Sierra Ferrell inspires ‘American Dreaming’ in floral-bedecked, genre-spanning tour stop
The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter enchanted a sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens on Monday. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Tagged: bluegrass
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind
Magical Musicians Revisited: Local Spins’ Top 10 Artist Spotlight Interviews
As we wrap up our 14th anniversary celebration at Local Spins, we highlight a memorable Top 10 list: Our most popular features on regional and national artists, based on readership.
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Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
What’s goin’ down? Sam Grisman, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Avatar, Dave Bruzza & more
Sam Grisman Project, Avatar, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Dave Bruzza led the charge of enticing concerts across West Michigan over the past week, with Yolonda Lavender, Micah Dailey-White and more adding to the live music energy. Browse six photo galleries in our recap at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Sam Grisman Project preserving Grisman legacy with improvised acoustic romps
Sam Grisman, the son of celebrated mandolinist David “Dawg” Grisman, brings his collective of musicians to The Big Room in Grand Rapids on Saturday. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Mandolinist Brian Oberlin’s intoxicating new mix of classical, bluegrass and swing
The Grand Rapids troubadour releases a new studio album next week. Local Spins digs into that project, plus debuts tracks from several Michigan artists, including Chirp, Rachel Brooke, Overdrive Orchestra and Signal Quartet. Get Brian Oberlin’s back story and listen to this week’s radio podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens to fire up summer with Wilco, Switchfoot, KALEO, ZZ Top, St. Vincent, Ziggy
The 34-concert 2026 season will also feature Buddy Guy, Trey Anastasio, Sierra Ferrell, Little Feat, Indigo Girls, Men at Work, Lucy Dacus and Shakey Graves. View the full schedule and ticket info.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Billy Strings goes next level with bluegrass hero Sam Bush in surprise St. Cecilia show
Mandolinist Sam Bush brought unannounced special guest Billy Strings on stage Thursday at the intimate, historic auditorium to the delight of stunned Grand Rapids fans, with the superstar guitarist joining Bush’s band for several songs. The review, photos and video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
‘Feeding off each other’ for a positive vibe: Bluegrass icon Sam Bush amped for GR return
The influential bluegrass mandolinist plays St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids on Thursday. He chats with Local Spins about his career and his love of performing live.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mia Asano, ABC Orchestra, Jason Leech, John Jorgenson, Mustard Plug, more: Photo Recaps
Electric violinist Mia Asano spotlighted Kentwood’s ABC Orchestra in a week that also featured West Michigan tour stops by an eclectic mix of national and regional artists. Browse photos from all of these shows in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Holland.
Announcements · awards · Videos
Michigan bluegrass hero Billy Strings wins third Grammy Award
The acclaimed guitarist — honored on Sunday for best bluegrass album — also has announced a summer tour that closes out with two ‘hometown’ shows at the Ionia County Fairgrounds. Check out the reaction to his Grammy win and watch a music video from the winning album.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Greensky Bluegrass takes Ann Arbor by (winter) storm with electrifying festival debut
The beloved Kalamazoo bluegrass powerhouse kicked off the Ann Arbor Folk Festival on Friday with a fan-inspiring set that followed an opening salvo by guitar icon Junior Brown. The review and photos at Local Spins. The festival continues today with Amos Lee, Dawes and The Crane Wives.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Wild Honey Collective hones dynamic live shows, rootsy string music with a rock edge
The award-winning Wild Honey Collective continues to makes a splash, especially with its live shows, captured recently on a new double album. Get their back story along with the debut of new tracks by a host of Michigan artists, including May Erlewine, The Legal Matters, Koipondcondo and more.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Greensky Bluegrass, Ann Arbor Folk Festival mark major milestones with 2026 event
Greensky Bluegrass and special guest, ‘guit-steel’ guitarist Junior Brown, star on Ann Arbor Folk Festival’s Day 1, a first for both the band and the festival. Learn more at Local Spins and check out videos from both artists.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Picking Power: Mandolinist Brian Oberlin, teen guitarist Peter Cavanaugh wow bluegrass fans
Local Spins spotlights the 15-year-old bluegrass maven who’s turning heads and who joins Oberlin at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Check out an exclusive video of a recent performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast filled with new Michigan music.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Winter Wheat: ‘Coming in hot and bringing the fire’ with Michigan music, communal spirit
Detroit area’s Ember & Ash are just one of more than 10 bands performing Saturday at The Intersection as part of the Wheatland Music Organization’s one-day festival and fundraiser. The preview and schedule.
Festivals · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
Michigan artists, fans toast New Year’s with electronica, jazz, rock, Latin music and more
Today, Local Spins not only recaps New Year’s Eve celebrations across West Michigan in words and photos, but spotlights a memorable Michigan Music Showcase podcast filled with tracks by regional artists.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Billy Strings fervor hits West Michigan with epic concerts, pre-parties: No. 1 story of 2025
Michigan’s bluegrass hero returned to Grand Rapids in late May for two jam-packed, epic nights at Van Andel Arena, sparking pre-parties, a marketplace and more. Revisit the hubbub in words and images.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2025: Local Spins staffers tout the artists & releases that topped their playlists
From Perfume Genius to NF to Rosalia, the roster of impressive albums cited by Local Spins writers covered a lot of territory in 2025. View their picks — along with some selections submitted by readers — and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase featuring some of the best tracks by Michigan artists.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Billy Strings creates Charlotte Bluegrass Festival buzz: Top Stories of 2025 (No. 8)
The guitar phenom in June headlined Day 1 of the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, the first festival he ever attended as a boy. Later that night, sadly, his mother died. The recap in our top stories countdown.
Gift Guide · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Michigan Music Lovers Gift Guide: Local Spins’ ideal Christmas shopping list (& podcast)
Local Spins has assembled a holiday shopping list that would be the envy of Santa Claus when it comes to the perfect gifts for music lovers on your radar. And most of them sport a Michigan vibe. Plus, get more ideas by listening to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast, featuring new music by 14 Mitten State artists.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Yonder Mountain String Band, Lemonheads, Bela Fleck, Ghost-Note: Concert Photo Recaps
The week started and ended with a bang … at different ends of the musical spectrum. Maddy O’Neal, The Claudettes, Cold Leather Seats, Ghost-Note and Miki Yamaka are also part of the Local Spins live music-in-review roundup. Browse all of the photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Snowstorm Serenade: Desmond Jones, Kait Rose, Organissimo, Daniel Staggs (Photos)
Winter arrived in Michigan with a snowy bang over Thanksgiving weekend, but bands from Kalamazoo to Traverse City heated up stages in spite of the weather, including Desmond Jones’ traditional day-before-Thanksgiving romp. View the photos at Local Spins.
Local Spins’ Top 5 Concerts of ’25: What were your favorite shows & albums of the year?
To heat things up for our upcoming year-end round-up of best concerts and albums of 2025, we’re revealing the Top 5 concerts based on reader counts of concert reviews, and asking readers to submit their favorites, too. Those that do will be entered into a drawing for a Local Spins gift pack.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan Album Reviews: Accidentals, Tony Halchak, Greensky Bluegrass, Schrock Bros
Today, Local Spins not only reviews new albums by Michigan artists, but presents this week’s edition of the Michigan Music Showcase featuring the latest tracks from 11 Mitten State bands and solo acts. Check out the reviews, listen to the radio show podcast and see where some of these artists will be performing.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Don Julin’s fresh trio to tour Michigan with ‘monster’ players, ‘Weather Channel-grass’ vibe
The renowned Traverse City mandolinist Don Julin has formed a new super-trio with bassist Tom Knific and guitarist Hayes Griffin, with upcoming shows at The Alluvion, The Ark and beyond. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ryan Hurd, Dogs in a Pile, Charlie Hunter, Armchair Boogie and Jackson’s GIG: Photos
Country singer Ryan Hurd, jam band Dogs in a Pile, Here Come the Mummies and more filled up a weekend of live music that also included the second annual GIG conference in Jackson. Browse the photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Warriors: The Bootstrap Boys, Kip Moore, Cyclops, Greensky Bluegrass and more
Musical contrasts were everywhere when it comes to West Michigan concerts to close out October and kick off November. From bluegrass heroes Greensky Bluegrass and Americana’s The Rebel Eves to heavy metal’s Mushroomhead, Local Spins recaps the week in scintillating images.
‘The Boys are Back’: Greensky Bluegrass romps in first of two hometown birthday spectacles
Dressed appropriately for their silver anniversary, Greensky Bluegrass revved up Kalamazoo fans at Wings Event Center on Friday with two sets featuring guests Sam Bush and Lindsay Lou. The Local Spins recap and photos.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Greensky Bluegrass breathes ‘new life’ into classics with star-splashed ‘XXV’ album
Local Spins spotlights the Kalamazoo bluegrass heroes who celebrate their 25th anniversary with a new record and two hometown shows. Mike Devol from Greensky Bluegrass talks about the new record, Billy Strings and more. Plus, this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast with new tracks from Caitlin Cusack, Lady Ace Boogie, Jack Droppers, Izzy Reign and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Greensky Bluegrass to mark 25th anniversary with all-star homecoming stand in Kalamazoo
Coinciding with release of its ‘XXV’ album, the bluegrass powerhouse plays two nights at Wings Event Center starting on Halloween. Part 1 of our conversation with Greensky Bluegrass bassist Mike Devol.
‘Magical’ Mandolinist Chris Thile plays praises to Bach, autumn and ghost stories
The award-winning musician returned to St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday for a special evening that combined the somber with the upbeat. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Billy Strings: Using the ‘beautiful energy’ from his late mom to make healing music
National Public Radio’s ‘Fresh Air’ last week aired a revealing interview with the Ionia County-bred bluegrass star, who’s still haunted by the overdose death of his mother. We revisit excerpts at Local Spins.
Alison Krauss & Union Station, Jerry Douglas enchant Meijer Gardens fans amid brisk temps
The shining, award-winning bluegrass star captivated fans on Friday. Check out the Local Spins review by West Michigan fiddler Keala Venema, who performs with the area bands Whorled, Candid Antics and others. Check out the review and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jam-Happy Fun: Umphrey’s McGee, Greensky Bluegrass pump up Michigan fans
Umphrey’s McGree returned to Meijer Gardens for a weekend-ending, jam-filled, prog-rock-infused spectacle, the day after Greensky Bluegrass finished a bluegrass stint at Interlochen. Plus, shoegaze bands revved up a new Kalamazoo venue. Photos.
Greensky Bluegrass heats up home-state love with two nights of jamming at Interlochen
The Kalamazoo-bred, progressive bluegrass dynamo unleashed the first of two straight northern Michigan shows at Interlochen on Friday, after revving up fans in Detroit on Thursday. Photos, recap at Local Spins.
The String Cheese Incident jams its way into fans’ hearts in Meijer Gardens debut
The veteran Colorado band that’s long been the “house band” at Michigan’s Electric Forest returned to the region to fire up a capacity crowd at Meijer Gardens on Thursday. A recap and photos at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
Shagbark’s ‘magical place’ on hiatus amid Michigan’s busiest month of music festivals
Local Spins chats with Shagbark fest honcho Farmer John Crissman about taking 2025 off and the challenges facing many festivals. On the flip side, our podcast features artists playing a host of August festivals.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kalamazoo Blues Fest, Leftover Salmon, Upheaval Fest charm Michigan fans (Photos)
The mid-July torrent of live music across West Michigan this weekend ranged from blues to bluegrass to metal to Americana to jazz and more, including shows by The Bacon Brothers, The Flying Leaps, The Local Commuters and a first-ever Jazz Bash. Relive the action in words and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Leftover Salmon stays fresh, entrancing, spellbinding as tour rolls into Grand Rapids
The Colorado bluegrass band joins The Infamous Stringdusters and Kitchen Dwellers at Meijer Gardens on Friday. The Local Spins interview, with a chance to win tickets to the show.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Avett Brothers take Michigan fans on emotional ride, plus Everclear, Miss May 1, Full Cord
The Avett Brothers and Everclear topped off a hectic week of live music across West Michigan that also included Rising Appalachia, Miss May I, Full Cord, Smiling Acres fest and more. Get the week-in-review photos and recaps exclusively at Local Spins.
Billy Strings comes home to create back-porch, bluegrass buzz at cozy Charlotte festival
Playing solo, the guitar phenom headlined the opening night of the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, the first festival he ever attended as a young lad. The recap, fan quips and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Tuneful Tuesday: TEMC’s soulful kickoff at Meijer Gardens + Jake Kershaw, Watchhouse
Sunny, sultry weather greeted fans of vibrant music on Tuesday: The Music That Raised Us at Meijer Gardens, Jake Kershaw in Rockford and Watchhouse in Kalamazoo. Revisit the musical action in images at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Charlotte Bluegrass Festival bracing for ‘Billy Strings Effect’ with guitar star’s appearance
The intimate, long-running festival at Eaton County Fairgrounds boasts a ‘surprise’ Thursday headlining set by Billy Strings, but also features a host of national bluegrass acts.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Railroad Earth, Ryan Adams, Ally Venable & Buttermilk Jamboree’s Day 2: Recaps, photos
It was another action-packed weekend of live music, the mid-June array of shows and festival romps recapped in words and photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Nor-East’r festival ramping up with Michigan stars for 21st year in Mio
Oscoda County Fairgrounds will light up with dozens of performances on three stages this coming weekend, spotlighting a bevy of regional acts. The preview and schedule at Local Spins.
I’m With Her super-group powers through rain for stunning, harmony-hued show
It rained throughout Sunday’s concert at Meijer Gardens, but those who stuck around were treated to the trio’s fetching covers and original gems. The review and photos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
May-Ending Marvels: Billy Strings, Headband Henny, The Head & The Heart, Valerie June
The last week in May offered up a two-night Billy Strings spectacle, the first Meijer Gardens summer show, the debut of a new venue and more, all captured in words and photos at Local Spins.
Billy Strings weaves kaleidoscopic bluegrass enchantment in spellbinding hometown show
Michigan’s bluegrass hero returned Friday to Grand Rapids for the first of two-jampacked nights at Van Andel Arena. Check out the review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Billy Strings ‘Shakedown’: Ionia celebrates guitar star with vendors, street music
A weekend celebrating the West Michigan bluegrass star kicked off Thursday with a vendors’ market and jamming in Ionia, with much more to come. Check out the recap, photos and video. Plus, listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio show podcast that kicks off with a Billy classic and features new tracks by Larry McCray, Phabies, Carbon Decoy and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Stunning Billy Strings Things: Wild covers, new originals, trad tracks likely to wow fans in GR
The bluegrass powerhouse who’s become Grand Rapids’ hometown hero returns to Van Andel Arena for two straight nights later this week. Today, Local Spins’ Ryan McCahill previews this much-buzzed-about homecoming. And see how you can win tickets to see Billy Strings on Friday.
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