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

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.

Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Tuesday Evening Music Club at Meijer Gardens returns with emerging Michigan acts

• July 3, 2018

Bringing together some of Michigan’s most talented, emerging artists, the popular Tuesday series kicks off in the amphitheater tonight with Hannah Rose & The GravesTones and Rachel Curtis. See the full series lineup.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (July 2-8): Kesha, Michael Franti, Janelle Monae, Sheryl Crow, PHoffman Davis Group, Common Ground Festival

• July 2, 2018

The holiday week also features the kickoff to the Tuesday Evening Music Club series, Pedro’s Pig Roast in Grand Haven and, of course, Grand Rapids’ Fourth of July fireworks show on Saturday starring local bands. See all of this week’s featured concerts, along with our Under-the-Radar Picks.

Concert reviews · Photos

Kaleo delivers high-powered Grand Rapids show, plus Yes, Helmet, Kevin Krauter, more

• July 2, 2018

Kaleo’s indie-rock flourish Sunday at 20 Monroe Live ended a week that boasted Grand Rapids stops by Helmet, Yes, Blondie and Herbie Hancock, plus local showcases in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, including Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, The Dacia Bridges Project and The Legal Immigrants. Browse all of the resplendent images at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Hannah Rose Graves’ new band unfurls new songs, ‘great live energy’: Local Spins on WYCE

• June 30, 2018

The Grand Rapids group which plays a Saturday night showcase in Kalamazoo lit up this week’s radio show, which also boasted new tracks by Brutes, Flint Eastwood, The Deputies, Overdrive Orchestra, Shawn Butzin and more. Listen to the podcast, watch a video of The GravesTones’ in-studio performance.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Bello Spark hones its harmony-hued Americana, Bruce Ling serenades a hornet: Local Spins on WYCE

• June 22, 2018

Grand Rapids’ Bello Spark debuted two new songs on the air, Ling hawked his Grand River Water Festival that takes place Saturday and the show premiered new tracks by The Gorgeous Oranges, Pink Sky and Barrel Bones. Listen to the podcast, watch a video of Bello Spark’s fetching in-studio performance.

Concert reviews · Photos

Fueled by familiarity, Seal serves up fresh renditions of classics at Meijer Gardens

• June 21, 2018

Giving new life to “Luck Be a Lady,” “I Put a Spell on You” and a few of his own well-known hits, the British-born performer graced the crowd at Meijer Gardens with as much class as those from the Rat Pack era. Read the show recap, browse the photo gallery from Wednesday’s show.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (June 18-24): Seal, Langhorne Slim, Al Di Meola, JD McPherson, Grand River Water Festival, Lanco, Electric Forest, Jake Kershaw

• June 18, 2018

The Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, Lanco, Shawn Mullins, Rebirth Brass Band, Priests and Tip Top Deluxe’s seventh anniversary show are all part of this week’s live music lineup. Check out all of the West Michigan concert picks, including Langhorne Slim with The Accidentals and Roosevelt Diggs at St. Cecilia Music Center.

Photos · Summer Festivals

Pride Festival exudes joy, energy, spirit for lively crowd at Grand Rapids’ Calder Plaza

• June 17, 2018

From drag queens and kings to lively performances by Betty Who, David Hernandez, En Vogue and more, Saturday’s Grand Rapids Pride Festival proved to be a colorful expression of freedom and individuality. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Founders Fest heats up Grand Rapids streets with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, sun, beer

• June 17, 2018

A somewhat lower turnout at Founders Fest amid steamy weather didn’t Dead-en the enthusiasm for Saturday’s headliner not to mention five other acts who jammed and powered up sets on a relocated stage for the annual street party. Browse the photo galleryand watch video highlights from Saturday’s big party at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Playlists · Summer Concerts

Tunde Olaniran, May Erlewine, Major Murphy and more to pump up 2018 GRAM on the Green

• June 13, 2018

The Thursday night series on the Grand Rapids Art Museum terrace boasts seven weeks of performances by Michigan stars, including Yolonda Lavender, Organissimo, Fauxgrass, Earth Radio and others. See the full schedule at Local Spins and check out a Spotify playlist of songs from GRAM on the Green artists.

Artist Spotlights · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Catching up with Lazy Genius, Suzies, Dacia Bridges Project

• June 12, 2018

This month’s Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” lent an ear to a rising Southwest Michigan star and two psych-rock bands from Grand Rapids. Listen to the podcast and more from Dacia Bridges, Lazy Genius and Suzies.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (June 11-17): Founders Fest, Brandi Carlile, Everclear, Buttermilk, Alison Krauss, Steep Canyon Rangers, Four Year Strong

• June 11, 2018

Summer festival season is in full gear, plus there are riveting shows this week featuring Reverend Horton Heat, Trevor Hall, Davina & The Vagabonds (this week’s Local Spins ticket giveaway), some terrific local music showcases and the kickoff of several outdoor concert series. Get the lowdown on this week’s West Michigan concerts, plus some tantalizing Under-the-Radar Picks.

Concert reviews · Photos

‘Empress of Soul’ Gladys Knight warms chilly evening at Meijer Gardens with lessons of love

• June 4, 2018

The second Meijer Gardens show of the 2018 season delivered heartfelt classics from a legendary singer, with help from opener Rachel Curtis. Read the review, browse the photo gallery, check out the set list from Sunday night’s show at Local Spins.

Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Videos

From ‘American Idol’ to changing young lives through music: RSVP Music Chat with singer Maurice Townsend

• May 24, 2018

Maurice Townsend visited Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast to recap his Top 15 experience during “American Idol” and his work with low-income youth as music director for New City Kids. Listen to the podcast and watch a video from Townsend’s “American Idol” run.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Meijer Gardens’ Tuesday Evening Music Club lineup for 2018 to feature Hannah Rose Graves, Moxie Strings, Desmond Jones, Soul Syndicate

• May 8, 2018

The weeknight series starring regional acts will also feature Kathy Lamar, Lipstick Jodi, Hollywood Makeout, Six-Pak, Eric Engblade, Watching for Foxes and more. See the full schedule at Local Spins and find out why bands love playing this series.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Founders Fest 2018 to go soulful, Grateful, Afrobeatful with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Antibalas, Monophonics and San Fermin

• April 20, 2018

The 11th annual street party on June 16 boasts a Grateful Dead cover band and emerging indie acts with Desmond Jones and FBC All-Stars adding local flavor. Get the lowdown and ticket links — plus check out videos of the featured bands — at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (April 16-22): Lord Huron, Twin Peaks, Jack White, Trey Anastasio, YFN Lucci, Phoebe Bridgers, Record Store Day

• April 16, 2018

A busy West Michigan week of live music boasts release shows for Lady Ace Boogie and The Native Howl, plus intriguing appearances by The Sauce, The Outer Vibe, House of Hamill, Theatre Bizarre Orchestra, 1964 The Tribute and much more. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s big shows on The Big List and a full roster of upcoming concerts via ‘On the Horizon.’

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Avett Brothers, Yes, Reba McEntire, George Clinton, Lindsey Stirling to ramp up diverse Interlochen summer series

• April 13, 2018

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

Meijer Gardens heats up summer 2018 with Jason Mraz, Patti LaBelle, Alabama, Joe Jackson, Alison Krauss, Dispatch

• April 12, 2018

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.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

KJ & the Good Time Family Band’s soul- and rock-fueled funk that ‘makes people want to move’

• April 7, 2018

The Grand Rapids band, which plays Wealthy Theatre on Wednesday, powered up its dance-happy music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Lady Ace Boogie, Lazy Genius, Angela Josephine, Shawn Butzin, Silverstiles, ESME and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the podcast, read the Artist Spotlight feature.

Audio · Breaking music news · Hot Top 5

Earth Radio rockets to top spot on Local Spins Hot Top 5 for March

• April 6, 2018

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.

Album reviews

Michigan Album Reviews: Oceans Beneath Us, LVRS, Chain of Lakes, The Bootstrap Boys, Saxsquatch & Bridge Band, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet

• March 29, 2018

The March roundup of new regional releases boasts a mix of styles: rock, folk, outlaw country, funk, soul, jazz and fusion music. Read the reviews, listen to the music.

Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows

Bell’s Brewery announces first wave of garden shows in Kalamazoo as music moves outdoors

• March 23, 2018

The Accidentals, JJ Grey, Chris Robinson and more to headline the Kalamazoo venue this summer as Greensky Bluegrass trades its traditional Bell’s opener for its own new music festival. See the initial Garden schedule at Local Spins.

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.

Album reviews · Local Spins Live · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: New music by Joel Mabus, Earth Radio, Nathan Kalish

• March 7, 2018

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.

Audio · Hot Top 5

LVRS, Nathan Kalish make splash on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for February

• March 6, 2018

The Jackson pop-rock band and one-time Grand Rapids-based singer-songwriter made a splash on WYCE with their latest recordings. See who else made the chart and listen to music from all five Michigan artists.

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.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Channing & Quinn song debut; plus KJ & The Good Time Family Band, Saxsquatch & Bridge Band, Lindsay Lou: Local Spins on WYCE

• March 2, 2018

This week’s edition of the Local Spins on WYCE radio show which spotlights local music also featured tracks by Van Tassel’s Uncanny Elixir, Earth Radio, Vox Vidorra, Cosmic Knot and Mark Lavengood. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of Channing & Quinn’s new song.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Earth Radio transmits organic, soulful, genre-bending grooves for debut album: Local Spins on WYCE

• February 24, 2018

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.

Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows · Videos

Tunde Olaniran, Lady Ace Boogie, Major Murphy, Bernard, Lavengood & Stovetop ready to make waves at Michigan House SXSW

• February 20, 2018

Michigan House once again aims to offer ‘breath of fresh air’ and ‘authentic’ Mitten State vibe amid the craziness of world’s largest music festival and conference in Austin next month. Get the lowdown on the 2018 events and lineup at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Feb. 19-25): Blake Shelton, A Day to Remember, Chase Rice, Jeezy, Bela Fleck, G Herbo, Galactic, UV Hippo, PVRIS

• February 19, 2018

The week also boasts CD-releases by Suzies and John Proulx, Grand Rapids Symphony’s “Symphony With Soul” and shows by Frontier Ruckus, Gregory Porter, Last Gasp Collective, Murder Party, El Brandino and Jesse Ray, plus West Michigan’s first-ever tribute to Steve Earle. And win tickets to see Galactic or PVRIS.

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.

Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kalamazoo’s Nashon Holloway finds direction, inspiration and ‘Chicago soul’ in the Windy City

• February 15, 2018

After making her home in Chicago the past year while exploring new musical connections, the singer and guitarist returns to Kalamazoo for a homecoming show at Bell’s Brewery on Saturday. Local Spins writer Ryan Boldrey checks back in with the talented singer as she prepares for the next step in her career.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Feb. 12-18): Pop Evil, Talib Kweli, Here Come the Mummies, Marillion, Ballroom Thieves, Valerie June, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

• February 12, 2018

Valentine’s Day brings Kathy Lamar’s “Sade/Love Songs” to SpeakEZ Lounge, with the week also featuring Brockhampton, Cabildo, Kofi Baker, Twin Flame, Badfish and more. Plus, see how you can win Pop Evil tickets as part of our weekly giveaway. And plan ahead with our exclusive “On the Horizon” list.

Guest Column · Upcoming shows

WYCE’s Jammie Awards assure robust night of music, community, ‘awesome’ vibe

• February 6, 2018

The 19th annual showcase of regional music unfurls Friday night at The Intersection. WYCE manager Quinn Mathews reflects on the daunting but inspiring ‘biggest night for West Michigan music.’ See and save the full schedule.

Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Albion’s The War and Treaty talks touring, their uplifting musical mission and playing Ann Arbor Folk Festival with John Prine

• January 24, 2018

It’s been a whirlwind year for the engaging and soulful Americana duo with more thrills to come: They’ll make their debut at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Bonnaroo and more in 2018. Learn more about that and their work in Nashville in this exclusive Local Spins interview.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Dwight Yoakam, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mark Farina, Big Head Todd, Black Veil Brides, Diane Coffee perk up stages: Weekend Photo Galleries

• January 21, 2018

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 · Upcoming shows

Grand Haven-bred Børns builds pop fervor for new album; thrilled to play first ‘hometown’ show in years

• January 19, 2018

The L.A.-based star and West Michigan native who plays a sold-out Grand Rapids concert next week talks to Local Spins about the ’70s influences on “Blue Madonna” and the excitement of being back home again. Revisit this hometown hero and watch videos of his latest singles.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows

Holland’s Marcel & Janelle set to release new EP during hopeful, ‘heartfelt’ show at Park Theatre

• January 16, 2018

Recently relocating to West Michigan from Denver, the indie-soul duo has turned the pain of a losing a child into a healing, uplifting experience through music, while aiding charities along the way. Read more about this couple’s journey and listen to their music at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Joe Diffie & more at Beer City Music Fest, Tunde Olaniran, Flobots, Black Jake, Rebirth Brass Band: Weekend Photo Galleries

• January 15, 2018

West Michigan’s week of music showcased country music, pop, R&B, hip hop, a New Orleans brass band and, yes, crabgrass. Get the lowdown in four different photo galleries, only at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Jan. 8-14): Avenged Sevenfold, Budos Band, Tunde Olaniran, Winter Wheat, Rebirth Brass Band, Beer City Music Festival, The Werks, Tribal Seeds

• January 8, 2018

The week gets started with a groovy “Louder Than Words” panel on rock, then keeps rolling with Peat in the Creel, a Samsara Showcase, Far Shores, Weezil Malone and so much more. Take a gander at the robust list of intriguing “Under-the-Radar Picks” and check out the ticket giveaway of the week.

Concert announcements · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

Hollywood Makeout, Jake Kershaw, The Founding, Yolonda Lavender, Desmond Jones, ConvoTronics, Major Murphy to perform at Jammie Awards for first time

• January 2, 2018

February’s biggest night for local music will also boast sets by popular acts such as May Erlewine, Organissimo, Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, Afro Zuma and many more. See the full roster of performers and listen to the most recent Local Spins on WYCE podcast featuring a bevy of Jammie nominees.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

West Michigan Music Video of the Week: The dreamy hip hop and soul of Holland’s Dayz

• December 29, 2017

Check out the brand new video from Holland hip hop/R&B artist Dayz, who also released his first major EP earlier this month. It’s the fifth and final Local Spins “music video of the week” for 2017.

Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Best Music of 2017: The Musicians’ Picks from Local Spins

• December 27, 2017

The critics have had their say. Now, Local Spins asks some West Michigan musicians to list their favorite 2017 releases: The War on Drugs, Rapsody, The Main Squeeze, Jonny Lang, Queens of the Stone Age, Twin Peaks, Father John Misty, Daniel Caesar and more made the grade. Check out all the picks, videos and audio samples.

Announcements · Top 10 Lists

Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: Vox Vidorra calls it quits as a band

• November 26, 2017

As part of the “Local Spins Top 10 Rewind” series of articles that most captivated readers in 2017, this August story broke the sad news that the the award-winning Grand Rapids indie-soul/rock foursome had broken up but still planned to release an album they recently completed.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kalamazoo’s Yolonda Lavender strikes balance between roles as poet, artist and activist

• November 20, 2017

The singer’s third album, “Back 4 The 1st Time,” unfurls a positive message through R&B, poetry and hip hop. Read the back story about this compelling artist who’s also head of Kalamazoo’s Black Arts & Cultural Center and listen to her music.

Concert reviews · Photos

Janet Jackson packs 30-plus years of history, provocation into hit-filled Van Andel Arena tour stop

• November 2, 2017

Janet Jackson’s return to Grand Rapids on Wednesday showcased her trademark dance moves, gracious charm and badass power poses, proving the singer is still in command. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

Lamp Light Music Festival set for sixth year of illuminating creativity, culture, community

• October 31, 2017

The unique Grand Rapids house concert festival will showcase 29 acts over three days in three Eastown neighborhood homes, spotlighting emerging and well-known acts from across the region. Get the lowdown on this weekend’s festival and a schedule at Local Spins.