With upcoming Michigan shows at Grow Benzie, Sisters, Short’s Pull Barn and Salt of the Earth, New York musician Hugh Pool of Mulebone checks in with Local Spins to talk about his music and his solo touring.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Venue Spotlight
Paw Paw’s Warner Vineyards enlarging amphitheater stage, expanding summer lineup
With a goal of becoming ‘Southwest Michigan’s premier outdoor music venue,’ the amphitheater is creating a bigger stage and adding more national acts to its series. View artist renderings of the revamped Warner Vineyards amphitheater and get details about the 2026 concert season.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Toad the Wet Sprocket’s Glen Phillips embraces solo tour, playing Guiding Light Live & more
With stops this month at St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids in a benefit for Guiding Light followed by The Acorn in Three Oaks, the frontman for the ’90s band opens up for Local Spins about his life and his tour. Get details about both Michigan shows.
Bootstrap Boys, Cabildo, EPCYA, Jeff Schroeder rock inspirational sets at Fountain St. Church
Amid a historic setting, four West Michigan bands created a buzz Sunday and raised thousands at ‘Melt the ICE’ for immigrant families through three organizations. Later, Riot Punch electrified The Pyramid Scheme. View the images and a video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Offspring, Descendents, Mersiv, Dave Simonett, Ward Davis, Echoes of Pink Floyd, more: Photos
The Offspring and Descendents brought hard-rocking tours to Grand Rapids, plus the week saw a mix of national and regional stars at various venues, including Mersiv, Melophobix and Echoes of Pink Floyd. Browse the photos exclusively at Local Spins.
awards · Features · Upcoming shows
Honoring Michigan Music: Jammie Awards’ robust history and the 2026 stage schedule
Since 2000, WYCE has celebrated the best in music, with a who’s who roster of Michigan acts honored. Check out past winners; view the three-stage schedule for the Feb. 20 bash at The Intersection.<
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Seth Bernard’s spiritual journey back from Lyme disease spawns magical live recordings
Local Spins spotlights the northern Michigan musician and activist who just released the first in a series of live albums, while also debuting new music by Rebekah Jon, Steve Rivers and other regional artists. Learn about his journey back from debilitating health issues and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Blues master Tinsley Ellis poised to deliver scintillating ‘Labor of Love’ at Michigan shows
The Southern-bred blues-rock guitarist plays February shows in Lake Orion, Muskegon and Marshall, touring behind his latest albums, “Labor of Love” and “Naked Truth.” The Local Spins interview, along with a recent performance video.
AI Revolution in Music: Stealing creativity and jobs, but offering audio restoration marvels
Part 3 of our series on the fast-emerging dominance of AI in the music businesses spotlights Kalamazoo studio owner Ian Gorman who warns that removing the ‘human element’ from music[…]
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows
Mar in Color: Brandishing a vibrant visual world of indie, electronic alt-pop
The Grand Rapids artist with new music plays a Valentine’s Day show at Tip Top Deluxe, the same night she joins producer-husband TechTonic in opening for Mersiv at The Intersection. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight on this emerging artist along with her music.
Breaking music news · Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Acrisure Amphitheater rising along the Grand River downtown: Take the Local Spins Tour
About three months from opening day, we offer an in-depth look at the 12,000-plus-capacity concert venue and construction progress. Plus, hear from the Michigan acts who’ll be the first to grace its stage and take a video tour.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Desmond Jones, Lady Ace Boogie, Myron Elkins, Y-Not, Yacht Rocket, Incantations, more: Photos
It was a week of live music dominated by Michigan-based artists — from Matthew Borr to Vespa — at several venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, including a new performance space. Get the recaps and view the photo galleries, including images of EDM star Kompany’s Intersection tour stop.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Alla Boara unfurling ‘old Italian folk songs for the 21st century’ in two Michigan tour stops
The singularly talented Cleveland ensemble hailed for ‘historical preservation and musicianship’ plays Ann Arbor and Traverse City this month. The Local Spins interview with bandleader Anthony Taddeo, along with a video of a live performance.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Cabildo ready to rock efforts to protect vulnerable immigrant communities
Part of Grand Rapids’ upcoming ‘Melt the Ice’ benefit, Cabildo’s frontman reflects on the current crisis and the band’s music for Local Spins, which also debuts new music by several other Michigan acts, including The Bootstrap Boys, Clawfoot, Da’Veonce Washington, Seth Bernard and more.
Festivals · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Great Indoor Folk Festival: A Traverse City staple with dozens of ‘talented and unique’ acts
The unique annual showcase of Michigan music unfurls at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons on Feb. 22. Get the lowdown and details about the Great Indoor Folk Festival at Local Spins.
AI in Music, Part 2: Innovative accessory, counterfeit creativity or outright thievery?
The second installment in our series on the power and dangers of AI (artificial intelligence) on the music industry focuses on the views of veteran Grand Rapids sound recordist Joseph McCarger, worries about theft of creativity and more. And see how some Michigan musicians are reacting to the advent of this technology.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
The DAAC in Grand Rapids returns to its S. Division Avenue roots in larger, inclusive space
The all-ages DIY arts and music space has a new home at the renovated Four Star Theatre, less than two miles south from The DAAC’s original location on S. Division Avenue. The story at Local Spins.
Announcements · awards · Videos
Michigan bluegrass hero Billy Strings wins third Grammy Award
The acclaimed guitarist — honored on Sunday for best bluegrass album — also has announced a summer tour that closes out with two ‘hometown’ shows at the Ionia County Fairgrounds. Check out the reaction to his Grammy win and watch a music video from the winning album.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Ann Arbor Folk Festival gets rootsy, rocking, relevant with Crane Wives, Amos Lee, Dawes
The second day of the 49th festival at Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium melded Michigan charm with national esprit after Greensky Bluegrass kicked things off the night before. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Meat Cute tops ‘Punk Rock Lottery,’ plus Neighbor, Fox Stevenson, Toasters, Shlump
The region’s first-ever Punk Rock Lottery featuring three new bands revved up Dormouse Theatre in Kalamazoo, closing out a week of rousing West Michigan shows by The Jet Stone Conspiracy, Supo and more. Get the recaps and browse seven photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Greensky Bluegrass takes Ann Arbor by (winter) storm with electrifying festival debut
The beloved Kalamazoo bluegrass powerhouse kicked off the Ann Arbor Folk Festival on Friday with a fan-inspiring set that followed an opening salvo by guitar icon Junior Brown. The review and photos at Local Spins. The festival continues today with Amos Lee, Dawes and The Crane Wives.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Wild Honey Collective hones dynamic live shows, rootsy string music with a rock edge
The award-winning Wild Honey Collective continues to makes a splash, especially with its live shows, captured recently on a new double album. Get their back story along with the debut of new tracks by a host of Michigan artists, including May Erlewine, The Legal Matters, Koipondcondo and more.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
Movement’s electronic romp to Beaver Island’s resplendent refrains: 2026 Festival Lineups
Carl Cox, Dom Dolla and Sara Landry will headline Movement’s Memorial Day weekend festival in Detroit, while a diverse range of national and regional acts will pump up Beaver Island. Check out lineups for both events.
The AI Revolution in Music: Mind-blowing new tool or ‘Fake bands emulating faux scenarios’?
The power and dangers of AI in music are real and expanding at lightning speed. In this series, Local Spins will explore the sometimes-scary technology with respected Michigan recording engineers. Today, see how easy it is to us an AI platform to create a song and find out why one iconic studio owner reviles this trend.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Acclaimed Michigan producer Glenn Brown: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
The celebrated producer, studio owner and multi-instrumentalist reveals the impact that Jimi Hendrix, Return to Forever and Peter Gabriel had on his own career. Check out his album picks, listen to tracks from each recording.
Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch
The Temperances fuse striking harmonies and indie-angst for haunting new release
The West Michigan indie-folk-pop super-trio which has turned heads with its performances over the past two years has debuted its first studio single. The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Squatch, Avello, Sounds of the Zoo Showcase, Jeff Fest, Bad Bad Hats: Concert Photo Recaps
Frigid wintry weather couldn’t halt the flurry of live music heating up stages from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo over the weekend, from rock and metal to bass music and acoustic glory. Browse all of the photos at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert Recaps · Photos
Michael Sobie, Aiden Wells, Nora Lamb snag top honors in Rockford’s Got Talent show
Friday night’s fifth annual Rockford’s Got Talent Competition packed the high school’s Fine Arts Auditorium, with several performers sharing nearly $7,000 in prize money. The recap, with photos and a video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan clarinetist Dave Bennett’s wild mix of jazz, rock, pop, gospel and more
Local Spins spotlights the unique Southeast Michigan multi-instrumentalist who’s playing two regional shows, as well as debuting new tracks by other Mitten State artists.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Jammie Awards poised to rev things up with diverse 20-act lineup, from August to Y-Not
With 20 regional bands from across the state on the performance bill for the Feb. 20 awards show at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, the annual Jammie Awards roll out as “a snapshot of Michigan music.” View the lineup, get all the deets at Local Spins.
West Michigan singers, musicians, jugglers vying for thousands at Rockford talent show
The fifth annual Rockford’s Got Talent will have a dozen contestants in two categories competing for hefty cash prizes on Friday. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Supo ready to unfurl pop-rock album laced with cinematic, ‘yearning feeling’
Supo, aka Supriya Gupta, will officially release ‘Crushed’ during a performance Monday at The Pyramid Scheme. Get the back story on this emerging artist and listen to one of her latest songs.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Saxophonist Rolly Smith: ‘Albums That Changed My World’ – Brubeck, Coltrane, BS&T
Saxophonist Rolly Smith has long served as an in-demand musician across West Michigan, while also co-founding the avant-fusion band Space Bar. Today, he reveals the albums that have influenced him most. Listen to tracks from these albums and see where Smith will be performing this winter.
Features · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows
Midwest to Miami: Michigan native’s Groove Cruise at apex of electronic music experiences
Grand Rapids’ Jason Beukema has created one of the world’s most successful and unique electronic music celebrations, with this year’s Groove Cruise embarking from Miami later this week. Todd Ernst has the inside scoop, along with a video from last year’s spectacle.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wingdings: Red Sea Pedestrians, Gasoline Lollipops, Technicolor, B93 Guitar Pull
In spite of near-constant snowfall, several West Michigan concerts featuring national as well as regional acts powered through over the weekend. The Local Spins recaps and photos.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Best Michigan artist and album of 2025? Public voting for Jammie Awards has begun
Tickets are on sale for the 2026 WYCE Jammie Awards taking place Feb. 20 at The Intersection, with sets by 15-plus bands. Radio listeners have a voice in the outcome. Plus, see who’s playing the Local Spins pre-show.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
American Rust: Kicking out guitar-powered, real-life ‘middle-of-America rustbelt rock’
Local Spins this week spotlights the West Michigan heartland rockers in American Rust along with debuting new tracks by Feeding Grizzlies, The Temperances, Supo, Zudocks, Luke Winslow-King and more. Check out the story and radio podcast. American Rust plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Jan. 30.
Music festivals, artist features, fresh tracks, reviews, photos: Local Spins’ Michigan mania
As we enter our 14th year, we recap 2025 at Local Spins by looking back at the numbers — our flurry of stories, photo galleries, reviews, podcasts and more that embrace Michigan’s music scene. We haven’t been able to do it without your support.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Greensky Bluegrass, Ann Arbor Folk Festival mark major milestones with 2026 event
Greensky Bluegrass and special guest, ‘guit-steel’ guitarist Junior Brown, star on Ann Arbor Folk Festival’s Day 1, a first for both the band and the festival. Learn more at Local Spins and check out videos from both artists.
Features · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows
‘Chaotic, very punk’: West Michigan’s first Punk Rock Lottery randomly forms new bands
Three new Kalamazoo-area bands formed since early December will perform freshly created songs while competing for ‘bragging rights’ on Jan. 31. The back story about this unusual event at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
Award-winning singer Jennifer Westwood: ‘Artists and Albums that Changed My World’
With Jennifer Westwood & The Handsome Devils making their SpeakEZ Lounge debut in Grand Rapids on Friday (March 6), Local Spins asked the talented singer to reveal her biggest musical influences. Listen to her picks, along with two songs from Westwood’s latest album.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wheat’s flurry of Michigan music, plus May Erlewine, Finding Amelia and more
Saturday’s Winter Wheat festival in Grand Rapids highlighted a weekend of tantalizing live music across the region, from Ghost Bunnies to Hannah Laine to Full Cord Trio. Get the recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Grammotones coming alive as Division Avenue performance, retail and recording space
The unique, cozy Grand Rapids business launched by Brandon Copeland (Dante Cope) hosts hip-hop shows and live music while also selling repurposed clothing and handmade goods. The back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Picking Power: Mandolinist Brian Oberlin, teen guitarist Peter Cavanaugh wow bluegrass fans
Local Spins spotlights the 15-year-old bluegrass maven who’s turning heads and who joins Oberlin at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Check out an exclusive video of a recent performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast filled with new Michigan music.
Michigan Album Reviews: Empress Eyes, N8ure, Radio Vision, Larry D
The first Michigan album review round-up of 2026 spans the state and several genres. Check out the Local Spins takes on these fresh releases and listen to music from each recording.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Prolific trombonist Michael Dease poised to ramp up inspirational jazz in Traverse City
The acclaimed trombonist, composer, Michigan State University educator and versatile multi-instrumentalist releases another album later this month, with a Saturday concert at The Alluvion in Traverse City. Get his back story and listen to his music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Winter Wheat: ‘Coming in hot and bringing the fire’ with Michigan music, communal spirit
Detroit area’s Ember & Ash are just one of more than 10 bands performing Saturday at The Intersection as part of the Wheatland Music Organization’s one-day festival and fundraiser. The preview and schedule.
Concert Recaps · Weekend Photo Gallery
Secret Grief, Ocean & The Universe, Queerapalooza incite fan flurry to launch 2026
Local Spins’ first weekend-concert-photo roundup of the year showcases audience-igniting shows at The Pyramid Scheme and Four Star Theatre. Browse all of the images.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
SpeakEZ Lounge pushes beyond ‘W. Michigan’s best-kept secret’ with live music and more
View the “Destination: Live Music” video spotlight on Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge and check out the upcoming winter/spring schedule of concerts at the downtown restaurant and venue.
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