Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts
Alto singer-songwriter Josh Rose is as committed to crafting compelling music worth listening to as any artist in West Michigan. He talked about that and teaching others that craft for this edition of Local Spins Live.
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.
The second Local Spins batch of mid-year album reviews also takes a gander at new releases by The Ragbirds, Graffiti, Tiles and Christopher Sloan, with audio samples to boot.
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.
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.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The first batch of mid-year reviews of new local and regional recordings also spotlights Emma Loo, Glass-House, Trash Hounds and Eric Engblade. Check out the reviews and listen to samples from the new albums.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows
Led by singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and recent Calvin College graduate James Li, the Grand Rapids alt-rock band fueled by folk’s narrative style releases a new EP at The DAAC on Thursday. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video from an in-studio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The northern Michigan singer-songwriter calls on an all-star band for the inspiring, inventive recording and for Sunday’s album-release show at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre. He calls the project his response to “a defining time for humanity.” Read the story behind the recording, check out the album review and get details about his upcoming CD-release concerts.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
On a sumptuous, sunny evening, the rock legend performed songs spanning his five-decade career backed for the first time at the outdoor amphitheater by a six-piece band. Read the review and browse a photo gallery from Monday’s sold-out show.
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 · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
More than 40,000 festival-goers packed Double JJ Resort in Rothbury for the opening salvo of the hippie-driven, four-day affair. Read the first-day recap, browse the resplendent photo gallery and watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids group fronted by singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma releases its sophomore album, ‘Tall Tall Tales,’ at Founders Brewing on Saturday. Explore the back story of the new recording, listen to the radio podcast and view the video of Thomasma’s performance inside his VW bus.
Features · Local Spins Exclusives · Upcoming shows
An abundance of West Michigan open mics throughout the week offer performers a chance to ‘find their voice’ — from folk to hip hop to poetry — at dozens of venues which open their stages to fledgling as well as veteran performers. Get a glimpse into the vibrant world of open mics in this feature story by Ricky Olmos and browse the photos of performers.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Inspired by a breakup, the Grand Rapids artist’s impressive ‘Leaving on the Light’ is a full-band project that will be showcased Friday at The DAAC. Listen to the new album now in a Local Spins exclusive “first listen,” along with this week’s Local Spins Live radio podcast. And watch a video of his in-studio performance.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The sixth annual festival in a remote area of Barry County reveled Friday in rousing regional music and a family-friendly atmosphere with much more to come. Read the roundup, scan the photo gallery and watch some video highlights from opening day.
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.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Starting this month, communities across West Michigan showcase regional talent in free outdoor concerts that light up almost every night of the week. Browse all of the lineups, embrace the music. And GRAM on the Green returns for its eighth season in July.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
River City Studios engineer Kenton Giar hopes the ‘in-the-round’ sessions in downtown Grand Rapids will help nurture West Michigan’s songwriting scene and build talent. Read more about the new series in this Local Spins story.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
‘Loving the vibe and loving the music’: That was the theme of Festival of the Arts on Friday as thousands of attendees jammed streets in downtown Grand Rapids for dozens of performances. Check out the recap and photo gallery from a hectic first day of the 47th annual event.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids folk-rock band rocked Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new material from Red Sea Pedestrians, The Muteflutes, Dead Eye Zack, Matt Gabriel and more. Read the feature story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of The Crane Wives’ in-studio radio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The spring edition of HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios featured an up-and-coming West Michigan band with eclectic, diverse instrumentation and ever-changing rhythms. Check out the interview and performances by this unique ensemble in podcast, video and photos.
Thousands of West Michigan performers will pack stages in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend. It’s a lot to soak in. So once again, Local Spins asks some well-known musicians and its staff of writers to pick “The Best of Fest.” Check out their diverse selections in this guide to Festival 2016.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Local Spins Live
On his latest EP, “Fiction,” the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter aimed to “write something different” and he has plenty more compelling material where that came from. He’ll be sharing that music with lakeshore audiences in coming weeks. Read the Local Spins profile and check out his performance schedule.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Metalcore, folk, indie-rock, bluegrass, psychedelic rock, pop and deliciously indescribable music captivated West Michigan audiences over the past week. Check out all of the images at Local Spins, including some special musical celebrations and tributes.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The performers became fast friends after battling each other in a hip hop competition. The duo is releasing its debut album, “The Great Ones,” on Saturday at Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids. Read the story and listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast which also includes the premiere of tracks by Bangups, Heaters, Elroy Meltzer, Kari Lynch and more.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Florida metalcore/pop-punk band provoked fan fervor the same week that saw lively West Michigan shows by Mustard Plug Hannah Rose Graves, Graffiti, Vetiver, Small Brown Bike and much more. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids electronic musician performed and discussed his growth as an artist as this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Michael Dause, The Soil & The Sun, Sligh and Silverstiles. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
With their new album, Channing Lee and Quinn Mathews have added a Great Lakes State perspective to their unique indie-folk — crowd-pleasing material that comes to life next week in concert at SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids. Read about this couple’s new studio project.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Led by multi-instrumentalist and singer Ryan Williams, the new Grand Rapids band rocked this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured the debut of tracks by Emma Loo, Graffiti, Darkly, The Eggtones and Downie. Listen to the podcast and check out a video of a song from the upcoming new album by The Change.
The highly acclaimed rock and Americana artist brought his trio and a powerful set of music to historic Royce Auditorium for the final Acoustic Café show of the season. Read the review of Thursday’s show and check out the photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The renowned Texas alt-country, roots rock and Americana artist plays Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center this week as he wraps up work on a studio album with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck. Read the Local Spins interview with this iconic singer-songwriter and listen to a playlist of Escovedo’s songs.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Although 24 of 30 Meijer Gardens concerts sold out by noon Monday, Interlochen, Freedom Hill, Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater and other nearby venues have booked some of the same artists this summer. Find out where these acts are playing and get links to ticket sales.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Tickets go on sale Monday to see the celebrated Beatle on his U.S. “One on One” tour, with McCartney’s website promising a “dazzling” show covering nearly three hours of hits. Get the details on Sir Paul’s West Michigan tour stop.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jazz and blues icons topped a week of live music that also included The Pyramid Scheme’s two-night anniversary party, a Stones tribute, Roosevelt Diggs, Hannah Rose Graves and Megan Dooley, and the kickoff to Kalamazoo’s “Music Hop.” Peruse the show recaps and view the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
On a weekend with resplendent spring weather, West Michiganders couldn’t go far without bumping into live music of all varieties — documented in images at Local Spins. Check out the show recaps and photo galleries, from Record Store Day to Kiefer Sutherland.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
Performing frequently with Sam Kenny, the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter has a solo album on the way. This edition of the show also featured new songs from Kari Lynch, Vox Vidorra and Jack & The Bear. Listen to the podcast, read the story about Emma Loo.
Folk music of different stripes in different places ruled Grand Rapids Thursday, with The Mountain Goats unfurling musical tales at Calvin College and Kottke regaling a sold-out St. Cecilia Music Center. Read the Local Spins reviews by Tricia Woolfenden and Charley Honey.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Commentary
Ziggy Marley, Bonnie Raitt, Gavin DeGraw, O.A.R., Toto, Lake Street Dive, Grace Potter, America, even Jay Leno are part of the 30-show series, with tickets on sale to Meijer Gardens members on April 30. See the entire 2016 lineup and find out how ticket prices have changed from last year.
Commentary · Guest Column · Upcoming shows
The DAAC is reopening its doors in Grand Rapids, three years after it was forced to move from S. Division Avenue. Musician John Hanson has felt the power of the all-ages arts collective, inspiring this guest column for Local Spins.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
The Memorial Day weekend festival once again will feature top-notch regional acts, including performances by Way Down Wanderers, Third Coast Kings, Fauxgrass, Nicholas James & the Bandwagon, Roosevelt Diggs, Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe and more. Tickets are now on sale.
Check out images — and a video — from a week of live music across West Michigan that featured a jam-packed CD-release show, a sold-out two-night stand in Kalamazoo, a first-time beer festival and performances by Rachel B, Hank Mowery & The Hawktones and another LadyFest GR.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
The April 1 edition of the radio show also featured new songs by The Change, Organissimo, Rachel B, Andy & The Pandy’s and Charlie Darling. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
No fooling, the April 1 batch of new local and regional albums is a blast of fresh air, starting with The Crane Wives who host a CD-release show Saturday at Founders Brewing. Check out the reviews, including video and audio clips of new songs by six regional artists.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos
The first single in the Earthwork Music collective’s unique project will feature Seth Bernard’s take on a 2010 May Erlewine song. That comes out Friday, with new covers by Earthwork Music artists released monthly and a full album set to be completed next winter.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows
The Traverse City native now based in Pittsburgh is touring the Great Lakes State behind her debut album. She plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night. Read the story, watch the video, listen to the Local Spins Live radio podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Time to think summer and outdoor concerts: Joe Hertler, The Accidentals, Hannah Rose, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Outer Vibe, Kari Lynch and plenty more grace four free concert series. Check out the lineups for these free summer concerts.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
Created in Grand Rapids, the radical new music platform that will start beta testing next month will allow users to zoom in to neighborhoods, even areas around venues, to pinpoint their musical vibe. Those spearheading the music discovery system say it will help showcase local artists and grow the music scene.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The holiday week bloomed with shows of every ilk: from indie-folk’s The Lone Bellow to a star-heavy musical to a Maynard James Keenan homecoming to rap and blistering guitar rock. Check out all the Local Spins images and a video from singer-songwriter night at Richard App Gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
The fresh Grand Rapids rock trio revved up Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured an interview with Radi8er creators and new tracks by CrossBow, Lloyd Braun, The Zannies, Jake Down and more. Listen to the podcast, read the story.
Announcements · Features · Upcoming shows
In its third year, Walk the Beat is seeking 70 bands to play 35 venues and will host another song contest, with $12,500 in prizes for musicians at stake. Check out the back story about this unusual annual event and find links to sign up.
