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

Michigan’s Greet Death puts twist on love songs with lush, dark, anthemic ‘Die in Love’

• July 25, 2025

The band headlining T-Rex Fest’s opening night in Grand Rapids opens up about its new music. Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase also debuts tracks by several Mitten State artists, including Cameron Blake, Ralston Bowles, The Fields, Clawfoot and more. Get the back story on Greet Death and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Dunesville Music Festival’s oasis of art, music and community: The Local Spins preview

• July 23, 2025

Dunesville rolls out again this weekend on a picturesque northern Michigan site near Interlochen with Organ Fairchild, Dixon’s Violin, Third Coast Swing, Galactic Sherpas and more. The guide and schedule.[…]

Photos · Summer Festivals

Beaver Island Music Festival 2025 Revisited: Immersive, remote, joyful, irreplaceable

• July 21, 2025

The annual musical celebration on a picturesque island in northern Lake Michigan rolled out last weekend with its unique and remote flair. A recap and photos at Local Spins.

Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Metal Uprising: Upheaval Festival amps up GR on Day 1 with Rob Zombie, rock ruckus

• July 19, 2025

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.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Local Commuters raring to unleash rock-fueled alt-country with release of debut EP

• July 18, 2025

Local Spins spotlights the Grand Rapids band and its long-awaited new recording, while also debuting music by The Rebel Eves, The Mollusks, Deadbeatdad, August, Matthew Borr, Horizon Theory and more. Get The Local Commuters’ back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight

Turnstiles music venue set to close doors in late July after four-year run in Grand Rapids

• July 16, 2025

Citing rising costs, the West Side bar and live music club announced today that it will host its ‘final night of service’ on July 26, saddening many bands and fans.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Rocking Belknap Park: Guide to Upheaval Festival 2025 and its Michigan metal mayhem

• July 16, 2025

Spearheaded by headliners Rob Zombie and Falling in Reverse, this year’s festival features some musical twists and several Michigan bands as part of its three-stage assault. The Local Spins preview, schedule, music videos and more.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Beaver Island Music Festival: A preview of Lake Michigan’s enduring musical paradise

• July 13, 2025

It takes some work to get there, but this annual, remote Michigan festival is always worth the trip and unique in its character. And this year’s festival even survived winter storm damage. Get the back story, the festival lineup and more at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos

Low Phase hits musical stride with latest, collaborative indie-rock romp

• July 11, 2025

Local Spins profiles the Grand Rapids band releasing its new EP on Saturday, while also debuting tracks from Kyle Brown, Hand of Giants, Nick Veine, Galactic Sherpas, Rip Smidgeon and more. Learn more about Low Phase, watch their new music video and listen to this week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase radio show podcast.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Blissfest 2025: The Local Spins preview of a beloved, life-changing Michigan music festival

• July 7, 2025

Unfolding this weekend north of Harbor Springs, the star-studded festival features Trevor Hall, Ozomatli, Steve Poltz, Michigan native Lindsay Lou, Rachael Davis and many more. Lindsay Lou says it changed her life; Rachael Davis performed at her first Bliss at age 2. The Local Spins preview.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Dee Sutton’s Musical Rebirth: The curative country swing of Sweet Dee & The Wild Honeys

• July 4, 2025

The much-respected West Michigan country singer is back after 11 years with new music and a new band. Plus, Local Spins debuts tracks from Charlie Millard, Yellowhouse, Rachael Davis, The Lasso and more. Get the back story on Dee Sutton’s album and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Smiling Acres Music Festival: Acres of smiles, moments of musical magic unfold on Day 1

• June 28, 2025

The three-day festival outside Trufant kicked off on Friday with a bevy of popular Michigan acts, and continues through the weekend. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.

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

Mid-Michigan’s Kanin Wren dives into fresh, fun pop with debut studio album

• June 27, 2025

Local Spins spotlights the emerging tunesmith and Taylor Swift tribute artist, while also debuting new music from PHABIES, Silver Creek Revival, Ajax Stacks, Pretoria and more. Get the back story on Kanin Wren’s new album and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio show.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

‘Quiet Riot’ of Rhythm: A Billi Free & The Lasso bring soothing vibe to Tuesday Eve Music Club

• June 25, 2025

Tuesday’s regional showcase at Meijer Gardens unfurled a slice of funky, groovy, electronic music for attendees, while Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish rocked a refurbished park in Rockford.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Smiling Acres Music Festival poised to power up summer with regional stars

• June 23, 2025

The last weekend in June marks the return of Smiling Acres Music Festival in Trufant with sets by May Erlewine, Jason Singer of Michigander, The Go Rounds and many more. The preview, schedule and ticket links at Local Spins.

Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Electric Forest sparkles on opening day with fervent fans, thundering bass, escapism

• June 20, 2025

The state’s largest and most celebrated music festival rolled out Thursday in Rothbury with a host of internationally renowned electronic music stars and a couple of Michigan acts. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Tuneful Tuesday: TEMC’s soulful kickoff at Meijer Gardens + Jake Kershaw, Watchhouse

• June 18, 2025

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.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Charlotte Bluegrass Festival bracing for ‘Billy Strings Effect’ with guitar star’s appearance

• June 18, 2025

The intimate, long-running festival at Eaton County Fairgrounds boasts a ‘surprise’ Thursday headlining set by Billy Strings, but also features a host of national bluegrass acts.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The ‘fierce stage persona’ and poetic magic of Detroit’s award-winning Carolyn Striho

• June 13, 2025

The veteran rocker opens up for Local Spins, which also debuts new music by Resurrection Blues Band, Ada LeAnn, The Messenger Birds, May Erlewine and more. Get Carolyn Striho’s back story and listen to this week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase podcast.

Concert reviews · Photos

Chris Stapleton rocks GR with Mike Campbell; Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal get bluesy at the Gardens

• June 13, 2025

Thursday was filled with stars: Chris Stapleton fired up a capacity crowd on the first of two nights at Van Andel Arena while Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal returned to Meijer Gardens. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.

Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

GridLife Fest roars on Day 1, plus June’s Michigan music festival roundup

• June 7, 2025

The first night of South Haven’s GridLife Festival at Gingerman Raceway kicked off a month boasting more than a dozen music festivals across Michigan. Our recap — with photos — of Friday’s opening salvo and a listing of all those June festivals.

Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Nathan Moore Affair embraces ‘weird’ soulful stew bigger than sum of its parts

• June 6, 2025

Local Spins profiles the Kalamazoo band with a new single/video this week and playing Kalamazoo Pride, while also debuting fresh tracks from Kennedy Perez, Sonny Ski, Chloe Kimes, Jake Simmons, Flexadecibel and other Michigan artists. Learn more about The Nathan Moore Affair, watch their new music video and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast.

Concert reviews · Photos

Billy Strings weaves kaleidoscopic bluegrass enchantment in spellbinding hometown show

• May 31, 2025

Michigan’s bluegrass hero returned Friday to Grand Rapids for the first of two-jampacked nights at Van Andel Arena. Check out the review, photos and set list at Local Spins.

Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Billy Strings ‘Shakedown’: Ionia celebrates guitar star with vendors, street music

• May 30, 2025

A weekend celebrating the West Michigan bluegrass star kicked off Thursday with a vendors’ market and jamming in Ionia, with much more to come. Check out the recap, photos and video. Plus, listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio show podcast that kicks off with a Billy classic and features new tracks by Larry McCray, Phabies, Carbon Decoy and more.

Concert reviews · Photos

Valerie June christens The Big Room in Grand Rapids with ever-joyful, solo concert

• May 27, 2025

The acclaimed folk/roots/soul artist ushered in a new era for the historic building on Ottawa Avenue NW with an ebullient attitude and passionate singing. Get the lowdown on Monday’s concert hall debut in words and photos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

West Michigan’s Cold Leather Seats reveling in harmony-driven ‘gospel-Americana’

• May 23, 2025

The band with a hectic summer schedule opens up about its music with Local Spins, which also showcases tracks by Lord Huron, DJ Minx, Joe Reilly, John Richard Paul and[…]

Features · Upcoming shows

Billy Strings sparks robust pre-parties, vendor markets ahead of Michigan homecoming

• May 21, 2025

Grand Rapids and Ionia will host special pre-shows, performances and vendor lots before the bluegrass superstar’s Van Andel Arena concerts May 30 and 31, organized by devoted fans and artisans who follow Billy Strings across the country. The details at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight

The Big Room entertainment venue ready to rock 1,500-capacity shows next to GR’s Silva

• May 18, 2025

Part of an impressive entertainment complex/restaurant on Ottawa Avenue in Grand Rapids, the new venue debuts with a free Valerie June concert on Memorial Day. Take a video and photo tour, see how you can get free tickets to the first concert and get the complete lowdown at Local Spins.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Memorial Day Weekend Merriment: Bus Benefit to roll out summer-starting music fest

• May 17, 2025

Featuring Michigan bands and solo artists, the intimate gathering on the Smiling Acres festival site outside Trufant will attract VW bus owners and music lovers. Get details, ticket links and view the full schedule at Local Spins.

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

Joe Bockheim’s The Legal Immigrants still rocking, still passionately creating 16 years on

• May 16, 2025

The band playing Local Spins’ 13th anniversary show next Wednesday debuted a new song this week and has a busy summer ahead, just part of the mid-May Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast that also featured the debut of tracks by Major Murphy, Dave & Kristi and more. Listen to the show, check out a performance video and learn more about The Legal Immigrants.

Podcasts · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals

Summer Festival Frolicking & Concert Flurry 2025: Mitten Music’s Local Spins Roundup

• May 10, 2025

This week, the Mitten Music podcast — which has long explored Michigan’s music scene via interviews with regional artists — digs into summer festivals with Local Spins. It’s a good excuse for us to round up a flurry of summer music, hundreds upon hundreds of shows.

Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Whatever Happened To

Heaters reuniting for psychedelic ‘wall of sound’ after scattering across North America

• May 9, 2025

Today’s ‘Whatever Happened To’ feature revisits the psych/surf/garage band which plays the Dizzybird Anniversary tonight in Grand Rapids. Plus, Local Spins debuts new music by other Michigan artists. Get Heaters’ back story and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast.

Breaking music news · Summer Concerts

Summer Concert Cavalcade: Free shows in GR, Ann Arbor, Hastings, Ludington, Zeeland, more

• May 8, 2025

The shows just keep coming. Local Spins’ exclusive listing of outdoor community concerts across Michigan now boasts 100-plus series. We’ve added 25 more schedules to our summer guide; here are a few to check out and get an update on The Accidentals, who will play several of these series this summer.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Nicole LaRae’s Dizzybird Records celebrating 11 years of sharing ‘great music with the world’

• May 7, 2025

The label’s 11th anniversary party takes place at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Friday with Heaters, Gringo Star, Hollywood Makeout and Crystal Trench. Learn more at Local Spins, view the show schedule and check out videos of all the artists.

Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists

May Erlewine, The Junky Swinger, Hannah Laine dominate Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart

• May 3, 2025

The latest releases from the northern Michigan singer-songwriter, emerging psych-country-jam band and keyboardist-singer came in just ahead of RyneShyne and Melophobix. View the chart, listen to the music.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Out of Favor Boys eschew ‘museum versions of the blues’ for dynamic new album

• May 2, 2025

The veteran blues band opens up about its new studio release for Local Spins, which also debuts tracks by Annagail, Desmond Jones, Rodeo Boys, Sixman, Flowers on the Grave and more. Get the back story on Out of Favor Boys and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Special Offers · Upcoming shows

Local Spins to mark 13-year anniversary with rock ’n’ roll party, Spinsation Ale, trucker hats

• May 1, 2025

In addition to a May 21 bash at SpeakEZ Lounge starring The Legal Immigrants, Local Spins will partner with Rockford Brewing and Turnstiles on May events celebrating our birthday. Get the lowdown on these special events and see how you can support Local Spins’ coverage of Michigan music.

Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Michigan’s Summer Concert Deluge: Lineups for more than 30 outdoor venues

• April 27, 2025

Today, Local Spins gets Michigan music lovers ready for another summer of concert revelry, from Pine Knob to Interlochen to Meijer Gardens to Soaring Eagle Casino, Bell’s Brewery and more. View the schedules from mammoth amphitheaters to intimate outdoor settings.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

N. Michigan’s Hail Your Highness leans into dreamier rock approach with new music

• April 25, 2025

The sisters who made their mark in the hardcore scene have a new single, showcased by Local Spins this week along with fresh tracks by The Native Howl, Full Cord and other Michigan artists. Get the Hail Your Highness back story and listen to this week’s show podcast at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Tuesday Evening Music Club boasts unique musical twists via 2025 performer lineup

• April 21, 2025

The Tuesday concert series showcasing Michigan acts returns to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park amphitheater starting in mid-June with “The Music That Raised Us’ tribute to female icons and features the return of The Accidentals. View the full schedule at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Commentary · Playlists · Videos

Nine years after his death, Prince’s legacy lives on — at Paisley Park and in West Michigan

• April 20, 2025

Today, Local Spins revisits the remarkable career of the American rock, funk, R&B and pop legend, showcases the continued popularity of Minnesota’s Paisley Park and traces West Michigan connections to The Purple One. Plus, check out a Top 9 Playlist of under-the-radar Prince classics.

Breaking music news · Summer Concerts

Meijer Gardens sells out 11 summer concerts in two hours amid smoother ticketing process

• April 19, 2025

The Saturday morning rush for tickets by members led to 11 sellouts in just two hours for the 34-concert series, including appearances by Alison Krauss, CAKE, Cheap Trick, Train, Vance Joy, The Revivalists and O.A.R. View the full list and get details at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals

Festival Dreaming: Lineups for 2025 Michigan Music Festivals + Local Spins radio podcast

• April 18, 2025

Spring means lineups for many Michigan music festivals have sprung. Artists appearing at several also are featured in this week’s Local Spins Michigan music showcase radio podcast. Check out lineups for many festivals and listen to this week’s radio show featuring an interview with Dominic John Davis and new music from several Michigan artists.

Concert reviews · Photos

Jack White transforms Grand Rapids venue into rafter-rattling, rock ’n’ roll roadhouse

• April 16, 2025

The Detroit-bred guitarist blazed a loud, shapeshifting trail through his career catalog on Tuesday for 2,600 rabid fans at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The concert review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Summer Festivals

Avoid Coachella-like chaos: Bus Benefit kicks off Michigan’s home-grown festival flurry

• April 15, 2025

One of the first music festivals of the summer season returns to Smiling Acres over Memorial Day weekend. Get the lineup and details at Local Spins.

Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows

Jack White, Dominic John Davis revel in unpredictability as global tour hits GR

• April 14, 2025

Local Spins checks in with Jack White bassist and childhood buddy Dominic John Davis as the ‘No Name’ tour prepares to play GLC Live at 20 Monroe this week. Plus, see what iconic albums have impacted Davis the most.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Papa Vegas ‘rocks out,’ Record Store Day returns + our West Mich. concert recap

• April 13, 2025

Music fans were embracing the classics over the past week — and cheering on Dogs in a Pile and Silver Creek Revival. Browse the images and a video at Local Spins.

Features · Photos

Message to Musicians: Be authentic, own social media, build your brand, tell your story

• April 13, 2025

This weekend’s second Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids drew attentive musicians and songwriters for guidance in career development from industry experts across Michigan. It continues to today with ‘Vendor Day’ featuring merchandiser and information from a variety of music-related organizations.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Old-school country’s Rachel Brooke gets honest and real with raw ‘sad songs’ album

• April 11, 2025

The Saginaw-area singer and songwriter talks about her ‘surprise record’ with Local Spins, which also debuts music by The Hacky Turtles, Silent Spirit, Billy Strings, Ribbons of Song, Death By Lions and more. Learn more about Rachel Brooke and her new music, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Meijer Gardens 2025: Dinosaur Jr., Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, Chaka Khan, Vance Joy

• April 10, 2025

Today’s announcement of the 34-concert summer series also features the likes of The String Cheese Incident and The Head & The Heart as well as returning favorites O.A.R., Umphrey’s McGee, Trombone Shorty, Jason Isbell, CAKE and Rick Springfield. View the full schedule.