Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Recently making their performance debut in Grand Rapids, the throwback country outfit features members from several popular Michigan bands, led by the ‘high lonesome’ voice of Sam Hess.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s special Thanksgiving weekend edition of Local Spins on WYCE lays out a banquet of tracks by Michigan artists. Plus, we celebrate the holiday with special performances by three Michigan stars.
Amplified Newsletter · Detroit Lions · Playlists
To celebrate Thanksgiving and a traditional Ford Field showdown, Local Spins has combined its usual Thursday ‘Amplified’ newsletter (nusic news, ticket giveaways, concert announcements) with a special soundtrack tribute to the NFL-leading Detroit Lions. Plus, check out music news, concert announcements and our ‘Song of the Week.’
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Thanksgiving holiday weekend kicked off with two Grand Rapids shows — Desmond Jones and Nathan Kalish & Jessica Pounds — at different ends of the musical spectrum. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Recently making their performance debut in Grand Rapids, the throwback country outfit features members from several popular Michigan bands, led by the ‘high lonesome’ voice of Sam Hess.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s special Thanksgiving weekend edition of Local Spins on WYCE lays out a banquet of tracks by Michigan artists. Plus, we celebrate the holiday with special performances by three Michigan stars.
Amplified Newsletter · Detroit Lions · Playlists
To celebrate Thanksgiving and a traditional Ford Field showdown, Local Spins has combined its usual Thursday ‘Amplified’ newsletter (nusic news, ticket giveaways, concert announcements) with a special soundtrack tribute to the NFL-leading Detroit Lions. Plus, check out music news, concert announcements and our ‘Song of the Week.’
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Check out Local Spins’ takes on several new releases by Michigan artists, from psych-rock to country to indie-pop and more. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Contests · Features · Festivals · Venue Spotlight
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[…]
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Nashville-based singer-songwriter who launched his career in the Grand Rapids area has a new studio EP and plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday with tunesmith Jessica Pounds. Get his back story and listen to music by Kalish and Pounds.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins recaps the final chapter in State Theatre’s legacy, the inaugural ‘Sounds Like Michigan’ concert, Neil Francis, Sunsquabi, Wreckno and more from across the region. Check out the reviews, images and a video.
Commentary · Festivals · Venue Spotlight
As the holiday season approaches amid another turbulent year, Local Spins ask its readers and music lovers about the Michigan environments they love that keep the music scene spinning.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
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.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The new owner of the historic building that long hosted listening room-style shows will roll out a series of upcoming live music events boasting a variety of regional acts, starting with The Legal Immigrants and Kyle Brown & The Human Condition. Get more information about Temple Lounge and the upcoming show schedule.
Tuesday night’s packed concert at Van Andel Arena pumped up fans with familiar hits and uplifting sentiments. The Local Spins review, photo gallery and set lists from the show.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
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.
Saturday’s upcoming benefit at Wealthy Theatre for the nonprofit Michigan Music Alliance boasts intra-state stars Frontier Ruckus, American Hotel System, Ari B and Cabildo. The lowdown, performance schedule and videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kalamazoo boasted a busy Saturday of live music with The Incantaions, Them Coulee Boys and The Smokin’ Dobroleles, capping a week that also saw packed shows in Grand Rapids. Browse the photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The ‘quirky,’ veteran folk singer plays Midtown in Grand Rapids with West Michigan’s own Kyle Joe on Sunday night. The Local Spins interview and a music video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Local Spins spotlights the Grand Rapids jam band with a new studio album, ‘Squids,’ and debuts tracks by Cameron Blake, Dante Cope, The Incantations, Mustard Plug, The JR Band, Mark Farner and more. Get the back story on Desmond Jones’ new album and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The celebrated Chicago brass ensemble that blends funk, jazz, hip hop and soul into its lively approach plays Grand Rapids’ Midtown tonight. The Local Spins interview.
Local Spins Exclusives · Special Offers
Just in time for holiday shopping, the 2025 edition of our popular calendar boasts concert photos of more than three dozen Michigan artists, with listings of the state’s summer music festivals. It’s the perfect gift for the music maven or Michigan lover. Order online today.
Our second installation of the monthly Local Grins column features an interview with touring comic Nurse Blake and roundups of new and returning comedy spectacles across the region.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
The historic 97-year-old venue hosts its final show on Nov. 23 as it works to identify ‘the right people and group’ to take over operations. The story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The acclaimed teen singer-songwriter fires up Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night with a special show for Swifties and fans of her own pop-laced singles as she prepares to release her debut album and launch a “Boots & Bracelets Tour.” Get the back story and show details at Local Spins.
Today is the Veterans Day holiday, so we’re unfurling some classic tracks that commemorate those in the military and the sacrifices they’ve made, as well as anthems for peace in the face of endless global conflicts. Listen to the songs, watch the videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The celebrated country band delivered a set filled with hits and covers Saturday at Van Andel Arena, while Michigan musicians, artists and photographers strutted their stuff at GIG’s inaugural event. Check out the recaps and images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Set to perform Tuesday at St. Cecilia Music Center, the acclaimed Tennessee Americana artist talks with Local Spins about her most recent inspirations and her musical upbringing.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Loving his West Michigan roots, Jason Singer opens up about Michigander’s full-length debut for Local Spins, which also premiered tracks by Sonny Ski, Kyle Joe, The American Hotel System and more. Learn more about Michigander’s holiday shows and upcoming release, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The celebrated Traverse City mandolinist recently unveiled his long-planned, genre-melding recording, with several upcoming Michigan concerts to promote the release. Get the back story and listen to tracks from the new album.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Southwest Michigan band led by twin sisters will make its Local Spins Wednesdays debut while eyeing new music releases in 2025. The band back story and a video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
The emerging Michigan band chats about its evolving sound and latest release ahead of a Nov. 8 show at GIG: The Art of Michigan Music in Jackson. Learn more about the band and watch their videos at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Podcasts · Videos
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.
Commentary · Festivals · In-Depth Report · Summer Festivals
Several Michigan music festivals called it quits after a “dismal” 2024 and others are reassessing their future. Local Spins takes a deeper dive into the emerging crisis with comments and analysis from festival organizers.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
August the duo plays SpeakEZ Lounge tonight, led by the GR keyboardist and singer. The back story, plus Local Spins debuts tracks by other Michigan artists, including Von Kaiser, Overdrive Orchestra, The Concussions, The Blue Herons, Tunde Olaniran, Chris DuPont and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Wednesday’s first-ever Stevie Wonder concert at Van Andel Arena — the next-to-last stop on the legendary artist’s October tour – boasted a massive backing ensemble. Review, photos and more at Local Spins.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
November’s first-ever statewide conference for musicians, concert photographers and poster artists in Jackson will feature art exhibits, band performances. workshop sessions, a music market and more. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The Michigander and legendary Motown artist brings his “Sing Your Song As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour to Van Andel Arena Wednesday. Warm up with this Local Spins playlist of Stevie Wonder classics.
West Michigan already kicked off a rollicking roster of Halloween celebrations last weekend, but there are plenty more costume-crazy parties and concerts to check out as October screeches to an end. The list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
From stops by national touring artists in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, to regional rock romps to Halloween hoopla, it was a action-packed week of live music across West Michigan. The photos at Local Spins, including Kitchen Dwellers, Lower Leisure Class, Ghost Bunnies, Asamu Johnson, Empress Eyes, Hannah Rose Graves and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With a new “Celtic Charms” album and novel on the way, the celebrated harp duo plays Zeeland’s Waypoint Community Church on Wednesday for a special Halloween show. They’ll also play Grand Rapids Comic-Con in November. The interview, videos and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Local Spins spotlights the Grand Rapids-based band of “aliens” with a new album on tap while also debuting tracks by Phabies, Empress Eyes, Pablo Eskobear, Tommy Schichtel, Don Julin, Radio Vision and more. Learn more about The Cosmoknights and their upcoming album-release, plus listen to the Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast.
Local Spins showcases several imaginative, boundary-pushing releases by Michigan artists in this week’s album-review roundup, which includes a collaborative project featuring Joey Gados Jr., Ben Steer and Noah Mercil.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows
Local Spins first wrote about the West Michigan world music trio in 2022. Now, Local Spins Rewind revisits and updates that Artist Spotlight as the band prepares to play SpeakEZ’s Local Spins Wednesdays series. The back story, video and more.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The organization dedicated to fostering professional growth opportunities for the state’s music community, relaunches its mission at the Wealthy Theatre show and seeks other Michigan bands to join the concert lineup.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Once again, West Michigan’s live music week covered a lot of bases: country, folk, bluegrass, psych-rock, metal, drone and more — from Boris to Neko Case. The photo recaps at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The West Michigan band talked about its new album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured tracks by Jack White, Eminem, The Accidentals, Greet Death, Brenden Stark, Kylee Phillips, The Bootstrap Boys, Heartsick and more.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Upcoming shows
The lineup for the two-day festival taking place at Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium features big name indie artists, including Josh Ritter, The Milk Carton Kids, Jobi Riccio and Joy Clark, with Old Crow’s Ketch Secor emceeing. Get all of the details at Local Spins.
The esteemed indie-rock/alt-country/folk/pop artist unfurled a 14-song set on Thursday that included a brand new song from a forthcoming album. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Today, Local Spins debuts its first monthly column about the region’s comedy scene: Local Grins. Get the lowdown on a wide variety of comedy show options and more. You can even send us your favorite new joke.
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.
The iconic singer with a 40-years-plus career unfurled 25 engaging songs during her Monday tour stop at DeVos Performance Hall. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
