Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Unusual, eclectic, electric and elating concerts heated up venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Rockford this week, all covered in images at Local Spins — from an Out of Favor Boys anniversary to an ‘Ugly Sweater’ affair and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
The pop superstar’s two-night stand at a sold-out Ford Field featured “The Eras Tour” debut of two songs. The recap, photos and set list made the Top 20 list for 2023 at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Local Spins today kicks off its countdown of the Top 20 stories of the year, starting with our coverage of Electric Forest’s opening day. The theme? ‘Nobody cares what you do here.’ Indeed, an anything-goes attitude returned to Rothbury with wildly garbed attendees and bass-heavy romps. The recap, photos and video from an iconic Michigan celebration.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Playing Bell’s tonight, Savas relates the story of his musical voyage for Local Spins, which also debuted new tracks by The Crane Wives, North Keeper, Fangs & Twang and more.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
Local Spins traveled to The Big Easy to soak up its diverse musical vibe and touch base with a Michigander and multi-instrumentalist who’s immersed herself in New Orleans’ ‘astounding’ music scene. Get Natalie Mae’s back story, watch videos and browse a NOLA photo gallery.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Many fans are celebrating the lineup for the Michigan music festival taking place June 20-23 in Rothbury, with everything from Ludacris to Subtronics to Disco Biscuits to Black Tiger Sex Machine to Dumpstaphunk on the bill.
The all-new Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for November also features new albums from Free Hat, Full Cord, Liz Townsend and Roosevelt Diggs. Listen to tracks from all the releases.
Formed last summer by Andrew Teed and Ryne Clarke, the new West Michigan record label already has signed several bands to its roster. Learn more about this new label at Local Spins.
Dec. 8 marks 43 years since the world lost John Lennon of The Beatles to a brutal assassination. The world still reveres his music, still mourns his loss — with The Beatles even recently releasing one of his songs for the Fab Four’s final track. Listen to Local Spins’ Ultimate John Lennon Playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Lowell-based band which plays SpeakEZ Lounge next Wednesday was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by several other Michigan artists. Learn more about Vernon Potts and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
The Thanksgiving Weekend edition of the radio show spotlighting Michigan music focused on some of the most popular releases of 2023, as well as debuting new tracks by regional bands. Listen to the radio show, check out some new Michigan releases.
A couple of years removed from the worst of the devastating COVID crisis, Local Spins asked Michigan musicians what they’re most thankful for as 2023 draws to a close. See what they have to say.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Local Spins unfurls its takes on a half-dozen new releases by artists from across Michigan, covering Americana, hip hop, folk, jazz and electronic music. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
In 2023, Local Spins asked readers a ‘Question of the Week’ about favorites in a lot of categories. Here are the top questions and responses. Plus, we’ve got fresh year-end queries that could score you a gift.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Photos · Special Offers
They’ve arrived — just in time for holiday shopping and for music lovers to embrace Michigan bands while tracking 2024 music festival dates. Get the lowdown and order info on the most eye-catching Local Spins Calendars yet.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
We recap the string duo’s Grand Rapids kickoff to its lineup of farewell shows, plus premiere new music by several other Michigan artists, from LVRS to John Sanger to Big Fun. The story, video, photo gallery and Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Early-week concerts drew varying crowds at several different venues — Van Andel Arena, The Intersection, St. Cecilia Music Center, The Pyramid Scheme, Midtown — with widely varying musical approaches. Browse the photo galleries and get the concert recaps at Local Spins.
From rock and soul to world music and “Traditional Songs & Ballads of the Irish Diaspora” courtesy of Nick Veine and Ben Traverse, this mid-November round-up covers plenty of musical territory. Check out the reviews, listen to the music.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The acclaimed musician who plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday has partnered with the likes of Billy Strings, Bela Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel and more as the leading player of his “ilk.” Learn more about Douglas and his upcoming concert in this exclusive Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn say they’re ending their successful stint on “a complete high note,” playing for longtime Michigan fans in four cities. Get the back story on this talented duo, with details about their upcoming shows.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Our concert photo round-up for the week kicks off with Saturday’s benefit show starring Young the Giant at GLC Live at 20 Monroe, plus Valerie June, Papadosio, Apashe, Honey Revenge and more. Browse more than a half-dozen photo galleries at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Michigan-bred heroes are making a splash yet again, with Billy Strings nominated for three awards, The War and Treaty for two, and Greta Van Fleet for best rock album. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE
Josh Kaufman has steered Local Legend’s work with a growing number of high-profile regional acts, from Hannah Rose Graves to Nathan Walton and many more. Learn more about the studio in this Local Spins profile and Local Spins on WYCE podcast, which also debuts tracks by Megan Dooley, PARALLELZ, Free Hat, Chris DuPont and more.
Lindsay Lou just released a No.1 album that features a collaboration with Billy Strings and heads out on tour this week with Greensky Bluegrass. And with several ‘ties,’ the latest Hot Top 5 chart actually features seven fresh releases by Michigan-bred artists, from indie-rock to world music to singer-songwriter charm.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
From Traverse City to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, the first musical blast of November featured everything from jazz to EDM to singer-songwriter magic. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The bluegrass guitarist’s fans traveled from across the country to catch his wild Grand Rapids concert this week. Local Spins on WYCE spotlights their ardor, Billy’s music + tracks from other Michigan acts. Get the back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
The wrestling-themed Halloween homecoming spectacle for the Michigan-bred bluegrass guitarist was a star-studded, five-hour, epic ‘rumblemania’ event. Review, photos, set list.
Features · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
When the city’s new listening room The Alluvion hosts its jazz night on Thursday, fans will be treated to a world-class performance, something that’s become a regular event in the region. Learn more in this special Local Spins feature.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
In a revealing chat with Local Spins, Ionia County’s favorite bluegrass son talks about touring, his adoring fans, taking classical music lessons and loving Halloween.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Seven years after the bluegrass guitarist parted ways with Julin, the Traverse City musician still marvels at Billy’s talent and says he deserves all of his fame. Plus, see what other musicians say about Billy.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
In an interview with his mom, Deb Apostol, Local Spins digs into the Ionia County-bred bluegrass guitarist’s childhood, teen rock years and his rise to super stardom.
From pins and posters to vintage clothing and a snazzy board game, home-grown entrepreneurs have built a marketplace community that will fire up for Tuesday’s big arena concert. Learn more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Droppers talks about ‘Scooter’ and the rock band’s many changes for Local Spins, which also debuted some Halloween tracks and new music from Izubel, Feeding Grizzlies, Nick Veine & Ben Traverse, Overdrive Orchestra and others.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins asked Billy Strings fans to choose their favorite songs. We took the Top 10 picks and turned it into a classic playlist of modern bluegrass prowess. Listen to the tracks and see who won our Billy Strings gift packs.
Many say the beloved Michigan-bred guitarist has changed their lives. Local Spins digs into unprecedented fan ardor for the superstar as his humongous Halloween homecoming approaches. Check out fan comments from across the country, hailing the bluegrass powerhouse.
The new all-digital platform created by a veteran broadcaster strives to showcase ‘authentic’ Michigan-based Americana, roots rock, folk, blues and soul music.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The West Michigan band releases a new album next week, spotlighted at Local Spins, which also debuted music by Fake Baseball, EPCYA, Justin Avdek, Wills Piff & Samil, Toby Bresnahan and more.
Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows · Videos
In a 2019 interview, Billy Strings candidly discussed struggles to maintain his mental health as a road warrior – a challenge for many artists. Revisit the story today at Local Spins. Oh, and check out a new Billy Strings board game.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Videos
The festival returns as a two-day event in January with an impressive lineup that includes Michigan Rattlers, Devon Gilfillian, Bailen, Darren Kiely, Steve Poltz and more. The details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
The Holland-based band outpolled four other blues acts to advance to January’s competition in Memphis, with Peter Allen Jensen winning the solo challenge. Plus, check out photos from Saturday’s Kalamashoegazer fest at Bell’s and Conklin Ceili Band’s 25th Anniversary show.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Thursday night in Grand Rapids was special in more ways than one, highlighted by singer-songwriter Amos Lee’s amazing concert and post-show, beer-enhanced sing-along. Photos and video at Local Spins. […]
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Traverse City singer-songwriter just released another moody gem, spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Dennie Middleton, Brother Wolf and more.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins’ “Billy Strings Month” continues with a look back at the young, up-and-coming West Michigan guitarist eight years ago as he prepared to play the cozy Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge. Plus, view a full performance video of Billy Strings & Don Julin from earlier the same year.
Michigan’s songbird soared to No. 1 with her latest album. Get the back story on Pretoria’s chart debut and see what other Michigan artists made the Top 5 for September. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Our spotlight on the historic Grand Rapids studio also includes the Local Spins on WYCE debut of tracks by Preta Nova, Pretty Sure, Theometric, Sam Kenny & Emma A. Ward, LVNDR, Flxnn and more. Get River City’s back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
This early October roundup of 2023 releases by Michigan artists boasts a diverse mix of genres and artists, including new music by The Bloody Pickups and Round Creek String Band. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The New York musician and singer brings his Midwest solo tour to Grand Rapids’ Midtown on Friday. Learn more about this tunesmith and watch a video of a recent performance.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
This week’s lineup and theme announcement for the Oct. 31 bluegrass spectacle at Van Andel Arena — dubbed the “Van Andel Scramble” — features pals Mark Lavengood, John Mailander, Chris Pandolfi and Duane Trucks among other stars of the scene. The lowdown at Local Spins, along with a special concert playlist.
Ringo and His All Starr Band unleashed a cavalcade of hits for a capacity crowd at DeVos Performance Hall on Tuesday night. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Friday’s all-star concert at the new northern Michigan listening room will feature a “community” of the respected musician and Earthwork Music founder’s friends. The details at Local Spins.
