Night of Heavenly Voices: The Lone Bellow and Lindsay Lou cast spell at St. Cecilia
It was a night of captivating vocals in Grand Rapids on Thursday, as well as heartfelt stories and inspiring songs. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Tagged: singer-songwriter
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lindsay Lou: Loving harmonies, energetic late-night jams and celebratory spaces
Michigan-bred singer and songwriter Lindsay Lou opens for The Lone Bellow at St. Cecilia Music Center tonight (Thursday). Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos checks in with the talented, Nashville-based artist.
Father John Misty portends ‘Next 20th Century’ in lush, seductive Grand Rapids tour stop
The Maryland indie-rock/folk-rock singer-songwriter played to a capacity crowd at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Tuesday, part of his tour with Butch Bastard. The photos and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Live Music Romps: Alice Cooper, Bootstrap Boys, Keller Williams, Sponge & more
From a homecoming show for alt-country’s Michelle Billingsley to a “Candlelight Concert” tribute to Taylor Swift to a school shootings vigil, West Michigan’s live music covered a lot of bases. Browse all of the photo galleries of the concert action and view a video at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Pop Evil, Loren Johnson, Mike Ward, Sunny Bleau, Folias Duo and more
New releases from Michigan artists Cody Robert DeWindt, Story Cafe and Adam Main are also part of this Local Spins roundup of reviews. Check out Local Spins takes and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Eight Years After ‘The Voice’: Joshua Davis still writing, still performing, still grateful
The Traverse City singer-songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday with his all-star band. Local Spins checks in with Joshua Davis — and his life several years removed from national TV prominence. An insightful Q&A with a Michigan institution.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Chicago to The Verve Pipe to Blood Sweat & Tears: Northern Michigan’s summer buffet
From Michigander to NEEDTOBREATHE to Girl Named Tom, two Petoskey venues boast robust summer series for 2023. Plus, check out other unique performance spaces in northern Michigan that make the picturesque region even more of a draw in summer. Get the lineups at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Sam Bush, Ruthie Foster, Lúnasa lead charge in Wheatland 2023 festival lineup
The 50th anniversary celebration taking place in early September will also feature Tuba Skinny, The Onlies and an impressive roster of Michigan acts. View the full lineup and other details at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Earthwork Music tour of Michigan to uncork ‘beautiful’ and ‘uniquely different’ showcases
Kicking off next week, the 18-artist tour hits five Michigan cities, spotlighting Mitten State talent. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted music by Greta Van Fleet, Rahill, Rockit King, Adaboy, G-Hollow, The Wire Monkeys & more.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows
From barefoot in Ludington to cowboy boots in Nashville: Americana’s Chloe Kimes
The Michigan-bred songwriter now based in Nashville has turned heads with her fetching songs and returns to her home state for shows this summer. One of Local Spins’ ‘Emerging Artists to Watch,’ plus videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Loren Johnson takes reflective, organic musical snapshot with ‘How to Change’
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter showcased her new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Heather Bartman, The Heavy Pine, Horizon Theory, Redbelly, Gosey Hill, Vernon Potts, The JR Band, Brian Muratori and more. Get the back story on Loren Johnson and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Valerie June, Molly Tuttle, Colin Hay, Abigail Washburn to ramp up Blissfest 2023
The beloved northern Michigan festival today announced the 60-plus-act lineup for July, including Marc Broussard, Sweet Water Warblers, Myron Elkins, Gina Chavez and The Crane Wives. View the full lineup and get details at Local Spins.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE
Celebrating Michigan’s emerging bands and solo artists: Local Spins on WYCE
This week’s radio show toasts up-and-coming acts in several genres, many of them recent award winners. We also debut new tracks by a pair of established artists. Listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Reviews: May Erlewine, War & Treaty, Earth Radio, Eva Under Fire + More Michigan Albums
New recordings by Y-Not, Rob Jordan, Pink Sky and John Lamb also pump up this late March round-up of reviews of fresh music by Michigan bands and solo artists. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ben Rector, Indigo Girls, Mustard Plug ‘Let the Good Times Roll’: Weekend Photo Galleries
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
Steve Forbert set to usher forth gems from 20-album songwriting catalog in GR
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
Singer-songwriter Caitlin Cusack’s ‘shimmery’ pop treatise on brain injury recovery
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.
First-ever New Moon songwriting contest challenges tunesmiths to collaborate
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 Rebel Eves super-group: Creating ‘heaven’ and acceptance with ‘killer harmonies’
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
Jack Leaver’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: Tom Petty, Neil Young, David Bowie
With a Tom Petty tribute show set to unfurl later this winter 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
March Music Madness: Dropkick Murphys, May Erlewine, Sam Bush, Band Battle photo recap
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
Veteran Michigan sideman Brad Phillips dives into waters as solo singer-songwriter
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
Michigan bands set to strut their stuff at Austin’s mammoth SXSW 2023
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
The Accidentals bring latest ‘mind-bending’ cadre of Time Out songwriters to Michigan
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
‘Full of colors’: Josh Ritter set to deliver astronomical new songs to St. Cecilia
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
Elijah Russ: ‘Albums & Songs That Changed My World’ — Jimi, Dopapod, Guthrie Govan
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.
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival to unfurl this weekend with live music, guitar fanfare
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
February Frolic: Whiskey Myers, Tab Benoit, Jo Dee Messina, Winter Beer Fest (Photos, Videos)
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.
Pinnacle Center sparks a buzz: John Fullbright in concert, raffle for Taylor Swift tickets
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
Toasting John Prine, HARDY, Big Gigantic, Jon Hayes, Great Lakes Brass: Concert Recaps
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
Singer-songwriter Rob Jordan’s atmospheric ‘music as therapy’ displayed on new EP
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
Michigan’s SONGDRINK: Striving to turn tunesmiths’ creations into ‘radio-ready’ music
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
Let the battle begin: Year 2 of The Stray ‘Battle of the Bands’ rolls out in March
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.
Gregory Alan Isakov and band unfurl striking songs, heavenly harmonies in Kalamazoo
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
Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest back as in-person event; ‘Songwriter’s Night’ set to debut in GR
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.
‘No Bad News’: Patty Griffin ends weekend with poignant St. Cecilia sellout show
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
Michigan super-trio Moss Manor’s lush, cosmic and adventurous musical puzzle
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
Album Reviews: Annie Capps, Rosewood 2055, Moon Orchids, Hominian & more
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
Perrin Ice Jam rolls out Saturday to heat up January with ‘all-star’ band lineup
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
February’s WYCE Jammie Awards show reveals lineup, braces for ‘high-energy’ night
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
Winter Jam, Kaia Kater, Spencer Crandall, American Hotel System: Concert Photo Recap
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
Kari, Kate & Olivia: Boldly braving the ‘boys’ club’ to create compelling music
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
Incredible Feeling: Winter Wheat returns Saturday with potent lineup, ‘Wheatland magic’
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
Local Spins Wednesdays return to SpeakEZ in February with rousing Michigan lineup
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.
Musicians, Calvin mourn media professor, disability advocate, songwriter Chris Smit
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
Domestic Problems, Rockford’s Got Talent, Luke Winslow-King amp it up: Photo recaps
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
Music News: Guitars at Ford Museum, Tower leads WYCE, Rockford’s Got Talent II is Tonight
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
Bringing Nashville to Michigan: Nick Caster wields industry savvy to boost regional talent
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
Best Music of 2022: The Local Spins Critics’ Picks for albums, songs, concerts of the year
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
Concert Photo Roundup: May Erlewine, Hollow Front, Grace Theisen and more
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.
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