A busy year for new Michigan releases amid a pandemic gives music fans a lot to savor, including impressive albums by four Grand Rapids artists as well as northern Michigan’s Biomassive and the trio of Pico, Chown & Sears. Read the reviews, listen to music from each of the spotlighted artists.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Verve Pipe, Waldo, The Bad Plus and more impressive, eclectic acts played Grand Rapids’ Listening Room before the COVID shutdown. Here’s a sampling of the venue’s favorites. Check out the videos and the Spotify playlist at Local Spins.
This year’s Labor Day column on the plight of musicians comes amid what may be the worse year ever for live music due to COVID-19. See how bands are struggling to survive and how they view the future in this commentary.
Grand Rapids guitarist Hayes Griffin held onto the top slot for the third month in a row, but four West Michigan releases made their debut on the chart at WYCE-FM. Listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
This week’s venue playlist comes courtesy of Brian Hoekstra and the folks at Rockford Brewing — a mix of gems from Pink Floyd and Grateful Dead to Weezer, Heaters and Afro Zuma. Listen to the music they brewed up, watch the videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
On another pleasant summer evening, The Verve Pipe frontman regaled fans Thursday with songs new and old as part of Listening Room’s ‘Listening Lawn’ series in downtown Grand Rapids. The review, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
As the final full week in August heats up, the city of Grand Rapids launches a multi-week celebration of music, arts and culture at various locations. And outdoor shows continue to dominate the landscape. Browse this week’s roster of live music options at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
If nothing else, the COVID summer of 2020 has created opportunities for unique outdoor live music experiences. Today, Local Spins recaps a smattering of outdoor August concerts across West Michigan in images and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The northern Michigan rock band’s sophomore album was featured this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Lady Ace Boogie, The Legal Immigrants, May Erlewine and Jessica in the Rainbow. Learn more about the band, watch a video of a new track from their album and listen to this week’s radio show at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Grand Rapids hip hop artist lit up the stage outside Studio Park on Thursday for her final concert on a resplendent August night, with Lokella and SuperDre also on board. The review of the sold-out show, plus a photo gallery and some video highlights at Local Spins.
The West Michigan native who moved back home two years ago has scored nationwide success for the second time in five years, with proceeds from the new single going to a good cause. Get the back story and listen to the new single at Local Spins
Local Spins delves into some brand new Michigan-made releases — from a jazzy and soulful new Erlewine project to a Lansing band hitting its stride. Read the reviews, listen to songs from each of the featured albums.
