Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Greta Van Fleet, Billy Strings? A wish list for the new Grand Rapids amphitheater

• June 28, 2024

A Local Spins on WYCE interview with Rich MacKeigan, a key player in a new GR amphitheater, raised names of potential venue performers, from Grand Rapids Symphony to The War & Treaty. Listen to the chat, read more about the amphitheater and check out new music from Michigan artists — Phabies, Kait Rose, Overdrive Orchestra and more. Plus, make your picks for artists you’d like to see play the 12,000-seat outdoor venue.

Concert reviews · Photos

Welcome Return to GR: The heartrending, uplifting musical mastery of Bonnie Raitt

• June 27, 2024

The renowned, award-winning guitarist and singer transfixed a sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Smiling Acres Music Festival: The Local Spins preview and must-see performance picks

• June 26, 2024

The Michigan-centric celebration unfolds outside Trufant again this weekend with performances by May Erlewine, Laith Al-Saadi, Nathan Walton, Lady Ace Boogie & more. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Chuck Leavell on The Rolling Stones’ U.S. tour: ‘Confident’ and rocking balanced sets

• June 26, 2024

As the legendary Stones eye two big shows in Chicago — the closest they’ll come to Michigan — their keyboardist chats with Local Spins about the tour, which will also feature Albion-bred The War & Treaty when it hits Los Angeles. Band music director Max Brown calls it ‘the pinnacle of rock ‘n’ roll.’

Photos · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Allegan to Mount Pleasant: Free summertime Michigan concerts just keep on coming

• June 25, 2024

The latest update to Local Spins’ “Free Outdoor Community Concerts Guide” boasts a wide array of regional acts playing cities across the region. Browse the show schedules and view photo galleries from recent weekday shows in Wyoming, Grand Rapids Township and Rockford.

Concert reviews · Photos

Trombone Shorty blows into town yet again with fiery New Orleans swagger

• June 25, 2024

With Orleans Avenue in tow, the popular singer and trombonist brought funk and fun to Meijer Gardens on Monday. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Looking Back at Electric Forest 2024: Energizing beats, stage sensations and evacuations

• June 24, 2024

Cut short by a Sunday storm — after the venue also was cleared on Saturday — Electric Forest nevertheless enticed fans with riveting music, immersive experiences and much more. Recap, highlights, photos, video at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Black Pumas roar into West Michigan to electrify a capacity crowd

• June 24, 2024

Despite a delay caused by a fan’s medical emergency, the Austin-bred duo, plus backing band, heated up Meijer Gardens on Sunday with their signature blend of psychedelic soul and rock, The concert review and photos at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit captivate Kalamazoo, plus O.A.R., Keb Mo, Electric Forest

• June 23, 2024

Isbell and his band delivered a fan-rousing set at State Theatre on Saturday, part of an active week of live shows from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Electric Forest. The photos and more at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Little Feat, Los Lobos steam up legendary licks in rollicking Grand Rapids show

• June 22, 2024

The two, jam-happy rock bands with more than a half-century of music to unleash had folks dancing in the humidity and sunshine at Meijer Gardens on Friday. The review, photos and a Little Feat set list at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Electric Forest 2024’s Day 1: Mugginess, happy throngs, transforming music, uplifting milieu

• June 21, 2024

The first-day salvo at Double JJ Resort in Rothbury boasted massive crowds and memorable sets from The Disco Biscuits, Lettuce, Everything Always and more. The photo galleries, video highlights and the Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast spotlighting festival artists from Michigan.

Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Chicago Beef Joint, Frugthaven Farm fire up summer blues, bluegrass, rock and pop

• June 20, 2024

The latest update to Local Spins’ extensive “Summer Concerts @ Michigan Venues” guide boasts hot shows from Grand Rapids to Greenville. View the schedules and more at Local Spins.

Audio · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Charlotte Bluegrass Festival’s top-shelf bluegrass: Local Spins preview, must-see picks

• June 19, 2024

One of Michigan’s longest-running music festivals will have plenty of folks pickin’ and grinnin’ this weekend at Eaton County Fairgrounds. Local Spins has your festival guide.

Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows

Wanted: Local bands for Kent and Traverse area libraries’ regional streaming services

• June 18, 2024

Two district libraries are seeking tracks by artists from the Grand Rapids and Traverse City areas for special streaming services that showcase Michigan music. Details at Local Spins.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Electric Forest 2024: The Ultimate Local Spins Preview, Must-See Picks & Users’ Guide

• June 17, 2024

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

• June 17, 2024

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

• June 16, 2024

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.

Breaking music news

Muskegon’s Starlight Room closes after a year of concerts and live-show videography

• June 16, 2024

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

• June 15, 2024

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

• June 14, 2024

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

• June 14, 2024

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Tower of Power shines with unmatched horn pizzazz, new lead singer in Grand Rapids show

• June 13, 2024

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

• June 12, 2024

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Foreigner bids adieu with big boost from Styx for super-charged Grand Rapids rock show

• June 12, 2024

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

• June 11, 2024

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

• June 11, 2024

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

• June 10, 2024

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.

Weekend Photo Gallery

June Jubilees: Kalamazoo Pride, GR’s Festival, Pigeons, Baroness, Myron & more (Photos)

• June 9, 2024

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

• June 9, 2024

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

• June 8, 2024

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

• June 7, 2024

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Yee-haw! Masked country singer Orville Peck triumphantly returns to Grand Rapids

• June 6, 2024

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

• June 5, 2024

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Tuneful Tuesday: Meijer Gardens launches music club shows in soulful, funky fashion

• June 5, 2024

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’

• June 4, 2024

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

• June 3, 2024

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

• June 2, 2024

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.

Playlists · Upcoming shows

Amping Up the Amphitheater: The Ultimate Meijer Gardens 2024 Playlist

• June 1, 2024

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

• May 31, 2024

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.

Concert reviews · Photos

Hozier brings ‘sweet music’ to Grand Rapids on ‘Unreal Unearth’ tour

• May 30, 2024

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

• May 29, 2024

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’

• May 28, 2024

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.

Summer Festivals · Videos

Hoxeyville Spring set to debut with Dark Star Orchestra, Allman Betts, ‘world-class’ lineup

• May 27, 2024

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

• May 26, 2024

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

• May 25, 2024

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

• May 25, 2024

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

• May 24, 2024

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

• May 24, 2024

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

• May 23, 2024

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

• May 22, 2024

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.