Finalists representing bands and solo acts from across the state are up for awards Saturday, with Jack Droppers, Michelle Held, Louie Lee and Nadim Azzam performing at Marshall’s Franke Center.
When Al-Saadi and Kingfisher rock Milliken Auditorium on April 13, they’ll do so with a big assist from Northwestern Michigan College students handling every aspect of the concert experience. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The Great Lakes Center for the Arts south of Petoskey dubs it “A Season for Dreamers” with everything from Jo Dee Messina and LeAnn Rimes to Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Get the schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The eclectic folk-rock band just released “On the Northline,” its first release since 2017, with several Michigan shows on tap over the next month. The revealing Local Spins interview with songwriter Matthew Milia.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The legendary guitarist brings his “Genesis Revisited: Foxtrot at Fifty + Hackett Highlights” tour to West Michigan on Saturday. The Local Spins interview and show preview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan’s masterful, eclectic multi-instrumentalist plays Traverse City on Saturday and a big 75th birthday bash at Ann Arbor’s The Ark on April 2. The Local Spins interview with a beloved musician and collaborator.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The pop-hued singer-songwriter who first made a splash with “Someday, Someway” in the 1980s plays St. Cecilia Music Center next Friday with a Brighton concert also on tap. The Local Spins interview.
St. Patrick’s Day revelry begins early this week and continues through the weekend across West Michigan. Get the lowdown on Irish on Ionia and performances at other watering holes in the region in this preview. We’ve got the details and party listings.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
March always signals a pilgrimage of musicians and singer-songwriters from across the globe seeking exposure for their art at Texas’ South by Southwest, with dozens of them from Michigan. The lowdown and the lineup at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The annual tour of Christian music artists rolls into Van Andel Arena on Sunday evening with more than a half-dozen stars. the Local Spins preview and interviews with Lecrae and David Crowder, along with their latest music videos.
Artist Spotlights · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Advocating communication and improvisation on stage, the acclaimed Mintzer — who attended Interlochen Arts Academy — brings his quartet to northern Michigan on Saturday. The Local Spins interview, along with two Mintzer videos.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
The month-long competition kicks off in Grand Rapids on Saturday and boasts 20 Michigan bands and artists. The lineup and more at Local Spins.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Fretboard Festival’s return this weekend to Kalamazoo Valley Museum features returning veteran artists as well as fresh musical faces, along with guitars, vendors and more. Get the full performance schedule and more at Local Spins.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids violinist and tunesmith who’s added parts for The War & Treaty’s upcoming new album will close out Saturday’s fundraiser at Hudsonville’s Pinnacle Center. The lowdown at Local Spins with a video and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Our preview of Friday’s mammoth WYCE Jammie Awards focuses on several emerging acts who’ve never played the event. Learn more about these bands, listen to their music and check out the complete performance schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The nationally acclaimed, faith-based West Michigan artist who’s racked up millions of listens on Spotify and YouTube stages a listening party for his album, “BOATS,” on Friday at StudioCor3 in Grand Rapids. The back story on this rising star, along with two of his latest music videos.
Created by Opera Grand Rapids, Tuesday night’s first-ever production will star DJ Chuck, a string ensemble, dancers and an ‘authentic’ vibe. The back story and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
West Michigan duo frontman Lynn Thompson who plays the Sunday festival has another album on the way. Plus, Local Spins debuts tracks by several other Michigan artists, including Tommy Schichtel, Ficus, The Inn, Samil, Brother Wolf, Natalie Gaza, Troy Ceasar, Aaron James Wright and more.
Concert announcements · Features · Upcoming shows
Nearly four years after the jazz jams were silenced by COVID, drummer Randy Marsh brings the ‘special’ tradition back to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Sunday night. The back story at Local Spins.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
The 14th indoor fest takes place the last Sunday of the month at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, with more than 100 musicians playing eight different stages. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Traverse City · Upcoming shows
After wowing fans in Grand Rapids, the impressive quintet marking the Blue Note jazz label’s 85th anniversary and featuring Interlochen alum Matt Brewer on bass heats up northern Michigan on Valentine’s Day.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Kalamazoo songwriter now based in Ann Arbor plays The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids Friday and performs at the upcoming Winter Wheat with the Hearth & Hymn duo. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The duo formed in 2019 recently released a self-titled album and plays a Grand Rapids show on Sunday night. The Artist Spotlight feature at Local Spins, along with band videos.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Michigan-bred Americana band has morphed from an acoustic-driven sound to a more electric vibe while retaining its lyrical Midwest charm. Local Spins catches up with the band ahead of its Saturday folk fest appearance.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids singer will perform with Karen Albert and Lucy Finkel on Friday for ‘So You Think You Don’t Like Opera’ as part of the Music in the Heights series. Learn more about her at Local Spins.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
The highly acclaimed two-day Michigan festival returns full throttle on Jan. 26-27 for the first time since the pre-pandemic days of 2020. Get details, ticket links and a Q&A with performer Lizzie No at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Grand Rapids artist performing and recording as Silent Spirit opened up about his latest project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by several Michigan bands, including FlyLiteGemini, Snakeout, J.H. Patton & The Good Companions and more. Learn more about Silent Spirit and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
2024’s first roundup of Michigan releases at Local Spins ranges from singer-songwriter charm to hip hop glory to funk to rock fervor, from Southeast Michigan’s Annie & Rod Capps to Holland’s Lost Magic. Check out the reviews; listen to the music.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Midwest House will once again host performances by a diverse array of regional artists at SXSW in Austin come March. Get the lowdown at Local Spins and see how bands can apply.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The northern Michigan dance band returning to the stage was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by other regional artists, including Hannah Rose Graves, Painted Friends, Sammie Hershock and more. Learn more about the Benzie Playboys and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The symphonic rock spectacle that lights up the holidays every year returns to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena the day after Christmas. The interview and preview at Local Spins.
The country and Americana artist has organized Saturday’s benefit show in Caledonia, with more than a dozen West Michigan acts performing and raffles to support Mel Trotter Ministries. View the lineup and learn more about this special concert at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ahead of her return to West Michigan to play The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Local Spins catches up with the talented, in-demand Holland native and multi-instrumentalist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Playing Bell’s tonight, Savas relates the story of his musical voyage for Local Spins, which also debuted new tracks by The Crane Wives, North Keeper, Fangs & Twang and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Ohio duo has long made Grand Rapids a regular tour stop and will bring their holiday concert — and lots of memories — to Calvin University’s Chapel on Saturday night. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
For the first time in more than 13 years, the award-winning metal band will unleash its aggressive, raw and melodic assault at The Pyramid Scheme this weekend. How it all fell apart and how it all came back together. The back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The acclaimed musician who plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday has partnered with the likes of Billy Strings, Bela Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel and more as the leading player of his “ilk.” Learn more about Douglas and his upcoming concert in this exclusive Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn say they’re ending their successful stint on “a complete high note,” playing for longtime Michigan fans in four cities. Get the back story on this talented duo, with details about their upcoming shows.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Michigan-bred heroes are making a splash yet again, with Billy Strings nominated for three awards, The War and Treaty for two, and Greta Van Fleet for best rock album. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows · Videos
In a revealing interview with Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst, the U.K. DJ talks about his music, his blue-collar ethos and his upcoming Friday tour stop in Michigan.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After touring with Taylor Swift more than a decade ago, the South Carolina rock band brings its “Caves” world tour to Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. The Local Spins interview.
Features · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
When the city’s new listening room The Alluvion hosts its jazz night on Thursday, fans will be treated to a world-class performance, something that’s become a regular event in the region. Learn more in this special Local Spins feature.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
In a revealing chat with Local Spins, Ionia County’s favorite bluegrass son talks about touring, his adoring fans, taking classical music lessons and loving Halloween.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Seven years after the bluegrass guitarist parted ways with Julin, the Traverse City musician still marvels at Billy’s talent and says he deserves all of his fame. Plus, see what other musicians say about Billy.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
In an interview with his mom, Deb Apostol, Local Spins digs into the Ionia County-bred bluegrass guitarist’s childhood, teen rock years and his rise to super stardom.
From pins and posters to vintage clothing and a snazzy board game, home-grown entrepreneurs have built a marketplace community that will fire up for Tuesday’s big arena concert. Learn more at Local Spins.
Many say the beloved Michigan-bred guitarist has changed their lives. Local Spins digs into unprecedented fan ardor for the superstar as his humongous Halloween homecoming approaches. Check out fan comments from across the country, hailing the bluegrass powerhouse.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Local Spins is back with another batch of reviews covering 2023 releases by regional artists, including Heart Dreams and After Ours. Check out the reviews, listen to selected tracks from the releases.
