Today, Local Spins’ popular series exploring the recordings that have impacted musicians, celebrities and various leaders spotlights the Michigan governor’s picks — and Great Lakes State artists play a starring role. Check out her picks and listen to the tracks at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Videos · Whatever Happened To
With new album ahead, Michigan-bred Nathan Kalish dips into uncharted ‘creative territory’
Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos recently caught up with the singer-songwriter and record producer now based in Nashville who got his musical start in the Grand Rapids area two decades ago. Check out the Q&A.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Drummer Zach Dubay’s obsessive, hamburger-inspiring, multi-band wizardry
Today’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight and feature on up-and-coming Michigan musicians to watch focuses on Grand Rapids drummer Zach Dubay, who’s been turning heads with several different bands. Get his back story, watch videos of his performances with two different bands.
Announcements · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Playlists · Videos
Winter wipes out Winter Wheat but Local Spins has the music and Wheatland ’23 memories
The snow-pocalypse has canceled scads of Michigan shows, including Saturday’s 12-band benefit for Wheatland Music Organization. But listen to the music that had been scheduled for the event and relive last summer’s Wheatland festival amid today’s storm thanks to a special Local Spins playlist and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Silent Spirit’s exploration of electronic music shifts to ambient, serene beauty
The Grand Rapids artist performing and recording as Silent Spirit opened up about his latest project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by several Michigan bands, including FlyLiteGemini, Snakeout, J.H. Patton & The Good Companions and more. Learn more about Silent Spirit and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Commentary · Detroit Lions · Playlists · Videos
Soundtrack to a Playoff Victory: The Detroit Lions finally set to roll as ‘Gridiron Heroes’
We musically recount the Detroit Lions’ mostly futile playoff experiences since their 1957 championship while predicting a Sunday win amid more upbeat themes for an NFL team on the rise. The Local Spins column and a unique playoff playlist.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Interlochen Jazz Director Chris Glassman: Three Albums That Changed My World
Today, the Local Spins series reveals the recordings and artists that inspired northern Michigan trombonist Chris Glassman, from Leonard Bernstein to Steve Davis to Rodney Whitaker. Listen to tracks from all of the albums, plus a couple songs of his own.
Announcements · Commentary · Features
Local Spins keeps spinning: Michigan’s No. 1 music website posts another record year
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.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Hannah Rose Graves, Troy Ceasar, Short Panic, The Mollusks & more
2024’s first roundup of Michigan releases at Local Spins ranges from singer-songwriter charm to hip hop glory to funk to rock fervor, from Southeast Michigan’s Annie & Rod Capps to Holland’s Lost Magic. Check out the reviews; listen to the music.
Sunday Recap · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Sunday Recap: Michael Bolton’s surgery, Pocket Watch pics, FlyLiteGemini video & more
Today, Local Spins revisits the top music stories of the past week — local and national — showcases photo galleries from area shows and debuts new music video from FlyLiteGemini and The Claudettes.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Calling Michigan Musicians: Opnr seeking acts to play South by Southwest at Midwest House
Midwest House will once again host performances by a diverse array of regional artists at SXSW in Austin come March. Get the lowdown at Local Spins and see how bands can apply.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys resurrect Cajun and zydeco charm after series of calamities
The northern Michigan dance band returning to the stage was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by other regional artists, including Hannah Rose Graves, Painted Friends, Sammie Hershock and more. Learn more about the Benzie Playboys and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Audio
Kalamazoo’s Jarad ‘Saxsquatch’ Selner: Albums That Changed My World, Pink Floyd to Herbie
Local Spins kicks off the 2024 edition of its popular ‘Albums That Changed the World’ series with a look at the recordings that inspired the renowned Kalamazoo saxophonist. Check out his picks; listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5
Hannah Rose Graves harnesses irrepressible ‘energy force’ to hit No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart
The popular singer’s latest album topped an all-new December chart of Michigan releases which also included debuts by Short Panic, Space Bar, LVRS and Ben Traverse & Nick Veine. View the chart and listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Greensky Bluegrass, Mustard Plug, New Year’s Fest, Nathan Walton, Trifocal: Photo Recaps
Celebrations from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids closed out 2023 and welcomed the New Year over the holiday weekend, from a two-night run by Greensky Bluegrass to a cozy party at Turnstiles and more. View all the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Lighting Up Michigan: Local Spins’ 2024 Michigan Music Festivals Guide and User Tips
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.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Local Spins’ No. 1 artist & story of 2023: Billy Strings romps, rumbles in all-star homecoming
Our No. 1 artist and story of the year spotlights homegrown bluegrass hero Billy Strings, whose wrestling-themed Halloween spectacle rolled out as an unprecedented, star-studded, five-hour, epic event. Revisit the review, photos, set list and more as Local Spins wraps up its countdown of the Top 20 stories of 2023.
Features · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Devoted Herd of ‘Billy Goat’ Fans: Digging into the Billy Strings mystique (No. 2 Story of 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.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Top 10 Lists
The Top 10 Tracks of 2023 by Michigan Artists (Local Spins on WYCE)
Today, we reveal the Top 10 songs of the year by Michigan bands and solo acts, based on airplay at Grand Rapids’ WYCE (88.1 FM). View the Top 10, listen to the music and this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 3): Gruff, enigmatic Bob Dylan still shines in Grand Rapids tour stop
The rather upbeat 82-year-old legend brought his “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour to DeVos Performance Hall in October, an unpredictable show characteristic of an evening with Dylan which sparked our No. 3 most-read story of the year. Revisit it today.
Artist Spotlights · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Billy Strings Uncut: Studying classical guitar, touring the globe (The No. 4 Story of 2023)
In a revealing chat, Ionia County’s favorite bluegrass son talks about touring, his adoring fans, taking classical music lessons and his Halloween homecoming. It was Local Spins’ No. 4 story of the year.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 5): Ageless Ringo Starr awes GR fans with a little help from friends
Ringo and His All Starr Band unleashed a cavalcade of hits for a capacity crowd at DeVos Performance Hall in early October. The review snagged the No. 5 spot in our year-end countdown. Revisit the concert recap, photos and set list.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023: Peter Frampton dazzles Grand Rapids fans in tour kickoff
At No. 6 in our Top 20 of ’23 countdown: The review of classic rock guitarist Peter Frampton’s tour-starting June show at Meijer Gardens that came five decades after his first West Michigan appearance. Revisit the review and photo gallery on Christmas Day.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023: Electric Forest’s radiant spectacle of electronic music, dust and rain
Our countdown of the year’s top stories continues with No. 7 in our Top 20: Revisit Rothbury’s resplendent four-day festival in words and in multiple photo galleries displaying the people, the performers and the unmatched West Michigan setting.
Artist Spotlights · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Billy Strings: Childhood guitar mastery to metal mayhem to dream weaver (Top Stories of 2023)
Local Spins’ interview with Billy’s mother, Deb Apostol, soared to No. 8 in our countdown of Top 20 stories of the year. Revisit his younger years and rise to stardom through the eyes of his mom.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Trans-Siberian Orchestra still wowing holiday crowds, still raising funds for charity
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.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Megan Dooley returns after eight years with live takes on ‘lost songs’
Releasing her first album since 2015, the singer-songwriter was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by several other Michigan artists, including Wuzee & Dusty Fingerz, Abe Savas, Nathan Walton, Radio Vision and more, along with holiday songs by Seth Bernard and Don Benson.
In Memoriam · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 9): Fans, friends mourn West Michigan radio legend Aris Hampers
After battling cancer, the groundbreaking radio DJ who pushed WLAV into national prominence in the 1970s died in February at age 73. Tributes poured in, making it one of the top stories of the year.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of the Year (No. 10): Meijer Gardens sells out 16 shows in morning flurry
As in past years, our coverage of Meijer Gardens’ opening-day salvo of ticket sales for its summer concert series got plenty of attention. Revisit the story and the fallout here.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2023, Part 2: Local Spins writers’ picks for albums, songs, concerts of the year
In place of our usual ‘Amplified’ newsletter this Thursday, we present Phase 2 of our look back at the best music and concerts of 2023. Check out another round of critics’ picks and listen to music from the releases in this year-end roundup.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2023, Pt. 1: Local Spins writers’ picks for albums and concerts of the year
Music of every ilk burst out of the gates in early 2023 and never stopped turning heads. Today, the first round of Local Spins writers reveal picks for the best albums and concerts of the year, from international stars such as Paramore to local faves like Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Launching Billy Strings on his road to stardom: Mandolinist Don Julin (Top Stories of 2023)
Our No. 11 story of the year digs into the early days of Billy Strings’ success with Traverse City mandolinist Don Julin, who says Billy deserves ‘every bit’ of his global fame. Revisit the story here.
The next chapter for Hannah Rose Graves: Music as ‘Medicine,’ rewiring negative thoughts
The mainstay Grand Rapids singer and songwriter recently released her long-awaited new studio album, ‘Medicine.’ She chatted about her new music and her philosophy with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos. Plus, check out a new music video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top 20 Stories of ’23: Buddy Guy at 86 bids lively, blazing blues farewell at Meijer Gardens
A capacity amphitheater crowd reveled in the iconic blues guitarist’s farewell performance in Grand Rapids last June. Revisit the 12th most popular Local Spins post of the year.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
TubaChristmas, Winter Dance Party, Jingle Jam, Holiday Funk, Morgan Evans: Photos
The mid-December flurry of concerts across West Michigan featured plenty of holiday hoopla, plus Short Panic, Smokin’ Dobroleles and Roosevelt Diggs. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023: Chris Stapleton, The War & Treaty heat up Van Andel Arena (No. 13)
In early June, a capacity crowd greeted country star Chris Stapleton, with Michigan’s own The War & Treaty and Marcus King also on board. The review was the 13th most popular story of the year. Revisit the coverage, including a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 14): Jason Isbell unfurls guitar glory, anthemic gems at Meijer Gardens
In early August, Isbell & The 400 Unit — with Michigan native Dominic John Davis on bass — electrified fans at Meijer Gardens. The Local Spins review was the 14th most popular post of the year. Revisit the review, photos and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Short Panic gets groovy with funky, jazzy rock debut
The emerging band playing an album-release show tonight was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by The Night Caps, Troy Ceasar, Cal in Red, Michael Waite, Ficus, Annie & Rod Capps and more. Get the Short Panic back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Venue Spotlight
Top Stories of ’23 Countdown (No. 15): Otsego’s Liquid Note opens new outdoor venue
In June, Chicago blues legend Duke Tumatoe kicked off a summer of music at the brand-new Allegan County venue, which followed up with a day-long Blues Fest. Revisit one of the Top 20 stories of the year.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Photos
Local Spins Wednesdays @ SpeakEZ Lounge: The winter 2024 concert lineup reveal
After wrapping up a robust fall slate of mid-week shows, Local Spins today announces the roster of concerts for winter 2024, including the return of “Tribute Month” in February. Michigan artists on tap includes Blue Water Ramblers, Sophia McIntosh, Nicholas Thomasma, Selkie, Cole Hansen, John Sanger, Josh Rose and more.
Singer Kari Lynch hosting 11th star-studded ‘Jingle Jam’ concert to aid area homeless
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.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Local Spins Top ’23 Stories (No. 16): Calvin, musicians mourn passing of Chris Smit
In January, the much-respected communications professor, songwriter, disability advocate and frontman for West Michigan’s The New Midwest passed away after a long illness.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After touring with Glen Hansard and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, Via Mardot comes home
Ahead of her return to West Michigan to play The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Local Spins catches up with the talented, in-demand Holland native and multi-instrumentalist.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa light up Van Andel Arena: No. 17 on Top 2023 Stories Countdown
‘Young, Wild & Free’ fans were primed to ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ for Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa during a July tour stop in Grand Rapids — Local Spins’ 17th most popular story of the year.
Great Lakes Records spins out unique lathe-cut vinyl for West Michigan artists
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.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Local Spins’ Top 20 Stories Countdown: Meijer Gardens 2023 series reveal at No. 18
As always, Meijer Gardens’ announcement of its annual summer concert series generated a buzz in April with names such as Nickel Creek, Ben Folds, Peter Frampton and more. What was your favorite ’23 Meijer Gardens show?
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
December Fanfare: Liz Phair, Dirty Honey, Kyle Jennings, Kait Rose and more (Photos)
Unusual, eclectic, electric and elating concerts heated up venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Rockford this week, all covered in images at Local Spins — from an Out of Favor Boys anniversary to an ‘Ugly Sweater’ affair and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Taylor Swift’s Detroit tour stop: No. 19 on Local Spins Top Stories of the Year
The pop superstar’s two-night stand at a sold-out Ford Field featured “The Eras Tour” debut of two songs. The recap, photos and set list made the Top 20 list for 2023 at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
The Local Spins Top 2023 Stories Countdown: Electric Forest’s opening salvo at No. 20
Local Spins today kicks off its countdown of the Top 20 stories of the year, starting with our coverage of Electric Forest’s opening day. The theme? ‘Nobody cares what you do here.’ Indeed, an anything-goes attitude returned to Rothbury with wildly garbed attendees and bass-heavy romps. The recap, photos and video from an iconic Michigan celebration.