Michigan’s bluegrass hero returned to Grand Rapids in late May for two jam-packed, epic nights at Van Andel Arena, sparking pre-parties, a marketplace and more. Revisit the hubbub in words and images.
Features · Summer Concerts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of the Year (No. 2 & No. 3): Prince’s enduring legacy, Meijer Gardens’ robust series
As the year end approaches, Local Spins’ countdown of its top 2025 stories hits No. 2 and No. 3 — our in-depth look back at Prince’s impact and the continued popularity of Meijer Gardens concerts.
Grand Rapids hip-hop acts pull off musical slam dunk during Grand Rapids Gold halftime show
Several Grand Rapids hip hop artists performed for fans Saturday at Van Andel Arena, an exuberant, milestone halftime show that included a new Grand Rapids Gold anthem. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mustard Plug, Payton & Annabelle, American Hotel System, Incantations heat up the holidays
Our recap of musical romps from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo casts a wide net in terms of styles and traditions, from Mustard Plug’s ska spectacle to a folk duo’s tribute to Simon & Garfunkel. Browse the photos.
Playlists · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Top Stories of 2025 (No. 4): The Ultimate Jack White Playlists & A Ford Field Spectacle
Local Spins’ countdown of its top stories of the year continues with our Jack White playlist that coincided with the Detroit rocker’s rousing Thanksgiving halftime show at Ford Field. Plus, check out the video of that show.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
May Erlewine, Hannah Laine, Bootstrap Boys top WYCE’s most-played Michigan acts
Today, we reveal the Top 6 Michigan artists of 2025 based on airplay at Grand Rapids’ WYCE. At No. 1 is May Erlewine, so listen to our encore presentation of our March interview with the heralded singer-songwriter, along with fresh tracks by Jack White & Eminem and Aiden Wells.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2025 (No. 5): Dwight Yoakam, Mavericks turn things loose in Kalamazoo show
It proved to be The Mavericks’ final Michigan show. Country icon Dwight Yoakam headlined the late March concert at Wings Event Center. Revisit the review and photo gallery as part of our year-end countdown.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Jack White unleashes spirited rock spectacle in Grand Rapids: Top 10 Stories of 2025 (No. 6)
The Detroit-bred guitarist blazed a loud, shapeshifting trail through his career catalog in mid-April for 2,600 rabid fans at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. We revisit the Local Spins review, with photos, as part of our countdown of the Top 10 stories of the year.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
In-demand Traverse City bassist John Richard Paul makes waves with solo songwriting charm
For today’s Artist Spotlight, Local Spins profiles a much-sought-after northern Michigan musician and singer-songwriter who releases his second solo album in early 2026. Get John Richard Paul’s back story, listen to his music.
Top 10 Lists · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of ’25 Countdown (No. 7): GR’s Festival of the Arts shuts down after 55 years
The stunning news came in February, ending an era that began in 1970 as the city’s first celebration of the arts. Performers, attendees and volunteers reacted overwhelmingly with sadness and disappointment. Revisit the announcement as part of our ‘Top Stories of 2025’ countdown.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Holiday Romps: Bradley Sinclair, All American Funk Parade, Kari Lynch & more (Photos)
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Caledonia, Michigan bands celebrated the holidays in their own, inimitable ways. The recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Accidentals give holidays fresh home-style boost with help from Kaboom Studio Orchestra
The Traverse City-bred alt-folk trio The Accidentals brought the Michigan tour behind its new Christmas album to Grand Rapids’ Big Room on Friday, impressing fans with enhancement from an ensemble of young Ohio musicians. Review, photos.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2025: Local Spins staffers tout the artists & releases that topped their playlists
From Perfume Genius to NF to Rosalia, the roster of impressive albums cited by Local Spins writers covered a lot of territory in 2025. View their picks — along with some selections submitted by readers — and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase featuring some of the best tracks by Michigan artists.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Billy Strings creates Charlotte Bluegrass Festival buzz: Top Stories of 2025 (No. 8)
The guitar phenom in June headlined Day 1 of the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, the first festival he ever attended as a boy. Later that night, sadly, his mother died. The recap in our top stories countdown.
West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year Rick Reuther sings to make people ‘feel something’
Singer and musician Rick Reuther has made singing and performing his passion from a young age, now honored and revered for his contributions to the region’s music scene. The Local Spins interview with samples of his music.
Concert reviews · Top 10 Lists · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2025 (No. 9): 90-year-old Herb Alpert blows away fans in Grand Rapids
Our countdown of Local Spins’ most-buzzed-about stories of the year continues with a review of legendary trumpeter Herb Alpert’s May tour stop at DeVos Performance Hall that drew robust standing ovations.
Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids to host global Latvian Song & Dance Festival over Fourth of July weekend
Thousands will flock to West Michigan next summer for this internationally acclaimed festival featuring hundreds of musicians and dancers performing at several different venues. Tickets go on sale today. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jonas Brothers, Knee Deep Shag, Hot Girls, Soul Coughing, KAR: Concert Recaps
Local Spins’ week-in-review roundup of concerts as the weather turned frigid features sizzling hot shows from national stars and regional favorites. Browse the photos and a video, including Sunday’s tour-ending Grand Rapids concert by Soul Coughing.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Venue Spotlight
Local Spins’ Top 10 Stories of 2025 Countdown: Muskegon debuts new concert venue (No. 10)
Our countdown of our most-read music stories of 2025 kicks off today with a video spotlight on The Stage at The Corner in Muskegon. The countdown continues next week.
Gift Guide · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Michigan Music Lovers Gift Guide: Local Spins’ ideal Christmas shopping list (& podcast)
Local Spins has assembled a holiday shopping list that would be the envy of Santa Claus when it comes to the perfect gifts for music lovers on your radar. And most of them sport a Michigan vibe. Plus, get more ideas by listening to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast, featuring new music by 14 Mitten State artists.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The Dangling Participles twirl with ‘Christmas Waltz’ as holiday show beckons on Saturday
The Lansing indie-folk trio chats with Local Spins about its latest singles ahead of their annual holiday showcase at UrbanBeat in Lansing. Listen to the holiday tune and another 2025 track, too.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest 2026 to star Kaskade, Chris Lake, GRiZ, Illenium: The Local Spins lineup review
The state’s biggest summer music festival returns to Rothbury next June, with tickets on sale Friday. Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst gives a rundown of the announced lineup.
Michigan Album Reviews: 84 Tigers, G-Hollow, Silverstiles, Lost Magic
With the holidays fast approaching, Local Spins digs into four recent album and EP releases by Michigan artists. Check out our takes on these recordings and listen to tracks from all of them.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids band that’s ‘just very silly, off the cuff’ while chasing fame & sparking laughs
Hot Girls, featuring two members from the band Desmond Jones, makes its SpeakEZ Lounge debut on Friday and let’s face it: No one knows just what might happen on stage. The Local Spins back story.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Yonder Mountain String Band, Lemonheads, Bela Fleck, Ghost-Note: Concert Photo Recaps
The week started and ended with a bang … at different ends of the musical spectrum. Maddy O’Neal, The Claudettes, Cold Leather Seats, Ghost-Note and Miki Yamaka are also part of the Local Spins live music-in-review roundup. Browse all of the photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids indie-rock’s PHABIES embraces smart, artistic visuals to boost fan experience
West Michigan’s PHABIES will open Michigander’s second annual holiday show in Grand Rapids tonight while eyeing more new music, more touring and a special album-release show. Learn more about the band and watch its videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
After Nashville’s ‘wild ride,’ Myron Elkins back to embrace Michigan’s ‘common-man’ ideals
Back home in Otsego, the Americana artist puts Music City’s ‘weird’ vibe behind him to create new music, with an upcoming show at Flint’s Machine Shop. Plus, Local Spins debuts fresh tracks from other Michigan artists, including N8ure, The Accidentals, August, Quinlan Mauer and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ghost-Note poised to electrify Holland with mix of hip hop, jazz and ‘conscious funk’
Led by Grammy Award winners from the highly acclaimed Snarky Puppy, Dallas’ Ghost-Note makes a tour stop Sunday at Holland’s Park Theatre. The Local Spins interview with this hard-hitting band.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Cold Leather Seats set to turn up temperature with SpeakEZ show, upcoming new music
The West Michigan Americana-driven band makes its Local Spins Wednesday debut at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Local Spins catches up with the group after a busy year of performances.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Home for the Holidays: Michigander heating up back-to-back Christmas specials in GR
The anthemic pop-rocker follows up an intimate show at Midtown with an indie-rock-fueled ‘Holiday Special’ Saturday at The Intersection’s Elevation. The Local Spins Q&A with frontman Jason Singer.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Trans-Siberian Orchestra back to dazzle Michigan with thunderous Christmas bombast
The symphonic metal stars in Trans-Siberian Orchestra return to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena for two ‘Ghosts of Christmas Eve’ shows this weekend, with a Detroit stop on Dec. 27. The Local Spins interview with drummer Jeff Plate, along with videos of live TSO performances.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Snowstorm Serenade: Desmond Jones, Kait Rose, Organissimo, Daniel Staggs (Photos)
Winter arrived in Michigan with a snowy bang over Thanksgiving weekend, but bands from Kalamazoo to Traverse City heated up stages in spite of the weather, including Desmond Jones’ traditional day-before-Thanksgiving romp. View the photos at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: Spencer LaJoye, Caitlin Cusack, Lafayette Gunter Jr., Billy King
With the holidays fast approaching, Local Spins recaps several new releases by Michigan artists — not only to showcase their varied music, but give you ideas for the music lovers on your shopping list. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan Music: 1000 Watt Prophets, Billy King, Rachel Curtis, Mystique & more
The Thanksgiving weekend edition of the Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase boasts fresh tracks by a diverse set of artists, plus some enduring music from Jack White and Organissimo. Listen to the full radio show podcast.
Audio · Detroit Lions · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Jack White Rocks the Detroit Lions: The Ultimate Local Spins Playlists for Thanksgiving
As Detroit rock icon Jack White prepares to play the halftime show at Ford Field for today’s Thanksgiving Day tilt between the Lions and the Green Bay Packers, Local Spins unleashes two Jack White-centric playlists for the ages.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Organissimo turns 25, ready to unfurl its B3-fueled, soulful jazz in Traverse City, Ann Arbor
The soulful jazz trio formed by organist Jim Alfredson and drummer Randy Marsh will play two star-studded shows to celebrate its birthday. Learn about Organissimo’s history and listen to its music at Local Spins.
Announcements · Festivals · Photos · Special Offers
Local Spins 2026 Calendars: Toasting Michigan musicians in vibrant photos, plus festival dates
They’re back and for 2026, they’re more resplendent than ever. The Local Spins 2026 Calendars are photo-laden Michigan-centric keepsakes that make stellar holiday gifts. Order yours today because supplies are limited.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys two-step to 25th anniversary celebration of zydeco charm
N. Michigan’s Benzie Playboys, the state’s leading purveyor of Cajun & zydeco music, marks a quarter-century of dance-inspiring revelry Wednesday in Frankfort. Local Spins digs into its remarkable history.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Brett Dennen, Djangophonique, Luke Winslow-King, Michigan Songwriters: Concert Photos
Top-shelf songwriting from Brett Dennen, Luke Winslow-King and others — along with stellar musicianship — took the spotlight at several concerts across West Michigan over the weekend. Plus, check out videos and photos from the jam-packed ‘Laurel Canyon II’ tribute night.
Local Spins’ Top 5 Concerts of ’25: What were your favorite shows & albums of the year?
To heat things up for our upcoming year-end round-up of best concerts and albums of 2025, we’re revealing the Top 5 concerts based on reader counts of concert reviews, and asking readers to submit their favorites, too. Those that do will be entered into a drawing for a Local Spins gift pack.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
From Michigan to Morocco, Luke Winslow-King embraces diversity as solo tour hits home state
On a Michigan tour with a new album on the way, Luke Winslow-King reveals the back story about a special new world music project, his love of his home state and more with Local Spins, which also debuts new tracks by Major Murphy, The JR Band, Bob James abd more Mitten State artists. Listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Local Grins: Matt Sharpe’s Comedy Therapy, Thanksgiving Week Funnies, Star Tour Stops
The November edition of the Local Grins comedy roundup puts a spotlight on the healing power of comedy and a rundown of upcoming can’t-miss shows around the region.
Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Doors: The Ultimate Playlist at Local Spins as curtain drops on The Insane Theatre
The music of The Doors has endured for more than a half-century. So, Local Spins Wednesdays at SpeakEZ Lounge presents The Insane Theatre tribute to The Doors tonight — the perfect opportunity to unveil our Top 12 playlist of the iconic band’s most memorable songs.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Empress Eyes embraces emotional energy, vulnerability with new dream pop EP
The Grand Rapids artist Empress Eyes who has released several singles this year talks about her music, her live performances and more in an interview with Local Spins. Plus, watch her latest music video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
N. Michigan author, musician, traveler Robert Downes to bring stories, music to Traverse City
The co-founder of Northern Express and prolific author Robert Downes will unfurl his multi-media “Stories & Songs” show at City Opera House on Thursday. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Joe Hertler, Hacky Turtles hit home run at Big Room, plus Thomas Dolby, SoDown & more
Saturday night’s benefit for Sullivan Field drew a robust crowd for Joe Hertler and The Hacky Turtles. Plus, view photos from tour stops by Thomas Dolby, SoDown, Bobby Watson and YDG, with regional favorites Ghost Bunnies, Jake Simmons and more in our concert photo gallery roundup.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Tunesmith Brett Dennen painting inspirational, unique live shows as tour hits Michigan
The California folk-pop artist next week plays The Big Room in Grand Rapids and The Ark in Ann Arbor, with plans to display paintings on stage to add to the fan experience. The Local Spins interview.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan Album Reviews: Accidentals, Tony Halchak, Greensky Bluegrass, Schrock Bros
Today, Local Spins not only reviews new albums by Michigan artists, but presents this week’s edition of the Michigan Music Showcase featuring the latest tracks from 11 Mitten State bands and solo acts. Check out the reviews, listen to the radio show podcast and see where some of these artists will be performing.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Anne Wilson straddling country and Christian music as ‘Stars’ tour hits Michigan
Inspired by her late brother, Anne Wilson has quickly cultivated a devoted — and often young — audience for her ‘faith-driven’ music. She plays Detroit on Saturday and a sold-out show in Grand Rapids on Sunday. Learn more about Wilson and watch two music videos at Local Spins.
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