The story of the Pixies isn’t new: An enormously influential band instrumental in ushering in a dynamic style of alt-rock that helped shape the very music of the ’80s and ’90s. The group influenced bands from Nirvana to Radiohead, and even gained respect from the likes of U2 and David Bowie.
So it was no surprise that after the band’s brief career and breakup in the early ’90s, the reunion and return to touring in 2004 saw shows that sold out almost immediately, multiple festival appearances and touring across the globe.
Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, the inaugural Great Lakes Music Camp welcomes students and music lovers to learn about and enjoy the many styles and sounds of traditional Americana, roots and folk music.
The three-day acoustic music camp, running Oct. 6-8, includes small, personalized group sessions and two benefit concerts at Camp Blodgett. The instructors are some of the finest acoustic musicians in the country, and the camp is open to all skill levels, ages 12 and up.
A lot of bands like to say that the sky’s the limit for their music, their career, and their dreams, but for Nashville-based alternative band Judah & the Lion, it’s especially hard not to believe.
Nashville is a town that likes folks who call themselves outlaws, but it’s a different story if you’re an actual rebel.
Steve Earle knows more than a bit about this. He’s a gifted singer and songwriter who became a country hit maker in 1986 with the release of his debut album, Guitar Town.
Still growing bigger every year, the Audiotree Music Festival will celebrate its fifth year in Kalamazoo by expanding to two full days of live music.
Founded in 2013, the genre-defying festival has already showcased a diverse range of artists in its short history. This fall, it will feature headlining performances from rising California hip-hop star KYLE (aka SuperDuperKyle) and freewheeling Australian psychedelic rockers King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard.
In anticipation of a return to Frederik Meijer Gardens on Aug. 17, Revue had the pleasure of asking a few questions of Tegan Quin (one half of Canadian indie-pop duo Tegan and Sara). The twin sisters are currently touring in support of their 2016 LP Love You To Death, and are gearing up for a fall tour, revisiting their seminal 2007 LP The Con.
Grand Rapids will bounce to the beat of several of this summer’s hottest DJs and rappers when the brand-new Breakaway Music Festival turns Belknap Park into the largest outdoor concert venue in the city.
One heavily packed Kia Soul, two best friends and a destination across the country began the journey that helped cultivate a career for Afterglow. Featuring lead singer and guitarist Adrian Mitchell, and backup vocalist and keyboardist Jackson Simmons, the Michigan-made alternative rock band left the Mitten for the promises and potential of the L.A. music industry in 2016. And now, almost a year later, the band is returning for its first Michigan show since.
When the members of Grand Rapids’ The Zannies found out they would get to play as part of this summer’s Tuesday Evening Music Club at Frederik Meijer Gardens, the show came as a complete surprise.
“We’re more used to playing venues like Mulligan’s,” vocalist/bassist Ben Steer said, of course referring to the legendary Eastown pub known for its hard-hitting drinks and even harder-hitting music.
For 19 years, West Michigan residents gathered for Muskegon Summer Celebration, an 11-day party to celebrate the best of summer on the shores of Muskegon Lake.
The festival brought national big-name acts to scenic Heritage Landing, along with thousands of people who patronized downtown businesses after the concerts and other festivities.
Since the 2011 demise of Summer Celebration, several local business owners and entrepreneurs have stepped up to organize more unique, boutique-type festivals and fill the economic void and create a positive and memorable experience that will make visitors want to return.
This year, the Kalamazoo Blues Fest is relocating to Wings Event Center, a move that will double the number of musical acts and keep the festival in the black.
Not long after announcing she’d return to Grand Rapids for a headlining show at The Pyramid Scheme, critically acclaimed New York singer-songwriter Mitski took to social media to confess her love for our fair city, and divulged a secret, dream desire to maybe someday move here.
Festivals and summer go hand-in-hand -- no other season can you spend hours in the hot sun with a corn dog (or two) in one hand and a craft beer in the other, listening to a local band jam out while you browse some arts and crafts. And if that’s not up your alley, we have all kinds of festivals; film, cultural, food, sandcastles, art, and so much more.
As any musician will tell you, buying an instrument is definitely something to be done in person, because you have to hear and feel the damn thing. So whether you’re a seasoned vet, a rookie or even just looking to get started, pay a visit to one of these local musical instrument shops and let their expertise guide your important investment.