Local Spins’ ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ columnist Todd Ernst looks ahead to this week’s mammoth festival in Rothbury with tips, recommendations and the full schedule for four days of music in the Michigan woods.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rock and Reggae: Band of Horses, Stephen Marley, Crooked Spires, Hazy Past, Project 90
In many ways, it really was the “Start of Summer” as Rockford proclaimed (a few days early) what with national tour stops and local favorites. The recaps, photos, video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Buttermilk Jamboree Day 2 & 3 Highlights: Molly, Funktion, Rachael Davis, May & more
The 12th anniversary music festival between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids continued Saturday and Sunday with inspiring performances by regional acts. A recap with photos at Local Spins.
Muskegon’s Starlight Room closes after a year of concerts and live-show videography
Citing building lease issues, Starlight Room owner Daniel Beckett suspended operations of the concert venue on June 1. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
‘Like coming home’: Buttermilk Jamboree opens with family flavor, eclectic sets
The festival’s opening day at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids was a classic Buttermilk feast of live music and frolicking kids. The recap with photos at Local Spins.
Hot Top 5 · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Kyle Brown tops Hot Top 5 Chart, plus a musical chat with GR City Manager Mark Washington
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show not only highlighted tracks by the Hot Top 5 artists for May, but boasts an interview with the city manager about the new amphitheater and his favorite acts.
Artist Spotlights · Uncategorized · Upcoming shows · Videos
Band of Horses raring to ‘blow the doors’ off Kalamazoo State Theatre
The rock band brings its tour to Michigan Saturday. Frontman Ben Bridwell took time for an in-depth chat with writer Enrique Olmos about the band, touring and making the transition years ago from pizza delivery guy to musician.
Tower of Power shines with unmatched horn pizzazz, new lead singer in Grand Rapids show
Wednesday’s concert at Meijer Gardens delivered the familiar and funky ensemble’s catchy catalog of material, bringing many fans to their feet. The review, photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Harmonica legend Howard Levy bringing all-star jazz lineup to Traverse City
Traverse City’s The Alluvion will host Levy and his band for a Friday concert. The Local Spins interview with the trailblazing harmonica player along with a video of a live performance.
Foreigner bids adieu with big boost from Styx for super-charged Grand Rapids rock show
The kickoff to the ‘Renegades and Juke Box Heroes’ tour at Van Andel Arena featured classic rock icons who didn’t hold back in unleashing their biggest hits. Check out the Local Spins review and photos, along with the night’s set lists.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Buttermilk Jamboree’s fan-inspiring, family-friendly charm: Preview, must-see picks
This mid-June festival kicks off south of Grand Rapids on Friday, with dozens of Michigan acts on the three-day bills. Get the details, ticket links, daily schedules and performer picks at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Defying trends, Tower of Power sustains its catchy, horn-laden soul attack with GR on tap
The legendary horn band brings its tour to Meijer Gardens on Wednesday. The Local Spins interview with bandleader Emilio Castillo, who’s led the group for more than 50 years.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Billy Strings joins Greensky Bluegrass as surprise guest to rev up Meijer Gardens
The picture-perfect night for the return of a Michigan favorite boasted an appearance by the superstar bluegrass guitarist from Ionia County who kept the enthusiastic sold-out crowd on its feet. The Local Spins review, photo gallery and video highlights.
June Jubilees: Kalamazoo Pride, GR’s Festival, Pigeons, Baroness, Myron & more (Photos)
The first full week of June was full of musical merriment, from Grand Rapids to Otsego to Paw Paw to Kalamazoo, recapped in photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
‘Stranger Things’: Foreigner, Styx still rocking, still building audiences as joint tour hits GR
Local Spins interviews both multi-platinum-selling bands as the classic rock icons bring their co-headlining tour to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. See what fans can expect as Foreigner bids farewell.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Detroit to Grand Rapids: Toasting Michigan Central Station and Festival of the Arts
From one end of Michigan to the other, the weekend kicked off with a celebratory flair, featuring a star-studded christening of an iconic building and the return of a GR institution. Get the recaps, photo galleries and a video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Big Rapids’ Hand of Giants hitting stride, set to bring energetic ‘Northern rock’ to Festival
Featured for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE show, get the back story on this Festival of the Arts performer and listen to new music from a host of Michigan artists, including Prior Noon, Potionseller, Pablo Eskobear, MaRynn Taylor, Jessica Wolfbird, The Wild Honey Collective and more.
Yee-haw! Masked country singer Orville Peck triumphantly returns to Grand Rapids
he booming baritone’s sold-out performance Wednesday night kicked off a busy, 33-show season at Meijer Gardens’ amphitheater replete with cowboy hats, glitter and a little bit of giddy-up.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts 2024: The preview, can’t-miss picks and a users’ guide
Grand Rapids’ annual Festival revs up again for three days on Friday afternoon, with dozens of regional acts performing and the usual, tasty food-vending smorgasboard. Get the lowdown at Local Spins, along with maps of stages and food vendors.
Tuneful Tuesday: Meijer Gardens launches music club shows in soulful, funky fashion
Grand Rapids’ Par-Llo Connection and Avalon Cutts-Jones kicked off the 2024 edition of the Tuesday Evening Music Club series. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Hoxeyville Spring Revisited: Energetic music, chill vibes, rain and ‘super rock ‘n’ roll’
The inaugural northern Michigan festival held amid the Manistee National Forest last weekend brought out national and regional stars. Get the recap, browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Previewing Nor-East’r Music & Art Festival 2024: Five can’t-miss performances
The 20th anniversary edition of this northern Michigan festival rolls out of the gates for three days starting Friday — and Local Spins has the preview, the schedule, some show picks and other details.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Marcus King, Chappell Roan, Hoxeyville Spring reign supreme with Michigan fans
The venues stretched from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to the Manistee National Forest for fan-engaging performances that closed out May and welcomed June. The Local Spins photo galleries, including Sebastian Bach at The Intersection and a Jordan Hamilton listening party at The Clover Room.
Amping Up the Amphitheater: The Ultimate Meijer Gardens 2024 Playlist
The most eclectic series in the history of Meijer Gardens deserves a pre-show playlist. And Local Spins has created one with the first concert on tap next week.
Local Spins on WYCE · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Summer Concert Cascade: Michigan venues flaunt outdoor shows, GR to Cadillac to Boyne
From Grand Rapids block parties to music in the vineyards to ballpark concerts, Michigan music lovers have lots to choose from — all listed at Local Spins. Plus, this week’s Local Spins radio podcast features acts on the summer docket as well as those with brand new music and those performing at upcoming music festivals.
Hozier brings ‘sweet music’ to Grand Rapids on ‘Unreal Unearth’ tour
The soulful Irish rock musician and songwriter made a stop Wednesday night at Van Andel Arena, with Canadian Americana artist Allison Russell also on the bill. Check out the set list and a Local Spins photo gallery.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Jordan Hamilton, Birdie Country, Eric Engblade, Sixman & more
This late May round-up of Local Spins’ takes on new releases by a half-dozen Michigan artists also includes The Heiden Underground and The Soods. Listen to tracks from each release and find out where some of these bands are performing in coming weeks and months.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Detroit’s Movement launches summer with gusto, Bus Benefit oozes ‘positive energy’
Local Spins has a recap of the massive Memorial Day weekend celebration of electronic music in the birthplace of techno, as well as a photo gallery from the wrap-up of the Bus Benefit festival in Trufant.
Hoxeyville Spring set to debut with Dark Star Orchestra, Allman Betts, ‘world-class’ lineup
The season-starting version of Hoxeyville unfurls for the first time this weekend, with Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon and regional favorites Luke Winslow-King, Sweet Water Warblers & more. Get the preview, schedule and videos at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Movement rumbles with Ludacris, Dom Dolla, DJ Holographic; Liquid Note gets rootsy & more
The holiday weekend kicked off Michigan’s music festival season, with throngs at Detroit’s electronic music spectacle Movement and a bevy of West Michigan events, including a Sounds of the Zoo benefit, the summer concert kickoff at Otsego’s Liquid Note and more. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit: Waves of regional music, upbeat vibes, fellowship
Trufant’s Smiling Acres is hosting this year’s Bus Benefit with more than a dozen Michigan artists performing over the Memorial Day weekend. The first-day recap at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
West Michigan’s newest harmony-laden super-group The Temperances debut tonight
The all-female trio featuring musicians and songwriters from different regional projects — Olivia Vargas, Marley Kaye and Audrey Pearson — play The Stray. The back story at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens opens up tickets for O.A.R., Boyz II Men & other previously sold-out shows
Some tickets for summer concerts — from Kansas to Bruce Hornsby — previously set aside for band management have been released and are now for sale to the public. View the full list of available shows.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Northern Michigan’s Silver Creek Revival takes multi-instrumental tack for indie-folk magic
With weekend shows at Otsego’s Liquid Note and Trufant’s Bus Benefit, the band will rev up audiences with new and familiar songs. The story, music video and radio podcast, with fresh tracks by The Blue Herons, In the Valley Below, Grace Theisen, DJ Holographic, St. Sinner Orchestra and more.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Push the City Cypher uniting the region’s hip-hop scene in front of a live studio audience
Hosted by Ruben Martinez and Lady Ace Boogie, Saturday’s Grand Rapids performances at Midtown by a dozen regional artists will be filmed for videos at aimed at elevating Michigan talent.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals
The power and magic of Detroit’s Movement 2024: The Ultimate Local Spins Preview
The internationally acclaimed electronic music festival revs up Saturday in downtown Detroit. ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ columnist Todd Ernst offers up can’t-miss picks and tips for attendees, including sets to catch and places to check out in the Motor City.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
X Ambassadors rolling into Grand Rapids with compelling music from ‘homecoming’ album
Reflecting on their upstate New York hometown with “Townie,” band member Sam Nelson Harris says the X Ambassadors feel rewarded by their music’s impact on fans. The Local Spins Q&A, along with the band’s latest music video.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Buses by the Beach’s Bus Benefit moves to Smiling Acres for 2024 musical revelry
The Memorial Day weekend festival will unfurl outside Trufant with regional stars such as Desmond Jones, Roosevelt Diggs, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon and more.
Igniting Grand Rapids’ love: Greta Van Fleet comes home to rock fervid fans
The band’s Michigan homecoming show on Sunday — and first headlining affair at Van Andel Arena — brought the ‘Heat Above’ for a hard-hitting yet sentimental performance. Review, photos, set list.
Rodrigo y Gabriela, Ghost-Note uncork flashy, instrumental wizardry in West Michigan shows
Two highly touted touring phenoms from different parts of the musical spectrum lit up venues in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo this past week. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Sun-splashed Local Spins Fest kicks off festival season with energetic sets, upbeat vibe
Local Spins’ 12th anniversary celebration in downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday boasted sets by five Michigan bands who pumped up a gleeful crowd at Studio Park. Get the recap, browse photo galleries and check out video highlights at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins Fest · Summer Festivals
Kalamazoo Academy of Rock: Inspiring young musicians to light up on stage
Leading up to Local Spins Fest later today (Saturday), we offer another profile of area academies and schools of rock that tutor the next generation of musicians. Learn more about Kalamazoo Academy of Rock, with advice about how to best encourage youthful talent.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Lowell’s Upstairs, Man Studios flaunts unconventional tack in cozy, relaxed space
Musician Ryne Clarke’s second-floor studio has hosted a steady string of emerging West Michigan bands, featured for today’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks from The War and Treaty, Joshua Davis, Bruce Matthews Band, Birdie Country, Lafayette Gunter, Rabbit Fur and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Fest
Nathan Walton & The Remedy: Keeping it real, ready to leave fans euphoric at Local Spins Fest
The Local Spins countdown to Saturday’s celebration of its 12th anniversary at Studio Park in Grand Rapids continues with a Q&A featuring Local Spins Fest headliner Nathan Walton & The Remedy.
Features · Local Spins Fest · Summer Festivals
Girls Rock! Grand Rapids: Developing tools for youth to ‘be creative and express themselves’
To help preview Grand Rapids’ Local Spins Fest 2024 on Saturday, Local Spins continues to examine the importance of mentoring young musicians. Today, we focus on Girls Rock! Grand Rapids.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Otsego’s Liquid Note expands outdoor venue, summer concert series for 2024
With everything from The Verve Pipe, Larry McCray and Afroman on the bill to Myron Elkins and other local heroes, the Allegan County site will host more than five dozen acts on Friday and Saturday nights, starting May 24. Get the full schedule and details at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Grand Rapids Sound Engineer Al McAvoy: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
Today, the popular Local Spins series showcases recordings that influenced respected Grand Rapids producer and engineer Al McAvoy, from Asia to Depeche Mode. Listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
Victor Wooten, KT Tunstall, Robert Randolph top Studio Park’s 2024 Listening Lawn lineup
Launching with The Wood Brothers on July 12, the seven-show series in downtown Grand Rapids also features Michigan’s own May Erlewine, Spin Doctors and The Lone Bellow. Get the schedule at Local Spins.
Commentary · Features · Local Spins Fest
Fostering ‘the future of Michigan music’ and offering platforms for success: New City Kids
As part of our lead-in to Local Spins Fest 2024 in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Local Spins explores the importance of mentoring young musicians. Today, we focus on New City Kids Grand Rapids.
Listen to Local Spins Live
