Big List Concert Guide · Concert announcements · Concert Listings
With venues shut down and Michigan’s stay-at-home order extended, here are the rescheduled dates for some April and May shows you might be wondering about.
The live-streamed Grand Rapids show premieres this weekend with Josh Rose, Karisa Wilson, Allen Trieu, films and more. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
The current COVID-19 crisis hasn’t silenced West Michigan artists, who’ve been busy releasing new albums. Here are five to check out, including a tour de force from Jake Kalmink’s Further Closer and a much-anticipated sophomore release by Political Lizard. Listen to tracks from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.
With Earth Day approaching, Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Patty PerShayla created a special soundtrack of songs to get us contemplating the state of our environment. Welcome to Tuesday’s Local Spins Playlist. Watch the videos, listen to the riveting songs at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids singer-guitarist chatted about his music and performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Wuzee, Lybrandt, Celeste Allison, Further Closer, Analog Kid and more. Learn more about Weber, check out a video of his performance and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
In Memoriam · Playlists · Videos
After a battle with COVID-19, folk and Americana icon John Prine passed away on Tuesday. This is Local Spins’ musical tribute to one of the country’s most influential artists. Listen to some of his most memorable songs; watch videos of his performances.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
This week’s Local Spins playlist inspired by the coronavirus crisis honors the brave doctors, nurses and health care workers who are helping heal the nation under dire circumstances — 16 songs featuring classics by Dr. Dre, Grace Potter, Bush, Jackson Browne, Michael Jackson, Foo Fighters, Motorhead and more. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The indie-rock/pop group was showcased for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Nathan Kalish, Further Closer, Nathan Walton, Basic Comfort, Bedroom Ceilings, Michael Beauchamp-Cohen & Brian Koenigsknecht, Stevie Reidz and Archie & The One Hits. Learn more about Political Lizard and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Videos
Viewers across the globe tuned in to the four-day live-streamed festival hosted by the Michigan Music Alliance with sets by 40 artists who broadcast from their own homes. The alliance kicks off a new online concert series tonight. See how many people watched the performances and get details about the Michigan Music Alliance’s fundraising efforts at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
After multiple rounds of auditions, the Byron Center singer — “a guy with long hair that likes to belt” — went to Hollywood as a contestant on America’s most well-known music competition, and got a brief brush with the national TV spotlight before being sent home. The story of 27-year-old West Michigan singer-songwriter Nathan Walton’s journey through “American Idol.”
With Michiganders stuck at home, songwriters have the time and the perfect opportunity to comment on the coronavirus crisis musically. We want to hear those songs (and we’ve got a few more spoof videos here for inspiration). Local Spins plans to compile the best of these Michigan music videos, with one artist winning a special gift package.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and debuted new tracks by The Legal Immigrants, American Hotel System, Ohly, Martyr for Madison and more. Learn more about Hansen, watch a video of her performing a new song and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The state’s music scene continues to be affected by the coronavirus crisis and some of the news is good: Self-employed songwriters and others will be eligible for loans and aid, and on-line performance opportunities abound. Check out the news roundup at Local Spins. And now, the state has expanded unemployment benefits to self-employed and low-wage workers.
It’s actually the perfect talent show contest for a coronavirus pandemic: Hundreds of bands from across the country are submitting videos from their own homes in NPR’s annual competition, with a big Great Lakes State contingent. View more than 30 video entries from Michigan bands and solo artists at Local Spins.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Due to the current crisis, musicians have a lot of time on their hands. And that means some of them have come up with hilarious takes on our response to the unprecedented situation and witty ways to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. And face it: We all need a chuckle right now.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The Grand Haven singer and guitarist was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Public Access, Cole Hansen, Nicholas James Thomasma, Sugartone Noise Company, Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble, Sean Miller and more.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Videos
The coronavirus pandemic that’s canceled hundreds of concerts has sparked a flood of online shows by artists who play for at-home audiences. And Local Spins has started a new calendar listing to spotlight those shows. Get the lowdown on this growing trend and watch some recent live-streamed shows.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Beck performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Loren Johnson, Odd Space, Greet Death, NOMAD, Vagabonds and Mannhattan. The story, in-studio video and radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The inaugural May 8 event at Covenant Fine Arts Center comes after a committee of students pored through applications from 64 West Michigan bands. Get more details and watch videos by the featured performers at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
St. Patrick’s Day revelry begins early, plus there’s Howard Jones, Of Montreal, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Fit for a King, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Robert Cray, Leigh Nash, Ajax Stacks and more. See all of this week’s live music picks, along with this week’s concert ticket giveaways.
The 15th annual edition of the Fretboard Festival brought a couple thousand people to Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Saturday for performances by 19 regional artists, plus workshops and instrument vendors. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights, exclusively at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
March roars in like a lion music-wise with Gaelic Storm, Cowboy Junkies, Shiba San, Scotty McCreery, Will Sexton, The Accidentals, Distant Stars and more on the docket. Plus, Local Spins’ Big List has ticket giveaways for three different concerts this week.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
