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 · Live at River City · Local Spins Live · Photos · Podcasts · Videos
The region’s hottest bluegrass group – tabbed to play Friday’s prestigious Ann Arbor Folk Festival – talks about its music and performs scorching renditions of new and old classics in an intimate, exclusive setting. Check out the incredible video.
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.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The ethereal Grand Rapids rock band’s latest album tabbed as best regional album of the year, with the acclaimed group eyeing another recording project for 2015.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Despite chilly temps, thousands crowded Calder Plaza for HOT FM’s annual party, with hundreds more celebrating at SpeakEZ Lounge, Founders, Tip Top Deluxe and Wealthy Theatre. (Photos, review)
Commentary · Features · Top 10 Lists
Once again, Local Spins asked music writers and West Michigan musicians to submit picks for the year’s best albums and songs – and they came through with a truly diverse mix, from Future Islands and New Pornographers to Snarky Puppy and Against Me! to The Go Rounds and Heaters. Submit yours and you could win a special gift package
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Mentored by veteran musician and producer Mark Lamm, the teen already has opened for a national act and is working on songs for a follow-up album. (Story, podcast, video)
Breaking music news · Features · Podcasts · Videos
After playing 230 shows in 2014, the teenage indie-folk phenoms from Traverse City continue to tour and record ceaselessly as a break-through act. They return to One Trick Pony tonight. (Videos, podcast)
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
The guitarist and singer has focused primarily on his solo career while performing across Michigan, but he’s eyeing a full-band project, too. (Story, video, podcast)
Another eclectic week and weekend, from Channing & Quinn to Jackyl to Elephant Wrecking Ball to the B-Side Growlers and some bittersweet goodbyes, captured in photos by Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on a harmony-driven, young and happily ‘weird’ Grand Rapids band releasing its second EP at The Pyramid Scheme on Friday.
Audio · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
Watch the video as the Grand Rapids rock band talks about its astounding new album, “The Effigy,” being released Saturday at Founders Brewing, with the group also performing several songs in the first ever Local Spins Live at River City Studios podcast.
With his vintage soul ensemble playing a special night-before-Thanksgiving show at Fifth Third Ballpark’s Pepsi Stadium Club, Diego Morales offers up thanks to an eclectic roster of influential songs … including some true R&B classics.
Sunday’s feel-good anniversary show raised thousands for food and anti-poverty programs with lively, goofy rock sets by The FuzzRites, Domestic Problems and The Honeytones. (Photo gallery, video)
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter roared in a month early, but that didn’t stop some popular local acts from roaring on stage at CD-release shows and elsewhere, including the International Wine, Beer & Food Festival at DeVos Place. All captured in images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
In the Local Spins Artist Spotlight: The buzz about the fiery Michigan bluegrass duo keeps growing. They play northern Michigan this week, with December shows at Rockford Brewing and Founders Brewing.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The same day as the Halloween LP-release show for “Love or Temptation,” the lovable boys of Alexis unveil their current playlist of favorite tracks. And, yes, it includes lots of synth-pop sizzlers.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
With a new album on the way, the singer has re-established her music career in West Michigan after a long and successful run in Las Vegas. She plays One Trick Pony on Saturday night.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Taped for national broadcast, the evening of music lined up by Ralston Bowles boasted up-and-coming Michigan artists as well as national touring acts. (Review, photo gallery, video)
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
The home-schooled Upper Peninsula 5th grader wows fans with his improvisational skills. He’s in the all-star lineup for St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Folk Series kickoff tonight.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter unveils “Outrider” at The Pyramid Scheme tonight with Seth Bernard, Dan Rickabus and “some really great friends.” (Story, video, podcast)
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
The award-winning Grand Rapids band recently added singer and instrumentalist Olivia Mainville to its lineup. The group plays The Pyramid Scheme Friday, opening for Larry & His Flask.
Lend an ear to some brand new music – and unusual projects – from some of West Michigan’s most compelling artists, exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
With a new studio album on the way, the Grand Rapids jazz quartet is growing its audience and exploring side projects at the same time. (Story, podcast, video).
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight shines on a band that picked up where Kalamazoo’s Funktion left off, led Fennville native Andrew Schrock. (Story, podcast, video)
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos
Laughing off occasional showers, festival-goers reveled in weekend sets by 100-plus bands on four stages on the site northeast of Lake City. (Story, photo gallery, video)
