The Grand Haven native who’s made a splash in Los Angeles and beyond, returns to Michigan for a couple of summer shows in his home state. Before that, he shared a playlist of favorite songs with Local Spins. Get an update on the buzz he’s created, and check out his Top 10 roster of tunes, related videos and a Spotify playlist.
Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
‘Mind-blowing’ West Michigan festival led by String Cheese Incident and Bassnectar creates ‘strange wonderland’ starring select regional acts, with Grand Rapids’ Rick Chyme set to join The Accidentals on stage. Read the story and check out the weekend performance schedule for The Accidentals, The Ragbirds and Flint Eastwood.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Playing with West Michigan’s Junior Valentine and Hank Mowery in the ’90s helped set the stage for the Austin-based musician’s fortuitous relationship with Clark, who stops at Meijer Gardens Wednesday. Read the exclusive Local Spins interview with Bradley, who’s spent the past five years in Clark’s band.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Several thousand music and beer fans once again jammed streets outside Founders Brewing on Saturday for sets by Nahko, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Gringo Star, Elephant Revival, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Devin & The Dead Frets, Organissimo and those lovable FBC All-Stars. Read the round-up and check out the photo gallery and video.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids old-timey folk group Hawks & Owls came in to perform and chat about the upcoming Grand River Water Festival, while electronic/rock duo AOK talked about their upcoming video release party at Mexicains Sans Frontieres. Plus more local gems. Listen to the entire podcast and check out a video of Hawks & Owls performing in-studio.
Here’s a great soundtrack to kick off the summer, courtesy of folk-rock’s The Crane Wives, with My Morning Jacket, Lake Street Dive, Radiohead, Shakey Graves and more spotlighted in their Guest Playlist. Check out all the tracks, videos and a Spotify version to play.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Now based in Traverse City after years in Grand Rapids, Stover is recording a new studio album at Amber Lit Audio and literally writing ‘365 Songs for 365 People.’ He plays Elk Brewing on Thursday. Read the back story of this remarkable one-man band and watch a video of him playing his contraption.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The super-deluxe, star-studded edition of Local Spins on WYCE (Episode No. 42) boasted in-studio appearances and performances by acts offering up house concerts in a WYCE auction, plus brand new music from Scott Pellegrom and The Tosspints. Check out the podcast and watch the video of the first-ever live collaboration between Big Dudee Roo and Rick Chyme.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Videos
Sparked by his third-place finish on the NBC show, the Traverse City singer-songwriter has a crazy Michigan summer concert schedule ahead. Tickets for the Grand Rapids show go on sale Friday. Get details and information about other upcoming Davis concerts.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Psych/garage/surf rock’s Heaters kicked off the Local First Street Party, then plan to head to the East Coast. But first, they stopped by Local Spins on WYCE to play a brand new spacey song in Studio X and talk about their music. Check out the exclusive video of an unreleased new song and listen to the radio podcast, which features new material from The Legal Immigrants, The Accidentals and much more.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
In another exclusive video performance and interview, Traverse City’s hottest trio talks about being on the road as minors, an upcoming new studio album and being ‘socially awkward.’ And check out in-studio performances of brand new unreleased songs.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Crane Wives, Max Lockwood and Tom Hymn packed Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge like never before, while The Outer Vibe celebrated release of its new album with American WiFi, Desmond Jones and Watching for Foxes. Check out the photos and video, plus images from concerts by Wayland and Sepultura,
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Playing Rockford Brewing tonight (Friday) with his band, the drummer and guitarist continues to churn out catchy pop-rock. Watch a video of a new song and listen to the radio podcast of Local Spins on WYCE No. 40 with the debut of new tracks by Peat in the Creel, Bong Mountain, Rochelle & The Spoilers and more.
Breaking music news · Features
In a Local Spins interview, the northern Michigan singer-songwriter says it’s ‘really good to be home’ and planning his next move after a star-studded experience on the NBC show. But would he do it all over again?
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Michael Boxer and Laura Crosswait, formerly known as Fiddleface, already have one album under their belts with another in the works. They play Rockford Brewing on Thursday night. Read the back story about this fast-emerging band and check out an exclusive video of a new song.
Breaking music news · Commentary · Videos
Michigan songwriter Joshua Davis made an “incredible” run to the finals of the NBC singing competition. Finishing third is actually a plus: He’s now a national star with a bright future. Read the Local Spins commentary and check out a video of Davis’ on-air debut of an original song.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
With so many “killer” grooves and “mind-blowing” sounds shaped in a Kalamazoo studio, the Grand Rapids folk-rock band decides to drop not one but two CDs, with first out in late August. And check out a video for their new song, “Turn Out the Lights.”
Inspired by Hayley Williams, singer Tonia Broucek fronts the fast-emerging pop-punk band that aims to release its first full-length album this summer. Read by the story by Nolan Krebs and check out the video of an acoustic performance by the band.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Viewers voted Tuesday to send both singers on to the next round after Frederickson soared up the iTunes chart with a May Erlewine song and Davis scored big with The Beatles. Read the back story and watch the video.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Videos
Local Spins’ third anniversary celebration in May will feature shows by some of our readers’ favorite bands, all of whom have much-anticipated new albums on the way. See which other Michigan acts ranked high among reader favorites and find out who won our Local Spins gift packages.
Michigan’s favorite musical son advances once again in the NBC singing competition, giving a shout-out to his mother in the process. Read the story and check out the video of his performance this week.
Fronting a top-drawer band a week after Earth Day, Lynch will play two West Michigan shows, including a benefit for protecting the Great Lakes basin. And she hopes to start work on a new studio album later this year. Read the Local Spins interview.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Episode No. 35 of Local Spins on WYCE was a rollicking double-header with in-studio performances by The Appleseed Collective and Moxieville, plus a chat with Craig “Griff” Griffith of the GR Musician Collective. The show also debuted a song by his duo, The ElectroCats, Grand Rapids jazz singer Kathy LaMar and northern Michigan’s Crazy Chestur. Listen to the entire podcast and check out a video of The Appleseed Collective’s performance.
A founding member of the celebrated Carolina Chocolate Drops plays Grand Rapids on Friday, touring behind her solo album, “Tomorrow is My Turn.” Read the Local Spins interview and listen to her incredible interpretation of a classic song.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
After performing a Tom Petty tune on Tuesday, Traverse City’s Joshua Davis moves on to the Top 8 after an “instant save” by America. Earlier, he publicly thanked his Michigan fans. Read the story and information about watch parties being held Monday in Grand Rapids and Lansing.
Grand Rapids music mavens and record buffs came out in droves Saturday, snapping up special vinyl releases and embracing live local music at Vertigo Music, Dodds Record Shop and Corner Record Shop. Local Spins columnist Brian J. Bowe provides his take on the phenomenon. Check out the photo gallery and video.
Breaking music news · Features
The Traverse City singer-songwriter takes the next big step this week on the NBC show. Check out the video and links to Monday night watch parties in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Portage, Leland, Bellaire and Frankfort.
The Traverse City-based singer-songwriter gets “saved by America” in voting by viewers as revealed on the NBC reality show. Check out the video from his performance in the live rounds. The show resumes Monday.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Raised in an ultra-musical family, the singer-songwriter with collaborative ties to Blake Elliott and The Accidentals plays the Grand Rapids area this week. Read the story and check out a video/podcast of her appearance on Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks from several West Michigan bands.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Easter week yielded an intriguing mix of performances around West Michigan, from Darlingside and Tall Heights in Spring Lake to South of Wealthy Trio in Rockford to the Mike G’s birthday bash and the annual LadyFest GR celebration. Check out the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
The up-and-coming Grand Rapids country singer opens for Eric Paslay at The Intersection tonight, with a new album set for release this summer. Read the Local Spins interview, with Rivers’ take on songwriting, collaborating with other artists and performing across Michigan. (Story, podcast, video)
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The 30th edition of the radio show that spotlights West Michigan’s music got up close and personal with the rootsy, Dead-like Bigfoot Buffalo from Grand Rapids, who made their in-studio, on-air debut. And it debuted new tracks from several regional acts. (Podcast, video)
Commentary · Features · Videos
Thrilled to be named one of America’s most authentic Irish pubs, owners Mary Ann and Terry Reagan are throwing their last St. Patrick’s Day ‘hooley’ at the charming Conklin pub today. Read the column hailing the end of an era and watch a video from today’s parade and celebration.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Much of the week’s musical hoopla was about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early, from An Dro and David Molinari playing SpeakEZ Lounge mid-week to Sam Hunt entertaining a capacity crowd at The Intersection to upwards of 20,000 emerald-clad beer drinkers heating up Saturday’s Irish on Ionia in downtown Grand Rapids. But there was more. Check out the photo gallery and video highlights from Irish on Ionia and other music-driven celebrations.
Audio · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The March 6 edition of Local Spins on WYCE (Show No. 28) heralds the debut of Nordlund, a new country project led by RJ Nordlund, plus a bevy of regional music gems. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of the in-studio performance of a brand new Nordlund song.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
With northern Michigan’s Joshua Davis getting a hero’s welcome on his return to Traverse City this week based on his impressive run on “The Voice,” Local Spins revisits the Guest Playlist he compiled just before heading into the Battle Rounds in March. Check out some of his favorite songs, including tunes by local fave Jen Sygit and icons ranging from Joni Mitchell to Bob Dylan to Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
With a reshuffled lineup that includes fiddler Jeffrey Niemeier, Grand Rapids’ prog-bluegrass band is crisscrossing the state and the country, working in the studio and just released a new video. And bassist Tim McKay has adjusted to a new style of playing since mangling his hand in a snowblower.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Thousands braved bitter cold to drink beer and listen to music outdoors — some dressed in wild costumes — while others stayed indoors to revel in EDM, soul, hip hop, blues and rock. Check out the full photo gallery and some video snippets of the past week’s musical action.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
With an intriguing blend of influences, from The Talking Heads to Animal Collective, the emerging West Michigan band whose debut EP was a Jammie Award finalist for best album by a new artist plays The Pyramid Scheme on Friday and is eyeing a follow-up album in 2015. (Video, podcast)
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Ghost Heart, Seth Bernard, Hannah Rose Graves & Justin Wierenga, Dante Cope, Alexis and Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish shared the award spotlight during a jam-packed Intersection show on Friday. See the full list of winners, photo gallery and videos.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Videos
GVSU students create a short and impressive documentary celebrating the players, venues and studios which boost the region’s burgeoning music scene. Watch the video here. And Rhiannon Giddens is launching a tour behind her new solo album and will play Grand Rapids April 24 with singer Bhi Bhiman.
Features · Photos · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Saturday’s annual concert at Fremont’s Dogwood Center offers a rare opportunity to celebrate the artistry of local musicians who build stunning acoustic instruments.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Red House Records artist plays Muskegon, Lansing and Traverse City this week. After a three-decade-long career, he says he enjoys performing ‘as much if not more’ than ever. See ticket, show details.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
There’s the touching Mary Free Bed tale of Bob Bernard, and a special performance by Seth & May, plus so much more in images and video at Local Spins. From Spring Lake to Grand Rapids to Ann Arbor, and from EDM to pop-rock to folk, West Michigan musicians made a joyful noise this week.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The Grand Rapids rock band hosts an EP ‘giveaway’ show Friday at The Intersection after enlisting a renowned California producer for its new recording. And check out the band’s latest video, filmed at St. Cecilia Music Center with local performers and celebrities.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Downie’s CD-release show on Friday at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre will celebrate iconic female songwriters as well as original material from her third album. (Podcast, video)
Breaking music news · Features
UPDATE: Two West Michigan blues bands competed alongside 140-plus acts in the international competition this week. Read more about their Memphis experience.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Show No. 21 of Local Spins on WYCE features in-studio performances by Thirsty Perch Blues Band, a conversation with Hot Capicola Records co-owner Luke Schmidt, and song debuts from Lady Ace Boogie, THEO and more.
Features · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
More than a dozen Michigan roots acts from the collective will share songs and back each other on stage, including Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, who move to Nashville later this month.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Pop singer-songwriter once known as Garrett Borns performs hit single, “10,000 Emerald Pools,” with his band. He kicks off a national tour next month with a Michigan stop in Detroit March 1.
