After first making a splash as Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish 14 years ago, Jesse Ray performs solo at Rockford Brewing tonight (Friday) with a new record on the way. The Artist Spotlight, plus this week’s radio podcast featuring fresh tracks by Michigan artists, including The JR Band, Stovepipe Stover, The American Hotel System, Wagon Wheel Effect and more.
Hot Night: O.A.R. kicks off Meijer Gardens season; Kid Cudi & crew amp up The AMP
Wednesday’s double-header of major Grand Rapids shows included the opening night of the Meijer Gardens season and the second big concert at Acrisure Amphitheater. Get the reviews and browse the photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Movement 2026 Revisited: Techno’s mecca delivers again on its 20th anniversary
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst recaps last weekend’s mammoth electronic music festival in Detroit, with photos by Michael Mastre.
Summer Concerts · Top 10 Lists · Top 5 Lists · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens’ Top 5 Concerts and Local Spins’ Top 10 Concert Reviews of All-Time
Meijer Gardens kicks off its 2026 concert series on Wednesday, so Local Spins asked go-to reviewer Tricia Boot for her Top 5 Meijer Gardens concerts of all-time. Plus, check out Local Spins’ Top 10 most popular concert reviews.
A tribute to brothers and sisters in arms: The Ultimate Memorial Day Playlist
As we honor and remember all of those who’ve given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces, Local Spins offers a playlist that’s a tribute to their sacrifice and a prayer for peace.
Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Movement, Bus Benefit, Anberlin, Hollypalooza heat up late spring: Photo Recaps
As we plunge deeper into Memorial Day weekend, Local Spins recaps festivals and concerts that gave music lovers a taste of the (warmer) summer ahead. Browse the photos from Movement, Bus Benefit and Hollypalooza, and concerts featuring Anberlin, The Incantations, Daniel Staggs, Silver Creek Revival and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Summer Kickoff: Mountain Goats launch Bell’s series; view dozens of Michigan show schedules
Friday’s holiday weekend kickoff in Kalamazoo just scratches the surface when it comes to the explosion of summer concerts across the state. Get the Mountain Goats show recap and photos, then view summer concert schedules for 50-plus outdoor venues.
Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Mitten’s musical Memorial Weekend road trip: Detroit to West Michigan and more
This week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase features tracks by more than a dozen Mitten State artists, providing a soundtrack for holiday travelers. Hear new music from Jill Jack, The Reverend Jesse Ray, Chirp, Christine Mattson, Silverstiles and more.
Free Summer Concerts: GR’s Food Truck Fridays, Holland, Traverse City & more
Local Spins’ updated roster of Michigan acts playing more than 100 communities across the state includes schedules for Hudsonville, Elk Rapids, Middleville, Fennville and more. Check out updated listings and get a link to the full guide of summer shows.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
Producer Michael Kreple: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
Kentwood native, Big Rapids recording studio owner and cancer survivor Michael Kreple is an award-winning veteran of the music industry. Today, he reveals the music that inspired him.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
All That Remains, Headband Henny, The All-American Rejects & more: Photo Recaps
Local Spins photographers ventured across downtown Grand Rapids and the greater West Michigan area last week to cover everything from an All-American Rejects pop-up show, to sold out shows from Corrosion of Conformity and Plain White T’s, along with Silversun Pickups, Nate Smith and more. Check out eight photo galleries at Local Spins.
The Ultimate Pink Floyd Playlist: Local Spins goes psych-prog with Brit Floyd on tap
With Brit Floyd’s acclaimed Pink Floyd tribute performing at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall this week, Local Spins takes a dive into classics courtesy of three Floyd devotees who admire different parts of the band’s illustrious career.
Concert Recaps · Photos · Venue Spotlight
Acrisure Amphitheater hosts free community open house featuring local acts
Continuing its opening weekend festivities, Acrisure Amphitheater opened up its doors to the Grand Rapids community for a free open house with a variety of local music acts and opportunities to tour the venue. Photos and recap at Local Spins.
Lionel Richie ushers in new era, kicks off inaugural Acrisure Amphitheater season
Lionel Richie charms concertgoers with clever humor, timeless hits and plenty of love for Grand Rapids at the official opening show of Acrisure Amphitheater. See photos, a review and audience’s thoughts on the venue at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
The Temperances unveiling new music, heating up summer at 2026 Bus Benefit
The harmony-laden super-trio has a new song, featured in the Local Spins radio show which also spotlights tracks by other Michigan artists. Plus, view the Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit lineup.
Detroit’s Movement poised to celebrate 20 years of electronic music glory
Local Spins’ ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ columnist Todd Ernst previews the Memorial Day weekend spectacle in downtown Detroit, a ‘techno Mecca’ unlike any other. Check out his must-see picks and view the full schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Kalamazoo
Headband Henny is here to “serve the moment” and this one might be his
How Kalamazoo R&B artist Headband Henny stays hyper-focused on the here and now. Read the exclusive Local Spins interview with this emerging Midwest star ahead of his headlining show at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe on May 15th.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Brent Godfrey, John Richard Paul, Sunnyside Revival
Another spring roundup of recent releases by Michigan artists comes to you courtesy of Local Spins. Plus, listen to tracks from each album.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Tuesday Tunes: Meijer Gardens’ Tuesday Evening Music Club reveals 2026 lineup
Phabies, Soul Syndicate, Samuel Nalangira, Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, Jake Kershaw and more will play the popular Tuesday series this summer. View the schedule.
Concert reviews · Photos · Venue Spotlight
Acrisure Amphitheater celebrates contractors and spotlights local music at private event
Acrisure Amphitheater invites contractors involved in the construction of the venue and their families to a private ‘Contractor Appreciation Night’ full of live, regional music and a fireworks show to end the night. Photos and more at Local Spins.
La Dispute hits home in Grand Rapids during final stop on headlining tour
A look at La Dispute’s triumphant return to Grand Rapids over the weekend. Read the concert review and see photos from the memorable night at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Ryan Racine explores life, death and love on new ‘Valhalla Afternoon’ album
The Northville singer-songwriter discusses his new folk release, which was recorded in a cabin in northern Michigan. Learn more about Racine and his music. Plus, listen to tracks from the album.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Brian Vander Ark, The War & Treaty set for career milestones at Acrisure Amphitheater
Local Spins spotlights the Michigan-based artists who will christen Grand Rapids’ new venue next week, plus we debut fresh tracks by other regional acts — including several bands playing a private contractors’ festival at the amphitheater this weekend. The back story and more.
Local Grins: OUT Loud Comedy Fest, Dr. Grins’ Gerrit Elzinga, Open-Mic Fun & More
The May edition of the Local Grins comedy roundup by Virginia Anzengruber spotlights upcoming shows by national stars as well as must-see local events.
‘Michael’ rolls out as klutzy, electrifying, pop-cultural hornet’s nest: Movie Review
Local Spins film critic John Serba delves into the box-office smash biopic that’s drawn global attention and criticism. As he puts it, it’s ‘nostalgia smashing on jagged rocks.’ Plus, view the trailer.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Summer concerts at Michigan venues creating dizzying lineups, deluge of outdoor options
With additional, impressive outdoor venues revving up Michigan’s music scene in 2026, concertgoers face an overwhelming array of options. Local Spins has the full roster of shows at more than 40 venues.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
La Dispute fueled by friendship, ‘impulse to create’ after 20-plus years as a band
La Dispute brings its tour to Grand Rapids this week with a homecoming show at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The Local Spins interview with this iconic, post-hardcore outfit with an international following.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
What’s goin’ down? Sam Grisman, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Avatar, Dave Bruzza & more
Sam Grisman Project, Avatar, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Dave Bruzza led the charge of enticing concerts across West Michigan over the past week, with Yolonda Lavender, Micah Dailey-White and more adding to the live music energy. Browse six photo galleries in our recap at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The Crane Wives’ Dan Rickabus gets ‘wild,’ expansive with layered, trippy new solo album
Local Spins features the Grand Rapids drummer’s all-star project with upcoming Michigan release shows as well as debuting tracks from other Michigan artists, including Sammie Hershock, From Big Sur, Jake LeMond, Potionseller, Avengelic and more.
Joan Osborne unleashes ‘whole different animal’ of Dylan classics in GR tour stop
The singer and her bandmates regaled a rapt St. Cecilia Music Center audience on Thursday with ‘Dylanology’ as well as her own memorable songs. Concert review, photos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Sam Grisman Project preserving Grisman legacy with improvised acoustic romps
Sam Grisman, the son of celebrated mandolinist David “Dawg” Grisman, brings his collective of musicians to The Big Room in Grand Rapids on Saturday. The Local Spins interview.
Michigan Album Reviews: Wilson Ave., Rivereye, Ghost Bunnies
Local Spins today takes a look at several more recent releases by Michigan artists. Check out our takes on the recordings, and listen to tracks from each release.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Yolonda Lavender bringing magic of New Orleans to Michigan with May 1 show on tap
The soulful Kalamazoo singer-songwriter has been splitting time between Crescent City and her home state. The Local Spins Q&A with an artist playing Bell’s Spring Concert Series.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With GR show ahead, Joan Osborne reveling in Bob Dylan, ‘safe harbor’ of stages
The acclaimed singer and songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. Local Spins catches up with Osborne, who still has a lot of irons in the musical fire.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Ty Segall, Dogs in a Pile, Hail the Sun, The Morning Yells: Concert Photo Recaps
Local Spins’ photo team rounds up another robust week of live music across West Michigan that included Chirp, Octave Cat, The Pyramid Scheme’s 15th anniversary party, Carmen Bradford Quartet and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Daine Hammerle: The ‘hard balance’ as drummer, father, Midwest’s friendliest rocker
The in-demand Grand Rapids drummer performs tonight at The Pyramid Scheme with The Rockit King and Sunday with MASH, before going on tour this summer with The Verve Pipe. The Artist Spotlight feature at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Mandolinist Brian Oberlin’s intoxicating new mix of classical, bluegrass and swing
The Grand Rapids troubadour releases a new studio album next week. Local Spins digs into that project, plus debuts tracks from several Michigan artists, including Chirp, Rachel Brooke, Overdrive Orchestra and Signal Quartet. Get Brian Oberlin’s back story and listen to this week’s radio podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: The Bootstrap Boys, Signal Quartet, Feeding Grizzlies
As warm weather returns, Local Spins heats up with its takes on new releases by Michigan artists. Check out three gems today and listen to tracks from each album.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Veteran DJ and Sonic Coast founder Brian Maloney: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
For more than four decades, Brian Maloney has showcased music on the radio, with a deep love for Michigan. Today, he reveals the albums and artists that have inspired him.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Parking for Acrisure Amphitheater? City says there’s plenty, plus shuttles, rideshare options
Grand Rapids officials are ‘very comfortable’ with parking availability for concerts but cautioned: ‘Planning ahead is key.’ Check out their plans and the new ParkMobile app at Local Spins.
Free Summer Concerts: Lowell, Rockford, Allegan, Ludington, Sparta and more
As the weather warms, music fans start planning for a summer of outdoor music at 100-plus communities across the state, most starring Michigan acts. Here are some schedules to check out with a link to the full lineups at dozens of locations.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lorna Shore, Manic Focus, Record Store Day, Grieves, Lily Rose & more: Photo Recaps
Mid-April always brings vinyl-inspired hoopla, along with a torrent of local and national stars performing at venues across the region, including Lily Rose, Vespa, Tony Halchak, J.H. Patton & The Good Companions, Colby Acuff, Kalamazoo Academy of Rock and more. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens summer concerts Day 1 morning sellouts: Wilco, Myles Smith
Meijer Gardens sold 20,000 tickets for its summer series in 10 minutes to members this morning, though just two shows sold out in the first two hours. See which concerts are close to selling out.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
From Potato Moon to The Morning Yells: The Stancil Connection with Phil and Laura
The Morning Yells, with Phil and Laura Stancil, make their Grand Rapids debut April 24. The back story on this indie-rock band with roots in Potato Moon, plus this week’s radio showcase with new music by other Michigan artists, including Jack White, Dante Cope, Greg Nagy, Mei Semones and The Bootstrap Boys.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Going Local: Acrisure Amphitheater open house on May 16 to boast 19 West Michigan acts
When the public tours the amphitheater during the special May 16 event, they’ll be treated to rock, pop, country, funk, hip hop, ballet and more. View the lineup.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Wheatland’s 2026 festival lineup: Capping a summer of 60-plus Michigan celebrations
The granddaddy of Michigan music festivals revealed its lineup this week, closing out a summer of festivals that launches in May. Get the link to an updated roster of all of the state’s festivals.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Garage rocker Ty Segall: Painting, piano and quelling a ‘hyperactive mind’ with music
Ahead of his twin-bill show Friday at The Pyramid Scheme, California garage rocker Ty Segall chats about his music and more. The Local Spins Q&A.
Breaking music news · Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Acrisure Amphitheater to host private ‘pre-show’ for project contractors
The invite-only Contractor Appreciation Music Fest with 9 regional acts will unfold the weekend before the official May 15 opening. Today, take a new video and photo tour of the amphitheater, which one worker and rock musician called ‘the coolest thing that’s ever been built’ in Grand Rapids.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Vespa unfurling female-fronted rock, blues melange with debut recording ahead
Set to play SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday with Tony Halchak & The Happenstance, the Grand Rapids quartet led by Sarah VE has made inroads on the region’s music scene. Learn more about the band at Local Spins.
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