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.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top 2024 Stories Countdown: Little Feat and Los Lobos ignite Meijer Gardens (No. 17)
The two jam-happy rock bands with more than a half-century of music to unleash had folks dancing in the sunshine at Meijer Gardens in June. Revisit one of Local Spins’ top reviews of the year.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
Northern Michigan’s Third Coast Swing brings fresh energy on ‘Stompin’ at Griswold’ release
With a new band member adding dynamic vocals to its jazz-fueled approach, Third Coast Swing views its latest album as “a real stepping stone.” Get the back story, listen to a track from the new recording at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Round-Up: Michigander, Del McCoury, Patty Pershayla, MaRynn Taylor, Saxsquatch
As December rushes toward the holidays, West Michigan venues heated up with crowd-pleasing shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Spring Lake. The photos and recaps at Local Spins, including Whitey Morgan, Groove Tonic, Kalamazoo Academy of Rock and more.
Commentary · Summer Festivals · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of the Year Countdown (No. 18): Michigan music festivals struggle in 2024
Several Michigan music festivals called it quits after a ‘dismal’ 2024 with others reassessing their future. Local Spins’ November report on the emerging crisis was one of the year’s top[…]
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan’s holiday music magic: The White Stripes, Al Green, Bob Seger, The Supremes
This week’s Michigan music showcase for Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted Yuletide tracks by Mitten State stars, from Alice Cooper to Smokey Robinson to The Accidentals. Plus, the show debuts new music by several other Michigan artists.
Commentary · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Worst concert flops & disappointments: Local Spins readers vent (Top ’24 Stories Countdown)
Our readers responded in droves in July when recalling their biggest live music disappointments (sloppy sets, horrible sound, nasty fans). It ended up at No. 19 in our top-stories-of-the-year countdown. On the flip side, we want to know the best concert you saw and best album you heard in 2024.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Legendary guitar picker Del McCoury and band riding new wave of bluegrass popularity
The Del McCoury Band led by an iconic, award-winning guitarist plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. The Local Spins interview with the influential bluegrass star.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Khruangbin, Tiësto, Justice, Sara Landry, Louis the Child lead Electric Forest parade for 2025
Michigan’s biggest music festival announced its “initial” lineup for the June festival in Rothbury, with Sara Landry, Disclosure, Fisher, Liquid Stranger and more set to light up the Forest. Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst provides his take on the 2025 roster of electronic music performers.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Indie-rock’s PHABIES poised to release new album, light up SpeakEZ, mount 2025 tour
The Grand Rapids band making its final appearance of 2024 on Dec. 11 at SpeakEZ Lounge has big plans for next year and will give fans attending this week’s show a sneak peek into its new songs. Learn more about PHABIES and watch its music video at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2024 (No. 20): Wheatland unfurls unparalleled tradition, stellar lineup, jams
The 51st edition of the folk and roots music festival rolled out north of Grand Rapids in September. Our coverage of Wheatland ranked No. 20 in our top-stories-of-the-year countdown.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Invading squids ignite jam-band fun; Nashville duo oozes Americana glory (Photos)
The Thanksgiving holiday weekend kicked off with two Grand Rapids shows — Desmond Jones and Nathan Kalish & Jessica Pounds — at different ends of the musical spectrum. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Sam Hess & The High Road Drifters get twangy as state’s newest retro-country super-group
Recently making their performance debut in Grand Rapids, the throwback country outfit features members from several popular Michigan bands, led by the ‘high lonesome’ voice of Sam Hess.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Michigan Music Debuts & Thanksgiving videos by Billy Strings, War & Treaty, Jeff Daniels
This week’s special Thanksgiving weekend edition of Local Spins on WYCE lays out a banquet of tracks by Michigan artists. Plus, we celebrate the holiday with special performances by three Michigan stars.
Amplified Newsletter · Detroit Lions · Playlists
Lion-Hearted at Thanksgiving: An ‘Amplified’ playlist for Detroit’s roaring football heroes
To celebrate Thanksgiving and a traditional Ford Field showdown, Local Spins has combined its usual Thursday ‘Amplified’ newsletter (nusic news, ticket giveaways, concert announcements) with a special soundtrack tribute to the NFL-leading Detroit Lions. Plus, check out music news, concert announcements and our ‘Song of the Week.’
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Ficus, Whiskey Hunter, The Cosmoknights, Kylee Phillips
Check out Local Spins’ takes on several new releases by Michigan artists, from psych-rock to country to indie-pop and more. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Contests · Features · Festivals · Venue Spotlight
Wheatland Music Festival, Tip Top Deluxe top readers’ lists of favorite festivals, venues
On Thanksgiving week, readers and music lovers were most thankful for more than a dozen Michigan music festivals and 30-plus concert venues. Check out their responses. SCROLL DOWN FOR[…]
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
Nathan Kalish bringing ‘wild, psychedelic country rock’ back home to Michigan
The Nashville-based singer-songwriter who launched his career in the Grand Rapids area has a new studio EP and plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday with tunesmith Jessica Pounds. Get his back story and listen to music by Kalish and Pounds.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Sounds Like Michigan debuts, Kalamazoo State Theatre bows out (Concert Photo Recaps)
Local Spins recaps the final chapter in State Theatre’s legacy, the inaugural ‘Sounds Like Michigan’ concert, Neil Francis, Sunsquabi, Wreckno and more from across the region. Check out the reviews, images and a video.
Commentary · Festivals · Venue Spotlight
Thanksgiving 2024: What Michigan concert venue or music festival are you thankful for?
As the holiday season approaches amid another turbulent year, Local Spins ask its readers and music lovers about the Michigan environments they love that keep the music scene spinning.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘I got more music in me’: Veteran bluesman Asamu Johnson unfurls new, personal album
Local Spins spotlights the West Michigan bassist and singer, as well as debuting tracks by Third Coast Swing, Hannah Laine, Squatch, Hannah Rae, Nathan Kalish and more. Learn more about Asamu Johnson, his new album and his amazing back story, and listen to this week’s radio show.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Temple Lounge to continue Seven Steps Up legacy with diverse Spring Lake concerts
The new owner of the historic building that long hosted listening room-style shows will roll out a series of upcoming live music events boasting a variety of regional acts, starting with The Legal Immigrants and Kyle Brown & The Human Condition. Get more information about Temple Lounge and the upcoming show schedule.
Creed, 3 Doors Down, Mammoth WVH rock ‘the human experience’ in Grand Rapids tour stop
Tuesday night’s packed concert at Van Andel Arena pumped up fans with familiar hits and uplifting sentiments. The Local Spins review, photo gallery and set lists from the show.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Musician, broadcaster, concert booker Quinn Mathews: ‘Albums That Change My World’
Mathews, who recently left his position as Midtown and Studio C’s music and programming director, reveals the albums that have sparked a lifelong love of music. Listen to tracks from all of them.
‘Sounds Like Michigan’ concert to showcase collaboration, diversity, support, authenticity
Saturday’s upcoming benefit at Wealthy Theatre for the nonprofit Michigan Music Alliance boasts intra-state stars Frontier Ruckus, American Hotel System, Ari B and Cabildo. The lowdown, performance schedule and videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kalamazoo proves live music still thrives, plus Kidd G and Kanin Wren in GR (Photos)
Kalamazoo boasted a busy Saturday of live music with The Incantaions, Them Coulee Boys and The Smokin’ Dobroleles, capping a week that also saw packed shows in Grand Rapids. Browse the photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With Grand Rapids show ahead, tunesmith David Wilcox plays the songs he ‘needs to hear’
The ‘quirky,’ veteran folk singer plays Midtown in Grand Rapids with West Michigan’s own Kyle Joe on Sunday night. The Local Spins interview and a music video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Desmond Jones gets theatrical with alien squids, sonic exploration and tons of fun
Local Spins spotlights the Grand Rapids jam band with a new studio album, ‘Squids,’ and debuts tracks by Cameron Blake, Dante Cope, The Incantations, Mustard Plug, The JR Band, Mark Farner and more. Get the back story on Desmond Jones’ new album and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
LowDown Brass Band’s multi-genre energy: ‘You don’t need a guitar to get down’
The celebrated Chicago brass ensemble that blends funk, jazz, hip hop and soul into its lively approach plays Grand Rapids’ Midtown tonight. The Local Spins interview.
Local Spins Exclusives · Special Offers
Counting the Music Days: 2025’s Local Spins Calendar rife with Michigan bands, festivals
Just in time for holiday shopping, the 2025 edition of our popular calendar boasts concert photos of more than three dozen Michigan artists, with listings of the state’s summer music festivals. It’s the perfect gift for the music maven or Michigan lover. Order online today.
Local Grins: Return of Don’t Tell Comedy GR & LaughFest, Nurse Blake + A Regional Roundup
Our second installation of the monthly Local Grins column features an interview with touring comic Nurse Blake and roundups of new and returning comedy spectacles across the region.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Kalamazoo State Theatre set to close its doors this month while seeking new ownership
The historic 97-year-old venue hosts its final show on Nov. 23 as it works to identify ‘the right people and group’ to take over operations. The story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kanin Wren wraps ‘incredible’ year with mix of Taylor Swift, her own pop and country hits
The acclaimed teen singer-songwriter fires up Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night with a special show for Swifties and fans of her own pop-laced singles as she prepares to release her debut album and launch a “Boots & Bracelets Tour.” Get the back story and show details at Local Spins.
Songs of War, Peace and Sacrifice: The Ultimate Veterans Day Playlist at Local Spins
Today is the Veterans Day holiday, so we’re unfurling some classic tracks that commemorate those in the military and the sacrifices they’ve made, as well as anthems for peace in the face of endless global conflicts. Listen to the songs, watch the videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Little Big Town ‘brings it on home’ in Grand Rapids; GIG flaunts ‘art of music’ in Jackson
The celebrated country band delivered a set filled with hits and covers Saturday at Van Andel Arena, while Michigan musicians, artists and photographers strutted their stuff at GIG’s inaugural event. Check out the recaps and images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Energizing the Universe: Valerie June bringing vocal charm, Americana pageantry to GR
Set to perform Tuesday at St. Cecilia Music Center, the acclaimed Tennessee Americana artist talks with Local Spins about her most recent inspirations and her musical upbringing.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Michigander’s ‘real thing’: Cohesive new indie-rock album with GR ‘Holiday Specials’ on tap
Loving his West Michigan roots, Jason Singer opens up about Michigander’s full-length debut for Local Spins, which also premiered tracks by Sonny Ski, Kyle Joe, The American Hotel System and more. Learn more about Michigander’s holiday shows and upcoming release, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Don Julin strums up reinvented ‘Fractured Fiddle Tunes’ for fresh take on the traditional
The celebrated Traverse City mandolinist recently unveiled his long-planned, genre-melding recording, with several upcoming Michigan concerts to promote the release. Get the back story and listen to tracks from the new album.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Mickeys set to revel in ‘harmony-heavy’ indie-Americana at SpeakEZ tonight
The Southwest Michigan band led by twin sisters will make its Local Spins Wednesdays debut while eyeing new music releases in 2025. The band back story and a video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
Metro Detroit’s Wilson Thicket ventures ‘outside the box’ with bluegrass, set to play GIG
The emerging Michigan band chats about its evolving sound and latest release ahead of a Nov. 8 show at GIG: The Art of Michigan Music in Jackson. Learn more about the band and watch their videos at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: Billy Strings fans follow hero across U.S.; revel in epic Halloween show
The bluegrass guitarist’s fans traveled from across the country to catch a wild 2023 Grand Rapids concert that folks are still talking about. This year’s Halloween spectacle was epic, too. Check out a video clip from this year’s concert affair and listen to the 2023 Local Spins on WYCE radio show featuring interviews with diehard fans and more.
Commentary · Festivals · In-Depth Report · Summer Festivals
Michigan’s Music Festival Downturn: Is the festival scene facing a major crisis?
Several Michigan music festivals called it quits after a “dismal” 2024 and others are reassessing their future. Local Spins takes a deeper dive into the emerging crisis with comments and analysis from festival organizers.
Team Local Spins: Spinning tunes and spinning wheels for the Iceman Cometh Challenge
Today’s mammoth and grueling Iceman Cometh Challenge bike race in Traverse City boasts riders from Team Local Spins. We have a bike- and race-hued playlist to send them on their way.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
August’s harmony-hued, genre-bending soul-pop: Olivia Vargas’ musical time capsule
August the duo plays SpeakEZ Lounge tonight, led by the GR keyboardist and singer. The back story, plus Local Spins debuts tracks by other Michigan artists, including Von Kaiser, Overdrive Orchestra, The Concussions, The Blue Herons, Tunde Olaniran, Chris DuPont and more.
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