The acclaimed musician who plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday has partnered with the likes of Billy Strings, Bela Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel and more as the leading player of his “ilk.” Learn more about Douglas and his upcoming concert in this exclusive Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Moxie Strings closing 17-year run as high-energy string duo with Michigan shows
Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn say they’re ending their successful stint on “a complete high note,” playing for longtime Michigan fans in four cities. Get the back story on this talented duo, with details about their upcoming shows.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Young the Giant’s musical tightrope, plus Dylan Scott, Mammoth WVH, Eric Gales and more
Our concert photo round-up for the week kicks off with Saturday’s benefit show starring Young the Giant at GLC Live at 20 Monroe, plus Valerie June, Papadosio, Apashe, Honey Revenge and more. Browse more than a half-dozen photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch
‘A real gift for songcraft’: 16-year-old singer-songwriter Izubel steps out with new album
The Rockford teen has started to turn heads, packing Grand Rapids’ Midtown recently to celebrate release of her new album, “Genuine.” The Local Spins Artist Spotlight, plus listen to a track from the new album.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings, Greta Van Fleet, The War & Treaty land major Grammy Award nominations
Michigan-bred heroes are making a splash yet again, with Billy Strings nominated for three awards, The War and Treaty for two, and Greta Van Fleet for best rock album. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE
Local Legend Recording’s ‘nimble’ approach to creating ‘something unique and beautiful’
Josh Kaufman has steered Local Legend’s work with a growing number of high-profile regional acts, from Hannah Rose Graves to Nathan Walton and many more. Learn more about the studio in this Local Spins profile and Local Spins on WYCE podcast, which also debuts tracks by Megan Dooley, PARALLELZ, Free Hat, Chris DuPont and more.
Album Reviews: Sufjan Stevens, Black Milk, Wills Piff & Samil, Free Hat and more
This November round-up features new releases by several acclaimed Michigan artists, from Feeding Grizzlies to Kitten & The Tonics, covering diverse music hatched in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Allegan and beyond. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the featured releases.
NEEDTOBREATHE rides high in ‘paradise’ created by energetic fans at Van Andel Arena
The pop-rock stars returned to Grand Rapids on Tuesday, touring behind their new album, “Caves,” and regaled 6,000 or so fans with an impressive spectacle. Check out the review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows · Videos
Producer, global star Cristoph storms Detroit & North America with O2C nightclub tour
In a revealing interview with Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst, the U.K. DJ talks about his music, his blue-collar ethos and his upcoming Friday tour stop in Michigan.
Lindsay Lou tops Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart, heads out on tour with Greensky Bluegrass
Lindsay Lou just released a No.1 album that features a collaboration with Billy Strings and heads out on tour this week with Greensky Bluegrass. And with several ‘ties,’ the latest Hot Top 5 chart actually features seven fresh releases by Michigan-bred artists, from indie-rock to world music to singer-songwriter charm.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Level Up, Kait Rose, Y-Not, Jeff Haas Trio, Simply in Time & more: Concert Photo Recap
From Traverse City to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, the first musical blast of November featured everything from jazz to EDM to singer-songwriter magic. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
NEEDTOBREATHE benefiting from Taylor Swift ‘master class’ in touring production
After touring with Taylor Swift more than a decade ago, the South Carolina rock band brings its “Caves” world tour to Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Billy Strings Super-Fandom: Embracing the magic, the inspiration, the community
The bluegrass guitarist’s fans traveled from across the country to catch his wild Grand Rapids concert this week. Local Spins on WYCE spotlights their ardor, Billy’s music + tracks from other Michigan acts. Get the back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Guitarist, venue operations director Matt McCalpin: Albums That Changed My World
The Traverse City musician (Medicinal Groove) and manager of The Alluvion reveals the recordings that have shaped his own career. Listen to tracks from all of his selections at Local Spins.
Billy Strings unleashes rock ’n’ bluegrass ‘destruction’ at jam-packed Van Andel Arena
The wrestling-themed Halloween homecoming spectacle for the Michigan-bred bluegrass guitarist was a star-studded, five-hour, epic ‘rumblemania’ event. Review, photos, set list.
Features · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Traverse City emerging as a hotbed for jazz, fueled by a musician-rich scene
When the city’s new listening room The Alluvion hosts its jazz night on Thursday, fans will be treated to a world-class performance, something that’s become a regular event in the region. Learn more in this special Local Spins feature.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings hitting the books, pumped up for ‘rumblemania’ in GR: The Local Spins interview
In a revealing chat with Local Spins, Ionia County’s favorite bluegrass son talks about touring, his adoring fans, taking classical music lessons and loving Halloween.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Switchfoot, Lyle Lovett, Roosevelt Diggs, Fake Baseball, Creepy Cheapy: Photo Recap
From inviting mid-week gems to Halloween-haunted weekend revelry, the final full week of October brimmed with celebratory concerts and album-release shows across the state. Browse the photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Mandolinist Don Julin: Ushering ‘guitar-slinger kid’ Billy Strings toward future success
Seven years after the bluegrass guitarist parted ways with Julin, the Traverse City musician still marvels at Billy’s talent and says he deserves all of his fame. Plus, see what other musicians say about Billy.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
Growing Up Billy Strings: ‘Boomer,’ metal mayhem, mastering the guitar at a young age
In an interview with his mom, Deb Apostol, Local Spins digs into the Ionia County-bred bluegrass guitarist’s childhood, teen rock years and his rise to super stardom.
Billy Strings Economy: Loving herd of artisans, vendors follow bluegrass guitarist on tour
From pins and posters to vintage clothing and a snazzy board game, home-grown entrepreneurs have built a marketplace community that will fire up for Tuesday’s big arena concert. Learn more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions set to drop ‘really huge and epic’ new album
Droppers talks about ‘Scooter’ and the rock band’s many changes for Local Spins, which also debuted some Halloween tracks and new music from Izubel, Feeding Grizzlies, Nick Veine & Ben Traverse, Overdrive Orchestra and others.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Ultimate Billy Strings Playlist: Devoted fans and ‘Billy Goats’ pick their Top 10 faves
Local Spins asked Billy Strings fans to choose their favorite songs. We took the Top 10 picks and turned it into a classic playlist of modern bluegrass prowess. Listen to the tracks and see who won our Billy Strings gift packs.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Audio
Celebrated Frankfort songwriter Tim Jones: Three Albums That Changed My World
With impressive credentials acquired during stints in Nashville and L.A., Jones adores his northern Michigan homestead and the three albums that have inspired him. Listen to tracks from those recordings, a current favorites and songs by Jones himself.
Lowell’s LVNDR finds ‘new fire,’ making the most of her striking run on NBC’s ‘The Voice’
The singer and guitarist who impressed judges on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ has big plans for the future — regardless of how far she might go in the televised competition. Learn more about this West Michigan artist and watch a video of her performance on ‘The Voice’ as well as her new music videos.
Billy Goat Brouhaha: The Billy Strings mystique grows as hardcore fans toast the bluegrass hero
Many say the beloved Michigan-bred guitarist has changed their lives. Local Spins digs into unprecedented fan ardor for the superstar as his humongous Halloween homecoming approaches. Check out fan comments from across the country, hailing the bluegrass powerhouse.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Michigan Night’s ‘talent-rich’ showcase, plus Mudhoney, Owl City, Niko Moon & more
Local Spins’ week-in-review concert photo roundup also features the big Bass Country Halloween show, Ernest, Bad Religion and The Stray’s ‘Night of Ambient Music.’
The Sonic Coast debuts as purveyor of ‘special’ Michigan music via streaming radio
The new all-digital platform created by a veteran broadcaster strives to showcase ‘authentic’ Michigan-based Americana, roots rock, folk, blues and soul music.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
‘Living life to the fullest’: Americana mainstay Roosevelt Diggs finds fresh verve in ‘Reverie’
The West Michigan band releases a new album next week, spotlighted at Local Spins, which also debuted music by Fake Baseball, EPCYA, Justin Avdek, Wills Piff & Samil, Toby Bresnahan and more.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Greta Van Fleet’s ‘Starcatcher,’ plus Les Creatif, Silent Spirit, Aimcriers & more
Local Spins is back with another batch of reviews covering 2023 releases by regional artists, including Heart Dreams and After Ours. Check out the reviews, listen to selected tracks from the releases.
Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows · Videos
A Billy Strings board game and coping with the rigors of the road as a budding star
In a 2019 interview, Billy Strings candidly discussed struggles to maintain his mental health as a road warrior – a challenge for many artists. Revisit the story today at Local Spins. Oh, and check out a new Billy Strings board game.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Videos
Emmylou Harris, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jeff Daniels to star at Ann Arbor Folk Fest
The festival returns as a two-day event in January with an impressive lineup that includes Michigan Rattlers, Devon Gilfillian, Bailen, Darren Kiely, Steve Poltz and more. The details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Joe Johnson & The Bluebacks win GR’s Blues Challenge, plus the return of Kalamashoegazer
The Holland-based band outpolled four other blues acts to advance to January’s competition in Memphis, with Peter Allen Jensen winning the solo challenge. Plus, check out photos from Saturday’s Kalamashoegazer fest at Bell’s and Conklin Ceili Band’s 25th Anniversary show.
Gruff and Enigmatic Ways: Bob Dylan’s star still shines in Grand Rapids show
The seemingly upbeat 82-year-old legend brought his “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour to DeVos Performance Hall on Saturday, a show that was at once shadowy, unpredictable and characteristic of an evening with Dylan
The Band Camino, We Came As Romans, Lanco: Grand Rapids concert photo recap
Friday night’s tour stops rattled downtown Grand Rapids, from GLC Live at 20 Monroe to The Intersection. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Amos Lee delivers 600 beers to St. Cecilia fans, Dave Bruzza goes solo at Wealthy Theatre
Thursday night in Grand Rapids was special in more ways than one, highlighted by singer-songwriter Amos Lee’s amazing concert and post-show, beer-enhanced sing-along. Photos and video at Local Spins. […]
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Rebekah Jon’s psychedelic pop-rock strives to reach fans on ‘same vibrational wave’
The Traverse City singer-songwriter just released another moody gem, spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Dennie Middleton, Brother Wolf and more.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Top 10 Best Bob Dylan Covers: The Ultimate Local Spins Playlist
The legendary Bob Dylan brings his global tour to Grand Rapids Saturday. Today, Dylan fan and Local Spins collaborator Nicholas James Thomasma offers up a compelling roster of Dylan songs covered by other artists.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: Billy Strings on cusp of stardom in 2015, focusing more on ‘solo stuff’
Local Spins’ “Billy Strings Month” continues with a look back at the young, up-and-coming West Michigan guitarist eight years ago as he prepared to play the cozy Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge. Plus, view a full performance video of Billy Strings & Don Julin from earlier the same year.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Lansing jazz saxophonist Phil Denny: Three albums that changed my world
Acclaimed smooth jazz musician Phil Denny talks about how Richard Elliot, Boney James and Grover Washington Jr. influenced his own playing. Check out the albums at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Fred Armisen’s musical comedy, Headband Henny’s album-release and more: Photos
Check out Local Spins photo galleries featuring Fred Armisen’s Grand Rapids tour stop, plus weekend shows in Kalamazoo starring Headband Henny and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Violent Femmes, Grace Potter, Vended rock West Michigan’s rafters in sundry ways
An unusual folk-punk collaboration with Grand Rapids Symphony, a rock-pop sensation and some metal mayhem found receptive audiences this week. Plus, check out video highlights from Pulaski Days and Saturday’s Horizen Fest. The photo galleries at Local Spins.
May Erlewine tops Hot Top 5 yet again; Pretoria makes chart debut with latest album
Michigan’s songbird soared to No. 1 with her latest album. Get the back story on Pretoria’s chart debut and see what other Michigan artists made the Top 5 for September. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
River City Studios: A legacy of experimenting, inspirational diversity and old-school charm
Our spotlight on the historic Grand Rapids studio also includes the Local Spins on WYCE debut of tracks by Preta Nova, Pretty Sure, Theometric, Sam Kenny & Emma A. Ward, LVNDR, Flxnn and more. Get River City’s back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Pablo Eskobear, Seth Bernard, Headband Henny, Schrock Bros and more
This early October roundup of 2023 releases by Michigan artists boasts a diverse mix of genres and artists, including new music by The Bloody Pickups and Round Creek String Band. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Singer-songwriter Ari Hest set to debut new music during Michigan tour stops
The New York musician and singer brings his Midwest solo tour to Grand Rapids’ Midtown on Friday. Learn more about this tunesmith and watch a video of a recent performance.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings to rev up Halloween homecoming with Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Bill Nershi
This week’s lineup and theme announcement for the Oct. 31 bluegrass spectacle at Van Andel Arena — dubbed the “Van Andel Scramble” — features pals Mark Lavengood, John Mailander, Chris Pandolfi and Duane Trucks among other stars of the scene. The lowdown at Local Spins, along with a special concert playlist.
With a little help from his friends, Ringo Starr takes Grand Rapids by nostalgic storm
Ringo and His All Starr Band unleashed a cavalcade of hits for a capacity crowd at DeVos Performance Hall on Tuesday night. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Traverse City’s The Alluvion to host benefit show for Michigan’s ailing Seth Bernard
Friday’s all-star concert at the new northern Michigan listening room will feature a “community” of the respected musician and Earthwork Music founder’s friends. The details at Local Spins.