Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Jamming with Plants: Tom Wall and Cosmic Knot’s ‘beyond amazing’ botanical music

• October 9, 2020

The West Michigan band’s groundbreaking “music with plants” premiered for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Crane Wives, The Soods, Deerfield Run, In the Valley Below, Eddie Codrington, Conrad Shock + The Noise, River City Narrative, The Be Colony and others. Learn more about “florganoleptic” music and watch videos of it in action, plus listen to this week’s full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Commentary · Playlists · Top 10 Lists

Remembering Eddie Van Halen: Local Spins readers’ picks for his band’s 10 best songs

• October 7, 2020

Legendary rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen passed away this week at 65 after a long battle with cancer. Local Spins readers reveal why he was so respected as a musician — and pick 10 of his band’s top songs. Read the fan comments, watch the videos and listen to the Local Spins Top 10 on Spotify.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Trifocal, Trixy Tang, Dixon’s Violin ease the October chill: The Weekend Photo Galleries

• October 4, 2020

Live music has unfurled in some unusual places in West Michigan as fall settles in — from the marquee at Kalamazoo State Theatre to a parking lot at Cedar Springs Brewing to John Ball Park in Grand Rapids. Browse the images at Local Spins.

Local Spins Rewind · Photos

A Year Ago This Week: Listening Room grand opening, Eric Church, Lee Ann Womack, Steve Hackett & more

• October 3, 2020

The ‘Year of COVID’ has wiped out months of performances in a 2020 that started with such promise. But before all that, October 2019 rolled out concerts and big events on a nightly basis. Local Spins looks back on a robust week of shows in words, photos and videos.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Grand Rapids’ Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps find gritty, bluesy rock groove on debut EP

• October 2, 2020

PerShayla opens up about her new power trio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Barrel Bones, Trifocal, Blushing Monk, The Messenger Birds and more. Read Artist Spotlight feature, listen to the full radio show podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5

Les Creatif’s ‘TAT: The Aaliyah Tape’ debuts at No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart

• October 1, 2020

The Grand Rapids ensemble’s latest project joins releases by Earth Radio, Crispin Campbell and Cameron Blake as new entries on the September chart. View the chart and listen to tracks from each featured album at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List Concert Guide (Sept. 28-Oct. 4): Trixy Tang, Cabildo, Community Unity Festival

• September 28, 2020

As West Michigan rolls into October, some of the last vestiges of outdoor live shows are spotlighted for this week’s The Big List, from Cedar Springs Brewing’s beer tent bash to Beats on Bates in Kalamazoo. It’s also the final week of Grand Rapids’ month-long “The Bridge” events.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

African-American Fest, The Insiders, Legal Immigrants close September with musical bang

• September 27, 2020

Glorious late-September weather provided the perfect setting for several high-profile outdoor shows in Grand Rapids, from Earth Radio to Melophobix. The recaps, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Drive-In Jams: Joe Hertler, Desmond Jones bring rare festival vibe to GR’s Belknap Park

• September 26, 2020

Belknap’s first-ever drive-in show on Friday impressed fans and bands alike with socially distanced fun and music that reverberated through the neighborhood just north of downtown Grand Rapids. The Local Spins review with photos and video highlights.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Legal Immigrants raring to rock ‘monumental’ drive-in show with new lineup, new songs

• September 25, 2020

Set to play Belknap Park on Saturday, the GR rock band was showcased for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The War and Treaty, Jack Droppers, Jake Allen, Julianne Ankley, John Davey, Laura Rain & The Caesars, Shawn Butzin and more. Get the update on The Legal Immigrants, watch a video of a new song and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Commentary

Most overrated artist of all-time: KISS? Madonna? Radiohead? Grateful Dead? Beatles?

• September 24, 2020

West Michigan readers of Local Spins unleashed a dizzying array of names when asked about the most overrated acts ever, from Michigan faves Bob Seger and Greta Van Fleet to legends such as David Bowie and Led Zeppelin. Read their responses here, then check out our new Question of the Week.

Playlists · Venue Spotlight · Videos

Tuesday Playlist: Local Spins’ picks for top performers at 15 West Michigan concert venues

• September 22, 2020

In honor of this week’s #SaveMIStages campaign, Local Spins offers up tracks from the best past performances at 15 West Michigan concert venues which have been silenced due to COVID-19. See which artists were chosen, watch the videos and listen to the songs at Local Spins — then email lawmakers to show your support for these businesses.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List Concert Guide: African-American Fest, Joe Hertler, Hal Beveridge Music Fest

• September 21, 2020

The days of outdoor shows in Michigan are numbered, so the final week of September features some of the final concerts and festivals at various locations across the region. The lowdown, as always, on The Big List at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Blues, folk, bluegrass, country, rock and roots: W. Michigan’s weekend of live music in photos

• September 20, 2020

Musicians have made the most of a pleasant September after a COVID-impaired summer of live music. Sadie Bass, Jake Kershaw, Edison Kitt, Hayes Griffin, Josh Rose, Kyle Rasche, FlyLiteGemini, Out of Favor Boys, Jack Leaver and more light up our weekend photo galleries.

Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: Earth Radio, Dalmatian Stone, Bruce Madden, Sugartone Noise Co. and more

• September 17, 2020

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

Tuesday Soundtrack: Listening Room’s Top 10 Playlist of ‘amazing’ performers

• September 15, 2020

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.

Commentary · Features

Labor Day Dirge: Is 2020 ‘The Year the Music Died’ or just an uphill battle for musicians?

• September 7, 2020

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.

Audio · Hot Top 5

Political Lizard, August, Bruce Madden, Bronze Wolf crack Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart

• September 3, 2020

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

The Pub Life Soundtrack: A Top 10 ‘blow the doors off’ playlist by Rockford Brewing

• September 1, 2020

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

Brian Vander Ark serenades sold-out crowd of Verve Pipe fans at Studio Park

• August 28, 2020

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

The Bridge GR kicks off month-long celebration + more outdoor shows: Big List Concert Guide

• August 24, 2020

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

Lazy Genius, FlyLiteGemini, The Hacky Turtles, Kalamazoo Mall Market: Photo Galleries

• August 23, 2020

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

Traverse City’s The Brothers Crunch weather COVID storm to release polished new album

• August 22, 2020

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

Lady Ace Boogie bids adieu with triumphant, star-infused Grand Rapids show

• August 21, 2020

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.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Soaring up the AC charts: Grand Haven singer Jeff Lionheart shines on ‘City Lights’

• August 19, 2020

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

Album reviews · Audio

Michigan Album Reviews: May Erlewine, From Big Sur, Andy Baker, Josh Garvelink

• August 14, 2020

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.

Movie Reviews · Videos

Creem on Screen: A revealing look into the irreverent, wild Detroit-based rock magazine

• August 13, 2020

A new film — available for streaming online — explores the heyday of ‘America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine’ and the colorful characters who created the popular, gritty publication. Local Spins asked a former Detroit News reporter who wrote about Creem in the mid-1970s for his take on the documentary.

Commentary · Features

Best Concerts Ever: Local Spins readers hail The Stones, The Dead, Bruce, Paul, Ray, Ozzy

• August 7, 2020

Asking Local Spins readers to name their favorite concert of all time was asking for trouble. But the ridiculously difficult task produced some incredible memories from some remarkable shows. Check out the responses in this fun, reader-generated assignment.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos

Traverse City’s Biomassive set to release live album boasting its ‘finest sonic blend’ yet

• July 30, 2020

Forced to shelve a new studio recording due to COVID-19, the West Michigan electronic rock band and festival favorite has instead leaned on its live-show prowess to satiate fans. Read more about the band, listen to a track from the new live album and watch a video of a recent live set at Third Coast Recording.

Top 10 Lists · Videos

Local Spins’ Top 10 Videos of the Month: Callab, Barrel Bones, Glen Danles, August and more

• July 29, 2020

Check out this robust bunch of genre-spanning music videos by Michigan artists — plus a video plea to support bills that would help rescue concert venues ravaged by COVID-19.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Top 10 Songs for Drinking Days Gone By: Local Spins’ Tuesday Playlist

• July 28, 2020

This week’s guest contributor, Calin Skidmore of Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge, tapped a keg filled with drinking songs that fondly recall pre-pandemic days of sharing good times with friends. Watch the videos, listen to the tracks on Spotify.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

The show must go on: After 26 Project to host sixth Depot Music Festival in Cadillac

• July 23, 2020

The nonprofit organization that employs adults with developmental disabilities at its Cadillac cafe aims to move forward with the Aug. 1 event starring American Hotel System while following social-distancing rules. Find out more about this one-day festival and the workers it benefits.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Weekend Photo Gallery

Paradise Outlaw rolls through heat, rain for four rock shows in eight hours

• July 19, 2020

Performing sets Saturday on a wheeled flatbed trailer, the Grand Rapids band hit different West Michigan sites for an unusual “Traveling Road Show.” Check out this week’s live music photo galleries, including photos from Thursday’s performances by the Oat Bran Boys in Cutlerville and Megan Dooley in Kalamazoo.

Commentary · Features

First Concerts: From Elvis to Seger, Local Spins readers get nostalgic about their maiden shows

• July 16, 2020

Last week’s “Question of the Week” at Local Spins sparked a record number of responses from readers reminiscing about the first concert they ever attended. Check out some of their memories and the wide variety of artists who first captured their live music fancy.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Not-So-Big List Concert Guide: Dixon’s Violin, Paradise Outlaw, Megan Dooley & more

• July 13, 2020

Innovative ideas for outdoor concerts populate this week’s concert guide as the region continues to struggle with recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. See who’s playing where this week across West Michigan.

Concert reviews · Photos

Packed parking lot, gleeful Beatles fans greet Gilmore Car Museum’s drive-in concert

• July 12, 2020

West Michigan’s second-ever drive-in concert during the pandemic was a sellout on Saturday, with Nashville-based Beatles tribute band The English Rain playing amid bright sunshine. Get the recap and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The ‘heartland rock roots’ of singer-songwriter Steve Rivers’ ‘American Side Hustle’

• July 5, 2020

The Grand Haven-area country artist was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Public Access, BoneHawk, Woody Mac and more. Learn more about Rivers, watch a video of his performance for the show and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Audio · Playlists

Freedom Rock 2020: The Top 12 Independence Day songs from Local Spins

• July 4, 2020

Freedom has never seemed more important than it does today: July 4, 2020. Local Spins has compiled an Independence Day soundtrack that will uplift you and make you think, from Common and John Legend to Neil Young and Jimi Hendrix.

Features · Upcoming shows

Paradise Outlaw to take rolling stage on the road for five shows in a single day

• July 3, 2020

The Grand Rapids Southern rock and country band will trailer a stage to five different parking lots in Grand Rapids, Marne and Wyoming on July 18 to play its first shows since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Get details about this “Traveling Road Show” and the schedule at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Five Strand Fusion, Bri Baron Band rock the lot in area’s first drive-in concert

• June 28, 2020

It may have ranked as one of “the weirdest concerts ever,” but in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saturday’s first foray into drive-in performances got high marks from those who attended the Grand Haven show. Get the recap, photos and video at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Seth Bernard gets ‘cozy’ with self-produced solo album focused on healing and justice

• June 26, 2020

The northern Michigan musician and activist opened up about his DIY project and more for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Molly, Callab, August, Birdie Country, The Bronk Bros., Jake Kershaw, The American Hotel System and other Michigan artists. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, watch a video Bernard’s performance and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Features · Upcoming shows

West Michigan’s first drive-in concert: Five Strand Fusion, Bri Baron to play Grand Haven

• June 24, 2020

Inspired by social-distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic, Saturday’s unique show in the Rycenga Building Center parking lot will feature two young lakeshore bands, with attendees tuning into WAWL’s FM radio frequency to hear the music. Find more details about the concert and the performers at Local Spins.

Audio · Playlists · Videos

Tuesday Playlist: The Rolling Stones’ Top 12 Most Underrated Songs of All-Time

• June 23, 2020

The Rolling Stones were supposed to be in the middle of a 2020 U.S. tour right now, until COVID-19 upended things. To make up for it, Local Spins has assembled some of the iconic band’s most under-appreciated classics for this week’s playlist. Watch the videos, listen to the playlist on Spotify.

Big List Concert Guide

The Not-So-Big List Concert Guide: W. Michigan rocks the Tip Top and more in mid-June

• June 15, 2020

Plan your week with a sampling of live music events at bars, breweries and eateries across West Michigan — including the return of Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, with new health precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s even a parking lot jazz performance to check out. Details at Local Spins.

Features · In-Depth Report

Roadie Relief: Michigan’s The Clinic launches to aid concert road crews and their families

• June 12, 2020

Amid the coronavirus crisis and a turbulent music industry, a new advocacy group based in Niles aims to give roadies and their families a helping hand — from counseling to financial assistance. Get the exclusive back story in this Local Spins feature story and see how this West Michigan clinic is making a difference.

Videos

Videos of the Week: Sligh Talkbox, Desmond Jones, Dean Madonia, GR Symphony, more

• June 10, 2020

This video roundup also features northern Michigan students performing an Andy Grammer classic and a peek at the first live concert in the Grand Rapids area in three months. Watch the videos, along with background information about the projects.

Breaking music news · Features · Venue Spotlight · Videos

Kalamazoo State Theatre showcased in uplifting new Goo Goo Dolls video

• June 1, 2020

The video for the rock band’s single, ‘Fearless,’ was released today, filled with images of exuberant fans during a November 2019 Kalamazoo tour stop. Get the back story and watch the video at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

The Big List Rescheduled: New dates for postponed West Michigan concerts

• May 27, 2020

Another month amid a COVID-19 shutdown means more concerts and live music events have been canceled or postponed. Here are new dates for some shows you might be wondering about, along with a list of canceled Michigan concerts.

Announcements · Breaking music news · Features

Earthwork Music collective rebrands, relaunches with vision for ‘cultural healing’

• May 22, 2020

The longtime Michigan music collective re-emerges today after a two-year overhaul with a revamped organizational structure, a slate of new artists and some live-stream performances. Get the full story at Local Spins along with some videos of Earthwork artists.

Concert reviews · Videos

Video Fab Five: Hank Mowery, Junior Valentine pump up fiery blues at the Tip Top and more

• May 16, 2020

Today’s video roundup is topped by Friday’s furious night of fundraising blues at the Tip Top Deluxe, plus songs by Sweet Water Warblers, Full Cord Bluegrass, American Hotel System and Upon Wings. Check out all the videos in this week’s edition of “music on the silver screen.”