Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
The vibrant combination of Michigan songwriters Grace Theisen, Katie Pederson and Jilian Linklater is turning heads with a mission of empowering women in music. The Local Spins Q&A with the up-and-coming trio, a video and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The acclaimed singer-songwriter plays the Acoustic Cafe Folk Series in Grand Rapids on Thursday. The Local Spins interview, with a chance for readers to win tickets to the show. Plus, watch a Josh Ritter video previewing songs from his upcoming new album.
Up-and-coming West Michigan-bred rock star Patty PerShayla took time out to take Local Spins behind the scenes of her hectic touring schedule, from favorite foods to the downsides of being on the road. It’s Local Spins’ first ‘Tour Texts’ of 2023.
Wednesday’s concert at Kalamazoo State Theatre displayed the riveting power of the singer-songwriter’s acclaimed catalog. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
The brainchild of Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert, the week-long affair at several venues in downtown Kalamazoo will boast vastly diverse performances and a collaborative vibe. Learn more about this first-year event, view the full schedule and listen to a playlist of performers.
Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos
To commemorate the Grand Rapids nightclub’s half-century milestone, Local Spins Rewind today updates a 2017 Venue Spotlight on a hot spot that showcases ‘every genre of music.’ Get the history, take video tours and browse photo galleries at Local Spins.
The Frontier Ruckus co-founder sat down with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos to explore his passion for Detroit, and balancing music creation with a financially secure day job. He plays a Detroit festival on Sept. 10.
The Michigan natives now based in L.A. spent a winter on the iconic enclave to create ‘Islanders.’ They screen the film and perform as FINKEL Friday at Wealthy Theatre. The interview and back story at Local Spins.
The acclaimed pianist and singer celebrated the 20th anniversary of “Come Away With Me” and more at the Grand Rapids amphitheater on Sunday night. The review and photos at Local Spins, with bonus coverage and images from the sold-out Japanese Breakfast show on Sunday in Kalamazoo.
The spectacle in the Rothbury woods wrapped up in the wee hours Sunday, sending tens of thousands of revelers home tired but happy. Check out some of the highlights in this recap and browse four photo galleries.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
After a long COVID hiatus, the electrifying, electronic music-driven extravaganza in the West Michigan woods launched on Thursday with splendid weather, huge crowds and a celebratory atmosphere. The first-day column by writer Enrique Olmos, with photos by Derek Ketchum at Local Spins.
After COVID delays, West Michigan’s biggest night for music returns Saturday with a full day celebrating regional music. Local Spins checked in with WYCE Music Director Shane German ahead of the very big day, plus get the full performance schedule.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
In a Local Spins interview, the frontmen for both bands talk about playing the upcoming, much-delayed musical spectacle in Rothbury, which will attract more than 45,000 people. The story, videos and full festival schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Attendance surged significantly on Days 2 and 3 for the return of Camp Greensky, which showcased the legendary Little Feat as well as numerous on-stage collaboration amid a camaraderie-filled weekend. Get the recap, browse the photo galleries and check out some video highlights.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The six-act festival outside Studio Park started in the rain Saturday but ended with sun-splashed, audience-inspiring sets by Full Cord, Public Access and The Accidentals to put an upbeat cap on a week-long commemoration of Local Spins’ 10th anniversary. The recap of festival highlights, with photos and video.
Enthused, happy crowds cheered Friday’s Local Spins 10th anniversary double-header: Jake Kershaw and Hank Mowery at a packed Tip Top Deluxe, Desmond Jones with The Legal Immigrants at Elevation. Get the recaps and browse photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The guitar-driven, instrumental rock super-group Public Access fires up Local Spins Fest outside Studio Park on Saturday. Writer Enrique Olmos delves into the singular musical magic created by Steve Leaf and this unusual Michigan ensemble. Plus, get more details about Saturday’s celebration in downtown Grand Rapids.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
In its series profiling musicians and projects in Detroit and Southeast Michigan, Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos today spotlights the work of Great Alexander’s Alexander Vlachos and his ambitious Greater Impact House.
Saturday night’s Grand Rapids tour stop had the former Sting frontman unfurling more than 20 career-spanning songs, backed by a top-flight band. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
In an interview with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos, soul-rocker Elijah Russ reflects on traveling out west, honing his guitar chops, and the joy of video games as he prepares to front a 16-piece, all-star ensemble at Wealthy Theatre.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
Local Spins revisits the Michigan native and bluegrass star, as writer Enrique Olmos and photographer Loren Johnson join Lindsay Lou for a sunny afternoon of thrift shopping and songwriter talk in Nashville. The Artist Spotlight and photo gallery.
Firing up Van Andel Arena Sunday on the third night of his national tour, Jack White and company delivered another rock show for the ages. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Uncategorized · Upcoming shows
The acclaimed Portland singer-songwriter plays Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre tonight. She shared thoughts on her music, her upbringing and her performances with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The universally revered guitarist plays Grand Rapids this week. The Local Spins interview with Jesse Cook, with a pair of music videos that he’s produced himself. Plus, enter a drawing to win tickets to see him in concert.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
The multi-instrumentalist and Michigan native has found a life-changing groove with Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter, who lead the fast-rising, Nashville-based band earning accolades while touring the globe. The interview, photos and videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Frankenmuth’s favorite sons in Greta Van Fleet continued their Michigan homecoming assault at DeltaPlex on Saturday, plus browse photos from a diverse set of shows in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, including Lady Ace Boogie, Jordan Hamilton, Cabildo, Djangophonique, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Between the Buried and Me.
Singer-songwriter and Saline native Katie Pederson discusses moving to Nashville, building a community and the joys of running in a Local Spins interview conducted by Enrique Olmos in the Music City. The artist profile, photo gallery and video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With an upcoming performance at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos profiles Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Kaitlin Rose and her ‘honest, healing’ music. Learn more about Rose and listen to her songs.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The platinum-selling singer-songwriter plays Calvin University on Friday night. In an interview with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos, McMillan covered a lot of bases — from religion to aliens.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With her tour stopping at Fountain Street Church on Saturday, Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield opens up to Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos about her sobriety, cooking, astrology and songwriting. Learn more about Waxahatchee and watch her videos at Local Spins.
A renowned cast of well-wishers — including Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Emily Saliers of The Indigo Girls, Tommy Emmanuel, Rosanne Cash and more — will help commemorate the milestone on Sunday, recalling an important era in music history. The event will be live-streamed by the Michigan Music Alliance. Get details at Local Spins and learn more about Stearns and the ‘Kalamazoo Gals’ who built Gibson guitars during World War II.
Artist Spotlights · Whatever Happened To
Once the frontman for Grand Rapids folk-rock outfits Watching for Foxes and Winnow, Joey Frendo has since moved to Oklahoma where he’s carving out a career as a solo artist. The Local Spins interview.
It was a spectacle. For Friday’s Grand Rapids tour stop on his ‘Gather Again’ tour, country star Eric Church uncorked his mix of ‘Country Music Jesus,’ ‘That’s Damn Rock & Roll’ and ‘Smoke a Little Smoke’ for enthused fans. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Features · Photos
The Kalamazoo musician and co-founder of The Go Rounds has faced terminal brain cancer with fortitude, grace and humor, supported by compassionate fellow musicians. Get the back story at Local Spins and listen to some of G’itis Baggs’ music. .
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With a brand new single, upcoming shows this weekend and a soon-to-be-released EP, Grace Theisen is poised for a breakout year with her “exciting” and “upbeat” Americana-hued music. The profile and music video at Local Spins.
Features · Venue Spotlight · Weekend Photo Gallery
After finally reopening in a new Grand Rapids location this fall, The DAAC staged a New Year’s Eve show that was an all-ages celebration of community and the arts. Get the back story, plus photos of the new space, Kalamazoo’s New Year’s Fest and Motion City Soundtrack at The Intersection.
The respected lifelong musician, educator and jazz trombonist was honored during a special celebration on Monday, joining his wife, Robin Connell, as ‘musician of the year’ recipients. The profile of a istinguished career at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Music and Technology
Created by a South Bend tech startup, the innovative app is being embraced by some West Michigan acts as a way of connecting with fans and monetizing their performances. Get the details at Local Spins.
Back for the 2021 shopping season, Local Spins’ gift guide offers ideas for the music lover on your list: local products, including those supporting Michigan’s music scene along with a bevy of unique gifts bearing a tuneful vibe.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Described as a fierce, truth-seeking powerhouse, the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter hosts an album-release show Thursday at Wealthy Theatre. The Local Spins interview, with a track from the album and a video from a performance at The Ark.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The roots-rocking, bluesy, fast-rising, Nashville-based band plays Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids on Saturday, part of a tour that’s crisscrossing the country. The fronting sister duo of Rebecca and Megan Lovell chatted recently with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter plays a solo show at Calvin University on Wednesday night. He took time out to chat about his music, his tour and more with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
With ArtPrize returning to Grand Rapids this week, Eli Kahn of South Bend’s After Ours brings a unique composition to life at the Muse GR gallery with texture and movement that immerses its listeners. Learn more about this ArtPrize entry — and one that has guitarist Tom Wall making music with plants — at Local Spins.
The all-ages club on S. Division Avenue in Grand Rapids hosted its first show in 12 years on Friday. Local Spins was there to capture the energetic vibe in the packed house and the images from the inaugural celebration.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Michigan band going ‘really hard’ this summer will join three other regional faves at the unique West Side venue on Friday. The Local Spins interview with frontman Joe Hertler, plus show details and ticket information about the event hosted by Fans of Valley Field.
The band’s sold-out show Friday at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was filled with soul and charisma on a muggy August night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
The acclaimed songwriter unfurled the first major concert at DeVos Performance Hall since early 2020, a rescheduled show heavy on material from his band’s latest album. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Not surprisingly, multiple performances by Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings topped the roster of memorable moments at a northern Michigan festival that returned after a one-year hiatus. Browse the weekend highlights, pore over the photos and view videos from an action-packed Hoxey.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
It’s back for 2021 in the Manistee National Forest this weekend with national headliners and regional favorites, including a bluegrass singer who adores Hoxey and all it entails. An interview with Lindsay Lou, along with the festival schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Emerging Detroit rapper and pop/R&B artist Tiny Jag performs tonight at Studio Park with Michigan alt-pop star Jax Anderson (formerly Flint Eastwood) in an event hosted by Michigan House. The Local Spins interview.
