Sunny, sultry weather greeted fans of vibrant music on Tuesday: The Music That Raised Us at Meijer Gardens, Jake Kershaw in Rockford and Watchhouse in Kalamazoo. Revisit the musical action in images at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Charlotte Bluegrass Festival bracing for ‘Billy Strings Effect’ with guitar star’s appearance
The intimate, long-running festival at Eaton County Fairgrounds boasts a ‘surprise’ Thursday headlining set by Billy Strings, but also features a host of national bluegrass acts.
Singer-pianist Diana Krall embraces sultry, mysterious vibe at Meijer Gardens
The jazz singer and pianist unfurled a beautifully ‘brooding’ set in her Monday tour stop, with Michigan’s Abigail Stauffer opening. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Videos
Electric Forest 2025 to light up Rothbury again: The Local Spins Guide and Must-See Picks
‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’ columnist Todd Ernst not only gives readers a heads-up on can’t-miss sets at this weekend’s extravaganza — including those with a Michigan slant — but some visitor tips as well. Our guide also features the four-day performer lineup, a festival map and ticket links.
Rick Springfield delivers ‘Human Touch’ of nostalgia with help from ’80s pals
The Sunday night “I Want My ’80s” tour stop at Meijer Gardens also featured fan-friendly faves from Wang Chung, John Waite and Paul Young. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Railroad Earth, Ryan Adams, Ally Venable & Buttermilk Jamboree’s Day 2: Recaps, photos
It was another action-packed weekend of live music, the mid-June array of shows and festival romps recapped in words and photos at Local Spins.
Buttermilk Jamboree ’25 marches out of the gates with soul, rock, folk, fun and rain
The first night of the three-day music festival at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids embraced regional artists and more. The recap, photos and the rest of the weekend lineup, exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The ‘fierce stage persona’ and poetic magic of Detroit’s award-winning Carolyn Striho
The veteran rocker opens up for Local Spins, which also debuts new music by Resurrection Blues Band, Ada LeAnn, The Messenger Birds, May Erlewine and more. Get Carolyn Striho’s back story and listen to this week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase podcast.
Chris Stapleton rocks GR with Mike Campbell; Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal get bluesy at the Gardens
Thursday was filled with stars: Chris Stapleton fired up a capacity crowd on the first of two nights at Van Andel Arena while Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal returned to Meijer Gardens. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rick Springfield, Wang Chung set to relive ’80s glory in upcoming Michigan shows
It’s time to ‘wang chung.’ The artists — joined by John Waite and Paul Young — bring their “I Want My ’80s Tour” to Meijer Gardens and Interlochen. The Local Spins preview and interview with Wang Chung and Paul Young. Plus, relive their classic music videos.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Buttermilk Jamboree poised to churn family-tested musical revelry for 2025 festival
The weekend festival at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids will boast sets by Mucca Pazza, Laura Rain, Full Cord and many more. The deets, schedule and more at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: Michigander, Melophobix, Frankie Ballard, Flexadecibel
Our early June roundup of new releases by artists from Michigan covers pop, country, funk, soul and much more. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Nor-East’r festival ramping up with Michigan stars for 21st year in Mio
Oscoda County Fairgrounds will light up with dozens of performances on three stages this coming weekend, spotlighting a bevy of regional acts. The preview and schedule at Local Spins.
I’m With Her super-group powers through rain for stunning, harmony-hued show
It rained throughout Sunday’s concert at Meijer Gardens, but those who stuck around were treated to the trio’s fetching covers and original gems. The review and photos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kalamazoo Pride shines with diversity, GridLife revs its electronic music engines
In Kalamazoo, Pride shined through on a perfect day to celebrate diversity with a host of eclectic Michigan bands. Plus, GridLife Fest wrapped up two days of music in South Haven and Kalamazoo hosted ‘Art on the Mall’ performances. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
GridLife Fest roars on Day 1, plus June’s Michigan music festival roundup
The first night of South Haven’s GridLife Festival at Gingerman Raceway kicked off a month boasting more than a dozen music festivals across Michigan. Our recap — with photos — of Friday’s opening salvo and a listing of all those June festivals.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Nathan Moore Affair embraces ‘weird’ soulful stew bigger than sum of its parts
Local Spins profiles the Kalamazoo band with a new single/video this week and playing Kalamazoo Pride, while also debuting fresh tracks from Kennedy Perez, Sonny Ski, Chloe Kimes, Jake Simmons, Flexadecibel and other Michigan artists. Learn more about The Nathan Moore Affair, watch their new music video and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast.
Chaka Khan creates ‘Something Good’ and more in retrospective Meijer Gardens show
The legendary R&B singer brought a cavalcade of hits to the outdoor amphitheater on Wednesday, with Grand Rapids native Sarena Rae getting the evening started. The Local Spins review and photos.
Announcements · Contests · Special Offers
Get Truckin’: The Local Spins Festival Fan Photo Contest & Our New Trucker Hats
Festival season is in full gear and we’re looking for the best fan photos of the action. Enter our festival photo contest to win fabulous prizes and order your new Local Spins trucker cap to stay fashionable all summer long.
GridLife Festival turning ignition on ‘sound and speed’ to electrify South Haven this weekend
The Friday-Sunday festival at Gingerman Raceway featuring sets by Levity, Sullivan King, Rossy, Nightmre and more also boasts racing and car drifting. The lowdown, schedule, video and more at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Hot Fun in the Summertime: Grand Haven, T.C., Ada, Holland, Kalamazoo Concert Series
The roster of free outdoor community concerts across Michigan keeps growing. Local Spins just added 25 more summer series to its annual guide. Check out some of them here and get ready for a summer of live music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
May-Ending Marvels: Billy Strings, Headband Henny, The Head & The Heart, Valerie June
The last week in May offered up a two-night Billy Strings spectacle, the first Meijer Gardens summer show, the debut of a new venue and more, all captured in words and photos at Local Spins.
The Head and The Heart provides ‘perfect soundtrack’ to Meijer Gardens opening night
The sold-out kickoff to the Meijer Gardens summer concert series even impressed the ban, which called it “a surreal place to play music.” The review, photos and set list from Friday’s show.
Billy Strings weaves kaleidoscopic bluegrass enchantment in spellbinding hometown show
Michigan’s bluegrass hero returned Friday to Grand Rapids for the first of two-jampacked nights at Van Andel Arena. Check out the review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Billy Strings ‘Shakedown’: Ionia celebrates guitar star with vendors, street music
A weekend celebrating the West Michigan bluegrass star kicked off Thursday with a vendors’ market and jamming in Ionia, with much more to come. Check out the recap, photos and video. Plus, listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio show podcast that kicks off with a Billy classic and features new tracks by Larry McCray, Phabies, Carbon Decoy and more.
Sessanta’s three-headed band monster invades GR for ingenious homecoming romp
The unusual tour that puts Michigander Maynard James Keenan’s A Perfect Circle and Puscifer on the same stage with Primus rocked Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, with a brief guest appearance by Billy Strings. The Local Spins review and photos.
Park Theatre’s Summer Series, Bad Momz, Kalamazoo Comedy & More: Local Grins
The late May edition of Local Grins delivers a rollicking roundup of big and small comedy shows across West Michigan, as well as some hilarious movies to tickle your funny bone.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Movement, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Jon Spencer, Neal Francis heat up Michigan
Local Spins rounds up a busy weekend of live music music across the state — from Detroit to Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Paw Paw and beyond — in words, photos and a video. Check out images from Movement, Bus Benefit, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Neal Francis, Hot Like Mars, Megan Rae Band, Kanin Wren, Jon Spencer and a summer-starting event at Turnstiles.
Valerie June christens The Big Room in Grand Rapids with ever-joyful, solo concert
The acclaimed folk/roots/soul artist ushered in a new era for the historic building on Ottawa Avenue NW with an ebullient attitude and passionate singing. Get the lowdown on Monday’s concert hall debut in words and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Stunning Billy Strings Things: Wild covers, new originals, trad tracks likely to wow fans in GR
The bluegrass powerhouse who’s become Grand Rapids’ hometown hero returns to Van Andel Arena for two straight nights later this week. Today, Local Spins’ Ryan McCahill previews this much-buzzed-about homecoming. And see how you can win tickets to see Billy Strings on Friday.
Movement stirs Detroit on Day 1 with techno, house music, fiery electronic thunder
Movement Electronic Music Festival kicked off the holiday weekend on Detroit’s Hart Plaza on Saturday with a whirlwind of international and regional stars. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Maynard James Keenan comes home to Michigan with Sessanta’s ‘fun community vibe’
Keenan’s Puscifer and A Perfect Circle will join Primus on stage Wednesday at Van Andel Arena. He opens up to Local Spins about the tour, his past and a development he plans for Scottville, where he grew up.
Bus Benefit fest revs up Trufant with music, VW bus magic, heartfelt community
Buses by the Beach’s annual Memorial weekend festival heated up amid chilly weather with an opening Friday salvo featuring Nicholas James & The Bandwagon and Cold Leather Seats. The recap and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
West Michigan’s Cold Leather Seats reveling in harmony-driven ‘gospel-Americana’
The band with a hectic summer schedule opens up about its music with Local Spins, which also showcases tracks by Lord Huron, DJ Minx, Joe Reilly, John Richard Paul and[…]
Features · Photos · Playlists · Top 13 Lists
Lucky 13: Local Spins toasts birthday with its Top 13 Playlists of All Time and much more
Birthdays only come around once a year, so Local Spins marks its 13th anniversary today with its top playlists, top Michigan albums of 2025 and a photo recap of Wednesday’s birthday bash at SpeakEZ Lounge. Check out some amazing and unusual playlists, and see whic
Billy Strings sparks robust pre-parties, vendor markets ahead of Michigan homecoming
Grand Rapids and Ionia will host special pre-shows, performances and vendor lots before the bluegrass superstar’s Van Andel Arena concerts May 30 and 31, organized by devoted fans and artisans who follow Billy Strings across the country. The details at Local Spins.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Movement primed to electrify Detroit for 25th year with all things techno and more
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst previews Memorial weekend’s Movement 2025 toasting 25 years since the highly ranked, iconic electronic music festival first launched in the Motor City. Check out his must-see picks, view the schedule and get ticket info at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Violins to Electric Guitars: Lettuce, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Kishi Bashi charm W. Michigan
It was a weekend of string things unlike any other with pop violinist Kishi Bashi, the GR Symphony getting funky with Lettuce and Rainbow Kitten Surprise closing things with a Sunday flourish. The photos at Local Spins, including images from Bronson Arm, Brother Wolf and Lucius Fox.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The Big Room entertainment venue ready to rock 1,500-capacity shows next to GR’s Silva
Part of an impressive entertainment complex/restaurant on Ottawa Avenue in Grand Rapids, the new venue debuts with a free Valerie June concert on Memorial Day. Take a video and photo tour, see how you can get free tickets to the first concert and get the complete lowdown at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Memorial Day Weekend Merriment: Bus Benefit to roll out summer-starting music fest
Featuring Michigan bands and solo artists, the intimate gathering on the Smiling Acres festival site outside Trufant will attract VW bus owners and music lovers. Get details, ticket links and view the full schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Joe Bockheim’s The Legal Immigrants still rocking, still passionately creating 16 years on
The band playing Local Spins’ 13th anniversary show next Wednesday debuted a new song this week and has a busy summer ahead, just part of the mid-May Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast that also featured the debut of tracks by Major Murphy, Dave & Kristi and more. Listen to the show, check out a performance video and learn more about The Legal Immigrants.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rainbow Kitten Surprise armed with dynamic, vocally driven songs for GR tour stop
The indie-alt-rock-pop band born in North Carolina plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Sunday. Guitarist Darrick “Bozzy” Keller chats with Local Spins about Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s evolution and a new album in the works.
Rhiannon Giddens delivers seamless, emotionally charged ‘front porch’ folk in GR
The highly acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning folk artist returned to St. Cecilia Music Center on Tuesday for yet another crowd-enchanting performance that included a shout-out to a local guitar company. The review and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids Symphony psyched to get funky with Boston’s Lettuce on Saturday
The popular jam and funk band rolls into DeVos Performance Hall for a symphonic take on rousing tracks such as “Mt. Crushmore,” “The Force” and “Phyllis.” The Local Spins show preview and interview, with a video from a recent Lettuce-meet-symphony performance. And the symphony performs with hip hop’s Common on Thursday.
Herb Alpert turns back clock with verve, charisma and Tijuana Brass classics
The 90-year-old trumpeter made a Sunday tour stop at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall and drew standing ovations for he and his band’s performance. The Local Spins review.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kishi Bashi poised to unfurl orchestral Japanese ‘party’ pop in Grand Rapids
The acclaimed violinist performs a sold-out show at The Pyramid Scheme on Friday. Kishi Bashi talked with Local Spins about his work, his heritage and his new record. Plus, watch music videos from his new album.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kane Brown, Dave Bruzza, Out of Favor Boys, Heaters and more: Concert Recaps, Photos
From Shades’ electronic spectacle in Grand Rapids to Jon Hayes debuting new music in Kalamazoo to a record label birthday, concert excitement unfolded across W. Michigan. The images at Local Spins.
Podcasts · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Summer Festival Frolicking & Concert Flurry 2025: Mitten Music’s Local Spins Roundup
This week, the Mitten Music podcast — which has long explored Michigan’s music scene via interviews with regional artists — digs into summer festivals with Local Spins. It’s a good excuse for us to round up a flurry of summer music, hundreds upon hundreds of shows.
Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Whatever Happened To
Heaters reuniting for psychedelic ‘wall of sound’ after scattering across North America
Today’s ‘Whatever Happened To’ feature revisits the psych/surf/garage band which plays the Dizzybird Anniversary tonight in Grand Rapids. Plus, Local Spins debuts new music by other Michigan artists. Get Heaters’ back story and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast.
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