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.
Author: John Sinkevics
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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 · 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.
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 · 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 · 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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
AI Revolution in Music: Stealing creativity and jobs, but offering audio restoration marvels
Part 3 of our series on the fast-emerging dominance of AI in the music businesses spotlights Kalamazoo studio owner Ian Gorman who warns that removing the ‘human element’ from music[…]
Breaking music news · Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Acrisure Amphitheater rising along the Grand River downtown: Take the Local Spins Tour
About three months from opening day, we offer an in-depth look at the 12,000-plus-capacity concert venue and construction progress. Plus, hear from the Michigan acts who’ll be the first to grace its stage and take a video tour.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Cabildo ready to rock efforts to protect vulnerable immigrant communities
Part of Grand Rapids’ upcoming ‘Melt the Ice’ benefit, Cabildo’s frontman reflects on the current crisis and the band’s music for Local Spins, which also debuts new music by several other Michigan acts, including The Bootstrap Boys, Clawfoot, Da’Veonce Washington, Seth Bernard and more.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Great Indoor Folk Festival: A Traverse City staple with dozens of ‘talented and unique’ acts
The unique annual showcase of Michigan music unfurls at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons on Feb. 22. Get the lowdown and details about the Great Indoor Folk Festival at Local Spins.
AI in Music, Part 2: Innovative accessory, counterfeit creativity or outright thievery?
The second installment in our series on the power and dangers of AI (artificial intelligence) on the music industry focuses on the views of veteran Grand Rapids sound recordist Joseph McCarger, worries about theft of creativity and more. And see how some Michigan musicians are reacting to the advent of this technology.
Announcements · awards · Videos
Michigan bluegrass hero Billy Strings wins third Grammy Award
The acclaimed guitarist — honored on Sunday for best bluegrass album — also has announced a summer tour that closes out with two ‘hometown’ shows at the Ionia County Fairgrounds. Check out the reaction to his Grammy win and watch a music video from the winning album.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Wild Honey Collective hones dynamic live shows, rootsy string music with a rock edge
The award-winning Wild Honey Collective continues to makes a splash, especially with its live shows, captured recently on a new double album. Get their back story along with the debut of new tracks by a host of Michigan artists, including May Erlewine, The Legal Matters, Koipondcondo and more.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
Movement’s electronic romp to Beaver Island’s resplendent refrains: 2026 Festival Lineups
Carl Cox, Dom Dolla and Sara Landry will headline Movement’s Memorial Day weekend festival in Detroit, while a diverse range of national and regional acts will pump up Beaver Island. Check out lineups for both events.
The AI Revolution in Music: Mind-blowing new tool or ‘Fake bands emulating faux scenarios’?
The power and dangers of AI in music are real and expanding at lightning speed. In this series, Local Spins will explore the sometimes-scary technology with respected Michigan recording engineers. Today, see how easy it is to us an AI platform to create a song and find out why one iconic studio owner reviles this trend.
Breaking music news · Concert Recaps · Photos
Michael Sobie, Aiden Wells, Nora Lamb snag top honors in Rockford’s Got Talent show
Friday night’s fifth annual Rockford’s Got Talent Competition packed the high school’s Fine Arts Auditorium, with several performers sharing nearly $7,000 in prize money. The recap, with photos and a video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan clarinetist Dave Bennett’s wild mix of jazz, rock, pop, gospel and more
Local Spins spotlights the unique Southeast Michigan multi-instrumentalist who’s playing two regional shows, as well as debuting new tracks by other Mitten State artists.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Jammie Awards poised to rev things up with diverse 20-act lineup, from August to Y-Not
With 20 regional bands from across the state on the performance bill for the Feb. 20 awards show at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, the annual Jammie Awards roll out as “a snapshot of Michigan music.” View the lineup, get all the deets at Local Spins.
West Michigan singers, musicians, jugglers vying for thousands at Rockford talent show
The fifth annual Rockford’s Got Talent will have a dozen contestants in two categories competing for hefty cash prizes on Friday. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Best Michigan artist and album of 2025? Public voting for Jammie Awards has begun
Tickets are on sale for the 2026 WYCE Jammie Awards taking place Feb. 20 at The Intersection, with sets by 15-plus bands. Radio listeners have a voice in the outcome. Plus, see who’s playing the Local Spins pre-show.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
American Rust: Kicking out guitar-powered, real-life ‘middle-of-America rustbelt rock’
Local Spins this week spotlights the West Michigan heartland rockers in American Rust along with debuting new tracks by Feeding Grizzlies, The Temperances, Supo, Zudocks, Luke Winslow-King and more. Check out the story and radio podcast. American Rust plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Jan. 30.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Greensky Bluegrass, Ann Arbor Folk Festival mark major milestones with 2026 event
Greensky Bluegrass and special guest, ‘guit-steel’ guitarist Junior Brown, star on Ann Arbor Folk Festival’s Day 1, a first for both the band and the festival. Learn more at Local Spins and check out videos from both artists.
Features · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows
‘Chaotic, very punk’: West Michigan’s first Punk Rock Lottery randomly forms new bands
Three new Kalamazoo-area bands formed since early December will perform freshly created songs while competing for ‘bragging rights’ on Jan. 31. The back story about this unusual event at Local Spins.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Picking Power: Mandolinist Brian Oberlin, teen guitarist Peter Cavanaugh wow bluegrass fans
Local Spins spotlights the 15-year-old bluegrass maven who’s turning heads and who joins Oberlin at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Check out an exclusive video of a recent performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast filled with new Michigan music.
Michigan Album Reviews: Empress Eyes, N8ure, Radio Vision, Larry D
The first Michigan album review round-up of 2026 spans the state and several genres. Check out the Local Spins takes on these fresh releases and listen to music from each recording.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
SpeakEZ Lounge pushes beyond ‘W. Michigan’s best-kept secret’ with live music and more
View the “Destination: Live Music” video spotlight on Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge and check out the upcoming winter/spring schedule of concerts at the downtown restaurant and venue.
Festivals · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
Michigan artists, fans toast New Year’s with electronica, jazz, rock, Latin music and more
Today, Local Spins not only recaps New Year’s Eve celebrations across West Michigan in words and photos, but spotlights a memorable Michigan Music Showcase podcast filled with tracks by regional artists.
Announcements · Festivals · Summer Festivals
Michigan Music Festivals 2026: The festival frenzy continues with 60-plus events statewide
Happy New Year! Our annual tradition continues with the publication of our 2026 Michigan Music Festival Guide, featuring dates and website listings of more than 50 music festivals across the state.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Billy Strings fervor hits West Michigan with epic concerts, pre-parties: No. 1 story of 2025
Michigan’s bluegrass hero returned to Grand Rapids in late May for two jam-packed, epic nights at Van Andel Arena, sparking pre-parties, a marketplace and more. Revisit the hubbub in words and images.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
May Erlewine, Hannah Laine, Bootstrap Boys top WYCE’s most-played Michigan acts
Today, we reveal the Top 6 Michigan artists of 2025 based on airplay at Grand Rapids’ WYCE. At No. 1 is May Erlewine, so listen to our encore presentation of our March interview with the heralded singer-songwriter, along with fresh tracks by Jack White & Eminem and Aiden Wells.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Jack White unleashes spirited rock spectacle in Grand Rapids: Top 10 Stories of 2025 (No. 6)
The Detroit-bred guitarist blazed a loud, shapeshifting trail through his career catalog in mid-April for 2,600 rabid fans at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. We revisit the Local Spins review, with photos, as part of our countdown of the Top 10 stories of the year.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
In-demand Traverse City bassist John Richard Paul makes waves with solo songwriting charm
For today’s Artist Spotlight, Local Spins profiles a much-sought-after northern Michigan musician and singer-songwriter who releases his second solo album in early 2026. Get John Richard Paul’s back story, listen to his music.
Top 10 Lists · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of ’25 Countdown (No. 7): GR’s Festival of the Arts shuts down after 55 years
The stunning news came in February, ending an era that began in 1970 as the city’s first celebration of the arts. Performers, attendees and volunteers reacted overwhelmingly with sadness and disappointment. Revisit the announcement as part of our ‘Top Stories of 2025’ countdown.
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.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Billy Strings creates Charlotte Bluegrass Festival buzz: Top Stories of 2025 (No. 8)
The guitar phenom in June headlined Day 1 of the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, the first festival he ever attended as a boy. Later that night, sadly, his mother died. The recap in our top stories countdown.
Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids to host global Latvian Song & Dance Festival over Fourth of July weekend
Thousands will flock to West Michigan next summer for this internationally acclaimed festival featuring hundreds of musicians and dancers performing at several different venues. Tickets go on sale today. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
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