Mumford & Sons makes Grand Rapids debut with stage spectacle, intimate moments
The popular British folk-rock band packed Acrisure Amphitheater on Tuesday night, with Marcus King Band opening. The review and photos at Local Spins.
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Concert reviews · Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos
The opening night of Kalamazoo’s seven-day Sounds of the Zoo festival featured tunesmiths trading songs and a performance by Matt Gross & Friends at The Clover Room. Get the highlights in photos and video.
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Mavis Staples, Tommy Emmanuel, Vienna Teng, The Rebel Eves, DuPont Phillips, Tray Wellington and emcee Jeff Daniels will round out the 2027 Ann Arbor festival. Get the details, full lineup and ticket links at Local Spins.
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Breaking music news · Features · Technology
The Kent District Library wants to add more local music to its online service that already boasts music by 137 regional artists. Learn more about KDL Vibes and how to apply.
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Concert reviews · Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos
Sounds of the Zoo embraces songwriting prowess, overflow crowd on Day 1
The opening night of Kalamazoo’s seven-day Sounds of the Zoo festival featured tunesmiths trading songs and a performance by Matt Gross & Friends at The Clover Room. Get the highlights in photos and video.
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Trampled By Turtles, Richard Thompson, War & Treaty, Colin Hay to highlight A2 Folk Fest
Mavis Staples, Tommy Emmanuel, Vienna Teng, The Rebel Eves, DuPont Phillips, Tray Wellington and emcee Jeff Daniels will round out the 2027 Ann Arbor festival. Get the details, full lineup and ticket links at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Technology
KDL Vibes streaming service seeking more songs from West Michigan artists
The Kent District Library wants to add more local music to its online service that already boasts music by 137 regional artists. Learn more about KDL Vibes and how to apply.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
B-52s, Devo turn back clock, plus Bowling for Soup, Black Label Society, Streetfair & more
Our Sunday concert recap boasts coverage of weekend concerts at multiple area venues, including B-52s, Devo, Black Label Society, Bowling for Soup, EPCYA, Saxsquatch, the Eastown Streetfair, Michigan Irish Music Festival, Fake Baseball and more, captured in robust photo galleries (and a video).
Elvis Costello & The Imposters ‘Pump It Up’ in Muskegon debut with hit-laden escapade
The award-winning British rocker delivered a career-spanning set at Frauenthal Theatre to wrap up his U.S. theater tour on Friday. And the same night, Shakey Graves closed out Meijer Gardens’ summer series in Grand Rapids. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
J.H. Patton & The Good Companions bring ‘brackish’ vibe to new ‘Nothin’ But Time’ album
Local Spins spotlights the GR rock/Americana band releasing its debut full-length recording, and airs tracks by a half-dozen other Michigan artists, including Kennedy Perez, On the Lash, Normal Mode and Johnny Renick. Learn more about J.H. Patton and his band, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Sounds of the Zoo ’26 poised to celebrate women in music, Michigan stars, inclusivity
The fifth annual, week-long festival at eight different Kalamazoo venues kicks off on Monday as a ‘thoughtfully curated music experience.’ The preview, schedule and more.
Starting Off on the Right Foot: Switchfoot opens tour in GR; Bilmuri, Pokey LaFarge frolic
The California alt-rockers on Wednesday revved up a capacity crowd in a heartfelt display at Meijer Gardens. The same night, Bilmuri turned up the volume at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and Pokey LaFarge brought his tour to Bell’s in Kalamazoo. Recaps, photos from all three shows at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The B-52s keep uncorking fan-pleasing, ‘kick-ass rock shows’ on the road with Devo
Writer Dave Gil de Rubio checks in with The B-52’s Fred Schneider as the band’s tour with Devo gets set for a Saturday tour stop at Grand Rapids’ Acrisure Amphitheater.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan Irish Music Festival welcomes return of icon Andy Irvine, other Celtic favorites
The 84-year-old Celtic folk singer Andy Irvine will play the Muskegon festival for the first time in a decade, joining dozens of other top-shelf acts this weekend. The story, festival schedule, videos and more.
Indigo Girls lift up loyal fans with career-spanning aplomb at sold-out GR show
The storied, Grammy Award-winning folk-rock duo kept much of the audience on its feet for the duration of the packed Meijer Gardens’ late-season headlining show. The review and photos at Local Spins, along with a bonus gallery of images from Sunday performances at Wheatland Music Festival in Remus.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Bilmuri Connection: How Zach Dubay rose from local drummer to world touring musician
You could say he’s just a boy doing boyish things. But versatile Grand Rapids drummer Zach Dubay is now making a splash with pop/countrycore’s Bilmuri, which plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Wednesday. The back story at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
‘A Happy Place to Be’: Wheatland Music Fest rolls out with captivating music and milieu
The granddaddy of Michigan roots/folk festivals — Wheatland — reveled in gorgeous weather and riveting performances on Friday and Saturday outside Remus. The recap in words and images at Local Spins.
Billy Idol ‘Still Dancing,’ unleashes fist-pumping anthems at Acrisure Amphitheater
Punk-fueled rocker Billy Idol brought his rollicking 2026 tour to Grand Rapids on Friday, with opener Susanna Hoffs. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Indigo Girls overcome health obstacles to continue ‘amazing ride’ on summer tour
The acclaimed indie-folk duo plays two Michigan shows this coming week, including a sold-out stop at Meijer Gardens. Writer Dave Gil de Rubio interviews The Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers about her challenges, her lifelong passion and much more.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
New Michigan Music Revue: Basic Comfort, LVRS, King Ink, Sammie Hershock, Chirp
This week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase radio show podcast debuts fresh tracks by a dozen Mitten State artists, from Tayva to Kylee Phillips to Theo Katzman. Plus, revisit a poignant remembrance of 9/11 and browse performance schedules for Eastown Streetfair, Wheatland Music Festival and the Grand Rapids African-American Art & Music Festival. Listen to the show, learn more about the featured artists.
‘Don’t Stop the Party’: Pitbull unleashes dance-fueled Grand Rapids spectacle (Photos)
The Florida rapper, singer and reggaeton star pumped up Acrisure Amphitheater on Thursday night as part of his “I’m Back” tour. Browse the photos of Pitbull and Lil Jon at Local Spins.
Punch Brothers pack a wallop with late-season Meijer Gardens performance
The Grammy Award-winning folk/bluegrass string quintet Punch Brothers charmed with an evening of superlative musicianship, humor and sophisticated spontaneity. The review and photos, exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows
Local Spins @ SpeakEZ Lounge: The fall lineup of Michigan stars in an intimate setting
The autumn concert series at SpeakEZ Lounge kicks off at the end of the month and features up-and-coming acts, established stars and acclaimed tribute acts. View the schedule, get the details.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Old soul in new boots’: Indian River’s Lee Fayssoux spawns kudos for Americana gems
The northern Michigan singer-songwriter is nominated for three Josie Music Awards being presented Sept. 20 in Nashville, including ‘Vocalist of the Year.’ Local Spins spotlights the ‘country-Americana’ artist.
Labor Day Report 2026: The economic struggle to keep music journalism alive
As the death knell for print newspapers and journalism rings across Michigan and the nation on Labor Day, Local Spins and other outlets covering local and regional music are battling for survival. See how you can help keep Local Spins spinning.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kalamashoegazer fest sizzles with a dozen acts; plus Minus the Bear, The Incantations (Photos)
Labor Day weekend kicked off with the 17th annual Kalamashoegazer festival and The Incantations in Kalamazoo, along with a tour stop by Minus the Bear in Grand Rapids. Browse the photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Photos · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Videos
September’s Top 10 Michigan shows and festivals, plus a TLC/Salt-N-Pepa photo recap
September’s big shows roll out mostly as the final flurry of outdoor events gracing Michigan’s musical landscape. Our Top 10 list, plus a photo recap of TLC and Salt-N-Pepa. […]
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Videos
Sierra Cassidy’s magic as i.am.james: Freeing indie-folk/rock songs ‘trapped in her head’
Local Spins interviews the northern Michigan singer-songwriter as well as bluegrass powerhouse Billy Strings for this week’s radio show podcast, while also debuting new music from regional artists, including Roosevelt Diggs, Odd Space, Sweet Dee & The Wild Honeys, Stanley & Quiggle and Conway.
ARC fest returns to Chicago over Labor Day, expands to four days: The Local Spins Guide
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist gives electronic music lovers a preview of the Chicago spectacle, which requires just a short drive for many Michiganders.
Billy Strings talks Freak Fair, Grisman collab, hometown love: The Local Spins interview
Just a couple of days removed from his impressive Ionia Freak Fair spectacle, Michigan-bred guitar powerhouse Billy Strings opens up about his mom, donating festival profits to Ionia causes and a new recording with a bluegrass legend.
Artist Spotlights · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rüfüs Du Sol poised to ‘Make it Happen’ at sold-out Grand Rapids mega-dance party
The much-hyped Australian electronic dance trio might be Grand Rapids’ Acrisure Amphitheater’s most daring and impressive booking in its inaugural year. Local Spins columnist Todd Ernst digs into the Rüfüs Du Sol phenomenon.
Concert Recaps · Photos · Summer Concerts
Josh Groban, Blackberry Smoke & a Michigan community concerts photo roundup
On the final day of August, Local Spins features not only photo recaps of two Sunday shows, but galleries from a summer of free community concerts across the state. It was a live music summer unlike any other.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Toto, Myles Smith, Ionia Freak Fair put exclamation point on August’s final weekend
One of the busiest live music weeks of 2026 rolled out across West Michigan to close out August — and Local Spins was there to recap the action in words and photos, from Ke$ha to Billy Strings.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Billy Strings and friends ignite Ionia with bluegrass and metal Freak Fair flair
The opening salvo of the Michigan bluegrass guitarist’s inaugural festival at the Ionia County Fairgrounds was a spectacle unlike anything this small town — and Billy’s fans — had ever seen. Get the recap, browse photos and watch some video highlights at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
Festival Freakout: Billy Strings’ hometown romp & more Michigan music festival marvels
With August’s final blast of Michigan music festivals heating up the state this weekend, Local Spins showcases Mitten State performers at some of these celebrations, from the Ionia Freak Fair to the Forest Trail Music Festival and beyond. The radio show podcast and see how Ionia is preparing for the onslaught of more than 27,000 festivalgoers.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Josh Groban’s first-time symphonic tour ready to unfurl at GR’s Acrisure Amphitheater
Sunday’s concert at the outdoor venue rolls out as a “fascinating” collaboration with the Grand Rapids Symphony, according to singer Josh Groban. The Local Spins interview with the acclaimed artist.
Sharp-Dressed Men: ZZ Top carries on Texas blues-rock legacy with Billy Gibbons at helm
Nine days after drummer and band co-founder Frank Beard passed away, ZZ Top brought its enduring cavalcade of hits to Meijer Gardens on Wednesday. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Toto approaching half-century mark in pioneering progressive pop rock
With an upcoming tour stop Friday at Grand Rapids’ Acrisure Amphitheater, Local Spins interviews Toto’s lead singer about the band’s enduring music and life on the road.
Tedeschi Trucks Band finds fan-inspiring jam-band groove in Grand Rapids tour stop
The much-admired Southern rock and blues ensemble didn’t disappoint more than 10,000 fans who cheered Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and crew, as well as opener Alabama Shakes. Review, photos.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Montreal-to-Muir Metal Merger: Billy Strings forges special bond with Cryptopsy
The Canadian death metal band will headline The Pyramid Scheme’s metal tent at Billy Strings’ Ionia Freak Fair after the guitarist reached out to one of his favorite bands in an unusual way. Get the back story, view the festival schedules along with a link to a Freak Fair shuttle, and get a special Freak Fair trucker cap offer at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Forest Trail and Porkies music festivals embrace family vibe, Michigan’s beauty
Although separated by more than 470 miles, these two beloved and cozy Michigan music festivals boast a similar milieu, with lineups of top-shelf acts to close out the month of August. Get the guides, schedules and ticket links at Local Spins.
Brandi Carlile amps up West Michigan crowd with heartfelt, high-energy performance
The venerated Americana/folk/pop musician, activist and humanitarian captivated fans at Acrisure Amphitheater on Sunday with a career-spanning stop on ‘The Human Tour.’ The Local Spins review and photos, with a set list from the show.
Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
August Heat: Thomas Rhett, Return to River, HeartsTown, Fishstock, Sevendust (Photos)
Local Spins recaps festivals in Grand Rapids, Homer and Lansing, along with tour stops by Thomas Rhett, Theory of a Deadman, G. Love & Special Sauce in this weekend’s live music roundup.
Lindsey Stirling weaves storytelling magic in high-powered Acrisure Amphitheater show
The California singer-songwriter, violinist and dancer brought the spectacle of her “Duality Untamed” tour to Grand Rapids on Friday. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Videos
Lindsay Lou pays all-star homage to ‘Bluegrass Women,’ returns to Michigan for Freak Fair
The Michigan-bred singer-guitarist just released an ambitious bluegrass album, ahead of her performance at the Ionia Freak Fair, with a special Great Lakes State tour this fall. Learn more, view videos and listen to the debut of Michigan music by a host of artists in this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Tedeschi Trucks Band eager to uncoil ‘Future Soul,’ old classics during GR tour stop
With the rock-and-soul ensemble set to play Acrisure Amphitheater next week, writer Dave Gil de Rubio interviews Susan Tedeschi about the band’s new album and current U.S. tour.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
End-of-Summer Fun: Late August heats up Michigan with torrent of music festivals
It’s already been a hectic summer of live music, but there are still more than a dozen Michigan music festivals unfurling before the end of the month including this weekend’s HeartsTown Music Festival hosted by The War & Treaty in Homer, Mich. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Rip Smidgeon hones ‘supersonic jangle rock’ for third studio album
The band drops ‘Sounds Good’ this weekend, with an album-release show Friday at The Pyramid Scheme. Learn more about the group in this Q&A and check out its new music video.
Bruce Hornsby still jamming ‘The Way It Is’ (and was) for devoted Grand Rapids fans
The rock piano icon returned to the Meijer Gardens amphitheater on Sunday with his band, The Noisemakers, delivering a mix of familiar hits, deep cuts and jams. The review and photos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Live Music Circus: Five Finger Death Punch, Breakaway Day 2, Hank Williams Jr., Emo Fest
Mid-August’s flurry of concerts and festivals electrified fans of electronic music, metal, country, punk, emo, indie-folk and more, including Mat Kearney at Meijer Gardens and a gathering of punk and emo bands in Kalamazoo. View the recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Breakaway Music Festival blazes out of the gates with Fisher and more on Day 1
Breakaway heated up Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park on Friday with sets by more than a dozen electronic music artists on two stages. The recap and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
New Michigan Music Revue: Adam Marth’s ‘stunning’ genre mix, plus Billy Strings, more
West Michigan’s Adam Marth released a fetching debut album last week, spotlighted by Local Spins, along with new music from Billy Strings, Hail Your Highness, Kelsey., The Gasoline Gypsies, TechTonic, The Headless, Ladymonix, Chirp and more. Learn more about Marth and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After vacationing in West Michigan, tunesmith Mat Kearney set for Meijer Gardens show
Celebrated singer-songwriter Mat Kearney returns to Michigan for a sold-out Grand Rapids tour stop tonight. The Local Spins interview with the artist who releases a new album on Oct. 9 while revisiting his classic ‘Nothing Left to Lose’ release on tour.
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