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.
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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.
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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 · 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat’s flurry of Michigan music, plus May Erlewine, Finding Amelia and more
Saturday’s Winter Wheat festival in Grand Rapids highlighted a weekend of tantalizing live music across the region, from Ghost Bunnies to Hannah Laine to Full Cord Trio. Get the recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Accidentals give holidays fresh home-style boost with help from Kaboom Studio Orchestra
The Traverse City-bred alt-folk trio The Accidentals brought the Michigan tour behind its new Christmas album to Grand Rapids’ Big Room on Friday, impressing fans with enhancement from an ensemble of young Ohio musicians. Review, photos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids indie-rock’s PHABIES embraces smart, artistic visuals to boost fan experience
West Michigan’s PHABIES will open Michigander’s second annual holiday show in Grand Rapids tonight while eyeing more new music, more touring and a special album-release show. Learn more about the band and watch its videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Brett Dennen, Djangophonique, Luke Winslow-King, Michigan Songwriters: Concert Photos
Top-shelf songwriting from Brett Dennen, Luke Winslow-King and others — along with stellar musicianship — took the spotlight at several concerts across West Michigan over the weekend. Plus, check out videos and photos from the jam-packed ‘Laurel Canyon II’ tribute night.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows
At 18, emerging W. Michigan country star Tyler Gitchel builds on family tradition, storytelling
Howard City’s Tyler Gitchel already has opened for several national artists and released several singles in 2025. Get his back story and listen to one of his original songs at Local Spins
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Wheatland unfurls another ‘beautiful,’ uplifting weekend of eclectic roots music
One of Michigan’s longest-running music festivals embraced everything from traditional music to rock, funk and more on several stages and amid the woods in Remus last weekend. The Local Spins recap, photos and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Crane Wives soar to new heights in emotional Grand Rapids homecoming
The alt-rock/folk band’s sold-out, headlining show at Meijer Gardens on Thursday night was a milestone event for the beloved group with a devoted fan base. The review, photos and a video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Accidentals lead unprecedented 3½-hour, female-driven spectacle in Tuesday romp
The special five-act romp for Tuesday Evening Music Club came the same night that Rotary Rocks benefit in Rockford boasted sets by Roosevelt Diggs and Nicholas James & The Bandwagon. Recaps, photos at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Metal Uprising: Upheaval Festival amps up GR on Day 1 with Rob Zombie, rock ruckus
The hard-driving Upheaval Festival returned to Belknap Park on Friday amid sunny skies that drew throngs of hyper-energetic metal fans who cheered bands on three stages. The recap, photos and video.
The Verve Pipe pairs with Grand Rapids Symphony for electric evening of alt-rock
The multi-platinum-selling West Michigan alt-rock band returned to Meijer Gardens on Monday this time with a symphonic twist. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Tuneful Tuesday: TEMC’s soulful kickoff at Meijer Gardens + Jake Kershaw, Watchhouse
Sunny, sultry weather greeted fans of vibrant music on Tuesday: The Music That Raised Us at Meijer Gardens, Jake Kershaw in Rockford and Watchhouse in Kalamazoo. Revisit the musical action in images at Local Spins.
I’m With Her super-group powers through rain for stunning, harmony-hued show
It rained throughout Sunday’s concert at Meijer Gardens, but those who stuck around were treated to the trio’s fetching covers and original gems. The review and photos.
The Head and The Heart provides ‘perfect soundtrack’ to Meijer Gardens opening night
The sold-out kickoff to the Meijer Gardens summer concert series even impressed the ban, which called it “a surreal place to play music.” The review, photos and set list from Friday’s show.
Rhiannon Giddens delivers seamless, emotionally charged ‘front porch’ folk in GR
The highly acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning folk artist returned to St. Cecilia Music Center on Tuesday for yet another crowd-enchanting performance that included a shout-out to a local guitar company. The review and photos.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Rusty Vining & His Friends win The Stray’s 2025 Battle of the Bands
The Grand Rapids indie-folk band topped three other finalists to take home top honors at Saturday’s finals in the fourth annual event. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Singer-songwriter Melissa Dylan: Big voice, intense songs, starting a new band
Grand Rapids singer Melissa Dylan plays a songwriters’ night at SpeakEZ Lounge on Friday with Ralston Bowles and Dan Terry. Local Spins digs into more about this tunesmith who just started a new band.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Lone Bellow charms GR with fetching ‘Love Songs,’ plus the week’s concert roundup
Enchanting a sold-out crowd at St. Cecilia Music Center, The Lone Bellow’s Saturday tour stop was just part of a bracing concert week that also featured Jimkata, Ten Peso Version, Super Future & more. Get the recaps, photos and a video at Local Spins.
Newaygo’s Iris Herrera labeled ‘Comeback Queen’ with success on ‘The Voice’
The 19-year-old singer made the most of her second shot in the NBC singing competition, moving on to the Battle Rounds earlier this month. Learn more about Herrera in this Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Guiding Light Live shines for good cause with Joshua, Ralston, Kate, Colonel & The Rebel Eves
The first-ever musical benefit for Grand Rapids’ Guiding Light rolled out as a compelling and touching showcase of songwriting and performing by a who’s who roster of Michigan artists. The review, photos and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Spencer LaJoye: Reveling in candid personal music, open hearts & Michigan’s music scene
Preparing to play SpeakEZ Lounge on Friday with two other Michigan artists, Spencer LaJoye opens up about songwriting, performing and the region’s welcoming music community.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Michigan-bred country act MaRynn Taylor on ‘insane’ fast track, opening for Kelsea Ballerini
‘Crazy’ as it feels to her, Tuesday’s Van Andel Arena tour stop puts the Rockford native in the spotlight on the big stage ahead of country star Kelsea Ballerini. The Local Spins Q&A with MaRynn Taylor.
On Stage 4 Kids re-launches for 2025 embracing mission to inspire kids with live music
The nonprofit Michigan program that’s performed for 80,000-plus students over the years is back in “a discovery phase,” seeking schools eager to get their kids excited about live music.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Creed, 3 Doors Down rock ‘human experience’ in GR show: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 15)
November’s packed concert at Van Andel Arena surprised many with what rolled out as one of rock fans’ favorite shows of the year. Revisit the Local Spins review, photo gallery and set lists as our December countdown of the year’s top music stories continues.
Creed, 3 Doors Down, Mammoth WVH rock ‘the human experience’ in Grand Rapids tour stop
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.
Sierra Ferrell creates ‘Garden’ dreams, The Crane Wives go well ‘Beyond’ the usual
Friday’s Grand Rapids lineup boasted two sold-out shows: Indie-folk/bluegrass/jazz artist Sierra Ferrell made her Meijer Gardens debut while Michigan’s Crave Wives lit up The Intersection. The recaps and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Fitz & The Tantrums fuel funky fun while May Erlewine oozes heartfelt healing power
The Los Angeles indie-pop band returned to a sold-out Meijer Gardens on Thursday, the same night that Michigan’s songbird embraced a big crowd at downtown’s Studio Park, Get the recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Marshmello mashes up Breakaway fanfare, plus Elisabeth Pixley-Fink & more (Recaps)
The electronic music fest at Grand Rapids Belknap Park drew an even bigger crowd for Day 2 on Saturday, with other shows across West Michigan also attracting lively fans. The photo recaps at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
‘Like Spotify, except we get paid’: KDL Vibes Fest toasts regional stars, streaming platform
Saturday’s second annual festival celebrated the KDL Vibes regional music streaming service with sets by more than a dozen acts, including Phabies, Earth Radio, Ralston Bowles and more. Revisit the event in words and photos at Local Spins.
Grand Rapids welcomes Boyz II Men’s perfect harmonies for ‘One Sweet Day’
The award-winning ’90s vocal group mixed hits with popular covers during their Meijer Gardens debut on Sunday night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins, along with images from another vocal group sensation at Meijer Gardens: Il Divo.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Fair Ground Fest rocks Hastings, embraces femininity with War & Treaty, Accidentals
Festivalgoers basked in Saturday’s sunny weather as the second-year event delivered impassioned sets from seven acts, including Hannah Wicklund, who created a real buzz with her performance. Check out Local Spins’ review of the festival, along with photos and video highlights.
Summer Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Upheaval Festival Day 2’s riptide of rock, plus Here Comes the Mummies, Kanola Band, .moe
Virginia’s Bad Omens closed out this year’s Upheaval Festival with effusive flash and the biggest crowd yet, wrapping up a sundry and resplendent live music week across West Michigan. Browse the photo galleries and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Upheaval Festival’s First-Day Blitz: Intense sets, happy crowdsurfing metalheads galore
Friday’s opening day of Upheaval at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park unleased thunderous sets from Godsmack, Killswitch Engage, Of Mice and Men and more. The recap, highlights and photos at Local Spins.
Ever-engaging Amos Lee explores ‘weird time’ again in GR’s ‘home away from home’
After buying beer for fans at a St. Cecilia concert earlier this year, a fan returned the favor by supplying the singer-songwriter a drink Wednesday at Meijer Gardens. Just part of an inviting Grand Rapids show. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
‘Like coming home’: Buttermilk Jamboree opens with family flavor, eclectic sets
The festival’s opening day at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids was a classic Buttermilk feast of live music and frolicking kids. The recap with photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Buttermilk Jamboree’s fan-inspiring, family-friendly charm: Preview, must-see picks
This mid-June festival kicks off south of Grand Rapids on Friday, with dozens of Michigan acts on the three-day bills. Get the details, ticket links, daily schedules and performer picks at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Detroit to Grand Rapids: Toasting Michigan Central Station and Festival of the Arts
From one end of Michigan to the other, the weekend kicked off with a celebratory flair, featuring a star-studded christening of an iconic building and the return of a GR institution. Get the recaps, photo galleries and a video at Local Spins.
Tuneful Tuesday: Meijer Gardens launches music club shows in soulful, funky fashion
Grand Rapids’ Par-Llo Connection and Avalon Cutts-Jones kicked off the 2024 edition of the Tuesday Evening Music Club series. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Grand Rapids’ Squatch rocks to first place in The Stray’s 2024 Battle of the Bands
The progressive rock band topped The Cosmoknights, who took second, along with fellow competitors Farewell Come April and Quilter on Saturday night in another sold-out show as part of the month-long contest. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
MaRynn Taylor embraces small-town Rockford roots amid Nashville’s next generation of stars
As MaRynn Taylor climbs the country music charts and accomplishes career milestones, she holds onto the wonder of her younger self while following in the footsteps of the country stars she grew up admiring. The Local Spins interview, along with Taylor’s latest music videos.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat triumphs + Domestic Problems, LowDown Brass, Spencer LaJoye, jazz & more
Sunday’s rescheduled Winter Wheat and the return of jazz to SpeakEZ Lounge capped off a fascinating week of live music across West Michigan. The photo galleries, videos and more from seven shows at Local Spins, including Jackson Dean, LowDown Brass Band. Spencer LaJoye and Randissimo’s Sunday Night Jazz.
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