With more than 40 concert series pumping up venues big and small across the state this summer, Local Spins has the lineups to help you plan your musical travels. View the schedules.
Fleet Foxes unfurl intoxicating vocal glory for packed house in Grand Rapids
The second stop on the band’s U.S tour delivered lush harmonies, horn enhancements and plenty of fan favorites on Wednesday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Alejandro Escovedo’s rock ’n’ roll journey: Honesty, hardship and beautiful stories
The illustrious, highly acclaimed Texas-based musician and songwriter brings his tour to Michigan for shows at Midtown in Grand Rapids and Acorn Center for the Performing Arts in Three Oaks. The Local Spins interview, with a Top 15 playlist of his songs.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals
Blues at Buttermilk: Guitarist Selwyn Birchwood hyped for energetic festival set
The much-beloved Buttermilk Jamboree at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids unfurls with more than 50 acts playing several stages this weekend, including ‘Florida Man’ Selwyn Birchwood. The Local Spins interview with Birchwood, plus check out the full festival schedule.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Week-in-Review: From Meshell to Duke Tumatoe to O.A.R., GR to Allegan to Kalamazoo
Starting with another Tuesday Evening Music Club show at Meijer Gardens to weekend-ending tour stops and the debut of a new West Michigan concert venue, it was a week to remember. Browse all of the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Quinn XCII basks in Van Andel Arena homecoming love with pop vigor
Mammoth national tour stops dominated the weekend, from Quinn XCII in Grand Rapids to Taylor Swift in Detroit. Revisit Quinn XCII’s Saturday romp in words and photos.
‘Bejeweled and Enchanted’: Taylor Swift unleashes pop spectacle at Detroit show
Friday’s opening salvo of a two-night stand at a sold-out Ford Field featured “The Eras Tour” debut of two songs. The recap, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Schrock Brothers tout family harmonies, rootsy all-star cast on new album
The new recording by the West Michigan band was spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Common Molly, The Missing Generation, Rustbell, The Rockit King and more. Learn more about The Schrock Brothers and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Nickel Creek rolls out ‘big time’ of bluegrass and folk to launch Meijer Gardens series
’Nights like these are the best,’ mandolinist Chris Thile proclaimed. And many fans at the sold-out, sun-splashed Grand Rapids Township amphitheater on Thursday would agree. The concert review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
GRAM on the Green 2023 goes ‘hyper-local’ with world music, country, rock, soul
The free series outside Grand Rapids Art Museum and co-hosted by WYCE-FM kicks off July 20 with La Furia Del Ritmo and runs through Aug. 10. The schedule, plus a rundown of this weekend’s area music festivals.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Otsego’s Liquid Note set to open new 500-capacity outdoor venue on Friday
Chicago blues legend Duke Tumatoe will kick off a summer of music at the Allegan County venue, with a day-long Blues Fest planned for July. Learn more about this new concert space and view photos at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Nor-East’r Music and Art Festival 2023: The Local Spins Preview & Top 15 Playlist
Michigan’s music festival season is in full gear, so Local Spins will provide sneak peeks into many of the summer’s most popular, user-friendly celebrations. Today, Mio’s Nor-East’r taking place this coming weekend is in the spotlight.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Free Summer Concerts: Allegan, Hastings, EGR, Wyoming, Holland, Cedar Springs, Zeeland
Local Spins’ latest update on weeknight community concerts adds schedules for shows in more than three dozen Michigan cities, with many revving up starting this week. View the lineups; get the link to the full concert guide.
Troll for Trout hits No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart with first album in 13 years
The West Michigan folk-rock band’s latest release topped the May chart ahead of new recordings from Earth Radio, The Bootstrap Boys, Chance Jones and RyneShyne. Listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Festival Spectacles: Kalamazoo Pride, Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts jumpstart June
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, West Michigan was in a festive mood this weekend, thanks to Festival of the Arts, the Kalamazoo Pride Festival and more. The images and recaps at Local Spins.
Grand Rapids’ Festival rocks downtown stages, streets on Day 1 amid scorching temps
The three-day Festival of the Arts launched Friday amid sunny, 90-degree weather with more than two dozen performances on five stages. Browse the recap with photos and view the Saturday-Sunday schedule.
Chris Stapleton, The War & Treaty, Marcus King bring soulful heat to Van Andel Arena
Friday’s Grand Rapids tour stop matched the scorching temperatures outside with sizzling sets that included a homecoming welcome for the Michigan-bred War and Treaty. The concert review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The weird, juice-flowing, upbeat, four-saxophone jazz attack of GR’s Space Bar
The avant-fusion, experimental jazz group was spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured new music by Lipstick Jodi, American Hotel System, Overdrive Orchestra and more. Get the back story on Space Bar, watch a video of their performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
The Alluvion hits ‘sweet spot’ in Traverse City as intimate, new high-level venue
The mid-sized, riverfront concert space has impressed musicians and fans alike during its spring ‘preview mode,’ with more to come. Get the back story, plus photos and a video.
Commentary · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Best of Fest: Local Spins’ picks for must-see acts at Grand Rapids’ 2023 Festival of the Arts
With 130-plus performances on six stages over three days, Local Spins makes the return of Festival of the Arts to downtown Grand Rapids an easier row to hoe for attendees with our writers’ picks for sets to catch.
Meijer Gardens’ Tuesday Evening Music Club launches with vibrant, multi-cultural affair
One fan called it the ‘best place to be on a Tuesday night.’ Singer Sarena Rae and Motherland Cultural Connections proved that with crowd-pleasing sets on a sunny, warm night. Read the recap, browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit spawned ‘super chill’ vibe for holiday weekend of music
The Memorial Day weekend festival along Lake Michigan in West Olive boasted performances by more than a dozen Michigan acts amid glorious summer-starting weather. A photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Michigan Music Festivals Update: Beaver Island, Spirit of the Woods, Frederic & more
Uncle Sam Jam, East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival and LBMA Fest are also part of this week’s Michigan festival roundup, presented by Local Spins on Memorial Day — the unofficial kickoff to summer.
Local Spins Fest 2023 Revisited: The Video
A week after celebrating the 11th anniversary of Local Spins with a six-band festival in downtown Grand Rapids, we unveil a highlights video from an event to remember. It’s bonus coverage for Memorial Day weekend.
Bus Benefit revels in ‘great start’ for Memorial Day weekend of music and ‘hippie vans’
The Junky Swinger and Nicholas James Thomasma & The Bandwagon got the festival started on Friday amid sunny skies and upbeat vibes. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
‘A Dream Come True’: The War & Treaty set to open for Chris Stapleton at Van Andel Arena
Playing a dozen U.S. dates with the country/Southern rock superstar, Tanya and Michael Trotter will return to Grand Rapids for an arena-sized homecoming. Get their reaction to being named a tour opener and listen to an encore Local Spins on WYCE show.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Detroit’s ‘Techno Christmas’: Movement set to celebrate with diverse, hard-hitting lineup
Local Spins’ ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ columnist Todd Ernst previews the electronic music festival firing up Memorial Day weekend with international stars. Get the lowdown on must-see acts and view the full schedule at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Buses by the Beach’s Bus Benefit: Launching summer with ‘full force’ music, camaraderie
The Memorial Day weekend festival along Lake Michigan has become a tradition for many, with performances by more than a dozen Michigan artists. The schedule and details at Local Spins.The Memorial Day weekend festival along Lake Michigan has become a tradition for many, with performances by more than a dozen Michigan artists. The schedule and details at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Max Lockwood, Jim Alfredson, The Bootstrap Boys & more
This May roundup of new releases by Michigan artists also features a look at recordings by Signal Quartet, The JR Band and Wowza in Kalamazoo. Listen to tracks from all of the releases and find out where these artists are performing.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Starlight Room debuts, plus Larry Fleet, Larry McCray, Desmond Jones: Photo Recaps
A unique new Muskegon venue opened its doors over the weekend, captured in photos at Local Spins along with concerts at three different Kalamazoo hot spots. Learn more about The Starlight Room and revisit its premiere in images.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Empowering, energizing, gratifying: Local Spins Fest launches summer of music
Celebrating Local Spins’ 11th birthday and the power of Michigan’s female artistry, the second annual festival drew enthused crowds Saturday for sets by six regional bands: In the Valley Below, Earth Radio, Sarena Rae, Kari Lynch Band, Lokella and Grace Theisen Band. The recap, photos and a video at Local Spins.
Rude concert behavior & disturbing trends in modern music: Local Spins readers speak out
With summer concert season about to kick off in robust fashion, Local Spins recently asked readers to disclose what bothers them most about live shows and recent music trends.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish toast 10 years of raucous, aggressive rock ’n’ blues
The West Michigan duo playing an anniversary show next week got cozy with Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Space Bar, Jack Droppers, The Crane Wives, Cameron Blake, Brent Godfrey and more. Learn more about Jesse Ray and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
KDL Vibes streaming service invites West Michigan bands to submit music
For the third time, the special Kent District Library streaming platform will accept music submissions from local and regional artists. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Fest · Upcoming shows · Videos
Acclaimed In the Valley Below aims to deliver ‘rock and romance’ at Local Spins Fest 2023
On Saturday, Local Spins Fest returns to downtown Grand Rapids with six Michigan bands. Today, we shed light on headliner In the Valley Below for our final band Q&A in the countdown to the big day and watch a video their recent performance on TV8’s ‘EightWest.’
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
Indigo Girls, Fastball, Soccer Mommy, Soul Rebels to heat up GR’s Listening Lawn series
Staged at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids, the eight-show outdoor series kicks off with Tank & The Bangas on July 12 and also features local faves The Crane Wives and The Verve Pipe. Get the full schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Stryper’s ‘Final Battle’ not the end for hard-rocking band playing GR tonight
Still heavy, still touring and still professing deep faith, Stryper rolls into Elevation at the Intersection tonight. The Local Spins interview, along with the band’s latest music video.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Fair Ground Festival debuts, plus Holler Fest, Michigan Irish Fest, Walk the Beat 2023 lineups
Michigan’s summer festival roster keeps growing, with weekly lineup announcements delighting fans bracing for one of the busiest seasons ever. Check out performer rosters for several 2023 music festivals today at Local Spins
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mid-May Musical Melange: Trivium, Babyface Ray, Loudon Wainwright, Drake White & More
Regional acts such as Max Lockwood, Megan Dooley, Lisa Can’t Sing and Darcy Wilkin are also part of this weekend’s concert photo roundup, which includes images from Drake White, Real Friends, The Plot in You, Wreckno and more. Plus, see who won the B93 Battle to the Bash. Browse all the galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Brit Floyd celebrates 50 years of ‘Dark Side of the Moon‘ with Grand Rapids tour stop
The much-admired Pink Floyd tribute band returns to DeVos Performance Hall on Monday. The Local Spins interview with the group’s frontman and a look at why tribute bands have soared in popularity.
The War and Treaty catapult to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart with ‘Lover’s Game’
The soulful Americana duo originally hailing from Michigan found favor with WYCE listeners and programmers when it comes to their latest studio album. View the full chart at Local Spins and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Seth Beck bracing for full-band roller coaster ride of colorful, alternative indie-rock
The West Michigander now based in Chicago returns to Grand Rapids for a special band show tonight, touring behind his latest album. The artist profile at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kate Hinote Trio’s beautiful, weird, dark alternative folk to make Grand Rapids debut
The Detroit-area band playing SpeakEZ on Wednesday was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Jesse Cline, Silverstiles, Chance Jones, Tess Clark, Letrick Olson, Pink Sky, Emma Bieniewicz and more. Learn more about the Kate Hinote Trio and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Welcome to Muskegon’s Starlight Room: State-of-the-art sound, live recording venue
With a capacity of 100 to 205, the new listening room – with unique offerings for concertgoers and bands – officially opens on May 19. Learn more about The Starlight Room’s approach and take a photo tour.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Fest · Videos
Local Spins Fest Countdown: Grace Theisen’s potent, principled musical mission
On May 20, Kalamazoo’s Grace Theisen Band kicks off the second Local Spins Fest in downtown Grand Rapids. Today, Theisen answers seven questions about her musical journey and her favorite artists. Plus, watch her most recent music video and check out the full Local Spins Fest schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Max Lockwood’s holistic, ‘full circle’ fusion of singer-songwriter grace and rock ’n’ roll
The Grand Rapids multi-instrumentalist releases a new studio album Friday at Midtown in Grand Rapids. The Local Spins profile of Max Lockwood, along with two tracks from his latest recording.
Breaking music news · Contests · Videos
Kalamazoo area’s Annabelle Fuerst & Payton Carter win New Moon Songwriting Challenge
The inaugural April songwriting competition drew entries from across Michigan, with Traverse City’s Trillium Groove snagging runner-up honors. Get details and listen to the winning songs.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Free Summer Concerts: Rockford, Grand Haven, Kalamazoo, GR’s Relax at Rosa & more
Today, Local Spins reveals another batch of summer community concerts starring regional acts taking place on weeknights and weekdays across Michigan. Check out lineups from Ada to Hart and beyond.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
City and Colour, Troll for Trout, Cadillac Three & More: Week-in-Review Concert Photos
The week had plenty to offer live music fans, from national touring acts to milestone shows featuring regional bands. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins, including images from appearances by Kolby Cooper, Organissimo, Kait Rose, Ringo Deathstarr, Tambourina and the Bass Country electronic music bash.
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