Music fans were embracing the classics over the past week — and cheering on Dogs in a Pile and Silver Creek Revival. Browse the images and a video at Local Spins.
Message to Musicians: Be authentic, own social media, build your brand, tell your story
This weekend’s second Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids drew attentive musicians and songwriters for guidance in career development from industry experts across Michigan. It continues to today with ‘Vendor Day’ featuring merchandiser and information from a variety of music-related organizations.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
MercyMe, Sam Wesley poised to bring inspirational family affair to Grand Rapids
Sam Wesley, MercyMe frontman’s son, is carving out his own musical space on the tour that stops at Van Andel Arena on Sunday. Learn more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Old-school country’s Rachel Brooke gets honest and real with raw ‘sad songs’ album
The Saginaw-area singer and songwriter talks about her ‘surprise record’ with Local Spins, which also debuts music by The Hacky Turtles, Silent Spirit, Billy Strings, Ribbons of Song, Death By Lions and more. Learn more about Rachel Brooke and her new music, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens 2025: Dinosaur Jr., Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, Chaka Khan, Vance Joy
Today’s announcement of the 34-concert summer series also features the likes of The String Cheese Incident and The Head & The Heart as well as returning favorites O.A.R., Umphrey’s McGee, Trombone Shorty, Jason Isbell, CAKE and Rick Springfield. View the full schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
N. Michigan’s Silver Creek Revival marks 3rd anniversary with SpeakEZ show tonight
The revamped and re-energized indie-folk and Americana band of multi-instrumentalists makes its Local Spins Wednesdays debut in Grand Rapids tonight. Learn more about this emerging band in this Artist Spotlight.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Papa Vegas is back — reuniting for an ‘epic’ performance set for release as a concert film
The Grand Rapids alt-rock heroes who made a splash in the late 1990s will perform Thursday at The Collaborative Lab, with the show recorded for video release. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bright Eyes, May Erlewine, Feedback, Papadosio attract ardent crowds (Recaps)
As Michigan’s spring finally began to emerge, national and local heroes raised the temperature musically from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, featuring everything from national acts such as Killswitch Engage to local heroes such as Molly and Kait Rose. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Billy’s Lounge builds on Grand Rapids legacy of 50-plus years of riveting live music
The Eastown institution offers a wide range of musical entertainment, from hip hop to blues to rock to soul to DJs to reggae and more. Learn more about the popular nightclub in this Venue Spotlight and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5
New Michigander album jumps to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
Jason Singer and Michigander — who head out on tour with Dawes later this month — topped the March chart, followed by Headband Henny, Melophobix and The Hacky Turtles. View the full chart at Local Spins and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Hannah Laine gets personal, inventive, embraces ‘presence of love inside’ for new EP
The singer and keyboardist with Earth Radio releases her new solo EP today and opens up about it for Local Spins, which also debuts music by PHABIES, Flowers on the Grave, Cold Leather Seats, RyneShyne and more. Get Hannah Laine’s back story and listen to today’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Feedback 2025 benefit set to ‘Rock Poverty with Soul’ at Founders Brewing on Sunday
For 25 years, The Honeytones hosted this benefit concert to aid the hungry in Kent County until COVID hit. Now, it’s back with The Soul Syndicate and Money Soup to party for a cause.
Breaking music news · Features
Jake Rye’s Social Recording left reeling from devastating fire; musicians rally behind him
The mid-March blaze destroyed more than $100,000 in gear, furniture and more at the Adrian recording studio. Musicians and friends are pitching in to assist in recovery efforts. Get the story at Local Spins.
Forrest Frank unfurls infectious pop, embraces fan interaction in Grand Rapids tour stop
The fast-rising Christian music star regaled an audience of about 10,000 at Van Andel Arena on Monday, along with opener Elevation Rhythm. The review, photos and set list.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Michigan Rattlers come home + Chase Matthew, Russell Dickerson, The Bootstrap Boys, more
Late March heated up with homecoming shows, national touring acts and local favorites on multiple stages across West Michigan, including Ty Myers, Brandon Fitzpatrick, Bayker Blankenship and more. The recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Rusty Vining & His Friends win The Stray’s 2025 Battle of the Bands
The Grand Rapids indie-folk band topped three other finalists to take home top honors at Saturday’s finals in the fourth annual event. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Forrest Frank, Elevation Rhythm ready to sing ‘Praises’ with energetic, hip-hop, pop flair
The emerging Christian music artists make a tour stop Sunday at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena, with plans to perform their smash hit as a duet. The back story, interview and music video at Local Spins.
The War and Treaty get ‘rebellious about love,’ revel in energetic Michigan homecoming show
The Albion-bred, soulful Americana and rock band returned to Grand Rapids St. Cecilia Music Center for a rousing Friday concert that was taped for a future live release. The review and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Bootstrap Boys honky-tonk on with heavy hearts after death of guitarist
The Grand Rapids old-school country act has a new single and new tour as it recovers from a tragic loss. Plus, Local Spins debuts tracks from The Go Rounds, Hannah Rae, Zero Sun and other Michigan acts. Check out our interview with The Bootstrap Boys’ Jake Stilson, see where the band will be performing and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Dwight Yoakam, Mavericks bring ‘Brighter Days’ to Kalamazoo with country exuberance
Touring behind his latest album, country icon Dwight Yoakam along with The Mavericks and 49 Winchester regaled Southwest Michigan fans who cheered the lengthy show. Review, photos.
‘Real Connection’: GR’s Music Econ Summit set to enlighten, inspire, mentor musicians
The second annual Michigan music business conference taking place April 11-13 boasts a who’s who lineup of industry experts, speakers, panelists and performers. The lowdown and registration links at Local Spins.
Michigan’s Tiny Desk Contest 2025 Entries: Traversing the state, spanning all genres
The annual nationwide competition hosted by NPR Music has attracted videos/songs from veteran acts The Gasoline Gypsies, Laura Rain, Annie Bacon, Jack Droppers and Peter Madcat Ruth to fledgling singer-songwriters. View all the Michigan entries at Local Spins.
Comic Brian Atkinson set for ‘wild and crazy’ clean comedy benefit at Wealthy Theatre
The Grand Rapids stand-up comic and several other comedians will host a special night benefiting West Michigan Mental Health Foundation’s Be Nice program. Learn more in this Local Grins artist spotlight.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
The Ark’s Barb Chaffer Authier: ‘Albums That Changed My World’ – Indigo Girls, Toad, Patty
The popular series highlighting recordings that have influenced artists and those in the music business continues with the Ann Arbor marketing director for The Ark. View her picks; listen to the music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Martha Wainright, Cooper Alan, Jackson Dean make musical marks: Concert Photo Recaps
West Michigan’s live music array also featured The Missing Generation, Basic Comfort, Sin Theorem and fourth-round Battle of the Band winner Ethereal performing at venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse all of the images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
All-day jams: Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival showcases Michigan music, guitars, community
Rolling out for the 20th year, the festival featuring concerts, instrument vendors and workshops at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew an upbeat audience on Saturday. The recap, photos and video highlights.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins Rewind’s Top 5 Michigan stars of March 2024: Where are they now?
March 2024 generated some of the most buzzed-about stories of the year, and Billy Strings and other Michigan artists featured in those articles are making waves in 2025. Local Spins takes a look back … and forward.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
May Erlewine channels her rock ’n’ roll passion for new album, Michigan tour
The much-admired northern Michigan singer-songwriter opens up about her new music for Local Spins, which also debuts tracks by Michigander, G-Hollow, The Junky Swinger and more. Learn more about May Erlewine’s latest project and listen to today’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Singer-songwriter Melissa Dylan: Big voice, intense songs, starting a new band
Grand Rapids singer Melissa Dylan plays a songwriters’ night at SpeakEZ Lounge on Friday with Ralston Bowles and Dan Terry. Local Spins digs into more about this tunesmith who just started a new band.
Toasting the mandolin and more, Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival celebrating 20th year
The free Saturday festival with live performances and instrument vendors at Kalamazoo Valley Museum also boasts a Friday kickoff event starring Brian Oberlin of Full Cord. Get the full schedule and a preview of this year’s event at Local Spins.
Local Grins: Alternative Comedy Shows, Michigan Podcasts, Kalamazoo’s Comedy Scene
It’s “Comedy Day” at Local Spins with our March roundup of area comedy news and must-see events, from the arena to small clubs, plus a special, humor-inspired “Question of the Week” that could win you show tickets.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Judy Collins, Bob James, Red Sea Pedestrians and more heat up mid-March (Photos)
From Traverse City to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, the unseasonable heat wave sparked sizzling concerts by veterans and emerging artists alike. The recaps and images at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Lucky Charm Saturday: Irish Off Ionia and more toast early St. Paddy’s revelry
Grand Rapids celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in many ways on Saturday, from more than 10,000 revelers on Calder Plaza to area pubs and breweries. Browse the photos and video at Local Spins, along with a roster of some area taverns continuing the St. Patrick’s Day parties on Monday.
Gig Giggles: Musicians, fans recall their funniest, oddest concert moments
From naked fans to fiery tips to bitten violists to narcoleptic dogs and keyboard players, the anecdotes from amusing live music events are, indeed, memorable. View many of them at Local Spins and add your own tales to the roster.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Raw, powerful, authentic: Elisabeth Pixley-Fink sheds inhibitions with ‘Heartskin’
The Ann Arbor-based artist talks about her new rock and alt-folk collection for Local Spins, which also debuted tracks by Bob James, Ashley Kay, The War and Treaty, Ohly and many more. Get the back story on Elisabeth Pixley-Fink and listen to today’s radio show podcast.
Luke Winslow-King gets fresh, ‘fully present’ on new album, hitting No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart
The Cadillac native’s latest release, “Flash-A-Magic,” nudged out albums by Headband Henny, Michigander, Adrian Wright and Avocadsquad. View the chart; sample the music at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Zedd, Rezz, Gryffin, ISOxo brighten Breakaway 2025; Buttermilk boasts Michigan faves
Two West Michigan festivals showcasing different parts of the musical spectrum have announced their lineups for 2025. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Bob James, California’s Dave Koz team up for unplugged duo jazz album, tour
The celebrated pianist and saxophonist play a sold-out show at Traverse City’s The Alluvion on Thursday, kicking off a U.S. tour behind a new recording, “Just Us.” The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Traverse City’s Slow Spell to unfurl enigmatic, powerful experimental rock at planetarium
The quartet featuring singer Laurel Premo creates organic, boundary-pushing music, with two special, visually enhanced concerts this week at a Grand Rapids planetarium. The back story at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
The Wild Honey Collective’s Tommy McCord: Albums That Changed My World
With cosmic Americana/string band The Wild Honey Collective playing SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday, we asked its frontman to reveal recordings that impacted him. Plus, view a video of the band and listen to its music.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘I Lived It’: Iconic singer Judy Collins embraces ’60s folk scene legacy and much more
The folk legend with a new book of poetry and another Grammy-nominated album returns this week to play St. Cecilia Music Center, one of her absolute favorite concert halls. The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Lone Bellow charms GR with fetching ‘Love Songs,’ plus the week’s concert roundup
Enchanting a sold-out crowd at St. Cecilia Music Center, The Lone Bellow’s Saturday tour stop was just part of a bracing concert week that also featured Jimkata, Ten Peso Version, Super Future & more. Get the recaps, photos and a video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Pioneering composer, hip hop artist Adrian Younge bringing ‘magical musical’ art to GR
The in-demand, Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist is set to unfurl his “Jazz is Dead” show with a 10-piece orchestra at The Pyramid Scheme on Tuesday. The Local Spins interview, plus view his recent music videos.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Youth Movement: Emerging Money Soup electrifies audiences with funk-soul-pop fusion
The band which plays Billy’s Lounge, Founders, Chicago Beef Joint and Park Theatre in coming weeks joined other Michigan artists in debuting music for Local Spins: Mary Beth Orr, Deerfield Run, Stanley & Quiggle and more.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Trevor Hall, Ozomatli, Elephant Revival, Lindsay Lou to boost Blissfest 2025
The July festival’s performers will also include Steve Poltz, Toubab Krewe, JigJam, Bobby Alu and a robust slate of Michigan acts. View the full lineup, get ticket links and details at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Mark Farner, Brie Stoner, Moon Orchids, Overly Polite Tornadoes & more
This March roundup of releases by Michigan artists also includes our takes on new albums by Jessica Wolfbird and Stephen Hooper. Plus, listen to tracks from each artist and see where some of them will be performing.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Lone Bellow returns: Honesty, friendship, communal adventure and ‘tasting the blood’
The indie-folk/Americana trio brings its tour to Michigan this week for shows at St. Cecilia Music Center and The Ark. The Local Spins interview with Zach Williams
Festivals · SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan does South by Southwest: How state stars aim to sizzle at SXSW 2025
Another entourage of Michigan artists will make their way to Austin, Texas, later this month for performances surrounding the massive SXSW festival and conference. A listing of Michigan artists at SXSW, along with some of their stories and aspirations.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
TobyMac’s mantra, Bell’s Mitten music buffet, Valley Girl’s anniversary soiree: Photo Recap
Local Spins’ week-in-music roundup travels from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to showcase everything from national touring acts such as Vampa and Ella Langley to local stars Hannah Laine, Jessica Ivey and Santino Jones and more. Browse the images at Local Spins.
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