Album reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Preparing to play SpeakEZ Lounge on Friday with two other Michigan artists, Spencer LaJoye opens up about songwriting, performing and the region’s welcoming music community.
Features · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows
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.
The January edition of Local Grins profiles Michigan comedian Johnny Mocny and rounds up some must-see shows across the state. Plus, see how you can volunteer for Gilda’s Laughfest.
Album reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Today, Local Spins spotlights Ringo’s new album featuring Michigan guitarist Billy Strings, kicking off its radio podcast with a key track while also showcasing new music by other Great Lakes State artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Preparing to play SpeakEZ Lounge on Friday with two other Michigan artists, Spencer LaJoye opens up about songwriting, performing and the region’s welcoming music community.
Features · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows
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.
The January edition of Local Grins profiles Michigan comedian Johnny Mocny and rounds up some must-see shows across the state. Plus, see how you can volunteer for Gilda’s Laughfest.
Many fans waited outside in icy temps to catch Sunday’s Christian music tour stop which also featured sets by Colton Dixon, Trip Lee and more. The review, photos and set lists at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
‘Crazy’ as it feels to her, Tuesday’s Van Andel Arena tour stop puts the Rockford native in the spotlight on the big stage ahead of country star Kelsea Ballerini. The Local Spins Q&A with MaRynn Taylor.
Detroit Lions · Uncategorized · Videos
As one songwriter put it, the Lions have emerged ‘From the Dirt’ to energize their long-suffering fan base, while Jeff Daniels is convinced they’ve broken ‘The Curse of Bobby Layne.’ Get the back stories and listen to the tribute songs at Local Spins as the team prepares to play the Washington Commanders at Ford Field. It’s our Lions serenade.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids band with two shows over the next week and a live album on tap lights up Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Local Commuters, Sixman, Elisabeth Pixley-Fink and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The annual, inspirational music showcase stops at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Sunday, with Trip Lee, Colton Dixon and Micah Tyler also on the bill. The Local Spins preview.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Our mid-January roundup of new releases by Michigan artists features everything from the alternative, guitar-driven new collection from Adam Main to folk’s Mad Hat Mojo. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from each release.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The Local Spins series revealing albums and artists that have influenced Michigan musicians continues with Deep Greens & Blues founder Travis Atkinson, who plays The Stray on Saturday.
Concert reviews · Upcoming shows · Weekend Photo Gallery
Today, Local Spins looks back at a week of live music — from veteran faves on a Michigan tour to teens just getting started to a G. Love & Special Sauce tour stop — and previews some must-see January concerts.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
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.
Exactly one year ago, Local Spins published a playlist that helped spur our beloved Motor City heroes to two playoff victories. This year, we aim to serenade them to Super Bowl glory.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The band’s new music and back story were part of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Hannah Laine, Jabo Bihlman, Slumlord Radio, Jessica Wolfbird and more. Learn more about Rip Smidgeon and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
The Engedi Church music ensemble releases “There’s Still Water” on Feb. 7 after “road testing” the worship songs during services. Get the back story at Local Spins.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
The Caledonia High School alum based in Nashville aims to make waves as an indie-pop/rock artist, recently releasing a new single while attending Belmont University. The Local Spins Q&A.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Our ‘Albums That Changed the World’ series continues with the recordings that most influenced Ted Smith, owner and operator of Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill concert venue. Get his back story and listen to tracks from his selected albums.
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.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The 16th annual Winter Wheat Festival hosted by the Wheatland Music Organization rolls out next Saturday at The Intersection in Grand Rapids with 10 acclaimed and diverse acts. The playlist and schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
The flood of new Michigan music over the past year has been impressive: Local Spins debuted hundreds of tracks & profiled dozens of artists. Get the recap & check out must-see shows for January.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Touting a new studio album, Lynn Thompson talked about his songs with Local Spins, which also debuted tracks by Finding Amelia, Metal Bubble Trio, Justin Avdek and more. Plus, get the full schedule for the upcoming Winter Wheat festival in Grand Rapids.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
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 · Videos
Bands and revelers ushering in 2025 celebrated amid a wide swath of musical styles unfurling from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The recaps, photos and a video at Local Spins.
Local Spins’ New Year’s Day tradition continues today with our rollout of the schedule for 2025 Michigan music festivals, from A to Z (or W) – Ann Arbor Folk Festival to Wheatland, and everything in between.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
The Grammy Award-winning bluegrass guitarist turned into a hair-tossing, metalcore shredder with the band Flesh and Blood Robot during the much-buzzed-about March show. Our review was the top story of the year.
Concert reviews · Summer Concerts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
The popular amphitheater’s expanded summer series this past year boasted new faces – My Morning Jacket, Black Pumas, Il Divo, Tower of Power –- along with a bevy of returning favorites who sold out most of their shows.
Local Spins reviewer John Serba digs into the latest Bob Dylan biopic, a film spotlighting the iconic singer-songwriter’s early career and starring Timothee Chalamet.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Michigan’s top bluegrass powerhouses joined forces for a surprising and electrifying night at Meijer Gardens in June, captivating fans and readers, who made our review the No. 3 story of the year. Revisit the evening in words, photos, video and set list.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Amid the holiday flurry of West Michigan concerts were some milestones and finales worth noting — and all captured in colorful images at Local Spins. Get the recaps, browse the photos.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Venue Spotlight
With construction of the Grand Rapids’ riverfront amphitheater well under way, Local Spins last summer asked a key player in the project about bands he’d like to see on stage when it opens in 2026. He also revealed other aspects of the new venue as part of an interview broadcast as part of Local Spins on WYCE. It was No. 4 in our top-stories-of-the-year countdown.
Local Spins Rewind · Summer Festivals · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Hoxeyville devotees flocked in August to the Manistee National Forest for the festival’s final soiree even though several headliners backed out in the days before. It was one of Local Spins’ biggest stories of the year.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Vanessa DeCouto’s debut EP as Crystal Trench found the spotlight at Local Spins, which also debuted fresh tracks by Chris Michels, Trakzero, Lynn Thompson, Adam Main and more.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Venue Spotlight
Citing building lease issues, Starlight Room owner Daniel Beckett suspended operations of the concert venue on June 1. Our coverage of the shutdown was one of Local Spins’ most-read stories of the year.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
It was one of Michigan’s concert events of the year: The legendary jam band playing two straight night in Grand Rapids with a boost from Billy Strings. Revisit the “dream” pairing on Christmas Day as part of our year-end countdown.
Podcasts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
In a revealing interview, the renowned rock frontman reflected on his new music and Grand Funk Railroad’s past triumphs. The story and radio show podcast was one of the year’s top Local Spins posts.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
The co-founder of the Grand Rapids Songwriters Alliance today reveals the artists who have most influenced his own music. Check out his picks along with a couple of his own songs.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
The legendary Stevie Wonder’s debut concert at Van Andel Arena in October boasted a massive backing ensemble and earned widespread praise from fans. Revisit the review and photos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Grand Rapids Public Museum hosted a horde of tubas and euphoniums for a seasonal tradition on Sunday, capping a week of concerts starring regional favorites, from Knee Deep Shag to Lighting Matches. The photo recap at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Writer Ryan McCahill’s take on the virtuoso bluegrass guitarist’s new double-album ranked No. 10 on Local Spins’ countdown of the year’s top stories. Revisit it here today.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Our year-end picks for the best releases and concerts of 2024 covers a lot of musical ground. Check out the selections, listen to the music.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
The Michigan band’s May homecoming and first headlining show at Van Andel Arena brought the heat and ranked as one of the year’s top Local Spins stories. Revisit the concert in words, photos and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The throwback country outfit from GR topped all other Mitten State artists based on radio airplay, ahead of Billy Strings and The War & Treaty. View the Top 10 roster and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast, which also features the debut of tracks by Mystique, Aaron James Wright and Laura Rain.
Album reviews · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Our July review of the bluegrass guitarist’s first live album got plenty of attention from Billy Strings fans, making it the No. 12 story of the year. The album has since been nominated for a Grammy Award. Revisit the review; check out tracks from the release.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The all-star, ’90s Kalamazoo band once described as “the sound of cashing a check” released two singles this year and plays Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe this weekend in one of its rare reunion romps. The back story at Local Spins along with a music video for the band’s newest song.
Local Spins Rewind · Summer Concerts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Despite some ticketing system snafus in April, Meijer Gardens sold out 18 of its summer concerts in little more than an hour. Revisit Local Spins’ coverage as part of our year-end countdown.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids alt-rock/folk band Lighting Matches returns to ignite the Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Get the update on the band in this Local Spins Q & A.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
The new dad and award-winning bluegrass guitar phenom from Ionia County celebrated a new double-album with his band in October at the Clarkston amphitheater. Revisit the crowd-pleasing show.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
As the Grand Rapids community radio station devoted to spotlighting Michigan music mounts its year-end fund drive, Local Spins reveals the music that has most inspired its station manager.
