Kalamazoo’s Saugatuck Brewing: One of W. Michigan’s newest spots for beats, brews
Saugatuck Brewing’s recently revamped pub in downtown Kalamazoo boasts live music in a prime summertime location. Get the back story and photos at Local Spins.
Tagged: singer-songwriter
Michigan Album Reviews: Skinny Limbs, Future Things, Alex Austin, Metzfire, more
This early May round-up of Michigan releases features new projects from DuPont Phillips and Elroy Meltzer, along with fresh recordings by some up-and-coming West Michigan bands. Read the reviews, listen to tracks from these releases.
Summer Concerts · Venue Spotlight
Warner Vineyards makes ‘big leap’ with Dawes, Buckcherry, national acts for summer
The Paw Paw vineyard’s sixth-year concert series kicks off in early May and boasts more than 45 concerts. Get details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch
‘Paradise Found’: Sammie Hershock’s compelling, answer-seeking songs of comfort
The classically trained, Marshall-based pianist and songwriter on Friday released her first full-length album, “Plainsong.” The back story on this emerging Michigan artist to watch.
Music and Technology · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ first-ever Music Econ Summit aims to empower, educate working musicians
Saturday’s day-long seminar will feature presentations and panels by music industry experts, lawyers and recording artists offering advice on how to be successful in the music business.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Videos
Northern Michigan songwriter Eliza Thorp finalist in Telluride Troubadour Competition
The Petoskey-based tunesmith will join nine other finalists from across the country for the June competition in Colorado. The back story and a video of her nominated song at Local Spins.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Fresh faces, new tracks spawned by West Michigan’s music scene: Local Spins on WYCE
This week’s all-new-Michigan-music edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured new, emerging artists: Anaia Lachelle, Metzfire, Future Things, Ryan Cassidy and 56 Tornadoes, along with tracks by established acts such as The Accidentals, Earth Radio and Lipstick Jodi. Learn more and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Traverse City · Upcoming shows · Videos
Dar Williams brings ‘master-class’ songwriting charm to Traverse City
The acclaimed, much-revered singer-songwriter plays a sold-out show at The Alluvion on Friday while also working with Interlochen Arts Academy students. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan-bred Claudia Schmidt back in her home state, showcasing her versatility
The much-admired folk tunesmith and jazz singer plays The Alluvion twice this week before returning to northern Michigan for a June show. The interview and back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Masterful’ songwriter Amy Speace poised to bring confessional, rich songs to Grand Rapids
The Nashville-based artist plays Grand Rapids Ballet’s Peter Martin Wege Theatre on Friday with Ralston Bowles. The Local Spins interview with Amy Speace, along with two of her music videos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan’s Frontier Ruckus drops first album in 7 years, finds true love, gets back on the road
The eclectic folk-rock band just released “On the Northline,” its first release since 2017, with several Michigan shows on tap over the next month. The revealing Local Spins interview with songwriter Matthew Milia.
Breaking music news · Weekend Photo Gallery
Band Battles, Steve Hackett, May Erlewine, Kai Wachi & More: Concert Photo Recaps
The arrival of spring brought more than unseasonable snow to the region: It also featured tour stops by international favorites, local bands battling for finals in two different contests, an intimate concert by a beloved Michigan songbird and more — all recapped in photos by Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rocker Marshall Crenshaw ‘still connected’ to Michigan as 40th anniversary tour comes home
The pop-hued singer-songwriter who first made a splash with “Someday, Someway” in the 1980s plays St. Cecilia Music Center next Friday with a Brighton concert also on tap. The Local Spins interview.
Michigan’s New Moon Songwriting Challenge revs up second year for co-written songs
Designed to encourage Michigan artists to collaborate with other musicians, the competition will accept song entries from April 1 to May 31. Get details and link to enter at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
West Michigan’s Porter Kenyon expanding indie-pop sound with latest EP
The award-winning singer-songwriter and performer unfurled new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Desmond Jones, The Skinny Limbs, Rachel Brooke, Rip Smidgeon, Inaudible Darling and other Michigan artists.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Silversun Pickups, Aimee Mann, Chelsea Cutler, Kylie Morgan & more concert photo recaps
West Michigan tour stops were just part of an active live music week with Chase Matthew, Crankdat, Celeste Allison, Payton & Annabelle, Garbage Angel and more lighting up stages. Browse all of the photo galleries and a video at Local Spins.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
The Stray’s expanded 2024 Battle of the Bands revels in diverse lineups
The month-long competition kicks off in Grand Rapids on Saturday and boasts 20 Michigan bands and artists. The lineup and more at Local Spins.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival poised for new & traditional, from The Mickeys to Joel Mabus
The Fretboard Festival’s return this weekend to Kalamazoo Valley Museum features returning veteran artists as well as fresh musical faces, along with guitars, vendors and more. Get the full performance schedule and more at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
SpeakEZ Lounge kicking live music ‘up a notch’ by adding Fridays to concert lineup
Already hosting Sunday night jazz jams and Local Spins Wednesdays shows, the cozy downtown Grand Rapids venue starts up Friday offerings in March. Get the full upcoming schedule at Local Spins, along with a playlist of SpeakEZ performers.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Bonus Coverage: The spectacle and power of Michigan music at the 2024 Jammie Awards
WYCE’s annual celebration of local and regional music not only toasted some of the best releases of the year but showcased diverse talent on three stages amid a packed house of robust fans at Intersection. Highlights, photos, video.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Bootstrap Boys, Full Cord, Mustard Plug, American Hotel System hit it big at Jammies
The Friday night celebration of Michigan music boasted a packed house at The Intersection, diverse sets and awards given out in 18 categories. Get a recap, browse photos and see the full list of winners.
Concert announcements · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Sofar Sounds’ secret ‘pop-up’ concerts make Grand Rapids debut on Saturday
Part of a global trend, Sofar doesn’t announce concert lineups or details until the day of the show. Learn more in this story and today’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast — a podcast hat also previews the Jammie Awards and debuts tracks by Steven Malcolm, Von May, The J Hawkins Band and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Cameron Blake set for ‘passion-filled’ concert at final Music to Benefit Music event
The Grand Rapids violinist and tunesmith who’s added parts for The War & Treaty’s upcoming new album will close out Saturday’s fundraiser at Hudsonville’s Pinnacle Center. The lowdown at Local Spins with a video and photo gallery.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Traverse City’s Great Indoor Folk Festival to highlight budding and seasoned Michigan acts
The 14th indoor fest takes place the last Sunday of the month at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, with more than 100 musicians playing eight different stages. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Elisabeth Pixley-Fink is ‘collecting rocks, trying to make art,’ releasing ‘rocking’ new record
The Kalamazoo songwriter now based in Ann Arbor plays The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids Friday and performs at the upcoming Winter Wheat with the Hearth & Hymn duo. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Singer-guitarist Mick Lane: ‘Albums That Changed My World,’ folk icons to Celtic charm
This week’s edition of “Albums That Changed the World” focuses on the artists and recordings that influenced the West Michigan frontman for Irish folk favorites the Conklin Ceili Band. Learn more about Mick Lane and listen to tracks from his favorite albums.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Grammy Awards embrace Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, SZA but skip Michigan nominees
The Michigan contingent at Sunday’s Grammy Awards — including Billy Strings, The War and Treaty and Bob James — came away empty-handed but still made a splash in their own way over the weekend.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rockford’s Got Talent 2024’s big winners, plus the weekend concert photo roundup
Caleb & Jenna, David Wyatt and Mary Salo won big at Saturday’s 13-act West Michigan contest spotlighting impressive emerging talent. Plus, browse photos from several other weekend concerts across the region, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo.
Grand Rapids rock band The American Hotel System reserves No. 1 spot on Hot Top 5 Chart
The award-winning group soared to the top of the chart for the first time with “Can You Hear It?” Learn more about the band and view the rest of the albums which landed in the Top 5 for January.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
‘Singers in the Round’ artist, podcaster Billy Blanchard’s nature-inspired creativity
The Grand Rapids-based singer-songwriter who’s part of a statewide concert series has a unique approach, spotlighted at Local Spins, along with new tracks by other Michigan artists, from Cordero to Laddermatch and Trakzero. Learn more about Billy Blanchard and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Michigan’s John D. Lamb: The joy of trusting your music and being a songwriter’s mentor
For three decades, the Royal Oak tunesmith has hosted Lamb’s Retreat for Songwriters in northern Michigan, creating a beloved annual event embraced by musicians. And he’s still releasing his own music, too. Learn more about the retreat and listen to his music at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
WYCE’s Jammie Awards announce band lineup from ‘an amazing pipeline of talent’
From Full Cord and The Bootstrap Boys to Laura Rain and Jack Droppers, 19 bands and solo artists will perform at the Feb. 23 celebration taking place at The Intersection in Grand Rapids. The lineup at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Emerging indie-pop star Sophia McIntosh creates buzz with big voice, piano prowess
With a new single and upcoming SpeakEZ show, the Grand Rapids teen finds the spotlight for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks this week by other Michigan acts, including debuts by Prior Noon, The Westside, Chirp and Evolve Sound.
Americana’s Allison Russell draws standing ovations in Grand Rapids tour stop (Photos)
The ‘powerful, spiritually rooted’ Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter brought her tour behind ‘The Returner’ to Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Tuesday. Browse the Local Spins photos.
Announcements · Commentary · Features
Local Spins keeps spinning: Michigan’s No. 1 music website posts another record year
Today, your favorite online music magazine posts a little year-in-review after wrapping up our 12th year as Michigan’s go-to music website. Help keep our coverage spinning.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Hannah Rose Graves, Troy Ceasar, Short Panic, The Mollusks & more
2024’s first roundup of Michigan releases at Local Spins ranges from singer-songwriter charm to hip hop glory to funk to rock fervor, from Southeast Michigan’s Annie & Rod Capps to Holland’s Lost Magic. Check out the reviews; listen to the music.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5
Hannah Rose Graves harnesses irrepressible ‘energy force’ to hit No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart
The popular singer’s latest album topped an all-new December chart of Michigan releases which also included debuts by Short Panic, Space Bar, LVRS and Ben Traverse & Nick Veine. View the chart and listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 3): Gruff, enigmatic Bob Dylan still shines in Grand Rapids tour stop
The rather upbeat 82-year-old legend brought his “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour to DeVos Performance Hall in October, an unpredictable show characteristic of an evening with Dylan which sparked our No. 3 most-read story of the year. Revisit it today.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Megan Dooley returns after eight years with live takes on ‘lost songs’
Releasing her first album since 2015, the singer-songwriter was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by several other Michigan artists, including Wuzee & Dusty Fingerz, Abe Savas, Nathan Walton, Radio Vision and more, along with holiday songs by Seth Bernard and Don Benson.
The next chapter for Hannah Rose Graves: Music as ‘Medicine,’ rewiring negative thoughts
The mainstay Grand Rapids singer and songwriter recently released her long-awaited new studio album, ‘Medicine.’ She chatted about her new music and her philosophy with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos. Plus, check out a new music video.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
TubaChristmas, Winter Dance Party, Jingle Jam, Holiday Funk, Morgan Evans: Photos
The mid-December flurry of concerts across West Michigan featured plenty of holiday hoopla, plus Short Panic, Smokin’ Dobroleles and Roosevelt Diggs. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023: Chris Stapleton, The War & Treaty heat up Van Andel Arena (No. 13)
In early June, a capacity crowd greeted country star Chris Stapleton, with Michigan’s own The War & Treaty and Marcus King also on board. The review was the 13th most popular story of the year. Revisit the coverage, including a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Photos
Local Spins Wednesdays @ SpeakEZ Lounge: The winter 2024 concert lineup reveal
After wrapping up a robust fall slate of mid-week shows, Local Spins today announces the roster of concerts for winter 2024, including the return of “Tribute Month” in February. Michigan artists on tap includes Blue Water Ramblers, Sophia McIntosh, Nicholas Thomasma, Selkie, Cole Hansen, John Sanger, Josh Rose and more.
Singer Kari Lynch hosting 11th star-studded ‘Jingle Jam’ concert to aid area homeless
The country and Americana artist has organized Saturday’s benefit show in Caledonia, with more than a dozen West Michigan acts performing and raffles to support Mel Trotter Ministries. View the lineup and learn more about this special concert at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After touring with Glen Hansard and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, Via Mardot comes home
Ahead of her return to West Michigan to play The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Local Spins catches up with the talented, in-demand Holland native and multi-instrumentalist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo rock songwriter Abe Savas ‘stoked’ to uncork full-band takes on new music
Playing Bell’s tonight, Savas relates the story of his musical voyage for Local Spins, which also debuted new tracks by The Crane Wives, North Keeper, Fangs & Twang and more.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
‘Living the dream’ in New Orleans: Michigan-bred tunesmith Natalie Mae revels in NOLA
Local Spins traveled to The Big Easy to soak up its diverse musical vibe and touch base with a Michigander and multi-instrumentalist who’s immersed herself in New Orleans’ ‘astounding’ music scene. Get Natalie Mae’s back story, watch videos and browse a NOLA photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Calvin ‘house band’ Over the Rhine eager to return for acoustic Christmas show
The Ohio duo has long made Grand Rapids a regular tour stop and will bring their holiday concert — and lots of memories — to Calvin University’s Chapel on Saturday night. The Local Spins interview.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Videos
Chris DuPont returns to fray with a ‘darkly beautiful listen’: The Local Spins Q&A
The veteran Southeast Michigan singer-songwriter just released his latest EP, “Fragile Things,” and talks about his new music, books, religion and the ‘trip wires’ of relationships with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
U.P. Singer-Songwriter Michael Waite: Three Albums That Changed My World
The popular Local Spins series revealing the musical influences for Michigan musicians and producers continues with the picks of a Michigan tunesmith from the wilds of the Upper Peninsula. Check out his picks, listen to tracks from all of the albums — including a couple of songs from his most recent release.
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