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.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Revivalists romp, narrowly avoid getting washed out for sold-out Meijer Gardens show
Undeterred by multiple weather-related delays, the New Orleans-based band rewarded a dedicated audience with an effusive, exuberant performance of familiar favorites. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Tuneful Tuesday: TEMC’s soulful kickoff at Meijer Gardens + Jake Kershaw, Watchhouse
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.
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