soul.” See the lineup at Local Spins and learn more about this music festival that was the first to be held in a Michigan State Park.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
Starting with a Grand Rapids show Wednesday and ending at Short’s 15th Anni-Party in Bellaire on Saturday, Hertler and crew aim to give fans a memory-making, stress-relieving party experience. Get details about the Michigan shows and listen to the band’s brand new single.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Feedback 25 (with The Crane Wives and The Concussions at Founders Brewing), Casting Crowns, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Murlocs, Political Lizard, Mason Jennings, a Pathway to the Pasture band contest, the Spring ReggaeFest and more help fill out the week of concerts. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways for Talib Kweli and Twin Peaks, plus peruse the delightfully diverse Under-the-Radar Picks.
Once again, the National Public Radio competition is drawing hundreds of video entries from musical artists across the country, and many of them are from the Great Lakes State. View more than 30 of the Michigan entries at Local Spins, from the homemade to the slick and creative. The winner will be announced in May.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The three-day festival in mid-July will take place at Heritage Landing and also feature sets by Warrant and Jessie G. Tickets go on sale later this month.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Brother Elsey, Jordan Hamilton, Jack Droppers, Michigander, Stef Chura, Steppes and more closed out the Michigan House run in Texas with a diverse showcase Monday at an Austin nightclub. Get the recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
More than a dozen Michigan acts will face off in four cities this spring, vying for a performance slot in August’s Cowpie Music Festival. Get the full lineup and contest schedule at Local Spins.
Audio · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The seventh edition of the annual festival on July 27-28 will also boast sets by Kali Uchis, Lizzo, King Princess, The Story So Far, Noname and more. Tickets go on sale Friday. Check out details and listen to a playlist of Mo Pop artists at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Organizers say the June festival in downtown Grand Rapids will pay homage to the event’s legacy while offering ‘delightful curveballs’ that include The War and Treaty, Lady Ace Boogie and, as always, the FBC All-Stars. Check out details, ticket links and videos at Local Spins.
