Concert reviews · Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Saturday’s Winter Wheat festival in Grand Rapids highlighted a weekend of tantalizing live music across the region, from Ghost Bunnies to Hannah Laine to Full Cord Trio. Get the recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins spotlights the 15-year-old bluegrass maven who’s turning heads and who joins Oberlin at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Check out an exclusive video of a recent performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast filled with new Michigan music.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Detroit area’s Ember & Ash are just one of more than 10 bands performing Saturday at The Intersection as part of the Wheatland Music Organization’s one-day festival and fundraiser. The preview and schedule.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
View the “Destination: Live Music” video spotlight on Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge and check out the upcoming winter/spring schedule of concerts at the downtown restaurant and venue.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Michigan’s bluegrass hero returned to Grand Rapids in late May for two jam-packed, epic nights at Van Andel Arena, sparking pre-parties, a marketplace and more. Revisit the hubbub in words and images.
Playlists · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Local Spins’ countdown of its top stories of the year continues with our Jack White playlist that coincided with the Detroit rocker’s rousing Thanksgiving halftime show at Ford Field. Plus, check out the video of that show.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
For today’s Artist Spotlight, Local Spins profiles a much-sought-after northern Michigan musician and singer-songwriter who releases his second solo album in early 2026. Get John Richard Paul’s back story, listen to his music.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Traverse City-bred alt-folk trio The Accidentals brought the Michigan tour behind its new Christmas album to Grand Rapids’ Big Room on Friday, impressing fans with enhancement from an ensemble of young Ohio musicians. Review, photos.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
From Perfume Genius to NF to Rosalia, the roster of impressive albums cited by Local Spins writers covered a lot of territory in 2025. View their picks — along with some selections submitted by readers — and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase featuring some of the best tracks by Michigan artists.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins’ week-in-review roundup of concerts as the weather turned frigid features sizzling hot shows from national stars and regional favorites. Browse the photos and a video, including Sunday’s tour-ending Grand Rapids concert by Soul Coughing.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
West Michigan’s PHABIES will open Michigander’s second annual holiday show in Grand Rapids tonight while eyeing more new music, more touring and a special album-release show. Learn more about the band and watch its videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Led by Grammy Award winners from the highly acclaimed Snarky Puppy, Dallas’ Ghost-Note makes a tour stop Sunday at Holland’s Park Theatre. The Local Spins interview with this hard-hitting band.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The West Michigan Americana-driven band makes its Local Spins Wednesday debut at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Local Spins catches up with the group after a busy year of performances.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The anthemic pop-rocker follows up an intimate show at Midtown with an indie-rock-fueled ‘Holiday Special’ Saturday at The Intersection’s Elevation. The Local Spins Q&A with frontman Jason Singer.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The symphonic metal stars in Trans-Siberian Orchestra return to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena for two ‘Ghosts of Christmas Eve’ shows this weekend, with a Detroit stop on Dec. 27. The Local Spins interview with drummer Jeff Plate, along with videos of live TSO performances.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The soulful jazz trio formed by organist Jim Alfredson and drummer Randy Marsh will play two star-studded shows to celebrate its birthday. Learn about Organissimo’s history and listen to its music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
N. Michigan’s Benzie Playboys, the state’s leading purveyor of Cajun & zydeco music, marks a quarter-century of dance-inspiring revelry Wednesday in Frankfort. Local Spins digs into its remarkable history.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Top-shelf songwriting from Brett Dennen, Luke Winslow-King and others — along with stellar musicianship — took the spotlight at several concerts across West Michigan over the weekend. Plus, check out videos and photos from the jam-packed ‘Laurel Canyon II’ tribute night.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
On a Michigan tour with a new album on the way, Luke Winslow-King reveals the back story about a special new world music project, his love of his home state and more with Local Spins, which also debuts new tracks by Major Murphy, The JR Band, Bob James abd more Mitten State artists. Listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The music of The Doors has endured for more than a half-century. So, Local Spins Wednesdays at SpeakEZ Lounge presents The Insane Theatre tribute to The Doors tonight — the perfect opportunity to unveil our Top 12 playlist of the iconic band’s most memorable songs.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
The Grand Rapids artist Empress Eyes who has released several singles this year talks about her music, her live performances and more in an interview with Local Spins. Plus, watch her latest music video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The co-founder of Northern Express and prolific author Robert Downes will unfurl his multi-media “Stories & Songs” show at City Opera House on Thursday. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Saturday night’s benefit for Sullivan Field drew a robust crowd for Joe Hertler and The Hacky Turtles. Plus, view photos from tour stops by Thomas Dolby, SoDown, Bobby Watson and YDG, with regional favorites Ghost Bunnies, Jake Simmons and more in our concert photo gallery roundup.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The California folk-pop artist next week plays The Big Room in Grand Rapids and The Ark in Ann Arbor, with plans to display paintings on stage to add to the fan experience. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Inspired by her late brother, Anne Wilson has quickly cultivated a devoted — and often young — audience for her ‘faith-driven’ music. She plays Detroit on Saturday and a sold-out show in Grand Rapids on Sunday. Learn more about Wilson and watch two music videos at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Videos
The Ark’s iconic festival announced its Saturday lineup for 2026 headed by Amos Lee, with a change planned for Friday: a full concert by a headlining artist to be revealed next week. The details, ticket information and videos at Local Spins.
Team Local Spins takes on Traverse City’s Iceman Cometh Challenge bike race today, after country star Riley Green fired up Grand Rapids. Browse show photos and check out our November concert picks.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
The all-star, transatlantic band The Olllam — featuring Michigan musicians Michael Shimmin, Joe Hettinga and Joe Dart and the U.K.’s John McSherry, Ross Ainslie and Sean O’Meara — plays The Pyramid Scheme on Thursday and Detroit’s Magic Stick on Friday. Learn more about the band and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Musical contrasts were everywhere when it comes to West Michigan concerts to close out October and kick off November. From bluegrass heroes Greensky Bluegrass and Americana’s The Rebel Eves to heavy metal’s Mushroomhead, Local Spins recaps the week in scintillating images.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The celebrated singer-songwriter brings the tour behind his new album to St. Cecilia Music Center for a special 5 p.m. Sunday show. The Local Spins Q&A, with two videos featuring music from the new record.
Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
The ‘Destination Live Music’ video series spotlights The Stage at The Corner in partnership with Local Spins. Learn more about the Muskegon venue and see what’s on tap for this unique building, including Friday’s special Halloween show.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Tonight, The Rebel Eves super-group makes its Local Spins Wednesdays debut at Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge. Get a recap of the band’s year and upcoming Michigan tour, with stops in Ann Arbor, East Lansing and Leland. Plus, band member Grace Theisen reveals the three albums that have influenced her most.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Coinciding with release of its ‘XXV’ album, the bluegrass powerhouse plays two nights at Wings Event Center starting on Halloween. Part 1 of our conversation with Greensky Bluegrass bassist Mike Devol.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kathleen Edwards, Neon Trees, John Morgan, Lindsay Lou, Lower Leisure Class, Candid Antics, The Local Commuters and Garbage Angel highlighted the week of live music from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Traverse City, recapped in Local Spins photos.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Grand Rapids hip-hop, soul and funk artist is poised to rev up The Stray tonight with his band, The Great Let Gos. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature on this emerging star.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s music week took interesting turns: folk-rock, Southern-fried Americana, punky folk-bluegrass, Pulaski Days polkas, performances at the Great Lakes Music Camp. Images at Local Spins. SCROLL DOWN FOR[…]
October means most live music has moved indoors — but certainly not all of it. Local Spins rounds up some of the state’s must-see shows as autumn settles in.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Texas electronic musician and YouTube star makes a stop on his ‘Places I’ve Never Played And Will Never Play Again’ tour Sunday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins spotlights the Lansing-area rocker who releases ‘Rock and Roll Will Save Us All’ next month, plus debuts fresh tracks from other Michigan artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The 18-year-old Taiwanese virtuoso has become an internet sensation drawing millions of views on YouTube for his astonishing prowess on the ukulele. He plays Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill on Sunday. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The legendary Motor City musician and producer leads the new top-shelf ensemble releasing its debut album next month, with tour stops in Traverse City, Lansing and Detroit. The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
West Michigan’s live music weekend boasted no shortage of stars — national and regional, from a fast-rising country singer with a multi-talented Michigander in tow to summer’s final blast at Bell’s Beer Garden and more. View the photos and videos, exclusively at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
The fourth-year, week-long Sounds of the Zoo music festival will unfold on eight stages over seven days starting Monday with more than four dozen bands and solo artists. Get the preview and schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Flint-area rock band has released singles this year with more music, shows ahead. Local Spins spotlights the band and debuts tracks by other Michigan artists, including Luke Winslow-King, Whorled, JonPaul Wallace, Hail Your Highness, Hand of Giants and more. Learn more about Heat Above and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The California indie-rock band brings its ‘In the Open’ acoustic tour to Grand Rapids’ Fountain Street Church on Thursday night, revisiting stripped-back versions of their songs. The Local Spins interview with band member Eric Cannata.
The boys are back: More than 40 years after the enduring classic ‘This is Spinal Tap’ hit the big screen, the aging rockers return for a goofy but entertaining reunion. The Local Spins review.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge has kicked off regular jazz jams hosted by the saxophonist, with area musicians invited to join the fun. Learn more about Pancy and these sessions.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
One of Michigan’s longest-running music festivals embraced everything from traditional music to rock, funk and more on several stages and amid the woods in Remus last weekend. The Local Spins recap, photos and video.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
In this profile of an up-and-coming rapper, Sonny Ski talks about balancing faith, family and fierce competition as he prepares to release his next project, ‘Regular Guy, Irregular Mind.’ Learn more about Sonny Ski and listen to his music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The harmony-laden California duo return to The Ark in Ann Arbor on Monday and St. Cecilia Music Center in GR on Tuesday for a night of indie-folk. Tuesday’s show kicks off the fall Acoustic Cafe Folk Series.
