Features · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
The acclaimed Michigan-bred guitarist’s remarkable rise to stardom and acclaim topped all other news items as the most-read story of the year. And he’s since been nominated for two more Grammy Awards, making him Local Spins’ “Newsmaker of the Year.” Revisit the story and get an update on Billy Strings’ other attention-getting milestones from 2021.
Playlists · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
For the second year in a row, humorous tunes about the pandemic — fueled by creative musicians — earned robust attention from readers. It’s No. 2 in our 2021 countdown and Local Spins’ No.1 story of all-time. View the videos, plus listen to “songs for the apocalypse,” a roster of COVID-inspired songs by Michigan musicians and a playlist tribute to health care workers.
In Memoriam · Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Iconic West Michigan musician and singer Junior Valentine passed away on March 1 at age 66, leaving behind a legacy of polished performances and musical mentoring that touched a host of lives. Revisit the memorials to the beloved guitarist in the No. 3 story of the year.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
The final night of the legendary acts’ joint touring run on Aug. 8 delighted a sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens. The review was No. 4 in Local Spins countdown of top 2021. Revisit the recap and photos from the memorable concert.
Festivals · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Songwriting legend John Prine’s robust legacy pushed this January story about Ann Arbor Folk Festival’s virtual tribute with May Erlewine, Joshua Davis and more to the Top 5. Revisit the story and Local Spins’ festival coverage from January of this year.
Special Offers · Top 12 Stories Countdown
The late May rollout of these colorful Local Spins bracelets captivated vaccinated music lovers attending summer concerts and festivals, not to mention readers, too. Learn more in the No. 6 story of the year, with new “boosted” bracelets now available as well.
Albums that Changed the World · Summer Festivals · Top 12 Stories Countdown
No. 7 in our countdown is a combo affair: The much-ballyhooed story of Greensky Bluegrass’ debut at Shagbark Farm in July and mandolinist Paul Hoffman’s picks for ‘Albums that Changed His World.’ Revisit these stories and browse a photo gallery from the mini-festival.
Summer Concerts · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Pent-up demand for live music propelled the announcement of a new Friday night summer concert series in Grand Haven to the No. 8 spot in Local Spins’ countdown of 2021’s most-read stories. Revisit the June article and get an update on plans for the 2022 series.
Features · Top 12 Stories Countdown
No. 9 on our list of top Local Spins stories of 2021 is our revealing interview with Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell, who talked about the iconic band’s U.S. tour which revved up Detroit in November. Revisit the feature, with links to Local Spins’ review of that Ford Field show.
Features · Top 12 Stories Countdown
The No. 10 story in our countdown revisits the excitement of a summer slate of 2021 concerts following a quiet, COVID-impaired 2020 — from the return of Meijer Gardens’ amphitheater to shows across the region.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Our “top stories of the year” countdown continues with No. 11: Our profile of Pete Bardolph and John Gelderloos, who closed their Grand Rapids instrument and gear store after a long and fruitful run. Revisit the story and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown
The countdown of Local Spins’ top stories of the year begins with this all-female March tribute to icon Aretha Franklin which featured singers and musicians from across the state. Watch the video, revisit the story.
