Features Archives - Local Spins

Category: Features

Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Billy Strings ‘Shakedown’: Ionia celebrates guitar star with vendors, street music

May 30, 2025

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.

Features · Photos · Playlists · Top 13 Lists

Lucky 13: Local Spins toasts birthday with its Top 13 Playlists of All Time and much more

May 22, 2025

Birthdays only come around once a year, so Local Spins marks its 13th anniversary today with its top playlists, top Michigan albums of 2025 and a photo recap of Wednesday’s birthday bash at SpeakEZ Lounge. Check out some amazing and unusual playlists, and see whic

Features · Upcoming shows

Billy Strings sparks robust pre-parties, vendor markets ahead of Michigan homecoming

May 21, 2025

Grand Rapids and Ionia will host special pre-shows, performances and vendor lots before the bluegrass superstar’s Van Andel Arena concerts May 30 and 31, organized by devoted fans and artisans who follow Billy Strings across the country. The details at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Nicole LaRae’s Dizzybird Records celebrating 11 years of sharing ‘great music with the world’

May 7, 2025

The label’s 11th anniversary party takes place at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Friday with Heaters, Gringo Star, Hollywood Makeout and Crystal Trench. Learn more at Local Spins, view the show schedule and check out videos of all the artists.

Features · Photos

Message to Musicians: Be authentic, own social media, build your brand, tell your story

April 13, 2025

This weekend’s second Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids drew attentive musicians and songwriters for guidance in career development from industry experts across Michigan. It continues to today with ‘Vendor Day’ featuring merchandiser and information from a variety of music-related organizations.

Features · Upcoming shows

Feedback 2025 benefit set to ‘Rock Poverty with Soul’ at Founders Brewing on Sunday

April 3, 2025

For 25 years, The Honeytones hosted this benefit concert to aid the hungry in Kent County until COVID hit. Now, it’s back with The Soul Syndicate and Money Soup to party for a cause.

Breaking music news · Features

Jake Rye’s Social Recording left reeling from devastating fire; musicians rally behind him

April 2, 2025

The mid-March blaze destroyed more than $100,000 in gear, furniture and more at the Adrian recording studio. Musicians and friends are pitching in to assist in recovery efforts. Get the story at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows

‘Real Connection’: GR’s Music Econ Summit set to enlighten, inspire, mentor musicians

March 27, 2025

The second annual Michigan music business conference taking place April 11-13 boasts a who’s who lineup of industry experts, speakers, panelists and performers. The lowdown and registration links at Local Spins.

Commentary · Features

Gig Giggles: Musicians, fans recall their funniest, oddest concert moments

March 15, 2025

From naked fans to fiery tips to bitten violists to narcoleptic dogs and keyboard players, the anecdotes from amusing live music events are, indeed, memorable. View many of them at Local Spins and add your own tales to the roster.

Features · Upcoming shows

2025 Jammie Awards preview: Musical discovery, ‘magical moments,’ bracing sets

February 26, 2025

Friday night’s mammoth show on all three stages at The Intersection in Grand Rapids will feature 18 bands and numerous award presentations. View and save the full schedule at Local Spins.

Features · Summer Festivals

Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts: Recalling the notable performances, people, food and art

February 22, 2025

With the popular downtown Festival pulling the plug after 55 years, Local Spins asked its readers to recall their favorite highlights from the iconic Grand Rapids event.

Features · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows

‘GR Live’ radio show to hit the road, debuting at SpeakEZ Lounge on Thursday

February 5, 2025

WYCE’s lunchtime radio show with live performances will go on location to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge at noon Thursday, with future stops at Garage Bar and AllArtWorks Studio. Get details and see who’s performing this week.

Features · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows

West Michigan entrepreneur creates world’s largest floating electronic music festival

January 22, 2025

From the Great Lakes State to the Great Wide Ocean, Jason Beukema has done the unimaginable: His Groove Cruise this month will unleash seaborne sets by 100-plus DJs for thousands on board. Get the back story from Local Spins columnist Todd Ernst on this international sensation developed by a Wyoming native.

Features

On Stage 4 Kids re-launches for 2025 embracing mission to inspire kids with live music

January 6, 2025

The nonprofit Michigan program that’s performed for 80,000-plus students over the years is back in “a discovery phase,” seeking schools eager to get their kids excited about live music.

Contests · Features · Festivals · Venue Spotlight

Wheatland Music Festival, Tip Top Deluxe top readers’ lists of favorite festivals, venues

November 26, 2024

On Thanksgiving week, readers and music lovers were most thankful for more than a dozen Michigan music festivals and 30-plus concert venues. Check out their responses. SCROLL DOWN FOR[…]

Features · Local Spins Rewind · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins Rewind: Billy Strings fans follow hero across U.S.; revel in epic Halloween show

November 4, 2024

The bluegrass guitarist’s fans traveled from across the country to catch a wild 2023 Grand Rapids concert that folks are still talking about. This year’s Halloween spectacle was epic, too. Check out a video clip from this year’s concert affair and listen to the 2023 Local Spins on WYCE radio show featuring interviews with diehard fans and more.

Audio · Features · Playlists

Team Local Spins: Spinning tunes and spinning wheels for the Iceman Cometh Challenge

November 2, 2024

Today’s mammoth and grueling Iceman Cometh Challenge bike race in Traverse City boasts riders from Team Local Spins. We have a bike- and race-hued playlist to send them on their way.

Commentary · Features

Concert regrets, most disappointing band breakups, summer’s best shows: Readers react

October 12, 2024

Local Spins’ recent ‘Questions of the Week’ have generated some of the most robust and interesting responses in the history of our ‘Amplified’ newsletter. Check out all of the reader comments and respond to our latest ‘Question of the Week.’

Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos

‘Time to Make History’: Detroit Lions championed in fresh theme song by GR native

September 8, 2024

With the 2024 NFL season kicking off for Detroit tonight, Ryn Scott, aka West Catholic High School alum Ryan Scott, has released a rollicking tribute to the boys in silver and Honolulu blue. Listen to the track and watch the video at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Features

GR’s Acrisure Amphitheater Project: Digging into the August hotel tax ballot proposal

July 31, 2024

Kent County voters go to the polls next week to decide the fate of a proposed hotel tax increase that would affect a new concert amphitheater and soccer stadium. Local Spins today answers key questions about this proposal and its impact.

Features

Most Disappointing Concerts Ever? Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Al Green, Mötley Crüe?

July 10, 2024

Local Spins readers responded in droves in relating their biggest live music disappointments, ranging from sloppy performances to horrible sound to even more horrible fans. What concerts frustrated you?

Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Greta Van Fleet, Billy Strings? A wish list for the new Grand Rapids amphitheater

June 28, 2024

A Local Spins on WYCE interview with Rich MacKeigan, a key player in a new GR amphitheater, raised names of potential venue performers, from Grand Rapids Symphony to The War & Treaty. Listen to the chat, read more about the amphitheater and check out new music from Michigan artists — Phabies, Kait Rose, Overdrive Orchestra and more. Plus, make your picks for artists you’d like to see play the 12,000-seat outdoor venue.

Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows

Wanted: Local bands for Kent and Traverse area libraries’ regional streaming services

June 18, 2024

Two district libraries are seeking tracks by artists from the Grand Rapids and Traverse City areas for special streaming services that showcase Michigan music. Details at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Push the City Cypher uniting the region’s hip-hop scene in front of a live studio audience

May 23, 2024

Hosted by Ruben Martinez and Lady Ace Boogie, Saturday’s Grand Rapids performances at Midtown by a dozen regional artists will be filmed for videos at aimed at elevating Michigan talent.

Features · Local Spins Fest · Summer Festivals

Kalamazoo Academy of Rock: Inspiring young musicians to light up on stage

May 18, 2024

Leading up to Local Spins Fest later today (Saturday), we offer another profile of area academies and schools of rock that tutor the next generation of musicians. Learn more about Kalamazoo Academy of Rock, with advice about how to best encourage youthful talent.

Features · Local Spins Fest · Summer Festivals

Girls Rock! Grand Rapids: Developing tools for youth to ‘be creative and express themselves’

May 15, 2024

To help preview Grand Rapids’ Local Spins Fest 2024 on Saturday, Local Spins continues to examine the importance of mentoring young musicians. Today, we focus on Girls Rock! Grand Rapids.

Commentary · Features · Local Spins Fest

Fostering ‘the future of Michigan music’ and offering platforms for success: New City Kids

May 13, 2024

As part of our lead-in to Local Spins Fest 2024 in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Local Spins explores the importance of mentoring young musicians. Today, we focus on New City Kids Grand Rapids.

Features · Upcoming shows

Laith Al-Saadi set to turn Traverse City concert into ‘real-life’ lesson for audio tech students

March 30, 2024

When Al-Saadi and Kingfisher rock Milliken Auditorium on April 13, they’ll do so with a big assist from Northwestern Michigan College students handling every aspect of the concert experience. The back story at Local Spins.

Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows

Michigan bands, solo artists strutting their stuff at massive 2024 SXSW in Austin

March 11, 2024

March always signals a pilgrimage of musicians and singer-songwriters from across the globe seeking exposure for their art at Texas’ South by Southwest, with dozens of them from Michigan. The lowdown and the lineup at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Sofar Sounds’ secret ‘pop-up’ concerts make Grand Rapids debut on Saturday

February 23, 2024

Part of a global trend, Sofar doesn’t announce concert lineups or details until the day of the show. Learn more in this story and today’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast — a podcast hat also previews the Jammie Awards and debuts tracks by Steven Malcolm, Von May, The J Hawkins Band and more.

Features · Upcoming shows

Unique ‘Hip Opera’ headed to Meijer Gardens as a ‘love letter’ from opera to hip hop

February 17, 2024

Created by Opera Grand Rapids, Tuesday night’s first-ever production will star DJ Chuck, a string ensemble, dancers and an ‘authentic’ vibe. The back story and more at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Features · Upcoming shows

Sunday night jazz set for return to SpeakEZ this weekend with ‘best live jazz’ in West Michigan

February 15, 2024

Nearly four years after the jazz jams were silenced by COVID, drummer Randy Marsh brings the ‘special’ tradition back to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Sunday night. The back story at Local Spins.

Announcements · Commentary · Features

Local Spins keeps spinning: Michigan’s No. 1 music website posts another record year

January 9, 2024

Today, your favorite online music magazine posts a little year-in-review after wrapping up our 12th year as Michigan’s go-to music website. Help keep our coverage spinning.

Features · Summer Festivals

Lighting Up Michigan: Local Spins’ 2024 Michigan Music Festivals Guide and User Tips

January 1, 2024

Presenting our guide to 2024 Michigan music festivals and kickoff to festival fun, a New Year’s Day tradition at Local Spins. We’ve got tips for festivalgoers and the state’s most comprehensive festival listing.

Features · Top Stories of the Year Countdown

Devoted Herd of ‘Billy Goat’ Fans: Digging into the Billy Strings mystique (No. 2 Story of 2023)

December 30, 2023

Many fans say the beloved Michigan-bred guitarist has changed their lives. Our October feature digging into unprecedented ardor for the superstar soared to No. 2 in our top stories of the year. Plus, view a new photo gallery of fans and more from Billy Strings’ October concert.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Trans-Siberian Orchestra still wowing holiday crowds, still raising funds for charity

December 23, 2023

The symphonic rock spectacle that lights up the holidays every year returns to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena the day after Christmas. The interview and preview at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows

Singer Kari Lynch hosting 11th star-studded ‘Jingle Jam’ concert to aid area homeless

December 13, 2023

The country and Americana artist has organized Saturday’s benefit show in Caledonia, with more than a dozen West Michigan acts performing and raffles to support Mel Trotter Ministries. View the lineup and learn more about this special concert at Local Spins.

Features · Photos

Great Lakes Records spins out unique lathe-cut vinyl for West Michigan artists

December 11, 2023

The small, Grand Rapids vinyl production operation offers local and regional acts a rare opportunity to provide fans with a physical ‘piece of nostalgia’ that showcases their music. Learn more about the fascinating work of Great Lakes Records at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Features

Emerging Midwest Gold Records aims to give bands ‘college degree on a job resume’

December 4, 2023

Formed last summer by Andrew Teed and Ryne Clarke, the new West Michigan record label already has signed several bands to its roster. Learn more about this new label at Local Spins.

Features · Playlists

43 years on, 43 John Lennon songs that will live forever: The Local Spins Playlist

December 2, 2023

Dec. 8 marks 43 years since the world lost John Lennon of The Beatles to a brutal assassination. The world still reveres his music, still mourns his loss — with The Beatles even recently releasing one of his songs for the Fab Four’s final track. Listen to Local Spins’ Ultimate John Lennon Playlist.

Features

Thanksgiving 2023: Michigan musicians offer gratitude for a supportive music scene

November 23, 2023

A couple of years removed from the worst of the devastating COVID crisis, Local Spins asked Michigan musicians what they’re most thankful for as 2023 draws to a close. See what they have to say.

Features

Best rock intro, guitar riff, new Michigan artist, favorite drummer: Local Spins Readers’ Picks

November 19, 2023

In 2023, Local Spins asked readers a ‘Question of the Week’ about favorites in a lot of categories. Here are the top questions and responses. Plus, we’ve got fresh year-end queries that could score you a gift.

Features · Local Spins on WYCE

Local Legend Recording’s ‘nimble’ approach to creating ‘something unique and beautiful’

November 10, 2023

Josh Kaufman has steered Local Legend’s work with a growing number of high-profile regional acts, from Hannah Rose Graves to Nathan Walton and many more. Learn more about the studio in this Local Spins profile and Local Spins on WYCE podcast, which also debuts tracks by Megan Dooley, PARALLELZ, Free Hat, Chris DuPont and more.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Billy Strings Super-Fandom: Embracing the magic, the inspiration, the community

November 3, 2023

The bluegrass guitarist’s fans traveled from across the country to catch his wild Grand Rapids concert this week. Local Spins on WYCE spotlights their ardor, Billy’s music + tracks from other Michigan acts. Get the back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Features · Traverse City · Upcoming shows

Traverse City emerging as a hotbed for jazz, fueled by a musician-rich scene

October 31, 2023

When the city’s new listening room The Alluvion hosts its jazz night on Thursday, fans will be treated to a world-class performance, something that’s become a regular event in the region. Learn more in this special Local Spins feature.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Mandolinist Don Julin: Ushering ‘guitar-slinger kid’ Billy Strings toward future success

October 29, 2023

Seven years after the bluegrass guitarist parted ways with Julin, the Traverse City musician still marvels at Billy’s talent and says he deserves all of his fame. Plus, see what other musicians say about Billy.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows

Growing Up Billy Strings: ‘Boomer,’ metal mayhem, mastering the guitar at a young age

October 28, 2023

In an interview with his mom, Deb Apostol, Local Spins digs into the Ionia County-bred bluegrass guitarist’s childhood, teen rock years and his rise to super stardom.

Features · Upcoming shows

Billy Strings Economy: Loving herd of artisans, vendors follow bluegrass guitarist on tour

October 27, 2023

From pins and posters to vintage clothing and a snazzy board game, home-grown entrepreneurs have built a marketplace community that will fire up for Tuesday’s big arena concert. Learn more at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows

Billy Goat Brouhaha: The Billy Strings mystique grows as hardcore fans toast the bluegrass hero

October 23, 2023

Many say the beloved Michigan-bred guitarist has changed their lives. Local Spins digs into unprecedented fan ardor for the superstar as his humongous Halloween homecoming approaches. Check out fan comments from across the country, hailing the bluegrass powerhouse.

Features

The Sonic Coast debuts as purveyor of ‘special’ Michigan music via streaming radio

October 21, 2023

The new all-digital platform created by a veteran broadcaster strives to showcase ‘authentic’ Michigan-based Americana, roots rock, folk, blues and soul music.

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Upcoming Shows Hosted by Local Spins

11am FRIDAY JUNE 27 – Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM: Kanin Wren

11am FRIDAY JULY 4 – Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM: Sweet Dee & The Wild Honeys

11am FRIDAY JULY 11 – Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM: Low Phase

11am FRIDAY JULY 18 – Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM: The Local Commuters
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Category: Features

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Upcoming Shows Hosted by Local Spins

11am FRIDAY JUNE 27 – Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM: Kanin Wren

11am FRIDAY JULY 4 – Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM: Sweet Dee & The Wild Honeys

11am FRIDAY JULY 11 – Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM: Low Phase

11am FRIDAY JULY 18 – Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM: The Local Commuters

Search localspins.com

Listen to Local Spins Live

Subscribe to Local Spins on YouTube

Follow Local Spins on Twitter

Like Local Spins on Facebook

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