The top stories countdown ends on the year’s final day, with a special update on our profile of 16-year-old Grass Lake singer Brayden Lape. We interview him again about his future plans after his Top 5 finish, with a link to the No. 1 story from November and videos of his most popular performances on ‘The Voice.’
Announcements · Local Spins on WYCE · Top 10 Lists
Brie Stoner, Debra Perry, Greensky Bluegrass boast the top Michigan songs of 2022
Based on radio airplay at WYCE (88.1 FM), Local Spins reveals the Top 10 list of songs by Michigan artists that made the biggest impact on listeners and programmers in 2022. Listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast and see how you can win tickets to see Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers at The Pyramid Scheme this weekend.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 2): Elvis Costello launches tour in GR with fan-pleasing aplomb
The first stop on the legendary British rock artist’s U.S. tour got plenty of attention from fans across the globe in August, making it the No. 2 most-read story of the year at Local Spins. Revisit that special opening night, view a photo gallery and browse the set list.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 3): Fervent Grand Rapids fans revel in Journey’s ‘big’ arena show
The No. 3 story of the year at Local Spins was our review of a much-delayed, much-anticipated concert: Journey’s return to Van Andel Arena in early May. Revisit it today.
Summer Festivals · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 4): The robust return of ‘magical’ Michigan music festivals
Don’t under-estimate the power and popularity of Michigan music festivals. Our preview of the 2022 festival lineup was the No. 4 story of the year. Come back on New Year’s Day for our 2023 festival preview.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 5): The legacy of beloved Grand Rapids drummer Bill Vits
Local Spins’ countdown of its top stories of the year takes a sad turn today: We revisit the September column by drummer Bill Vits, who shared his life story just weeks before he died of cancer.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 6): Billy Strings shines during nationally telecast Grammy Awards
It’s no surprise that one of the top stories of 2022 would involve Michigan-bred star Billy Strings. In April, he and his band performed on the Grammys, though he didn’t win for best bluegrass album. Check out the story and videos in today’s Local Spins Rewind.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022: Meijer Gardens sells out 11 concerts in 2 hours led by Norah Jones
At No. 7 in our countdown of Local Spins’ most-read stories of the year is our coverage of first-day sales for the ever-popular Meijer Gardens concert series for 2022. Revisit that April day, plus get a link to Local Spins reviews and photo galleries from the summer concerts that followed.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
Top Stories of 2022: Michigan country singer Sadie Bass makes splash on ‘The Voice’
No. 8 in our top-stories-of-the-year round-up features a fast-rising mid-Michigan singer who made the initial cut and impressed judges in September during the most recent season of the NBC show. Watch the video of her much-ballyhooed blind auditions performance.
Hot Top 5 · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
From Christmas cheer to the top regional albums of the year: Local Spins on WYCE
Listen to this week’s radio show podcast of Local Spins on WYCE: a look back at some of the most popular Michigan recordings of 2022 along with a little Christmas cheer.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 9): Faster Horses, Drive-By Truckers and Walk the Beat rev up July
The countdown of Local Spins’ most-read stories of the year hits No. 9 today with the recap of a busy summer weekend that featured Faster Horses, Drive-By Truckers, Walk the Beat and more. Revisit the late July roundup in words and photos.
Local Spins Rewind · Summer Festivals · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 10): The return of Northern Michigan’s popular Blissfest
After a three-year COVID hiatus, the festival resumed in July with Shawn Colvin, Leftover Salmon and dozens of regional favorites. The festival announcement and our coverage of the event were among Local Spins’ top stories of the year.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2022: The Local Spins Critics’ Picks for albums, songs, concerts of the year
Amid another turbulent and hectic year, recorded and live music made a huge comeback. Today, Local Spins writers reveal their picks for the best of both in 2022. Check out the robust roster of notable releases and concerts and listen to select tracks in this special feature being published today in lieu of our usual Thursday ‘Amplified’ newsletter.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 11): Daryl Hall & Todd Rundgren link for tour, Local Spins interview
Our top-stories-of-the-year countdown continues today with No. 11: The Local Spins interview with the legendary Daryl Hall and Todd Rundgren, who played Grand Rapids in November.
Audio · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of the Year: Billy Strings tops charts, wows homestate fans (No. 12)
The countdown of Local Spins’ most-read stories of 2022 begins today with our coverage of Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings at No. 12. Ogle a photo gallery and see what stories came in just behind that in our year-end countdown.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Roundup: May Erlewine, Hollow Front, Grace Theisen and more
As we barrel merrily toward the holidays, Michigan artists have ramped up holiday cheer, from May Erlewine & The Motivations’ Winter Dance Party to Grace Theisen’s seasonal soiree and a Michigan metal-propelled show. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: The Concussions, Bronze Nazareth, Nathan Walton, Crazy Chestur, more
With Christmas just ahead, we review six new Michigan releases you might want to add to your shopping list, including fresh collections from Silver Creek Revival and The Dangling Participles. Delve into the recordings and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Christmas at Critter’s set to roll out heartfelt, Yuletide spectacle of West Michigan all-stars
The annual variety show for charity heats up Elevation on Dec. 29 with more than two dozen musicians and singers. Get the lowdown, plus this week’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast with the debut of tracks by Michigan artists.
From ‘Exit Wounds’ to ‘One Headlight,’ The Wallflowers drive it home in Grand Rapids
Jakob Dylan and company brought the tour behind their latest album to GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Thursday, with Michigan’s own Brother Elsey getting the night started. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ann Arbor’s Pajamas gets comfy amid eclectic jam-band milieu with second album on the way
Melding elements of jazz, psychedelia, Motown, pop, R&B, funk and more into its approach, Pajamas is starting to make waves across the state. The Artist Spotlight at Local Spins, along with videos of the band’s live performances.
Breaking music news · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Michigan’s Brayden Lape finishes 5th after impressive run on NBC’S ‘The Voice’
After fan voting during this week’s finale, the Grass Lake teen came in behind winner Bryce Leatherwood and three other finalists. The recap at Local Spins, plus watch a video of his finale performance.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Nordic Jams: Greensky Bluegrass’ Camp Greensky fest moves to Iceland for 2023
Touted as “the trip of a lifetime,” the Kalamazoo progressive bluegrass band will stage its annual festival in Reyjkjavik next June with guest Holly Bowling. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Most Obnoxious Christmas Songs Ever: The Local Spins Readers’ Poll Top 10
‘Tis the season to be inundated with bah-humbug-worthy duds on radio, television, elevators, grocery stores and beyond. So, we couldn’t resist re-publishing our Top 10 hit list of most hated seasonal tunes. Check out the full list of “cringe-inducing, hokey and stupidly inane” tracks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Photo Recap: Kyle Jennings, Sadie Bass, Dixon’s Violin, Andy Frasco & more
As Christmas approaches, live music continues to rev up audiences from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to the lakeshore. Revisit the action in photos at Local Spins.
Seven Steps Up ends run with ‘bittersweet’ finale by songwriter Stephen Kellogg
Celebrating a great final ‘adventure’: The Spring Lake listening room hosted its last concert on Saturday, an emotional sold-out affair staged now that the building has been sold. Check out the recap and browse photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Petoskey tunesmith Eliza Thorp strives to unite through song and sophomore album
The singer and keyboard player recently released ‘Stories We Told Along the Way,’ recorded in Kalamazoo with a who’s who lineup of Michigan musicians. Story, video and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Accidentals’ Sav Buist on winning national songwriting contest: ‘Completely mind-blowing’
The grand prize winner of the USA Songwriting Competition tells her back story for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Gasoline Gypsies, Matt Lenny, Silver Creek Revival, Missing Days and more. Learn more about Sav Buist and The Accidentals, and listen to her winning song and this week’s radio show podcast.
Nominations sought for Ovation Awards: Movers, shakers impacting Michigan music
For the second year, the Michigan Music Alliance will present Ovation Awards at the WYCE Jammies in February, honoring those dedicated to collaboration, community and equality amid the music scene. Learn more and see how you can submit a nomination.
Features · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
A ‘Beacon of Hope’ Extinguished: Seven Steps Up hosts final concerts this weekend
After 11 years in Spring Lake, owner Michelle Hanks will close the much-beloved listening room following sold-out shows Friday and Saturday, ending a too-brief era of memorable live music. The back story, videos and photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
Joshua Davis: The Albums That Changed My World, Mississippi John Hurt to Joni Mitchell
Today, the popular Local Spins series revealing the recordings that have impacted Michigan musicians the most continues with popular, award-winning singer-songwriter Joshua Davis. Listen to tracks from all of his picks.
Billy Strings soars to No. 1 on national bluegrass chart, Local Spins Hot Top 5
The Ionia County-raised guitarist continues his meteoric rise, with his latest album, “Me/And/Dad,” making waves on a number of national/regional charts. See who else made the latest Hot Top 5 and listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Recap: Sullivan King, Apollo Brown, Gunnar, Jake Simmons, ArtHop & more
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, December rolled in with a musical wallop — from national touring acts to local stars playing a smattering of venues. View the photos at Local Spins.
Announcements · Summer Festivals
Odesza, Illenium, Zeds Dead, Above & Beyond to pump up Electric Forest 2023
Internationally acclaimed electronic music stars once again will dominate the Rothbury, Mich., landscape come June 22-25, along with The String Cheese Incident. Passes go on sale Friday.
Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos
Lansing indie-folk act The Dangling Participles dive deep for ‘One More Drop’ release
The band officially released its new studio album Friday night with a performance at Lansing’s UrbanBeat. Get the back story on the quartet, view a music video and browse photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Southwest Michigan’s Daisybox purges pain with vulnerable, ‘melancholy pop-rock’
Songwriter Taylor Hottenstein basks in the Artist Spotlight and is this week’s special guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuts tracks by Moss Manor, Dangling Participles, Sebastian & The Mood, The Shouting Bones, Josh Rose and more. Learn more about Daisybox and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan Music Video Awards seeks entries, touts ‘marriage’ of filmmakers & musicians
The second-year awards show will take place at Marshall’s Franke Center in April, with a Jan. 1 deadline for Michigan video entries. Last year’s winner Grace Theisen called the event ‘amazing.’ Get details and background at Local Spins.
Petoskey duo The Shouting Bones unleashing its ‘indie-rock mutt’ vibe
Melding varied rock styles, the husband-and-wife team released its debut album earlier this year, inspired in part by their northern Michigan surroundings. The back story and video at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Molly + Scott Schultz: ‘Albums That Changed Our World,’ Marvin Gaye to Radiohead
Today, the popular Local Spins series revealing albums that have impacted Michigan musicians continues with Scott and Molly Schultz. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings, along with Molly’s new single and video.
Grand Rapids Voice Collective: Embracing diversity, inclusive approach to voice lessons
Formed in 2018, the unique voice instruction academy aims to create “a brave space for singers” seeking to spotlight their vocals on stage and in the studio. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Greensky Bluegrass rocks in ‘badass’ fashion + Desmond Jones, Wayland, Peekaboo & more
The liveliest Thanksgiving weekend for live music in three years delivered everything from country to rock to electronic music to jamgrass for West Michigan fans — from a packed house at Rockford Brewing to two straight nights of a bluegrass homecoming in Kalamazoo. The photos at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Album Review: Billy Strings goes back to Ionia County roots with ‘Me/And/Dad’
Raised in Ionia County’s rural Muir, Billy Strings embraces the traditions he grew up with, featuring duets with his stepfather, Terry Barber, on his latest Rounder Records releases. The review at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Greensky Bluegrass staying fresh, ready to get ‘pretty wild’ with Kalamazoo shows
The band uncorks its traditional Thanksgiving weekend concerts at State Theatre. Our interview with mandolinist Paul Hoffman and this week’s radio show podcast with new music by Myron Elkins, Chain of Lakes, Jack Pine, Entransient and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids-bound Straight No Chaser unfurls 25-year repertoire of a cappella magic
Michigan-born Sargon Isho and the renowned vocal group from Indiana University bring their 25th anniversary tour to DeVos Performance Hall this weekend. The interview and back story at Local Spins.
Audio · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
GR’s ArtRat Gallery to launch ‘Americana Sundays’ concert series with regional stars
It’s a singer-songwriter double-header this Sunday: ArtRat’s first show featuring Darcy Wilkin precedes the evening return of ‘Songtellers’ at Midtown. Get the details and upcoming schedule at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Austin Benzing, Cole Hansen, Bruce Madden, Conklin Ceili Band and more
This pre-Thanksgiving round-up of new releases by West Michigan artists also features Lisa Can’t Sing and The Good Old Days. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Busiest Bar Nights Ever? Live music set to make epic return for Thanksgiving weekend
From tour stops by Greensky Bluegrass, Straight No Chaser, Daryl Hall and Todd Rundgren to Thanksgiving eve parties starring Desmond Jones, Hannah Rose Graves and more, it’s a jam-packed week. Get the lowdown and a list of shows at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Roundup: Restless Road, Patty Pershayla, Kait Rose, Wine Beer & Food Fest
Nasty, snowy weather didn’t cancel everything over the weekend. Several shows heated things up from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, captured in images at Local Spins — from a Fleetwood Mac tribute to the Michigan return of a regional rock favorite.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Dream Pairing: Daryl Hall & Todd Rundgren bring ‘final fulfillment’ tour to Grand Rapids
Local Spins chats with two legendary artists — Hall of Hall & Oates fame and Rundgren — as the icons prepare to play DeVos Performance Hall. Get the inside story on this unique tour in this exclusive Local Spins interview with both artists.
Mat Kearney delivers engaging tales, genre-mixing charm in return to Grand Rapids
Playing a sold-out show Friday at St. Cecilia Music Center, the revered singer-songwriter played 20 of his fan-pleasing songs over 100-plus minutes. The review and photos at Local Spins.
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