Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
Sunday’s online birthday benefit will feature West Michigan hip hop stars Orlando, Kyd Kane, JRob, Dayz, Callab and others, raising money for targeted aid to the homeless. Learn more at Local Spins.
Led by an ambitious tribute to David Bowie, Local Spins has culled some of the best music videos created by West Michigan artists over the past few months for this January roundup, including videos featuring Jordan VanHemert, Rick Chyme, Wuzee and others. Watch all of the videos and get the back story on Mike Dodge’s impressive video homage to Bowie.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Traverse City singer-songwriter unfurled a touching new song for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pink Sky, Jordan Ellis Mobley, Laurel Premo, The Chinchillionaires and more. Catch up with Davis in this in-depth interview, watch a video of a recent live-stream performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
The historic Grand Rapids venue will ‘keep music alive’ in 2021 by hosting a wide array of virtual shows starring Ralston Bowles, Michael Crittenden, Roger MacNaughton, Rachael & Dominic Davis and many others. Check out the lineup of upcoming concerts at Local Spins.
Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists · Top 10 Lists
A soulful charm marked both releases in this year-end roundup of most-played Michigan songs and albums. The charts also salute popular recordings by The War & Treaty, Cole Hansen, Cameron Blake and Drinking Mercury, along with other West Michigan gems. Check out the charts, sample the music.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Playlists · Videos
In an in-depth Local Spins interview, the Grammy-nominated bluegrass star talks about writing, staying safe in a pandemic and getting ready to hit ‘the ground like a fireball’ when touring resumes. Watch videos of some of his recent performances and check out a playlist of artists he’s currently digging.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The New Year’s Day edition of Local Spins on WYCE not only debuted new tracks by more than a half-dozen Michigan artists, but revisited some of the best music from special guests on the show in 2020. Listen to the full radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Festivals · Summer Festivals
After a year in which nearly every Michigan music festival was canceled, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cast doubt on 2021 events — even though more than 40 festivals currently are scheduled to take place. Get an update on what some festivals are planning, along with a link to Local Spins’ Michigan Music Festivals Guide for 2021.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The coronavirus crisis has fueled the creativity of musicians who’ve turned to humor for survival in 2020. Local Spins’ March roundup of video parodies not only became the No. 1 most-read story of the year, but the most popular post in the website’s history. Revisit this roster of clever spoof tunes, including new COVID-inspired videos we’ve added to further tickle your funny bone.
Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
The Stones were set to mount a 2020 U.S. tour until COVID-19 upended things. To make up for it, Local Spins in June fired up a dozen of the iconic band’s under-appreciated classics for a special playlist that was shared by readers across the globe. Check out the roster of songs and listen to the tracks.
In Memoriam · Local Spins Rewind
The well-loved bassist and Lowell native who performed with Nathan Kalish, Al & The Black Cats and DangerVille passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 24. Friends and fellow musicians were heartbroken. Revisit their tributes in this Local Spins Rewind feature from February.
Concert announcements · Local Spins Rewind · Summer Concerts
The COVID crisis eventually scuttled the shows, but when 97LAV announced in late February its plans for returning that mid-week blues series to Rosa Parks Circle, lots of folks were interested — making it one of the top music stories of the year at Local Spins.
Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” tapped Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics for a recap of Michigan music amid a year short on live music but filled with compelling releases by Michigan artists. Listen to the podcast.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Venue Spotlight
Amid a pandemic that upended the Hudsonville event center, owner Bill Worst debuted a new venture in September with drinks, food and music. The story and photos caught the attention of Local Spins readers.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Christmas Day edition of Local Spins on WYCE kicked off with new holiday tracks and fresh music by Michigan artists, then revisited the best of 2020’s guests on the radio show. Listen to the podcast at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
In late March, Local Spins put out a call to Michigan musicians to submit songs and videos inspired by the COVID crisis. They responded with humor and with poignancy — and readers loved it all. Watch the videos in this Local Spins Rewind feature that earned lots of attention last spring.
Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Videos
This playlist from April honors the brave doctors, nurses and health care workers who have helped heal the nation. From Michael Jackson to Van Morrison to May Erlewine, revisit this Christmas Eve tribute as part of our countdown of 2020’s most-read stories.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
The West Michigan visual artist and musician moved to France in early 2020 and has embraced the vibrant city. Learn more about his relocation and his upcoming Americana/punk album; listen to a new track from the forthcoming release.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
With both Congress and Michigan’s Legislature this week passing relief packages containing funds for shuttered venues, the future for these businesses looks a tad brighter. Get details at Local Spins.
For many, the instruments and musical presents they found under the tree as kids changed their lives and shaped their careers. Plus, see their Christmas 2020 wishes for the world after a very tough year.
The package includes $3.5 million in grants for concert venues, much less than what the Michigan Independent Venue & Promoter Association was seeking. But “it’s a start,” according to one group member. The state House will take up the bill on Monday.
In April, the well-known radio personality kicked off a partnership with Big Event Studios to showcase regional and national stars in a unique way, using a rustic Grand Rapids freight elevator as a backdrop. Learn more about this project and watch a brand new video starring Nathan Walton as part of today’s Local Spins Rewind feature.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The rock band frontman and Calvin University concert booker shares his 2020 experiences for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Gasoline Gypsies, Joose the Conqueror, Jude Lolley and more. Catch up with Droppers and his band, watch a music video for one of their latest singles, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Video No. 5 in the series focused on the plight of Michigan’s closed concert venues showcases Gary and Michelle Hanks’ labor of musical love in Spring Lake. Get the back story and watch the latest ‘Comeback Road’ video at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts
The beloved festival will still take place in late January, but performances by artists will be live-streamed for ticket buyers, with The RFD Boys and Accidentals playing their sets on The Ark stage. Get details and the full performance lineup at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Today, we spotlight the local and regional albums that most dominated the Local Spins Hot Top 5 charts at WYCE-FM during the year of the pandemic, from Medicinal Groove to The War and Treaty, with plenty of gems in between. See which Michigan artists made a splash and listen to tracks from all of the recordings as part of this week’s playlist.
Festivals · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
Hosted by Michigan Music Alliance, the star-studded live-streamed festival in March raised $11,500 in donations for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund to assist musicians hurt by the COVID-19 crisis. Revisit the story in words and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Frontman Jacob Betts opened up about the Grand Rapids rock band for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted fresh tracks by May Erlewine, Steve Leaf, Pink Sky and more. Get the back story about The American Hotel System, watch a video from Dogtown Studio and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Features · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
It’s not a playlist you’ll want to put on repeat. A Paul McCartney dud tops the list of rotten holiday fare after we asked readers for their most hated seasonal tunes and they responded in droves. Check out the full list of “cringe-inducing, inane and repetitive” songs that drive many up the wall every year.
Commentary · Playlists · Videos
The world lost John Lennon of the Beatles to a brutal, stunning assassination on Dec. 8, 1980. He was just 40 years old. But 40 years later, the universe still reveres his music, still mourns the loss of this rock icon. Local Spins got some help from local musicians in assembling a Top 40 playlist for the ages.
From headphones to vinyl to T-shirts to calendars, Local Spins presents its first Christmas Gift Guide: ideas for the music lover on your list that are focused on local products supporting Michigan’s music scene or representing unique gifts recommended by local experts.
The countdown of Local Spins’ most-read stories of the year continues with Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter taking part in a star-studded “Grammy Moment” finale. Today, we update that story from January, plus you can watch The War and Treaty’s Grammy performance as part of this “Local Spins Rewind” feature.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The prolific artist with a new album was featured at Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brother Elsey, The Accidentals, The Skinny Limbs, L. Supreme & Jasonmakesgoodbeats, River City Narrative, Ohly and more. Get the latest from Tom Hymn, watch a music video for a track from his upcoming album and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
The fourth West Michigan venue showcased in the “Comeback Road” video series has survived for 137 years. But it’s never experienced a year quite like 2020. Watch the latest video and learn more about the plight — and illustrious history — of St. Cecilia Music Center.
The November chart reflecting airplay of regional albums at WYCE-FM mostly just reshuffled entries from October, with one new album debut. Get details, listen to tracks from each release.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
The statewide MIVPA organization will lobby for $10 million in state funding to assist concert venues and promoters devastated by the 2020 pandemic. Details at Local Spins.
The beloved guitarists – one from Grand Rapids who battled leukemia and one from Kalamazoo stricken with COVID – passed away on Saturday, saddening fans of The Moonrays and Bride of Fleckenstein. Read the memorials and comments at Local Spins.
It’s true 2020 didn’t unfold as expected. But West Michigan bands remained active, reflected in spectacular calendar images by Local Spins photographers. And, yes, the calendars optimistically feature 2021 music festival dates. Order them now; it’s the perfect, Michigan-centric holiday gift.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Thanksgiving weekend launches Local Spins’ countdown of its most-read, most popular stories of 2020. The pandemic, not surprisingly, dominated the scene — including our No. 12 story about a new musicians’ relief fund.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Plainwell High School junior was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brandino Extravaganza, Heavy Color, Oxford Fields, Kate Hinote Trio and more. Learn more about Lucy Lowis and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Thanksgiving 2020 arrives today after a turbulent, scary and musically silent year unlike any other. But the region’s music community remains upbeat and thankful. See why these artists are so thankful and read their comments at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos
Billy Strings was “completely blown away” by the honor, made as part of today’s Grammy nominations announcement. Award winners will be announced on Jan. 31. Get the details at Local Spins.
It’s been a grueling year for music-related businesses, including Local Spins. During Thanksgiving week, we’re especially grateful to our readers and those that continue to support what we do.
Today’s look back at November 2019 spotlights milestones for a pair of beloved West Michigan music icons, not to mention a St. Joseph musician’s ambitious, unique attempt to play 100 breweries in 100 days. Revisit these special moments via Local Spins Rewind.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids super-group showcased new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by FINKEL, Myron Elkins, Melissa Dylan, Sugartone Noise Co., Troy Ceasar and more. Get the back story about Barrel Bones, watch one of the band’s music videos and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
The third spotlighted venue in the “Comeback Road” video series focuses on the daunting challenges faced by one of Grand Rapids’ most revered music hot spots. Watch the video, see how The Intersection hopes fans can help.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Amid the 2020 pandemic, two of downtown’s most popular live music hot spots are now seeking buyers. See what the asking price is and get more details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Commentary · Venue Spotlight
Michigan’s new ban on indoor bar/restaurant service is only part of a gloomy, complicated outlook for live music that extends into 2021. And that leaves Local Spins “in search of a Big List.” See what experts are saying about when — and if — concerts will return to area stages.
Features · In-Depth Report · Videos
The marathon pandemic has completely upended West Michigan arts groups, musicians and dancers, and hit them hard financially. But videos and other innovations are keeping them alive and keeping them connected to fans. Learn more about how these prominent cultural organizations are weathering the storm and see how you can help.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With an EP and new album on the way, the Ypsilanti-based singer-songwriter took center stage for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted fresh tracks by several Michigan artists, including Rick Chyme, Eric Engblade, Olivia Dear, Jordan Moore, Jack Droppers and Shin Hoo Yong. Get the back story on DuPont, watch a video of him performing a new song and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
