Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Jan. 2-7): Luke Winslow King, The Howlers and Shane Tripp, Jocelyn and Chris Arndt, Tyler Hilton, plus tributes to Elvis Presley, Tom Petty, GNR

• January 2, 2018

It’s a triumphant start to 2018: Local acts rule The Big List, with The Hacky Turtles, Hey Marco!, Dave Palmer, Bruce Matthews and a bunch of “Under-the-Radar” gems, plus the Winter Jam tour stopping at Van Andel Arena and a Boy Band revue at 20 Monroe Live. And see how you can win tickets to the Elvis tribute and Harper & Midwest Kind at the Tip Top Deluxe.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Mark Lavengood, Kaitlin Rose get busy, get inspirational for holidays: Local Spins on WYCE

• December 23, 2017

Lavengood and Rose performed on air, with Local Spins on WYCE also debuting new tracks by Dayz, John Proulx and more during this week’s show. Watch the videos, listen to the podcast.

Album reviews

Michigan Album Reviews: Hannah Rose, hi-ker, Charles the Osprey, Dori, Tired Blood, River City Narrative, Jeremy Hoekstra

• December 19, 2017

This pre-Christmas batch of regional releases covers a lot of ground, with some much-anticipated new albums in the mix. Read the reviews, listen to the music.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Dec. 11-17): Matisyahu, Mannheim Steamroller, Bill Kirchen, People’s Blues of Richmond, Ginuwine, Granger Smith

• December 11, 2017

Chevelle kicks off the week, but there’s plenty of diversity – nationally and locally – crammed into this week’s Big List Concert Guide. And see how you can win tickets to see Matisyahu.

Hot Top 5 · Videos

Singer-songwriter May Erlewine leapfrogs to No. 1 on November’s Hot Top 5 radio chart

• December 8, 2017

The Earthwork Music artist’s latest album, “Mother Lion,” led a reshuffling of chart positions last month for local and regional albums which previously have appeared in the Top 5 at WYCE-FM. Check out the latest chart and watch videos of the featured artists.

Features · Videos

West Michigan Music Video of the Week: Jim Spalink’s stunning ‘eulogy for an old piano’

• December 6, 2017

The Rockford multi-instrumentalist from Celtic/world music’s An Dro moved an old piano into his garden and created an amazing video montage filmed over a year, enhanced by an original composition. Watch this incredible video, along with another Spalink project where he burned instruments that were no longer playable.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

UV Hippo, Over the Rhine, Tommy Emmanuel, Brett Young, May Erlewine, The Outer Vibe, 1997 and Tom Waits Tributes: Recaps, photos

• December 3, 2017

Another eclectic week of live music across West Michigan: Check out reviews of Over the Rhine and UV Hippo, plus photo galleries from fan-pleasing shows by Brett Young, Tommy Emmanuel, The Outer Vibe, May Erlewine and super-groups reprising 1997 and paying tribute to Tom Waits. You’ll find this flurry of photos and videos only at Local Spins.

Features · Videos

West Michigan Music Video of the Week: Grand Haven singer-guitarist Dave Palmer’s ‘Burn’

• November 29, 2017

This week’s featured music video at Local Spins focuses on something new from the founder of the Walk the Beat festival. Check out Dave Palmer’s “Burn,” then see how he’s raising money for a special cause in Haiti through his upcoming performances.

Features · Kalamazoo · Top 10 Lists

Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: Kalamazoo’s Heritage Guitar restoring the Gibson legacy by renovating historic plant

• November 28, 2017

Check out the latest entry in the “Local Spins Top 10 Rewind Series,” recapping the biggest stories of 2017. This feature about Kalamazoo’s Heritage Guitar aiming to restore the luster of the Gibson factory to make it a destination for devotees of handcrafted guitars drew lots of attention from musicians and history buffs. And find links to follow-up stories, too.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Nov. 27-Dec. 3): Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Over The Rhine, Brett Young, UV Hippo, Tommy Emmanuel, Guttermouth

• November 27, 2017

The week also features the Brad Mehldau Trio, Fall Flannel Folk Fest, Kris Delmhorst, the return of The Outer Vibe, Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues and much more. Browse all the live music selections for the week, plus the intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks.

Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Local Spins Top 10 Rewind: Dozens of Michigan musicians rally to support Ralston and Cindy Bowles at Intersection benefit

• November 25, 2017

The ‘Local Spins Rewind Top 10’ continues with a heartwarming story: This March feature that came in at No. 8 on the countdown announced a concert raising money for the couple’s medical bills — an event boasting a who’s who roster of acts, including Troll for Trout, Larry McCray, The Soul Syndicate, Drew Nelson, Hannah Rose Graves and more. Check out the story, with a photo gallery and video highlights from the successful event itself.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Fall Flannel Folk Festival to showcase singer-songwriters as part of ‘Giving Tuesday’

• November 24, 2017

The Tuesday benefit for WGVU at SpeakEZ Lounge will feature performances by half-dozen solo artists, including Michael Riley, who was featured on this week’s Local Spins on WYCE. Get the lowdown and listen to the full radio podcast featuring new local and regional music and an in-studio performance by Billy Strings and his band.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Weekend Photo Gallery: Hair-raising stuff from Dubloadz, Odesza, Christian McBride, Conklin Ceili Band, Loaves & Fishes benefit

• November 19, 2017

It was a live music week of rock, EDM, folk, bluegrass, jazz and Celtic charm to remember. Relive the week in concert images and videos at Local Spins, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo.

Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows

Kalamazoo’s The Founding sheds Blarney Castle moniker to reflect ‘new style’ of Celtic music with release of first full-length album

• November 14, 2017

The young, award-winning, up-and-coming West Michigan band already has become a staple at top-tier Irish music festivals and has honed a unique sound for its Celtic-driven music. It plays a Grand Rapids CD-release show Thursday night. Learn more about The Founding and watch videos of its songs.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Nov. 13-19): Dubloadz, Styx, Joshua Davis, Front Country, Descendents, Christian McBride, Wine, Beer & Food Festival

• November 13, 2017

Odesza starts the week with a sold-out show, but there’s more: Kerosene Stars, The Ragbirds, Brubeck Brothers, The Contenders, The Krank Daddies, Conklin Ceili Band and a Simon & Garfunkel tribute. And see how you can win free tickets to the mammoth International Wine, Beer and Food Festival.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Aaron Lewis, New Found Glory, Borgore, Needtobreathe, Mister Heavenly, Joshua Davis, Take Hold Fest pump up West Michigan: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• November 13, 2017

This edition of the week-in-review also boasts a tour stop by The Yawpers, a Tom Petty tribute and local showcases featuring the likes of Great Black Night, Lapdogs and more. Browse the photos, watch the videos.

Breaking music news · Festivals · Podcasts

Fretboard Festival seeks play-in contest bands; Revolve Records moves; November’s Local Spins on Michigan Radio podcast

• November 10, 2017

November’s music news roundup: a call for bands to enter a Fretboard Fest play-in contest, a Grand Rapids record store move and this month’s Local Spins podcast on Michigan Radio showcasing new West Michigan releases. Get the lowdown and listen to the podcast at Local Spins.

Hot Top 5 · Videos

Billy Strings snags No. 1 on Hot Top 5 chart for October, plays Grand Rapids Nov. 24

• November 8, 2017

The bluegrass guitar whiz and Michigan native bumped The Accidentals from the top slot last month, with four new regional album entries coming in right behind. See the full chart and listen to music from some of the featured artists.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

Lamp Light Music Festival set for sixth year of illuminating creativity, culture, community

• October 31, 2017

The unique Grand Rapids house concert festival will showcase 29 acts over three days in three Eastown neighborhood homes, spotlighting emerging and well-known acts from across the region. Get the lowdown on this weekend’s festival and a schedule at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Oct. 30-Nov. 5): Janet Jackson, Periphery, Animals As Leaders, Chris Stapleton, Jeff Daniels, Regina Spektor, Lamp Light Music Fest, Colin Hay, The Used

• October 30, 2017

Irma Thomas, Blind Boys of Alabama and Preservation Hall Legacy Quintet jumpstart the week of live music in West Michigan, but this week’s live music picks at Local Spins also feature Cold Hard Cash, Kalamashoegazer Fest, Elephant Revival, Jake Kershaw and some must-see local showcases.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Local Spins on WYCE: Bigfoot Buffalo and new music from Venson Dix, Josiah Zittel and more

• October 27, 2017

With guest host Nicholas James Thomasma on the mic, this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by roots rock’s Bigfoot Buffalo and tracks by a host of regional bands, including Josiah Zittel, Venson Dix, The Concussions, Ralston Bowles, The Bootstrap Boys, The Crane Wives, Fauxgrass and more.

Features · Music on Campus

GRCC’s new Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall touts ‘beautiful’ acoustics, empowering space to create art

• October 26, 2017

Dedicated last week, the ‘completely transformed’ hall is part of an $8.5 million renovation of the Grand Rapids college’s music center, giving students and musicians an acoustically fetching performance space. Get the back story about this project in this Local Spins Q&A.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Oct. 16-22): O.A.R., 311, Steely Dan, Gavin DeGraw, Ghostface Killah, Jake Kershaw, Space Jesus, Kris Allen

• October 16, 2017

Another week of eclectic music unfolds, from Surfer Blood to Kari Lynch, Mary Chapin Carpenter to CARE, Adam Rudolph to Chris Ayer, Bex Marshall to Lindsay Lou. Get the lowdown with The Big List and this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks, and see how you can win tickets to see 311 or blues-guitar phenom Jake Kershaw.

Album Releases · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos

The Accidentals top Hot Top 5 for second straight month with Jake Kershaw and Billy Strings right behind

• October 5, 2017

Call it the youth movement. Traverse City indie-folk faves The Accidentals once again hit No. 1 for regional airplay on WYCE, with teen guitarist Jake Kershaw and bluegrass phenom Billy Strings debuting in the Top 5. Check out videos, audio of the Top 5 artists, along with a listing of new local and regional releases.

Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Michigan folk’s ‘Mother Lion’: May Erlewine releases tender, vulnerable new album with new band on the road

• October 4, 2017

The much-respected Earthwork Music artist is releasing her new recording exclusively for Michigan fans first, playing a series of album-release shows in Grand Rapids, Spring Lake, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor and beyond. Get the back story behind this new project, check out a Local Spins review of the album, listen to the first single.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Vintage Gigs

Chain of Lakes flows beyond solo project for ‘sweetest evolution’ of indie-folk music

• September 29, 2017

This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by Kyle Rasche and Dana Jackson of Chain of Lakes, plus the premiere of new tracks by Bigfoot Buffalo, Deerfield Run, Organissimo and Cameron Blake. Listen to the full podcast and watch the video.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

Willowsong Music Festival prepares to play its first note Saturday north of Grand Rapids

• September 27, 2017

The brand new music festival on a Sidney farm will features performances by a dozen regional acts, including Red Legs, Nicholas James Thomasma, Eric Engblade, Patty PerShayla, Deerfield Run, Stovepipe Stover and more. Learn the details about this inaugural event at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Sept. 18-24): Bob Seger, Scott Stapp, Steve Earle, The Birthday Massacre, Com Truise, Audiotree Music Fest, El Ten Eleven

• September 18, 2017

Iconic singer Gordon Lightfoot gets the week started, with LZ Michigan/Freedom Cruise, Rockford Harvest Festival, Luke Winslow King, Jessica Hernandez, Weyes Blood, a Fleetwood Mac tribute and more on tap. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Pegi Young at the Tip Top or Scott Stapp at 20 Monroe Live (part of the Make America Rock Again tour).

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Sept. 11-17): Of Montreal, Thomas Rhett, Harvest Gathering, Fallasburg Festival, Funtcase, The Verve Pipe, Greta Van Fleet, Alabama, Michigan Irish Music Fest

• September 11, 2017

The last big festival week of the summer also boasts tour stops by State Champs, San Fermin, P.O.S, Apocalypta, Elliott Brood, Marisela, Ben Sollee, some riveting local shows, the Cottage Bar Chili Cook-Off and the Knickerbocker’s first anniversary. See all the featured live music listings, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Nick Moss.

Hot Top 5 · Videos

The Accidentals soar to top of Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for August

• September 8, 2017

The Traverse City trio’s new Sony Masterworks album was the most-played regional recording on WYCE last month, with other local faves close behind. Check out the chart, videos of the Top 5 acts and a list of new regional releases.

Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

A tale of two artists: Luke Winslow King comes home, Diff & Dudley thrilled to make debut

• September 6, 2017

Wheatland Music Festival’s 2017 lineup this weekend boasts national roots music stars and a strong Michigan contingent, too. Read profiles of two of them and peruse the festival schedule.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Larry McCray, Thornetta Davis add blues power to Tuesday Evening Music Club finale

• August 30, 2017

Series host Ralston Bowles showcased a roster of Michigan stars — including Brian Oberlin, Nik Carman and Eric Engblade — for a full Meijer Gardens amphitheater to close out the summer. Check out video highlights, photos and a recap of Tuesday’s show.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Aug. 28-Sept. 3): SZA, UB40, Kane Brown, U2, Keller Williams, Ralston & Friends, George Clinton, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys

• August 28, 2017

The week that ends with Labor Day boasts tour stops by international superstars and summer series wrap-ups. Get the lowdown on The Big List, where you can also win tickets to see Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows

French guitarist Pierre Bensusan set to wow Grand Rapids, Traverse City with mystical virtuosity, unusual tuning

• August 27, 2017

The ‘Mozart of the guitar’ kicks off a U.S. tour in West Michigan this week, unfurling uncategorizable music and subtle virtuosity along the way. Read the Local Spins interview with Pierre Bensusan and get details about this week’s concerts.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos

Nordy brings punk rock roots and psych-folk vibe to new release

• August 24, 2017

The emerging West Michigan singer-songwriter plays a CD-release show at Rockford Brewing on Thursday night. Peruse the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, listen to the podcast, watch the videos.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Holler Fest: ‘Huge party’ on the farm and hidden gem of Michigan’s music festival scene

• August 22, 2017

For the 11th year, this mid-Michigan music festival will unfurl on a working organic vegetable farm with weekend sets by Breathe Owl Breathe, The Whiskey Charmers, Appleseed Collective and many more regional acts. Learn more about how this charming festival has grown and download the full weekend schedule on your smartphone.

Concert reviews · Photos

Railroad Earth, Twiddle turn Grand Rapids tour stop into sweaty, grass roots jam fest

• August 22, 2017

The New Jersey newgrass ensemble was joined on its buoyant return to Meijer Gardens by Vermont’s Twiddle, ensuring a night of positive energy and boundless talent. Pore over the Local Spins review and photo gallery from Monday’s show.

Concert reviews · Photos

John Butler Trio defies labels with blazing jams during third visit to Meijer Gardens

• August 21, 2017

Australian guitarist John Butler himself concedes he doesn’t know what kind of music his band plays. On a muggy August night, Butler and his bandmates wowed a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd with genre-melding, instrumental magic. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: The Accidentals take first flight with new album, plus fresh tracks from Suzies, FlyLiteGemini, Jetty Rae

• August 18, 2017

On the same day of its much-ballyhooed Sony Masterworks CD-release, the Traverse City trio lit up the Grand Rapids radio studio with new songs. Watch the video, read the story and listen to the radio podcast, which also features new local and regional music.

Features · Kalamazoo · Summer Festivals · Videos

K’zoo Folklife: Connecting musicians with lifelong dreams, staging Sunday fest in Allegan

• August 17, 2017

The nonprofit group will host the Riverfront Music Festival in Allegan this Sunday featuring B&F Union Railroad, Four Got to Shave and more. Explore the back story about this group that nurtures musicians.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Walk the Beat to hoof it up Saturday with more than 50 acts rocking Grand Haven

• August 16, 2017

The fourth annual festival and competition awards prizes to the best band and song, with attendees voting for favorites and winning merchandise, too. Get the lowdown, map and list of performances, plus a video from this week’s Local Spins Live performance by Walk the Beat participant Christopher C. Cordle.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Aug. 14-20): Michael Franti, GRandJazzFest, Ludacris, Die Antwoord, Tegan & Sara, Walk the Beat, Ted Nugent, Simple Plan, Hoxeyville, New Pornographers

• August 14, 2017

Gov’t Mule and Galactic get one of the busiest weeks of the summer started, with Lil’ Ed, Ian Anderson, Tribute on the Grand and a birthday bash for Creston Brewery also in the mix. Get the lowdown on all of the big shows and under-the-radar picks.

Concert reviews · Photos

American Acoustic tour ushers harmony-hued radiance with Punch Brothers, I’m With Her

• August 14, 2017

The much-praised pairing of two progressive bluegrass and “country classical” acts turned the Meijer Gardens amphitheater on Sunday into a collaborative modern version of the Grand Ole Opry. Read the Local Spins review of The Punch Brothers and I’m With Her and ogle the photo gallery from one of the outdoor series’ most captivating shows of the summer.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Tenth Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival set to uncork energetic ‘dance party,’ ‘great live music,’ hundreds of brews

• August 9, 2017

This weekend’s festival boasts performances by Zoso, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, May Erlewine, That 1 Guy, G-Snacks, Brotha James, Andrew Sturtz, Biomassive and more. Get the lowdown on this northern Michigan event at Local Spins.

Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Cowpie Music Festival 2017 aims to leave fans ‘breathless’ with musical splendor, from UV Hippo to Ekoostik Hookah

• August 8, 2017

More than 20 bands and thousands of festival-goers will descend on Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County for an expanded three-day celebration of regional music. See the full weekend schedule and save it on your smartphone to take along.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Aug. 7-13): Taking Back Sunday, Lake Street Dive, Punch Brothers, Jennifer Knapp, Michael Franti, Cowpie, Unity Christian Music Fest, Sparta Celtic Fest, Farmfest

• August 7, 2017

Things ramp up the second week of August with Michigander & Benjaman James, JRob & Convotronics, Jake Kershaw, Sawyer Fredericks, Circa Survive and a Westside Weekend of rock. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s live music picks at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio · Videos

Michigan Album Reviews: The Accidentals embark on ‘Odyssey,’ plus Paucity, Hollywood Makeout, The War & Treaty, Antighost

• August 2, 2017

opping the early August batch of new releases is the Sony Music Masterworks debut for a popular Traverse City trio, plus fresh recordings from an eclectic bunch of West Michigan artists. Check out the reviews, listen to samples of the new music.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (July 31-Aug. 6): Tesla, Lifehouse & Switchfoot, Fastball, Hot ’80s Rewind, La Dispute, Nappy Roots, Supersuckers

• July 31, 2017

The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, Andrew McMahon, The Accidentals, Kalamazoo Ribfest, Fat Guy Fest and more also grace this week’s live music picks. And check out the Under-the-Radar Picks, along with this week’s ticket giveaway for a show at 20 Monroe Live.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Melvins, Menzingers, Low Cut Connie, Jake Kershaw ignite musical fire: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• July 30, 2017

Blistering rock dominates this weekend’s roundup of images from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, but there was also the fetching indie-folk of Kalamazoo’s Thunderbolt & Lightfoot at an inspiring CD-release show.

Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos

Thunderbolt & Lightfoot duo gets more experimental, collaborative with new ‘Songs for Mixed Company’

• July 26, 2017

The Kalamazoo indie-folk act celebrates release of its new grant-supported album Saturday at Louie’s Trophy House Grill. Discover the project’s back story and check out videos of the duo’s new songs in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight.