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: jazz
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: The Bootstrap Boys, Signal Quartet, Feeding Grizzlies
As warm weather returns, Local Spins heats up with its takes on new releases by Michigan artists. Check out three gems today and listen to tracks from each album.
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Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
‘Working Man’: Lafayette Gunter Jr.’s jazz saxophone journey inspired by his father
Local Spins spotlights the up-and-coming Grand Rapids musician with a new EP, along with debuting tracks by Brian Oberlin, Luke Winslow-King, Pretty Sure, Spencer LaJoye, Katie Greene and more. The feature story on Gunter and today’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Spring has Sprung with New Michigan Music: The Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase
Today’s radio podcast digs into tracks by Brie Stoner, Shayla Hamady, Mark Harrell, The Bootstrap Boys, Hannah Rose Graves, Heat Above and many more. Learn more about these acts and listen to this week’s show.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Renowned drummer Harvey Mason keeping jazz alive with MSU Jazz Orchestra
After working this week with students, the well-traveled 79-year-old master drummer will perform with the MSU Jazz Orchestra at The Alluvion in Traverse City. Learn more about this jazz mainstay.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Michigan jazz drummer Keith Hall: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
The acclaimed Kalamazoo drummer who plays three nights of Brazilian jazz across the state this week reveals the albums and artists that have influenced him most. Check out his picks, along with his own music, and find out more about his upcoming performances.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Acclaimed Michigan producer Glenn Brown: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
The celebrated producer, studio owner and multi-instrumentalist reveals the impact that Jimi Hendrix, Return to Forever and Peter Gabriel had on his own career. Check out his album picks, listen to tracks from each recording.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan clarinetist Dave Bennett’s wild mix of jazz, rock, pop, gospel and more
Local Spins spotlights the unique Southeast Michigan multi-instrumentalist who’s playing two regional shows, as well as debuting new tracks by other Mitten State artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Saxophonist Rolly Smith: ‘Albums That Changed My World’ – Brubeck, Coltrane, BS&T
Saxophonist Rolly Smith has long served as an in-demand musician across West Michigan, while also co-founding the avant-fusion band Space Bar. Today, he reveals the albums that have influenced him most. Listen to tracks from these albums and see where Smith will be performing this winter.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Prolific trombonist Michael Dease poised to ramp up inspirational jazz in Traverse City
The acclaimed trombonist, composer, Michigan State University educator and versatile multi-instrumentalist releases another album later this month, with a Saturday concert at The Alluvion in Traverse City. Get his back story and listen to his music at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
SpeakEZ Lounge pushes beyond ‘W. Michigan’s best-kept secret’ with live music and more
View the “Destination: Live Music” video spotlight on Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge and check out the upcoming winter/spring schedule of concerts at the downtown restaurant and venue.
Concert reviews · Top 10 Lists · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2025 (No. 9): 90-year-old Herb Alpert blows away fans in Grand Rapids
Our countdown of Local Spins’ most-buzzed-about stories of the year continues with a review of legendary trumpeter Herb Alpert’s May tour stop at DeVos Performance Hall that drew robust standing ovations.
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.
Michigan Album Reviews: Spencer LaJoye, Caitlin Cusack, Lafayette Gunter Jr., Billy King
With the holidays fast approaching, Local Spins recaps several new releases by Michigan artists — not only to showcase their varied music, but give you ideas for the music lovers on your shopping list. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan Music: 1000 Watt Prophets, Billy King, Rachel Curtis, Mystique & more
The Thanksgiving weekend edition of the Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase boasts fresh tracks by a diverse set of artists, plus some enduring music from Jack White and Organissimo. Listen to the full radio show podcast.
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.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Joe Hertler, Hacky Turtles hit home run at Big Room, plus Thomas Dolby, SoDown & more
Saturday night’s benefit for Sullivan Field drew a robust crowd for Joe Hertler and The Hacky Turtles. Plus, view photos from tour stops by Thomas Dolby, SoDown, Bobby Watson and YDG, with regional favorites Ghost Bunnies, Jake Simmons and more in our concert photo gallery roundup.
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.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Producer Josh Kaufman: ‘Albums That Changed My World,’ from LA Big Band to Cameron Blake
Josh Kaufman, producer and owner of Grand Rapids’ Local Legend Recording, reveals the three albums that have influenced him the most. Learn more about Kaufman and listen to tracks from all of his selections at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Roundup: Kathleen Edwards, Neon Trees, John Morgan, Lindsay Lou and more
Kathleen Edwards, Neon Trees, John Morgan, Lindsay Lou, Lower Leisure Class, Candid Antics, The Local Commuters and Garbage Angel highlighted the week of live music from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Traverse City, recapped in Local Spins photos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Candid Antics unleashing groove-filled, energetic ‘party fusion’ with sophomore album
Local Spins spotlights the hot Grand Rapids jazz fusion band, which hosts its album-release show Saturday. And listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast that debuts tracks from several Michigan artists, including May Erlewine, Silverstiles, 84 Tigers, Alex Austin, Von Kaiser and more.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Evidence Jazz embracing the ‘unexpected’ with all original material on new album
The Grand Rapids super-group led by Michael Doyle plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Sunday with a new album on the way. Plus, this week’s radio show podcast with fresh tracks by Michigan artists, including Greg Nagy, Steven Malcolm, Don Was, Luke Winslow-King, Greensky Bluegrass and more.
Album Releases · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Around the Horn: Billy Strings & Third Man, All Time Low’s silence, Traverse City’s fall flurry
Today’s music news box score: Billy Strings is releasing a Third Man Records compilation, All Time Low — with Michigan stops ahead — is battling some health issues, Traverse City boasts riveting fall concerts and West Michigan has several intriguing benefit shows on the horizon.
Don Was and Detroit cohorts blow the roof off during tour-opening Traverse City show
Touting their debut studio album, Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble revved up the intimate confines of The Alluvion listening room with two sold-out shows on Wednesday. The review and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble: Oozing a soul-jazz groove reflecting Detroit’s vibe
The legendary Motor City musician and producer leads the new top-shelf ensemble releasing its debut album next month, with tour stops in Traverse City, Lansing and Detroit. The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
Sounds of the Zoo charms Kalamazoo with hot hip hop, eclectic jazz, bracing rock & soul
The first four days of Kalamazoo’s week-long musical celebration have covered a lot of bases. Get the recap, photos and listen to this week’s radio show podcast featuring tracks by more than a dozen Michigan artists.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo eager to amplify voices ‘bigger than just an event’ at Sounds of the Zoo fest
The fourth-year, week-long Sounds of the Zoo music festival will unfold on eight stages over seven days starting Monday with more than four dozen bands and solo artists. Get the preview and schedule 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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jazz Musician Tommy Pancy: From playing a $75 saxophone to hosting Sunday jazz jams
Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge has kicked off regular jazz jams hosted by the saxophonist, with area musicians invited to join the fun. Learn more about Pancy and these sessions.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jazz guitarist Pierre Bensusan marks 50 years with tour stops in Grand Rapids, Elk Rapids
The renowned French musician brings music from his heralded career to Michigan’s Tip Top Deluxe, Chalfonte Theatre and The Ark this week. The Local Spins interview, with a music video.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Local Spins unveils robust fall concerts at SpeakEZ, second ‘Laurel Canyon’ tribute night
Beyond the lineup of diverse Wednesday and Friday shows starring Michigan acts, Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge will take over Tommy Pancy’s Sunday jazz jams after Turnstiles closed its doors. View the full schedule of upcoming shows.
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.
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.
Trombone Shorty & krewe usher ‘Something Beautiful’ with New Orleans flavor, funk in GR
The multi-instrumentalist and his Orleans Avenue band brought a jazzy Mardi Gras atmosphere to a packed Meijer Gardens venue for a high-energy Sunday of favorites. The Local Spins review and photos.
Singer-pianist Diana Krall embraces sultry, mysterious vibe at Meijer Gardens
The jazz singer and pianist unfurled a beautifully ‘brooding’ set in her Monday tour stop, with Michigan’s Abigail Stauffer opening. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Herb Alpert turns back clock with verve, charisma and Tijuana Brass classics
The 90-year-old trumpeter made a Sunday tour stop at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall and drew standing ovations for he and his band’s performance. The Local Spins review.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Living legend Herb Alpert still going strong at 90 with his Tijuana Brass playing GR on Sunday
The iconic trumpeter, pianist, composer, producer and co-founder of A&M Records is on tour with a stop Sunday at DeVos Performance Hall. He insists: ‘It gives me energy to play.’ The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Award-winning Simply in Time creates party groove with ‘theatrical funk fusion’
The eclectic West Michigan band releasing a new recording later this year makes it SpeakEZ Lounge debut in Grand Rapids on Friday. Learn more about the band in this Artist Spotlight feature.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Judy Collins, Bob James, Red Sea Pedestrians and more heat up mid-March (Photos)
From Traverse City to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, the unseasonable heat wave sparked sizzling concerts by veterans and emerging artists alike. The recaps and images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Bob James, California’s Dave Koz team up for unplugged duo jazz album, tour
The celebrated pianist and saxophonist play a sold-out show at Traverse City’s The Alluvion on Thursday, kicking off a U.S. tour behind a new recording, “Just Us.” The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Youth Movement: Emerging Money Soup electrifies audiences with funk-soul-pop fusion
The band which plays Billy’s Lounge, Founders, Chicago Beef Joint and Park Theatre in coming weeks joined other Michigan artists in debuting music for Local Spins: Mary Beth Orr, Deerfield Run, Stanley & Quiggle and more.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Big Ticket Festival cancels; Rockwell Republic closure in GR ends Monday night jazz
The roster of festivals and music venues disappearing over the past several months continues to grow with the announcements by a Christian music fest and downtown GR restaurant.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bilmuri, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Wilder Woods lead W. Michigan’s February music parade
The week’s concert lineup also boasted a Jackson Browne/Linda Ronstadt/Warren Zevon tribute, Mark Lavengood and a musical Winter Beer Fest romp. The images and more 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.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
WNMC’s Eric Hines: Albums by The Clash, Marley, Stones & more that changed my world
The station manager for the Traverse City radio station has been inspired by a wide swath of artists since growing up in Philly. Listen to tracks from all of his selections at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals · Venue Spotlight
GRNoir jazz venue to close; Faster Horses cancels 2025 country music festival
Two popular destinations for fans of different genres in different Michigan cities — Grand Rapids and Brooklyn — made the sad announcements over the past 24 hours. The back story at Local Spins.
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