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.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023: Peter Frampton dazzles Grand Rapids fans in tour kickoff
At No. 6 in our Top 20 of ’23 countdown: The review of classic rock guitarist Peter Frampton’s tour-starting June show at Meijer Gardens that came five decades after his first West Michigan appearance. Revisit the review and photo gallery on Christmas Day.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023: Electric Forest’s radiant spectacle of electronic music, dust and rain
Our countdown of the year’s top stories continues with No. 7 in our Top 20: Revisit Rothbury’s resplendent four-day festival in words and in multiple photo galleries displaying the people, the performers and the unmatched West Michigan setting.
Artist Spotlights · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Billy Strings: Childhood guitar mastery to metal mayhem to dream weaver (Top Stories of 2023)
Local Spins’ interview with Billy’s mother, Deb Apostol, soared to No. 8 in our countdown of Top 20 stories of the year. Revisit his younger years and rise to stardom through the eyes of his mom.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Trans-Siberian Orchestra still wowing holiday crowds, still raising funds for charity
The symphonic rock spectacle that lights up the holidays every year returns to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena the day after Christmas. The interview and preview at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Kalamazoo’s Megan Dooley returns after eight years with live takes on ‘lost songs’
Releasing her first album since 2015, the singer-songwriter was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by several other Michigan artists, including Wuzee & Dusty Fingerz, Abe Savas, Nathan Walton, Radio Vision and more, along with holiday songs by Seth Bernard and Don Benson.
In Memoriam · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 9): Fans, friends mourn West Michigan radio legend Aris Hampers
After battling cancer, the groundbreaking radio DJ who pushed WLAV into national prominence in the 1970s died in February at age 73. Tributes poured in, making it one of the top stories of the year.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of the Year (No. 10): Meijer Gardens sells out 16 shows in morning flurry
As in past years, our coverage of Meijer Gardens’ opening-day salvo of ticket sales for its summer concert series got plenty of attention. Revisit the story and the fallout here.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2023, Part 2: Local Spins writers’ picks for albums, songs, concerts of the year
In place of our usual ‘Amplified’ newsletter this Thursday, we present Phase 2 of our look back at the best music and concerts of 2023. Check out another round of critics’ picks and listen to music from the releases in this year-end roundup.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2023, Pt. 1: Local Spins writers’ picks for albums and concerts of the year
Music of every ilk burst out of the gates in early 2023 and never stopped turning heads. Today, the first round of Local Spins writers reveal picks for the best albums and concerts of the year, from international stars such as Paramore to local faves like Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Launching Billy Strings on his road to stardom: Mandolinist Don Julin (Top Stories of 2023)
Our No. 11 story of the year digs into the early days of Billy Strings’ success with Traverse City mandolinist Don Julin, who says Billy deserves ‘every bit’ of his global fame. Revisit the story here.
The next chapter for Hannah Rose Graves: Music as ‘Medicine,’ rewiring negative thoughts
The mainstay Grand Rapids singer and songwriter recently released her long-awaited new studio album, ‘Medicine.’ She chatted about her new music and her philosophy with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos. Plus, check out a new music video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top 20 Stories of ’23: Buddy Guy at 86 bids lively, blazing blues farewell at Meijer Gardens
A capacity amphitheater crowd reveled in the iconic blues guitarist’s farewell performance in Grand Rapids last June. Revisit the 12th most popular Local Spins post of the year.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
TubaChristmas, Winter Dance Party, Jingle Jam, Holiday Funk, Morgan Evans: Photos
The mid-December flurry of concerts across West Michigan featured plenty of holiday hoopla, plus Short Panic, Smokin’ Dobroleles and Roosevelt Diggs. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2023: Chris Stapleton, The War & Treaty heat up Van Andel Arena (No. 13)
In early June, a capacity crowd greeted country star Chris Stapleton, with Michigan’s own The War & Treaty and Marcus King also on board. The review was the 13th most popular story of the year. Revisit the coverage, including a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
Top Stories of 2023 (No. 14): Jason Isbell unfurls guitar glory, anthemic gems at Meijer Gardens
In early August, Isbell & The 400 Unit — with Michigan native Dominic John Davis on bass — electrified fans at Meijer Gardens. The Local Spins review was the 14th most popular post of the year. Revisit the review, photos and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Short Panic gets groovy with funky, jazzy rock debut
The emerging band playing an album-release show tonight was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by The Night Caps, Troy Ceasar, Cal in Red, Michael Waite, Ficus, Annie & Rod Capps and more. Get the Short Panic back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Venue Spotlight
Top Stories of ’23 Countdown (No. 15): Otsego’s Liquid Note opens new outdoor venue
In June, Chicago blues legend Duke Tumatoe kicked off a summer of music at the brand-new Allegan County venue, which followed up with a day-long Blues Fest. Revisit one of the Top 20 stories of the year.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Photos
Local Spins Wednesdays @ SpeakEZ Lounge: The winter 2024 concert lineup reveal
After wrapping up a robust fall slate of mid-week shows, Local Spins today announces the roster of concerts for winter 2024, including the return of “Tribute Month” in February. Michigan artists on tap includes Blue Water Ramblers, Sophia McIntosh, Nicholas Thomasma, Selkie, Cole Hansen, John Sanger, Josh Rose and more.
Singer Kari Lynch hosting 11th star-studded ‘Jingle Jam’ concert to aid area homeless
The country and Americana artist has organized Saturday’s benefit show in Caledonia, with more than a dozen West Michigan acts performing and raffles to support Mel Trotter Ministries. View the lineup and learn more about this special concert at Local Spins.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Local Spins Top ’23 Stories (No. 16): Calvin, musicians mourn passing of Chris Smit
In January, the much-respected communications professor, songwriter, disability advocate and frontman for West Michigan’s The New Midwest passed away after a long illness.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After touring with Glen Hansard and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, Via Mardot comes home
Ahead of her return to West Michigan to play The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Local Spins catches up with the talented, in-demand Holland native and multi-instrumentalist.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa light up Van Andel Arena: No. 17 on Top 2023 Stories Countdown
‘Young, Wild & Free’ fans were primed to ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ for Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa during a July tour stop in Grand Rapids — Local Spins’ 17th most popular story of the year.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Local Spins’ Top 20 Stories Countdown: Meijer Gardens 2023 series reveal at No. 18
As always, Meijer Gardens’ announcement of its annual summer concert series generated a buzz in April with names such as Nickel Creek, Ben Folds, Peter Frampton and more. What was your favorite ’23 Meijer Gardens show?
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
December Fanfare: Liz Phair, Dirty Honey, Kyle Jennings, Kait Rose and more (Photos)
Unusual, eclectic, electric and elating concerts heated up venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Rockford this week, all covered in images at Local Spins — from an Out of Favor Boys anniversary to an ‘Ugly Sweater’ affair and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Taylor Swift’s Detroit tour stop: No. 19 on Local Spins Top Stories of the Year
The pop superstar’s two-night stand at a sold-out Ford Field featured “The Eras Tour” debut of two songs. The recap, photos and set list made the Top 20 list for 2023 at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
The Local Spins Top 2023 Stories Countdown: Electric Forest’s opening salvo at No. 20
Local Spins today kicks off its countdown of the Top 20 stories of the year, starting with our coverage of Electric Forest’s opening day. The theme? ‘Nobody cares what you do here.’ Indeed, an anything-goes attitude returned to Rothbury with wildly garbed attendees and bass-heavy romps. The recap, photos and video from an iconic Michigan celebration.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo rock songwriter Abe Savas ‘stoked’ to uncork full-band takes on new music
Playing Bell’s tonight, Savas relates the story of his musical voyage for Local Spins, which also debuted new tracks by The Crane Wives, North Keeper, Fangs & Twang and more.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
‘Living the dream’ in New Orleans: Michigan-bred tunesmith Natalie Mae revels in NOLA
Local Spins traveled to The Big Easy to soak up its diverse musical vibe and touch base with a Michigander and multi-instrumentalist who’s immersed herself in New Orleans’ ‘astounding’ music scene. Get Natalie Mae’s back story, watch videos and browse a NOLA photo gallery.
Lindsey Stirling flies high in flashy, festive spectacle at Van Andel Arena
The mesmerizing violinist uncorked her holiday ‘Snow Waltz’ show for fans in Grand Rapids on Tuesday amid impressive dance routines and more. Read the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest twist on 2024: Pretty Lights, Nelly Furtado, Umphrey’s McGee, Excision
Many fans are celebrating the lineup for the Michigan music festival taking place June 20-23 in Rothbury, with everything from Ludacris to Subtronics to Disco Biscuits to Black Tiger Sex Machine to Dumpstaphunk on the bill.
Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions jump to No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart with latest release
The all-new Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for November also features new albums from Free Hat, Full Cord, Liz Townsend and Roosevelt Diggs. Listen to tracks from all the releases.
Meshuggah unfurls monolothic, oppressive and layered metal milieu in Grand Rapids tour stop
The Swedish ‘djent’ metal masters delivered “cold savagery balanced with brainy technicianship” at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Sunday. The Local Spins review by John Serba with photos by Anthony Norkus
Emerging Midwest Gold Records aims to give bands ‘college degree on a job resume’
Formed last summer by Andrew Teed and Ryne Clarke, the new West Michigan record label already has signed several bands to its roster. Learn more about this new label at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Michigan return of The War and Treaty, Over the Rhine: Two warm homecomings
Two bands made triumphant West Michigan appearances over the weekend, with Albion-bred heroes The War & Treaty playing Kalamazoo and the Over the Rhine duo returning yet again to Calvin University, plus Sullivan King playing two straight shows at The Intersection and Arkansauce playing Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe. Get the recaps and browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
43 John Lennon songs that will live forever: The Local Spins Playlist
Dec. 8 marks 43 years since the world lost John Lennon of The Beatles to a brutal assassination. The world still reveres his music, still mourns his loss — with The Beatles even recently releasing one of his songs for the Fab Four’s final track. Listen to Local Spins’ Ultimate John Lennon Playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Vernon Potts taking psychedelic punk to new and ‘goofy,’ off-the-cuff, theatrical heights
The Lowell-based band which plays SpeakEZ Lounge next Wednesday was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by several other Michigan artists. Learn more about Vernon Potts and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Calvin ‘house band’ Over the Rhine eager to return for acoustic Christmas show
The Ohio duo has long made Grand Rapids a regular tour stop and will bring their holiday concert — and lots of memories — to Calvin University’s Chapel on Saturday night. The Local Spins interview.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Videos
Chris DuPont returns to fray with a ‘darkly beautiful listen’: The Local Spins Q&A
The veteran Southeast Michigan singer-songwriter just released his latest EP, “Fragile Things,” and talks about his new music, books, religion and the ‘trip wires’ of relationships with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
U.P. Singer-Songwriter Michael Waite: Three Albums That Changed My World
The popular Local Spins series revealing the musical influences for Michigan musicians and producers continues with the picks of a Michigan tunesmith from the wilds of the Upper Peninsula. Check out his picks, listen to tracks from all of the albums — including a couple of songs from his most recent release.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Michigan’s Kylee Phillips turns pain into ‘redemptive’ cinematic pop on debut recording
Tthe emerging Southeast Michigan indie-pop artist — who recently played Muskegon’s Starlight Room with partner/singer-songwriter Chris DuPont — is promoting her new EP, “Long Time Coming.” The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Photo Recap: Pop Evil, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Desmond Jones, Myron Elkins, Full Cord
Beyond a flurry of football, the long Thanksgiving weekend cooked up a buffet of rock, hip hop, bluegrass, Americana and jam-band charm at venues from Grand Rapids to Holland to Kalamazoo.
Michigan songs versus Ohio songs: The Wolverine State is the clear winner
So a certain much-ballyhooed rivalry game closes out the regular Big 10 season today in Ann Arbor. Local Spins kicks it off with a pre-show battle of songs about Michigan and Ohio. View the musical skirmish and listen to the tracks.
Local Spins on WYCE: Full Cord, Lipstick Jodi, J. Rob and a bunch of No. 1 Hot Top 5 Chart tracks
The Thanksgiving Weekend edition of the radio show spotlighting Michigan music focused on some of the most popular releases of 2023, as well as debuting new tracks by regional bands. Listen to the radio show, check out some new Michigan releases.
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