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.
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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.
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Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
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.
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Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
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.
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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.
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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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Renowned drummer Harvey Mason keeping jazz alive with MSU Jazz Orchestra
After working this week with students, the well-traveled 79-year-old master drummer will perform with the MSU Jazz Orchestra at The Alluvion in Traverse City. Learn more about this jazz mainstay.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kentwood’s eclectic ABC Orchestra inspires students with real-world gigging adventures
Committed to mastering a cohesive sound that captures iconic popular music from across the decades, the students in ABC Orchestra will play The Intersection’s Stache on March 18, opening for acclaimed electric violinist Mia Asano. Led by Ryan Wallace, learn more about this unique ensemble.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Randy Travis back on tour but not singing: James Dupré to pay tribute at Muskegon show
The iconic country singer will accompany James Dupré on stage, with Dupré performing Travis’ familiar hits on the ‘More Life’ tour stop at Muskegon’s Frauenthal Center on Thursday. The back story on this unusual arrangement.
Sunday Spree: Winter Jam, Our Lady Peace, The Verve Pipe, Shawn Colvin (Concert Recaps)
Within a radius of several blocks in downtown Grand Rapids, Sunday night boasted tour stops by a flock of national artists at Van Andel Arena, GLC Live at 20 Monroe and St. Cecilia Music Center. Get the concert recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Record Company, Stephen Wilson Jr., Hip-Hop Romps & more: Concert Photo Roundup
The Record Company topped the list of shows energizing venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, with Headband Henny, Hazy Past, Level Up, Stephen Wilson Jr. and a Heavyweights band contest all in the mix. The photo galleries and a concert video at Local Spins.
SXSW · Upcoming shows · Videos
March Madness: SXSW and Michigan’s Top 12 concerts and live music events for the month
It’s another full-flavored month of music and we’ve picked a dozen compelling concerts, festivals and celebrations to circle on your calendar, while spotlighting some Michigan artists headed to Austin for SXSW. Plus, check out the Local Spins video roundup on EightWest.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Indie-alternative band Wilson Ave. finds its voice, exudes ‘beachy’ energy with new EP
Local Spins spotlights the Grand Rapids group with three upcoming performances in March, plus debuts music by Rachel Brooke, Brick Street Soul, Ghost Bunnies, Ocean & The Universe, Seth Bernard and more. Discover Wilson Ave’s back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Marking 20-plus years, Grand Rapids’ Folias Duo tours Great Lakes with new album ahead
The ‘not-so-common’ classical flute-and-guitar duo featuring Carmen Maret and Andrew Bergeron loves to tour, camp and deliver calming instrumental music. The Local Spins interview, along with the duo’s latest music video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Shawn Colvin honored to play Int’l Women’s Day concert at female-founded St. Cecilia
The acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter returns to Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Sunday after playing The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday. The Local Spins interview with this influential artist and performer.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Blown away’ by Winter Jam: Matthew West, Katy Nichole, more set for Michigan tour stops
The inspirational Christian music tour returns to Van Andel Arena on Sunday with Anne Wilson, Disciple, Hulvey, NewSong and more on the bill, with an Ypsilanti stop also ahead. The Local Spins preview, with music videos from Matthew West and Katy Nichole.
‘AI can’t carry amps on stage’: Human element irreplaceable as AI storms music business
AI has invaded the music industry but studio veterans say the human element is irreplaceable. Part 4 of the Local Spins series on the “AI Revolution in Music” spotlights the views of three West Michigan recording studio veterans.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Priscilla Block, Ole 60, Weird Al Tribute, Heywood Banks, Heavyweights: Photo Roundup
This week’s concert photo roundup features nine galleries from concerts in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, including Infekt, Artikal Sound System and more. Browse all of the images at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Star-Studded: New Hoxeyville Skies fest and Buttermilk Jamboree roll out 2026 lineups
The Hoxeyville Skies Music Festival, a brand new celebration in a familiar northern Michigan location, and the longstanding Buttermilk Jamboree south of Grand Rapids boast star-studded lineups for 2026. The story and details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
GR rock band The American Hotel System gets personal, focuses on ‘beautiful moments’
Local Spins spotlights the award-winning band that’s releasing a new single this weekend, while also debuting tracks from Rachel Curtis, Chirp, Wilson Ave, Folias Duo, Nick Piunti and other Michigan artists. Get the back story on The American Hotel System and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Galactic, Infamous Stringdusters, Original Wailers top artist roster for Blissfest 2026
Blissfest unfurls July 10-12 outside Cross Village, augmenting national stars with regional favorites such as Larry McCray, May Erlewine, Joe Hertler and The Rebel Eves. View the complete lineup and get ticket details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Grand Rapids’ Firebird Bar opens with country and rock bands in former Turnstiles location
The new West Side bar, restaurant and music venue celebrates its grand opening with Union Guns performing on Friday, seven months after Turnstiles closed its doors.
Three Days Grace, I Prevail come ‘Home’ to rock Grand Rapids with career-spanning romps
Veteran Canadian rock band Three Days Grace pumped up Van Andel Arena on Tuesday with a boost from Michigan-bred I Prevail and Georgia’s The Funeral Portrait. The review, photos, set lists at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Michigan jazz drummer Keith Hall: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
The acclaimed Kalamazoo drummer who plays three nights of Brazilian jazz across the state this week reveals the albums and artists that have influenced him most. Check out his picks, along with his own music, and find out more about his upcoming performances.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Jerron Paxton to heat up 2026 Smiling Acres Music Festival
The lineup announced for the late June music festival in Trufant also features Michigan favorites Act Casual, Jordan Hamilton, Lady Ace Boogie, Roosevelt Diggs, Melophobix and more. Get details and the full Smiling Acres lineup at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lone Bellow, Kameron Marlowe, Glen Phillips, Riot Punch & more: Concert Photo Recaps
Folk-rock, country, post-hardcore, singer-songwriter, Americana, math rock. Venues from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids boasted that and more over the past week, captured in images at Local Spins.
awards · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Joyful ‘micro-dosing’ of Michigan Music: Jammie Awards deliver kaleidoscope of treats
With throngs of fans on board, Friday’s 2026 WYCE Jammie Awards celebration at The Intersection boasted plenty of highlights from 20 acts on three stages. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
awards · Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Phabies, May Erlewine, Westside, Low Phase, Chloe Kimes snag big wins at Jammie Awards
Established and emerging Michigan artists took home hardware for the best Michigan music of 2025 at Friday night’s Jammie Awards, held at a jam-packed Intersection in Grand Rapids. View the full winners’ list and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan Music Showcase: The Local Spins Awards Edition
From one end of the state to the other — and covering a wide range of music — Michigan bands and solo artists are nominated for 2025 releases at two upcoming awards shows. Learn more about these acts and listen to this week’s radio show.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Roots/blues artist Hugh Pool to uncork eclectic music, fingerpicking at Michigan shows
With upcoming Michigan shows at Grow Benzie, Sisters, Short’s Pull Barn and Salt of the Earth, New York musician Hugh Pool of Mulebone checks in with Local Spins to talk about his music and his solo touring.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Venue Spotlight
Paw Paw’s Warner Vineyards enlarging amphitheater stage, expanding summer lineup
With a goal of becoming ‘Southwest Michigan’s premier outdoor music venue,’ the amphitheater is creating a bigger stage and adding more national acts to its series. View artist renderings of the revamped Warner Vineyards amphitheater and get details about the 2026 concert season.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Toad the Wet Sprocket’s Glen Phillips embraces solo tour, playing Guiding Light Live & more
With stops this month at St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids in a benefit for Guiding Light followed by The Acorn in Three Oaks, the frontman for the ’90s band opens up for Local Spins about his life and his tour. Get details about both Michigan shows.
Bootstrap Boys, Cabildo, EPCYA, Jeff Schroeder rock inspirational sets at Fountain St. Church
Amid a historic setting, four West Michigan bands created a buzz Sunday and raised thousands at ‘Melt the ICE’ for immigrant families through three organizations. Later, Riot Punch electrified The Pyramid Scheme. View the images and a video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Offspring, Descendents, Mersiv, Dave Simonett, Ward Davis, Echoes of Pink Floyd, more: Photos
The Offspring and Descendents brought hard-rocking tours to Grand Rapids, plus the week saw a mix of national and regional stars at various venues, including Mersiv, Melophobix and Echoes of Pink Floyd. Browse the photos exclusively at Local Spins.
awards · Features · Upcoming shows
Honoring Michigan Music: Jammie Awards’ robust history and the 2026 stage schedule
Since 2000, WYCE has celebrated the best in music, with a who’s who roster of Michigan acts honored. Check out past winners; view the three-stage schedule for the Feb. 20 bash at The Intersection.<
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Seth Bernard’s spiritual journey back from Lyme disease spawns magical live recordings
Local Spins spotlights the northern Michigan musician and activist who just released the first in a series of live albums, while also debuting new music by Rebekah Jon, Steve Rivers and other regional artists. Learn about his journey back from debilitating health issues and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
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