Weezil Malone Band wins regional blues competition at Billy’s Lounge
The band led by veteran blues guitarist and singer Weezil Malone was a late addition to Sunday’s contest, but will now advance to the national competition in Memphis.
Tagged: blues
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The rock ’n’ blues reinvention of The Reverend Jesse Ray: New album, new attitude
After first making a splash as Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish 14 years ago, Jesse Ray performs solo at Rockford Brewing tonight (Friday) with a new record on the way. The Artist Spotlight, plus this week’s radio podcast featuring fresh tracks by Michigan artists, including The JR Band, Stovepipe Stover, The American Hotel System, Wagon Wheel Effect and more.
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Free Summer Concerts: GR’s Food Truck Fridays, Holland, Traverse City & more
Local Spins’ updated roster of Michigan acts playing more than 100 communities across the state includes schedules for Hudsonville, Elk Rapids, Middleville, Fennville and more. Check out updated listings and get a link to the full guide of summer shows.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
Producer Michael Kreple: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
Kentwood native, Big Rapids recording studio owner and cancer survivor Michael Kreple is an award-winning veteran of the music industry. Today, he reveals the music that inspired him.
Joan Osborne unleashes ‘whole different animal’ of Dylan classics in GR tour stop
The singer and her bandmates regaled a rapt St. Cecilia Music Center audience on Thursday with ‘Dylanology’ as well as her own memorable songs. Concert review, photos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With GR show ahead, Joan Osborne reveling in Bob Dylan, ‘safe harbor’ of stages
The acclaimed singer and songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. Local Spins catches up with Osborne, who still has a lot of irons in the musical fire.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Vespa unfurling female-fronted rock, blues melange with debut recording ahead
Set to play SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday with Tony Halchak & The Happenstance, the Grand Rapids quartet led by Sarah VE has made inroads on the region’s music scene. Learn more about the band at Local Spins.
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.
Grocery as Venue: Horrocks Market’s unique mix of one-stop shopping, live music and beer
The Kentwood grocery store Horrocks Market has become a go-to music venue on weekends, with shoppers able to enjoy a beer or cider while listening to regional favorites. Horrocks opens a beer garden in late May. The back story and photos.
SXSW · Upcoming shows · Videos
March Madness: SXSW and Michigan’s Top 12 concerts and live music events for the month
It’s another full-flavored month of music and we’ve picked a dozen compelling concerts, festivals and celebrations to circle on your calendar, while spotlighting some Michigan artists headed to Austin for SXSW. Plus, check out the Local Spins video roundup on EightWest.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Roots/blues artist Hugh Pool to uncork eclectic music, fingerpicking at Michigan shows
With upcoming Michigan shows at Grow Benzie, Sisters, Short’s Pull Barn and Salt of the Earth, New York musician Hugh Pool of Mulebone checks in with Local Spins to talk about his music and his solo touring.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Blues master Tinsley Ellis poised to deliver scintillating ‘Labor of Love’ at Michigan shows
The Southern-bred blues-rock guitarist plays February shows in Lake Orion, Muskegon and Marshall, touring behind his latest albums, “Labor of Love” and “Naked Truth.” The Local Spins interview, along with a recent performance video.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
Award-winning singer Jennifer Westwood: ‘Artists and Albums that Changed My World’
With Jennifer Westwood & The Handsome Devils making their SpeakEZ Lounge debut in Grand Rapids on Friday (March 6), Local Spins asked the talented singer to reveal her biggest musical influences. Listen to her picks, along with two songs from Westwood’s latest album.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat’s flurry of Michigan music, plus May Erlewine, Finding Amelia and more
Saturday’s Winter Wheat festival in Grand Rapids highlighted a weekend of tantalizing live music across the region, from Ghost Bunnies to Hannah Laine to Full Cord Trio. Get the recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows
January’s Hot Michigan Shows: The Local Spins must-see winter concert round-up
Check out our picks for must-see shows across the region and the state, from Winter Wheat to World of Winter to the Ann Arbor Folk Festival and plenty of riveting concerts in between. Plus view videos from many of the performers.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Organissimo turns 25, ready to unfurl its B3-fueled, soulful jazz in Traverse City, Ann Arbor
The soulful jazz trio formed by organist Jim Alfredson and drummer Randy Marsh will play two star-studded shows to celebrate its birthday. Learn about Organissimo’s history and listen to its music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Americana’s Rusty Vining & His Friends making ‘bold and clear’ statement with new music
Local Spins spotlights Vining who has a pre-release show at The Stray tonight (Saturday), plus debuts new music by Don Was, Pablo Eskobear, Alex Austin, Celeste Allison, Just Magnetic and more. Learn more about Vining and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Larry McCray, The Fields, Mike Ward, Justin Avdek
Browse our takes on another roundup of new albums by Michigan artists, from blues to folk to indie-rock to ambient spaghetti Western, and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat festival primed for 49-band ‘street party’
Saturday’s return of the popular Michigan festival and band competition will rev up two dozen venues on Grand Haven’s East Side. The lowdown and schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Michigan Concert Cornucopia: The tantalizing appeal of live music in the great outdoors
More than 150 communities across the state host summer concerts in parks every night of the week — free shows with a family-friendly milieu. Local Spins takes a closer look at this phenomenon.
The War and Treaty stage triumphant return to West Michigan with boost from GR Symphony
Perfect weather, a rich wall of sound plus a hillside of adoring fans equaled an ideal environment for the beloved Michigan-bred act’s homecoming Friday at Meijer Gardens. Review, photos
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The War and Treaty’s Max Brown: Three Albums That Changed My World
With The War and Treaty returning to Meijer Gardens on Friday to perform with Grand Rapids Symphony, we asked guitarist/production manager Max Brown to reveal his most treasured musical influences, along with a current favorites. View and listen to his picks; get details about the Grand Rapids show at Local Spins.
Heading Up North? Here are some outdoor concerts to heat up your summer
The Homestead near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan Legacy Art Park and Grand Traverse Civic Center are rife with live music this summer. Get the schedules and more at Local Spins.
Gary Clark Jr. sizzles with boost from Lamont Landers amid steamy Michigan weather
The Grammy Award-winning blues/rock/soul/R&B guitarist headlined an evening of scorching temps and searing solos at Meijer Gardens after an Interlochen tour stop. The Local Spins review and photos.
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.
Chris Stapleton rocks GR with Mike Campbell; Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal get bluesy at the Gardens
Thursday was filled with stars: Chris Stapleton fired up a capacity crowd on the first of two nights at Van Andel Arena while Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal returned to Meijer Gardens. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Nathan Moore Affair embraces ‘weird’ soulful stew bigger than sum of its parts
Local Spins profiles the Kalamazoo band with a new single/video this week and playing Kalamazoo Pride, while also debuting fresh tracks from Kennedy Perez, Sonny Ski, Chloe Kimes, Jake Simmons, Flexadecibel and other Michigan artists. Learn more about The Nathan Moore Affair, watch their new music video and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kane Brown, Dave Bruzza, Out of Favor Boys, Heaters and more: Concert Recaps, Photos
From Shades’ electronic spectacle in Grand Rapids to Jon Hayes debuting new music in Kalamazoo to a record label birthday, concert excitement unfolded across W. Michigan. The images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Out of Favor Boys eschew ‘museum versions of the blues’ for dynamic new album
The veteran blues band opens up about its new studio release for Local Spins, which also debuts tracks by Annagail, Desmond Jones, Rodeo Boys, Sixman, Flowers on the Grave and more. Get the back story on Out of Favor Boys and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Michigan’s Tiny Desk Contest 2025 Entries: Traversing the state, spanning all genres
The annual nationwide competition hosted by NPR Music has attracted videos/songs from veteran acts The Gasoline Gypsies, Laura Rain, Annie Bacon, Jack Droppers and Peter Madcat Ruth to fledgling singer-songwriters. View all the Michigan entries at Local Spins.
Luke Winslow-King gets fresh, ‘fully present’ on new album, hitting No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart
The Cadillac native’s latest release, “Flash-A-Magic,” nudged out albums by Headband Henny, Michigander, Adrian Wright and Avocadsquad. View the chart; sample the music at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Champions of Michigan music: 2025 Jammie Awards flaunt happy throngs, voltaic sets
The 25th WYCE Jammie Awards lit up The Intersection in Grand Rapids with wildly diverse sets by 18 Michigan acts for big crowds while honoring the best Michigan releases of 2024. The Local Spins recap, photo galleries and video highlights.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Traverse City’s indoor folk frolic: Recapping Sunday’s spirited hallway serenades
Sunday’s 15th Great Indoor Folk Festival unfurled at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons with more than 75 musicians and singers performing. The story and photos at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Podcasts
Local Spins expands reach with Michigan music showcase on Interlochen Public Radio
Starting this weekend, northern Michigan radio listeners will get an earful of music by Michigan artists as part of Local Spins’ weekly program. Learn more in today’s announcement.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Traverse City’s Nick Veine: Embracing Delta blues, challenging the status quo
The soulful folk artist has a powerful new single, showcased for Local Spins, which also debuted tracks by May Erlewine, Mar in Color, JR Band, Hannah Laine and more.
‘Songs echoing around every corner’: Great Indoor Folk Festival to heat up Traverse City
The unusual Feb. 23 event at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons will feature performances by more than 75 Michigan musicians and singers. The lowdown on the 15th festival at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Groundhog Day Delight: Tauk, Jessica Audiffred, Stearns Day concert photo recaps
Relive the past week’s live music highlights over and over thanks to today’s photo gallery round-up of West Michigan concerts, from Black Midi’s Geordie Greep to Hollywood Makeout to a Sounds of the Zoo fundraiser and more
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Musical Alcoves: Kalamazoo romps at Shakespeare’s, Dormouse Theatre, SugarBowl
A wide array of Michigan bands covering a broad swath of music genres pumped up three Kalamazoo venues over the weekend. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Winter Wheat Wonders: Wheatland puts Michigan stars in January spotlight
Saturday’s 10-band winter festival at The Intersection in Grand Rapids unfurled everything from bluegrass to soulful pop to Cajun and Celtic charm on Saturday. Check out the recap, photos and video.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Unprecedented Local Spins Wednesdays & Fridays series set for SpeakEZ Lounge
Today, Local Spins announces the winter/spring concert series at the downtown club and restaurant, showcasing Michigan acts and tribute bands. View the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top 2024 Stories Countdown: Little Feat and Los Lobos ignite Meijer Gardens (No. 17)
The two jam-happy rock bands with more than a half-century of music to unleash had folks dancing in the sunshine at Meijer Gardens in June. Revisit one of Local Spins’ top reviews of the year.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘I got more music in me’: Veteran bluesman Asamu Johnson unfurls new, personal album
Local Spins spotlights the West Michigan bassist and singer, as well as debuting tracks by Third Coast Swing, Hannah Laine, Squatch, Hannah Rae, Nathan Kalish and more. Learn more about Asamu Johnson, his new album and his amazing back story, and listen to this week’s radio show.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Musician, broadcaster, concert booker Quinn Mathews: ‘Albums That Change My World’
Mathews, who recently left his position as Midtown and Studio C’s music and programming director, reveals the albums that have sparked a lifelong love of music. Listen to tracks from all of them.
Album Reviews: Jack White, Greg Nagy, Cal in Red, Lefty, Gianna Stansell, Hunter Noll Bell
From a Detroit rock icon to a rising Grand Rapids indie-pop duo to a veteran bluesman, this Local Spins roundup of Michigan releases digs into some enticing 2024 releases by regional artists. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from each release.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Claudettes bringing wildly entertaining ‘garage cabaret’ to GR & Northern Michigan
The Chicago quartet returns to Michigan for bluesy, jazzy, rollicking shows led by piano-pounder Johnny Iguana and dynamic singer Rachel Williams. The Local Spins interview, with videos and ticket links.
Blues Traveler unleashes jam-heavy hits, covers with boost from Big Head Todd
The blues-infused rock double-header at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday boasted plenty of instrumental romps and familiar tunes. The Local Spins review and photos.
Tedeschi Trucks, Tanya Tucker, Joe Hertler and more mesmerize Michigan audiences (Photos)
From Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids and beyond it was another simmering summer week of concerts, including Celeste Allison, Chris Canas, Luke Winslow-King, a songwriters’ fest and more.
Hot Fun in the Summertime: Kalamazoo Blues Fest, Rockin’ the Tee Box, Tamarack Music Fest
Michigan’s festival season is in high gear, with musical celebrations spanning the state, Jackson to Hastings to Kalamazoo to Morley. Local Spins has images from a weekend of sizzling outdoor music.
Welcome Return to GR: The heartrending, uplifting musical mastery of Bonnie Raitt
The renowned, award-winning guitarist and singer transfixed a sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Chicago Beef Joint, Frugthaven Farm fire up summer blues, bluegrass, rock and pop
The latest update to Local Spins’ extensive “Summer Concerts @ Michigan Venues” guide boasts hot shows from Grand Rapids to Greenville. View the schedules and more at Local Spins.
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