With more than 13,000 people expected to attend the granddaddy of Michigan music festivals this coming weekend, Local Spins offers up a guide to must-see acts along with event essentials and more.
Michigan Musicians’ Labor Day Report ’24: Unsustainable wages, devalued artistry
Musicians’ financial and labor struggles have continued in 2024. So here in their own words, Local Spins provides its annual Labor Day column exploring the plight of Michigan artists and performers.
Photo Parade: Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Mudvayne, Disco Biscuits and more
Labor Day weekend launched with some deliciously scary heavy music across the state, but also featured a celebrated jam band and a tribute to a late Kalamazoo musician.
The music of the Bee Gees ‘Stayin’ Alive’ with this tribute band headed for DeVos Hall
Canada’s ‘Stayin’ Alive’ tribute to the Bee Gees hits Grand Rapids next Saturday. The Local Spins interview with singer Todd Sharman, along with a video of the band.
It’s All About Michigan Music: Celebrating 10 sublime years of Local Spins on WYCE
Today’s Local Spins on WYCE broadcast marks a full decade of the show that spotlights local and regional music — a program that’s showcased more than 6,000 songs by Michigan artists. Listen to this week’s special radio show podcast.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Singer-Songwriter Kyle Rasche: The Albums That Changed My World
The West Michigan tunesmith of Chain of Lakes who also leads a songwriters’ group reveals the recordings that have influenced him the most over the years.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
Taking Risks: Grand Ledge’s Rollin Brummette Relocates to Nashville, Set to Release Debut EP
The Americana singer-songwriter — another ‘Emerging Artist to Watch’ — chats about his new EP, ‘Poison Ivy,’ for Local Spins ahead of this week’s release shows in Eagle and Dimondale. The Artist Spotlight feature and video.
Audio · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The ARC Phenomenon: Chicago hosts globally acclaimed electronic music fest this weekend
Local Spins’ ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ columnist Todd Ernst unveils must-see festival sets and his pro users’ guide as ARC celebrates 40 years of house music in its birthplace.
Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Music’s Weekend Warriors: Waxahatchee, Forest Trail Music Fest, J.D. Pinkus light it up
From a record store in Grand Haven to the wilds of Free Soil to a beer garden in Kalamazoo, West Michigan’s live music weekend closed out with a bang. Local Spins has the photo recap.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Alan Jackson serves up ‘Good Time,’ plus Guided by Voices, Havoc Fest & more (Photos)
August’s final weekend blast of live music across the state covered the gamut, from country to metal to indie-rock to bluegrass and more, from Return to the River in Grand Rapids to Havoc Fest in Jackson. Browse all the photo galleries and a video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Long-distance rock: Pretty Sure hones ‘mosaic’ with ‘modern approach to timeless classics’
The GR-and-Cincinnati emo/punk/jazz trio’s debut album gets featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Tess Clark, Brie Stoner, Caliko, Chirp, Ten Peso Version and more. Check out the back story on Pretty Sure and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Fitz & The Tantrums fuel funky fun while May Erlewine oozes heartfelt healing power
The Los Angeles indie-pop band returned to a sold-out Meijer Gardens on Thursday, the same night that Michigan’s songbird embraced a big crowd at downtown’s Studio Park, Get the recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Festivals · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo Kaleidoscope: Sounds of the Zoo fest to return with trove of Michigan stars
The week-long music festival heats up multiple Kalamazoo venues in late September with Nathan Walton, Laura Rain, Zion Lion and more. The schedule, details and more at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Tuesday Romps: Dogstar with Keanu Reeves, Roosevelt Diggs rock West Michigan stages
It was an August night to embrace rock of different stripes, with alt-rock’s Dogstar at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and Americana/rock’s Roosevelt Diggs in Rockford. The photo recaps and videos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Festival Flurry: Guides to Porkies Fest, Forest Trail, Burning Foot, Tie Dye, Havoc Fest & more
With kids starting to head back to school, this weekend represents a final flurry of August music festivals stretching from Grand Rapids’ Return to the River to the Upper Peninsula’s Porcupine Mountains Music Festival. We have guides to seven of them.
Grace Potter delivers ‘the medicine that everybody wants’ in rollicking GR concert
‘Can’t Stop the Beat’: The singer and multi-instrumentalist closed out the weekend with an engaging, energetic return to Meijer Gardens, a show boosted by opener May Erlewine. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Marshmello mashes up Breakaway fanfare, plus Elisabeth Pixley-Fink & more (Recaps)
The electronic music fest at Grand Rapids Belknap Park drew an even bigger crowd for Day 2 on Saturday, with other shows across West Michigan also attracting lively fans. The photo recaps at Local Spins.
Cage the Elephant fires up frenzy of anthemic rock for Grand Rapids fans
The Kentucky-bred indie-rock band lit up Van Andel Arena on Friday with lead singer Matt Shultz displaying terrific showmanship despite a broken foot. Review, photos.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Belknap’s Bass-Pumping Brouhaha: Breakaway Fest’s Day 1 electrifies Grand Rapids
With non-stop electronic music revelry on two stages plus a silent disco, Breakaway 2024 amped things up with the likes of Bob Moses, Louis the Child, Slander and much more. The recap, photos, video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The cinematic landscape beauty of Miglodesh: Mike Savina unfurls inventive solo album
The Go Rounds’ former guitarist chats about his new project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Michigander, Wuzee and more. Learn about Mike Savina’s intriguing recording and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Blues Traveler unleashes jam-heavy hits, covers with boost from Big Head Todd
The blues-infused rock double-header at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday boasted plenty of instrumental romps and familiar tunes. The Local Spins review and photos.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Ultimate Guide to Breakaway Music Festival: Marshmello, Slander & Our Must-See Picks
Local Spins’ ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ columnist Todd Ernst reveals his top picks for this weekend’s electronic music smorgasbord at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park. The preview, schedule and more.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Local Spins Wednesdays: Major Murphy, Kanin Wren, Phabies, Nathan Kalish + Tribute Month
The fall Michigan music showcase at SpeakEZ Lounge starts with a Pink Floyd tribute — an 11-concert, mid-week series that also features Whorled, The Mickeys, Lighting Matches, Silver Creek Revival and more. Get the full schedule, along with the lineup fo SpeakEZ’s Live Music Fridays.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The magic of Hoxeyville 2024 unites festivalgoers for final soiree: Recap, photos
The final edition of northern Michigan’s Hoxeyville Music Festival unfolded over the weekend without several expected headliners but with plenty of nostalgic memories, regional acts and esprit de corps. The images, recap and some video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
‘Like Spotify, except we get paid’: KDL Vibes Fest toasts regional stars, streaming platform
Saturday’s second annual festival celebrated the KDL Vibes regional music streaming service with sets by more than a dozen acts, including Phabies, Earth Radio, Ralston Bowles and more. Revisit the event in words and photos at Local Spins.
Tedeschi Trucks, Tanya Tucker, Joe Hertler and more mesmerize Michigan audiences (Photos)
From Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids and beyond it was another simmering summer week of concerts, including Celeste Allison, Chris Canas, Luke Winslow-King, a songwriters’ fest and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Simply in Time wins Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat amid festival’s biggest-ever turnout
Hundreds upon hundreds of fans “walked the beat” to view performances by 56 Michigan bands on Saturday, with the city closing down a major street to give it a “true festival” atmosphere. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Andrew Bird’s return to Meijer Gardens: Jazz, whistling, unpredictable musical charm
Andrew Bird, Amadou & Mariam enchanted fans at Meijer Gardens on Friday with their complex-but-accessible double billing of musical intrigue. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Lindsay Lou still carries Michigan torch in her music amid healing journey on tour
Playing Hoxeyville Music Festival today, the Americana/bluegrass star is crisscrossing the U.S. behind her latest album. The Artist Spotlight interview and Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast featuring her music and new tracks from a bevy of other Michigan artists.
Kansas keeps ’70s alive with enduring songs unfurled for sold-out Grand Rapids crowd
Although only one original band member was on the Meijer Gardens stage Thursday night, the prog-rock-hued favorite made the most its return to the amphitheater. The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat Fest to close street for sets by 56 Michigan acts
The unique festival and band competition returns to Grand Haven’s East Side on Saturday, pumping up more than two dozen locations. The schedule and details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals
‘God just showing off’: Unity Christian Music Fest kicks off with ideal weather, inspired sets
The first night of this year’s festival at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing drew more than 13,000 people for performances by Matt Maher, Brandon Heath and more. The recap at Local Spins.
Phish ignites sold-out Grand Rapids crowd with joyful jams, two-day boost from Billy Strings
The legendary jam band’s two straight jubilant nights at Van Andel Arena featured a guest appearance by the Michigan-bred bluegrass phenom, stellar lights and memorable jams. Billy Strings himself called it “magic.” Revisit Tuesday’s show in words, photos and video and view set lists from both nights at Local Spins along with comments from Billy about his guest spots.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
‘Final’ Hoxeyville Music Festival: Michigan’s musical ‘reunion’ hit with late cancellations
Hoxeyville devotees who flood the Manistee National Forest site every August will be back this weekend for Sam Bush, Lindsay Lou, Elephant Revival and more. But three previously announced acts won’t be there. Get the lowdown, revised schedule and a festival playlist at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists
Pablo Eskobear takes ‘trap beat’ tack to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The Grand Rapids producer’s latest, globally inspired concept album topped all regional albums on the July chart. See what other Michigan artists made the chart and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket embrace their ’90s heyday in Grand Rapids tour stop
Vertical Horizon opened Monday’s sold-out show at Meijer Gardens, with fans reveling in the melodic, hook-driven nostalgia of two long-running bands. The review and photo gallery.
The ‘musical freedom’ of Phish: The Ultimate Local Spins Playlist with two GR shows on tap
With the iconic jam band Phish playing two straight nights at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena, Local Spins asked super fan and Desmond Jones guitarist Isaac Berkowitz to create a Top 10 Phish playlist.
Shagbark Music Festival 2024: Embracing a Michigan vibe, enduring the heat (Recap)
Amid August’s torrid weather, Desmond Jones, Chirp, Pajamas, Hannah Rose Graves, Covert Operations and more captivated a moderate-sized crowd for a weekend of wide-ranging music. Recap and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Alice Cooper, Dopapod, In This Moment, Jordan Davis and more: Concert Photo Roundup
It was a weekend of musical contrasts in West Michigan: theatrical rock, jam-heavy funk, EDM, metal, hip hop, punk and more, all showcased in dynamic Local Spins photos at venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Paw Paw.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Muskegon’s Unity Christian Music Festival primed for ‘mix of old and new favorites’
The 2024 edition of the festival heats up Heritage Landing starting Wednesday, with stars such as Zach Williams, Matthew West, We Are Messengers and Tenth Avenue North. The preview and schedule at Local Spins.
Shagbark Music Festival simmers on Day 1 with ‘soul shakedown,’ Myron Elkins moxie
The musical celebration on Shagbark Farm in Alaska, Mich., uncorked funk, Americana, Celtic and reggae strains amid sultry weather on opening day. The recap, photos, video and radio show podcast.
Black Violin, GR Symphony take home the gold with instrumental prowess, ‘classical boom’
Predicted storms bypassed Black Violin’s Meijer Gardens concert, creating a picture-perfect evening of the renowned duo’s soulful, classical strings with a hip-hop twist. Review, photos at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: In the Valley Below, Major Murphy, RyneShyne, Overdrive Orchestra
Michigan’s thriving music scene has spawned another intriguing volley of new releases reviewed at Local Spins, including fresh recordings from Josiah DeNooyer and Rabbit Fur. Learn more about these releases and listen to tracks from the albums.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Petra marking 50-plus years as Christian rock mainstay with Holland tour stop ahead
Boasting a rich and enduring legacy, the groundbreaking rock band plays Beechwood Church on Sunday. The Local Spins interview with lead singer John Schlitt.
Breaking music news · Features
GR’s Acrisure Amphitheater Project: Digging into the August hotel tax ballot proposal
Kent County voters go to the polls next week to decide the fate of a proposed hotel tax increase that would affect a new concert amphitheater and soccer stadium. Local Spins today answers key questions about this proposal and its impact.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Album Review: The power and the glory of ‘Billy Strings Live, Vol. 1’
In less than three weeks, the bluegrass guitar phenom’s live album has racked up more than 1.1 million listens on Spotify and soared to No. 1 on the Bluegrass Chart. Check out the review, listen to tracks from this popular release by the Michigan-bred superstar.
Grand Rapids welcomes Boyz II Men’s perfect harmonies for ‘One Sweet Day’
The award-winning ’90s vocal group mixed hits with popular covers during their Meijer Gardens debut on Sunday night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins, along with images from another vocal group sensation at Meijer Gardens: Il Divo.
Hot Fun in the Summertime: Kalamazoo Blues Fest, Rockin’ the Tee Box, Tamarack Music Fest
Michigan’s festival season is in high gear, with musical celebrations spanning the state, Jackson to Hastings to Kalamazoo to Morley. Local Spins has images from a weekend of sizzling outdoor music.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Fair Ground Fest rocks Hastings, embraces femininity with War & Treaty, Accidentals
Festivalgoers basked in Saturday’s sunny weather as the second-year event delivered impassioned sets from seven acts, including Hannah Wicklund, who created a real buzz with her performance. Check out Local Spins’ review of the festival, along with photos and video highlights.
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