Monday’s opening showcase at The Clover Room in Kalamazoo was the kickoff to seven days of live music at a host of venues. Get the recap, photos and festival schedule for Tuesday through Sunday.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Red Wings join Quinn XCII, La Dispute’s homecoming, Bell’s 40th & more: Recaps
Our week-in-review of West Michigan concerts boasts milestone performances and a send-off show for a Grand Rapids singer, plus The Baseball Project, Superchunk, The Bootstrap Boys and more. Get the show recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo eager to amplify voices ‘bigger than just an event’ at Sounds of the Zoo fest
The fourth-year, week-long Sounds of the Zoo music festival will unfold on eight stages over seven days starting Monday with more than four dozen bands and solo artists. Get the preview and schedule at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Otsego’s Liquid Note music venue shutting down due to ‘diminished’ attendance
After six years of indoor and outdoor shows, the Allegan County business will close Sept. 27, joining a roster of West Michigan concert venues that have closed over the past year. The back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan’s Heat Above embraces ‘crazy’ emotion, honesty with melancholy dream rock
The Flint-area rock band has released singles this year with more music, shows ahead. Local Spins spotlights the band and debuts tracks by other Michigan artists, including Luke Winslow-King, Whorled, JonPaul Wallace, Hail Your Highness, Hand of Giants and more. Learn more about Heat Above and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Jon Pardi’s honky-tonk, Young the Giant’s acoustic romp, Front Bottoms’ rock: Photos
Thursday brought three national tours to Grand Rapids at three different venues — pumping up fans for far different live music experiences. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Young the Giant finding ‘so much good energy’ on acoustic tour hitting Grand Rapids tonight
The California indie-rock band brings its ‘In the Open’ acoustic tour to Grand Rapids’ Fountain Street Church on Thursday night, revisiting stripped-back versions of their songs. The Local Spins interview with band member Eric Cannata.
Commentary · Local Grins · Upcoming shows
Local Grins Fall Fun: Samantha Bee, Parks & Rec’s Jerry Gergich, Three-Night Stand & More
Fall fun of the knee-slapping variety ramps up Grand Rapids in coming weeks with national stars, a three-night comedy microfestival and a comedy night during Tech Week. Get the complete lowdown with Local Grins, including an interview with Samantha Bee.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues relives metal glory in stooped, wrinkled, old-fart fashion
The boys are back: More than 40 years after the enduring classic ‘This is Spinal Tap’ hit the big screen, the aging rockers return for a goofy but entertaining reunion. The Local Spins review.
Billy Strings: Using the ‘beautiful energy’ from his late mom to make healing music
National Public Radio’s ‘Fresh Air’ last week aired a revealing interview with the Ionia County-bred bluegrass star, who’s still haunted by the overdose death of his mother. We revisit excerpts at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Rilo Kiley closes Meijer Gardens’ biggest season with nostalgic faves, salty-but-sweet sound
Perfect weather and a sold-out crowd with ‘arms outstretched’ greeted the reunited aughts indie darlings, wrapping up the amphitheater’s summer series. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Vibes Fest, Michigan Irish Fest, Lucius Fox, Celeste Allison, Soccer Mommy: Photo Recap
Music lovers couldn’t have asked for much more: Regional bands at Vibes Fest, Celtic strains in Muskegon, an M-45 Celebration, two album-release shows in Kalamazoo and a tour stop by Soccer Mommy. The photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Americana’s Rusty Vining & His Friends making ‘bold and clear’ statement with new music
Local Spins spotlights Vining who has a pre-release show at The Stray tonight (Saturday), plus debuts new music by Don Was, Pablo Eskobear, Alex Austin, Celeste Allison, Just Magnetic and more. Learn more about Vining and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Vance Joy conveys ‘Divine Feelings,’ heart and harmony in fan-immersive GR tour stop
The picture-perfect evening at Meijer Gardens provided an ideal setting Thursday for the Australian folk-pop singer-songwriter’s impressive, sold-out performance. Review, photos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jazz Musician Tommy Pancy: From playing a $75 saxophone to hosting Sunday jazz jams
Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge has kicked off regular jazz jams hosted by the saxophonist, with area musicians invited to join the fun. Learn more about Pancy and these sessions.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Bootstrap Boys raring to kick up heels in fall kickoff to SpeakEZ Lounge series
With a “massive” new project on the way, Grand Rapids’ favorite vintage country/outlaw country outfit is set to jump-start autumn with help from pedal steel guitarist Justin Wierenga. Learn more at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Wheatland unfurls another ‘beautiful,’ uplifting weekend of eclectic roots music
One of Michigan’s longest-running music festivals embraced everything from traditional music to rock, funk and more on several stages and amid the woods in Remus last weekend. The Local Spins recap, photos and video.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert & Festival Photo Recap: Sunny War, Eastown Streetfair, Kalamashoegazer and more
The early September flurry of concerts and festivals across West Michigan included a long-running Grand Rapids street fair and celebrations in Kalamazoo, plus concerts featuring Jauz, The Nuance, Sunny War and more. Browse the photo galleries and come back to Local Spins on Tuesday for full coverage of the Wheatland Music Festival.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Hip-hop artist Sonny Ski: A regular guy with an irregular mind making waves in Grand Raids
In this profile of an up-and-coming rapper, Sonny Ski talks about balancing faith, family and fierce competition as he prepares to release his next project, ‘Regular Guy, Irregular Mind.’ Learn more about Sonny Ski and listen to his music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Milk Carton Kids heading back to Michigan for nights of stories, songs and harmonies
The harmony-laden California duo return to The Ark in Ann Arbor on Monday and St. Cecilia Music Center in GR on Tuesday for a night of indie-folk. Tuesday’s show kicks off the fall Acoustic Cafe Folk Series.
Alison Krauss & Union Station, Jerry Douglas enchant Meijer Gardens fans amid brisk temps
The shining, award-winning bluegrass star captivated fans on Friday. Check out the Local Spins review by West Michigan fiddler Keala Venema, who performs with the area bands Whorled, Candid Antics and others. Check out the review and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Michigan Irish Music Festival poised to continue legacy as ‘Holy Grail’ of festivals
Next week’s celebration in Muskegon boasts international stars as well as regional Celtic favorites. Get the preview and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase featuring performers at several September festivals and concerts.
Summer Festivals · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Videos
September 2025’s Top 10 shows and music festivals: The Local Spins Big List
While festival season has started to wind down, Michigan’s September lineup still boasts several big events as well as concerts by national touring acts. View our ‘Big List,’ with links to more information and tickets.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Wheatland 2025: An ‘unshakeable force’ in the scene with international acts, regional stars
The 52nd Wheatland Music Festival unfurls in Remus this weekend with big names such as Solas and Steve Poltz, plus Michigan faves The Go Rounds, Benzie Playboys and more. The Local Spins preview, with a full performance schedule.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Going Local: KDL Vibes seeks new regional music for streaming, set for 3rd Vibes Fest
The Kent District Library streaming service that launched in 2021 has opened submissions for another batch of albums by West Michigan artists who get paid an honorarium if selected. Plus, nine area bands will play the Sept. 13 Vibes Fest.
Labor Day’s ‘government mule’ quandary: Musicians seek fair return on songs, live shows
Welcome to our annual examination of the plight of musicians’ seeking a living wage and better working conditions. This year, we take a closer look at the negligible revenue from streaming services. Plus, browse a photo gallery from Sunday’s Gov’t Mule tour stop in Paw Paw.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Weekend Concert Photo Roundup: Ted Nugent, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Hannah Fae & more
Labor Day weekend has brought celebrations of varied nature to West Michigan, from homecoming shows for the Motor City Madman to a spotlight on emerging female artists. View the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The Go Rounds find footing after years of uncertainty, with new music, special shows
Local Spins spotlights Graham Parsons and the Kalamazoo rock/pop band that plays Wheatland Music Festival next week. Plus, we debut tracks from Chloe Kimes, i.am.james., Spuddies, The Nuance and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Crane Wives soar to new heights in emotional Grand Rapids homecoming
The alt-rock/folk band’s sold-out, headlining show at Meijer Gardens on Thursday night was a milestone event for the beloved group with a devoted fan base. The review, photos and a video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Jazz guitarist Pierre Bensusan marks 50 years with tour stops in Grand Rapids, Elk Rapids
The renowned French musician brings music from his heralded career to Michigan’s Tip Top Deluxe, Chalfonte Theatre and The Ark this week. The Local Spins interview, with a music video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Crane Wives eager for homecoming after a ‘miracle’ tour, ‘amazing’ support from fans
West Michigan’s acclaimed alt-folk/rock band plays a sold-out show Thursday at Frederik Meijer Gardens after mounting a successful U.S. tour. The Local Spins interview with band member Emilee Petersmark.
‘Ten Dollar Cowboy’: Charley Crockett gives fans more than their money’s worth in GR
The Texas-born, neo-traditional country singer rode into Meijer Gardens on Monday night to deliver more than two dozen songs from his robust catalog. The Local Spins review and photos.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
ARC Music Festival to celebrate 5 years of spotlighting house music in Chicago
Local Spins’ ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ columnist Todd Ernst previews next weekend’s electronic music fest in Chicago, just a short drive away for Michigan fans of major electronic music stars. Get the details, must-see picks and a user guide at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jam-Happy Fun: Umphrey’s McGee, Greensky Bluegrass pump up Michigan fans
Umphrey’s McGree returned to Meijer Gardens for a weekend-ending, jam-filled, prog-rock-infused spectacle, the day after Greensky Bluegrass finished a bluegrass stint at Interlochen. Plus, shoegaze bands revved up a new Kalamazoo venue. Photos.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Grand Rapids frolics at late August festivals: Return to the River, Small Foreign Festival
Two festivals in different parts of the city attracted fans for a wide variety of music unleashed by Michigan bands amid splendid summer weather. Photos, videos and recaps at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The War and Treaty takes it to the streets for magical, rain-interrupted Albion homecoming
The soulful Americana stars didn’t let rain and a power outage prevent them from delighting fans Saturday with an acoustic performance following the city’s 20-band Walk the Beat fest — with Lowell’s The Nuance winning this year’s competition. Recap, photos, video
Greensky Bluegrass heats up home-state love with two nights of jamming at Interlochen
The Kalamazoo-bred, progressive bluegrass dynamo unleashed the first of two straight northern Michigan shows at Interlochen on Friday, after revving up fans in Detroit on Thursday. Photos, recap at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Return to the River 2025: 27 acts on two stages, live art, food, artisan market
Local Spins previews the return of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.’s free, two-day festival in the Monroe North district, with sets by bands and DJs, as well as traveling art installations. View the performance schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Videos
The Verve Pipe finds retro ‘spark’ on new album, relishes raucous sets on the road
Frontman Brian Vander Ark talks about the West Michigan alt-rock heroes’ latest record for Local Spins, which also debuts music by May Erlewine, Normal Mode, The Hacky Turtles, Heat Above and more. Get the back story on The Verve Pipe and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Jeff Daniels yuks it up with musical Michigan tales, anecdotes for Grand Rapids crowd
The Michigan-based singer-songwriter, actor and humorist regaled a sold-out crowd at St. Cecilia Music Center on Wednesday with all manner of laugh-inducing musical ditties, many of them involving the Mitten State. The review, photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Small Foreign Festival to showcase ‘really good art,’ music with Saturday’s GR debut
The ‘hyper-local’ celebration at Sullivan Field will feature sets by Ficus, Common Molly, Squatch, Clipboards and four other bands, with art vendors, food trucks and more on tap. Details, schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Accidentals lead unprecedented 3½-hour, female-driven spectacle in Tuesday romp
The special five-act romp for Tuesday Evening Music Club came the same night that Rotary Rocks benefit in Rockford boasted sets by Roosevelt Diggs and Nicholas James & The Bandwagon. Recaps, photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
N. Michigan Marvels: Forest Trail and Porkies music festivals aim to keep summer sizzling
This weekend’s celebrations in Free Soil and in the farthest reaches of the Upper Peninsula both boast all-star casts. Get the lowdown, schedules, ticket links and more at Local Spins.
Meijer Gardens fans brave rain for uplifting night of ‘Magic’ from Andy Grammer
Music won out over weather Monday when the multi-platinum-selling pop singer-songwriter from California returned to Grand Rapids. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Neil Francis relishes blowing things up, bringing audiences joy with GR stop ahead
The Chicago-based psychedelic and soulful indie-rocker plays The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids and the Sonic Lunch series in Ann Arbor this week with West Michigan native and drummer Collin O’Brien aboard. The Local Spins interview with Francis, along with two of his latest music videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
CAKE bakes up musical fun, Breakaway heats up Day 2, Weatherheads bid adieu: Recaps
The California rockers returned Sunday to Meijer Gardens, closing out a weekend of electronic mayhem at Breakaway, a goodbye for a GR favorite and Lettuce in Paw Paw. Check out the CAKE review and browse photos from all of the shows at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Local Spins unveils robust fall concerts at SpeakEZ, second ‘Laurel Canyon’ tribute night
Beyond the lineup of diverse Wednesday and Friday shows starring Michigan acts, Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge will take over Tommy Pancy’s Sunday jazz jams after Turnstiles closed its doors. View the full schedule of upcoming shows.
Breakaway Music Festival blasts Belknap Park with Zedd, Gryffin, electronic romps
The opening day of the 2025 music festival in Grand Rapids on Friday sizzled with sets from up-and-coming stars as well as established acts such as Zedd, Gryffin, Disco Lines and more. The recap and photos at Local Spins, along with Saturday’s festival schedule.
The String Cheese Incident jams its way into fans’ hearts in Meijer Gardens debut
The veteran Colorado band that’s long been the “house band” at Michigan’s Electric Forest returned to the region to fire up a capacity crowd at Meijer Gardens on Thursday. A recap and photos at Local Spins.
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