Michigan Album Reviews: Wilson Ave., Rivereye, Ghost Bunnies
Local Spins today takes a look at several more recent releases by Michigan artists. Check out our takes on the recordings, and listen to tracks from each release.
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Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The soulful Kalamazoo singer-songwriter has been splitting time between Crescent City and her home state. The Local Spins Q&A with an artist playing Bell’s Spring Concert Series.
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Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The acclaimed singer and songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. Local Spins catches up with Osborne, who still has a lot of irons in the musical fire.
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Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins’ photo team rounds up another robust week of live music across West Michigan that included Chirp, Octave Cat, The Pyramid Scheme’s 15th anniversary party, Carmen Bradford Quartet and more.
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Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Yolonda Lavender bringing magic of New Orleans to Michigan with May 1 show on tap
The soulful Kalamazoo singer-songwriter has been splitting time between Crescent City and her home state. The Local Spins Q&A with an artist playing Bell’s Spring Concert Series.
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Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With GR show ahead, Joan Osborne reveling in Bob Dylan, ‘safe harbor’ of stages
The acclaimed singer and songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. Local Spins catches up with Osborne, who still has a lot of irons in the musical fire.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ty Segall, Dogs in a Pile, Hail the Sun, The Morning Yells: Concert Photo Recaps
Local Spins’ photo team rounds up another robust week of live music across West Michigan that included Chirp, Octave Cat, The Pyramid Scheme’s 15th anniversary party, Carmen Bradford Quartet and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Daine Hammerle: The ‘hard balance’ as drummer, father, Midwest’s friendliest rocker
The in-demand Grand Rapids drummer performs tonight at The Pyramid Scheme with The Rockit King and Sunday with MASH, before going on tour this summer with The Verve Pipe. The Artist Spotlight feature at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Mandolinist Brian Oberlin’s intoxicating new mix of classical, bluegrass and swing
The Grand Rapids troubadour releases a new studio album next week. Local Spins digs into that project, plus debuts tracks from several Michigan artists, including Chirp, Rachel Brooke, Overdrive Orchestra and Signal Quartet. Get Brian Oberlin’s back story and listen to this week’s radio podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: The Bootstrap Boys, Signal Quartet, Feeding Grizzlies
As warm weather returns, Local Spins heats up with its takes on new releases by Michigan artists. Check out three gems today and listen to tracks from each album.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Veteran DJ and Sonic Coast founder Brian Maloney: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
For more than four decades, Brian Maloney has showcased music on the radio, with a deep love for Michigan. Today, he reveals the albums and artists that have inspired him.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Parking for Acrisure Amphitheater? City says there’s plenty, plus shuttles, rideshare options
Grand Rapids officials are ‘very comfortable’ with parking availability for concerts but cautioned: ‘Planning ahead is key.’ Check out their plans and the new ParkMobile app at Local Spins.
Free Summer Concerts: Lowell, Rockford, Allegan, Ludington, Sparta and more
As the weather warms, music fans start planning for a summer of outdoor music at 100-plus communities across the state, most starring Michigan acts. Here are some schedules to check out with a link to the full lineups at dozens of locations.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lorna Shore, Manic Focus, Record Store Day, Grieves, Lily Rose & more: Photo Recaps
Mid-April always brings vinyl-inspired hoopla, along with a torrent of local and national stars performing at venues across the region, including Lily Rose, Vespa, Tony Halchak, J.H. Patton & The Good Companions, Colby Acuff, Kalamazoo Academy of Rock and more. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens summer concerts Day 1 morning sellouts: Wilco, Myles Smith
Meijer Gardens sold 20,000 tickets for its summer series in 10 minutes to members this morning, though just two shows sold out in the first two hours. See which concerts are close to selling out.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
From Potato Moon to The Morning Yells: The Stancil Connection with Phil and Laura
The Morning Yells, with Phil and Laura Stancil, make their Grand Rapids debut April 24. The back story on this indie-rock band with roots in Potato Moon, plus this week’s radio showcase with new music by other Michigan artists, including Jack White, Dante Cope, Greg Nagy, Mei Semones and The Bootstrap Boys.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Going Local: Acrisure Amphitheater open house on May 16 to boast 19 West Michigan acts
When the public tours the amphitheater during the special May 16 event, they’ll be treated to rock, pop, country, funk, hip hop, ballet and more. View the lineup.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Wheatland’s 2026 festival lineup: Capping a summer of 60-plus Michigan celebrations
The granddaddy of Michigan music festivals revealed its lineup this week, closing out a summer of festivals that launches in May. Get the link to an updated roster of all of the state’s festivals.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Garage rocker Ty Segall: Painting, piano and quelling a ‘hyperactive mind’ with music
Ahead of his twin-bill show Friday at The Pyramid Scheme, California garage rocker Ty Segall chats about his music and more. The Local Spins Q&A.
Breaking music news · Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Acrisure Amphitheater to host private ‘pre-show’ for project contractors
The invite-only Contractor Appreciation Music Fest with 9 regional acts will unfold the weekend before the official May 15 opening. Today, take a new video and photo tour of the amphitheater, which one worker and rock musician called ‘the coolest thing that’s ever been built’ in Grand Rapids.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Vespa unfurling female-fronted rock, blues melange with debut recording ahead
Set to play SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday with Tony Halchak & The Happenstance, the Grand Rapids quartet led by Sarah VE has made inroads on the region’s music scene. Learn more about the band at Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
April’s Musical Showers: Josh Garrels, Chicago Farmer, Myron Elkins, Raynes (Photos)
West Michigan’s music week also boasted shows by Santino Jones, Darcy Wilkin, Disco Behemoth, Jim Lauderdale and more. Browse all the photos at Local Spins.
Michigan’s Music Econ Summit embraces ‘the business of being an artist’ in day-long event
Saturday’s Michigan Music Alliance conference in Grand Rapids drew 120 attendees and dozens of music industry experts for a day of mentoring on the business side of music. Get the recap, browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows
Battle Creek R&B artist Asia Sings: Inspired by motherhood with Bell’s show ahead
The Georgia native and Battle Creek-based R&B singer Asia Sings (A’Siaunnya Bryant) will be part of Bell’s Spring Concert Series after releasing several singles over the past three years. The Artist Spotlight feature at Local Spins, plus listen to her music.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Dark pop’s Izzy Reign sets sights on milestone 2026 with new music, Upheaval set, touring
Local Spins spotlights the Grand Rapids dark pop/metalcore artist who won last week’s Heavyweights band battle. Plus we debut tracks from Max Lockwood, The Rebel Eves and more.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens to fire up summer with Wilco, Switchfoot, KALEO, ZZ Top, St. Vincent, Ziggy
The 34-concert 2026 season will also feature Buddy Guy, Trey Anastasio, Sierra Ferrell, Little Feat, Indigo Girls, Men at Work, Lucy Dacus and Shakey Graves. View the full schedule and ticket info.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
With Max Lockwood at the helm, Michigan’s ‘Rivereye’ delivers poetic rock ’n’ roll energy
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will unfurl a new all-star band album during late April concerts in Grand Rapids and Traverse City. The back story at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Whatever Happened To
When West Michigan’s Drew Nelson joined Mumford & Sons as an act ‘you need to hear’
During Local Spins’ inaugural year in 2012, we frequently showcased Drew Nelson, a rising Americana star from Grand Rapids who had just released an album on a national label and was drawing widespread acclaim. We catch up to him 14 years later as part of our ‘Whatever Happened To’ series.
Making money, pro tips, networking: Music Econ Summit offers musicians path to success
Saturday’s day-long conference at GR’s Bamboo Start Garden boasts workshops, panel discussions, vendors and networking opportunities for musicians and those in the music business. Details and the schedule at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Mannequins, Izzy Reign win big, plus Buku, Black Dahlia Murder and more: Photos
The Easter weekend concert roundup boasts a mix of national tour stops and impressive performances by local and regional acts — several of them performing at two different battles of the bands. View the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Myron Elkins embraces musical ‘crossroads’ with new songs, upcoming SpeakEZ debut
Following an appearance Friday on WOOD TV8’s ‘EightWest,’ the West Michigan heartland rocker and Americana singer brings his band to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ on April 10. Plus, view Local Spins’ Top 10 Concerts for April.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Kalamazoo tunesmith Darcy Wilkin gets ‘more adventurous’ on sophomore folk album
Local Spins spotlights the singer-songwriter with a new recording, plus debuts tracks by Dan Rickabus, Headband Henny, Ten Peso Version, Kyle Brown, Toby Bresnahan, Jordan Rodriguez and more. Check out the feature story and radio show podcast.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Northern Michigan’s summer concert mecca: Lavender Hill, GLCFA, Homestead, Bay View
Interlochen isn’t alone when it comes to 2026 concert offerings. Several other N. Michigan destinations will heat up stages with national & regional stars, from The War and Treaty and Amy Grant to Straight No Chaser, Seth Bernard and Jabo Bihlman. The schedules and more at Local Spins.
The Stray set for band battle finals amid atmosphere of ‘mutual support’
Marcus AK, The Mannequins, The Rupple Brothers and Ironwood will face off for the top prize to close out the month-long battle on Saturday. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Local Grins: The Pyramid Scheme’s ‘High Score Comedy,’ Human Comedians vs. AI and more
This spring edition of Local Grins not only lists upcoming area tour stops by national stars, but digs into the flurry of shows featuring West Michigan comedians at numerous locations. It’s your one-stop shop for laughs.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Celebrations Galore: Boys Like Girls, Gary Numan, Pretty Sure, The Honeytones (Photos)
International and local stars marking anniversaries or new releases pumped up stages across West Michigan, as well as Super Future, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Steel Panther and more. The recaps, photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
Patty PerShayla channels aggression and finds balance while recording new album
The rock-fueled, Nashville-based, West Michigan native returns home for shows tonight at Lowell’s Sound Check and Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge. The Local Spins interview with this dynamic performer and songwriter.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
‘Working Man’: Lafayette Gunter Jr.’s jazz saxophone journey inspired by his father
Local Spins spotlights the up-and-coming Grand Rapids musician with a new EP, along with debuting tracks by Brian Oberlin, Luke Winslow-King, Pretty Sure, Spencer LaJoye, Katie Greene and more. The feature story on Gunter and today’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Billy Strings goes next level with bluegrass hero Sam Bush in surprise St. Cecilia show
Mandolinist Sam Bush brought unannounced special guest Billy Strings on stage Thursday at the intimate, historic auditorium to the delight of stunned Grand Rapids fans, with the superstar guitarist joining Bush’s band for several songs. The review, photos and video.
Grand Rapids hip-hop stars shine ahead of Riff Raff in packed house with metalcore next door
The California rapper’s tour stop at The Intersection’s Stache on Wednesday gave a host of regional hip-hop acts a chance to strut their stuff for an enthused crowd. And in the main showroom, metalcore’s ERRA and Currents rattled the house. Review and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Grocery as Venue: Horrocks Market’s unique mix of one-stop shopping, live music and beer
The Kentwood grocery store Horrocks Market has become a go-to music venue on weekends, with shoppers able to enjoy a beer or cider while listening to regional favorites. Horrocks opens a beer garden in late May. The back story and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
‘Feeding off each other’ for a positive vibe: Bluegrass icon Sam Bush amped for GR return
The influential bluegrass mandolinist plays St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids on Thursday. He chats with Local Spins about his career and his love of performing live.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mia Asano, ABC Orchestra, Jason Leech, John Jorgenson, Mustard Plug, more: Photo Recaps
Electric violinist Mia Asano spotlighted Kentwood’s ABC Orchestra in a week that also featured West Michigan tour stops by an eclectic mix of national and regional artists. Browse photos from all of these shows in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Holland.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival strums up folk, surf, rock, drone music & more to greet spring
Saturday’s day-long festival at Kalamazoo Valley Museum boasted sets by more than a dozen acts (with some unusual twists), a bevy of instrument vendors and several workshops. Check out the recap, photos and video highlights.
Artist Spotlights · Commentary · RSVP Music Chat · Upcoming shows
The Honeytones’ 40-year rock ‘n’ roll journey: The RSVP Music Podcast
The ‘deans of Grand Rapids pop/rock scene’ mark four decades on March 27 at SpeakEZ Lounge — a good time to resurrect the RSVP Music Podcast hosted by Ralston Bowles, who digs into The Honeytones’ robust history and has them play one of their original songs, written more than 40 years ago.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Spring has Sprung with New Michigan Music: The Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase
Today’s radio podcast digs into tracks by Brie Stoner, Shayla Hamady, Mark Harrell, The Bootstrap Boys, Hannah Rose Graves, Heat Above and many more. Learn more about these acts and listen to this week’s show.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Go Rounds’ Graham Parsons: Reflecting on creativity, loss and excitement for the road
With Kalamazoo’s The Go Rounds mounting a full-fledged spring tour for the first time in years, Local Spins checks in with frontman Graham Parsons on all of the changes affecting the band and his life, with new music to come. Check out the full tour schedule.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
Mustard Plug’s David Kirchgessner: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
For 35 years, Grand Rapids’ Mustard Plug has created ska with an international following, and continues to record and tour, with a Friday show at Bell’s in Kalamazoo. Today, Local Spins revisits frontman David Kirchgessner’s picks for albums that changed his world.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Emmylou Harris to Jason Isbell to The Stray Cats: Interlochen’s summer 2026 concerts
The northern Michigan venue so far has announced 10 high-profile shows with more to come, amid the state’s ever-more hectic summer concert and festival schedule. View the full schedule and see how Interlochen’s venue compares to other Michigan amphitheaters.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Dream-folk’s Cold Mountain Child to air new music at star-filled Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest
Southwest Michigan dream-folk band Cold Mountain Child will celebrate a new album with a performance at Saturday’s Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival, joining a bevy of Michigan favorites performing at Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Get the back story on this band and view the schedule of performances for the weekend festival.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Irish Tidal Wave: Early St. Patrick’s Day parties and more musical revelry revisited
Saturday was dominated by early toasts to St. Patrick’s Day with Irish Off Ionia, Irish Remedy and more, with a few other concerts thrown into the mix over the past week, including Wheatus, Yellowhouse, King Garbage and more. The photos and a video at Local Spins.
The Legal Matters navigate internal, external struggles on new ‘Lost at Sea’ album
The power pop/rock band from Detroit and Bay City gets candid about its fourth release, which continues to draw inspiration from music of the 1960s and ’70s. Get the back story and listen to tracks from the new album in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Adam Main & The Joy Modulators: Dynamic chamber folk, jams, jazz harmonies and fun
Local Spins spotlights the eclectic all-star Southwest Michigan rock, blues and folk band making its SpeakEZ Lounge debut next week. Learn more about the group and check out this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast which features new music from May Erlewine, Annie & Rod Capps, Zach Peterson, Rashaad Lee, Whorled and more.
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