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.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Releasing her first album since 2015, the singer-songwriter was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by several other Michigan artists, including Wuzee & Dusty Fingerz, Abe Savas, Nathan Walton, Radio Vision and more, along with holiday songs by Seth Bernard and Don Benson.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
In place of our usual ‘Amplified’ newsletter this Thursday, we present Phase 2 of our look back at the best music and concerts of 2023. Check out another round of critics’ picks and listen to music from the releases in this year-end roundup.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Music of every ilk burst out of the gates in early 2023 and never stopped turning heads. Today, the first round of Local Spins writers reveal picks for the best albums and concerts of the year, from international stars such as Paramore to local faves like Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Our No. 11 story of the year digs into the early days of Billy Strings’ success with Traverse City mandolinist Don Julin, who says Billy deserves ‘every bit’ of his global fame. Revisit the story here.
The mainstay Grand Rapids singer and songwriter recently released her long-awaited new studio album, ‘Medicine.’ She chatted about her new music and her philosophy with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos. Plus, check out a new music video.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The emerging band playing an album-release show tonight was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by The Night Caps, Troy Ceasar, Cal in Red, Michael Waite, Ficus, Annie & Rod Capps and more. Get the Short Panic back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
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.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Local Spins today kicks off its countdown of the Top 20 stories of the year, starting with our coverage of Electric Forest’s opening day. The theme? ‘Nobody cares what you do here.’ Indeed, an anything-goes attitude returned to Rothbury with wildly garbed attendees and bass-heavy romps. The recap, photos and video from an iconic Michigan celebration.
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 · Photos · Videos
Local Spins traveled to The Big Easy to soak up its diverse musical vibe and touch base with a Michigander and multi-instrumentalist who’s immersed herself in New Orleans’ ‘astounding’ music scene. Get Natalie Mae’s back story, watch videos and browse a NOLA photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Lowell-based band which plays SpeakEZ Lounge next Wednesday was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by several other Michigan artists. Learn more about Vernon Potts and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Videos
The veteran Southeast Michigan singer-songwriter just released his latest EP, “Fragile Things,” and talks about his new music, books, religion and the ‘trip wires’ of relationships with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Tthe emerging Southeast Michigan indie-pop artist — who recently played Muskegon’s Starlight Room with partner/singer-songwriter Chris DuPont — is promoting her new EP, “Long Time Coming.” The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
We recap the string duo’s Grand Rapids kickoff to its lineup of farewell shows, plus premiere new music by several other Michigan artists, from LVRS to John Sanger to Big Fun. The story, video, photo gallery and Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
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.
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.
Lindsay Lou just released a No.1 album that features a collaboration with Billy Strings and heads out on tour this week with Greensky Bluegrass. And with several ‘ties,’ the latest Hot Top 5 chart actually features seven fresh releases by Michigan-bred artists, from indie-rock to world music to singer-songwriter charm.
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 · 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 · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Droppers talks about ‘Scooter’ and the rock band’s many changes for Local Spins, which also debuted some Halloween tracks and new music from Izubel, Feeding Grizzlies, Nick Veine & Ben Traverse, Overdrive Orchestra and others.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins asked Billy Strings fans to choose their favorite songs. We took the Top 10 picks and turned it into a classic playlist of modern bluegrass prowess. Listen to the tracks and see who won our Billy Strings gift packs.
The singer and guitarist who impressed judges on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ has big plans for the future — regardless of how far she might go in the televised competition. Learn more about this West Michigan artist and watch a video of her performance on ‘The Voice’ as well as her new music videos.
Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows · Videos
In a 2019 interview, Billy Strings candidly discussed struggles to maintain his mental health as a road warrior – a challenge for many artists. Revisit the story today at Local Spins. Oh, and check out a new Billy Strings board game.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Videos
The festival returns as a two-day event in January with an impressive lineup that includes Michigan Rattlers, Devon Gilfillian, Bailen, Darren Kiely, Steve Poltz and more. The details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Thursday night in Grand Rapids was special in more ways than one, highlighted by singer-songwriter Amos Lee’s amazing concert and post-show, beer-enhanced sing-along. Photos and video at Local Spins. […]
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Traverse City singer-songwriter just released another moody gem, spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Dennie Middleton, Brother Wolf and more.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The legendary Bob Dylan brings his global tour to Grand Rapids Saturday. Today, Dylan fan and Local Spins collaborator Nicholas James Thomasma offers up a compelling roster of Dylan songs covered by other artists.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins’ “Billy Strings Month” continues with a look back at the young, up-and-coming West Michigan guitarist eight years ago as he prepared to play the cozy Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge. Plus, view a full performance video of Billy Strings & Don Julin from earlier the same year.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
An unusual folk-punk collaboration with Grand Rapids Symphony, a rock-pop sensation and some metal mayhem found receptive audiences this week. Plus, check out video highlights from Pulaski Days and Saturday’s Horizen Fest. The photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings and his band play a mammoth homecoming show at Van Andel Arena on Oct. 31. Throughout the month, Local Spins looks back – and forward – at this superstar’s career. Today, check out a revealing 2017 Local Spins podcast interview with the then-emerging star.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The week-long Kalamazoo festival’s opening night boasted diverse, riveting sets at Bell’s Brewery Back Room, with six more days of Michigan music to come. View photos and a video at Local Spins, along with a recap of Monday’s event.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins showcases the veteran Grand Rapids ska band which just released its eighth album. Plus, we feature new tracks by Roosevelt Diggs, Les Creatif, Deerfield Run, Sophia McIntosh, VS and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Touring behind a new Americana/folk-rock album, “Strangers No More,” Drew Holcomb plays Kalamazoo State Theatre on Sunday. The Local Spins Q&A with this veteran troubadour, plus watch the music video for “Find Your People.”
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Last weekend’s festival on Earthwork Farm outside Lake City boasted more than 90 performances by Michigan artists. Local Spins has the recap, photos and a video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a new mini-album and an upcoming set at Fallasburg Arts Festival, the Michigan band was spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jan James, Michigan Rattlers, Cal in Red, Steel and Wood, Josh Rose and more. Get the back story on Wild Honey Collective, watch a video of a live performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Grammy Award winner plays Calvin University’s Covenant Fine Arts Center on Friday. Dig into her background, her touring, fascination with flying and more in this Local Spins Q&A. Plus, check out a recent music video.
Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Local Spins’ ‘Emerging Artists to Watch’ series focuses on a genre-bending act led by a singer and songwriter from Southwest Michigan who’s generating sparks live. The band released its debut album last week.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In an interview with Local Spins, the one-time member of the iconic Fairport Convention talks about his music and upcoming U.S. tour hitting several Michigan cities.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Get the back story on this fast-emerging Grand Rapids studio’s special niche. Plus, listen to live Dogtown tracks, watch videos of live performances and check out song debuts by several Michigan artists via the Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The Accidentals, The Crane Wives, Ruthie Foster, Joseph and more electrified 700-plus attendees at the inaugural event on Sunday. Get the recap, photo gallery and video, along with images from the weekend’s Holler Fest in Jackson County.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Thousands of festivalgoers romped amid Wellston’s oasis in the Manistee National Forest, cheering Marcus King, Molly Tuttle, Full Cord, Lindsay Lou, The Crane Wives and a revamped Airborne or Aquatic. Highlights, photos and video at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
With humidity rising, so did anticipation of festivalgoers for mega-stars Saturday at Grand Rapids’ Breakaway, with Deadmau5’s alter-ego unleashing a ‘chest-crushing’ techno set at The Intersection’s after-party. Check out highlights from the second day of Breakaway, along with two photo galleries and a video.
The second annual, one-day festival and friendly competition on Tuesday along the Rogue River benefits ShelterBox, with three West Michigan bands gracing the stage. The schedule, details, voting links and band videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Fans at Friday’s sold-out Meijer Gardens show got a special treat when the Kalamazoo-bred Hurd joined the country/pop singer on stage. The review of her18-song show, photos and set list at Local Spins
Artist Spotlights · Traverse City · Upcoming shows · Videos
The reggae-infused funk, jam and rock band plays a special 20th birthday show in Cadillac this weekend, with plans for recording new material in 2024. The back story and a video at Local Spins.
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst previews this weekend’s Breakaway Music Festival taking place at Belknap Park in Grand Rapids. Plus, check out the schedule and[…]
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The weekend commemorating hip hop’s 50th birthday also boasted the Sparta Celtic Festival, Rogue River After-the-Blues Series, plus shows by Railroad Earth, Moon Orchids, The Concussions and more, recapped in photos at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Videos
Today’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast travels the state to showcase new music from Michigan artists performing at several August festivals. Plus, get details — and links — for nine festivals taking place this weekend, with a chance to win tickets to one of them, and watch Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics recap the August festival lineup for TV8’s EightWest.
