Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After working this week with students, the well-traveled 79-year-old master drummer will perform with the MSU Jazz Orchestra at The Alluvion in Traverse City. Learn more about this jazz mainstay.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The acclaimed Kalamazoo drummer who plays three nights of Brazilian jazz across the state this week reveals the albums and artists that have influenced him most. Check out his picks, along with his own music, and find out more about his upcoming performances.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With upcoming Michigan shows at Grow Benzie, Sisters, Short’s Pull Barn and Salt of the Earth, New York musician Hugh Pool of Mulebone checks in with Local Spins to talk about his music and his solo touring.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Southern-bred blues-rock guitarist plays February shows in Lake Orion, Muskegon and Marshall, touring behind his latest albums, “Labor of Love” and “Naked Truth.” The Local Spins interview, along with a recent performance video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The singularly talented Cleveland ensemble hailed for ‘historical preservation and musicianship’ plays Ann Arbor and Traverse City this month. The Local Spins interview with bandleader Anthony Taddeo, along with a video of a live performance.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
The celebrated producer, studio owner and multi-instrumentalist reveals the impact that Jimi Hendrix, Return to Forever and Peter Gabriel had on his own career. Check out his album picks, listen to tracks from each recording.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Saxophonist Rolly Smith has long served as an in-demand musician across West Michigan, while also co-founding the avant-fusion band Space Bar. Today, he reveals the albums that have influenced him most. Listen to tracks from these albums and see where Smith will be performing this winter.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
With Jennifer Westwood & The Handsome Devils making their SpeakEZ Lounge debut in Grand Rapids on Friday (March 6), Local Spins asked the talented singer to reveal her biggest musical influences. Listen to her picks, along with two songs from Westwood’s latest album.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The acclaimed trombonist, composer, Michigan State University educator and versatile multi-instrumentalist releases another album later this month, with a Saturday concert at The Alluvion in Traverse City. Get his back story and listen to his music at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Top 10 Lists · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Our countdown of Local Spins’ most-buzzed-about stories of the year continues with a review of legendary trumpeter Herb Alpert’s May tour stop at DeVos Performance Hall that drew robust standing ovations.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Led by Grammy Award winners from the highly acclaimed Snarky Puppy, Dallas’ Ghost-Note makes a tour stop Sunday at Holland’s Park Theatre. The Local Spins interview with this hard-hitting band.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The symphonic metal stars in Trans-Siberian Orchestra return to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena for two ‘Ghosts of Christmas Eve’ shows this weekend, with a Detroit stop on Dec. 27. The Local Spins interview with drummer Jeff Plate, along with videos of live TSO performances.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The soulful jazz trio formed by organist Jim Alfredson and drummer Randy Marsh will play two star-studded shows to celebrate its birthday. Learn about Organissimo’s history and listen to its music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
N. Michigan’s Benzie Playboys, the state’s leading purveyor of Cajun & zydeco music, marks a quarter-century of dance-inspiring revelry Wednesday in Frankfort. Local Spins digs into its remarkable history.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The co-founder of Northern Express and prolific author Robert Downes will unfurl his multi-media “Stories & Songs” show at City Opera House on Thursday. The back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The renowned Traverse City mandolinist Don Julin has formed a new super-trio with bassist Tom Knific and guitarist Hayes Griffin, with upcoming shows at The Alluvion, The Ark and beyond. The back story at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Josh Kaufman, producer and owner of Grand Rapids’ Local Legend Recording, reveals the three albums that have influenced him the most. Learn more about Kaufman and listen to tracks from all of his selections at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
The acclaimed, faith-based Grand Rapids artist has made waves with his inspiring storytelling, racking up more than 75 million streams. Today, he reveals the recordings that have impacted him most.
Touting their debut studio album, Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble revved up the intimate confines of The Alluvion listening room with two sold-out shows on Wednesday. The review and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Texas electronic musician and YouTube star makes a stop on his ‘Places I’ve Never Played And Will Never Play Again’ tour Sunday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The 18-year-old Taiwanese virtuoso has become an internet sensation drawing millions of views on YouTube for his astonishing prowess on the ukulele. He plays Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill on Sunday. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The legendary Motor City musician and producer leads the new top-shelf ensemble releasing its debut album next month, with tour stops in Traverse City, Lansing and Detroit. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The renowned French musician brings music from his heralded career to Michigan’s Tip Top Deluxe, Chalfonte Theatre and The Ark this week. The Local Spins interview, with a music video.
Artist Spotlights · Classic Rock Corner · Upcoming shows · Videos
The melodic prog-rock/yacht rock band returns to Michigan to play Little River Casino on Friday. The Local Spins interview with founding member Joe Puerta.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The acclaimed, international, ‘note-perfect’ tribute to Pink Floyd returns to Meijer Gardens this week. The Local Spins interview with guitarist Dave Fowler.
Artist Spotlights · Classic Rock Corner · Upcoming shows
After a Michigan tour stop at Interlochen, the iconic classic rock band featuring Randy Bachman plays the Chicago area tonight. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Appropriately, Local Spins marks the Fourth of July holiday weekend with a story about America, the band. Writer Ross Boissoneau interviews Dewey Bunnell, the solo remaining original member still touring.
The Homestead near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan Legacy Art Park and Grand Traverse Civic Center are rife with live music this summer. Get the schedules and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The iconic rock innovator plays Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden next week on his “Still Me/Still We” tour. The Local Spins interview with the 77-year-old legend.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
From his beginnings as a prog-rock fan in northern Michigan to playing keyboards for the Moody Blues, Hewitt boasts some impressive influences and an impressive resume. Check out his picks, listen to tracks from these albums and Alan Hewitt’s own catalog.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
It’s time to ‘wang chung.’ The artists — joined by John Waite and Paul Young — bring their “I Want My ’80s Tour” to Meijer Gardens and Interlochen. The Local Spins preview and interview with Wang Chung and Paul Young. Plus, relive their classic music videos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The popular jam and funk band rolls into DeVos Performance Hall for a symphonic take on rousing tracks such as “Mt. Crushmore,” “The Force” and “Phyllis.” The Local Spins show preview and interview, with a video from a recent Lettuce-meet-symphony performance. And the symphony performs with hip hop’s Common on Thursday.
The 90-year-old trumpeter made a Sunday tour stop at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall and drew standing ovations for he and his band’s performance. The Local Spins review.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Full Cord trio plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night. To warm up fans for the special show, Local Spins Rewind revisit Full Cord bluegrass mandolinist Brian Oberlin’s picks for albums that influenced him most.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The iconic trumpeter, pianist, composer, producer and co-founder of A&M Records is on tour with a stop Sunday at DeVos Performance Hall. He insists: ‘It gives me energy to play.’ The Local Spins interview.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Today, the Local Spins series revealing albums that have impacted musicians and music industry movers and shakers spotlights longtime concert promoter Nate Dorough. Check out his intriguing picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The Gaylord alt-rock artist and looping wizard plays SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids for the first time on Wednesday, set to showcase virtuosic talent that’s impressed audiences across the globe. Learn more about Jake Allen and check out the albums that have inspired his own music.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
The popular series highlighting recordings that have influenced artists and those in the music business continues with the Ann Arbor marketing director for The Ark. View her picks; listen to the music.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
From Traverse City to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, the unseasonable heat wave sparked sizzling concerts by veterans and emerging artists alike. The recaps and images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The celebrated pianist and saxophonist play a sold-out show at Traverse City’s The Alluvion on Thursday, kicking off a U.S. tour behind a new recording, “Just Us.” The Local Spins interview.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The Holland-based member of Brother Adams and host of a popular open-mic shares his love for The Offspring, Boston, Silverchair and more. Learn more about Driesenga; listen to music that’s influenced him.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The station manager for the Traverse City radio station has been inspired by a wide swath of artists since growing up in Philly. Listen to tracks from all of his selections at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Frankfort native and Traverse City resident’s latest musical project comes after Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling success with indie-pop-rock’s fun. The Artist Spotlight with music videos from Metal Bubble Trio.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Our ‘Albums That Changed the World’ series continues with the recordings that most influenced Ted Smith, owner and operator of Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill concert venue. Get his back story and listen to tracks from his selected albums.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
The co-founder of the Grand Rapids Songwriters Alliance today reveals the artists who have most influenced his own music. Check out his picks along with a couple of his own songs.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
As the Grand Rapids community radio station devoted to spotlighting Michigan music mounts its year-end fund drive, Local Spins reveals the music that has most inspired its station manager.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
2024 has seen a flurry of releases of fresh Yuletide music by artists from across the state. Today, Local Spins presents its takes on these tunes, along with links to listen along.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Mathews, who recently left his position as Midtown and Studio C’s music and programming director, reveals the albums that have sparked a lifelong love of music. Listen to tracks from all of them.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Chicago quartet returns to Michigan for bluesy, jazzy, rollicking shows led by piano-pounder Johnny Iguana and dynamic singer Rachel Williams. The Local Spins interview, with videos and ticket links.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Grand Rapids musician, artist and Mexicains Sans Frontieres curator reveals the albums and artists that influenced him most, from the obscure to the legendary. Check out his picks.
