Commemorating hip hop’s 50th anniversary, Grand Rapids-style
The city’s weekend celebration of the genre’s half-century mark starts with a star-studded, hip-hop show at The Pyramid Scheme hosted by Sixman. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Category: Upcoming shows
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Unity Christian Music Festival 2023: The Local Spins Preview and Schedule
First staged more than 20 years ago, this week’s festival at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing boasts appearances by Casting Crowns, We the Kingdom, For King and Country and more. Get details and a schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Cool Journey’: The Crane Wives return to the road with sold-out shows, new momentum
With a much-anticipated Grand Rapids show on Saturday, the Grand Rapids folk-rock band is back with a fresh attitude and plans for a national tour. The Local Spins interview, plus a Crane Wives music video.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Inaugural Shagbark Music & Arts Festival set for fun, high-energy ‘shenanigans’
With no overlapping sets, more than a dozen Michigan acts will perform at the first-year Shagbark Music and Arts Festival taking place near Caledonia this weekend. Get the preview, schedule and a festival playlist.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Previewing W. Michigan’s Wild Thyme Music Festival 2023: Lowdown, schedule and playlist
For the third year, Allegan’s Fat Blossom Farm will host this cozy music festival starring regional acts. View the lineup and details, get ticket links and listen to a Top 10 playlist.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Upheaval Festival 2023: The Local Spins Preview, Playlist and Schedule
Bring Me the Horizon, Lamb of God, Falling in Reverse, Halestorm lead the charge at this weekend’s Upheaval Fest taking place at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park. The preview at Local Spins, with a weather forecast, ticket links, daily schedules and a festival playlist.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Blissfest 2023: The Local Spins preview, Top 15 playlist and daily schedules
The ever-treasured, long-running Blissfest fires up again north of Harbor Springs this weekend. Local Spins has everything you need to know about this three-day music festival — lineup, schedule, playlist and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Postmodern Jukebox set to spin twists on familiar hits in Grand Rapids and Petoskey
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.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Smiling Acres Music Festival 2023: The Local Spins Preview and Top 15 Playlist
One of Michigan’s youngest music festivals has quickly become a favorite, lighting up Fourth of July weekend for the third year in Trufant. Get the lowdown and listen to music from this year’s performers.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Charlotte Bluegrass Festival 2023: The Local Spins Preview and Top 10 Playlist
One of Michigan’s longest-running music festivals celebrates its 51st year this weekend in mid-Michigan. Check out details in our latest festival spotlight, along with a forecast and a playlist of some featured bluegrass performers.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Heating up summer concerts at Bell’s, Freedom Hill, Michigan casinos, vineyards and more
With more than 40 concert series pumping up venues big and small across the state this summer, Local Spins has the lineups to help you plan your musical travels. View the schedules.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Alejandro Escovedo’s rock ’n’ roll journey: Honesty, hardship and beautiful stories
The illustrious, highly acclaimed Texas-based musician and songwriter brings his tour to Michigan for shows at Midtown in Grand Rapids and Acorn Center for the Performing Arts in Three Oaks. The Local Spins interview, with a Top 15 playlist of his songs.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Otsego’s Liquid Note set to open new 500-capacity outdoor venue on Friday
Chicago blues legend Duke Tumatoe will kick off a summer of music at the Allegan County venue, with a day-long Blues Fest planned for July. Learn more about this new concert space and view photos at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Nor-East’r Music and Art Festival 2023: The Local Spins Preview & Top 15 Playlist
Michigan’s music festival season is in full gear, so Local Spins will provide sneak peeks into many of the summer’s most popular, user-friendly celebrations. Today, Mio’s Nor-East’r taking place this coming weekend is in the spotlight.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Free Summer Concerts: Allegan, Hastings, EGR, Wyoming, Holland, Cedar Springs, Zeeland
Local Spins’ latest update on weeknight community concerts adds schedules for shows in more than three dozen Michigan cities, with many revving up starting this week. View the lineups; get the link to the full concert guide.
Commentary · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Best of Fest: Local Spins’ picks for must-see acts at Grand Rapids’ 2023 Festival of the Arts
With 130-plus performances on six stages over three days, Local Spins makes the return of Festival of the Arts to downtown Grand Rapids an easier row to hoe for attendees with our writers’ picks for sets to catch.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
‘A Dream Come True’: The War & Treaty set to open for Chris Stapleton at Van Andel Arena
Playing a dozen U.S. dates with the country/Southern rock superstar, Tanya and Michael Trotter will return to Grand Rapids for an arena-sized homecoming. Get their reaction to being named a tour opener and listen to an encore Local Spins on WYCE show.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Detroit’s ‘Techno Christmas’: Movement set to celebrate with diverse, hard-hitting lineup
Local Spins’ ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ columnist Todd Ernst previews the electronic music festival firing up Memorial Day weekend with international stars. Get the lowdown on must-see acts and view the full schedule at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Buses by the Beach’s Bus Benefit: Launching summer with ‘full force’ music, camaraderie
The Memorial Day weekend festival along Lake Michigan has become a tradition for many, with performances by more than a dozen Michigan artists. The schedule and details at Local Spins.The Memorial Day weekend festival along Lake Michigan has become a tradition for many, with performances by more than a dozen Michigan artists. The schedule and details at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Max Lockwood, Jim Alfredson, The Bootstrap Boys & more
This May roundup of new releases by Michigan artists also features a look at recordings by Signal Quartet, The JR Band and Wowza in Kalamazoo. Listen to tracks from all of the releases and find out where these artists are performing.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish toast 10 years of raucous, aggressive rock ’n’ blues
The West Michigan duo playing an anniversary show next week got cozy with Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Space Bar, Jack Droppers, The Crane Wives, Cameron Blake, Brent Godfrey and more. Learn more about Jesse Ray and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Fest · Upcoming shows · Videos
Acclaimed In the Valley Below aims to deliver ‘rock and romance’ at Local Spins Fest 2023
On Saturday, Local Spins Fest returns to downtown Grand Rapids with six Michigan bands. Today, we shed light on headliner In the Valley Below for our final band Q&A in the countdown to the big day and watch a video their recent performance on TV8’s ‘EightWest.’
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Stryper’s ‘Final Battle’ not the end for hard-rocking band playing GR tonight
Still heavy, still touring and still professing deep faith, Stryper rolls into Elevation at the Intersection tonight. The Local Spins interview, along with the band’s latest music video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Brit Floyd celebrates 50 years of ‘Dark Side of the Moon‘ with Grand Rapids tour stop
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.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Seth Beck bracing for full-band roller coaster ride of colorful, alternative indie-rock
The West Michigander now based in Chicago returns to Grand Rapids for a special band show tonight, touring behind his latest album. The artist profile at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kate Hinote Trio’s beautiful, weird, dark alternative folk to make Grand Rapids debut
The Detroit-area band playing SpeakEZ on Wednesday was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Jesse Cline, Silverstiles, Chance Jones, Tess Clark, Letrick Olson, Pink Sky, Emma Bieniewicz and more. Learn more about the Kate Hinote Trio and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Welcome to Muskegon’s Starlight Room: State-of-the-art sound, live recording venue
With a capacity of 100 to 205, the new listening room – with unique offerings for concertgoers and bands – officially opens on May 19. Learn more about The Starlight Room’s approach and take a photo tour.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Max Lockwood’s holistic, ‘full circle’ fusion of singer-songwriter grace and rock ’n’ roll
The Grand Rapids multi-instrumentalist releases a new studio album Friday at Midtown in Grand Rapids. The Local Spins profile of Max Lockwood, along with two tracks from his latest recording.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids singer Sarena Rae: Inspired by music, empowering others, taking ‘smart risks’
On May 20, celebrated Grand Rapids singer Sarena Rae joins six other acts playing the second Local Spins Fest in downtown Grand Rapids. Today, she answers seven questions about her life, her music and more, providing unique insights into this talented emerging star.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lindsay Lou: Loving harmonies, energetic late-night jams and celebratory spaces
Michigan-bred singer and songwriter Lindsay Lou opens for The Lone Bellow at St. Cecilia Music Center tonight (Thursday). Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos checks in with the talented, Nashville-based artist.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens’ 2023 Tuesday Evening Music Club Lineup: 20-plus Michigan gems
The popular Tuesday night shows starring regional acts will kick off in late May and run through late August. Get the full schedule at Local Spins, from Sarena Rae, The Soul Syndicate and Valentiger to Lighting Matches, Ralston & Friends and Steve Hilger & The River City Rollers.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Singer Kari Lynch: Defying comparison, writing beyond music, eager to light up Local Spins Fest
May 20’s Local Spins Fest will spotlight six, eclectic Michigan-bred bands. Today, we spotlight much-beloved singer Kari Lynch, who launched her career in West Michigan. Check out her answers to seven questions, plus watch her music videos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Trumpet player James Sawyer: West Michigan Jazz Society’s 2023 Musician of the Year
Later this spring, the renowned trumpeter and music educator will be honored in a ‘magical evening’ hosted by the society. Here’s the back story of Sawyer’s lifelong dedication to jazz. Also, get details on the West Michigan Jazz Society’s upcoming announcement of its summer concert series.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Pop Evil, Loren Johnson, Mike Ward, Sunny Bleau, Folias Duo and more
New releases from Michigan artists Cody Robert DeWindt, Story Cafe and Adam Main are also part of this Local Spins roundup of reviews. Check out Local Spins takes and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings to make Van Andel Arena debut in Halloween homecoming concert
The rumors are no longer rumors: Powerhouse bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings, a West Michigan native, will make an Oct. 31 tour stop at the sprawling Grand Rapids venue. Details at Local Spins.
Book Reviews · Features · Upcoming shows
Book Review: Gary Graff’s ‘Alice Cooper @ 75’ a delectable saga of Detroit-bred shock-rock icon
Veteran Michigan music writer Gary Graff (Billboard, Oakland Press) toasts Alice Cooper’s 75th with a devastatingly entertaining recap of an illustrious career. Cooper’s U.S. tour kicks off Friday in Michigan. Check out the Local Spins review of this tantalizing biography.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Eight Years After ‘The Voice’: Joshua Davis still writing, still performing, still grateful
The Traverse City singer-songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday with his all-star band. Local Spins checks in with Joshua Davis — and his life several years removed from national TV prominence. An insightful Q&A with a Michigan institution.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Matt Lenny & The Breakdown: Tapping the ‘magical spirit’ of Americana’s rock ’n’ roll side
The Southwest Michigan singer-guitarist plays an album-release show in St. Joseph tonight. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted new tracks by several regional artists, including Sadie Bass, Hannah Rose Graves, Steve Rivers, Casper and more. Get Matt Lenny’s back story, watch a video of the tunesmith performing a new song and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Revering Vinyl: Record Store Day returns Saturday with renewed LP fervor
It amounts to a national holiday for independent record shops. With special new releases and a bevy of used classics, vinyl devotees will be flooding area stores on Saturday. Learn more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Looking for the Perfect Beat: Techno + Melody in the Motor City with genre-defining Tinlicker
The Dutch melodic techno duo plays Magic Stick in Detroit on Saturday, with Grand Rapids’ own Subtractive opening the show. Local Spins columnist Todd Ernst chats with the artists and explores the fan-pleasing emergence of the electronic music genre.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
From Pine Knob to Muskegon’s Deck: Summer concerts at Michigan’s hot venues
A hot summer indeed. Big stars and regional favorites will fire up outdoor stages throughout the state this summer. Today, Local Spins launches the first round of its annual “Outdoor Summer Concerts at Michigan Venues” listing, with more to come as show announcements filter in. Check out rosters at Pine Knob, The Deck in Muskegon and many more.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Chicago to The Verve Pipe to Blood Sweat & Tears: Northern Michigan’s summer buffet
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.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Earthwork Music tour of Michigan to uncork ‘beautiful’ and ‘uniquely different’ showcases
Kicking off next week, the 18-artist tour hits five Michigan cities, spotlighting Mitten State talent. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted music by Greta Van Fleet, Rahill, Rockit King, Adaboy, G-Hollow, The Wire Monkeys & more.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens 2023: Nickel Creek, Ben Folds, Orville Peck, Tommy Emmanuel, Frampton
First-timers and returning acts will grace the 30-show season, including Greensky Bluegrass, The Revivalists, Maren Morris, Jason Isbell, First Aid Kit and Joss Stone. The lineup and details at Local Spins, plus check out a list of all-time favorite Meijer Gardens concerts as selected by Local Spins readers.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows
From barefoot in Ludington to cowboy boots in Nashville: Americana’s Chloe Kimes
The Michigan-bred songwriter now based in Nashville has turned heads with her fetching songs and returns to her home state for shows this summer. One of Local Spins’ ‘Emerging Artists to Watch,’ plus videos.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
Detroit tunesmith Mike Ward traces love’s unexpected trajectory on ‘Love Never Rests’
The veteran artist (aka, ‘Psychosongs’) officially releases his new album Friday, with upcoming release shows in Ferndale, Clarkston and Grand Rapids. Local Spins has an exclusive song premiere, with information about his upcoming performances.
Michigan Music Video Awards set to rock Marshall with marriage of music and film
Saturday’s second awards show at Franke Center will feature video screenings and performances by Phabies, Lokella, Kait Rose and Josiah C. Baker. The preview of this year’s awards eveng, plus watch videos from all 33 final nominees.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Free Summer Outdoor Concerts 2023: Sparta, Lowell, Kentwood, Muskegon, Ada & more
Today, Local Spins starts rolling out regular announcements of lineups for free summer concerts taking place in more than 100 communities across the state in the summer of 2023. The family- and kid-friendly events have become a tradition in many cities.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Reviews: May Erlewine, War & Treaty, Earth Radio, Eva Under Fire + More Michigan Albums
New recordings by Y-Not, Rob Jordan, Pink Sky and John Lamb also pump up this late March round-up of reviews of fresh music by Michigan bands and solo artists. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Snarky Puppy bringing uncategorizable, unpredictable, exalted sound to Kalamazoo
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.
Listen to Local Spins Live
