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Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Out of Favor Boys eschew ‘museum versions of the blues’ for dynamic new album

• May 2, 2025

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.

Videos

Michigan’s Tiny Desk Contest 2025 Entries: Traversing the state, spanning all genres

• March 26, 2025

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.

Audio · Hot Top 5

Luke Winslow-King gets fresh, ‘fully present’ on new album, hitting No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart

• March 13, 2025

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

• March 1, 2025

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

• February 24, 2025

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

• February 20, 2025

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

• February 15, 2025

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.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

‘Songs echoing around every corner’: Great Indoor Folk Festival to heat up Traverse City

• February 12, 2025

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

• February 2, 2025

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

• January 20, 2025

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

• January 12, 2025

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

• January 2, 2025

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)

• December 10, 2024

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

• November 22, 2024

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’

• November 19, 2024

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 · Audio

Album Reviews: Jack White, Greg Nagy, Cal in Red, Lefty, Gianna Stansell, Hunter Noll Bell

• October 16, 2024

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

• October 7, 2024

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Blues Traveler unleashes jam-heavy hits, covers with boost from Big Head Todd

• August 15, 2024

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Tedeschi Trucks, Tanya Tucker, Joe Hertler and more mesmerize Michigan audiences (Photos)

• August 11, 2024

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.

Photos · Summer Festivals

Hot Fun in the Summertime: Kalamazoo Blues Fest, Rockin’ the Tee Box, Tamarack Music Fest

• July 28, 2024

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Welcome Return to GR: The heartrending, uplifting musical mastery of Bonnie Raitt

• June 27, 2024

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

• June 20, 2024

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.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Marcus King, Chappell Roan, Hoxeyville Spring reign supreme with Michigan fans

• June 2, 2024

The venues stretched from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to the Manistee National Forest for fan-engaging performances that closed out May and welcomed June. The Local Spins photo galleries, including Sebastian Bach at The Intersection and a Jordan Hamilton listening party at The Clover Room.

Summer Concerts

GR’s Relax at Rosa, Celadon summer concerts + Allegan, Wyoming, Hastings, Kalamazoo, more

• May 2, 2024

The latest round-up of free community concerts staged across Michigan this summer boasts a bevy of regional stars and swells our Local Spins guide to more than 120 series — from Allegan to Traverse City.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Lady Ace Boogie, Djangophonique, Taylor Swift Experience to heat Meijer Gardens Tuesdays

• May 1, 2024

The Tuesday Evening Music Club series for 2024 at Meijer Gardens rolls out its most diverse lineup yet, kicking off in early June with a soul, funk and jazz romp. The schedule and more at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

In-demand organist Jim Alfredson oozes versatility with ‘Family Business’ show on tap

• April 18, 2024

The Lansing musician showcases his own new album, “Family Business,” in a Traverse City concert at The Alluvion this weekend, part of a hectic multi-band touring schedule. Learn more at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Harmonica whiz Peter Madcat Ruth at 75: Still loving ‘the sounds, the music, the songs’

• March 19, 2024

Michigan’s masterful, eclectic multi-instrumentalist plays Traverse City on Saturday and a big 75th birthday bash at Ann Arbor’s The Ark on April 2. The Local Spins interview with a beloved musician and collaborator.

Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos

Deerfield Run’s Alex Austin steps out, puts ‘spike in ground’ with eclectic new solo project

• January 26, 2024

The Grand Rapids singer-guitarist who releases his album next month opened up about the project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by several Michigan artists, including The Marsupials, Katie Pederson, Mustard’s Retreat, Fangs and Twang, Kyle Evan Pluta and more.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5

Hannah Rose Graves harnesses irrepressible ‘energy force’ to hit No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart

• January 3, 2024

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.

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

• December 18, 2023

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 · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown

Top Stories of 2023: Chris Stapleton, The War & Treaty heat up Van Andel Arena (No. 13)

• December 17, 2023

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.

Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Venue Spotlight

Top Stories of ’23 Countdown (No. 15): Otsego’s Liquid Note opens new outdoor venue

• December 15, 2023

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.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

December Fanfare: Liz Phair, Dirty Honey, Kyle Jennings, Kait Rose and more (Photos)

• December 10, 2023

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 · Weekend Photo Gallery

Young the Giant’s musical tightrope, plus Dylan Scott, Mammoth WVH, Eric Gales and more

• November 12, 2023

Our concert photo round-up for the week kicks off with Saturday’s benefit show starring Young the Giant at GLC Live at 20 Monroe, plus Valerie June, Papadosio, Apashe, Honey Revenge and more. Browse more than a half-dozen photo galleries at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows

Fall Frolic: Local Spins Wednesdays at SpeakEZ Lounge back with wide-ranging acts

• September 21, 2023

Kicking off next Wednesday, the mid-week concerts will feature Lighting Matches, Hannah Rose Graves, Roosevelt Diggs, Evidence Jazz and more. View the schedule, listen to a playlist and get details at Local Spins.

Features

Best Concerts, Festivals of Summer 23? Local Spins readers say Billy Strings, Hoxeyville

• September 9, 2023

It’s time for readers to speak out when it comes to their favorite concert and festival experiences of the past summer — and some of their comments show just how memorable those experiences were.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Detroit Jazz Festival, Arts Beats & Eats: The Local Spins previews, schedules

• August 29, 2023

Well worth the trip to Michigan’s East Side, two big music festivals unfold over Labor Day weekend, with some giants of jazz in the Motor City and 200-plus diverse acts in Royal Oak. Info and schedules at Local Spins.

Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Inaugural Fair Ground Festival: Joseph, The Accidentals, The Crane Wives and more

• August 24, 2023

With six female or female-led acts on the bill, Sunday’s celebration in Hastings aims to close out the summer with transfixing music. Get the preview, schedule and playlist at Local Spins.

Weekend Photo Gallery

Kalamazoo Blues Bash, Sister Hazel, Soul Syndicate & more: Concert photo recap

• August 20, 2023

As summer begins to wane, live music continues to heat up stages from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Revisit eight shows from the past week in images at Local Spins.

Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Hoxeyville Music Festival 2023: The Local Spins preview, playlist and schedule

• August 15, 2023

Hoxeyville uncorks its unique musical charm in the Manistee National Forest west of Cadillac this weekend with Marcus King, Molly Tuttle & more. Get the lowdown on this much-adored gathering.

Announcements · Photos · Summer Festivals

Pocket Watch wins Grand Haven’s 2023 Walk the Beat amid sun-splashed milieu

• August 13, 2023

The up-and-coming, jazz-fueled Grand Rapids band outpolled more than 50 other Michigan acts performing on Saturday while music lovers strolled outdoor venues in the lakeshore town. The story and photos.

Concert reviews · Photos

Returning Favorites: Boz Scaggs, Keb’ Mo’ attest ‘Life is Beautiful’ in twin-bill show

• August 4, 2023

Two beloved septuagenarians brought their enduring music to Meijer Gardens on Thursday night for a sold-out concert that covered a lot of musical ground. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Charley Crockett, Myron Elkins, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Smiling Acres: Concert Photo Recaps

• July 2, 2023

Amid heat, humidity, rain and forest fire smoke, West Michigan’s musical train kept chugging as Independence Day weekend roared ahead. The photo galleries at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Women of Rock, Mike Gordon, Pierce the Veil, Bilmuri & more: Concert Week in Review

• June 25, 2023

Summer heated up over the past week, with energetic tour stops, a superstar tribute to female artists, the christening of a new stage, jazz in the park, a blues fest and blues on the river and more captured in images at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Loud, proud and legendary: Buddy Guy bids adieu with blues salvo at Meijer Gardens

• June 24, 2023

A capacity amphitheater crowd reveled in the iconic blues guitarist’s farewell performance in Grand Rapids on Friday. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals

Blues at Buttermilk: Guitarist Selwyn Birchwood hyped for energetic festival set

• June 13, 2023

The much-beloved Buttermilk Jamboree at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids unfurls with more than 50 acts playing several stages this weekend, including ‘Florida Man’ Selwyn Birchwood. The Local Spins interview with Birchwood, plus check out the full festival schedule.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Concert Week-in-Review: From Meshell to Duke Tumatoe to O.A.R., GR to Allegan to Kalamazoo

• June 12, 2023

Starting with another Tuesday Evening Music Club show at Meijer Gardens to weekend-ending tour stops and the debut of a new West Michigan concert venue, it was a week to remember. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

The Schrock Brothers tout family harmonies, rootsy all-star cast on new album

• June 9, 2023

The new recording by the West Michigan band was spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Common Molly, The Missing Generation, Rustbell, The Rockit King and more. Learn more about The Schrock Brothers and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.