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.
Features · Photos · Playlists · Top 13 Lists
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
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.
The latest releases from the northern Michigan singer-songwriter, emerging psych-country-jam band and keyboardist-singer came in just ahead of RyneShyne and Melophobix. View the chart, listen to the music.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Commentary · Playlists · Videos
Today, Local Spins revisits the remarkable career of the American rock, funk, R&B and pop legend, showcases the continued popularity of Minnesota’s Paisley Park and traces West Michigan connections to The Purple One. Plus, check out a Top 9 Playlist of under-the-radar Prince classics.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
With cosmic Americana/string band The Wild Honey Collective playing SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday, we asked its frontman to reveal recordings that impacted him. Plus, view a video of the band and listen to its music.
To rev up its ‘Tribute Month,’ Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge hosts the Crazy Hearse tribute to Neil Young tonight. Warm up for the show with this Top 10 playlist of Young classics.
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.
Joshua Davis, Ralston Bowles, Kate Pillsbury, Michael Crittenden and The Rebel Eves will play the special St. Cecilia Music Center concert on Saturday. The lowdown and playlist at Local Spins.[…]
Upcoming Grand Rapids shows pay homage to the singer-songwriter who’s sold more than 130 million records. Get details, links and listen to a Top 10 playlist of Neil Diamond classics.
Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The January chart featuring the Michigan artists receiving the most radio airplay at WYCE also included Mystic Dub, The Crane Wives and Crystal Trench. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
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.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The Local Spins series revealing albums and artists that have influenced Michigan musicians continues with Deep Greens & Blues founder Travis Atkinson, who plays The Stray on Saturday.
Exactly one year ago, Local Spins published a playlist that helped spur our beloved Motor City heroes to two playoff victories. This year, we aim to serenade them to Super Bowl glory.
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.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The 16th annual Winter Wheat Festival hosted by the Wheatland Music Organization rolls out next Saturday at The Intersection in Grand Rapids with 10 acclaimed and diverse acts. The playlist and schedule at Local Spins.
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.
Country, Americana and alternative music tunesmith Kari Lynch has hosted the benefit concert for more than a decade. It returns Saturday to Caledonia. The lineup, lowdown and how you can help at Local Spins.
Amplified Newsletter · Detroit Lions · Playlists
To celebrate Thanksgiving and a traditional Ford Field showdown, Local Spins has combined its usual Thursday ‘Amplified’ newsletter (nusic news, ticket giveaways, concert announcements) with a special soundtrack tribute to the NFL-leading Detroit Lions. Plus, check out music news, concert announcements and our ‘Song of the Week.’
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The new owner of the historic building that long hosted listening room-style shows will roll out a series of upcoming live music events boasting a variety of regional acts, starting with The Legal Immigrants and Kyle Brown & The Human Condition. Get more information about Temple Lounge and the upcoming show schedule.
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.
Today is the Veterans Day holiday, so we’re unfurling some classic tracks that commemorate those in the military and the sacrifices they’ve made, as well as anthems for peace in the face of endless global conflicts. Listen to the songs, watch the videos.
Today’s mammoth and grueling Iceman Cometh Challenge bike race in Traverse City boasts riders from Team Local Spins. We have a bike- and race-hued playlist to send them on their way.
Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The Michigander and legendary Motown artist brings his “Sing Your Song As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour to Van Andel Arena Wednesday. Warm up with this Local Spins playlist of Stevie Wonder classics.
To commemorate the Detroit Tigers’ incredible late-season run, Local Spins has compiled a special playlist filled with iconic hits from the 1968 and 1984 championship seasons, along with current hits. Go Tigers!
Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The sibling duo’s “Low Low” came in just ahead of the latest release from Americana’s The Michigan Rattlers. Check out the full chart and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Audio · Commentary · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Tonight at Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge, Local Spins celebrates two major Fab Four milestones with a performance by That Beatles Thing. Get details and listen to a special playlist at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With 55 bands playing eight venues over seven days, the festival showcasing Michigan bands covers a lot of ground and a lot of musical styles. The schedule, festival essentials and a Top 20 playlist at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The fall Michigan music showcase at SpeakEZ Lounge starts with a Pink Floyd tribute — an 11-concert, mid-week series that also features Whorled, The Mickeys, Lighting Matches, Silver Creek Revival and more. Get the full schedule, along with the lineup fo SpeakEZ’s Live Music Fridays.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Hoxeyville devotees who flood the Manistee National Forest site every August will be back this weekend for Sam Bush, Lindsay Lou, Elephant Revival and more. But three previously announced acts won’t be there. Get the lowdown, revised schedule and a festival playlist at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists
The Grand Rapids producer’s latest, globally inspired concept album topped all regional albums on the July chart. See what other Michigan artists made the chart and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
With the iconic jam band Phish playing two straight nights at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena, Local Spins asked super fan and Desmond Jones guitarist Isaac Berkowitz to create a Top 10 Phish playlist.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Kicking off Thursday in southern Kent County, the second-year, three-day fest features Desmond Jones, Myron Elkins, Full Cord and more. Get the complete lowdown, schedule, playlist and details at Local Spins.
The most eclectic series in the history of Meijer Gardens deserves a pre-show playlist. And Local Spins has created one with the first concert on tap next week.
Much of the country will be mesmerized by Monday’s solar eclipse, so we’ve created a sun-splashed soundtrack for the occasion. Plus, check out the celestial picks from Local Spins readers.
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.
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.
The February chart representing the most-played Michigan albums at WYCE boasted everything from rock to ska to folk to country to funk. View the chart, listen to tracks from all the releases.
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.
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.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Already hosting Sunday night jazz jams and Local Spins Wednesdays shows, the cozy downtown Grand Rapids venue starts up Friday offerings in March. Get the full upcoming schedule at Local Spins, along with a playlist of SpeakEZ performers.
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.
On Sunday, three fast-rising, Michigan-bred acts will vie for the most prestigious music awards in the business. Local Spins recaps their amazing journeys to prominence. Plus, listen to a Grammy playlist reflecting their nominated recordings.
Announcements · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Playlists · Videos
The snow-pocalypse has canceled scads of Michigan shows, including Saturday’s 12-band benefit for Wheatland Music Organization. But listen to the music that had been scheduled for the event and relive last summer’s Wheatland festival amid today’s storm thanks to a special Local Spins playlist and photo gallery.
Commentary · Detroit Lions · Playlists · Videos
We musically recount the Detroit Lions’ mostly futile playoff experiences since their 1957 championship while predicting a Sunday win amid more upbeat themes for an NFL team on the rise. The Local Spins column and a unique playoff playlist.
Dec. 8 marks 43 years since the world lost John Lennon of The Beatles to a brutal assassination. The world still reveres his music, still mourns his loss — with The Beatles even recently releasing one of his songs for the Fab Four’s final track. Listen to Local Spins’ Ultimate John Lennon Playlist.
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.
