Friday night’s musical celebration hosted by WYCE-FM at The Intersection boasted an enthused crowd, riveting sets and honors for in the Valley Below, Michigan Rattlers, Earth Radio, Pablo Eskobear and more. View the full list of winners and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan Rattlers embrace freedom, musical exploration with latest album, major tour
The Petoskey-based band nominated for Jammie Awards plays its home state next month. The Local Spins interview, plus bend an ear to new tracks from The Accidentals, Spencer LaJoye, Verlaine, Sean Anthony Sullivan, Josie Hall and more.
Local Grins · Photos · Upcoming shows
Local Grins: Kevin Hart adds GR show, Improv at LaughFest and a Michigan comedy roundup
The February edition of Local Grins previews upcoming LaughFest shows and spotlights special comedy performances across the region.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
CAIN rises up with TobyMac for upcoming Grand Rapids tour stop
The country-driven Christian music trio joins pop/hip-hop/rock star TobyMac as well as Crowder, Ryan Stevenson and Terrian on Sunday at Van Andel Arena. The Local Spins interview, plus music videos.
2025 Jammie Awards preview: Musical discovery, ‘magical moments,’ bracing sets
Friday night’s mammoth show on all three stages at The Intersection in Grand Rapids will feature 18 bands and numerous award presentations. View and save the full schedule at Local Spins.
Newaygo’s Iris Herrera labeled ‘Comeback Queen’ with success on ‘The Voice’
The 19-year-old singer made the most of her second shot in the NBC singing competition, moving on to the Battle Rounds earlier this month. Learn more about Herrera in this Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Traverse City’s indoor folk frolic: Recapping Sunday’s spirited hallway serenades
Sunday’s 15th Great Indoor Folk Festival unfurled at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons with more than 75 musicians and singers performing. The story and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bilmuri, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Wilder Woods lead W. Michigan’s February music parade
The week’s concert lineup also boasted a Jackson Browne/Linda Ronstadt/Warren Zevon tribute, Mark Lavengood and a musical Winter Beer Fest romp. The images and more at Local Spins.
Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts: Recalling the notable performances, people, food and art
With the popular downtown Festival pulling the plug after 55 years, Local Spins asked its readers to recall their favorite highlights from the iconic Grand Rapids event.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The validating, lasting impact of the Jammie Awards for Michigan artists (Podcast)
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast spotlights winners from the 2024 awards, looks ahead to next week’s mammoth event at The Intersection and debuts tracks by other Michigan artists.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Podcasts
Local Spins expands reach with Michigan music showcase on Interlochen Public Radio
Starting this weekend, northern Michigan radio listeners will get an earful of music by Michigan artists as part of Local Spins’ weekly program. Learn more in today’s announcement.
53 Years After ‘Harvest’: The Ultimate Neil Young Playlist at Local Spins
To rev up its ‘Tribute Month,’ Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge hosts the Crazy Hearse tribute to Neil Young tonight. Warm up for the show with this Top 10 playlist of Young classics.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Park Theatre emcee & musician Jair Driesenga: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
The Holland-based member of Brother Adams and host of a popular open-mic shares his love for The Offspring, Boston, Silverchair and more. Learn more about Driesenga; listen to music that’s influenced him.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bryce Vine vamps, Wallows wilts hearts, Brie brings it home + more concert recaps (Photos)
Hip hop, indie-rock, pop, country, EDM and jam bands captivated West Michigan audiences over the past week, from ALLEYCVT to Tyler Braden to Desmond Jones. The recaps and images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Guiding Light Live shines for good cause with Joshua, Ralston, Kate, Colonel & The Rebel Eves
The first-ever musical benefit for Grand Rapids’ Guiding Light rolled out as a compelling and touching showcase of songwriting and performing by a who’s who roster of Michigan artists. The review, photos and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Traverse City’s Nick Veine: Embracing Delta blues, challenging the status quo
The soulful folk artist has a powerful new single, showcased for Local Spins, which also debuted tracks by May Erlewine, Mar in Color, JR Band, Hannah Laine and more.
Valentine Serenades: Goose gins up jams in GR, CeCe Winans inspires ‘More Than This’
Two performances covering widely different spectrums — psychedelic jam-band rock and Christian worship music — had sold-out West Michigan crowds entranced on Thursday. The recaps and set lists at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ten Peso Version’s no-fear freedom to unleash the band’s chathartic indie-rock
‘Coming to fruition,’ the Grand Rapids indie-rock trio with an anthemic, gritty vibe has a new single, video and EP on the way, along with a show at The Pyramid Scheme. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
‘Songs echoing around every corner’: Great Indoor Folk Festival to heat up Traverse City
The unusual Feb. 23 event at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons will feature performances by more than 75 Michigan musicians and singers. The lowdown on the 15th festival at Local Spins.
‘Guiding Light Live’ benefit aims to get ‘emotive’ with all-star Michigan cast
Joshua Davis, Ralston Bowles, Kate Pillsbury, Michael Crittenden and The Rebel Eves will play the special St. Cecilia Music Center concert on Saturday. The lowdown and playlist at Local Spins.[…]
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Interlochen to host Alison Krauss, Earth Wind & Fire, Straight No Chaser for summer concerts
The northern Michigan venue announced its first three summer concerts for 2025 today, with more shows set to be revealed in coming weeks. The details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Good nights for the soul: Domestic Problems, Celebrating Hip Hop, Skinny Limbs & more
Our concert photo roundup for the past week features images from Grand Rapids, Holland and Kalamazoo covering everything from rap’s Masta Killa to the pop-rock jams of Eggy to a Neil Diamond tribute.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts shuts down operations after 55 years
The stunning news came today, ending an era that began in 1970 as the city’s first celebration of the arts. Get the official statement and reaction from festivalgoers.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Extolling Michigan Music: 2025 Jammie Award Nominees; The Stray’s Band Battle Lineup
Starting in late February, two annual showcases of local and regional bands will give fans a chance to celebrate dozens of Michigan artists representing varied musical styles. View a list of nominees for Jammie Awards and competitors in The Stray’s Battle of the Bands at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Ever-joyful, Melophobix distills ‘traffic jam of influences’ for rousing new studio album
The funky Grand Rapids rock band talked about its sophomore project for Local Spins, which also debuted tracks by Tobin Sprout, Brie Stoner, Moon Orchids, Farewell Come April, Lafayette Gunter Jr. and more. Get the back story on Melophobix and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Toasting Neil Diamond: SpeakEZ’s local tribute and Broadway GR’s ‘Beautiful Noise’ spectacle
Upcoming Grand Rapids shows pay homage to the singer-songwriter who’s sold more than 130 million records. Get details, links and listen to a Top 10 playlist of Neil Diamond classics.
Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Detroit Connections: The Lasso, Jennifer Westwood make splash on Hot Top 5 Chart
The January chart featuring the Michigan artists receiving the most radio airplay at WYCE also included Mystic Dub, The Crane Wives and Crystal Trench. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Features · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
‘GR Live’ radio show to hit the road, debuting at SpeakEZ Lounge on Thursday
WYCE’s lunchtime radio show with live performances will go on location to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge at noon Thursday, with future stops at Garage Bar and AllArtWorks Studio. Get details and see who’s performing this week.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
WNMC’s Eric Hines: Albums by The Clash, Marley, Stones & more that changed my world
The station manager for the Traverse City radio station has been inspired by a wide swath of artists since growing up in Philly. Listen to tracks from all of his selections at Local Spins.
awards · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Billy Strings, CeCe Winans poised to play home state after Grammy Award wins
The two Michigan artists representing different genres — bluegrass and gospel — added to their Grammy arsenals on Sunday, and both have upcoming West Michigan tour stops.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Groundhog Day Delight: Tauk, Jessica Audiffred, Stearns Day concert photo recaps
Relive the past week’s live music highlights over and over thanks to today’s photo gallery round-up of West Michigan concerts, from Black Midi’s Geordie Greep to Hollywood Makeout to a Sounds of the Zoo fundraiser and more
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals · Venue Spotlight
GRNoir jazz venue to close; Faster Horses cancels 2025 country music festival
Two popular destinations for fans of different genres in different Michigan cities — Grand Rapids and Brooklyn — made the sad announcements over the past 24 hours. The back story at Local Spins.
Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Looking Forward: February’s Top 10 must-see Michigan concerts and shows
Shake off the winter doldrums, blues and cabin-fever days with regional concerts and events that will electrify fans of every genre — and get some video previews at Local Spins to boot.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Facing monsters & embracing Michigan musicians: Tony Halchak’s Americana journey
Launching a ‘personal’ 2025 album with its first single, the West Michigan singer-songwriter opens up to Local Spins, which also debuts tracks by Melophobix, Dante Cope, DJ Holographic and more.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
WYCE announces 18-band lineup for February’s Jammie Awards show, from hip hop to rock
Today’s reveal of Michigan artists playing the late-February spectacle honoring the best regional releases of the past year includes many first-time performers and award nominees.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Desmond Jones, Saxsquatch, DJ Blaze 589 and more
This week’s regional album roundup also includes Local Spins’ takes on releases by Finding Amelia and Jacob McLeod. Check out the reviews, listen to the music.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Incantations: Smoldering Americana, peace of mind and creativity
The Kalamazoo trio which plays a special Bell’s event on Wednesday has a new EP and big plans. Get their back story and learn more about this week’s Sounds of the Zoo fundraiser.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Ann Arbor Folk Fest oozes camaraderie, ardor with Waxahatchee, Toad, Milk Carton Kids
The 48th annual two-day festival at Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium kept ‘the dream alive’ with sets by acclaimed headliners, plus Josh Ritter, Bruce Cockburn, Joy Clark and more. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Colorful Crowd-Pleasers: Rubblebucket, Tycho, Adam Main, Jeff Fest, Overly Polite Tornadoes
West Michigan’s live music week boasted indie-pop/dance, chillwave, heavy metal, alt-rock, bedroom pop and more — all captured in words and images at Local Spins.
Singer Mary Salo, juggling Proefrocks win fourth Rockford’s Got Talent competition
A Rockford sixth-grader and a father-son juggling duo took home the top prizes in the fourth-annual competition and fundraiser. The story and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After hitting it big with pop’s fun., Michigan’s Andrew Dost debuts his Metal Bubble Trio
The Frankfort native and Traverse City resident’s latest musical project comes after Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling success with indie-pop-rock’s fun. The Artist Spotlight with music videos from Metal Bubble Trio.
Album reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Billy Strings adds star power to Ringo Starr’s ‘Look Up’ (Album Review, Radio Podcast)
Today, Local Spins spotlights Ringo’s new album featuring Michigan guitarist Billy Strings, kicking off its radio podcast with a key track while also showcasing new music by other Great Lakes State artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Spencer LaJoye: Reveling in candid personal music, open hearts & Michigan’s music scene
Preparing to play SpeakEZ Lounge on Friday with two other Michigan artists, Spencer LaJoye opens up about songwriting, performing and the region’s welcoming music community.
Features · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows
West Michigan entrepreneur creates world’s largest floating electronic music festival
From the Great Lakes State to the Great Wide Ocean, Jason Beukema has done the unimaginable: His Groove Cruise this month will unleash seaborne sets by 100-plus DJs for thousands on board. Get the back story from Local Spins columnist Todd Ernst on this international sensation developed by a Wyoming native.
Local Grins: Lansing’s Johnny Mocny, Slaptail Nation Lands Minnick, LaughFest wants you
The January edition of Local Grins profiles Michigan comedian Johnny Mocny and rounds up some must-see shows across the state. Plus, see how you can volunteer for Gilda’s Laughfest.
Winter Jam thaws fans with Skillet’s fervid spectacle, Anne Wilson’s country & more
Many fans waited outside in icy temps to catch Sunday’s Christian music tour stop which also featured sets by Colton Dixon, Trip Lee and more. The review, photos and set lists at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Musical Alcoves: Kalamazoo romps at Shakespeare’s, Dormouse Theatre, SugarBowl
A wide array of Michigan bands covering a broad swath of music genres pumped up three Kalamazoo venues over the weekend. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Michigan-bred country act MaRynn Taylor on ‘insane’ fast track, opening for Kelsea Ballerini
‘Crazy’ as it feels to her, Tuesday’s Van Andel Arena tour stop puts the Rockford native in the spotlight on the big stage ahead of country star Kelsea Ballerini. The Local Spins Q&A with MaRynn Taylor.
Detroit Lions · Uncategorized · Videos
Say Goodbye to the Curse: Detroit Lions saluted in tribute songs by Michigan artists
As one songwriter put it, the Lions have emerged ‘From the Dirt’ to energize their long-suffering fan base, while Jeff Daniels is convinced they’ve broken ‘The Curse of Bobby Layne.’ Get the back stories and listen to the tribute songs at Local Spins as the team prepares to play the Washington Commanders at Ford Field. It’s our Lions serenade.
Listen to Local Spins Live
