The Fray delivers heartfelt messages for 2,000 fans in return to Grand Rapids
After a long hiatus, the pop-driven Colorado rock band made a triumphant splash during its tour stop Friday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The review and photos at Local Spins.
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Smiling Acres Music Festival: Acres of smiles, moments of musical magic unfold on Day 1
The three-day festival outside Trufant kicked off on Friday with a bevy of popular Michigan acts, and continues through the weekend. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Wynonna Judd digs into her Grammy-winning country roots in ‘greatest hits’ Michigan run
The Country Music Hall of Famer captivated a Meijer Gardens audience for a buoyant evening of solo hits plus familiar favorites from her days as one half of the legendary duo, The Judds. The Local Spins review and photo gallery from Wednesday’s show.
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‘Quiet Riot’ of Rhythm: A Billi Free & The Lasso bring soothing vibe to Tuesday Eve Music Club
Tuesday’s regional showcase at Meijer Gardens unfurled a slice of funky, groovy, electronic music for attendees, while Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish rocked a refurbished park in Rockford.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest 2025: Highlights from weekend waves of high-energy, late-night jams and heat
Another rousing Electric Forest is in the books, with Michigan’s biggest music festival wrapping up in the wee hours Monday morning. Check out the highlights and our resplendent photo galleries.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit roar through career retrospective in Grand Rapids tour stop
The much-acclaimed, multi-Grammy Award-winning Americana singer/songwriter/guitarist delivered a nearly two-hour set at Meijer Gardens exploring his 30-year, genre-bending career on Monday. The Jason Isbell review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Gary Clark Jr. sizzles with boost from Lamont Landers amid steamy Michigan weather
The Grammy Award-winning blues/rock/soul/R&B guitarist headlined an evening of scorching temps and searing solos at Meijer Gardens after an Interlochen tour stop. The Local Spins review and photos.
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Heat Wave Haps: Billy Corgan, Black Crowes, Chase Rice, The Verve Pipe (Concert Recaps)
The West Michigan weekend’s live music romps included tour stops by national stars and concerts spotlighting local heroes, including The Spits and The Verve Pipe. The photos at Local Spins.
Billy Strings comes home to create back-porch, bluegrass buzz at cozy Charlotte festival
Playing solo, the guitar phenom headlined the opening night of the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, the first festival he ever attended as a young lad. The recap, fan quips and photos at Local Spins.
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Electric Forest sparkles on opening day with fervent fans, thundering bass, escapism
The state’s largest and most celebrated music festival rolled out Thursday in Rothbury with a host of internationally renowned electronic music stars and a couple of Michigan acts. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
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The Revivalists romp, narrowly avoid getting washed out for sold-out Meijer Gardens show
Undeterred by multiple weather-related delays, the New Orleans-based band rewarded a dedicated audience with an effusive, exuberant performance of familiar favorites. The review and photos at Local Spins.
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Tuneful Tuesday: TEMC’s soulful kickoff at Meijer Gardens + Jake Kershaw, Watchhouse
Sunny, sultry weather greeted fans of vibrant music on Tuesday: The Music That Raised Us at Meijer Gardens, Jake Kershaw in Rockford and Watchhouse in Kalamazoo. Revisit the musical action in images at Local Spins.
Singer-pianist Diana Krall embraces sultry, mysterious vibe at Meijer Gardens
The jazz singer and pianist unfurled a beautifully ‘brooding’ set in her Monday tour stop, with Michigan’s Abigail Stauffer opening. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Rick Springfield delivers ‘Human Touch’ of nostalgia with help from ’80s pals
The Sunday night “I Want My ’80s” tour stop at Meijer Gardens also featured fan-friendly faves from Wang Chung, John Waite and Paul Young. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Buttermilk Jamboree ’25 marches out of the gates with soul, rock, folk, fun and rain
The first night of the three-day music festival at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids embraced regional artists and more. The recap, photos and the rest of the weekend lineup, exclusively at Local Spins.
Chris Stapleton rocks GR with Mike Campbell; Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal get bluesy at the Gardens
Thursday was filled with stars: Chris Stapleton fired up a capacity crowd on the first of two nights at Van Andel Arena while Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal returned to Meijer Gardens. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
I’m With Her super-group powers through rain for stunning, harmony-hued show
It rained throughout Sunday’s concert at Meijer Gardens, but those who stuck around were treated to the trio’s fetching covers and original gems. The review and photos.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
GridLife Fest roars on Day 1, plus June’s Michigan music festival roundup
The first night of South Haven’s GridLife Festival at Gingerman Raceway kicked off a month boasting more than a dozen music festivals across Michigan. Our recap — with photos — of Friday’s opening salvo and a listing of all those June festivals.
Chaka Khan creates ‘Something Good’ and more in retrospective Meijer Gardens show
The legendary R&B singer brought a cavalcade of hits to the outdoor amphitheater on Wednesday, with Grand Rapids native Sarena Rae getting the evening started. The Local Spins review and photos.
The Head and The Heart provides ‘perfect soundtrack’ to Meijer Gardens opening night
The sold-out kickoff to the Meijer Gardens summer concert series even impressed the ban, which called it “a surreal place to play music.” The review, photos and set list from Friday’s show.
Billy Strings weaves kaleidoscopic bluegrass enchantment in spellbinding hometown show
Michigan’s bluegrass hero returned Friday to Grand Rapids for the first of two-jampacked nights at Van Andel Arena. Check out the review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
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Billy Strings ‘Shakedown’: Ionia celebrates guitar star with vendors, street music
A weekend celebrating the West Michigan bluegrass star kicked off Thursday with a vendors’ market and jamming in Ionia, with much more to come. Check out the recap, photos and video. Plus, listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio show podcast that kicks off with a Billy classic and features new tracks by Larry McCray, Phabies, Carbon Decoy and more.
Sessanta’s three-headed band monster invades GR for ingenious homecoming romp
The unusual tour that puts Michigander Maynard James Keenan’s A Perfect Circle and Puscifer on the same stage with Primus rocked Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, with a brief guest appearance by Billy Strings. The Local Spins review and photos.
Valerie June christens The Big Room in Grand Rapids with ever-joyful, solo concert
The acclaimed folk/roots/soul artist ushered in a new era for the historic building on Ottawa Avenue NW with an ebullient attitude and passionate singing. Get the lowdown on Monday’s concert hall debut in words and photos at Local Spins.
Movement stirs Detroit on Day 1 with techno, house music, fiery electronic thunder
Movement Electronic Music Festival kicked off the holiday weekend on Detroit’s Hart Plaza on Saturday with a whirlwind of international and regional stars. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Bus Benefit fest revs up Trufant with music, VW bus magic, heartfelt community
Buses by the Beach’s annual Memorial weekend festival heated up amid chilly weather with an opening Friday salvo featuring Nicholas James & The Bandwagon and Cold Leather Seats. The recap and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
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Lucky 13: Local Spins toasts birthday with its Top 13 Playlists of All Time and much more
Birthdays only come around once a year, so Local Spins marks its 13th anniversary today with its top playlists, top Michigan albums of 2025 and a photo recap of Wednesday’s birthday bash at SpeakEZ Lounge. Check out some amazing and unusual playlists, and see whic
Rhiannon Giddens delivers seamless, emotionally charged ‘front porch’ folk in GR
The highly acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning folk artist returned to St. Cecilia Music Center on Tuesday for yet another crowd-enchanting performance that included a shout-out to a local guitar company. The review and photos.
Shinedown revs up Grand Rapids with fiery, emotional ‘Dance, Kid, Dance’ spectacle
With special guests Beartooth and Morgan Wade also impressing fans, the Florida hard rockers electrified the Van Andel Arena crowd on Monday with special effects and emotional moments
Jack White transforms Grand Rapids venue into rafter-rattling, rock ’n’ roll roadhouse
The Detroit-bred guitarist blazed a loud, shapeshifting trail through his career catalog on Tuesday for 2,600 rabid fans at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The concert review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Message to Musicians: Be authentic, own social media, build your brand, tell your story
This weekend’s second Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids drew attentive musicians and songwriters for guidance in career development from industry experts across Michigan. It continues to today with ‘Vendor Day’ featuring merchandiser and information from a variety of music-related organizations.
Billy’s Lounge builds on Grand Rapids legacy of 50-plus years of riveting live music
The Eastown institution offers a wide range of musical entertainment, from hip hop to blues to rock to soul to DJs to reggae and more. Learn more about the popular nightclub in this Venue Spotlight and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Forrest Frank unfurls infectious pop, embraces fan interaction in Grand Rapids tour stop
The fast-rising Christian music star regaled an audience of about 10,000 at Van Andel Arena on Monday, along with opener Elevation Rhythm. The review, photos and set list.
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Rusty Vining & His Friends win The Stray’s 2025 Battle of the Bands
The Grand Rapids indie-folk band topped three other finalists to take home top honors at Saturday’s finals in the fourth annual event. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
The War and Treaty get ‘rebellious about love,’ revel in energetic Michigan homecoming show
The Albion-bred, soulful Americana and rock band returned to Grand Rapids St. Cecilia Music Center for a rousing Friday concert that was taped for a future live release. The review and photos.
Dwight Yoakam, Mavericks bring ‘Brighter Days’ to Kalamazoo with country exuberance
Touring behind his latest album, country icon Dwight Yoakam along with The Mavericks and 49 Winchester regaled Southwest Michigan fans who cheered the lengthy show. Review, photos.
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All-day jams: Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival showcases Michigan music, guitars, community
Rolling out for the 20th year, the festival featuring concerts, instrument vendors and workshops at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew an upbeat audience on Saturday. The recap, photos and video highlights.
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Lucky Charm Saturday: Irish Off Ionia and more toast early St. Paddy’s revelry
Grand Rapids celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in many ways on Saturday, from more than 10,000 revelers on Calder Plaza to area pubs and breweries. Browse the photos and video at Local Spins, along with a roster of some area taverns continuing the St. Patrick’s Day parties on Monday.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Lone Bellow charms GR with fetching ‘Love Songs,’ plus the week’s concert roundup
Enchanting a sold-out crowd at St. Cecilia Music Center, The Lone Bellow’s Saturday tour stop was just part of a bracing concert week that also featured Jimkata, Ten Peso Version, Super Future & more. Get the recaps, photos and a video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Champions of Michigan music: 2025 Jammie Awards flaunt happy throngs, voltaic sets
The 25th WYCE Jammie Awards lit up The Intersection in Grand Rapids with wildly diverse sets by 18 Michigan acts for big crowds while honoring the best Michigan releases of 2024. The Local Spins recap, photo galleries and video highlights.
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Local Grins: Kevin Hart adds GR show, Improv at LaughFest and a Michigan comedy roundup
The February edition of Local Grins previews upcoming LaughFest shows and spotlights special comedy performances across the region.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Traverse City’s indoor folk frolic: Recapping Sunday’s spirited hallway serenades
Sunday’s 15th Great Indoor Folk Festival unfurled at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons with more than 75 musicians and singers performing. The story and photos at Local Spins.
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Guiding Light Live shines for good cause with Joshua, Ralston, Kate, Colonel & The Rebel Eves
The first-ever musical benefit for Grand Rapids’ Guiding Light rolled out as a compelling and touching showcase of songwriting and performing by a who’s who roster of Michigan artists. The review, photos and video at Local Spins.
Valentine Serenades: Goose gins up jams in GR, CeCe Winans inspires ‘More Than This’
Two performances covering widely different spectrums — psychedelic jam-band rock and Christian worship music — had sold-out West Michigan crowds entranced on Thursday. The recaps and set lists at Local Spins.
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Ten Peso Version’s no-fear freedom to unleash the band’s chathartic indie-rock
‘Coming to fruition,’ the Grand Rapids indie-rock trio with an anthemic, gritty vibe has a new single, video and EP on the way, along with a show at The Pyramid Scheme. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Ann Arbor Folk Fest oozes camaraderie, ardor with Waxahatchee, Toad, Milk Carton Kids
The 48th annual two-day festival at Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium kept ‘the dream alive’ with sets by acclaimed headliners, plus Josh Ritter, Bruce Cockburn, Joy Clark and more. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Singer Mary Salo, juggling Proefrocks win fourth Rockford’s Got Talent competition
A Rockford sixth-grader and a father-son juggling duo took home the top prizes in the fourth-annual competition and fundraiser. The story and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Winter Jam thaws fans with Skillet’s fervid spectacle, Anne Wilson’s country & more
Many fans waited outside in icy temps to catch Sunday’s Christian music tour stop which also featured sets by Colton Dixon, Trip Lee and more. The review, photos and set lists at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Winter Wheat Wonders: Wheatland puts Michigan stars in January spotlight
Saturday’s 10-band winter festival at The Intersection in Grand Rapids unfurled everything from bluegrass to soulful pop to Cajun and Celtic charm on Saturday. Check out the recap, photos and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
New Year’s Eve revelry: From ‘Dark Side’ to dark wave to downtown romps and beyond
Bands and revelers ushering in 2025 celebrated amid a wide swath of musical styles unfurling from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The recaps, photos and a video at Local Spins.
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