The second annual ‘GIG: The Art of Michigan Music’ conference takes place Saturday at Art 634 in Jackson with displays by 24 visual artists and concert photographers, as well as performances by three Michigan rock bands. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Olllam brings intoxicating Celtic flair, instrumental prowess, rare U.S. tour to GR
The all-star, transatlantic band The Olllam — featuring Michigan musicians Michael Shimmin, Joe Hettinga and Joe Dart and the U.K.’s John McSherry, Ross Ainslie and Sean O’Meara — plays The Pyramid Scheme on Thursday and Detroit’s Magic Stick on Friday. Learn more about the band and listen to their music at Local Spins.
All Time Low uncorks high-energy caper of joy & nostalgia; Josh Ritter shows off ‘Wild Ways’
Sunday’s tour stops by artists with new albums featured pop-punk’s All Time Low at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and singer-songwriter Josh Ritter at St. Cecilia. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Warriors: The Bootstrap Boys, Kip Moore, Cyclops, Greensky Bluegrass and more
Musical contrasts were everywhere when it comes to West Michigan concerts to close out October and kick off November. From bluegrass heroes Greensky Bluegrass and Americana’s The Rebel Eves to heavy metal’s Mushroomhead, Local Spins recaps the week in scintillating images.
‘The Boys are Back’: Greensky Bluegrass romps in first of two hometown birthday spectacles
Dressed appropriately for their silver anniversary, Greensky Bluegrass revved up Kalamazoo fans at Wings Event Center on Friday with two sets featuring guests Sam Bush and Lindsay Lou. The Local Spins recap and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Josh Ritter ready to awe Grand Rapids by unfurling ‘fun rock ‘n’ roll with lots of words’
The celebrated singer-songwriter brings the tour behind his new album to St. Cecilia Music Center for a special 5 p.m. Sunday show. The Local Spins Q&A, with two videos featuring music from the new record.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Greensky Bluegrass breathes ‘new life’ into classics with star-splashed ‘XXV’ album
Local Spins spotlights the Kalamazoo bluegrass heroes who celebrate their 25th anniversary with a new record and two hometown shows. Mike Devol from Greensky Bluegrass talks about the new record, Billy Strings and more. Plus, this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast with new tracks from Caitlin Cusack, Lady Ace Boogie, Jack Droppers, Izzy Reign and more.
Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
The Stage at The Corner: Muskegon’s newest venue offers punk, metal, musicals, movies
The ‘Destination Live Music’ video series spotlights The Stage at The Corner in partnership with Local Spins. Learn more about the Muskegon venue and see what’s on tap for this unique building, including Friday’s special Halloween show.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Amid ‘incredible’ 2025, Americana’s Rebel Eves bring inspirational release tour to SpeakEZ
Tonight, The Rebel Eves super-group makes its Local Spins Wednesdays debut at Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge. Get a recap of the band’s year and upcoming Michigan tour, with stops in Ann Arbor, East Lansing and Leland. Plus, band member Grace Theisen reveals the three albums that have influenced her most.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Greensky Bluegrass to mark 25th anniversary with all-star homecoming stand in Kalamazoo
Coinciding with release of its ‘XXV’ album, the bluegrass powerhouse plays two nights at Wings Event Center starting on Halloween. Part 1 of our conversation with Greensky Bluegrass bassist Mike Devol.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Producer Josh Kaufman: ‘Albums That Changed My World,’ from LA Big Band to Cameron Blake
Josh Kaufman, producer and owner of Grand Rapids’ Local Legend Recording, reveals the three albums that have influenced him the most. Learn more about Kaufman and listen to tracks from all of his selections at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Roundup: Kathleen Edwards, Neon Trees, John Morgan, Lindsay Lou and more
Kathleen Edwards, Neon Trees, John Morgan, Lindsay Lou, Lower Leisure Class, Candid Antics, The Local Commuters and Garbage Angel highlighted the week of live music from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Traverse City, recapped in Local Spins photos.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Gemini Moon forging ahead with expansive, lush alt-folk and indie-rock
Led by FlyLiteGemini’s Joe Chamberlin and singer-bassist Casmira Draconid, the Southwest Michigan-based group is touring the state and set to release several new singles. Get the back story on Gemini Moon and listen to one of their songs.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Candid Antics unleashing groove-filled, energetic ‘party fusion’ with sophomore album
Local Spins spotlights the hot Grand Rapids jazz fusion band, which hosts its album-release show Saturday. And listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast that debuts tracks from several Michigan artists, including May Erlewine, Silverstiles, 84 Tigers, Alex Austin, Von Kaiser and more.
‘Magical’ Mandolinist Chris Thile plays praises to Bach, autumn and ghost stories
The award-winning musician returned to St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday for a special evening that combined the somber with the upbeat. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Local Spins on WYCE · Top 10 Lists
May Erlewine, Hannah Laine top roster of most-played Michigan artists on WYCE in 2025
As WYCE (88.1 FM) wraps its Fall Fund Drive, Local Spins asked the station that plays the most Michigan music to reveal the local and regional acts getting the most airplay. View the Top 10 artists and Top 10 tracks for the year thus far, then pitch in to WYCE.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Hip hop star Steven Malcolm’s ‘Albums that Changed the World’: Marley, Michael, Lil Wayne
The acclaimed, faith-based Grand Rapids artist has made waves with his inspiring storytelling, racking up more than 75 million streams. Today, he reveals the recordings that have impacted him most.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Local Commuters primed for shredding ‘great time’ at mid-week, rock ’n’ roll country show
The alt-country and rock band that released an EP this summer makes its Local Spins Wednesdays debut at SpeakEZ Lounge. Today, frontman Devin Weber opens up about his favorite rock artists and more.
Cage the Elephant gets ‘a little closer’ to Grand Rapids with exuberant Sunday tour stop
A sold-out GLC Live at 20 Monroe was ‘on fire’ when Cage the Elephant returned to the venue to produce what it called one of the best shows of its tour. The Local Spins review and photos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lawrence oozes soul, May emits ‘Good Feeling,’ Tauk rocks, Cal in Red pops, Craig Finn extols
From Lawrence’s soul-pop at GLC Live, Tauk’s fusion at Elevation and ATliens wild EDM at The Intersection to more intimate affairs at Wealthy Theatre (May Erlewine), Bell’s (Craig Finn), SpeakEZ (Evidence Jazz) and Glow Hall (Cal in Red), it was an upbeat weekend of live music. Get the recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
West Michigan’s Musical Halloween Haunts & Creepy, Blood-Curdling Playlists for the Ages
Halloween concerts and parties are revving up as October descends into eerie spookiness. Here’s a roster of frighteningly fun shows with musical treats to consider. Plus, we have a passel of playlists to scare the pants off you.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Evidence Jazz embracing the ‘unexpected’ with all original material on new album
The Grand Rapids super-group led by Michael Doyle plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Sunday with a new album on the way. Plus, this week’s radio show podcast with fresh tracks by Michigan artists, including Greg Nagy, Steven Malcolm, Don Was, Luke Winslow-King, Greensky Bluegrass and more.
Album Releases · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Around the Horn: Billy Strings & Third Man, All Time Low’s silence, Traverse City’s fall flurry
Today’s music news box score: Billy Strings is releasing a Third Man Records compilation, All Time Low — with Michigan stops ahead — is battling some health issues, Traverse City boasts riveting fall concerts and West Michigan has several intriguing benefit shows on the horizon.
Commentary · Local Spins Rewind
In Praise of Listening Rooms: Tunesmith Josh Rose @ The Musicians’ Soundboard
10 years ago to the day, West Michigan’s Josh Rose voiced his plea for no-frills, no-texting, no-talking milieus at concerts as vital for performers and fans. He still hankers for that. Local Spins Rewind revisits that column with some updates a decade later.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The J Hawkins Band: Traverse City’s gritty agent of ‘Southern rock soul with country fire’
The northern Michigan rock band releases its third album on Friday, performing at The Venue Event Center in Cadillac. Get the band’s back story and listen to its latest single at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: Kate Hinote Trio, Sonny Ski, DJ Blaze 589, deadbeatdad
Our mid-October roundup of recent releases by Great Lakes State artists delves into indie-folk, hip hop and electro-pop. Check out the reviews and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Molly, Erin Monroe, Abe Savas, Zero Sun & more serenade October: Photos
Call it a weekend to celebrate new albums and fresh music performed by some regional favorites. Molly, Erin Monroe, Abe Savas and Zero Sun provided an eclectic mix for enthused fans. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
Hip hop’s Adrian Wright: Rap as a ‘safe haven’ and making real connections with listeners
The Grand Rapids hip-hop, soul and funk artist is poised to rev up The Stray tonight with his band, The Great Let Gos. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature on this emerging star.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
New life for Grand Rapids’ Ladies Literary Club: ‘The Lit’ hosting concerts and more
The Soods will help christen the revitalized historic building at 61 Sheldon Blvd. SE which has reopened as a community space for concerts and more. The story and this week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase.
Don Was and Detroit cohorts blow the roof off during tour-opening Traverse City show
Touting their debut studio album, Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble revved up the intimate confines of The Alluvion listening room with two sold-out shows on Wednesday. The review and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
Cadillac blows a KISS to glam rock glory with party marking 50 years since surprise concert
Call it “Cadillac Rock City.” Townspeople and KISS fans plan to “Rock and Roll All Nite” and more this weekend to commemorate the legendary rock band’s surprise 1975 high school homecoming concert. Get a rundown on all of the action, from a KISS-themed drone show to a tribute concert and more at Local Spins.
Michael Riley journeys back to cinematic music creativity with lush new EP, analog studio
After a lengthy hiatus, the highly regarded Grand Rapids singer-songwriter not only has a new recording under the moniker This is the Movie, but he’s opening an all-analog recording space with Dustin Anderson. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Announcements · Contests · Photos · Summer Festivals
Vincent Brady: Winner of Local Spins’ first-ever Michigan Festival Photo Contest
In early June, we asked music fans attending summer festivals across Michigan to submit their favorite photos from their musical jaunts. Today, we crown the winner. Plus, browse photos of all of the contest entries and select galleries from Local Spins photographers from the 2025 summer festival season.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Lumineers, Ben Folds, SCOTS, Bridge City Sinners: Concert Photo Recaps
West Michigan’s music week took interesting turns: folk-rock, Southern-fried Americana, punky folk-bluegrass, Pulaski Days polkas, performances at the Great Lakes Music Camp. Images at Local Spins. SCROLL DOWN FOR[…]
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Molly makes her return: Grand Rapids’ soulful star headed to Big Room with album ahead
The much-admired West Michigan singer and songwriter will play a full-band show at The Big Room on Saturday, the day after releasing a new single and music video, with more fresh songs on the way. The Local Spins interview.
October’s Out-of-the-Ordinary Concert Crush: The month’s top must-see Michigan shows
October means most live music has moved indoors — but certainly not all of it. Local Spins rounds up some of the state’s must-see shows as autumn settles in.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Singer, improviser, bathrobe model: Marc Rebillet brings wild ‘performance art’ to GR
The Texas electronic musician and YouTube star makes a stop on his ‘Places I’ve Never Played And Will Never Play Again’ tour Sunday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Sean Anthony Sullivan brings ‘pack of wolves’ mentality to new rock record
Local Spins spotlights the Lansing-area rocker who releases ‘Rock and Roll Will Save Us All’ next month, plus debuts fresh tracks from other Michigan artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Feng E set to unleash jaw-dropping ukulele magic in Grand Rapids — Hendrix to Nirvana
The 18-year-old Taiwanese virtuoso has become an internet sensation drawing millions of views on YouTube for his astonishing prowess on the ukulele. He plays Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill on Sunday. The Local Spins interview.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Cameron Blake hosts ‘anti-AI’ listening event for new album tonight at Wealthy Theatre
The much-respected Grand Rapids singer-songwriter’s listening party for his new project, ‘Saffron,’ will also include a documentary screening, a Q&A session and short performances. The details and an interview with Blake at Local Spins.
Features · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Best Michigan concerts and festivals of the summer: Local Spins readers’ & writers’ picks
Staff and fans offered a long list of summer 2025’s most impressive shows, including Billy Strings, Blissfest, The Revivalists, Alison Krauss, Wheatland, The Accidentals and more. View their picks; add your own.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Kalamazoo State Theatre to reopen under new ownership after restoration, modernization
Dan and Holly Carmichael of Lead Balloon Productions have purchased the historic Kalamazoo theater, with plans for renovations and reopening the landmark for concerts and comedy shows. The story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble: Oozing a soul-jazz groove reflecting Detroit’s vibe
The legendary Motor City musician and producer leads the new top-shelf ensemble releasing its debut album next month, with tour stops in Traverse City, Lansing and Detroit. The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Kalamazoo wraps up Sounds of the Zoo 2025 with summery, light-festooned revelry
Reflecting the milieu of the entire seven-day music festival, Sunday’s closing salvo at Bronson Park boasted a wide swath of styles amid stellar weather. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Lainey Wilson touts Michigan flair, plus Sierra Hull, Joe Hertler, Dee Sutton, Sounds of the Zoo
West Michigan’s live music weekend boasted no shortage of stars — national and regional, from a fast-rising country singer with a multi-talented Michigander in tow to summer’s final blast at Bell’s Beer Garden and more. View the photos and videos, exclusively at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Skelletones venue to take hiatus after December, seeks new location
The iconic, all-ages music hangout — which launched its second go-round at 133 S. Division Ave. in Grand Rapids in September 2021 — will ‘bid farewell’ to that space on New Year’s Eve and take time to relocate and ‘figure out the future.’
Concert reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
Sounds of the Zoo charms Kalamazoo with hot hip hop, eclectic jazz, bracing rock & soul
The first four days of Kalamazoo’s week-long musical celebration have covered a lot of bases. Get the recap, photos and listen to this week’s radio show podcast featuring tracks by more than a dozen Michigan artists.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens resumes fall concerts with Michigan artists lighting up ‘Autumn Nights’
Eight different Michigan acts will perform on Tuesday nights at two different locations amid Meijer Gardens’ celebration of October. Details and the schedule at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Photos
Wuzee, Affy, Sonny Ski, Huntchino, Gwopped Up Speedy rack up wins at GR Hip-Hop Awards
Last weekend’s Grand Rapids Hip-Hop Awards hosted by Victor Williams, Jonathan Jelks, Willie the Kid and TEKH TOGO also honored Ruben Martinez, Lady Ace Boogie, Push the City Cypher, Alfie Da Great and many more. The recap and full winners’ list at Local Spins.
Listen to Local Spins Live
