When Al-Saadi and Kingfisher rock Milliken Auditorium on April 13, they’ll do so with a big assist from Northwestern Michigan College students handling every aspect of the concert experience. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Bay Harbor’s summer concert lineup oozes variety: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to Temptations
The Great Lakes Center for the Arts south of Petoskey dubs it “A Season for Dreamers” with everything from Jo Dee Messina and LeAnn Rimes to Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Get the schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Shagbark Fest 2024 lineup stars Myron Elkins, Desmond Jones, Full Cord and more
A who’s who roster of regional bands — from Chirp and The Bootstrap Boys to Hannah Rose Graves and The Microtones with Don Julin — will light up the August music festival in southern Kent County. Details, links at Local Spins.
Fall Out Boy unleashes pop-punk/emo spectacle during Grand Rapids tour stop
Tuesday’s impressive, fan-pleasing stage show at Van Andel Arena also featured sets by Jimmy Eat World, Hot Mulligan and Games We Play. The Local Spins review, photos and set list.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Michigan Rattlers’ Graham Young: Albums That Changed My World, AC/DC to Keith Jarrett
Today, Local Spins reveals the albums that have greatly influenced guitarist and songwriter Graham Young from Petoskey’s Michigan Rattlers. Check out — and listen to — his picks.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan’s Frontier Ruckus drops first album in 7 years, finds true love, gets back on the road
The eclectic folk-rock band just released “On the Northline,” its first release since 2017, with several Michigan shows on tap over the next month. The revealing Local Spins interview with songwriter Matthew Milia.
Breaking music news · Weekend Photo Gallery
Band Battles, Steve Hackett, May Erlewine, Kai Wachi & More: Concert Photo Recaps
The arrival of spring brought more than unseasonable snow to the region: It also featured tour stops by international favorites, local bands battling for finals in two different contests, an intimate concert by a beloved Michigan songbird and more — all recapped in photos by Local Spins.
Marshall Crenshaw resurrects pop roots, ‘jangly delights’ in home-state tour stop
The New York-based singer-songwriter came home to Michigan with his band on Friday, delivering a performance featuring fan favorites from his acclaimed debut album along with music spanning his career. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Joel Ferguson: From rocking with Papa Vegas to musical beauty at Planet Sunday Studios
The multi-instrumentalist who’s run Rockford’s Planet Sunday for 12 years is featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The War & Treaty, Caliko, Ryn Scott, Harry Dean & The Dusty Boys, Mama’s Hot Sauce, Glassfield and more. Get Joel Ferguson’s back story and listen to today’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Contests · Summer Festivals
Local Spins Fest 2024 to showcase ‘The Future of Michigan Music’ in May
Nathan Walton & The Remedy will headline the May 18 festival at Grand Rapids’ Studio Park that will also feature Elijah Russ, Short Panic, teen bands and more in celebrating Local Spins’ 12th anniversary. Get all the details, ticket links and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
From Royal Albert Hall to Kalamazoo State Theatre, Steve Hackett keeps Genesis alive
The legendary guitarist brings his “Genesis Revisited: Foxtrot at Fifty + Hackett Highlights” tour to West Michigan on Saturday. The Local Spins interview and show preview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Harmonica whiz Peter Madcat Ruth at 75: Still loving ‘the sounds, the music, the songs’
Michigan’s masterful, eclectic multi-instrumentalist plays Traverse City on Saturday and a big 75th birthday bash at Ann Arbor’s The Ark on April 2. The Local Spins interview with a beloved musician and collaborator.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Billy Strings revs up hardcore metal mayhem in ‘surprise’ appearance at Grand Rapids club
The Grammy Award-winning bluegrass guitarist turned into a hair-tossing, metalcore shredder with the band Flesh and Blood Robot during the sold-out Sunday show. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Farewell Come April wins battle round, GWAR, Tyler Booth, The Surfrajettes & more (Photos)
It wasn’t ALL about St. Patrick’s Day when it comes to live music this past week (though there was plenty of that). The Stray’s Battle of the Bands continued, plus West Michigan saw tour stops by several national fan-wowing acts — including Circles Around the Sun — as well as shows by some regional favorites. And it was all recapped in photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
‘Let the Shenanigans Begin’: Irish on Ionia, Quinn & Tuite’s charm hordes of revelers
Thousands of merrymakers packed streets in downtown Grand Rapids for Michigan’s largest St. Patrick’s Day street party while others jammed into places such as Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub. Photos, videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rocker Marshall Crenshaw ‘still connected’ to Michigan as 40th anniversary tour comes home
The pop-hued singer-songwriter who first made a splash with “Someday, Someway” in the 1980s plays St. Cecilia Music Center next Friday with a Brighton concert also on tap. The Local Spins interview.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan Album Reviews: Big Timmy, Samil, The Still Wonder, St. Joe Jack and More
This month’s round-up recapping new Michigan releases also takes a sneak peek into recordings by Laddermatch, Ryan Lynch and The J Hawkins Band. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the releases
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
MaRynn Taylor embraces small-town Rockford roots amid Nashville’s next generation of stars
As MaRynn Taylor climbs the country music charts and accomplishes career milestones, she holds onto the wonder of her younger self while following in the footsteps of the country stars she grew up admiring. The Local Spins interview, along with Taylor’s latest music videos.
St. Paddy’s Day Mania: Irish on Ionia throngs to Irish pub charm, it’s the Local Spins preview
St. Patrick’s Day revelry begins early this week and continues through the weekend across West Michigan. Get the lowdown on Irish on Ionia and performances at other watering holes in the region in this preview. We’ve got the details and party listings.
Manic Monday: Gary Numan’s haunting dark wave; Avenged Sevenfold’s ‘Cosmic’ metal
It was a tale of two intense shows within blocks of each other on Monday night. Local Spins has recaps of Gary Numan’s mesmerizing show at Elevation and Avenged Sevenfold’s Van Andel Arena tour stop. Browse the photo galleries and set lists.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan bands, solo artists strutting their stuff at massive 2024 SXSW in Austin
March always signals a pilgrimage of musicians and singer-songwriters from across the globe seeking exposure for their art at Texas’ South by Southwest, with dozens of them from Michigan. The lowdown and the lineup at Local Spins.
Hip hop’s Lecrae, Christian rock’s Crowder heat up Winter Jam at Van Andel Arena
Sunday’s return to Grand Rapids of the popular annual Christian music tour played to a near-capacity audience that lined up for hours outside before the show. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
New & Time-Tested: Bailey Zimmerman, Still Remains, Tossers, The Still Wonder & more
From Grand Rapids to Muskegon to Kalamazoo, live music fans got to experience lots of new acts and environments while also embracing some tried-and-true favorites — all recapped in images at Local Spins. Check out photos/videos of Gyasi, The Fat Animals, Roosevelt Diggs, Jay Gavan & The Flying Leaps, the Vultures John Mayer Tribute and more.
Michigan’s New Moon Songwriting Challenge revs up second year for co-written songs
Designed to encourage Michigan artists to collaborate with other musicians, the competition will accept song entries from April 1 to May 31. Get details and link to enter at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
West Michigan’s Porter Kenyon expanding indie-pop sound with latest EP
The award-winning singer-songwriter and performer unfurled new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Desmond Jones, The Skinny Limbs, Rachel Brooke, Rip Smidgeon, Inaudible Darling and other Michigan artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Winter Jam ready to spring into musical action in Grand Rapids with Lecrae, David Crowder
The annual tour of Christian music artists rolls into Van Andel Arena on Sunday evening with more than a half-dozen stars. the Local Spins preview and interviews with Lecrae and David Crowder, along with their latest music videos.
Samil’s instrumental romp tops varied Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart of Michigan releases
The February chart representing the most-played Michigan albums at WYCE boasted everything from rock to ska to folk to country to funk. View the chart, listen to tracks from all the releases.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Playlists
Keyboard chameleon & producer Joe Hettinga: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
Keyboardist, producer and studio engineer Joe Hettinga lists recordings by Paul Simon, Phish and Cannonball Adderley among those that shaped him as a musician. Learn more about Hettinga, check out his picks and listen to one of his current favorites along with tracks on which he’s featured.
Artist Spotlights · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Saxophone great Bob Mintzer’s commanding quartet set to amp up Traverse City’s Alluvion
Advocating communication and improvisation on stage, the acclaimed Mintzer — who attended Interlochen Arts Academy — brings his quartet to northern Michigan on Saturday. The Local Spins interview, along with two Mintzer videos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Silversun Pickups, Aimee Mann, Chelsea Cutler, Kylie Morgan & more concert photo recaps
West Michigan tour stops were just part of an active live music week with Chase Matthew, Crankdat, Celeste Allison, Payton & Annabelle, Garbage Angel and more lighting up stages. Browse all of the photo galleries and a video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival Frolic: Crowds back in full force for live sets, guitar vendors
The Kalamazoo festival celebrating the heritage of stringed instruments on Saturday boasted nine fan-enticing performances, impromptu jams and lots of folks browsing exhibits and vendors. Get the recap, video highlights and a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Introducing the first-ever Local Spins Fest poster contest for teen artists
Deadline Extended: Local Spins is looking for designs by young artists ages 12 to 18 that it will incorporate into its official poster for the 2024 Local Spins Fest taking place at Studio Park in Grand Rapids on May 18. The details at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan’s Pretoria embracing coming-of-age, ‘not-by-the-numbers’ power pop
With a growing, ardent fan base, the Grand Rapids band is touring the country and making noise in a good way. Plus, the Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast with new tracks by Michigan artists, including The Still Wonder, Nick Caster & Ty March, MaRynn Taylor, Brutes, Ann Wade and more.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
The Stray’s expanded 2024 Battle of the Bands revels in diverse lineups
The month-long competition kicks off in Grand Rapids on Saturday and boasts 20 Michigan bands and artists. The lineup and more at Local Spins.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival poised for new & traditional, from The Mickeys to Joel Mabus
The Fretboard Festival’s return this weekend to Kalamazoo Valley Museum features returning veteran artists as well as fresh musical faces, along with guitars, vendors and more. Get the full performance schedule and more at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Playlists
Songwriter, in-demand musician Max Lockwood: Albums That Changed My World
Pearl Jam, The Band, Bob Dylan all figure into Lockwood’s biggest influences, along with an under-the-radar artist. Check out the latest edition of this popular series and listen to tracks from the albums, along with songs from Lockwood’s latest studio recording.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens amps up summer 2024: Los Lobos, Little Feat, Temptations, Andrew Bird
Today’s ‘sneak-peek’ announcement of three concerts booked for the popular amphitheater series boasts impressive double bills. Meijer Gardens also has revealed a new ticketing provider for 2024. Get the details at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
SpeakEZ Lounge kicking live music ‘up a notch’ by adding Fridays to concert lineup
Already hosting Sunday night jazz jams and Local Spins Wednesdays shows, the cozy downtown Grand Rapids venue starts up Friday offerings in March. Get the full upcoming schedule at Local Spins, along with a playlist of SpeakEZ performers.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Sofar Sounds debuts, Cameron Blake soars, Heavy Chevys get soulful and more (Photos)
West Michigan’s live music weekend boasted more than just the Jammie Awards, with a Sam Hunt tour stop, an album-release show, a benefit for music programs, the launch of a new pop-up concert series and more — all recapped in Local Spins photos and videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Bonus Coverage: The spectacle and power of Michigan music at the 2024 Jammie Awards
WYCE’s annual celebration of local and regional music not only toasted some of the best releases of the year but showcased diverse talent on three stages amid a packed house of robust fans at Intersection. Highlights, photos, video.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Bootstrap Boys, Full Cord, Mustard Plug, American Hotel System hit it big at Jammies
The Friday night celebration of Michigan music boasted a packed house at The Intersection, diverse sets and awards given out in 18 categories. Get a recap, browse photos and see the full list of winners.
Concert announcements · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Sofar Sounds’ secret ‘pop-up’ concerts make Grand Rapids debut on Saturday
Part of a global trend, Sofar doesn’t announce concert lineups or details until the day of the show. Learn more in this story and today’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast — a podcast hat also previews the Jammie Awards and debuts tracks by Steven Malcolm, Von May, The J Hawkins Band and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Cameron Blake set for ‘passion-filled’ concert at final Music to Benefit Music event
The Grand Rapids violinist and tunesmith who’s added parts for The War & Treaty’s upcoming new album will close out Saturday’s fundraiser at Hudsonville’s Pinnacle Center. The lowdown at Local Spins with a video and photo gallery.
Tuesday Tale of Musical Contrasts: The novel ‘Hip Opera’ and Pantera’s metal mayhem
Opera Grand Rapids’ first-ever ‘Hip Opera’ unfolded at Meijer Gardens the same night that heavy metal icons Pantera revved up Van Andel Arena, along with Lamb of God and Child Bite. Get the recaps and browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Musical Discovery: Seven new performers at the 2024 Jammie Awards you need to know
Our preview of Friday’s mammoth WYCE Jammie Awards focuses on several emerging acts who’ve never played the event. Learn more about these bands, listen to their music and check out the complete performance schedule.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat triumphs + Domestic Problems, LowDown Brass, Spencer LaJoye, jazz & more
Sunday’s rescheduled Winter Wheat and the return of jazz to SpeakEZ Lounge capped off a fascinating week of live music across West Michigan. The photo galleries, videos and more from seven shows at Local Spins, including Jackson Dean, LowDown Brass Band. Spencer LaJoye and Randissimo’s Sunday Night Jazz.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Sunday Profile: Hip hop’s Steven Malcolm psyched about ‘transforming’ new album
The nationally acclaimed, faith-based West Michigan artist who’s racked up millions of listens on Spotify and YouTube stages a listening party for his album, “BOATS,” on Friday at StudioCor3 in Grand Rapids. The back story on this rising star, along with two of his latest music videos.
Unique ‘Hip Opera’ headed to Meijer Gardens as a ‘love letter’ from opera to hip hop
Created by Opera Grand Rapids, Tuesday night’s first-ever production will star DJ Chuck, a string ensemble, dancers and an ‘authentic’ vibe. The back story and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Winter Wheat act Lynn & The Moonshine Runners: Branching out from ‘mountain music’
West Michigan duo frontman Lynn Thompson who plays the Sunday festival has another album on the way. Plus, Local Spins debuts tracks by several other Michigan artists, including Tommy Schichtel, Ficus, The Inn, Samil, Brother Wolf, Natalie Gaza, Troy Ceasar, Aaron James Wright and more.
Listen to Local Spins Live
