Country, hard rock, reggae, Southern rock, alt-pop helped steam up a muggy week across West Michigan. Local Spins unfurls images from shows in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Hudsonville and Otsego. View the recaps and photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
T-Rex Fest roars back to Grand Rapids with weekend of loud, robust rock
Friday’s opening night of the three-day, indoor festival at The Pyramid Scheme boasted energetic sets by Michigan’s Greet Death, Pennsylvania’s Carly Cosgrove and more. The recap, photos and weekend schedule at Local Spins.
Announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Kalamazoo’s Sounds of the Zoo set for fourth year of touting Michigan’s musical magic
The week-long festival taking place at various Kalamazoo venues in late September has revealed its 2025 lineup, which includes premiere of the ‘Kalamazoo Gals’ documentary. View the schedule at Local[…]
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Greet Death puts twist on love songs with lush, dark, anthemic ‘Die in Love’
The band headlining T-Rex Fest’s opening night in Grand Rapids opens up about its new music. Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase also debuts tracks by several Mitten State artists, including Cameron Blake, Ralston Bowles, The Fields, Clawfoot and more. Get the back story on Greet Death and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Guster flaunts breezy, infectious gems with GR Symphony at steamy Meijer Gardens
The alt-rock/pop band returned to the outdoor amphitheater to captivate a sold-out crowd with a big assist from the Grand Rapids Symphony on Wednesday. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Dunesville Music Festival’s oasis of art, music and community: The Local Spins preview
Dunesville rolls out again this weekend on a picturesque northern Michigan site near Interlochen with Organ Fairchild, Dixon’s Violin, Third Coast Swing, Galactic Sherpas and more. The guide and schedule.[…]
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Fern Fest unfurls in Trufant for musical week of female, nonbinary, trans connections
The six-day festival at Smiling Acres this week will feature performances by Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, Be Steadwell, Crys Matthews and more, along with workshops and vendors. Details at Local Spins.
‘Like a hug from an old friend’: Shakey Graves beguiles sold-out Kalamazoo crowd
The Americana tunesmith’s tour stop Monday at Bell’s Beer Garden enchanted fans with his band of “friends and family.” The review and images at Local Spins.
Beaver Island Music Festival 2025 Revisited: Immersive, remote, joyful, irreplaceable
The annual musical celebration on a picturesque island in northern Lake Michigan rolled out last weekend with its unique and remote flair. A recap and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kalamazoo Blues Fest, Leftover Salmon, Upheaval Fest charm Michigan fans (Photos)
The mid-July torrent of live music across West Michigan this weekend ranged from blues to bluegrass to metal to Americana to jazz and more, including shows by The Bacon Brothers, The Flying Leaps, The Local Commuters and a first-ever Jazz Bash. Relive the action in words and photos at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Metal Uprising: Upheaval Festival amps up GR on Day 1 with Rob Zombie, rock ruckus
The hard-driving Upheaval Festival returned to Belknap Park on Friday amid sunny skies that drew throngs of hyper-energetic metal fans who cheered bands on three stages. The recap, photos and video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Commuters raring to unleash rock-fueled alt-country with release of debut EP
Local Spins spotlights the Grand Rapids band and its long-awaited new recording, while also debuting music by The Rebel Eves, The Mollusks, Deadbeatdad, August, Matthew Borr, Horizon Theory and more. Get The Local Commuters’ back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The joyful return of GR Symphony Picnic Pops (at a new spot) and O.A.R (at a familiar one)
Wednesday night saw two crowd-pleasing concerts 12 miles apart: Grand Rapids Symphony’s Picnic Pops at Millennium Park and O.A.R.’s sold-out affair at Meijer Gardens. The Local Spins reviews, photos and a Picnic Pops video.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Turnstiles music venue set to close doors in late July after four-year run in Grand Rapids
Citing rising costs, the West Side bar and live music club announced today that it will host its ‘final night of service’ on July 26, saddening many bands and fans.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Leftover Salmon stays fresh, entrancing, spellbinding as tour rolls into Grand Rapids
The Colorado bluegrass band joins The Infamous Stringdusters and Kitchen Dwellers at Meijer Gardens on Friday. The Local Spins interview, with a chance to win tickets to the show.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rocking Belknap Park: Guide to Upheaval Festival 2025 and its Michigan metal mayhem
Spearheaded by headliners Rob Zombie and Falling in Reverse, this year’s festival features some musical twists and several Michigan bands as part of its three-stage assault. The Local Spins preview, schedule, music videos and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
From a West Michigan church to a Nashville country adventure, Cory Asbury pushes on
The one-time Richland church worship leader returns to West Michigan for a show at The Intersection’s Elevation on Friday. Cory Asbury’s back story today at Local Spins, along with music videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The musical bliss of Blissfest: The 2025 Michigan festival recapped in words, photos
Unfolding for the 43rd time on a picturesque site north of Harbor Springs, last weekend’s Blissfest brought it all: international touring acts, Michigan favorites, family entertainment and more. Browse the photos, check out some Blissfest highlights.
Trombone Shorty & krewe usher ‘Something Beautiful’ with New Orleans flavor, funk in GR
The multi-instrumentalist and his Orleans Avenue band brought a jazzy Mardi Gras atmosphere to a packed Meijer Gardens venue for a high-energy Sunday of favorites. The Local Spins review and photos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Todd Rundgren, Trevor Hall, Elephant Revival, Low Phase, Trifocal: Concert Recaps
From touring legends such as Todd Rundgren and Trevor Hall to local rock favorites Trifocal and Low Phase, it was another memorable week of live music across West Michigan captured in images at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Beaver Island Music Festival: A preview of Lake Michigan’s enduring musical paradise
It takes some work to get there, but this annual, remote Michigan festival is always worth the trip and unique in its character. And this year’s festival even survived winter storm damage. Get the back story, the festival lineup and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Rebel Eves: Clicking as touring musicians, challenging each other as artists
The Rebel Eves bring their summer touring to Meijer Gardens on Tuesday. The Local Spins Q&A with the super-group of singer-songwriters Katie Pederson, Grace Theisen and Jilian Linklater.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
Low Phase hits musical stride with latest, collaborative indie-rock romp
Local Spins profiles the Grand Rapids band releasing its new EP on Saturday, while also debuting tracks from Kyle Brown, Hand of Giants, Nick Veine, Galactic Sherpas, Rip Smidgeon and more. Learn more about Low Phase, watch their new music video and listen to this week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Out of Favor Boys, Charlie Millard, RyneShyne, Death By Lions
This mid-July roundup of new releases by Michigan artists also recaps the latest hip-hop album from The Musalini & Henry Puffington and Eric Engblade. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Studies in Inspiring Contrasts: Lonestar, Social Distortion, Headband Henny, Hannah Laine
Today, Local Spins recaps widely varying summer concerts that took place at disparate venues across West Michigan in early July. Browse the photos in this exclusive round-up.
The Verve Pipe pairs with Grand Rapids Symphony for electric evening of alt-rock
The multi-platinum-selling West Michigan alt-rock band returned to Meijer Gardens on Monday this time with a symphonic twist. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Blissfest 2025: The Local Spins preview of a beloved, life-changing Michigan music festival
Unfolding this weekend north of Harbor Springs, the star-studded festival features Trevor Hall, Ozomatli, Steve Poltz, Michigan native Lindsay Lou, Rachael Davis and many more. Lindsay Lou says it changed her life; Rachael Davis performed at her first Bliss at age 2. The Local Spins preview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
America set to continue legacy, ‘wealth of hits’ at Interlochen with Dewey Bunnell at helm
Appropriately, Local Spins marks the Fourth of July holiday weekend with a story about America, the band. Writer Ross Boissoneau interviews Dewey Bunnell, the solo remaining original member still touring.
Heading Up North? Here are some outdoor concerts to heat up your summer
The Homestead near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan Legacy Art Park and Grand Traverse Civic Center are rife with live music this summer. Get the schedules and more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Dee Sutton’s Musical Rebirth: The curative country swing of Sweet Dee & The Wild Honeys
The much-respected West Michigan country singer is back after 11 years with new music and a new band. Plus, Local Spins debuts tracks from Charlie Millard, Yellowhouse, Rachael Davis, The Lasso and more. Get the back story on Dee Sutton’s album and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Todd Rundgren keeps rocking his ‘story with a message’ as Kalamazoo tour stop beckons
The iconic rock innovator plays Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden next week on his “Still Me/Still We” tour. The Local Spins interview with the 77-year-old legend.
Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
July’s Musical Jewels: The month’s Top 15 concerts and Top 8 music festivals
July is heating up with live music across the state at indoor and outdoor venues, and at a bevy of festivals, big and small. Here are our picks for can’t-miss events.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Petoskey native and keyboardist Alan Hewitt: Three albums that changed my world
From his beginnings as a prog-rock fan in northern Michigan to playing keyboards for the Moody Blues, Hewitt boasts some impressive influences and an impressive resume. Check out his picks, listen to tracks from these albums and Alan Hewitt’s own catalog.
Psychedelic Furs ride (new) wave of nostalgia into sweltering, party-like atmosphere
Unthwarted by a relentless heat wave, the British post-punk headliners captivated a sold-out Meijer Gardens audience for their Sunday tour stop, with a boost from openers The Chameleons. The review and photos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Avett Brothers take Michigan fans on emotional ride, plus Everclear, Miss May 1, Full Cord
The Avett Brothers and Everclear topped off a hectic week of live music across West Michigan that also included Rising Appalachia, Miss May I, Full Cord, Smiling Acres fest and more. Get the week-in-review photos and recaps exclusively at Local Spins.
The Fray delivers heartfelt messages for 2,000 fans in return to Grand Rapids
After a long hiatus, the pop-driven Colorado rock band made a triumphant splash during its tour stop Friday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Smiling Acres Music Festival: Acres of smiles, moments of musical magic unfold on Day 1
The three-day festival outside Trufant kicked off on Friday with a bevy of popular Michigan acts, and continues through the weekend. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Mid-Michigan’s Kanin Wren dives into fresh, fun pop with debut studio album
Local Spins spotlights the emerging tunesmith and Taylor Swift tribute artist, while also debuting new music from PHABIES, Silver Creek Revival, Ajax Stacks, Pretoria and more. Get the back story on Kanin Wren’s new album and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio show.
Wynonna Judd digs into her Grammy-winning country roots in ‘greatest hits’ Michigan run
The Country Music Hall of Famer captivated a Meijer Gardens audience for a buoyant evening of solo hits plus familiar favorites from her days as one half of the legendary duo, The Judds. The Local Spins review and photo gallery from Wednesday’s show.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Fray is Back: Colorado band to toast new songs, debut album’s 20th anniversary in GR
The band which hit quadruple-platinum sales of 2005’s “How to Save a Life” plays Grand Rapids’ GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Friday. The Local Spins interview with David Welsh.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
‘Quiet Riot’ of Rhythm: A Billi Free & The Lasso bring soothing vibe to Tuesday Eve Music Club
Tuesday’s regional showcase at Meijer Gardens unfurled a slice of funky, groovy, electronic music for attendees, while Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish rocked a refurbished park in Rockford.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest 2025: Highlights from weekend waves of high-energy, late-night jams and heat
Another rousing Electric Forest is in the books, with Michigan’s biggest music festival wrapping up in the wee hours Monday morning. Check out the highlights and our resplendent photo galleries.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit roar through career retrospective in Grand Rapids tour stop
The much-acclaimed, multi-Grammy Award-winning Americana singer/songwriter/guitarist delivered a nearly two-hour set at Meijer Gardens exploring his 30-year, genre-bending career on Monday. The Jason Isbell review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Smiling Acres Music Festival poised to power up summer with regional stars
The last weekend in June marks the return of Smiling Acres Music Festival in Trufant with sets by May Erlewine, Jason Singer of Michigander, The Go Rounds and many more. The preview, schedule and ticket links at Local Spins.
Gary Clark Jr. sizzles with boost from Lamont Landers amid steamy Michigan weather
The Grammy Award-winning blues/rock/soul/R&B guitarist headlined an evening of scorching temps and searing solos at Meijer Gardens after an Interlochen tour stop. The Local Spins review and photos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Heat Wave Haps: Billy Corgan, Black Crowes, Chase Rice, The Verve Pipe (Concert Recaps)
The West Michigan weekend’s live music romps included tour stops by national stars and concerts spotlighting local heroes, including The Spits and The Verve Pipe. The photos at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
More Michigan concerts to heat up your summer: The Local Spins guide to live music
Just in time for the official start of summer and the hottest weather in recent memory, Local Spins uncorks listings of more “Concerts at Venues” and “Free Outdoor Community Concerts” across the state.
Billy Strings comes home to create back-porch, bluegrass buzz at cozy Charlotte festival
Playing solo, the guitar phenom headlined the opening night of the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, the first festival he ever attended as a young lad. The recap, fan quips and photos at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Electric Forest sparkles on opening day with fervent fans, thundering bass, escapism
The state’s largest and most celebrated music festival rolled out Thursday in Rothbury with a host of internationally renowned electronic music stars and a couple of Michigan acts. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
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