Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The six-act festival outside Studio Park started in the rain Saturday but ended with sun-splashed, audience-inspiring sets by Full Cord, Public Access and The Accidentals to put an upbeat cap on a week-long commemoration of Local Spins’ 10th anniversary. The recap of festival highlights, with photos and video.
Enthused, happy crowds cheered Friday’s Local Spins 10th anniversary double-header: Jake Kershaw and Hank Mowery at a packed Tip Top Deluxe, Desmond Jones with The Legal Immigrants at Elevation. Get the recaps and browse photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Michigan Rattlers, Molly, The Hacky Turtles, The Accidentals, Lazy Genius, Lipstick Jodi, Aramis 616, Major Murphy, Callab & more to rock Intersection. View the full roster of performers at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
It was a rousing return of Local Spins Wednesdays for SpeakEZ Lounge in celebration of Local Spins’ 10th anniversary, with an enthusiastic, capacity crowd on hand. Get the recap, browse the photos, watch the video.
Packed with fans, the downtown Grand Rapids church offered up a unique setting for NEEDTOBREATHE’s Tuesday tour stop. The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The guitar-driven, instrumental rock super-group Public Access fires up Local Spins Fest outside Studio Park on Saturday. Writer Enrique Olmos delves into the singular musical magic created by Steve Leaf and this unusual Michigan ensemble. Plus, get more details about Saturday’s celebration in downtown Grand Rapids.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
From an all-star Michigan band led by Eric O’Daly and Max Lockwood to tour stops by iconic artists such as The Wailers, Shawn Colvin and Dave Bruzza, Local Spins captured more than a half-dozen Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo concerts in striking images.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Top 10 Lists
As Local Spins prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary this week, we revisit the top stories every year since the website launched in 2012. Check out the roster of memories as we get ready to unleash seven concert events in six days.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Singer-songwriter Eric Engblade plays a special edition of “Songtellers” at Listening Room next week. Today, he reveals the albums that most shaped his own career as a musician. Listen to songs from all of the albums, including tracks by Engblade, and see how you can win tickets to that “Songtellers” concert.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Fan fervor took many forms over the past week at concerts across West Michigan, from fist-pumping glee to pin-drop-quiet intensity. Revisit the concerts in vibrant images at Local Spins.
Saturday night’s Grand Rapids tour stop had the former Sting frontman unfurling more than 20 career-spanning songs, backed by a top-flight band. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The iconic guitarist returns to GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Wednesday, happy to be back on the road with his band after pandemic delays. The Steve Hackett interview at Local Spins with details about this week’s tour stop and a recent concert video.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
On hiatus since 2019 due to COVID, the four-concert “Summer Sessions” series starts in June at the picturesque Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium. Tickets are on sale now. Get details and the full lineup at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The much-beloved, long-serving, veteran Grand Rapids band continues to grace stages with their tone-driven surf-rock. Read about the band and view their upcoming spring and summer schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted the West Michigan singer now based in Nashville as she prepares for a GR show Friday. Plus, the show debuted new music by Phabies, Lost Magic, Coldville and more. Read more about Lynch and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
Slated to run June through August, the weeknight series will feature Molly, Melophobix, Jordan Hamilton, The Accidentals, Myron Elkins, Ralston Bowles, Elijah Russ and more. View the full schedule at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With the Grand Rapids rock band set to play Local Spins’ 10th anniversary celebration in May, Legal Immigrants frontman Joe Bockheim today reveals the albums that most influenced him. Listen to tracks from all of his picks, plus a couple of tracks from The Legal Immigrants.
With a new single and video on the way, the death metal trio Rip VanRipper revels in a DIY spirit and determination to ‘learn and expand’ while unleashing its crushing music. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight, with a track from the band’s most recent EP.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
A dozen shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo are recapped today in Local Spins photo galleries, including Megadeth, Elijah Russ, Echoes of Pink Floyd, Tambourina, Fake Baseball, Grace Theisen & a tribute to Motown. Browse all of the photos — and video highlights of Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s return to the stage — at Local Spins.
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore, Saturday’s Record Store Day — after a stifling pandemic — brought throngs, live music, a parade and more to indie record stores. The report and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a new album on the way, the West Michigan band unfurled new tunes for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, Elijah Russ, Zebra 3, Ajax Stacks and more. Get the back story on the new FlyLiteGemini recording, watch a video of the band’s latest single and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
In an interview with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos, soul-rocker Elijah Russ reflects on traveling out west, honing his guitar chops, and the joy of video games as he prepares to front a 16-piece, all-star ensemble at Wealthy Theatre.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The rambunctious Grand Rapids rock, blues and rockabilly duo celebrates release of a new recording with a robust, three-band show Saturday at The Pyramid Scheme. Learn more about Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish’s return to the studio and the stage.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Playlists
It’s only apropos that on a holiday of sorts for many, Local Spins would re-publish its 2021 4/20 Playlist created through a New Standard/Agri-Med contest asking for readers’ favorite cannabis-inspired tunes. Oh, and yes, It’s smokin’ hot.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series highlighting recordings that most influenced Michigan artists continues with a look at albums that shaped DJ SuperDre of Grand Rapids. Listen to tracks from all of her picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Emerging and veteran jazz stars lit up stages this past week, with folk, Americana and rock artists adding to the musical groove from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
View another batch of free community concerts being hosted on weeknights across the state in summer 2022, with a wide range of regional acts performing at 11 different series. […]
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The series announced today features a record 33 shows, including the return of Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Goo Goo Dolls and The Decemberists. Fans can expect higher ticket prices, too. View the full schedule and get details at Local Spins.
Firing up Van Andel Arena Sunday on the third night of his national tour, Jack White and company delivered another rock show for the ages. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
This week’s concert photo roundup covers the gamut from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo: Haley Heynderickx, Low, Tre Burt, Carly Pearce, Electric Six, Full Cord, Dizzybird Records’ anniversary, Nathan Kalish & a benefit for Ukraine. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
It’s an uber-diverse, early April roundup of new Michigan albums, from blues to rock to hip hop to adventurous classical music and compelling gems from Annagail and Brian Koenigknecht. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jack White’s bassist and tour music director Dominic John Davis reveals the story behind the Michigan native’s new studio albums and his upcoming 2022 tour, which stops Sunday in Grand Rapids. The interview and concert details at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
Today, the leader of Hank Mowery & The Hawktones reveals the albums that have shaped his own music and his love of top-drawer songwriting, along with a current favorite legend who has him mesmerized. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Cinematic rock, indie-folk, lively bluegrass, funk-rock: All of it and more was on display this past week in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, recapped in photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In a Local Spins interview, Elton’s bassist and Detroit-area native Matt Bissonette opens up about his career, his love of the Lions and the ‘crazy’ fun on stage with a rock icon. Elton’s farewell tour stops at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. Learn more about Bissonette and watch videos of recent performances by the Elton John Band.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After releasing its full-length debut album late last year, the Traverse City band with a ‘Midwest rock sound’ has a busy year of performances ahead. Learn more about Stonehengz and listen to their music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s concert week also heated up with Fit for a King, Rip VanRipper, SubDocta, Jesse James Dupree, Pretoria, Lipstick Jodi and more, all captured in Local Spins images. Browse the recaps and photo galleries.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
With the venue packed to capacity, The Stray Café’s month-long competition involving 15 Michigan acts wrapped up Friday with fan-pleasing performances by finalists Whorled, Epitones and Daisybox. Read the recap, browse the photos and watch video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The early June festival at Shagbark Farm south of Grand Rapids will feature Greensky Bluegrass, Peter Rowan, The Wayword Sons and more. Plus, Memorial Day weekend’s Buses by the Beach has revealed its lineup of regional stars, too. Get the lowdown and ticket information at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations may have been the focus for many, but West Michigan’s live music week also delivered country, indie-pop, metal, blues, alt-country and world music charm. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · In-Depth Report · Local Spins on WYCE
Founders Brewing will resume shows later this month after two years of silence, another example of live music’s robust return this year. Local Spins revisits how West Michigan venues are coping, the challenges that remain and what fans can expect.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins’ 10th anniversary celebration will light up a half-dozen Grand Rapids venues with a diverse mix of performers and feature an outdoor mini-fest headlined by The Accidentals. Check out the schedule and full lineup for this milestone event.
As an online ‘talent show’ of sorts, more than 40 Michigan bands and solo artists have submitted videos to NPR’s popular annual competition. View the Michigan entries here.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
This week’s installment of ‘albums that changed the world’ for Michigan musicians spotlights the recordings that have most influenced in-demand percussionist Michael Shimmin. Listen to tracks from his picks and learn more about this Michigan musician.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Christian music star Jeremy Camp also is among touring artists announced for N. Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Festival. Details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Frankenmuth’s favorite sons in Greta Van Fleet continued their Michigan homecoming assault at DeltaPlex on Saturday, plus browse photos from a diverse set of shows in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, including Lady Ace Boogie, Jordan Hamilton, Cabildo, Djangophonique, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Between the Buried and Me.
With the Frankenmuth-bred stars playing five Michigan shows in a single week, the homecoming run began with a pyrotechnic flourish at Wings Event Center Thursday. Concert recap, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
As Lady Ace Boogie prepares for an all-star Kalamazoo show on Saturday, she reveals the albums that have influenced her at key points in her life and career. Listen to essential tracks from the albums at Local Spins and learn more about the weekend concert at Bell’s.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Led by one-time West Michigander Maynard James Keenan, Tool returns to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, giving Local Spins writer John Serba the perfect excuse to assemble the ideal playlist to get fans fired up.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The venerable band jammed out Saturday to memorable songs from ‘Waiting for Columbus’ for a gleeful, near-capacity crowd that reveled in its revisiting of genre-spanning gems. Review, plus photos from several West Michigan concerts, including Mitchell Tenpenny, Martin Sexton, May Erlewine, Kanola Band and more.
