The Girls Rock! GR summer camp aimed at empowering girls through music culminated Sunday with sets by eight enthusiastic young bands making their stage debut, rocking the theater for impressed fans. Peruse the story about these fledgling musicians’ remarkable week and browse the photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rain, a tornado and generally fickle weather couldn’t stop the rock, jazz, EDM and more from churning out across West Michigan on Saturday and throughout the week. Overall, it was another slate of big shows indoors and out, captured in images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Despite early afternoon rain that wiped out some performances, dozens of regional acts played dozens of Grand Haven venues as fans strolled the streets and voted for their favorites. And a raffle raised upwards of $40,000 to support musical ventures for those in need. Check out the story, photo gallery and video highlights.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The opening day of this weekend festival kicked out the jams impressively amid the Manistee National Forest with some big names still to come. Check out the recap, photo gallery and video.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
This August batch of album reviews covers an eclectic mix of genres, including releases from Jeremy Ensley, Bill Ellingboe, KidsonFire and The Preservers. Check out these new releases by regional artists, with audio samples to boot.
Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Saturday will mark the third year for this unusual benefit that showcases regional artists vying for thousands in prizes, with concertgoers getting a chance to win, too. See the roster of performers and Grand Haven venues, lists which you can save on your smartphone.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Along with fellow headliner Railroad Earth, Greensky Bluegrass will join more than 30 other acts at this weekend’s Hoxeyville music festival in Wellston in the Manistee National Forest. Check out the full lineup/performance schedule and listen to a new Greensky tune.
Beatle-mania descended on Van Andel Arena on Monday, with a sold-out crowd cheering McCartney’s first-ever West Michigan appearance. Read the review, ogle the photo gallery and check out the set list from his Grand Rapids tour stop.
The Grammy Award-winning band had a capacity Meijer Gardens crowd of loyal fans on its feet with an impressive display of hits ranging from “Hold the Line” to “Rosanna” to new material. Read the Local Spins review and browse the photo gallery from Sunday night’s show.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Some jaw-dropping, lively sets marked the second day of Cowpie Music Fest, not to mention more comfortable, sunny weather that even had Shagbark Farm’s cows , quite literally, mooing their approval. Check out the photo gallery and recap of the second day of action at this rootsy festival in southern Kent County.
They’ve been doing it for more than 40 years, so the makeup-clad guys in platform heels didn’t unleash anything surprising at Van Andel Arena — just good old-fashioned, goofy, glammy, shock-rocking, pyrotechnic- and flame-enhanced fun. Check out the resplendent photo gallery and review from the band’s fifth appearance at the arena.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Rain and some delays but didn’t faze fans or acts Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Turnips, Mark Lavengood and more who turned Shagbark Farm into a rootsy festival destination. Check out the recap of the opening day down on the farm and ogle the photo gallery and video. Day 2 gets rolling at lunchtime Saturday.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Led by Nick Stevenson, the new Grand Rapids band started recording a new EP this week and plays Cowpie Music Festival on Saturday. The band uncorked two songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by LVNMUZIQ, Antilogical, Fauxgrass, Plain Jane Glory and Jonny Carroll. Listen to the full podcast.
Announcements · Breaking music news
This mid-August music news update takes a gander at Do-It-Together Grand Rapids’ first-ever dodgeball tournament being held on Aug. 28, and the conversion of a restaurant/bar/music venue into a rental space. There will be no more Friday night jazz at The Waldron.
Fighting through some technical glitches on a sweltering night, War powered up its ’70s hits, while the sibling trio of Los Lonely Boys delivered “Texican blues” for a smaller-than-usual Meijer Gardens crowd. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
From the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival to the Kalamazoo Ribfest to Ottawa County’s Marnia, summer festival season marched on. But there were fun indoor shows last week, too, from Dave Hardin to Desmond Jones to Delilah DeWylde to Cheap Girls. Check out all the images from the past week in Local Spins’ weekend photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
The singer and multi-instrumentalist’s return to Meijer Gardens not only showcased the pop flavors from her most recent album, but plenty of rollicking, fan-pleasing rock. Local Spins was there to document the tour stop in words and photos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
A rock band’s farewell tour rolled into West Michigan, plus some bracing indoor and outdoor rock, blues and folk shows dominated the landscape in the Grand Rapids area this week. Check out the concert recaps and photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The award-winning singer and guitarist talked about songwriting and performed on the show, which also featured song debuts by Stepladders, Tony Gebhard, David Barrett, Matt Plessner and Kari Lynch. Listen to the entire podcast and check out the video of Hardin’s in-studio performance.
Features · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Those flocking to northern Michigan for film screenings at the festival founded by Michael Moore will also find numerous live performances indoors and out by dozens of West Michigan bands. See which bands are playing and get links to schedules.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids indie-rock project spearheaded by Bill Chesney, general manager for Earthwork Music, boasts an all-star cast of guests and ‘a beautiful balance’ of musical styles. Read the feature story about Earthwork’s “man behind the curtain,” listen to the radio podcast and watch his on-air performance of a new song with members of The Crane Wives.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
On what frontman John Rzeznik called “a perfect summer night,” the happy “bunch of bums” from Buffalo rollicked through a lively 90-minute set on Wednesday that was heavy on the hits. Read the review by Ricky Olmos and browse the photo gallery by Anna Sink.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The Detroit riverfront festival seemed to hit its stride last weekend despite intense heat and some technical glitches. Check out Local Spins picks for the best and most surprising sets from the weekend, plus a fresh photo gallery by Anna Sink and images by Tony Norkus.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
A hot week got hotter with JR JR playing Kalamazoo for the first time, Coffin Problem’s album debut, South Haven’s inaugural Rhythm on the River, northern MIchigan’s Dunesville and sizzling shows by Warren G, SuperDre, Lyle Lovett, The Outer Vibe, Bootstrap Boys, Josh Rose and The Piano Cottage Rocks. Ogle the resplendent photo galleries from a week of sultry musical magic.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids band with a twist on death rock and a Halloween album release date made its debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Coffin Problem, The Outer Vibe, The Change, The Alien Dogs, Elroy Meltzer and John Kite. Read the story about this singular band and listen to this week’s radio podcast.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Andrew Tkaczyk met up with his bandmates at an Ohio awards show this week as he continues with difficult but remarkable progress at Grand Rapids’ Mary Free Bed from amputation and other injuries. Perhaps more amazing, the band hopes to return to the stage for the 2017 Vans Warped Tour. Read the update; watch videos of the band accepting its award and Tkaczyk getting behind a drum kit.
Old-school meets new-school with this roster of summertime tunes compiled by Local Spins writer Adrianna Walker, from an NRBQ classic to brand new tracks by Whitney and Twin Peaks, plus gems by The Go Rounds, Ryan Adams, Mac DeMarco, Rilo Kiley and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Last weekend’s 14th annual festival held on an island at the northern tip of Lake Michigan was unforgettable and filled with fellowship. Local Spins was there to document the event populated by Michigan bands. Read the observations from musicians who attended the festival and browse the photo gallery.
Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Indoors and out, country to rock, the week of live music unfurled from Grand Rapids to Brooklyn to Kalamazoo. Plus check out links to galleries from concerts by The Decemberists, Ben Harper and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s in-studio radio guest performed two songs during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by I Believe in Julio, Norty, Watching for Foxes, May Erlewine and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of Plessner’s in-studio performance.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
The engaging singer-guitarist brought his band The Innocent Criminals with him in his return to the Meijer Gardens amphitheater. The sold-out audience embraced them and opener Molly and Scott from Grand Rapids’ Vox Vidorra. Get the scoop in this Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Guest Column · Photos · Summer Festivals
Local Spins looks back at another invigorating Blissfest in this column by musician and veteran festival attendee Mark Lavengood, with images by photographer Anna Sink. Relive the charm of this longstanding, northern Michigan music festival held every summer near Cross Village.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
The Portland band’s first appearance at the Grand Rapids amphitheater came amid 90-degree weather that didn’t slow the Colin Meloy-led bunch down as they churned out sometimes nostalgic, audience-pleasing songs spanning the group’s career. Peruse the review and photo gallery from Monday’s night red-hot concert.
The inventive pianist and singer un-Fold-ed an evening of career-spanning songs — including some Ben Folds Five tunes — with help from New York’s yMusic ensemble in the sold-out amphitheater. Read the review and browse the photo gallery from Sunday night’s show.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The weather wasn’t the only thing steaming up West Michigan: Tons of big events and big shows — including some CD-release parties and tour stops by Andrew McMahon, REO Speedwagon, Gin Blossoms and Here Come the Mummies — dotted the landscape from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Ogle all the images from a hot week of live music in West Michigan.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
UV Hippo talks about Russell Olmsted’s final show and unveils a new tune for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Turnips, Matt Plessner, Bello Spark, Michael Dause and Glass-House. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The longtime side project for members of Hey Marco!, Brett Mitchell & The Giant Ghost and Dave Kellan Band will unleash three performances this week, including a Wednesday show at SpeakEZ Lounge. Read more about these three lifelong musical pals from Midland.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor guitarist concedes national exposure on the NBC show was a ‘wonderful thing’ that boosted his profile and album sales. He headlines the National Cherry Festival this weekend with more big Michigan concerts on tap. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight profile, listen to his music and check out his upcoming performance schedule.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Shifting between a Hammond B3 organ and guitar, the Southern rock legend brought his familiar voice and songs to Meijer Gardens to entertain a sold-out crowd on a picture-perfect Wednesday evening. Peruse the review and flip through the images in the Local Spins photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Grand River Water Festival on Sunday wrapped up an impressive week of live music that also featured album-release shows, the debut of a new local music festival, a West Michigan tour stop by Yonder Mountain String Band, the kickoff to the Celadon concert series and a birthday bash at The Pyramid Scheme. Ogle the updated Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries as part of our weekly concert recap.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Album-release shows and the debut of a new local music festival were just part of a week that also featured a West Michigan tour stop by Yonder Mountain String Band and the kickoff to the Celadon Summer Concert Series. Browse all of the resplendent images from a top-drawer week of music across West Michigan.
Local Spins photographer and contributor Anna Sink delves deeply into the groovy world of outdoor music — and many Michigan-bred artists — for this Top 10 list that spotlights bands playing scads of these summer spectacles. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Attendance was down a bit, but the music was as hot as the weather with The Go Rounds and FBC All-Stars representing Michigan during the ninth annual day-long street party that also featured People’s Blues of Richmond, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Main Squeeze and Dos Santos: Anti-Beat Orquesta. Check out the story, photo gallery and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Even an unhinged trombone and steamy weather couldn’t stop Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and crew at Meijer Gardens on Friday night, with the 12-member band unleashing an audience-pleasing spectacle. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery from a hot night at the amphitheater.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band is part of Friday night’s Local Spins Non-Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll Show at Tip Top Deluxe and previewed its new album with a performance for Local Spins on WYCE. The new album officially gets released July 9. Listen to the podcast, including the debut of new songs by Bello Spark, Barbarossa Brothers, Bennett, Bigfoot Buffalo and more.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
In an interview with Local Spins, guitarist-singer Susan Tedeschi talks about touring, musical chemistry and the band’s tendency to ‘mix it up’ on stage. The band returns to Meijer Gardens for a sold-out show on Friday.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Summer wastes no time cranking up the amps for outdoor music across West Michigan. And things were hectic indoors over the past week, too. Ogle all the images in these Local Spins galleries with shows at The Intersection, The Pyramid Scheme, SpeakEZ Lounge, Bell’s Brewery, Spoke Folks’ Crank 2016, Rumsey Street Bazaar, Rockford’s Start of Summer Celebration and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The unique festival at Circle Pines Center in Delton hosted headliners The Blasters on Saturday, along with a bevy of top-drawer regional acts. And the best edition of Buttermilk Jamboree yet wrapped up with a real bang on Sunday with The Accidentals, The Crane Wives and more. Read the recap of Saturday’s performances and browse the photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids indie-folk band returns home from a U.S. tour — after downsizing — and performs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Seth Bernard, The Preservers, Sligh, Kari Lynch and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
The first concert of the summer series was full of slapstick humor and familiar pop hits — plus some new gems — that satiated a sold-out, baby-boomer crowd on a sumptuous June evening. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery.
