With a new blend of rock/folk/pop, Langhorne Slim opens a series Thursday that will now also feature Los Lonely Boys, Pokey LaFarge, Margo Price and Marc Cohn. Read the Langhorne Slim interview, get series details.
By Matt Marn
Published by Local Spins - November 15, 2016
Nashville singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim never gave much thought to how he first began in music or what inspired him.
He just always knew he needed to do something, staying active rather than just staying still.
And he certainly is very grateful the opportunity came along.
"This life is full of emotion; I am just glad I had this outlet," he said.
Using his signature folk, rock, and pop blend to impress crowds across the country, including festivals such as Lollapalooza and South by Southwest, it's safe to say this outlet of music and songwriting has served him well so far.
Having recently relocated to Nashville, he just last year released a critically acclaimed album, "The Spirit Moves," with his band, The Law.
This close group of men he calls brothers has been with him through a lot and his drummer, Malachi DeLorenzo, has been with him for more than a decade. He recounts the many times his band managed to cram an unimaginable load of instruments, amps, and gear into his grandmother's Toyota Camry, and hitting the road to their next gig.
"In life, you find your people - your family - and something like that is for sure worth having," he said.
Read more of Langhorne Slim's preview, as well as later coverage of the show, only at Local Spins!
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Local Spins Concert Coverage Excerpt: "Jason Isbell exudes 'something more' than just country charm in inspiring Grand Rapids show"
The acclaimed Americana artist touring behind his latest album, "Something More Than Free," left the DeVos Performance Hall crowd mesmerized on Monday
By Matt Marn
Published by Local Spins - October 4, 2016
It's rare when a room of 2,000-plus people falls absolutely silent, hanging on every word from a solitary man strumming an acoustic guitar, bearing his heart with his songwriting.
And it can be just as compelling to see exuberant fans jump and scream for every beat of a high-powered, uptempo rock song, played to perfection by a full band.
The crowd that witnessed Jason Isbell on Monday night at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids got plenty of both in the same show.
Fans sang along as Isbell led his band, The 400 Unit, through many of the Americana-fueled singer-songwriter's most familiar material, including songs from his newest release, "Something More Than Free."
His set followed a powerful, crowd-pleasing start from opening act Josh Ritter, who warmed up fans in style, with the acoustic guitarist accompanied onstage by an electric guitarist, a drummer, and an upright bassist. Oozing country twang, the veteran singer-songwriter's impressive tunes brought the audience to its feet, cheering, before the headliner even took the stage.
While Isbell had the audience laughing more than once with his banter, the Alabama native let his music do much of the talking.
And while many might consider his music as occupying the country end of the musical spectrum, Isbell and The 400 Unit displayed great versatility in their approach. So, a heartfelt acoustic ballad dedicated to his wife that left the crowd deeply moved was followed by a song that had Isbell plugging in his Telecaster to shred a bluesy guitar solo.
And for that, the crowd stayed up and cheered long after the lights came on.
Read more on Isbell's GR concert, as well as photo galleries from the show, only at Local Spins!
By Matt Marn
Published by Local Spins - October 4, 2016
It's rare when a room of 2,000-plus people falls absolutely silent, hanging on every word from a solitary man strumming an acoustic guitar, bearing his heart with his songwriting.
And it can be just as compelling to see exuberant fans jump and scream for every beat of a high-powered, uptempo rock song, played to perfection by a full band.
The crowd that witnessed Jason Isbell on Monday night at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids got plenty of both in the same show.
Fans sang along as Isbell led his band, The 400 Unit, through many of the Americana-fueled singer-songwriter's most familiar material, including songs from his newest release, "Something More Than Free."
His set followed a powerful, crowd-pleasing start from opening act Josh Ritter, who warmed up fans in style, with the acoustic guitarist accompanied onstage by an electric guitarist, a drummer, and an upright bassist. Oozing country twang, the veteran singer-songwriter's impressive tunes brought the audience to its feet, cheering, before the headliner even took the stage.
While Isbell had the audience laughing more than once with his banter, the Alabama native let his music do much of the talking.
And while many might consider his music as occupying the country end of the musical spectrum, Isbell and The 400 Unit displayed great versatility in their approach. So, a heartfelt acoustic ballad dedicated to his wife that left the crowd deeply moved was followed by a song that had Isbell plugging in his Telecaster to shred a bluesy guitar solo.
And for that, the crowd stayed up and cheered long after the lights came on.
Read more on Isbell's GR concert, as well as photo galleries from the show, only at Local Spins!
Local Spins Artist Spotlight Excerpt: "Grand Haven's Room Full of Elephants mixes styles, works to inspire others with its music"
The band has taken its roots-based rock music to the next level, with members pushing comfort levels to create "a new different sound." The group makes its SpeakEZ Lounge debut Wednesday.
By Matt Marn
Published by Local Spins - September 27, 2016
Some members of the Grand Haven band Room Full of Elephants have played together for nearly a decade, while others have joined the group only recently.
Regardless of tenure, they can't wait to see where they are headed next.
What began as a duo grew into something greater over time. Room Full of Elephants vocalist Matt Spofford said he and drummer Chris Sabota used to play gigs together as part of a trio that later disbanded.
Spofford said that for a band's survival, it is important to find members with not only similar styles and schedules, but also the same passion.
"Everyone has a reason they aren't in a band anymore," Spofford said. "These bands grow tough to stay together and to thrive sometimes, We need to really practice, and have our game put together. The audience deserves that."
As time went on, Spofford hosted an open mic night, and a player came out one night that caught his attention. Dustin Mason had been playing guitar for years, with a musical background full of influences from Sublime to Bob Marley to Jack Johnson. Those influences - as well as plenty of hints of jazz and R&B - snuck into his songwriting.
When Mason was welcomed into what would become Room Full of Elephants, it was the first time he had played with a band.
"I showed up and started playing once a week with them," Mason said. "It quickly became pretty organic. I started playing Matt's songs, so I got to develop my rhythm guitar skills as we went."
Spofford said that with a hybrid blend of his original songs, and now Mason's original songs, the group was able to add variety to its style.
"For the longest time, the sets were our songs between the two of us, with the rest of the band supporting and adding in their own styles," Mason said. "We played some pop-up festivals and a few house parties, but something was still missing. We needed a media kit: a demo CD to apply for slots at higher-end gigs and venues."
They locked in a recording session with producer Bleu Van Dyke. Spofford said Van Dyke was not afraid to add his own thoughts, pushing the group and even adding his own licks and performances along the way.
"His ear for elaboration and his harmony stood out to me right from the beginning," Mason said. "I realized that is what we had been missing."
The group soon asked Van Dyke to be its bassist. He quickly learned their original songs to catch up with the band, and it only got better from there.
"Bleu took our group to the next level, 100 percent," Mason said.
Read more on Room Full of Elephants in the complete artist spotlight article, only from Local Spins!
By Matt Marn
Published by Local Spins - September 27, 2016
Some members of the Grand Haven band Room Full of Elephants have played together for nearly a decade, while others have joined the group only recently.
Regardless of tenure, they can't wait to see where they are headed next.
What began as a duo grew into something greater over time. Room Full of Elephants vocalist Matt Spofford said he and drummer Chris Sabota used to play gigs together as part of a trio that later disbanded.
Spofford said that for a band's survival, it is important to find members with not only similar styles and schedules, but also the same passion.
"Everyone has a reason they aren't in a band anymore," Spofford said. "These bands grow tough to stay together and to thrive sometimes, We need to really practice, and have our game put together. The audience deserves that."
As time went on, Spofford hosted an open mic night, and a player came out one night that caught his attention. Dustin Mason had been playing guitar for years, with a musical background full of influences from Sublime to Bob Marley to Jack Johnson. Those influences - as well as plenty of hints of jazz and R&B - snuck into his songwriting.
When Mason was welcomed into what would become Room Full of Elephants, it was the first time he had played with a band.
"I showed up and started playing once a week with them," Mason said. "It quickly became pretty organic. I started playing Matt's songs, so I got to develop my rhythm guitar skills as we went."
Spofford said that with a hybrid blend of his original songs, and now Mason's original songs, the group was able to add variety to its style.
"For the longest time, the sets were our songs between the two of us, with the rest of the band supporting and adding in their own styles," Mason said. "We played some pop-up festivals and a few house parties, but something was still missing. We needed a media kit: a demo CD to apply for slots at higher-end gigs and venues."
They locked in a recording session with producer Bleu Van Dyke. Spofford said Van Dyke was not afraid to add his own thoughts, pushing the group and even adding his own licks and performances along the way.
"His ear for elaboration and his harmony stood out to me right from the beginning," Mason said. "I realized that is what we had been missing."
The group soon asked Van Dyke to be its bassist. He quickly learned their original songs to catch up with the band, and it only got better from there.
"Bleu took our group to the next level, 100 percent," Mason said.
Read more on Room Full of Elephants in the complete artist spotlight article, only from Local Spins!
Local Spins Preview Excerpt: "Grand Haven's Ladyfest at the Lakeshore 2016 to spotlight female West Michigan voices"
Saturday's day-long event at Grand Armory Brewing showcases musical talent, poetry and more. Learn more in the Local Spins on WYCE Podcast with Ladyfest performers and new tracks by regional artists.
By Matt Marn
Published by Local Spins - September 23, 2016
It's a day to celebrate and spotlight female voices from West Michigan, from women who lead bands to female singer-songwriters and poets.
The first-ever Ladyfest at the Lakeshore takes place 2-11 p.m. Saturday at Grand Armory Brewing, 17 S. 2nd St. in Grand Haven. The one-day festival will feature musical performances by about a dozen acts, a discussion about women composers and an open-mic showcase.
The lakeshore celebration is a spin-off from the popular Ladyfest GR that celebrated its fifth year in March.
"The event keeps growing, from nine featured acts, both bands and solo singer/songwriters, and even local poetry," said organizer Jessica Fogle, who also performs as Jessica in the Rainbow. "We will feature a variety of music styles in our performances, as well as an 'emerging songwriter' showcase and open mic, where people can come in, put their name down on our sign-in sheet, and share their own talents, as well."
Read the full preview article on Ladyfest at the Lakeshore 2016, only at Local Spins!
By Matt Marn
Published by Local Spins - September 23, 2016
It's a day to celebrate and spotlight female voices from West Michigan, from women who lead bands to female singer-songwriters and poets.
The first-ever Ladyfest at the Lakeshore takes place 2-11 p.m. Saturday at Grand Armory Brewing, 17 S. 2nd St. in Grand Haven. The one-day festival will feature musical performances by about a dozen acts, a discussion about women composers and an open-mic showcase.
The lakeshore celebration is a spin-off from the popular Ladyfest GR that celebrated its fifth year in March.
"The event keeps growing, from nine featured acts, both bands and solo singer/songwriters, and even local poetry," said organizer Jessica Fogle, who also performs as Jessica in the Rainbow. "We will feature a variety of music styles in our performances, as well as an 'emerging songwriter' showcase and open mic, where people can come in, put their name down on our sign-in sheet, and share their own talents, as well."
Read the full preview article on Ladyfest at the Lakeshore 2016, only at Local Spins!
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Local Spins Venue Spotlight Excerpt: Grand Armory Brewing embraces unique setting, live music with one-year anniversary, festivals approaching
Appealing to both the daytime coffee crowd and the evening music/draft beer devotees, Grand Armory Brewing and the other businesses within this downtown building make this a fun hangout
By Matt Marn
Published by Local Spins August 30, 2016
As a brewery and a live music venue, Grand Haven's Grand Armory Brewing boasts an atmosphere unlike any other area establishment.
When I first entered the building on a recent visit, lively soul music was playing over the sound system. The front door to the seating area, off the building's lobby, first greets you with Aldea Coffee at the Armory. The coffee bar, complete with its own separate staff, espresso and drink equipment, and even T-shirts and other merchandise, is open 7 a.m. -6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. -7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 8 a.m. -4 p.m. Sunday.
Beyond Aldea lies the main seating area of the venue. Industrial-styled Edison light bulbs hang from the center of the tall, lofted ceiling. Old pictures of the building in its earlier days at the center of historic downtown Grand Haven hang on the wall behind the music stage.
Off to the side of the seating room, a window looks into a food-prep kitchen, where Righteous BBQ sits ready to serve up fresh, amazing recipes - and rather quickly, considering how busy they were that evening. For the record: try the nachos. They are a true crowd-pleaser, but if you're going alone, trust me: the half order will do just fine.
Up the stairs in the center of the room, there's a loft featuring a more secluded seating area, with a great vantage point to people-watch and enjoy the musical features. And on the other side of the second level sits the Armory Art Center, an art gallery and studio that is open to the public, holding frequent events where community members can attend and flex their creative muscles.
In the back of the main seating level sits the Grand Armory Brewing bar. Full of original craft beers, complete with fun, creative names and labels, it sets the Grand Armory name right among other heavy-hitters in the West Michigan craft brewery scene - and all in just over a year.
Read the full Venue Spotlight on Grand Armory Brewing in the full Local Spins article, here!
By Matt Marn
Published by Local Spins August 30, 2016
As a brewery and a live music venue, Grand Haven's Grand Armory Brewing boasts an atmosphere unlike any other area establishment.
When I first entered the building on a recent visit, lively soul music was playing over the sound system. The front door to the seating area, off the building's lobby, first greets you with Aldea Coffee at the Armory. The coffee bar, complete with its own separate staff, espresso and drink equipment, and even T-shirts and other merchandise, is open 7 a.m. -6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. -7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 8 a.m. -4 p.m. Sunday.
Beyond Aldea lies the main seating area of the venue. Industrial-styled Edison light bulbs hang from the center of the tall, lofted ceiling. Old pictures of the building in its earlier days at the center of historic downtown Grand Haven hang on the wall behind the music stage.
Off to the side of the seating room, a window looks into a food-prep kitchen, where Righteous BBQ sits ready to serve up fresh, amazing recipes - and rather quickly, considering how busy they were that evening. For the record: try the nachos. They are a true crowd-pleaser, but if you're going alone, trust me: the half order will do just fine.
Up the stairs in the center of the room, there's a loft featuring a more secluded seating area, with a great vantage point to people-watch and enjoy the musical features. And on the other side of the second level sits the Armory Art Center, an art gallery and studio that is open to the public, holding frequent events where community members can attend and flex their creative muscles.
In the back of the main seating level sits the Grand Armory Brewing bar. Full of original craft beers, complete with fun, creative names and labels, it sets the Grand Armory name right among other heavy-hitters in the West Michigan craft brewery scene - and all in just over a year.
Read the full Venue Spotlight on Grand Armory Brewing in the full Local Spins article, here!
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Local Spins Link: "Grand Haven's Walk the Beat seeking bands and songs for August festival, aims for biggest spectacle yet
In its third year, Walk the Beat wants to sign up 70 bands to play 35 venues and will host another song contest, with $12,500 in prizes for musicians at stake.
By Matt Marn
Published by Local Spins March 25, 2016
The idea began as an inspired dream to provide musical instruments and resources to those who could not afford them otherwise.
But in its third year, the effort has grown into a year-round, nonprofit organization known as Walk the Beat.
The Aug. 20 Walk the Beat Festival will feature 70 bands and singer/songwriters - many of them local - performing at 35 businesses in Grand Haven. The 2015 event had 60 acts playing 30 venues.
"The festival is in its third year now," said Dave Palmer, founder and executive director of Walk the Beat. "The first year was good, and the second year doubled in attendance from the first. And we plan to double in attendance this year, again."
Organizers are now seeking and accepting applications from bands and songwriters. Registration is now open online at walkthebeat.org for bands as well as sponsors/venues. Seventy acts will be selected from the pool of applicants to participate.
Read more on the background of Walk the Beat in the full 2016 preview article at Local Spins... and stay tuned to Local Spins for updates on the festival's 2017 plans, which should be even bigger!
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Local Spins Sneak Peek: "KISS gets patriotic, loud, fiery, and 'Psycho Circus' theatrical in Grand Rapids tour stop
By Matt Marn
Lights flashed, fire raged all across the stage, and the four iconic members of KISS descended from raised platforms down onto the stage to greet the crowd. The group dove straight into their beloved hit, "Detroit Rock City," and rabid fans were up on their feet, screaming.
Most stayed that way all night.
Playing familiar titles from albums new and old all across their career, the legendary rock n' roll group - bass player Gene Simmons, guitarists Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer, and drummer Eric Singer - uncorked an over-the-top night full of trademark theatrics to wow the crowd, backing it up with blazing guitar solos, thundering work from the drum kit, and the confidence of seasoned entertainers.
Read more about this theatrical, fiery concert in the full article, posted by Local Spins!
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