Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

‘All-around game-changer’: The Bootstrap Boys saddle up with diverse, heartfelt new album

• April 28, 2023

The Grand Rapids country heroes celebrate “Hungry & Sober” at Founders on Saturday. They’re featured for this week’s spring fund drive edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jim Alfredson, Hickory Creek Revival, Signal Quartet and more. Get the back story on The Bootstrap Boys’ new album, watch their new music video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Singer Kari Lynch: Defying comparison, writing beyond music, eager to light up Local Spins Fest

• April 27, 2023

May 20’s Local Spins Fest will spotlight six, eclectic Michigan-bred bands. Today, we spotlight much-beloved singer Kari Lynch, who launched her career in West Michigan. Check out her answers to seven questions, plus watch her music videos.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

Billy Strings to make Van Andel Arena debut in Halloween homecoming concert

• April 25, 2023

The rumors are no longer rumors: Powerhouse bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings, a West Michigan native, will make an Oct. 31 tour stop at the sprawling Grand Rapids venue. Details at Local Spins.

Book Reviews · Features · Upcoming shows

Book Review: Gary Graff’s ‘Alice Cooper @ 75’ a delectable saga of Detroit-bred shock-rock icon

• April 25, 2023

Veteran Michigan music writer Gary Graff (Billboard, Oakland Press) toasts Alice Cooper’s 75th with a devastatingly entertaining recap of an illustrious career. Cooper’s U.S. tour kicks off Friday in Michigan. Check out the Local Spins review of this tantalizing biography.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Eight Years After ‘The Voice’: Joshua Davis still writing, still performing, still grateful

• April 24, 2023

The Traverse City singer-songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday with his all-star band. Local Spins checks in with Joshua Davis — and his life several years removed from national TV prominence. An insightful Q&A with a Michigan institution.

Breaking music news · Summer Concerts

Meijer Gardens sells out 16 shows in morning flurry: Franti, Train, Frampton, Maren Morris

• April 22, 2023

Tickets for summer concerts went on sale to Meijer Gardens members this morning and a dozen shows sold out by 10 a.m., with a total of 16 by 10:15 a.m. Get the update and see which concerts sold out at Local Spins. And view comments from some users who were unhappy with the ticketing process.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos

Matt Lenny & The Breakdown: Tapping the ‘magical spirit’ of Americana’s rock ’n’ roll side

• April 22, 2023

The Southwest Michigan singer-guitarist plays an album-release show in St. Joseph tonight. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted new tracks by several regional artists, including Sadie Bass, Hannah Rose Graves, Steve Rivers, Casper and more. Get Matt Lenny’s back story, watch a video of the tunesmith performing a new song and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Features · Upcoming shows

Revering Vinyl: Record Store Day returns Saturday with renewed LP fervor

• April 21, 2023

It amounts to a national holiday for independent record shops. With special new releases and a bevy of used classics, vinyl devotees will be flooding area stores on Saturday. Learn more at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

The ‘church’ of The War and Treaty delivers uplifting musical sermon in GR homecoming

• April 21, 2023

Electrifying a jam-packed Stache inside Grand Rapids’ The Intersection on Thursday, the duo with a top-shelf backing band rocked the house in emotional fashion. The review, photos and video at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Sam Bush, Ruthie Foster, Lúnasa lead charge in Wheatland 2023 festival lineup

• April 15, 2023

The 50th anniversary celebration taking place in early September will also feature Tuba Skinny, The Onlies and an impressive roster of Michigan acts. View the full lineup and other details at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

Earthwork Music tour of Michigan to uncork ‘beautiful’ and ‘uniquely different’ showcases

• April 15, 2023

Kicking off next week, the 18-artist tour hits five Michigan cities, spotlighting Mitten State talent. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted music by Greta Van Fleet, Rahill, Rockit King, Adaboy, G-Hollow, The Wire Monkeys & more.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Meijer Gardens 2023: Nickel Creek, Ben Folds, Orville Peck, Tommy Emmanuel, Frampton

• April 14, 2023

First-timers and returning acts will grace the 30-show season, including Greensky Bluegrass, The Revivalists, Maren Morris, Jason Isbell, First Aid Kit and Joss Stone. The lineup and details at Local Spins, plus check out a list of all-time favorite Meijer Gardens concerts as selected by Local Spins readers.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos

Porter Robinson, RL Grime, Jessie Murph to light up 2023 Breakaway Music Festival

• April 12, 2023

The festival announced “Phase 1” of its lineup of performers for the Aug. 18-19 celebration at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park, with tickets on sale today. View videos of the headliners and get ticket links at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Donny Osmond, Elvis Costello, Greensky Bluegrass to fire up Interlochen summer series

• April 10, 2023

Northern Michigan’s Interlochen Center for the Arts has revealed more than a dozen concerts thus far for its summer ‘Arts Festival,’ with Styx, The Temptations, Lindsey Stirling, Train, Five for Fighting, The Beach Boys and more on tap. View the lineup at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Jake Kershaw sizzles, Loren Johnson debuts, Duke Tumatoe & Static-X spice it up & more

• April 9, 2023

The week leading up to the holiday was an active one when it comes to live music, from heavy metal to blues to indie-folk and more. The video and photo recaps at Local Spins, including coverage of Fozzy, Garcia Peoples, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers and more.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Michigan Festival Mania Update: Buttermilk Jamboree, Forest Trail Fest, Alpena Blues, more

• April 8, 2023

Lineups continue to get announced for several summer music festivals, along with other details, schedules and ticket deadlines. It’s another Local Spins festival 2023 update, with news about more than a half-dozen summer celebrations.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Loren Johnson takes reflective, organic musical snapshot with ‘How to Change’

• April 7, 2023

The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter showcased her new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Heather Bartman, The Heavy Pine, Horizon Theory, Redbelly, Gosey Hill, Vernon Potts, The JR Band, Brian Muratori and more. Get the back story on Loren Johnson and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Upcoming shows · Videos

Michigan Music Video Awards set to rock Marshall with marriage of music and film

• April 5, 2023

Saturday’s second awards show at Franke Center will feature video screenings and performances by Phabies, Lokella, Kait Rose and Josiah C. Baker. The preview of this year’s awards eveng, plus watch videos from all 33 final nominees.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos

Valerie June, Molly Tuttle, Colin Hay, Abigail Washburn to ramp up Blissfest 2023

• April 3, 2023

The beloved northern Michigan festival today announced the 60-plus-act lineup for July, including Marc Broussard, Sweet Water Warblers, Myron Elkins, Gina Chavez and The Crane Wives. View the full lineup and get details at Local Spins.

Summer Festivals

Music Festival Lineup Reveals: Smiling Acres, Cedar Polka, Upheaval, Charlotte Bluegrass

• April 1, 2023

Our weekend music festival news round-up reveals lineups and band additions for several Michigan festivals, including Electric Forest and details about a couple of first-year events such as Baldwin’s Fresh Water Music Festival.

Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE

Celebrating Michigan’s emerging bands and solo artists: Local Spins on WYCE

• March 31, 2023

This week’s radio show toasts up-and-coming acts in several genres, many of them recent award winners. We also debut new tracks by a pair of established artists. Listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Videos

Drummer Michael Dause departs from The Accidentals after ‘extraordinary adventure’

• March 31, 2023

The multi-talented Grand Rapids-based instrumentalist plans to focus on his recording studio, solo projects and the new Moss Manor trio. Read more about Michael Dause’s future and The Accidentals’ new drummer — who’s also a Michigan native.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Singer-songwriter Caitlin Cusack’s ‘shimmery’ pop treatise on brain injury recovery

• March 24, 2023

With an EP ahead, the Grand Rapids pianist with years of concussion struggles today releases a single for Brain Injury Awareness Month. Local Spins on WYCE also features new tracks by Michigan artists. Get the back story on Caitlin Cusack, listen to her music and this week’s radio show podcast with music by Daisybox, Midwest Skies, Earth Radio, Bierkeller Boys Oompah Band, Mustard Plug and more.

Announcements · Features

First-ever New Moon songwriting contest challenges tunesmiths to collaborate

• March 23, 2023

The New Moon Songwriting Challenge requires video entries of new songs to involve co-writes with other artists. The contest kicks off April 1. Get the details at Local Spins.

Videos · Whatever Happened To

The UV Hippo legacy: Amazing jams, incessant touring, lifelong friendships but no reunion

• March 22, 2023

Our ‘Whatever Happened To’ series exploring the status of once-popular West Michigan bands catches up with members of Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, which played its last show in 2018. Find out where they are now and what the future may (or may not) hold.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Myron Elkins, Desmond Jones, Full Cord to headline first Shagbark Music Festival

• March 20, 2023

The re-branded Cowpie Music Festival will fire up with 14 Michigan bands in early August, boasting no overlapping sets on two stages in southern Kent County. Details, a ticket link and the full inaugural lineup at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Features · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Pop Evil’s super-fan vibe, plus J.I.D & Smino, Kane Brown, Earth Radio & more: Photos

• March 19, 2023

Talk about a robust week of live music in West Michigan: With an early start to the weekend, it was all about the fans at shows packing venues big and small across West Michigan, including album-release concerts by Michigan artists. The recaps and photos from 10 shows at Local Spins.

Festivals · Photos · Videos

St. Patrick’s Shenanigans: Snowy Irish on Ionia in Grand Rapids draws throngs of revelers

• March 19, 2023

Temps in the 20s, snow flurries and stiff breezes didn’t thwart thousands of attendees from packing the return of downtown’s Irish on Ionia, which also boasted chilly, jig-inciting sets by Celtic bands and DJs. View the photo gallery and video.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

Michigan’s CrossBow: Injecting ‘whole new taste, new life’ into Celtic music

• March 17, 2023

The band playing Irish on Ionia and Liquid Note Brewing on Saturday showcased its tunes for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by John Sanger, DL Rossi, Pop Evil, The Still Wonder, NLIIGHTiN, The Junky Swinger, Ohly, Weezil Malone and more. Learn more about CrossBow and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Improv-heavy Lettuce set to uncork different, memorable funk experience in Kalamazoo

• March 16, 2023

Touring behind ‘Unify,’ the band’s U.S. tour stops at Kalamazoo State Theatre on Tuesday. Drummer Adam Deitch talks to Local Spins about the band’s musical exploration and love of Michigan. Plus, view a couple of Lettuce videos.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

Irish on Ionia returns Saturday aiming to rev up downtown GR with ‘high-energy’ vibe

• March 16, 2023

After a COVID hiatus, Michigan’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day street party roars back with Celtic bands and DJs. Get details and the performance schedule at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Michigan’s Pop Evil poised to launch new album tour with fresh swagger, ‘fun energy’

• March 15, 2023

The rock band hosts a special album-signing at GR’s Vertigo Music on Thursday, followed by an intimate acoustic tour kickoff show at The Intersection’s Stache. The interview with lead singer Leigh Kakaty, music videos and more at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kenny Wayne Shepherd goes back to the future with ‘Trouble Is…’ and upcoming GR tour stop

• March 12, 2023

Blues-rock icon Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who recently re-recorded his 1997 classic collection, plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Tuesday. The Local Spins interview with a video of his 25th anniversary version of “Blue on Black.”

Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Broken leg be damned, The War & Treaty ooze Michigan love, ‘true vocal power’ on new LP

• March 10, 2023

Michael and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty discuss their major label debut, touring and a recent on-stage calamity for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Protomartyr, May Erlewine, Earth Radio, Boundarywater Trio and more. Discover The War and Treaty’s biggest milestones of the past year, watch a video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Features · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos

Female Michigan super-group toasts Women’s Day with blazing ‘I Love Rock ’n’ Roll’ video

• March 8, 2023

Recorded at Grand Haven’s Third Coast Recording, the cover of the iconic song features 14 female singers and musicians from across the state. Get the back story, watch the video and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows

Michigan bands set to strut their stuff at Austin’s mammoth SXSW 2023

• March 7, 2023

With a fundraising show this week in Ferndale to help cover their expenses, more than two dozen Mitten State acts are gearing up to play the much-ballyhooed SXSW. See which Michigan acts are on their way to Austin next week and learn more about the showcases they’ll play.

Upcoming shows

With ‘family feeling,’ West Michigan blues bands rally to aid harp whiz James Reeser

• March 6, 2023

On Saturday, ‘the biggest local blues event’ in recent memory will showcase bands at Saugatuck’s Sand Bar Saloon to raise money for the highly respected bluesman, who’s battling cancer. Get details and the benefit lineup at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos

‘Such a unique event’: Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival strums up eclectic Saturday of music

• March 5, 2023

Saturday’s free event at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew hundreds of fans, luthiers and musicians, including guitar virtuosos Fareed Haque & Goran Ivanovic. The recap, photo gallery and video at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Alt-rock powerhouse Blue October ‘flies flag for Michigan’ in weekend tour stops

• March 4, 2023

Bassist and diehard Michigander Matt Noveskey chatted with Local Spins about his home-state love as the Texas-based Blue October gets set to play Grand Rapids on Sunday. The interview and videos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Y-Not answers the musical question with boundary-pushing funk and alt-rock

• March 3, 2023

The Grand Rapids band releasing a new album tonight was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jack Droppers, The Accidentals, Oxford Fields, Sage Castleberry and more. Learn more about Y-Not and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Accidentals bring latest ‘mind-bending’ cadre of Time Out songwriters to Michigan

• March 2, 2023

Starting their Michigan run with two shows at Grand Rapids’ Midtown, the indie-folksters join Georgia Middleman, Gary Burr and Mary Bragg for the latest iteration of their ‘in-the-round’ concerts. Learn more about the tour and listen to a new Accidentals single at Local Spins.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival to unfurl this weekend with live music, guitar fanfare

• February 27, 2023

It’s been three years since the Kalamazoo Valley Museum has hosted the festival as an in-person event. Get the lowdown and the performance schedule at Local Spins.

Announcements · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins 2023 Emerging Artist of the Year: Americana’s Myron Elkins

• February 24, 2023

Raised in Allegan County, the country singer-turned-Americana-rock artist boasts a bright future, propelled by a new album on a Nashville record label. He’s the latest winner of the Local Spins award. Read more about Elkins, listen to a Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast and watch some of Elkins’ videos.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Buddy Guy, Wood Bros., Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova to heat up Meijer Gardens concerts

• February 24, 2023

Today’s teaser announcement of three concerts in the 2023 amphitheater series covers folk, blues, rock and roots music, with the complete concert lineup being announced in April. Get the lowdown on the shows revealed thus far, along with music videos of the featured artists.

Upcoming shows · Videos

Pinnacle Center sparks a buzz: John Fullbright in concert, raffle for Taylor Swift tickets

• February 23, 2023

Saturday’s Music to Benefit Music fundraiser at the Hudsonville event center is attracting lots of attention, thanks in big part to a raffle scramble for hard-to-get, eighth-row tickets to see Taylor Swift in Detroit. The details at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Michigan Music Festival News & Lineups: Big Ticket, Mighty Uke Day, Rock4Vets, Irish Feile

• February 18, 2023

Local Spins once again gets you dreaming of summer with another Saturday update on several Michigan music festivals.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Singer-songwriter Rob Jordan’s atmospheric ‘music as therapy’ displayed on new EP

• February 17, 2023

The West Michigan artist appeared on this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by May Erlewine, Singing Lungs, John D. Lamb, Cody Robert DeWindt and more. Learn more about Rob Jordan’s musical journey and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows

Traverse City’s revived Great Indoor Folk Festival set for ‘escape from winter blues’

• February 16, 2023

Interrupted for two years by COVID, the unique indoor event will boast more than 40 performances by folk-hued artists on several stages later this month. The lowdown and schedule at Local Spins.

Audio · Whatever Happened To

Discovering What Happened to The Soil & The Sun: GR’s award-winning space-folk sensation

• February 13, 2023

Playing their final show in 2017, band members are now spread across the country, with the fronting duo Alex and Ashley McGrath performing and recording new music as Turtledoves. Get the back story and listen to a brand new Turtledoves single at Local Spins.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

From BLKBOK to Badfish to Ficus and more: The beat goes on (Concert Photo Recap)

• February 12, 2023

This weekend recap of West Michigan’s live music ranges from the neoclassical zest of Detroit’s BLKBOK to the enduring fan favorites of Sublime and some psych-rock fervor — all covered in images at Local Spins.