Larkin Poe, The Record Company uncork ‘beautiful day for rock ‘n’ roll’ in GR
The bands made their Meijer Gardens debut amid cloudy skies on Wednesday, delivering guitar-heavy strains to the amphitheater. The review and photos.
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Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
After Billy Strings pumped up the 2025 event, one of the state’s longest-running music festivals returns this week with more gems, including Dan Tyminski, Full Cord and more. Get the lowdown on this hoedown.
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Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
The wildly popular Latvian bands will play the United States for the first time at GLC Live at 20 Monroe as part of the early July song, dance and cultural festival. The lowdown at Local Spins, along with ticket links and music videos.
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Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst once again outlines his must-see picks for the Rothbury festival along with tips on how to make Electric Forest a top-shelf experience.
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Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Charlotte Bluegrass Festival buzzing with stars young and old, Del McCoury to Gavin Conley
After Billy Strings pumped up the 2025 event, one of the state’s longest-running music festivals returns this week with more gems, including Dan Tyminski, Full Cord and more. Get the lowdown on this hoedown.
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Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
High Energy: Bermudu Divstūris, Apvedceļš eager to amp up GR’s Latvian Song Festival
The wildly popular Latvian bands will play the United States for the first time at GLC Live at 20 Monroe as part of the early July song, dance and cultural festival. The lowdown at Local Spins, along with ticket links and music videos.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Electric Forest set to sizzle with GRiZ, Kaskade, Shpongle, Claude VonStroke: The Year 14 Guide
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst once again outlines his must-see picks for the Rothbury festival along with tips on how to make Electric Forest a top-shelf experience.
Incandescent, internationally flavored Pink Martini toasts perfect evening
The globe-trotting “little orchestra” enchanted an upbeat Meijer Gardens crowd with impeccable instrumentation and vocalists who included renowned radio journalist Ari Shapiro. Review, photos.
Concert Recaps · Photos · Summer Festivals
Buttermilk Jamboree revels in stunning weather, powerful sets: Recap, photos
Days 2 and 3 of the music festival that unfolded last weekend at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids had plenty of highlights. Get the recap and photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Smiling Acres set to overflow ‘with confidence, love, affirmation’ and robust 2026 lineup
The annual music festival rife with Michigan acts rolls out again Friday through Sunday in Trufant, 36 miles northeast of Grand Rapids. Get the preview and details at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Historic Idlewild to host weekend festival rife with soul, jazz and a cappella mastery
The “Live at Idlewild” festival unfurling June 27-28 in Idlewild will star Kindred the Family Soul, Take 6, Stanley Jordan, Alexander Zonjic, Angela Davis, Larry Lee, 496 West and more. The scoop at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Tash Sultana paints masterpiece at the Gardens, plus GR Pride Fest, Spafford & more
This weekend roundup covers a lot of territory: Tash Sultana, GR Pride Festival, Spafford, Hank Mowery, Rachel Brooke — all captured in images at Local Spins.
Festivals · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Buttermilk Jamboree 2026 Day 1 fuels musical traditions that span generations
Summer Festivals like Buttermilk Jamboree have become annual traditions for families, friend groups and more over the years by creating a strong sense of community through music, workshops and collaborative jam sessions. Opening day, photos, video and review at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Full Cord calls on ‘ripper’ Billy Strings for new singles with hectic summer touring ahead
The veteran West Michigan bluegrass band reunited with pal Billy Strings in the studio for a special session. Listen to the first single and fresh tracks from other Michigan artists, including Jack Droppers, Mac Saturn, Greg Nagy, Checkered Lilies, Pablo Eskobear and more.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Videos
From Red Rocks to Electric Forest: String Cheese Incident still revels in fan-inciting jams
Electric Forest fires up in Rothbury on Thursday (June 25) and once again, The String Cheese Incident will serve as the festival’s unofficial ‘house band.’ The interview at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
Billy Strings joins Trey Anastasio at Meijer Gardens; ‘Starman’ MGK soars at Acrisure
Wednesday’s Grand Rapids double-header of high-profile shows featured a powerhouse rapper at a new amphitheater and a jam-band hero with a bluegrass superstar at Meijer Gardens. The recaps of both shows with photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With top-notch lineup, Buttermilk Jamboree poised for ‘really special, beautiful’ weekend
The 2026 music festival rolls out Friday through Sunday at Delton’s Circle Pines Center with a who’s who roster of Michigan stars. Get the lowdown and schedule at Local Spins.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue regale Michigan fans with NOLA jazz, funk
The multi-instrumentalist and Meijer Gardens mainstay delivered familiar favorites and a few surprises Monday to an appreciative amphitheater of fans, with Tank & The Bangas getting things started. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Santana, Doobie Brothers rock nostalgia in impressive fashion at Acrisure Amphitheater
The stars were out Monday in Grand Rapids, with Santana and The Doobie Brothers heating up a gorgeous night at Acrisure Amphitheater for a near-capacity crowd. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Tank & The Bangas set to uncork New Orleans vibe, poetry, ‘good time’ in Grand Rapids
Touring behind a brand new album, “The Last Balloon,” Tank & The Bangas open tonight for Trombone Shorty at Meijer Gardens. The Local Spins Q&A with this electrifying band.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
GridLife Festival, Pattie Gonia, N. Miss. All Stars and More: Concert Photo Roundup
An incredibly hectic week of live music continued through the weekend, from South Haven to Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids. Browse all of the images at Local Spins.
Wilco flourishes in Meijer Gardens debut while unfurling career-spanning set
The three-hour show on Friday night came amid ideal, sunny weather, with the diverse Chicago band playing more than 30 songs over two sets — from 1995’s “Box Full of Letters” to 2024’s
Annihilation.”. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Concerts
Michigan stars finding all-ages jubilation at free outdoor summer concerts
Today’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast explores fresh tracks by local and regional artists playing outdoor shows across the state this summer. Check out music by Rachel Brooke, Jabo Bihlman, Kyle Brown, Luke Winslow-King, Rebekah Jon, Just Magnetic, Ben Daniels Band and more.
The Beths ‘Take’ GR by storm, plus Devon Allman, Arcadian Wild, PHABIES & more
The New Zealand indie-rockers made a tour stop Wednesday at The Big Room, part of an early week flurry of concerts from Paw Paw to Kalamazoo to Rockford. Browse the photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Santana set to bring legendary music, sound to Grand Rapids with ‘the best cats’ on stage
In a Local Spins interview, lead singer and trombonist Ray Greene takes about his thrilling gig with Santana, which plays Acrisure Amphitheater on Monday with The Doobie Brothers.
Sierra Ferrell inspires ‘American Dreaming’ in floral-bedecked, genre-spanning tour stop
The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter enchanted a sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens on Monday. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Summer Concerts
The Wallflowers pay robust homage to ‘Bringing Down the Horse’ & a Tom Petty classic
Sunday’s concert amid gorgeous weather at Meijer Gardens unfurled as a two-album night, with Jakob Dylan and crew performing two iconic LPs straight through. And we had an artist there capture the images.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Parker McCollum uncorks ‘best time of the year,’ plus the week’s concert roundup
The country star revved up Grand Rapids’ Acrisure Amphitheater on Saturday. We also sport photos from shows by Dan Rickabus, The Mekons, Kalamazoo Pride Festival and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind
Magical Musicians Revisited: Local Spins’ Top 10 Artist Spotlight Interviews
As we wrap up our 14th anniversary celebration at Local Spins, we highlight a memorable Top 10 list: Our most popular features on regional and national artists, based on readership.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Metro Detroit’s Jill Jack ‘coloring outside the lines’ for diverse new album project
Local Spins spotlights the award-winning singer-songwriter who plays next week’s Nor-East’r festival. We debuts tracks from other Michigan acts, including Lee Emi, Michigander, J. King Crayne and New Troy. Check out this week’s robust radio show podcast and view the schedule for the June 12-14 Nor-East’r Music & Art Festival.
Michigan’s Top Concerts and Festivals for June 2026: The Local Spins List
Scrambling to find definitive lists of upcoming concerts and festivals? Well, Local Spins has your guide to live music in June. And there’s plenty to choose from. Michigan’s top concerts for the month cover a lot of territory musically and geographically.
Tuesday Evening Music Club embraces Motown classics on opening night at Meijer Gardens
The long-running Tuesday series that spotlights local and regional acts attracted a capacity crowd under sunny skies. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Parker McCollum revels in country music acclaim, latest self-titled album
The award-winning country singer plays Grand Rapids’ Acrisure Amphitheater this weekend. In an interview, writer L. Kent Wolgamott digs into what makes McCollum tick. SCROLL DOWN FOR MUSIC VIDEO[…]
Weezil Malone Band wins regional blues competition at Billy’s Lounge
The band led by veteran blues guitarist and singer Weezil Malone was a late addition to Sunday’s contest, but will now advance to the national competition in Memphis.
Concert Recaps · Weekend Photo Gallery
Russell Dickerson, Redferrin, Cody Johnson, Joe Hertler, Emo Fest & more: Concert Photos
With summer-like weather settling in, national tour stops and regional stars heated up West Michigan venues to close out the month — including Jon Hayes, Saturdays at Your Place and more. Browse all of the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Grins · Upcoming shows
Steve Burns of ‘Blue’s Clues’: A ‘passenger on the struggle bus’ with Kalamazoo show ahead
Local Grins’ Virginia Anzengruber presents an interview with Steve Burns of ‘Blue’s Clues,’ as the actor, musician, podcast and TV host prepares for an appearance Wednesday (June 3) at Miller Auditorium.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The rock ’n’ blues reinvention of The Reverend Jesse Ray: New album, new attitude
After first making a splash as Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish 14 years ago, Jesse Ray performs solo at Rockford Brewing tonight (Friday) with a new record on the way. The Artist Spotlight, plus this week’s radio podcast featuring fresh tracks by Michigan artists, including The JR Band, Stovepipe Stover, The American Hotel System, Wagon Wheel Effect and more.
Hot Night: O.A.R. kicks off Meijer Gardens season; Kid Cudi & crew amp up The AMP
Wednesday’s double-header of major Grand Rapids shows included the opening night of the Meijer Gardens season and the second big concert at Acrisure Amphitheater. Get the reviews and browse the photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Movement 2026 Revisited: Techno’s mecca delivers again on its 20th anniversary
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst recaps last weekend’s mammoth electronic music festival in Detroit, with photos by Michael Mastre.
Summer Concerts · Top 10 Lists · Top 5 Lists · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens’ Top 5 Concerts and Local Spins’ Top 10 Concert Reviews of All-Time
Meijer Gardens kicks off its 2026 concert series on Wednesday, so Local Spins asked go-to reviewer Tricia Boot for her Top 5 Meijer Gardens concerts of all-time. Plus, check out Local Spins’ Top 10 most popular concert reviews.
A tribute to brothers and sisters in arms: The Ultimate Memorial Day Playlist
As we honor and remember all of those who’ve given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces, Local Spins offers a playlist that’s a tribute to their sacrifice and a prayer for peace.
Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Movement, Bus Benefit, Anberlin, Hollypalooza heat up late spring: Photo Recaps
As we plunge deeper into Memorial Day weekend, Local Spins recaps festivals and concerts that gave music lovers a taste of the (warmer) summer ahead. Browse the photos from Movement, Bus Benefit and Hollypalooza, and concerts featuring Anberlin, The Incantations, Daniel Staggs, Silver Creek Revival and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Summer Kickoff: Mountain Goats launch Bell’s series; view dozens of Michigan show schedules
Friday’s holiday weekend kickoff in Kalamazoo just scratches the surface when it comes to the explosion of summer concerts across the state. Get the Mountain Goats show recap and photos, then view summer concert schedules for 50-plus outdoor venues.
Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Mitten’s musical Memorial Weekend road trip: Detroit to West Michigan and more
This week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase features tracks by more than a dozen Mitten State artists, providing a soundtrack for holiday travelers. Hear new music from Jill Jack, The Reverend Jesse Ray, Chirp, Christine Mattson, Silverstiles and more.
Free Summer Concerts: GR’s Food Truck Fridays, Holland, Traverse City & more
Local Spins’ updated roster of Michigan acts playing more than 100 communities across the state includes schedules for Hudsonville, Elk Rapids, Middleville, Fennville and more. Check out updated listings and get a link to the full guide of summer shows.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
Producer Michael Kreple: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
Kentwood native, Big Rapids recording studio owner and cancer survivor Michael Kreple is an award-winning veteran of the music industry. Today, he reveals the music that inspired him.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
All That Remains, Headband Henny, The All-American Rejects & more: Photo Recaps
Local Spins photographers ventured across downtown Grand Rapids and the greater West Michigan area last week to cover everything from an All-American Rejects pop-up show, to sold out shows from Corrosion of Conformity and Plain White T’s, along with Silversun Pickups, Nate Smith and more. Check out eight photo galleries at Local Spins.
The Ultimate Pink Floyd Playlist: Local Spins goes psych-prog with Brit Floyd on tap
With Brit Floyd’s acclaimed Pink Floyd tribute performing at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall this week, Local Spins takes a dive into classics courtesy of three Floyd devotees who admire different parts of the band’s illustrious career.
Concert Recaps · Photos · Venue Spotlight
Acrisure Amphitheater hosts free community open house featuring local acts
Continuing its opening weekend festivities, Acrisure Amphitheater opened up its doors to the Grand Rapids community for a free open house with a variety of local music acts and opportunities to tour the venue. Photos and recap at Local Spins.
Lionel Richie ushers in new era, kicks off inaugural Acrisure Amphitheater season
Lionel Richie charms concertgoers with clever humor, timeless hits and plenty of love for Grand Rapids at the official opening show of Acrisure Amphitheater. See photos, a review and audience’s thoughts on the venue at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
The Temperances unveiling new music, heating up summer at 2026 Bus Benefit
The harmony-laden super-trio has a new song, featured in the Local Spins radio show which also spotlights tracks by other Michigan artists. Plus, view the Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit lineup.
Detroit’s Movement poised to celebrate 20 years of electronic music glory
Local Spins’ ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ columnist Todd Ernst previews the Memorial Day weekend spectacle in downtown Detroit, a ‘techno Mecca’ unlike any other. Check out his must-see picks and view the full schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Kalamazoo
Headband Henny is here to “serve the moment” and this one might be his
How Kalamazoo R&B artist Headband Henny stays hyper-focused on the here and now. Read the exclusive Local Spins interview with this emerging Midwest star ahead of his headlining show at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe on May 15th.
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