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 April 30. 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.
Concert announcements · Features · Upcoming shows
Sunday night jazz set for return to SpeakEZ this weekend with ‘best live jazz’ in West Michigan
Nearly four years after the jazz jams were silenced by COVID, drummer Randy Marsh brings the ‘special’ tradition back to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Sunday night. The back story at Local Spins.
Nickel Creek baptizes packed house in Kalamazoo with elite, bluegrass musicianship
The acclaimed trio brought its ‘Celebrants’ tour to Kalamazoo State Theatre on Tuesday and didn’t disappoint. The review and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Grand Rapids musician, producer Greg Baxter: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
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.