Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weird weather during the first full weekend of spring didn’t hamper turnout at sold-out tour stops in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Plus, recaps of Hawthorne Heights, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Dirt Monkey, Starkbierfest, Ingrid Andress and more. View all of the images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The veteran tunesmith plays Midtown on Tuesday, aiming to ‘keep the singer-songwriter tradition alive’ as he tours behind his latest album, ‘Moving Through America.’ The Local Spins Q&A with a music video of the title track from Steve Forbert’s new record.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
With an EP ahead, the Grand Rapids pianist with years of concussion struggles today releases a single for Brain Injury Awareness Month. Local Spins on WYCE also features new tracks by Michigan artists. Get the back story on Caitlin Cusack, listen to her music and this week’s radio show podcast with music by Daisybox, Midwest Skies, Earth Radio, Bierkeller Boys Oompah Band, Mustard Plug and more.
The New Moon Songwriting Challenge requires video entries of new songs to involve co-writes with other artists. The contest kicks off April 1. Get the details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
The vibrant combination of Michigan songwriters Grace Theisen, Katie Pederson and Jilian Linklater is turning heads with a mission of empowering women in music. The Local Spins Q&A with the up-and-coming trio, a video and photo gallery.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With his Tom Petty tribute show set to unfurl Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge, Local Spins asked guitarist-singer Jack Leaver to reveal the albums that inspired him. Learn more about Leaver; listen to his picks.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins crisscrossed the state for this recap of national touring artists, regional stars, two fundraisers and a competition featuring emerging acts. The images from ten different shows at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Well-known for his work with May Erlewine, The Verve Pipe, Joshua Davis, Jeff Daniels, Stevie Wonder, Millish and more, Phillips has released his first solo project. Get the back story; listen to the single.
Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
With a fundraising show this week in Ferndale to help cover their expenses, more than two dozen Mitten State acts are gearing up to play the much-ballyhooed SXSW. See which Michigan acts are on their way to Austin next week and learn more about the showcases they’ll play.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Starting their Michigan run with two shows at Grand Rapids’ Midtown, the indie-folksters join Georgia Middleman, Gary Burr and Mary Bragg for the latest iteration of their ‘in-the-round’ concerts. Learn more about the tour and listen to a new Accidentals single at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The acclaimed singer-songwriter plays the Acoustic Cafe Folk Series in Grand Rapids on Thursday. The Local Spins interview, with a chance for readers to win tickets to the show. Plus, watch a Josh Ritter video previewing songs from his upcoming new album.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
After playing a much-celebrated set at the WYCE Jammie Awards on Friday, Grand Rapids guitarist and songwriter Elijah Russ today reveals the recordings that have impacted him most.. Get his back story and listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
It’s been three years since the Kalamazoo Valley Museum has hosted the festival as an in-person event. Get the lowdown and the performance schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Our recap of this week’s live music blizzard — indoors and out — travels from Comstock Park to GR to Hudsonville to Kalamazoo, and from touring stars to local band favorites. Browse all of the images and check out the show recaps at Local Spins.
Saturday’s Music to Benefit Music fundraiser at the Hudsonville event center is attracting lots of attention, thanks in big part to a raffle scramble for hard-to-get, eighth-row tickets to see Taylor Swift in Detroit. The details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jam-packed concerts rolled out as the primary theme across West Michigan this week at venues in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. View the photos and videos; revel in the reviews at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The West Michigan artist appeared on this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by May Erlewine, Singing Lungs, John D. Lamb, Cody Robert DeWindt and more. Learn more about Rob Jordan’s musical journey and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The unique Grand Rapids-based songwriters’ club just released its first compilation, spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Rob Jordan, Jon Hayes, Brad Phillips & more. See how you can join SONGDRINK and listen to this week’s radio show at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Fifteen West Michigan acts representing a cross-section of styles will compete on March Saturdays with the finals on March 25. Tickets are on sale now; view the lineup.
Wednesday’s concert at Kalamazoo State Theatre displayed the riveting power of the singer-songwriter’s acclaimed catalog. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Upcoming shows
West Michigan music fans have a couple of fresh events to embrace this winter: Stovepipe hosts the first singer-songwriter show next week at The Pyramid Scheme and Kalamazoo Valley Museum returns with its Fretboard Fest in early March. Details at Local Spins.
The award-winning singer-songwriter performed as part of a trio on Sunday night, with Parker Millsap getting the evening started. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Seth Bernard, Dan Rickabus and Michael Dause previewed their debut album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Annie Capps, Y-Not, Overdrive Orchestra, Earth Radio, T.H.V., Loren Johnson and more. Explore the genesis of Moss Manor and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Another January round-up of fresh releases by artists from across the Great Lakes State also includes our takes on new offerings from Flint’s Heat Above and Detroit’s Superego. Check out our takes on these releases and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
After the 2022 event was canceled, the outdoor mini-fest and 5K run aims to rock Comstock Park again while raising funds for Kids’ Food Basket. The lowdown, set times and an Ice Jam playslit at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
More than 20 regional acts will perform during the Feb. 24 celebration at The Intersection, described as the ‘premier music event of the season.’ View the lineup and get reactions from some performers, plus a link to the list of award nominees and the public vote for album and artist of the year.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
It was another week of concerts that appealed to fans from different musical quarters in West Michigan, while showcasing local favorites, too. The photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Three female songwriters will play the same stage Saturday for the first time. They tell their stories for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by Grace Theisen, Hominian, Moon Orchids, Heat Above & more. Learn more about Kari Lynch, Kate Pillsbury and Olivia Vargas, watch videos and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Eleven diverse bands will play two stages at The Intersection in the first Winter Wheat fest since early 2020. The back story, the schedule and a playlist at Local Spins.
Audio · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
After a hiatus of nearly three years due to COVID, the popular series will spotlight a wide spectrum of Michigan-based bands and solo artists twice a month. Check out the schedule, plus listen to music from some of the featured acts.
The much-respected media communications professor, songwriter, disability advocate and frontman for West Michigan’s The New Midwest passed away last week after a long illness. Tributes have poured in from those who knew this ‘big personality’ with an indomitable spirit.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
From crowd-pleasing shows by veteran Michigan artists to performances by up-and-coming young acts at a second-year talent competition, there was a lot to celebrate in early January. The photos, a video and more at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Our Saturday round-up of West Michigan music news ranges from info about a rocking new exhibit at Grand Rapids’ presidential museum to a second-year talent competition in Rockford and a new leader at WYCE.
Features · Music and Technology
Arguing that Michigan musicians don’t need to move to Nashville to ‘make it,’ the Rockford business development consultant aims to put a national spotlight on the state’s talent with a new TV network and much more. The Local Spins profile of a uniquely talented CEO with ‘real-world grit and tenacity.’
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Amid another turbulent and hectic year, recorded and live music made a huge comeback. Today, Local Spins writers reveal their picks for the best of both in 2022. Check out the robust roster of notable releases and concerts and listen to select tracks in this special feature being published today in lieu of our usual Thursday ‘Amplified’ newsletter.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
As we barrel merrily toward the holidays, Michigan artists have ramped up holiday cheer, from May Erlewine & The Motivations’ Winter Dance Party to Grace Theisen’s seasonal soiree and a Michigan metal-propelled show. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
As Christmas approaches, live music continues to rev up audiences from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore. Revisit the action in photos at Local Spins.
Celebrating a great final ‘adventure’: The Spring Lake listening room hosted its last concert on Saturday, an emotional sold-out affair staged now that the building has been sold. Check out the recap and browse photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
The singer and keyboard player recently released ‘Stories We Told Along the Way,’ recorded in Kalamazoo with a who’s who lineup of Michigan musicians. Story, video and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The grand prize winner of the USA Songwriting Competition tells her back story for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Gasoline Gypsies, Matt Lenny, Silver Creek Revival, Missing Days and more. Learn more about Sav Buist and The Accidentals, and listen to her winning song and this week’s radio show podcast.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
After 11 years in Spring Lake, owner Michelle Hanks will close the much-beloved listening room following sold-out shows Friday and Saturday, ending a too-brief era of memorable live music. The back story, videos and photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
Today, the popular Local Spins series revealing the recordings that have impacted Michigan musicians the most continues with popular, award-winning singer-songwriter Joshua Davis. Listen to tracks from all of his picks.
Audio · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
It’s a singer-songwriter double-header this Sunday: ArtRat’s first show featuring Darcy Wilkin precedes the evening return of ‘Songtellers’ at Midtown. Get the details and upcoming schedule at Local Spins.
This pre-Thanksgiving round-up of new releases by West Michigan artists also features Lisa Can’t Sing and The Good Old Days. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Nasty, snowy weather didn’t cancel everything over the weekend. Several shows heated things up from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, captured in images at Local Spins — from a Fleetwood Mac tribute to the Michigan return of a regional rock favorite.
Playing a sold-out show Friday at St. Cecilia Music Center, the revered singer-songwriter played 20 of his fan-pleasing songs over 100-plus minutes. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The veteran West Michigan artist unveiled tracks from the release for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Billy Strings, Citizen Keen, Cal in Red and more. Learn more about Josh Rose’s new music and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
After a pandemic-driven hiatus of nearly three years, the popular Fennville restaurant returns with Kate Pillsbury, Kyle Rasche and Kait Rose playing Sunday. Get details with the full concert schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Touring behind “Powerful,” their first album since 2015, the Michigan band led by Dede Alder plays Midtown in Grand Rapids tonight. Get the back story and listen to a track from the release.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
After relocating from Grand Rapids to Nashville, the band plays two big homecoming shows this fall. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted tracks by Molly, Austin Benzing, Dede & The Dreamers and more. Read more about Brother Elsey and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
