Friday’s tour stop at Van Andel Arena delivered a career-spanning trove of familiar hits by a pair of acclaimed singer-songwriters who still wield spellbinding appeal for longtime fans. The evening also included a tribute to Michigan native and longtime James Taylor backing singer David Lasley, who passed away earlier this week. Check out the review, photos and set lists.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Propelled by four veteran musicians, the band has released two EPs and a single, with more on tap. They made their debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also aired new music from several Michigan acts, including Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps, Kanola Band, The Epitones, La Furia Del Ritmo, Whiskey Hunter and Grace Theisen.
Features · Music and Technology
Created by Kent District Library, the streaming platform launched this fall showcases dozens of West Michigan acts and pays artists an honorarium to boot. Learn more about KDL Vibes and check out its roster of artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Some compelling albums across a wide spectrum have inspired Grand Rapids singer Hannah Rose Graves, who also reveals her current penchant for Nashville darling Margo Price. Listen to tracks from her picks, as well as songs by Graves herself.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
After a 2021 hiatus due to COVID-19, the community radio station will stage the popular event once again at The Intersection, with fans invited to vote for their “Artist of the Year.” The lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The band led by Boyne City’s Mark Blaauw-Hara spotlighted tracks from its debut album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by The Wire Monkeys, Saajtak, Roots Asylum and more. Learn more about The Lonely Lovers and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series focusing on records that most influenced Michigan musicians continues with Desmond Jones drummer/multi-instrumentalist John Nowak, who explores a diverse roster of artists. Get the back story, listen to the music — plus a couple of tracks from Desmond Jones, which plays a Thanksgiving Eve show in Grand Rapids..
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The festival presented by The Ark is back again as an in-person event for 2022, with Punch Brothers and the Michigan-bred Sweet Water Warblers also on the bill. See the full lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Americana icon regaled fans at St. Cecilia Music Center amid a week filled with varied musical spectacles at West Michigan venues. Browse all the photo galleries at Local Spins, from Jinjer to Zach Bryan to Dixon’s Violin to Major Murphy and more.
For diehard fans of two well-known touring bands, it proved to be a far different concert experience this weekend in Grand Rapids. The recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
With a fresh studio album released today and three GR shows on the way, Brian Vander Ark talked about the project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted several tracks by other West Michigan artists. The Local Spins interview with the full radio show podcast.
The support for their releases makes them smile. The October chart ranking the top local and regional albums also features Desmond Jones, Lee Heerspink and Odd Space.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Described as a fierce, truth-seeking powerhouse, the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter hosts an album-release show Thursday at Wealthy Theatre. The Local Spins interview, with a track from the album and a video from a performance at The Ark.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Grammy-nominated, sister-fronted band embraced the unique surroundings for a rousing Halloween eve concert in Grand Rapids. Plus, check out photo recaps of weekend shows starring Chuck Prophet, The Way Down Wanderers, Stovepipe Stover, Emilee Petersmark, Mushmen, Wavves, Lisa Can’t Sing and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Frontman Jason Singer talks about his epic 2021 and aims for ‘a special night’ after being featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Les Creatif, Cal in Red, Stovepipe, Trauna, The Go Rounds and more. The story and radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
As music moves indoors, Local Spins offers up lots to ogle while listening to new tracks by Michigan artists, including the premiere of a new song by Cameron Blake, a poignant tribute from Luke Winslow-King, some Halloween-appropriate creepiness and more gems. Plus, check out a couple of bonus videos from Billy Strings and The Accidentals.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Grand Rapids studio owner Michael Crittenden unveiled a unique instrumental project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by River City Narrative, Laura Rain, Flowers on the Grave, Laggies and more. Get the back story on ‘Too Chillay for Cats’ and listen to this week’s full radio show.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
This mid-October roundup of new Michigan releases covers artists from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Traverse City, including instrumental projects and a compelling collection inspired by loss. Browse the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter plays a solo show at Calvin University on Wednesday night. He took time out to chat about his music, his tour and more with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
The third season of the nonprofit group’s panel discussions featuring industry experts continues Monday, with way more in the works to help bolster Michigan’s music scene and give working musicians free guidance in negotiating the thicket of the music industry.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The frontman for The Hacky Turtles tilts toward country as Hutch Green, spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Kari Lynch, Lazy Genius, Odd Space, Adam Main and more. Learn more about Hutch Green and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Features · Playlists · Uncategorized · Upcoming shows
The acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist plays Grand Rapids’ Listening Room on Saturday as he returns to the road. The Local Spins interview, plus see how you can win tickets to the show.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Grand Rapids musician Steve Leaf, who recently assumed sound engineering duties at Listening Room, today reveals the recordings that influenced him most. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s weekend of live music had a rootsy, country and folk-flavored charm, with a couple of national tour stops and a new open-mic night at a high-profile venue. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The frontman for Edison Kitt & The Strangers talked about his new solo album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Joey Frendo, Lee Heerspink, Bond Girl, Dick Chiclet, The Krelboynes, Tail from the Crypt, Pieces, Blondfire and more.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Fresh releases from Austin Benzing, Bermuda Teenager and Opulent Ardor round out this early October collection of albums and EPs. Browse the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the recordings by West Michigan artists.
The Traverse City alt-folk band brings its tour behind “Vessel” to Grand Rapids and other Michigan cities this week. Find out what concertgoers can expect, view the latest Hot Top 5 chart of new local and regional releases and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
The longstanding tradition returned to 14 Polish halls this weekend, with polka and rock bands firing up stages and lots of pierogi and beer doled out to revelers. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids Americana/indie-rock band releases its new project today, with Local Spins on WYCE also debuting tracks by The Verve Pipe, The Accidentals, Luke Winslow-King and more. Get the back story of Brother Elsey’s latest release and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The Traverse City-based guitarist’s latest indie-rock collaboration with Jake Myers was inspired by the “scenic imagery” of northern Michigan. Learn more about John Piatek in this Artist Spotlight and listen to tracks from the new album.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Best known for his work with Jack White and Steppin’ In It, bassist and Michigan native Dominic John Davis boasts an eclectic array of musical influences. He shares those today with readers at Local Spins.
The final week of summer and arrival of Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize brought a blitz of concerts to West Michigan, including Pat Benatar, Andy Shauf, May Erlewine, Alex G, The Deep Stare, Lady Ace Boogie and more. Here are Local Spins recaps and photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The co-leader of Benzing-Graves Collective drops his solo debut next week. He was featured this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Bradley Sinclair, Syd Burnham, Lady Ace Boogie, Phabies and more. Learn more about Benzing and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Grand Rapids-area music fans embraced a mix of audience-engaging concerts, including a triumphant tour stop by O.A.R. at Meijer Gardens and the final Blues on the Grand show of the summer. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Four Nashville songwriters and Rockford’s Daniel Terry kicked off the inaugural two-day event Friday at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont. The recap, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.
The engaging singer-songwriter deftly managed an unexpected fan on stage during his set and a balance of new and old songs during Wednesday’s Meijer Gardens concert. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Michigan native Rachael Davis plays Grand Rapids on Thursday, but before that, she reveals the recordings that most influenced her career. Listen to tracks from the albums and see how you can win tickets to Davis’ Listening Room show.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Longtime songwriter and financial advisor Daniel Terry spearheads this weekend’s songwriters-in-the-round performances and workshop at Blythfield Country Club. Get the back story and ticket details at Local Spins.
It comes straight from the musicians themselves: The sobering Labor Day assessment of where things stand for performers and songwriters after a cataclysmic, pandemic-impaired year. A must-read from Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Frontman Caleb John Lawson revealed the backdrop for ‘A Different Gospel’ for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by August, Sterpher, Crooked Spires, The Shook, Steve Rivers, Alfie DaGreat, Feeding Grizzlies and much more. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature, plus this week’s radio show podcast.
The acclaimed songwriter unfurled the first major concert at DeVos Performance Hall since early 2020, a rescheduled show heavy on material from his band’s latest album. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Local Spins asked The Crane Wives’ Kate Pillsbury to provide her take on the much-respected singer-songwriter’s Monday concert at Meijer Gardens. Here is her review, with a photo gallery by Kendra Petersen-Kamp.
As August continues to heat up, Local Spins spotlights six new releases by West Michigan artists, from compelling Americana to lively indie-pop to reimagined punk. Check out the reviews, with audio samples from each album.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Michigan native Luke Winslow-King plays Grand Rapids on Thursday and two northern Michigan music festivals this weekend. Today, he reveals the recordings that helped shape his own career. Listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins and see how you can win tickets to see his ‘Listening Lawn’ show at Studio Park this week.
Concert reviews · Features · Weekend Photo Gallery
For artists such as Joshua Davis and Troll for Trout, the return to stages in Grand Rapids this summer after more than 16 months of COVID silence has created a peculiar but welcome feeling. Get the back story of their experiences and recaps of their shows, along with photo galleries that also include images of Djangophonique at Grand Rapids Art Museum and Pink Martini with Grand Rapids Symphony at Meijer Gardens.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The 19-year-old Cedar Springs singer-songwriter was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Annagail, I Believe in Julio, Brother John & The Lonely Roads, Rick Chyme & Eli Kahn, Jack Droppers, Creature of One and more. Discover more about this emerging talent and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
As we move into the final week of July, Local Spins spotlights new releases from some familiar Michigan artists representing a wide swath of styles, from Seth Bernard to Lauren Pearson. Browse the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The West Michigan band set to play its first show in 18 months and eyeing its first release since 2010 was featured for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by several Michigan artists. Learn more about Troll for Trout’s long-awaited new album and listen to the radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The frontman for Grand Rapids’ Deep Greens & Blues delved into his new solo material for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brett Mitchell, Brian Lybrandt, Desmond Jones, The Vermeers, i.am.james and others. Learn more about Atkinson’s music and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s 2021 Independence Day weekend proved to be far busier music-wise than the pandemic-impaired 2020, and Local Spins was there to capture the concert action in photos.
