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.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Summer Concert Cavalcade: Free shows in GR, Ann Arbor, Hastings, Ludington, Zeeland, more
The shows just keep coming. Local Spins’ exclusive listing of outdoor community concerts across Michigan now boasts 100-plus series. We’ve added 25 more schedules to our summer guide; here are a few to check out and get an update on The Accidentals, who will play several of these series this summer.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Nicole LaRae’s Dizzybird Records celebrating 11 years of sharing ‘great music with the world’
The label’s 11th anniversary party takes place at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Friday with Heaters, Gringo Star, Hollywood Makeout and Crystal Trench. Learn more at Local Spins, view the show schedule and check out videos of all the artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Full Cord mandolinist Brian Oberlin: Albums That Changed My World,’ Fleck to Skaggs
The Full Cord trio plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night. To warm up fans for the special show, Local Spins Rewind revisit Full Cord bluegrass mandolinist Brian Oberlin’s picks for albums that influenced him most.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Living legend Herb Alpert still going strong at 90 with his Tijuana Brass playing GR on Sunday
The iconic trumpeter, pianist, composer, producer and co-founder of A&M Records is on tour with a stop Sunday at DeVos Performance Hall. He insists: ‘It gives me energy to play.’ The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Pop Evil: Ready to ‘hit on all cylinders’ in unleashing new songs for homecoming shows
The West Michigan-bred hard rock band plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids and Fillmore Detroit this week on its ‘What Remains’ tour. The Local Spins interview with Leigh Kakaty, who opens up about processing mental health issues and the importance of Pop Evil’s latest album.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Linkin Park, Jennifer Knapp, Future Islands & more ignite West Michigan stages (Photos)
The musical approaches varied widely, but the impact on packed, enthused audiences was the same at several different venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The concert recaps, photos at Local Spins.
May Erlewine, The Junky Swinger, Hannah Laine dominate Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The latest releases from the northern Michigan singer-songwriter, emerging psych-country-jam band and keyboardist-singer came in just ahead of RyneShyne and Melophobix. View the chart, listen to the music.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Out of Favor Boys eschew ‘museum versions of the blues’ for dynamic new album
The veteran blues band opens up about its new studio release for Local Spins, which also debuts tracks by Annagail, Desmond Jones, Rodeo Boys, Sixman, Flowers on the Grave and more. Get the back story on Out of Favor Boys and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Special Offers · Upcoming shows
Local Spins to mark 13-year anniversary with rock ’n’ roll party, Spinsation Ale, trucker hats
In addition to a May 21 bash at SpeakEZ Lounge starring The Legal Immigrants, Local Spins will partner with Rockford Brewing and Turnstiles on May events celebrating our birthday. Get the lowdown on these special events and see how you can support Local Spins’ coverage of Michigan music.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Michigan concert promoter Nate Dorough: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
Today, the Local Spins series revealing albums that have impacted musicians and music industry movers and shakers spotlights longtime concert promoter Nate Dorough. Check out his intriguing picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Shinedown revs up Grand Rapids with fiery, emotional ‘Dance, Kid, Dance’ spectacle
With special guests Beartooth and Morgan Wade also impressing fans, the Florida hard rockers electrified the Van Andel Arena crowd on Monday with special effects and emotional moments
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Barely Alive, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Robbie Fulks, Claudettes: Concert Photo Recap
The last full week of April boasted some fascinating shows visually and instrumentally, including guitar wiz Jake Allen and the future of music via Kalamazoo Academy of Rock bands. The images at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Summer Concert Deluge: Lineups for more than 30 outdoor venues
Today, Local Spins gets Michigan music lovers ready for another summer of concert revelry, from Pine Knob to Interlochen to Meijer Gardens to Soaring Eagle Casino, Bell’s Brewery and more. View the schedules from mammoth amphitheaters to intimate outdoor settings.
Local Grins: GR Comedy Jam, The Show Game Game Show, Lass Laugh Comedy Fest & More
Our spring round-up of regional comedy shows features an interview with John & Jesse from the ‘Show Game Game Show,’ the lineup for the Lass Laugh Comedy Fest and other funny stuff.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
N. Michigan’s Hail Your Highness leans into dreamier rock approach with new music
The sisters who made their mark in the hardcore scene have a new single, showcased by Local Spins this week along with fresh tracks by The Native Howl, Full Cord and other Michigan artists. Get the Hail Your Highness back story and listen to this week’s show podcast at Local Spins.
Detroit Artist Spotlight · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Art of Transformation: The Vig Arcadia explores self-discovery, growth on ‘Morph’
The Detroit pop-rock band chats with Local Spins about its latest release ahead of Saturday’s shows at Original Gravity Brewing Company in Milan and The Loving Touch in Ferndale. Learn more about this up-and-coming band and watch their music videos at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Summer Concert Wave: Rockford, Lowell, Wyoming, Allegan, Sparta lineups & more
Local Spins today presents the first blast of lineups for free summer concert series at communities across Michigan. View select schedules, with a full roster in our Free Community Concerts 2025 Guide.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Guitar phenom, singer-songwriter Jake Allen: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
The Gaylord alt-rock artist and looping wizard plays SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids for the first time on Wednesday, set to showcase virtuosic talent that’s impressed audiences across the globe. Learn more about Jake Allen and check out the albums that have inspired his own music.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Tuesday Evening Music Club boasts unique musical twists via 2025 performer lineup
The Tuesday concert series showcasing Michigan acts returns to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park amphitheater starting in mid-June with “The Music That Raised Us’ tribute to female icons and features the return of The Accidentals. View the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Funky Fun: The New Mastersounds, Simply in Time, Desmond Jones & more ignite weekend
It was a funky weekend of music from Grand Rapid to Kalamazoo, with soulful, dance-fueled sets by everything from a British touring band to West Michigan favorites. The photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Commentary · Playlists · Videos
Nine years after his death, Prince’s legacy lives on — at Paisley Park and in West Michigan
Today, Local Spins revisits the remarkable career of the American rock, funk, R&B and pop legend, showcases the continued popularity of Minnesota’s Paisley Park and traces West Michigan connections to The Purple One. Plus, check out a Top 9 Playlist of under-the-radar Prince classics.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens sells out 11 summer concerts in two hours amid smoother ticketing process
The Saturday morning rush for tickets by members led to 11 sellouts in just two hours for the 34-concert series, including appearances by Alison Krauss, CAKE, Cheap Trick, Train, Vance Joy, The Revivalists and O.A.R. View the full list and get details at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
Festival Dreaming: Lineups for 2025 Michigan Music Festivals + Local Spins radio podcast
Spring means lineups for many Michigan music festivals have sprung. Artists appearing at several also are featured in this week’s Local Spins Michigan music showcase radio podcast. Check out lineups for many festivals and listen to this week’s radio show featuring an interview with Dominic John Davis and new music from several Michigan artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Award-winning Simply in Time creates party groove with ‘theatrical funk fusion’
The eclectic West Michigan band releasing a new recording later this year makes it SpeakEZ Lounge debut in Grand Rapids on Friday. Learn more about the band in this Artist Spotlight feature.
Jack White transforms Grand Rapids venue into rafter-rattling, rock ’n’ roll roadhouse
The Detroit-bred guitarist blazed a loud, shapeshifting trail through his career catalog on Tuesday for 2,600 rabid fans at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The concert review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Avoid Coachella-like chaos: Bus Benefit kicks off Michigan’s home-grown festival flurry
One of the first music festivals of the summer season returns to Smiling Acres over Memorial Day weekend. Get the lineup and details at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Jack White, Dominic John Davis revel in unpredictability as global tour hits GR
Local Spins checks in with Jack White bassist and childhood buddy Dominic John Davis as the ‘No Name’ tour prepares to play GLC Live at 20 Monroe this week. Plus, see what iconic albums have impacted Davis the most.
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