The former frontman for Bigfoot Buffalo previewed his new band for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Troll for Trout, Sixman, Deadflower, Perren, Jeremy Ensley and more. Learn more about Kyle Brown & The Human Condition and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Can’t Stop the Blues (or Rock): Legends Buddy Guy, John Hiatt power through interruption
Thursday’s passing storm that caused temporary evacuation of the Meijer Gardens amphitheater didn’t prevent either seasoned artist from regaling fans with career-spanning selections. The review, photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Summer Festivals
Albums That Changed My World: Dunesville co-director Brenna Harm’s Michigan marvels
Northern Michigan’s Dunesville Music Festival unfurls this weekend in Interlochen, so Local Spins asked the event’s co-director to reveal three albums that have impacted her most, along with a current favorite. Listen to tracks from all of the albums and find links for the festival lineup and details.
Rick Springfield belies age, beguiles besotted fans, brings orchestral ‘Human Touch’ to GR
Wednesday’s tour stop at Meijer Gardens with a hefty assist from the Grand Rapids Symphony proved Rick Springfield still has rock-star power as he rolled out his cavalcade of hits. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Outdoor community concerts unite Michigan music lovers, showcase regional talent
Dozens of free summer concerts unfold every night across the state, spotlighting everything from rock to jazz to blues. Local Spins explores why they’re so popular as a seasonal pastime. Plus, view photos from several of these series.
Molly, After Ours to kick off return of GRAM on the Green concert series Thursday
Grand Rapids Art Museum and WYCE (88.1 FM) review the popular free series this week. The weekly, four-concert affair also will feature Andrea von Kampen, Brie Stoner, Rachel Brooke, Jesse Ray and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Beaver Island Music Fest Revisited: Musical magic returns for ‘best time of the summer’
The Accidentals, Hannah Rose Graves, The Ragbirds and more delivered a 20th anniversary edition of the festival that attracted new fans as well as returnees. Recap, highlights and photos at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Seven Steps Up listening room set to close later this year; historic building to be sold
The highly regarded Spring Lake concert venue which opened 11 years ago has hosted hundreds of concerts by iconic artists and will stage its final show in December. The back story at Local Spins.
Norah Jones entrances sold-out Meijer Gardens; Japanese Breakfast lights up Bell’s Beer Garden
The acclaimed pianist and singer celebrated the 20th anniversary of “Come Away With Me” and more at the Grand Rapids amphitheater on Sunday night. The review and photos at Local Spins, with bonus coverage and images from the sold-out Japanese Breakfast show on Sunday in Kalamazoo.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Upheaval’s primal finale w/ Disturbed, 3 Days Grace, plus The Verve Pipe, Chuck Mead, more
Dominated by a packed heavy metal spectacle in Grand Rapids, the West Michigan weekend also boasted shows by Chloe Kimes, The Insiders, The Verve Pipe, Chuck Mead and more. The photo galleries and recaps at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Whorled snags top spot in Rotary Rocks fest with thousands raised for charity
The world music trio topped Nathan Walton, Elijah Russ and Melophobix in the “friendly competition” that raised $3.700-plus for ShelterBox on a gorgeous, sun-splashed Saturday in Rockford. Get the recap and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Upheaval Festival uncorks metal mania with Mudvayne, Breaking Benjamin, Ayron Jones
The opening day of the 2022 festival at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park revved up thousands of metal and hard rock fans, with Day 2 continuing today, starting in early afternoon. Check out the Day 1 recap and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Nathan Walton & The Remedy striving to ‘brighten days’ with soulful, eclectic rock
The West Michigan band has a busy summer with two new albums on the way. The Artist Spotlight and Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast featuring new music by Heartsick, Chirp, Lokella, Whorled, The Verve Pipe and more.
Michael Franti reminds fans ‘Life is Amazing’ in sold-out show + Spin Doctors rock Grand Haven
Reggae/rock/pop/fusion singer Franti & Spearhead delivered an uplifting, introspective 135-minute set to a packed Meijer Gardens. Review, photos from Thursday’s amphitheater concert, plus view images from Spin Doctors & Sister Hazel in Grand Haven.
‘American Treasure’: Steve Earle & The Dukes unfurl country-bred gems, charm in GR
The ‘Listening Lawn’ show in downtown Grand Rapids on an exquisite night displayed Earle and band at their best. Check out our in-concert conversation between two Earle buffs, plus a recap — with photo gallery — of Five for Fighting’s sold-out show with Grand Rapids Symphony at Meijer Gardens.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Janis Ian, Chris Thile, Wood Bros., Mat Kearney, Josh Ritter, Sam Bush to play St. Cecilia
The upcoming season of the Acoustic Café Folk Series at the Grand Rapids venue will feature stars spanning generations and styles. Get the details at Local Spins.
Spoon makes rock ’n’ roll believers of West Michigan fans with epic State Theatre show
Touring behind “Lucifer on the Sofa,” the Austin band proved its mettle and more Tuesday in one of 2022’s most compelling concerts to date. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Rotary Rocks to pump up Rockford with West Michigan bands in benefit for Ukraine
Saturday’s first-time event stars Nathan Walton, Melophobix, Elijah Russ Collective and Whorled in a one-day fundraising fest challenging bands to raise as much money for the cause as possible through the Juke platform. Learn more at Local Spins.
The Best of Blissfest 2022: A roster of highlights by Local Spins in words and photos
After a long hiatus, Blissfest returned to northern Michigan last weekend with a bevy of roots and folk stars. Revisit the musical fun via these highlights in words and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The Thought-Provoking Genius of Steve Earle: The Ultimate Local Spins Playlist
With Steve Earle & The Dukes playing a much-anticipated show for ‘Listening Lawn’ at Grand Rapids’ Studio Park on Wednesday, Local Spins compiled a ‘transcendent’ soundtrack of songs spanning his remarkable career. Learn more about Earle, with details about this week’s concert.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Upheaval: Heartsick aims for Main Stage glory, Katharsys Theory to make headbanging debut
The hard-hitting Michigan bands join metal powerhouses — Disturbed to Breaking Benjamin — at this weekend’s return of Upheaval Fest to Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park. The back story, festival schedule and videos.
Doobie Brothers savvily steer down music’s memory lane for Grand Rapids tour stop
The legendary rock band brought its 50th anniversary tour (at long last) to Van Andel Arena on Sunday night. The Local Spins review, photo gallery and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Spoon poised to bring best live band yet + dreamier, intoxicating new songs to Kalamazoo
In an interview with Local Spins, Spoon co-founder Jim Eno talks about creating the Austin band’s latest album and revving up live audiences again. Spoon plays Kalamazoo State Theatre on Tuesday.
Death Cab for Cutie, O.A.R, Los Straitjackets unleash fan-rousing gusto in weekend concerts
Major tour stops — big and small — dominated the West Michigan concert landscape for the second weekend in July. The recaps and photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins, featuring Death Cab, O.A.R., Los Straitjackets, The B-Sides, Full Cord, The Incantations, Sarah Borges and more.
Beaver Island Music Festival 2022: An island celebration playlist for the ages
The remote and unique Beaver Island Music Festival unfurls next week in Lake Michigan, 32 miles from Charlevoix, with a bevy of robust regional stars. Get warmed up for island fun with this playlist of festival performers.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Songsmith Sean Miller’s ‘soul-searching’ leads to fresh Americana, folk approach
The Petoskey native who now lives in Grand Rapids was the featured guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Desmond Jones, Seth Bernard, The B-Sides, The Blueflowers, The Wild Honey Collective, The Soods and more. Get Sean Miller’s back story and listen to the full radio show.
From ‘Legs’ to ‘La Grange,’ ZZ Top ramps up nostalgic fun quotient in GR tour stop
Although not without minor glitches, ‘that little ol’ band from Texas’ rolled out thunderous classics with its revamped lineup, keeping much of the Meijer Gardens crowd on its feet all night. The Local Spins review, photo gallery and set list from Thursday’s concert.
Soul & Sunshine: The War and Treaty, Corinne Bailey Rae heat up Grand Rapids audience
It was a sweet Michigan homecoming on Wednesday for The War and Treaty who got right into the crowd amid perfect weather that carved out an ideal evening for 1,200 summer concert series attendees. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Brie Stoner climbs to top of Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart with bracing new singles
The multi-lingual Grand Rapids singer-songwriter topped the June chart of regional releases earning the most radio airplay at WYCE-FM. View the entire chart, listen to tracks from all of the artists.
String Expertise: Elderly Instruments commemorates half-century as musicians’ go-to
The much-respected instrument retailer and repair shop celebrated its 50th anniversary in Lansing’s Old Town on Tuesday with live music, workshops, axe-throwing, food trucks and more. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Blissfest Music Fest Director Cindy McSurely: ‘Three Albums that Changed My World’
Blissfest rolls out again in northern Michigan this weekend — for the first time since 2019 — so Local Spins asked the event’s executive director to reveal the albums that have most influenced her over the years. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Freedom Rock: An explosive, music-filled holiday weekend recapped in photos and video
Smiling Acres Music Festival wrapped up three days of live music over the Fourth of July weekend, but there were also crowd-pleasing concerts in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. View the photos at Local Spins.
Hit-laden Sheryl Crow soaks up the sun, Meijer Gardens and engaged sold-out crowd
Sunday night’s tour stop at Meijer Gardens was Sheryl Crow’s second Michigan show in as many days and she delivered a bevy of her most popular songs for a packed amphitheater with Allison Russell opening. The Local Spins review, photo gallery and set list.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Bliss is Back: Beloved northern Michigan music festival girds for ‘dream come true’ return
Stars Shawn Colvin, Leftover Salmon, Laith Al-Saadi, Donna the Buffalo and more bolster the lineup for the first Blissfest since 2019 north of Harbor Springs. The preview at Local Spins.
Revelry in Trufant: Smiling Acres fest launches holiday weekend with diverse musical charm
Friday’s opening salvo of the Trufant festival had folks smiling thanks to sets by Barbarossa Brothers, Nathan Walton & The Remedy, The Bootstrap Boys, Local Commuters and more. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
‘Elvis’ proves exhausting, entertaining, uneven, satisfying portrait of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Local Spins reviewer John Serba offers up his take on the much-ballyhooed biopic of Elvis Presley, with an emerging new star and Tom Hanks as the controversial Col. Tom Parker.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news
West Michigan’s Full Cord wins top prize in prestigious Telluride bluegrass contest
The Grand Haven-based group outplayed 9 other bands from across the country to snag a cash prize and an appearance on the bluegrass festival’s main stage in 2023. Learn more at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Smiling Acres Music Festival poised for musical fireworks over Fourth of July weekend
The second-year festival fires up again in the Trufant area on Friday with more than 30 acts slated to perform over the holiday weekend. Get the lowdown, schedule and more at Local Spins.
Bela Fleck leads Meijer Gardens bluegrass party with lightning-fast licks, engaging tales
Closing out a jam-packed string of sold-out amphitheater shows, the banjoist — along with Jerry Douglas and Sam Bush — brought his ‘Bluegrass Happening’ to Grand Rapids on Monday. Check out the review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Enchanted Electric Forest: The best of the 2022 festival in words and resplendent photos
The spectacle in the Rothbury woods wrapped up in the wee hours Sunday, sending tens of thousands of revelers home tired but happy. Check out some of the highlights in this recap and browse four photo galleries.
The Temptations deliver smooth, effortless charm in ageless, harmony-laden GR tour stop
Sunday night’s return of the legendary Motown group to Meijer Gardens proved to be full of soulful nostalgia and classic, enduring songs. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
WYCE Jammie Awards show unfurls multi-genre celebration for the ages at Intersection
Saturday’s long-awaited gala paying tribute to Michigan’s music scene boasted more than 20 performances on several stages, along with an outdoor pre-party. The recap in words and photos at Local Spins
Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown casts spell on captivated, sweltering sold-out crowd
Meijer Gardens’ amphitheater hosted a Big Easy-themed party on Friday with New Orleans acts spanning the ages and getting fans involved (and on stage). The review and photos at Local Spins.
Previewing the 2022 Jammies Spectacle: The Local Spins on WYCE podcast
Listen to the June 24 edition of the show, devoted to spotlighting artists set to perform during Saturday’s Jammie Awards at The Intersection.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest ramps up in Rothbury with magical opening-day marvels, uplifting fans
After a long COVID hiatus, the electrifying, electronic music-driven extravaganza in the West Michigan woods launched on Thursday with splendid weather, huge crowds and a celebratory atmosphere. The first-day column by writer Enrique Olmos, with photos by Derek Ketchum at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Uncategorized
Old Crow Medicine Show delivers prescription for modern ails in blistering sold-out show
An appreciative Meijer Gardens audience soaked up Southern charm from the always-enthusiastic, twangy, bluegrass, country & Americana act in its return to Grand Rapids on Thursday. The review and photo gallery.
WYCE Jammie Awards 2022: Multiple voices, inclusive representation, musical collaboration
After COVID delays, West Michigan’s biggest night for music returns Saturday with a full day celebrating regional music. Local Spins checked in with WYCE Music Director Shane German ahead of the very big day, plus get the full performance schedule.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigander, Joe Hertler ‘stoked’ to make human connections at Electric Forest
In a Local Spins interview, the frontmen for both bands talk about playing the upcoming, much-delayed musical spectacle in Rothbury, which will attract more than 45,000 people. The story, videos and full festival schedule at Local Spins.
Eleven Years of Rocking: Tip Top Deluxe set to celebrate anniversary with weekend romp
The Destination Live Music video crew and Local Spins spotlight the beloved West Side GR venue with a special mini-documentary as Tip Top hosts The Hi-Jivers and Hank Mowery for its birthday on Saturday.
Listen to Local Spins Live
