10 years ago to the day, West Michigan’s Josh Rose voiced his plea for no-frills, no-texting, no-talking milieus at concerts as vital for performers and fans. He still hankers for that. Local Spins Rewind revisits that column with some updates a decade later.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The J Hawkins Band: Traverse City’s gritty agent of ‘Southern rock soul with country fire’
The northern Michigan rock band releases its third album on Friday, performing at The Venue Event Center in Cadillac. Get the band’s back story and listen to its latest single at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: Kate Hinote Trio, Sonny Ski, DJ Blaze 589, deadbeatdad
Our mid-October roundup of recent releases by Great Lakes State artists delves into indie-folk, hip hop and electro-pop. Check out the reviews and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Molly, Erin Monroe, Abe Savas, Zero Sun & more serenade October: Photos
Call it a weekend to celebrate new albums and fresh music performed by some regional favorites. Molly, Erin Monroe, Abe Savas and Zero Sun provided an eclectic mix for enthused fans. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
Hip hop’s Adrian Wright: Rap as a ‘safe haven’ and making real connections with listeners
The Grand Rapids hip-hop, soul and funk artist is poised to rev up The Stray tonight with his band, The Great Let Gos. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature on this emerging star.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
New life for Grand Rapids’ Ladies Literary Club: ‘The Lit’ hosting concerts and more
The Soods will help christen the revitalized historic building at 61 Sheldon Blvd. SE which has reopened as a community space for concerts and more. The story and this week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase.
Don Was and Detroit cohorts blow the roof off during tour-opening Traverse City show
Touting their debut studio album, Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble revved up the intimate confines of The Alluvion listening room with two sold-out shows on Wednesday. The review and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
Cadillac blows a KISS to glam rock glory with party marking 50 years since surprise concert
Call it “Cadillac Rock City.” Townspeople and KISS fans plan to “Rock and Roll All Nite” and more this weekend to commemorate the legendary rock band’s surprise 1975 high school homecoming concert. Get a rundown on all of the action, from a KISS-themed drone show to a tribute concert and more at Local Spins.
Michael Riley journeys back to cinematic music creativity with lush new EP, analog studio
After a lengthy hiatus, the highly regarded Grand Rapids singer-songwriter not only has a new recording under the moniker This is the Movie, but he’s opening an all-analog recording space with Dustin Anderson. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Announcements · Contests · Photos · Summer Festivals
Vincent Brady: Winner of Local Spins’ first-ever Michigan Festival Photo Contest
In early June, we asked music fans attending summer festivals across Michigan to submit their favorite photos from their musical jaunts. Today, we crown the winner. Plus, browse photos of all of the contest entries and select galleries from Local Spins photographers from the 2025 summer festival season.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Lumineers, Ben Folds, SCOTS, Bridge City Sinners: Concert Photo Recaps
West Michigan’s music week took interesting turns: folk-rock, Southern-fried Americana, punky folk-bluegrass, Pulaski Days polkas, performances at the Great Lakes Music Camp. Images at Local Spins. SCROLL DOWN FOR[…]
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Molly makes her return: Grand Rapids’ soulful star headed to Big Room with album ahead
The much-admired West Michigan singer and songwriter will play a full-band show at The Big Room on Saturday, the day after releasing a new single and music video, with more fresh songs on the way. The Local Spins interview.
October’s Out-of-the-Ordinary Concert Crush: The month’s top must-see Michigan shows
October means most live music has moved indoors — but certainly not all of it. Local Spins rounds up some of the state’s must-see shows as autumn settles in.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Singer, improviser, bathrobe model: Marc Rebillet brings wild ‘performance art’ to GR
The Texas electronic musician and YouTube star makes a stop on his ‘Places I’ve Never Played And Will Never Play Again’ tour Sunday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Sean Anthony Sullivan brings ‘pack of wolves’ mentality to new rock record
Local Spins spotlights the Lansing-area rocker who releases ‘Rock and Roll Will Save Us All’ next month, plus debuts fresh tracks from other Michigan artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Feng E set to unleash jaw-dropping ukulele magic in Grand Rapids — Hendrix to Nirvana
The 18-year-old Taiwanese virtuoso has become an internet sensation drawing millions of views on YouTube for his astonishing prowess on the ukulele. He plays Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill on Sunday. The Local Spins interview.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Cameron Blake hosts ‘anti-AI’ listening event for new album tonight at Wealthy Theatre
The much-respected Grand Rapids singer-songwriter’s listening party for his new project, ‘Saffron,’ will also include a documentary screening, a Q&A session and short performances. The details and an interview with Blake at Local Spins.
Features · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Best Michigan concerts and festivals of the summer: Local Spins readers’ & writers’ picks
Staff and fans offered a long list of summer 2025’s most impressive shows, including Billy Strings, Blissfest, The Revivalists, Alison Krauss, Wheatland, The Accidentals and more. View their picks; add your own.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Kalamazoo State Theatre to reopen under new ownership after restoration, modernization
Dan and Holly Carmichael of Lead Balloon Productions have purchased the historic Kalamazoo theater, with plans for renovations and reopening the landmark for concerts and comedy shows. The story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble: Oozing a soul-jazz groove reflecting Detroit’s vibe
The legendary Motor City musician and producer leads the new top-shelf ensemble releasing its debut album next month, with tour stops in Traverse City, Lansing and Detroit. The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Kalamazoo wraps up Sounds of the Zoo 2025 with summery, light-festooned revelry
Reflecting the milieu of the entire seven-day music festival, Sunday’s closing salvo at Bronson Park boasted a wide swath of styles amid stellar weather. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Lainey Wilson touts Michigan flair, plus Sierra Hull, Joe Hertler, Dee Sutton, Sounds of the Zoo
West Michigan’s live music weekend boasted no shortage of stars — national and regional, from a fast-rising country singer with a multi-talented Michigander in tow to summer’s final blast at Bell’s Beer Garden and more. View the photos and videos, exclusively at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Skelletones venue to take hiatus after December, seeks new location
The iconic, all-ages music hangout — which launched its second go-round at 133 S. Division Ave. in Grand Rapids in September 2021 — will ‘bid farewell’ to that space on New Year’s Eve and take time to relocate and ‘figure out the future.’
Concert reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
Sounds of the Zoo charms Kalamazoo with hot hip hop, eclectic jazz, bracing rock & soul
The first four days of Kalamazoo’s week-long musical celebration have covered a lot of bases. Get the recap, photos and listen to this week’s radio show podcast featuring tracks by more than a dozen Michigan artists.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens resumes fall concerts with Michigan artists lighting up ‘Autumn Nights’
Eight different Michigan acts will perform on Tuesday nights at two different locations amid Meijer Gardens’ celebration of October. Details and the schedule at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Photos
Wuzee, Affy, Sonny Ski, Huntchino, Gwopped Up Speedy rack up wins at GR Hip-Hop Awards
Last weekend’s Grand Rapids Hip-Hop Awards hosted by Victor Williams, Jonathan Jelks, Willie the Kid and TEKH TOGO also honored Ruben Martinez, Lady Ace Boogie, Push the City Cypher, Alfie Da Great and many more. The recap and full winners’ list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Sounds of the Zoo 2025 launches with eclectic musical mix, forum for artistic expression
Monday’s opening showcase at The Clover Room in Kalamazoo was the kickoff to seven days of live music at a host of venues. Get the recap, photos and festival schedule for Tuesday through Sunday.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Red Wings join Quinn XCII, La Dispute’s homecoming, Bell’s 40th & more: Recaps
Our week-in-review of West Michigan concerts boasts milestone performances and a send-off show for a Grand Rapids singer, plus The Baseball Project, Superchunk, The Bootstrap Boys and more. Get the show recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo eager to amplify voices ‘bigger than just an event’ at Sounds of the Zoo fest
The fourth-year, week-long Sounds of the Zoo music festival will unfold on eight stages over seven days starting Monday with more than four dozen bands and solo artists. Get the preview and schedule at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Otsego’s Liquid Note music venue shutting down due to ‘diminished’ attendance
After six years of indoor and outdoor shows, the Allegan County business will close Sept. 27, joining a roster of West Michigan concert venues that have closed over the past year. The back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan’s Heat Above embraces ‘crazy’ emotion, honesty with melancholy dream rock
The Flint-area rock band has released singles this year with more music, shows ahead. Local Spins spotlights the band and debuts tracks by other Michigan artists, including Luke Winslow-King, Whorled, JonPaul Wallace, Hail Your Highness, Hand of Giants and more. Learn more about Heat Above and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Jon Pardi’s honky-tonk, Young the Giant’s acoustic romp, Front Bottoms’ rock: Photos
Thursday brought three national tours to Grand Rapids at three different venues — pumping up fans for far different live music experiences. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Young the Giant finding ‘so much good energy’ on acoustic tour hitting Grand Rapids tonight
The California indie-rock band brings its ‘In the Open’ acoustic tour to Grand Rapids’ Fountain Street Church on Thursday night, revisiting stripped-back versions of their songs. The Local Spins interview with band member Eric Cannata.
Commentary · Local Grins · Upcoming shows
Local Grins Fall Fun: Samantha Bee, Parks & Rec’s Jerry Gergich, Three-Night Stand & More
Fall fun of the knee-slapping variety ramps up Grand Rapids in coming weeks with national stars, a three-night comedy microfestival and a comedy night during Tech Week. Get the complete lowdown with Local Grins, including an interview with Samantha Bee.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues relives metal glory in stooped, wrinkled, old-fart fashion
The boys are back: More than 40 years after the enduring classic ‘This is Spinal Tap’ hit the big screen, the aging rockers return for a goofy but entertaining reunion. The Local Spins review.
Billy Strings: Using the ‘beautiful energy’ from his late mom to make healing music
National Public Radio’s ‘Fresh Air’ last week aired a revealing interview with the Ionia County-bred bluegrass star, who’s still haunted by the overdose death of his mother. We revisit excerpts at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Rilo Kiley closes Meijer Gardens’ biggest season with nostalgic faves, salty-but-sweet sound
Perfect weather and a sold-out crowd with ‘arms outstretched’ greeted the reunited aughts indie darlings, wrapping up the amphitheater’s summer series. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Vibes Fest, Michigan Irish Fest, Lucius Fox, Celeste Allison, Soccer Mommy: Photo Recap
Music lovers couldn’t have asked for much more: Regional bands at Vibes Fest, Celtic strains in Muskegon, an M-45 Celebration, two album-release shows in Kalamazoo and a tour stop by Soccer Mommy. The photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Americana’s Rusty Vining & His Friends making ‘bold and clear’ statement with new music
Local Spins spotlights Vining who has a pre-release show at The Stray tonight (Saturday), plus debuts new music by Don Was, Pablo Eskobear, Alex Austin, Celeste Allison, Just Magnetic and more. Learn more about Vining and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Vance Joy conveys ‘Divine Feelings,’ heart and harmony in fan-immersive GR tour stop
The picture-perfect evening at Meijer Gardens provided an ideal setting Thursday for the Australian folk-pop singer-songwriter’s impressive, sold-out performance. Review, photos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jazz Musician Tommy Pancy: From playing a $75 saxophone to hosting Sunday jazz jams
Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge kicks off regular jazz jams hosted by the saxophonist starting Sunday, with area musicians invited to join the fun. Learn more about Pancy and these sessions.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Bootstrap Boys raring to kick up heels in fall kickoff to SpeakEZ Lounge series
With a “massive” new project on the way, Grand Rapids’ favorite vintage country/outlaw country outfit is set to jump-start autumn with help from pedal steel guitarist Justin Wierenga. Learn more at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Wheatland unfurls another ‘beautiful,’ uplifting weekend of eclectic roots music
One of Michigan’s longest-running music festivals embraced everything from traditional music to rock, funk and more on several stages and amid the woods in Remus last weekend. The Local Spins recap, photos and video.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert & Festival Photo Recap: Sunny War, Eastown Streetfair, Kalamashoegazer and more
The early September flurry of concerts and festivals across West Michigan included a long-running Grand Rapids street fair and celebrations in Kalamazoo, plus concerts featuring Jauz, The Nuance, Sunny War and more. Browse the photo galleries and come back to Local Spins on Tuesday for full coverage of the Wheatland Music Festival.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Hip-hop artist Sonny Ski: A regular guy with an irregular mind making waves in Grand Raids
In this profile of an up-and-coming rapper, Sonny Ski talks about balancing faith, family and fierce competition as he prepares to release his next project, ‘Regular Guy, Irregular Mind.’ Learn more about Sonny Ski and listen to his music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Milk Carton Kids heading back to Michigan for nights of stories, songs and harmonies
The harmony-laden California duo return to The Ark in Ann Arbor on Monday and St. Cecilia Music Center in GR on Tuesday for a night of indie-folk. Tuesday’s show kicks off the fall Acoustic Cafe Folk Series.
Alison Krauss & Union Station, Jerry Douglas enchant Meijer Gardens fans amid brisk temps
The shining, award-winning bluegrass star captivated fans on Friday. Check out the Local Spins review by West Michigan fiddler Keala Venema, who performs with the area bands Whorled, Candid Antics and others. Check out the review and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan Irish Music Festival poised to continue legacy as ‘Holy Grail’ of festivals
Next week’s celebration in Muskegon boasts international stars as well as regional Celtic favorites. Get the preview and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase featuring performers at several September festivals and concerts.
Summer Festivals · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Videos
September 2025’s Top 10 shows and music festivals: The Local Spins Big List
While festival season has started to wind down, Michigan’s September lineup still boasts several big events as well as concerts by national touring acts. View our ‘Big List,’ with links to more information and tickets.
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