Thrown, Kenny Barron Trio, Jack Droppers, Dumugly heat up October (Photos)
The first full week of October boasted a wide swath of genres, tour stops and local favorites across West Michigan, all covered in photo galleries at Local Spins.
Category: Photos
Taking Back Sunday sets ‘Phasers to Stun’ enthused Grand Rapids fans
The New York emo, post-hardcore and pop-punk band brought its fall tour to GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Wednesday. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
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Sounds of the Zoo 2026 wraps up with brilliant sunshine, high energy, epic performances
The seven-day Kalamazoo music festival closed Sunday with four fan-pleasing sets after a week featuring more than 40 Michigan bands and solo artists. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Festivals · Photos · Upcoming shows
Late September Festival Roundup: Leelanau Uncaged, Cooper’s Glen Again, Park Fest
As September winds down, a few festivals are winding things up to celebrate the season. Get the schedules, and browse a photo gallery from last weekend’s Michigan Irish Music Festival.
Mumford & Sons makes Grand Rapids debut with stage spectacle, intimate moments
The popular British folk-rock band packed Acrisure Amphitheater on Tuesday night, with Marcus King Band opening. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos
Sounds of the Zoo embraces songwriting prowess, overflow crowd on Day 1
The opening night of Kalamazoo’s seven-day Sounds of the Zoo festival featured tunesmiths trading songs and a performance by Matt Gross & Friends at The Clover Room. Get the highlights in photos and video.
Elvis Costello & The Imposters ‘Pump It Up’ in Muskegon debut with hit-laden escapade
The award-winning British rocker delivered a career-spanning set at Frauenthal Theatre to wrap up his U.S. theater tour on Friday. And the same night, Shakey Graves closed out Meijer Gardens’ summer series in Grand Rapids. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Starting Off on the Right Foot: Switchfoot opens tour in GR; Bilmuri, Pokey LaFarge frolic
The California alt-rockers on Wednesday revved up a capacity crowd in a heartfelt display at Meijer Gardens. The same night, Bilmuri turned up the volume at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and Pokey LaFarge brought his tour to Bell’s in Kalamazoo. Recaps, photos from all three shows at Local Spins.
Indigo Girls lift up loyal fans with career-spanning aplomb at sold-out GR show
The storied, Grammy Award-winning folk-rock duo kept much of the audience on its feet for the duration of the packed Meijer Gardens’ late-season headlining show. The review and photos at Local Spins, along with a bonus gallery of images from Sunday performances at Wheatland Music Festival in Remus.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Bilmuri Connection: How Zach Dubay rose from local drummer to world touring musician
You could say he’s just a boy doing boyish things. But versatile Grand Rapids drummer Zach Dubay is now making a splash with pop/countrycore’s Bilmuri, which plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Wednesday. The back story at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
‘A Happy Place to Be’: Wheatland Music Fest rolls out with captivating music and milieu
The granddaddy of Michigan roots/folk festivals — Wheatland — reveled in gorgeous weather and riveting performances on Friday and Saturday outside Remus. The recap in words and images at Local Spins.
Billy Idol ‘Still Dancing,’ unleashes fist-pumping anthems at Acrisure Amphitheater
Punk-fueled rocker Billy Idol brought his rollicking 2026 tour to Grand Rapids on Friday, with opener Susanna Hoffs. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
‘Don’t Stop the Party’: Pitbull unleashes dance-fueled Grand Rapids spectacle (Photos)
The Florida rapper, singer and reggaeton star pumped up Acrisure Amphitheater on Thursday night as part of his “I’m Back” tour. Browse the photos of Pitbull and Lil Jon at Local Spins.
Punch Brothers pack a wallop with late-season Meijer Gardens performance
The Grammy Award-winning folk/bluegrass string quintet Punch Brothers charmed with an evening of superlative musicianship, humor and sophisticated spontaneity. The review and photos, exclusively at Local Spins.
Photos · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Videos
September’s Top 10 Michigan shows and festivals, plus a TLC/Salt-N-Pepa photo recap
September’s big shows roll out mostly as the final flurry of outdoor events gracing Michigan’s musical landscape. Our Top 10 list, plus a photo recap of TLC and Salt-N-Pepa. […]
Concert Recaps · Photos · Summer Concerts
Josh Groban, Blackberry Smoke & a Michigan community concerts photo roundup
On the final day of August, Local Spins features not only photo recaps of two Sunday shows, but galleries from a summer of free community concerts across the state. It was a live music summer unlike any other.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Billy Strings and friends ignite Ionia with bluegrass and metal Freak Fair flair
The opening salvo of the Michigan bluegrass guitarist’s inaugural festival at the Ionia County Fairgrounds was a spectacle unlike anything this small town — and Billy’s fans — had ever seen. Get the recap, browse photos and watch some video highlights at Local Spins.
Sharp-Dressed Men: ZZ Top carries on Texas blues-rock legacy with Billy Gibbons at helm
Nine days after drummer and band co-founder Frank Beard passed away, ZZ Top brought its enduring cavalcade of hits to Meijer Gardens on Wednesday. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Tedeschi Trucks Band finds fan-inspiring jam-band groove in Grand Rapids tour stop
The much-admired Southern rock and blues ensemble didn’t disappoint more than 10,000 fans who cheered Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and crew, as well as opener Alabama Shakes. Review, photos.
Brandi Carlile amps up West Michigan crowd with heartfelt, high-energy performance
The venerated Americana/folk/pop musician, activist and humanitarian captivated fans at Acrisure Amphitheater on Sunday with a career-spanning stop on ‘The Human Tour.’ The Local Spins review and photos, with a set list from the show.
Lindsey Stirling weaves storytelling magic in high-powered Acrisure Amphitheater show
The California singer-songwriter, violinist and dancer brought the spectacle of her “Duality Untamed” tour to Grand Rapids on Friday. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Bruce Hornsby still jamming ‘The Way It Is’ (and was) for devoted Grand Rapids fans
The rock piano icon returned to the Meijer Gardens amphitheater on Sunday with his band, The Noisemakers, delivering a mix of familiar hits, deep cuts and jams. The review and photos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Breakaway Music Festival blazes out of the gates with Fisher and more on Day 1
Breakaway heated up Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park on Friday with sets by more than a dozen electronic music artists on two stages. The recap and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
New Michigan Music Revue: Adam Marth’s ‘stunning’ genre mix, plus Billy Strings, more
West Michigan’s Adam Marth released a fetching debut album last week, spotlighted by Local Spins, along with new music from Billy Strings, Hail Your Highness, Kelsey., The Gasoline Gypsies, TechTonic, The Headless, Ladymonix, Chirp and more. Learn more about Marth and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Ballad of a Hitmaking Machine: Goo Goo Dolls prove power as radio-friendly favorite
The enduring Buffalo rock band continued ‘a hell of a journey’ during its Acrisure Amphitheater debut in Grand Rapids on Tuesday. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Breaking music news · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Broken Like Me saunters to No. 1 at Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat festival and competition
The West Michigan hard rock band topped dozens of other regional acts to win Saturday’s sun-splashed event. Get the full story, video and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
For King & Country launches ‘bright and bold’ spectacle at Muskegon’s Unity Music Festival
For King & Country’s impressive headlining set Thursday at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing came on the second day of the Unity Christian Music Festival. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
‘Change is in the Air’: Folk rebel Jesse Welles uncorks defiant anthems at Meijer Gardens
The acclaimed folk/rock singer with an arsenal of protest songs delivered his searing messages to a sold-out Meijer Gardens audience on Monday. The review and photos at Local Spins
Windy City rock legends Styx, Chicago blow away Acrisure Amphitheater fans
The two Chicago-bred bands made history on Thursday in Grand Rapids, sharing the stage on their co-headlining ‘Windy Cities Tour.’ The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
The Acorn in Three Oaks: ‘No bad seats,’ beloved by fans, national and regional acts
The cozy venue in a converted Southwest Michigan factory building has become a community centerpiece and live music gem that books an impressive array of national and regional artists. Local Spins showcases the theater in this Venue Spotlight with all-you-need-to-know to go, plus photo galleries and a video.
Rocking the storms away: Houndmouth brings ‘Lordy’ to life in Grand Rapids
The rootsy Indiana rock band made its Meijer Gardens debut on Monday, skirting rainy weather to deliver a fan-pleasing performance along with opener harf. The review and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Podcasts
Kari Lynch back in Michigan while releasing ‘most honest and best music’ of her career
Local Spins spotlights the singer-songwriter and her new songs — along with a live acoustic performance –while also featuring fresh tracks by Michigander, Seth Bernard, Rip Smidgeon, The Westrins and more. Get the back story, watch the video and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Jason Isbell: Heartbreaking honesty, powerful lyricism on display in Grand Rapids tour stop
Grammy-winning alt-country mainstay Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit captivated a loyal audience Thursday evening with a two-hour set that spanned a 30-year career. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Kaleo brings the fire and ice for Meijer Gardens’ summer concert series debut
The Icelandic blues rockers captured a packed amphitheater’s attention and affections with an energetic, bass-heavy set. The review and photos at Local Spins. Plus, get a link to browse photos from Wednesday tour stops in West Michigan by L.A. Guns and Babe Rainbow.
Blues guitar icon Buddy Guy proves he’s still ‘got the blues’ with passionate GR display
The 89-year-old blues guitarist returned to Meijer Gardens on Monday night with an opening set by his daughter, singer Carlise Guy. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Sarah McLachlan builds mystery amid haze, sets ‘World on Fire’ in GR amphitheater debut
Amid sultry, smoky weather, the acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter charmed Grand Rapids fans with a set melding hits with lesser-known classics. Grammy Award-winning singer Allison Russell opened the show. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Upheaval Festival’s smokin’ hot metal shrugs off weird weather … except for Poppy
Sets by Gojira, Magnolia Park, Izzy Reign and more highlighted the opening day of the Grand Rapids festival, but Poppy (the singer) was a no show due to the conditions. The Day 1 recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Lucy Dacus gets ‘Hot and Heavy’ in first headlining Meijer Gardens show
The Grammy-winning, Virginia-born singer-songwriter’s lively set arrived as another heat wave hit, though extreme temps did little to dampen an enraptured audience’s spirits. Review, photos at Local Spins.
Blissfest blessed with blue skies, rootsy energy; Beaver Island set for myriadic music
Northern Michigan is alive with vibrant music. One much-admired festival, Blissfest, closed out on Sunday, and another, Beaver Island Music Festival, heats up Thursday. A festival recap and a festival preview at Local Spins.
John Mellencamp R.O.C.K.’s Acrisure, Ziggy Marley gets ‘Jamming’ at Meijer Gardens
Friday night’s scorching concerts ranged from Mellencamp’s classic, heartland rock to Marley’s uplifting reggae at outdoor venues in Grand Rapids. The reviews and photos at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts · Videos
Outdoor Havens and Festival Romps: Michigan artists strut their summer stuff (Podcast)
This week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase radio show podcast not only debuts new Mitten State tracks, but focuses on regional acts performing at upcoming music festivals, including a live track recorded earlier this week at an outdoor blues show in Rockford.
Dave Matthews Band breaks free on Night 1; Father John Misty cleans up (Reviews, photos)
Tuesday saw the first of two Dave Matthews Band shows at Acrisure Amphitheater with Father John Misty playing GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The reviews, photos and set lists at Local Spins.
Concert Recaps · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Sunday Soirees: A Latvian dance extravaganza and Jack Johnson does it ‘Better Together’
The holiday weekend ended with an impressive Latvian Song & Dance Festival finale at Van Andel Arena and Jack Johnson’s tour stop at Acrisure Amphitheater. Get the recaps, videos, photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Latvian jubilees, Weird Al’s parodies vitalize the holiday weekend: Recaps, photos
Fourth of July fireworks weren’t limited to the skies over Michigan: Plenty of dazzling salvos took place on stages, too, covered in words, photos and videos at Local Spins — including Sister Hazel, Black Country, New Road and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Latvian song festival’s stirring GR kickoff; Matteo Bocelli’s powerful pop balladry
One of the hottest days of the year couldn’t keep thousands from celebrating the Latvian Song & Dance Festival downtown or the popular singer’s Meijer Gardens debut on Thursday. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Hot Night: Guess Who rolls out the hits; St. Paul & The Broken Bones deliver blistering set
Grand Rapids boasted a twin bill of high-profile concerts on a high-temperature night with The Guess Who at Acrisure Amphitheater and St. Paul & The Broken Bones at Meijer Gardens. Check out the reviews, browse the photos.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Electric Forest Highlights: Deep-woods grooves, headliner heat and a storm-paused finale
Although the final day brought tragic and rainy notes, Electric Forest 2026 delivered plenty of outstanding performances and memory-making gems. The recap, photos and video highlights.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Billy Strings shreds in Charlotte, Smiling Acres gets happy, Darius does downtown: Recaps
Local Spins has the scoop on weekend music festival action with coverage of the opening day of Smiling Acres Music Festival in Trufant and a guest appearance by Billy Strings at the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, with a photo gallery from Darius Rucker’s Acrisure Amphitheater debut. More concert recaps to come on Sunday.
Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
Radio’s Festival Frolic: From GRiZ & Caitlin Cusack to On the Lash & 496 West
Local Spins’ latest Michigan Music Showcase features stars playing late June festivals as well as new music from Katie Greene, Lost at Ease, The Monkbirds, Adrian Jay Mitchell, a live track from Grupo Aye and more.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Electric Forest 2026 Opening Day: Sunshine, thunderous music & ‘getting lost in the magical’
The opening salvo of another Electric Forest at Double JJ Resort in Rothbury was chock full of the usual electronic music mayhem while oozing that singular Forest camaraderie. Recap, photos, video.
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