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.
Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The Fremont venue boasts upcoming shows by Myron Elkins, The Mad Angler & The Mad Cellist, Braunschweiger Blues Band and more. The Local Spins venue spotlight and concert schedule.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
The West Michigan tunesmith of Chain of Lakes who also leads a songwriters’ group reveals the recordings that have influenced him the most over the years.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
One of Michigan’s most treasured summer music festivals returns to a northern Michigan site this weekend. See who’s playing, check out our performer picks and get details at Local Spins.
Wednesday’s concert at Meijer Gardens delivered the familiar and funky ensemble’s catchy catalog of material, bringing many fans to their feet. The review, photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Traverse City’s The Alluvion will host Levy and his band for a Friday concert. The Local Spins interview with the trailblazing harmonica player along with a video of a live performance.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The legendary horn band brings its tour to Meijer Gardens on Wednesday. The Local Spins interview with bandleader Emilio Castillo, who’s led the group for more than 50 years.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Local Spins interviews both multi-platinum-selling bands as the classic rock icons bring their co-headlining tour to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. See what fans can expect as Foreigner bids farewell.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
The executive director of Bay Harbor’s Great Lakes Center for the Arts — a one-time singer and actor — reveals the artists and albums that have influenced him most. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Lansing musician showcases his own new album, “Family Business,” in a Traverse City concert at The Alluvion this weekend, part of a hectic multi-band touring schedule. Learn more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Traverse City · Upcoming shows · Videos
The acclaimed, much-revered singer-songwriter plays a sold-out show at The Alluvion on Friday while also working with Interlochen Arts Academy students. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The much-admired folk tunesmith and jazz singer plays The Alluvion twice this week before returning to northern Michigan for a June show. The interview and back story at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With the much-anticipated announcement of the Meijer Gardens summer concert series just a week away, communications director John VanderHaagen reveals recordings that have shaped him.
When Al-Saadi and Kingfisher rock Milliken Auditorium on April 13, they’ll do so with a big assist from Northwestern Michigan College students handling every aspect of the concert experience. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The Great Lakes Center for the Arts south of Petoskey dubs it “A Season for Dreamers” with everything from Jo Dee Messina and LeAnn Rimes to Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Get the schedule at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Today, Local Spins reveals the albums that have greatly influenced guitarist and songwriter Graham Young from Petoskey’s Michigan Rattlers. Check out — and listen to — his picks.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The legendary guitarist brings his “Genesis Revisited: Foxtrot at Fifty + Hackett Highlights” tour to West Michigan on Saturday. The Local Spins interview and show preview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan’s masterful, eclectic multi-instrumentalist plays Traverse City on Saturday and a big 75th birthday bash at Ann Arbor’s The Ark on April 2. The Local Spins interview with a beloved musician and collaborator.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Playlists
Keyboardist, producer and studio engineer Joe Hettinga lists recordings by Paul Simon, Phish and Cannonball Adderley among those that shaped him as a musician. Learn more about Hettinga, check out his picks and listen to one of his current favorites along with tracks on which he’s featured.
Artist Spotlights · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Advocating communication and improvisation on stage, the acclaimed Mintzer — who attended Interlochen Arts Academy — brings his quartet to northern Michigan on Saturday. The Local Spins interview, along with two Mintzer videos.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Playlists
Pearl Jam, The Band, Bob Dylan all figure into Lockwood’s biggest influences, along with an under-the-radar artist. Check out the latest edition of this popular series and listen to tracks from the albums, along with songs from Lockwood’s latest studio recording.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Tommy James, R.E.M. and Bruce Springsteen have shaped multi-instrumentalist and studio owner Greg Baxter, today’s featured artist in our popular series. Learn more about Baxter and check out his album picks at Local Spins.
Traverse City · Upcoming shows
After wowing fans in Grand Rapids, the impressive quintet marking the Blue Note jazz label’s 85th anniversary and featuring Interlochen alum Matt Brewer on bass heats up northern Michigan on Valentine’s Day.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
This week’s edition of “Albums That Changed the World” focuses on the artists and recordings that influenced the West Michigan frontman for Irish folk favorites the Conklin Ceili Band. Learn more about Mick Lane and listen to tracks from his favorite albums.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Today, Local Spins’ “Three Albums That Changed the World” series features Prof. Paul Kwant, a guitarist who runs FSU’s Music & Entertainment Business Program. Check out — and listen to — his fun, guitar-driven rock picks and learn more about Ferris’ music business education track.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Today, Local Spins’ popular series exploring the recordings that have impacted musicians, celebrities and various leaders spotlights the Michigan governor’s picks — and Great Lakes State artists play a starring role. Check out her picks and listen to the tracks at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Today, the Local Spins series reveals the recordings and artists that inspired northern Michigan trombonist Chris Glassman, from Leonard Bernstein to Steve Davis to Rodney Whitaker. Listen to tracks from all of the albums, plus a couple songs of his own.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Audio
Local Spins kicks off the 2024 edition of its popular ‘Albums That Changed the World’ series with a look at the recordings that inspired the renowned Kalamazoo saxophonist. Check out his picks; listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The symphonic rock spectacle that lights up the holidays every year returns to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena the day after Christmas. The interview and preview at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
The popular Local Spins series revealing the musical influences for Michigan musicians and producers continues with the picks of a Michigan tunesmith from the wilds of the Upper Peninsula. Check out his picks, listen to tracks from all of the albums — including a couple of songs from his most recent release.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Traverse City musician (Medicinal Groove) and manager of The Alluvion reveals the recordings that have shaped his own career. Listen to tracks from all of his selections at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Audio
With impressive credentials acquired during stints in Nashville and L.A., Jones adores his northern Michigan homestead and the three albums that have inspired him. Listen to tracks from those recordings, a current favorites and songs by Jones himself.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Acclaimed smooth jazz musician Phil Denny talks about how Richard Elliot, Boney James and Grover Washington Jr. influenced his own playing. Check out the albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Local Spins’ mid-summer edition of the “Albums that Changed the World” series focuses on recordings that shaped producer and multi-instrumentalist Michael Crittenden. With Troll for Trout set to play a Grand Rapids show on Friday, view his picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The popular New York band that’s toured the globe reworking music by acts ranging from Michael Jackson to Green Day plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe and Bay View this week. The Local Spins interview, with videos.
Concert Listings · Features · Summer Concerts
Traveling every week from Elberta to Baldwin to Ludington and beyond, impressive lineups of acclaimed musicians deliver jazz, blues, R&B and more to eager fans in quaint locales. Get the background on this long-running series and see who’s playing this summer.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The much-admired Pink Floyd tribute band returns to DeVos Performance Hall on Monday. The Local Spins interview with the group’s frontman and a look at why tribute bands have soared in popularity.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The jazz maven and longtime assistant general manager of DeVos Place, DeVos Performance Hall & Van Andel Arena today reveals the records that have inspired him. Check out his picks and listen to songs from all of the albums, along with one of his current favorites.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
From Michigander to NEEDTOBREATHE to Girl Named Tom, two Petoskey venues boast robust summer series for 2023. Plus, check out other unique performance spaces in northern Michigan that make the picturesque region even more of a draw in summer. Get the lineups at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Popular northern Michigan singer-songwriter Miriam Pico today reveals the artists and recordings that shaped her own music and career. Learn more about this Traverse City chanteuse and listen to her music picks at Local Spins, along with tracks of her own.
Saturday’s greatest hits display by the Chicago tribute band uncorked old favorites from the platinum-selling classic rock group in symphonic fashion. The concert recap and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The universally acclaimed band revered by other musicians plays Kalamazoo State Theatre on Sunday. The Local Spins interview and preview, with a music video and details about the Michigan tour stop.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
From his home base in Traverse City, Jabo Bihlman has crisscrossed the globe, helped lead Son Seals and risen up the Billboard charts with Grinder Blues. Today, he reveals the recordings that have impacted him. Listen to the music, along with tracks from two of his bands.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Emulating the ‘style, notes, energy’ of Chicago, Brass Transit aims to play ‘hit after hit’ aided by GR Symphony in the weekend concert at DeVos Performance Hall. The Local Spins interview and details about Saturday’s show.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
This week’s edition of our popular series focuses on albums and artists that influenced the renowned Interlochen jazz musician and composer. Get his back story and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With a Tom Petty tribute show set to unfurl later this winter at SpeakEZ Lounge, Local Spins asked guitarist-singer Jack Leaver to reveal the albums that inspired him. Learn more about Leaver; listen to his picks.
