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.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids singer Sarena Rae: Inspired by music, empowering others, taking ‘smart risks’
On May 20, celebrated Grand Rapids singer Sarena Rae joins six other acts playing the second Local Spins Fest in downtown Grand Rapids. Today, she answers seven questions about her life, her music and more, providing unique insights into this talented emerging star.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Troll for Trout takes folk-rock fans down ‘North Downriver Road’ for new double-album
Thirteen years after its last original release, the West Michigan band is back with new music. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted tracks by Max Lockwood, American Restless, Jim Alfredson, Jeff Socia, Jeff Karoub, Michigander, Silver Creek Revival and more. Get the back story on Troll for Trout and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Night of Heavenly Voices: The Lone Bellow and Lindsay Lou cast spell at St. Cecilia
It was a night of captivating vocals in Grand Rapids on Thursday, as well as heartfelt stories and inspiring songs. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Lindsay Lou: Loving harmonies, energetic late-night jams and celebratory spaces
Michigan-bred singer and songwriter Lindsay Lou opens for The Lone Bellow at St. Cecilia Music Center tonight (Thursday). Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos checks in with the talented, Nashville-based artist.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
GR’s Jazz in the Park 2023 set to swing on Monday nights for the 23rd year
Kicking off June 12, the popular free series will feature a host of jazz favorites, including Mary Rademacher, Steve Talaga, Big Band Nouveau, Andrew Rathbun and more. Get the full schedule at Local Spins.
Father John Misty portends ‘Next 20th Century’ in lush, seductive Grand Rapids tour stop
The Maryland indie-rock/folk-rock singer-songwriter played to a capacity crowd at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Tuesday, part of his tour with Butch Bastard. The photos and set list at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Michigan Festival Fervor: Lineups for Tie Dye, Porcupine Mountains, Jackson Blues and more
The flurry of summer music festival news continues, with Michigan boasting celebrations covering everything from metal to folk to blues to jazz and more. Details at Local Spins with links to Phil Denny’s Jazz Fete, Battle Creek Caribbean Festival, Battle Creek Music Fest, Smiling Acres, Local Spins Fest and more.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens’ 2023 Tuesday Evening Music Club Lineup: 20-plus Michigan gems
The popular Tuesday night shows starring regional acts will kick off in late May and run through late August. Get the full schedule at Local Spins, from Sarena Rae, The Soul Syndicate and Valentiger to Lighting Matches, Ralston & Friends and Steve Hilger & The River City Rollers.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Live Music Romps: Alice Cooper, Bootstrap Boys, Keller Williams, Sponge & more
From a homecoming show for alt-country’s Michelle Billingsley to a “Candlelight Concert” tribute to Taylor Swift to a school shootings vigil, West Michigan’s live music covered a lot of bases. Browse all of the photo galleries of the concert action and view a video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Fest · Summer Festivals · Videos
Revealing the Local Spins Fest ‘Mystery Guest’: Earth Radio & our seven-question countdown
Today, we announce the sixth act on the bill for May 20’s Local Spins Fest at Studio Park — and Earth Radio responds by answering our seven-question countdown to the one-day festival. Check out the compelling answers and view the final schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘All-around game-changer’: The Bootstrap Boys saddle up with diverse, heartfelt new album
The Grand Rapids country heroes celebrate “Hungry & Sober” at Founders on Saturday. They’re featured for this week’s spring fund drive edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jim Alfredson, Hickory Creek Revival, Signal Quartet and more. Get the back story on The Bootstrap Boys’ new album, watch their new music video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Singer Kari Lynch: Defying comparison, writing beyond music, eager to light up Local Spins Fest
May 20’s Local Spins Fest will spotlight six, eclectic Michigan-bred bands. Today, we spotlight much-beloved singer Kari Lynch, who launched her career in West Michigan. Check out her answers to seven questions, plus watch her music videos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Trumpet player James Sawyer: West Michigan Jazz Society’s 2023 Musician of the Year
Later this spring, the renowned trumpeter and music educator will be honored in a ‘magical evening’ hosted by the society. Here’s the back story of Sawyer’s lifelong dedication to jazz. Also, get details on the West Michigan Jazz Society’s upcoming announcement of its summer concert series.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Pop Evil, Loren Johnson, Mike Ward, Sunny Bleau, Folias Duo and more
New releases from Michigan artists Cody Robert DeWindt, Story Cafe and Adam Main are also part of this Local Spins roundup of reviews. Check out Local Spins takes and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings to make Van Andel Arena debut in Halloween homecoming concert
The rumors are no longer rumors: Powerhouse bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings, a West Michigan native, will make an Oct. 31 tour stop at the sprawling Grand Rapids venue. Details at Local Spins.
Book Reviews · Features · Upcoming shows
Book Review: Gary Graff’s ‘Alice Cooper @ 75’ a delectable saga of Detroit-bred shock-rock icon
Veteran Michigan music writer Gary Graff (Billboard, Oakland Press) toasts Alice Cooper’s 75th with a devastatingly entertaining recap of an illustrious career. Cooper’s U.S. tour kicks off Friday in Michigan. Check out the Local Spins review of this tantalizing biography.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Eight Years After ‘The Voice’: Joshua Davis still writing, still performing, still grateful
The Traverse City singer-songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday with his all-star band. Local Spins checks in with Joshua Davis — and his life several years removed from national TV prominence. An insightful Q&A with a Michigan institution.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Musical Magnets: Tesla, Riley Green, Earthwork Music, Record Store Day & more (Photo Recaps)
West Michigan’s mid-April blast ranged from jam-packed shows by national artists to showcases of regional favorites to the enduring pull of vinyl — all recapped in images and videos at Local Spins. Check out 10 galleries and three videos, including August Burns Red, Brie Stoner & Kate Pillsbury, B93’s Battle to the Bash, Record Store Day, The Claudettes, Flexadecibel and more.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens sells out 16 shows in morning flurry: Franti, Train, Frampton, Maren Morris
Tickets for summer concerts went on sale to Meijer Gardens members this morning and a dozen shows sold out by 10 a.m., with a total of 16 by 10:15 a.m. Get the update and see which concerts sold out at Local Spins. And view comments from some users who were unhappy with the ticketing process.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Matt Lenny & The Breakdown: Tapping the ‘magical spirit’ of Americana’s rock ’n’ roll side
The Southwest Michigan singer-guitarist plays an album-release show in St. Joseph tonight. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted new tracks by several regional artists, including Sadie Bass, Hannah Rose Graves, Steve Rivers, Casper and more. Get Matt Lenny’s back story, watch a video of the tunesmith performing a new song and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Revering Vinyl: Record Store Day returns Saturday with renewed LP fervor
It amounts to a national holiday for independent record shops. With special new releases and a bevy of used classics, vinyl devotees will be flooding area stores on Saturday. Learn more at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The ‘church’ of The War and Treaty delivers uplifting musical sermon in GR homecoming
Electrifying a jam-packed Stache inside Grand Rapids’ The Intersection on Thursday, the duo with a top-shelf backing band rocked the house in emotional fashion. The review, photos and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Videos
Seven-Question Countdown to Local Spins Fest: Lokella set to ‘bring the fire’ in special show
Six dynamic, female-oriented bands will rev up Local Spins Fest in May. Today, we begin our series spotlighting each act, asking them to answer seven key questions. Their answers were enlightening, especially when it comes to Lokella, which may be playing its final show with its current lineup.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Looking for the Perfect Beat: Techno + Melody in the Motor City with genre-defining Tinlicker
The Dutch melodic techno duo plays Magic Stick in Detroit on Saturday, with Grand Rapids’ own Subtractive opening the show. Local Spins columnist Todd Ernst chats with the artists and explores the fan-pleasing emergence of the electronic music genre.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
From Pine Knob to Muskegon’s Deck: Summer concerts at Michigan’s hot venues
A hot summer indeed. Big stars and regional favorites will fire up outdoor stages throughout the state this summer. Today, Local Spins launches the first round of its annual “Outdoor Summer Concerts at Michigan Venues” listing, with more to come as show announcements filter in. Check out rosters at Pine Knob, The Deck in Muskegon and many more.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
DeVos Place’s Eddie Tadlock: ‘Albums That Changed My World,’ Jarrett to Jarreau
The jazz maven and longtime assistant general manager of DeVos Place, DeVos Performance Hall & Van Andel Arena today reveals the records that have inspired him. Check out his picks and listen to songs from all of the albums, along with one of his current favorites.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Chicago to The Verve Pipe to Blood Sweat & Tears: Northern Michigan’s summer buffet
From Michigander to NEEDTOBREATHE to Girl Named Tom, two Petoskey venues boast robust summer series for 2023. Plus, check out other unique performance spaces in northern Michigan that make the picturesque region even more of a draw in summer. Get the lineups at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Granger Smith ‘retirement’ show, Tunde’s spectacle, Rittz, Prof and more (Photos)
Various musical milestones marked concerts at several West Michigan venues over the weekend, recapped in photos at Local Spins. Check out images of Granger Smith, Tunde Olaniran, The Bootstrap Boys, The Arcadian Wild, Rittz, Prof and more.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Sam Bush, Ruthie Foster, Lúnasa lead charge in Wheatland 2023 festival lineup
The 50th anniversary celebration taking place in early September will also feature Tuba Skinny, The Onlies and an impressive roster of Michigan acts. View the full lineup and other details at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Earthwork Music tour of Michigan to uncork ‘beautiful’ and ‘uniquely different’ showcases
Kicking off next week, the 18-artist tour hits five Michigan cities, spotlighting Mitten State talent. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted music by Greta Van Fleet, Rahill, Rockit King, Adaboy, G-Hollow, The Wire Monkeys & more.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens 2023: Nickel Creek, Ben Folds, Orville Peck, Tommy Emmanuel, Frampton
First-timers and returning acts will grace the 30-show season, including Greensky Bluegrass, The Revivalists, Maren Morris, Jason Isbell, First Aid Kit and Joss Stone. The lineup and details at Local Spins, plus check out a list of all-time favorite Meijer Gardens concerts as selected by Local Spins readers.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows
From barefoot in Ludington to cowboy boots in Nashville: Americana’s Chloe Kimes
The Michigan-bred songwriter now based in Nashville has turned heads with her fetching songs and returns to her home state for shows this summer. One of Local Spins’ ‘Emerging Artists to Watch,’ plus videos.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
Porter Robinson, RL Grime, Jessie Murph to light up 2023 Breakaway Music Festival
The festival announced “Phase 1” of its lineup of performers for the Aug. 18-19 celebration at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park, with tickets on sale today. View videos of the headliners and get ticket links at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Traverse City’s Miriam Pico: ‘Albums That Changed My World’ – Whitney, Ella & more
Popular northern Michigan singer-songwriter Miriam Pico today reveals the artists and recordings that shaped her own music and career. Learn more about this Traverse City chanteuse and listen to her music picks at Local Spins, along with tracks of her own.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Donny Osmond, Elvis Costello, Greensky Bluegrass to fire up Interlochen summer series
Northern Michigan’s Interlochen Center for the Arts has revealed more than a dozen concerts thus far for its summer ‘Arts Festival,’ with Styx, The Temptations, Lindsey Stirling, Train, Five for Fighting, The Beach Boys and more on tap. View the lineup at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jake Kershaw sizzles, Loren Johnson debuts, Duke Tumatoe & Static-X spice it up & more
The week leading up to the holiday was an active one when it comes to live music, from heavy metal to blues to indie-folk and more. The video and photo recaps at Local Spins, including coverage of Fozzy, Garcia Peoples, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers and more.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Djangophonique, Kayla King, Accidentals, Molly snag wins at Michigan Music Video Awards
The Saturday celebration at Marshall’s Franke Center for the Arts also produced wins for Josiah C. Baker, Willy FoTang and several other Michigan acts, with performances by Baker, Lokella, Phabies and Kait Rose. View the winners’ list, check out their videos and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
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