Tommy James, R.E.M. and Bruce Springsteen have shaped multi-instrumentalist and studio owner Greg Baxter, today’s featured artist in our popular series. Learn more about Baxter and check out his album picks at Local Spins.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Traverse City’s Great Indoor Folk Festival to highlight budding and seasoned Michigan acts
The 14th indoor fest takes place the last Sunday of the month at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, with more than 100 musicians playing eight different stages. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Let the parties begin: Mardi Gras revelry, The Verve Pipe, Sinatra, Walker & Royce (Photos)
The week leading up to Fat Tuesday had a whale of a lot to offer musically in West Michigan: Great Lakes Brass bringing NOLA to Kalamazoo; The Verve Pipe’s homecoming bash; Frank Sinatra and Steely Dan tributes; Walker & Royce, Dylan Marlowe, Willi Carlisle, Josh Meloy and more. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Blue Note’s all-star jazz quintet with a Michigan connection to play cupid in Traverse City
After wowing fans in Grand Rapids, the impressive quintet marking the Blue Note jazz label’s 85th anniversary and featuring Interlochen alum Matt Brewer on bass heats up northern Michigan on Valentine’s Day.
Announcements · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins’ 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year: Singer-songwriter Kanin Wren
This year’s winner is an 18-year-old indie-pop artist from the Lansing area who’s captivated fans across the state with a big voice and big dreams. The Artist Spotlight and Local[…]
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Elisabeth Pixley-Fink is ‘collecting rocks, trying to make art,’ releasing ‘rocking’ new record
The Kalamazoo songwriter now based in Ann Arbor plays The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids Friday and performs at the upcoming Winter Wheat with the Hearth & Hymn duo. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Singer-guitarist Mick Lane: ‘Albums That Changed My World,’ folk icons to Celtic charm
This week’s edition of “Albums That Changed the World” focuses on the artists and recordings that influenced the West Michigan frontman for Irish folk favorites the Conklin Ceili Band. Learn more about Mick Lane and listen to tracks from his favorite albums.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Grammy Awards embrace Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, SZA but skip Michigan nominees
The Michigan contingent at Sunday’s Grammy Awards — including Billy Strings, The War and Treaty and Bob James — came away empty-handed but still made a splash in their own way over the weekend.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rockford’s Got Talent 2024’s big winners, plus the weekend concert photo roundup
Caleb & Jenna, David Wyatt and Mary Salo won big at Saturday’s 13-act West Michigan contest spotlighting impressive emerging talent. Plus, browse photos from several other weekend concerts across the region, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo.
Grand Rapids rock band The American Hotel System reserves No. 1 spot on Hot Top 5 Chart
The award-winning group soared to the top of the chart for the first time with “Can You Hear It?” Learn more about the band and view the rest of the albums which landed in the Top 5 for January.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
‘Singers in the Round’ artist, podcaster Billy Blanchard’s nature-inspired creativity
The Grand Rapids-based singer-songwriter who’s part of a statewide concert series has a unique approach, spotlighted at Local Spins, along with new tracks by other Michigan artists, from Cordero to Laddermatch and Trakzero. Learn more about Billy Blanchard and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Michigan’s Grammy Award Heroes: Billy Strings, The War & Treaty and Greta Van Fleet
On Sunday, three fast-rising, Michigan-bred acts will vie for the most prestigious music awards in the business. Local Spins recaps their amazing journeys to prominence. Plus, listen to a Grammy playlist reflecting their nominated recordings.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Michigan’s John D. Lamb: The joy of trusting your music and being a songwriter’s mentor
For three decades, the Royal Oak tunesmith has hosted Lamb’s Retreat for Songwriters in northern Michigan, creating a beloved annual event embraced by musicians. And he’s still releasing his own music, too. Learn more about the retreat and listen to his music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Ferris State music business program chief Paul Kwant: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
Today, Local Spins’ “Three Albums That Changed the World” series features Prof. Paul Kwant, a guitarist who runs FSU’s Music & Entertainment Business Program. Check out — and listen to — his fun, guitar-driven rock picks and learn more about Ferris’ music business education track.
The DAAC endures as Grand Rapids pillar of all-inclusive, all-ages performances and art
Despite financial struggles and relocations over the years, the music venue, art gallery and DIY project incubator continues to shine as a space for artistic expression. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ann Arbor Folk Fest hits high water mark, plus Digable Planets, Nathan Walton, more (Photos)
Things really heated up musically across Michigan amid the last full week of January, from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Grand Haven. Check out the Folk Festival recap and 11 photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Bronson Arm brings its own ‘thundering swing’ to sludgy, noise rock project
The duo formed in 2019 recently released a self-titled album and plays a Grand Rapids show on Sunday night. The Artist Spotlight feature at Local Spins, along with band videos.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Deerfield Run’s Alex Austin steps out, puts ‘spike in ground’ with eclectic new solo project
The Grand Rapids singer-guitarist who releases his album next month opened up about the project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by several Michigan artists, including The Marsupials, Katie Pederson, Mustard’s Retreat, Fangs and Twang, Kyle Evan Pluta and more.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
WYCE’s Jammie Awards announce band lineup from ‘an amazing pipeline of talent’
From Full Cord and The Bootstrap Boys to Laura Rain and Jack Droppers, 19 bands and solo artists will perform at the Feb. 23 celebration taking place at The Intersection in Grand Rapids. The lineup at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Petoskey’s Michigan Rattlers set to bring ‘songs-forward rock ‘n’ roll’ to Ann Arbor Folk Fest
The Michigan-bred Americana band has morphed from an acoustic-driven sound to a more electric vibe while retaining its lyrical Midwest charm. Local Spins catches up with the band ahead of its Saturday folk fest appearance.
Concert announcements · Festivals
Rescheduled Winter Wheat festival to warm up The Intersection in February
After the one-day Jan. 13 festival was scrapped due to a snowstorm, the Wheatland Music Organization found a way to line up nine Michigan bands for a February soiree. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
‘Choir girl with quartet roots’: Avalon Cutts-Jones adds opera to neo-soul and jazz cache
The Grand Rapids singer will perform with Karen Albert and Lucy Finkel on Friday for ‘So You Think You Don’t Like Opera’ as part of the Music in the Heights series. Learn more about her at Local Spins.
Concert Photo Round-Up: Kill the Noise, Taylor Swift Experience, Tambourina and much more
From dubstep, electro house and drum & bass to pop to Americana and more, regional and national acts lit up stages from Grand Rapids to the lakeshore to Kalamazoo. Check out the photos at Local Spins.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ann Arbor Folk Festival returns next weekend with big names, rising artists, under-radar acts
The highly acclaimed two-day Michigan festival returns full throttle on Jan. 26-27 for the first time since the pre-pandemic days of 2020. Get details, ticket links and a Q&A with performer Lizzie No at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Emerging indie-pop star Sophia McIntosh creates buzz with big voice, piano prowess
With a new single and upcoming SpeakEZ show, the Grand Rapids teen finds the spotlight for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks this week by other Michigan acts, including debuts by Prior Noon, The Westside, Chirp and Evolve Sound.
Michigan Album Reviews: Full Cord, DJ Blaze 589, Snakeout, The Hired Hands and more
This mid-January round-up of Michigan albums also features Local Spins takes on a special re-release from Overdrive Orchestra as well as an ‘esoteric’ collection from Kalamazoo’s Handturner. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Americana’s Allison Russell draws standing ovations in Grand Rapids tour stop (Photos)
The ‘powerful, spiritually rooted’ Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter brought her tour behind ‘The Returner’ to Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Tuesday. Browse the Local Spins photos.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: ‘Music That Changed My World,’ Tina Turner to The White Stripes
Today, Local Spins’ popular series exploring the recordings that have impacted musicians, celebrities and various leaders spotlights the Michigan governor’s picks — and Great Lakes State artists play a starring role. Check out her picks and listen to the tracks at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Videos · Whatever Happened To
With new album ahead, Michigan-bred Nathan Kalish dips into uncharted ‘creative territory’
Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos recently caught up with the singer-songwriter and record producer now based in Nashville who got his musical start in the Grand Rapids area two decades ago. Check out the Q&A.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Drummer Zach Dubay’s obsessive, hamburger-inspiring, multi-band wizardry
Today’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight and feature on up-and-coming Michigan musicians to watch focuses on Grand Rapids drummer Zach Dubay, who’s been turning heads with several different bands. Get his back story, watch videos of his performances with two different bands.
Announcements · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Playlists · Videos
Winter wipes out Winter Wheat but Local Spins has the music and Wheatland ’23 memories
The snow-pocalypse has canceled scads of Michigan shows, including Saturday’s 12-band benefit for Wheatland Music Organization. But listen to the music that had been scheduled for the event and relive last summer’s Wheatland festival amid today’s storm thanks to a special Local Spins playlist and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Silent Spirit’s exploration of electronic music shifts to ambient, serene beauty
The Grand Rapids artist performing and recording as Silent Spirit opened up about his latest project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by several Michigan bands, including FlyLiteGemini, Snakeout, J.H. Patton & The Good Companions and more. Learn more about Silent Spirit and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Commentary · Detroit Lions · Playlists · Videos
Soundtrack to a Playoff Victory: The Detroit Lions finally set to roll as ‘Gridiron Heroes’
We musically recount the Detroit Lions’ mostly futile playoff experiences since their 1957 championship while predicting a Sunday win amid more upbeat themes for an NFL team on the rise. The Local Spins column and a unique playoff playlist.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Interlochen Jazz Director Chris Glassman: Three Albums That Changed My World
Today, the Local Spins series reveals the recordings and artists that inspired northern Michigan trombonist Chris Glassman, from Leonard Bernstein to Steve Davis to Rodney Whitaker. Listen to tracks from all of the albums, plus a couple songs of his own.
Announcements · Commentary · Features
Local Spins keeps spinning: Michigan’s No. 1 music website posts another record year
Today, your favorite online music magazine posts a little year-in-review after wrapping up our 12th year as Michigan’s go-to music website. Help keep our coverage spinning.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Hannah Rose Graves, Troy Ceasar, Short Panic, The Mollusks & more
2024’s first roundup of Michigan releases at Local Spins ranges from singer-songwriter charm to hip hop glory to funk to rock fervor, from Southeast Michigan’s Annie & Rod Capps to Holland’s Lost Magic. Check out the reviews; listen to the music.
Sunday Recap · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Sunday Recap: Michael Bolton’s surgery, Pocket Watch pics, FlyLiteGemini video & more
Today, Local Spins revisits the top music stories of the past week — local and national — showcases photo galleries from area shows and debuts new music video from FlyLiteGemini and The Claudettes.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Calling Michigan Musicians: Opnr seeking acts to play South by Southwest at Midwest House
Midwest House will once again host performances by a diverse array of regional artists at SXSW in Austin come March. Get the lowdown at Local Spins and see how bands can apply.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys resurrect Cajun and zydeco charm after series of calamities
The northern Michigan dance band returning to the stage was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by other regional artists, including Hannah Rose Graves, Painted Friends, Sammie Hershock and more. Learn more about the Benzie Playboys and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Audio
Kalamazoo’s Jarad ‘Saxsquatch’ Selner: Albums That Changed My World, Pink Floyd to Herbie
Local Spins kicks off the 2024 edition of its popular ‘Albums That Changed the World’ series with a look at the recordings that inspired the renowned Kalamazoo saxophonist. Check out his picks; listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5
Hannah Rose Graves harnesses irrepressible ‘energy force’ to hit No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart
The popular singer’s latest album topped an all-new December chart of Michigan releases which also included debuts by Short Panic, Space Bar, LVRS and Ben Traverse & Nick Veine. View the chart and listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Greensky Bluegrass, Mustard Plug, New Year’s Fest, Nathan Walton, Trifocal: Photo Recaps
Celebrations from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids closed out 2023 and welcomed the New Year over the holiday weekend, from a two-night run by Greensky Bluegrass to a cozy party at Turnstiles and more. View all the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Lighting Up Michigan: Local Spins’ 2024 Michigan Music Festivals Guide and User Tips
Presenting our guide to 2024 Michigan music festivals and kickoff to festival fun, a New Year’s Day tradition at Local Spins. We’ve got tips for festivalgoers and the state’s most comprehensive festival listing.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Local Spins’ No. 1 artist & story of 2023: Billy Strings romps, rumbles in all-star homecoming
Our No. 1 artist and story of the year spotlights homegrown bluegrass hero Billy Strings, whose wrestling-themed Halloween spectacle rolled out as an unprecedented, star-studded, five-hour, epic event. Revisit the review, photos, set list and more as Local Spins wraps up its countdown of the Top 20 stories of 2023.
Features · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Devoted Herd of ‘Billy Goat’ Fans: Digging into the Billy Strings mystique (No. 2 Story of 2023)
Many fans say the beloved Michigan-bred guitarist has changed their lives. Our October feature digging into unprecedented ardor for the superstar soared to No. 2 in our top stories of the year. Plus, view a new photo gallery of fans and more from Billy Strings’ October concert.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Top 10 Lists
The Top 10 Tracks of 2023 by Michigan Artists (Local Spins on WYCE)
Today, we reveal the Top 10 songs of the year by Michigan bands and solo acts, based on airplay at Grand Rapids’ WYCE (88.1 FM). View the Top 10, listen to the music and this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 3): Gruff, enigmatic Bob Dylan still shines in Grand Rapids tour stop
The rather upbeat 82-year-old legend brought his “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour to DeVos Performance Hall in October, an unpredictable show characteristic of an evening with Dylan which sparked our No. 3 most-read story of the year. Revisit it today.
Artist Spotlights · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Billy Strings Uncut: Studying classical guitar, touring the globe (The No. 4 Story of 2023)
In a revealing chat, Ionia County’s favorite bluegrass son talks about touring, his adoring fans, taking classical music lessons and his Halloween homecoming. It was Local Spins’ No. 4 story of the year.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 5): Ageless Ringo Starr awes GR fans with a little help from friends
Ringo and His All Starr Band unleashed a cavalcade of hits for a capacity crowd at DeVos Performance Hall in early October. The review snagged the No. 5 spot in our year-end countdown. Revisit the concert recap, photos and set list.
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