The annual, inspirational music showcase stops at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Sunday, with Trip Lee, Colton Dixon and Micah Tyler also on the bill. The Local Spins preview.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Mustard Plug, Tunde Olaniran, The Bandwagon, Third Coast Swing
Our mid-January roundup of new releases by Michigan artists features everything from the alternative, guitar-driven new collection from Adam Main to folk’s Mad Hat Mojo. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from each release.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids Tunesmith Travis Atkinson: Three Albums That Changed My World
The Local Spins series revealing albums and artists that have influenced Michigan musicians continues with Deep Greens & Blues founder Travis Atkinson, who plays The Stray on Saturday.
Concert reviews · Upcoming shows · Weekend Photo Gallery
Looking Back, Looking Forward: Steppin’ In It’s reunion romp, mid-January concerts & more
Today, Local Spins looks back at a week of live music — from veteran faves on a Michigan tour to teens just getting started to a G. Love & Special Sauce tour stop — and previews some must-see January concerts.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Winter Wheat Wonders: Wheatland puts Michigan stars in January spotlight
Saturday’s 10-band winter festival at The Intersection in Grand Rapids unfurled everything from bluegrass to soulful pop to Cajun and Celtic charm on Saturday. Check out the recap, photos and video.
Local Spins Rewind: The ultimate soundtrack to a Detroit Lions Super Bowl run
Exactly one year ago, Local Spins published a playlist that helped spur our beloved Motor City heroes to two playoff victories. This year, we aim to serenade them to Super Bowl glory.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Rip Smidgeon uncorking ‘weird’ alternative indie-rock/pop on debut album
The band’s new music and back story were part of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Hannah Laine, Jabo Bihlman, Slumlord Radio, Jessica Wolfbird and more. Learn more about Rip Smidgeon and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Holland’s Engedi Music poised for national digital releases via Capitol Records offshoot
The Engedi Church music ensemble releases “There’s Still Water” on Feb. 7 after “road testing” the worship songs during services. Get the back story at Local Spins.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Emerging Artist to Watch: Mystique leans on ‘rush of ideas’ for her catchy indie-pop
The Caledonia High School alum based in Nashville aims to make waves as an indie-pop/rock artist, recently releasing a new single while attending Belmont University. The Local Spins Q&A.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Tip Top Deluxe’s Ted Smith: An Elvis Presley classic & other albums that changed his world
Our ‘Albums That Changed the World’ series continues with the recordings that most influenced Ted Smith, owner and operator of Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill concert venue. Get his back story and listen to tracks from his selected albums.
On Stage 4 Kids re-launches for 2025 embracing mission to inspire kids with live music
The nonprofit Michigan program that’s performed for 80,000-plus students over the years is back in “a discovery phase,” seeking schools eager to get their kids excited about live music.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Winter Wheat Festival: Kicking off 2025 with a rootsy blast of Michigan bands
The 16th annual Winter Wheat Festival hosted by the Wheatland Music Organization rolls out next Saturday at The Intersection in Grand Rapids with 10 acclaimed and diverse acts. The playlist and schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
Looking Back, Looking Forward: The flood of Michigan music and January’s top shows
The flood of new Michigan music over the past year has been impressive: Local Spins debuted hundreds of tracks & profiled dozens of artists. Get the recap & check out must-see shows for January.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Lynn & Ian: The Moonshine Runners turn heads with folky, ‘mountain music’ gems
Touting a new studio album, Lynn Thompson talked about his songs with Local Spins, which also debuted tracks by Finding Amelia, Metal Bubble Trio, Justin Avdek and more. Plus, get the full schedule for the upcoming Winter Wheat festival in Grand Rapids.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Unprecedented Local Spins Wednesdays & Fridays series set for SpeakEZ Lounge
Today, Local Spins announces the winter/spring concert series at the downtown club and restaurant, showcasing Michigan acts and tribute bands. View the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
New Year’s Eve revelry: From ‘Dark Side’ to dark wave to downtown romps and beyond
Bands and revelers ushering in 2025 celebrated amid a wide swath of musical styles unfurling from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The recaps, photos and a video at Local Spins.
Michigan’s Magical Music Mecca: Local Spins’ 2025 guide to the state’s music festivals
Local Spins’ New Year’s Day tradition continues today with our rollout of the schedule for 2025 Michigan music festivals, from A to Z (or W) – Ann Arbor Folk Festival to Wheatland, and everything in between.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Billy Strings’ metal mayhem revs up GR in surprise club show: Our No. 1 Story of 2024
The Grammy Award-winning bluegrass guitarist turned into a hair-tossing, metalcore shredder with the band Flesh and Blood Robot during the much-buzzed-about March show. Our review was the top story of the year.
Concert reviews · Summer Concerts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Local Spins Stories of 2024 (No. 2): The summer concert series at Meijer Gardens
The popular amphitheater’s expanded summer series this past year boasted new faces – My Morning Jacket, Black Pumas, Il Divo, Tower of Power –- along with a bevy of returning favorites who sold out most of their shows.
Review: ‘A Complete Unknown’ culls tricky, electric celebration of Bob Dylan’s early songs
Local Spins reviewer John Serba digs into the latest Bob Dylan biopic, a film spotlighting the iconic singer-songwriter’s early career and starring Timothee Chalamet.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Billy Strings jams with Greensky Bluegrass for glorious GR show: Top ’24 Stories (No. 3)
Michigan’s top bluegrass powerhouses joined forces for a surprising and electrifying night at Meijer Gardens in June, captivating fans and readers, who made our review the No. 3 story of the year. Revisit the evening in words, photos, video and set list.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mustard Plug, Dopapod, Desmond Jones, Earth Radio heat up the holidays (Photos)
Amid the holiday flurry of West Michigan concerts were some milestones and finales worth noting — and all captured in colorful images at Local Spins. Get the recaps, browse the photos.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Venue Spotlight
An Acrisure Amphitheater wish list of performers: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 4)
With construction of the Grand Rapids’ riverfront amphitheater well under way, Local Spins last summer asked a key player in the project about bands he’d like to see on stage when it opens in 2026. He also revealed other aspects of the new venue as part of an interview broadcast as part of Local Spins on WYCE. It was No. 4 in our top-stories-of-the-year countdown.
Local Spins Rewind · Summer Festivals · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Hoxeyville Fest ends long run after band cancellations: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 5)
Hoxeyville devotees flocked in August to the Manistee National Forest for the festival’s final soiree even though several headliners backed out in the days before. It was one of Local Spins’ biggest stories of the year.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The unpredictable, shimmery, electronic, dark-wave spell of Grand Rapids’ Crystal Trench
Vanessa DeCouto’s debut EP as Crystal Trench found the spotlight at Local Spins, which also debuted fresh tracks by Chris Michels, Trakzero, Lynn Thompson, Adam Main and more.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Venue Spotlight
Amid demanding year for venues, Muskegon’s Starlight Room closes: Top ’24 Stories (No. 6)
Citing building lease issues, Starlight Room owner Daniel Beckett suspended operations of the concert venue on June 1. Our coverage of the shutdown was one of Local Spins’ most-read stories of the year.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Phish sparks ‘magic,’ joyful jams with Billy Strings in GR: Top ’24 Stories (No. 7)
It was one of Michigan’s concert events of the year: The legendary jam band playing two straight night in Grand Rapids with a boost from Billy Strings. Revisit the “dream” pairing on Christmas Day as part of our year-end countdown.
Podcasts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Grand Funk founder Mark Farner’s new ‘Closer to Home’ legacy: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 8)
In a revealing interview, the renowned rock frontman reflected on his new music and Grand Funk Railroad’s past triumphs. The story and radio show podcast was one of the year’s top Local Spins posts.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Songwriter/producer Jeff Oxford: Three Albums That Changed My World
The co-founder of the Grand Rapids Songwriters Alliance today reveals the artists who have most influenced his own music. Check out his picks along with a couple of his own songs.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Stevie Wonder uplifts fans in first-ever GR show: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 9)
The legendary Stevie Wonder’s debut concert at Van Andel Arena in October boasted a massive backing ensemble and earned widespread praise from fans. Revisit the review and photos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
December Flurry: Tuba Christmas, Hot Mulligan, Mighty Big Rig & more (Photo Recaps)
Grand Rapids Public Museum hosted a horde of tubas and euphoniums for a seasonal tradition on Sunday, capping a week of concerts starring regional favorites, from Knee Deep Shag to Lighting Matches. The photo recap at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Billy Strings’ ‘Highway Prayers’ filled with emotion, brilliance: Top ’24 Stories (No. 10)
Writer Ryan McCahill’s take on the virtuoso bluegrass guitarist’s new double-album ranked No. 10 on Local Spins’ countdown of the year’s top stories. Revisit it here today.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2024: Local Spins critics and readers pick their favorite albums, concerts
Our year-end picks for the best releases and concerts of 2024 covers a lot of musical ground. Check out the selections, listen to the music.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Greta Van Fleet comes home to rock fervid GR fans: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 11)
The Michigan band’s May homecoming and first headlining show at Van Andel Arena brought the heat and ranked as one of the year’s top Local Spins stories. Revisit the concert in words, photos and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Bootstrap Boys gallop to No. 1 Michigan artist of 2024 at WYCE-FM
The throwback country outfit from GR topped all other Mitten State artists based on radio airplay, ahead of Billy Strings and The War & Treaty. View the Top 10 roster and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast, which also features the debut of tracks by Mystique, Aaron James Wright and Laura Rain.
Album reviews · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
The power and glory of ‘Billy Strings Live’: Top Local Spins Stories of 2024 (No. 12)
Our July review of the bluegrass guitarist’s first live album got plenty of attention from Billy Strings fans, making it the No. 12 story of the year. The album has since been nominated for a Grammy Award. Revisit the review; check out tracks from the release.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Knee Deep Shag super-group set to re-carpet Kalamazoo with funky rock ‘n’ roll reunion
The all-star, ’90s Kalamazoo band once described as “the sound of cashing a check” released two singles this year and plays Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe this weekend in one of its rare reunion romps. The back story at Local Spins along with a music video for the band’s newest song.
Local Spins Rewind · Summer Concerts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Ticket glitches aside, Meijer Gardens sells out 18 shows in an hour: Top ’24 Stories (No. 13)
Despite some ticketing system snafus in April, Meijer Gardens sold out 18 of its summer concerts in little more than an hour. Revisit Local Spins’ coverage as part of our year-end countdown.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Singer-songwriters Matt Plessner & Rachel White poised to rev up chill SpeakEZ romp
Grand Rapids alt-rock/folk band Lighting Matches returns to ignite the Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Get the update on the band in this Local Spins Q & A.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Billy Strings incites bluegrass fervor at Pine Knob: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 14)
The new dad and award-winning bluegrass guitar phenom from Ionia County celebrated a new double-album with his band in October at the Clarkston amphitheater. Revisit the crowd-pleasing show.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower: Three Albums that Changed My World
As the Grand Rapids community radio station devoted to spotlighting Michigan music mounts its year-end fund drive, Local Spins reveals the music that has most inspired its station manager.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Michigan stars jingle all the way with new holiday tunes: The Local Spins reviews
2024 has seen a flurry of releases of fresh Yuletide music by artists from across the state. Today, Local Spins presents its takes on these tunes, along with links to listen along.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Creed, 3 Doors Down rock ‘human experience’ in GR show: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 15)
November’s packed concert at Van Andel Arena surprised many with what rolled out as one of rock fans’ favorite shows of the year. Revisit the Local Spins review, photo gallery and set lists as our December countdown of the year’s top music stories continues.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Holiday Revelry: Trampled By Turtles, Dead South, May, Kari, Phabies and more (Photos)
May Erlewine’s Winter Dance Party and Kari Lynch’s Very Merry Jingle Jam were part of a festive week of December concerts across West Michigan — shows that also featured All American Funk Parade, Chris Knight, Gunnar Nyblad and more. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Healing from tragedy, TobyMac inspires GR crowd: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 16)
The multi-Grammy-winning Christian music artist played Van Andel Arena in March with help from Grand Rapids’ own George Moss. Revisit our interview and show review as we continue our countdown of the top Local Spins stories of the year.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Big Rapids’ Stanley & Quiggle set to release dynamic, diverse indie-folk debut
With the duo performing at Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge tonight, Local Spins introduces audiences to the new musical project while also debuting tracks by Full Cord, May Erlewine, Saxsquatch, Caitlin Cusack and more. Get the back story of tanley & Quiggle and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Local Grins: Jackie Kashian’s ‘new’ genre, live Michigan show tapings & The Comedy Project
This month’s Local Grins boasts an interview with acclaimed touring comedian Jackie Kashian ahead of her Grand Rapids shows, plus a round-up of upcoming specials being taped by Michigan stand-up comics and much more.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Carl Cox, John Summit, Anfisa Letyago lead top-shelf lineup for Detroit’s Movement 2025
Michigan’s solidly into winter mode, but summer festivals such as Detroit’s electronic extravaganza are whetting appetites for 2025 with initial ‘teaser’ announcements. Details at Local Spins.
‘A Very Merry Jingle Jam’-ming again for the less fortunate with all-star Michigan cast
Country, Americana and alternative music tunesmith Kari Lynch has hosted the benefit concert for more than a decade. It returns Saturday to Caledonia. The lineup, lowdown and how you can help at Local Spins.
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