Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Aspen Jacobsen’s ‘old soul’ indie-folk with a ‘fresh outlook’: Local Spins on WYCE

• February 22, 2020

The 15-year-old Michigan singer with a big voice and a bright future played this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Lady & Gentleman, Pretoria, Singing Lungs, Dennie Middleton, Cameron Blake, Mark Harrell and Deerfield Run. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the full radio show podcast and learn more about the up-and-coming Jacobsen.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Feb. 17-23): Rosanne Cash, Chris Lane, Lil TJay, Wailers, Toasters, Falling in Reverse, Drew & Ellie Holcomb, Andy Frasco

• February 17, 2020

February continues to heat up West Michigan stages with Cheryl Wheeler, Pop Evil, Lindsay Beaver, Christopher Paul Stelling, Diego Rivera, tribute bands, local stars and much more on tap. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Rachel Curtis in-studio, new music by Lybrandt, Mystic Dub, Sweet Water Warblers

• February 14, 2020

The Jammie Award-nominated Lansing singer-songwriter performed a couple of her singles for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks and previewed performances at Friday night’s awards show. Check out the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Videos

Local Spins’ Emerging Artist of the Year: Jordan Hamilton

• February 14, 2020

The Local Spins award for 2019 goes to the Kalamazoo hip hop cellist who’s turned heads everywhere he’s played. Learn more about Jordan Hamilton’s meteoric rise in this Artist Spotlight and watch a video from a recent performance at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Sweet Water Warblers take flight on Michigan tour with new album on horizon

• February 13, 2020

Amid sold-out shows this week, the super-group of May Erlewine, Rachael Davis and Lindsay Lou took time out to reflect on the “real magic” of their project for Local Spins. Learn more about this Michigan-bred phenomenon and the group’s upcoming album, and watch a video of a recent a cappella performance.

Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows

WYCE Jammie Awards Show 2020: The Local Spins Preview, Part II

• February 12, 2020

Two dozen artists will rev up Friday’s Jammie Awards at The Intersection. Listen to them and learn more about these acts in Part II of Local Spins’ preview, which includes a full schedule of performances that you can save on your smartphone to take along for the big event.

Features · Photos · Upcoming shows

GR Songwriters Alliance: A 15-year legacy of nurturing the craft in a warm, inviting place

• February 11, 2020

Formed by Tim Perry and Jeff Oxford more than 15 years ago, the GRSA is back for monthly meetings at Schuler Books & Music, where budding songwriters test their material for other tunesmiths. Get the back story and view photos from a recent GRSA session.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Feb. 10-16): Post Malone, Luke Combs, Queensryche, Lumineers, Highly Suspect, Robert Randolph, Lanco, Jammies

• February 10, 2020

Sweet Water Warblers, John Doe/Kristin Hersh/Grant-Lee Phillips, Mike Doughty, American Authors, Whitney and more fill out a busy concert week. And check out this week’s ticket giveaways and the tantalizing Under-the-Radar Picks.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Jack Droppers seeks regional acts for Calvin University’s first ‘Local Showcase’

• February 8, 2020

The singer-songwriter and new Calvin SAO director announced the call out for local bands during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Political Lizard, Wuzee, Outer Vibe, Treeskin, The Ryne Experience, PHABIES, Overdrive Orchestra, Darcy Wilkin and more. Get details on Calvin’s showcase, listen to the radio show podcast, watch the in-studio video and browse a photo gallery from Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions’ Friday night concert at Listening Room.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

Winter Wheat fest returns Saturday as real ‘steal for West Michigan music lovers’

• January 8, 2020

The Wheatland Music Organization’s 11th annual soiree will pack Grand Rapids’ Intersection this weekend with performances by more than a dozen roots music and folk artists on two stages. Details, schedule at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Dec. 30-Jan. 5): New Year’s Eve, Pop Evil, Morgan Wallen, Billy Strings, Albert Lee

• December 30, 2019

As 2019 morphs into 2020, the live music train rolls with outdoor and indoor spectacles, plus riveting local shows by Brandino Extravaganza, Robin Connell, Overdrive Orchestra, May Erlewine, Pretoria and much more. Plus, check out this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks and concert ticket giveaways.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Grand Rapids’ Elijah Russ Collective fuses genres for fetching ‘heavy soul rock’

• December 27, 2019

Elijah Russ performed for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Myron Elkins, Drinking Mercury, Feeding Grizzlies, The First Coalition, ADABOY and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast and read the back story on this Grand Haven-bred musician who plays two concerts Friday night.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Dec. 23-29): Mustard Plug, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Accidentals, Porter Robinson, Go Rounds, Hannah Rose

• December 23, 2019

The holiday week keeps the live music rolling with Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, The Bootstrap Boys, Coldville, Steve Talaga, Rachael & Dominic Davis and more on tap. Browse all of this week’s live music picks.

Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight

Fennville’s Salt of the Earth celebrating 10 years of ‘amazing’ listening parties

• December 19, 2019

The cozy West Michigan restaurant and concert venue has hosted a who’s who roster of regional stars over the years and aims to continue that mission. Get the back story on this special performance space, along with a photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Rocking the Holidays: ‘A Winter’s Tune,’ Jackyl, Brother Elsey, Damien Escobar, May Erlewine

• December 16, 2019

West Michigan skated into mid-December with holiday fare, rock ‘n’ roll and more — from Turkuaz to Wayland to Sons of F.U.N.K. to The Bootstrap Boys — captured in images and videos (as usual) at Local Spins. Browse the photo galleries, videos and show recaps.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

‘Dabbling in both worlds’: After Ours’ alt-jazz straddles electronic jams and tradition

• December 14, 2019

The cutting-edge lit up this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brother Elsey, Fast Hands Band, Lynn & the Moonshine Runners, Porter Kenyon, a new ‘Christmas at Critter’s’ classic and much more. Get the After Ours back story, watch videos of the band and listen to this week’s complete radio show podcast.

Audio · Features · Upcoming shows

A Winter’s Tune returns after 8-year hiatus with star-studded cast of singer-songwriters

• December 10, 2019

Grand Rapids singer and guitarist J. Oscar Bittinger is ‘rebooting’ the once-popular holiday concert at Listening Room on Sunday. Get the back story about this unique event and see the full lineup at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The ‘black diamond Americana’ of Tony Halchak: Local Spins on WYCE

• December 7, 2019

This week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight showcases the “character stories” of the Rockford singer-songwriter. Plus, Local Spins on WYCE debuted new tracks by Stevie Reidz, Fukushima Daisies, Medicinal Groove, Last Gasp Collective and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the in-studio video.

Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos

May Erlewine heats up to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for November

• December 3, 2019

For the third year in a row, a new album featuring singer May Erlewine has jumped to the top of the Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart at WYCE-FM, with Borr McFerrin and Jack Droppers making their first appearance. Check out the chart, listen to songs and watch videos from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Dec. 2-8): Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Louis the Child, SunSquabi, The Bad Plus, Blanco Brown, Over the Rhine

• December 2, 2019

Bill Kirchen’s ‘Honky-Tonk Holiday’ starts a week that also features Laith Al-Saadi, Livingston Taylor, Cousin Curtiss, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Concussions, The Fukushima Daisies, a West Michigan Blues Society benefit and more. And see how you can win tickets to see The Bad Plus.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Local Spins’ Michigan Mondays launch with packed house; stirring, funny songwriter charm

• November 26, 2019

Sav and Katie of The Accidentals, Megan Slankard and Stephie James delivered a moving, personal and intimate “Time Out” showcase of their music on a night that also featured the official release of a new Michigan-focused double-album for a good cause. Relive the evening in this Local Spins review, with photos and video.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Nov. 25-Dec. 1): Greensky Bluegrass, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Verve Pipe, Ski Mask the Slump God, Desmond Jones, Hannah Rose

• November 25, 2019

The first Michigan Mondays show at Listening Room with members of The Accidentals kicks off a party-up holiday week in West Michigan that also features concerts by Henhouse Prowlers, Mike Mains, Luke Winslow-King, Merkules and much more. Browse this week’s featured live music selections and the always-intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

St. Joe Jack playing 100 breweries in 100 days as beer-loving Michigan tribute

• November 20, 2019

The St. Joseph multi-instrumentalist is more than halfway through his challenging beer tour. He’s playing Rockford Brewing tonight. Learn the back story about St. Joe Jack’s wild tour and watch a video from one of his recent performances.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Nov. 18-24): Third Eye Blind, Kris Allen, Spyro Gyra, Aaron Lewis, Chase Rice, Madeon, Wine Beer & Food Fest

• November 18, 2019

From jazz to rock to funk to country, it’s a busy week that also features Ganja White Night, Moxie Strings, Unknown Hinson, Freekbass, Mark Lavengood, Peat in the Creel, the Diatribe’s Grand Showcase, Terry Lower Quartet and more. This week’s “Under-the-Radar” picks are special, too.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

David Bazan’s transfixing, transforming music on stage and on the screen in GR: The Q&A

• November 8, 2019

The acclaimed and controversial singer-songwriter plays twice this weekend at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, with screenings of the documentary about him, “Strange Negotiations,” before each show. The Local Spins interview with director Brandon Vedder about this incredible film and the difficult journey of the artist that it portrays.

Concert reviews · Photos

David Wax Museum relishes ‘real treasure’ at Listening Room’s official opening

• November 7, 2019

The ‘Mexo-Americana’ group and singer-songwriter Heather Maloney earned a warm welcome from fans who braved early season snow to attend Wednesday night’s concert at the downtown venue. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Getting folked up in Grand Rapids: Folk Alliance strums up late-night magic

• October 27, 2019

Hundreds of folk-hued artists in town for the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference have created an ear-pleasing smorgasbord of music. Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos sampled some of the offerings.

Features · Upcoming shows

‘Keeping traditions alive’: Midwest roots music stars to gather for showcases, industry updates

• October 22, 2019

For the second year, the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference will host seminars and performances by hundreds of touring musicians in Grand Rapids. Get the Local Spins preview, schedules of performances and details about this week’s “truly real” event.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Joshua Davis, Joe Hertler, Keller Williams, The Accidentals, Judy Collins and more: Photos

• October 20, 2019

The music weekend began with Joshua Davis’ debut at Grand Rapids’ new Listening Room and continued with a host of crowd-pleasing regional and national concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Rockford. Browse all of the colorful images at Local Spins, including images from a two-night stand by Joe Hertler and a brewery’s anniversary bash.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Overcoming throat cancer, Grand Rapids’ John Sanger set to release ‘Family Album’

• October 12, 2019

In one of his first public performances in six months, the veteran musician and singer played new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Michigander, Emma Bieniewicz, Josie Kenyon and more. Learn more about Sanger’s journey, watch his in-studio performance and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Festivals

Grand Rapids’ Lamp Light Music Festival pulls plug on 2019 event

• October 11, 2019

After operating for years as a unique Eastown house-concert fest, Lamp Light – which moved to Wealthy Theatre last year – is on hiatus and the future is uncertain. Learn why the festival won’t be taking place.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Oct. 7-13): Black Keys, Blue October, MercyMe, Kip Moore, Davina & The Vagabonds

• October 7, 2019

Michigander, a Horsefeather reunion, Messer Chups, May Erlewine, Jack & The Bear, Seth Glier, Chris Michels, Stovepipe, Kari Lynch, GTG Fest and more fill out the week of live music in West Michigan. Browse this week’s featured concerts and the fascinating Under-the-Radar Picks, and see how you could win tickets to one of three different Tip Top Deluxe shows.

Album reviews · Features · Videos

May Erlewine offers ‘Second Sight’ as instrument for healing, change, connecting

• October 2, 2019

Michigan’s leading folk-singer activist this week mounts a Michigan tour behind a powerful and political new album. The Local Spins interview, with review of the new album and a new video for the single, “Whole Again.”

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Luke Bryan washes out; Skillet, Jars of Clay, Bruce Cockburn make splash: Concert Recap

• September 30, 2019

September closed out with a bang: Rain washed out country star Luke Bryan’s ‘Farm Tour’ stop in Richland, but other acts rocked the house, including Skillet, Alter Bridge, BoomBox, Judah & The Lion, Frankie Cosmos, Sigrid, Greyhounds, Mark Lavengood and more. Get the recaps and photos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Max Lockwood in-studio, plus new tracks by May Erlewine, Erin Zindle

• September 28, 2019

This week’s edition of the radio show also featured new regional music from Patty PerShayla, Lifeline, Donny Zuzula and more. Read more about Max Lockwood, watch the in-studio video of his performance, listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast and interview.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Earthwork Harvest Gathering launches with jam-packed Friday of powerful music

• September 21, 2019

The season-ending Lake City-area music festival drew hundreds of musicians and thousands of revelers for an opening salvo of magical experiences. Check out the first-day highlights and a photo gallery at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Sept. 16-22): Miranda Lambert, Iron & Wine, Calexico, Avatar, The Cadillac Three, Blackberry Smoke, Henhouse Prowlers

• September 16, 2019

The week starts with the roar of GWAR, but there are also big shows starring JRob, The Accidentals, Pink Sky, Earth Radio, Delbert McClinton and way more firing up stages in West Michigan. Get the complete concert lowdown at Local Spins along with this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Wheatland 2019 Revisited: Good vibes, wistful music, fun community, fall-like weather

• September 10, 2019

The 46th edition of this much-admired Michigan music festival rolled out last weekend with a hefty slate of national and regional roots music stars. The recap by Local Spins’ Ricky Olmos, with photos by Anna Sink.

Commentary

Labor Day Lament: Musicians still battle to earn living wage, get fans to pay attention

• September 2, 2019

This annual Local Spins Labor Day column revisits the financial plight of local musicians, who cannot live on passion and applause alone. Amid a growing West Michigan music scene, it’s an essay for the times with comments from these ‘stars of the stage.’

Announcements · Upcoming shows

Musicians, friends to honor legacy of Dacia Bridges at Sunday tribute in Kalamazoo

• August 28, 2019

The Jericho Town event will feature performances by members of the Dacia Bridges Project, guitarist Kenny Olson, Mike Fuerst and many more. Get the details at Local Spins along with information about a new Dacia Bridges Project single being released this week.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Papa Roach, Holler Fest, Joshua Davis: Week-in-Review Photos

• August 26, 2019

It was a week of tantalizing festivals, outdoor and indoor shows and more, captured in images at Local Spins — from Tiny Desk Concert winner Gaelynn Lea to regional fave Joshua Davis. Browse the galleries at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows

After U.K. tour, The Accidentals heat up hectic summer on stage, in studio, aiding fan in need

• July 4, 2019

The Traverse City alt-folk trio joined other Michigan stars in a Holland benefit concert for an ailing super-fan, part of a 55-concert summer that also includes finishing up a new studio album and scoring songs for orchestras

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (May 27-June 2): Twenty One Pilots, Hozier, Lettuce, Xavier Wulf, Steppin’ In it, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Skitchin’ Fest

• May 27, 2019

The Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden opening weekend, House With a Yard, B93’s Battle to the Bash finals, Midwest Fest, Secret Forte and more fire up this week’s concert lineup. See how you can win tickets to Skitchin’ Fest and check out the fascinating Under-the-Radar Picks.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Lighting Matches sparks ‘unique, listenable’ debut of ‘alt-rock with folk roots’

• May 17, 2019

Led by songwriters Matt Plessner and Rachel White, the Grand Rapids band releases its new album next week. Get the Lighting Matches back story and watch the band’s music video at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio

Michigan Album Reviews: Lushh, La Dispute, Eliza Thorp, Leland Blue, The Real Ingredients

• May 7, 2019

Local Spins kicks off May with another roundup of releases by local and regional acts, from Grand Rapids to Petoskey to Kalamazoo. Check out the reviews and listen to songs from each artist.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (April 29-May 5): DMX, Lucius, Midland, Bass Country, Jessie James Decker

• April 29, 2019

The incredible Buckethead launches a week that also features Adventure Club, Mike Morgan, Steel Wheels, Camp Lo, Griffin House, Anna Nalick, Nicholas James Thomasma, Whiskey Dick and much more. And win tickets to the final “Jazz in the Sanctuary” concert of the season.

Summer Concerts

More Summer Concert Lineups: Wyoming, Allegan, Camp Blodgett, Parchment

• April 28, 2019

Local Spins presents another roundup of summer concerts taking place across West Michigan, many of them featuring an impressive lineup of regional stars. Peruse the schedules for these free shows.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (April 15-21): Godsmack, Black Stone Cherry, Rick Springfield, Leo Kottke, Luke Winslow-King, The Cadillac Three

• April 15, 2019

Todd Snider, Neyla Pekarek, Foxing, Jai Wolf, Eric Anderson, The Livery’s Funk Fest, Mary Rademacher and a bevy of bold local shows pump up The Big List of concerts. And scrutinize this week’s fascinating Under-the-Radar Picks and shows On the Horizon.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Estar Cohen, Mark Harrell, Callab debut new songs: Local Spins on WYCE

• April 13, 2019

On the first day of the Spring Fund Drive at WYCE, Local Spins on WYCE show host John Sinkevics premiered new tracks by Michigan artists, had an in-studio chat with singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles and counted down some of the top local and regional tracks of the past six months. Listen to the podcast and watch the video of a new single by Estar Cohen.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Meijer Gardens 2019 to star Sarah McLachlan, Dawes, Iron & Wine, Stray Cats, Buddy Guy

• April 11, 2019

The revamped amphitheater will also host summer shows by Foreigner, The B-52s, Mandolin Orange, Tash Sultana, Steve Miller & Marty Stuart, O.A.R., CAKE, Andrew Bird, Trombone Shorty, Lake Street Dive, JJ Grey with Jonny Lang and more. Member tickets on sale April 27. See the full concert lineup and ticket prices at Local Spins.