Thrown, Kenny Barron Trio, Jack Droppers, Dumugly heat up October (Photos)
The first full week of October boasted a wide swath of genres, tour stops and local favorites across West Michigan, all covered in photo galleries at Local Spins.
Tagged: alternative music
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
New Michigan Music Revue: From Detroit to Grand Rapids and beyond
This week’s radio show podcast delivers fresh tracks by Protomartyr, Tee Grizzley, The Blue Pines, Space Bar, Morgan Haner, Louie Lee, Michelle Held, The Reverend Jesse Ray and more from across the state.
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Breaking music news · Features · Technology
KDL Vibes streaming service seeking more songs from West Michigan artists
The Kent District Library wants to add more local music to its online service that already boasts music by 137 regional artists. Learn more about KDL Vibes and how to apply.
Starting Off on the Right Foot: Switchfoot opens tour in GR; Bilmuri, Pokey LaFarge frolic
The California alt-rockers on Wednesday revved up a capacity crowd in a heartfelt display at Meijer Gardens. The same night, Bilmuri turned up the volume at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and Pokey LaFarge brought his tour to Bell’s in Kalamazoo. Recaps, photos from all three shows at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
New Michigan Music Revue: Basic Comfort, LVRS, King Ink, Sammie Hershock, Chirp
This week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase radio show podcast debuts fresh tracks by a dozen Mitten State artists, from Tayva to Kylee Phillips to Theo Katzman. Plus, revisit a poignant remembrance of 9/11 and browse performance schedules for Eastown Streetfair, Wheatland Music Festival and the Grand Rapids African-American Art & Music Festival. Listen to the show, learn more about the featured artists.
Concert announcements · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows
Local Spins @ SpeakEZ Lounge: The fall lineup of Michigan stars in an intimate setting
The autumn concert series at SpeakEZ Lounge kicks off at the end of the month and features up-and-coming acts, established stars and acclaimed tribute acts. View the schedule, get the details.
Photos · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Videos
September’s Top 10 Michigan shows and festivals, plus a TLC/Salt-N-Pepa photo recap
September’s big shows roll out mostly as the final flurry of outdoor events gracing Michigan’s musical landscape. Our Top 10 list, plus a photo recap of TLC and Salt-N-Pepa. […]
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight · Videos
The Acorn in Three Oaks: ‘No bad seats,’ beloved by fans, national and regional acts
The cozy venue in a converted Southwest Michigan factory building has become a community centerpiece and live music gem that books an impressive array of national and regional artists. Local Spins showcases the theater in this Venue Spotlight with all-you-need-to-know to go, plus photo galleries and a video.
Rocking the storms away: Houndmouth brings ‘Lordy’ to life in Grand Rapids
The rootsy Indiana rock band made its Meijer Gardens debut on Monday, skirting rainy weather to deliver a fan-pleasing performance along with opener harf. The review and photos.
Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
Radio’s Festival Frolic: From GRiZ & Caitlin Cusack to On the Lash & 496 West
Local Spins’ latest Michigan Music Showcase features stars playing late June festivals as well as new music from Katie Greene, Lost at Ease, The Monkbirds, Adrian Jay Mitchell, a live track from Grupo Aye and more.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
High Energy: Bermudu Divstūris, Apvedceļš eager to amp up GR’s Latvian Song Festival
The wildly popular Latvian bands will play the United States for the first time at GLC Live at 20 Monroe as part of the early July song, dance and cultural festival. The lowdown at Local Spins, along with ticket links and music videos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Tash Sultana paints masterpiece at the Gardens, plus GR Pride Fest, Spafford & more
This weekend roundup covers a lot of territory: Tash Sultana, GR Pride Festival, Spafford, Hank Mowery, Rachel Brooke — all captured in images at Local Spins.
Wilco flourishes in Meijer Gardens debut while unfurling career-spanning set
The three-hour show on Friday night came amid ideal, sunny weather, with the diverse Chicago band playing more than 30 songs over two sets — from 1995’s “Box Full of Letters” to 2024’s
Annihilation.”. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Concerts
Michigan stars finding all-ages jubilation at free outdoor summer concerts
Today’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast explores fresh tracks by local and regional artists playing outdoor shows across the state this summer. Check out music by Rachel Brooke, Jabo Bihlman, Kyle Brown, Luke Winslow-King, Rebekah Jon, Just Magnetic, Ben Daniels Band and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind
Magical Musicians Revisited: Local Spins’ Top 10 Artist Spotlight Interviews
As we wrap up our 14th anniversary celebration at Local Spins, we highlight a memorable Top 10 list: Our most popular features on regional and national artists, based on readership.
Hot Night: O.A.R. kicks off Meijer Gardens season; Kid Cudi & crew amp up The AMP
Wednesday’s double-header of major Grand Rapids shows included the opening night of the Meijer Gardens season and the second big concert at Acrisure Amphitheater. Get the reviews and browse the photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Movement, Bus Benefit, Anberlin, Hollypalooza heat up late spring: Photo Recaps
As we plunge deeper into Memorial Day weekend, Local Spins recaps festivals and concerts that gave music lovers a taste of the (warmer) summer ahead. Browse the photos from Movement, Bus Benefit and Hollypalooza, and concerts featuring Anberlin, The Incantations, Daniel Staggs, Silver Creek Revival and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Summer Kickoff: Mountain Goats launch Bell’s series; view dozens of Michigan show schedules
Friday’s holiday weekend kickoff in Kalamazoo just scratches the surface when it comes to the explosion of summer concerts across the state. Get the Mountain Goats show recap and photos, then view summer concert schedules for 50-plus outdoor venues.
Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Mitten’s musical Memorial Weekend road trip: Detroit to West Michigan and more
This week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase features tracks by more than a dozen Mitten State artists, providing a soundtrack for holiday travelers. Hear new music from Jill Jack, The Reverend Jesse Ray, Chirp, Christine Mattson, Silverstiles and more.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
What’s goin’ down? Sam Grisman, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Avatar, Dave Bruzza & more
Sam Grisman Project, Avatar, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Dave Bruzza led the charge of enticing concerts across West Michigan over the past week, with Yolonda Lavender, Micah Dailey-White and more adding to the live music energy. Browse six photo galleries in our recap at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The Crane Wives’ Dan Rickabus gets ‘wild,’ expansive with layered, trippy new solo album
Local Spins features the Grand Rapids drummer’s all-star project with upcoming Michigan release shows as well as debuting tracks from other Michigan artists, including Sammie Hershock, From Big Sur, Jake LeMond, Potionseller, Avengelic and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With GR show ahead, Joan Osborne reveling in Bob Dylan, ‘safe harbor’ of stages
The acclaimed singer and songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. Local Spins catches up with Osborne, who still has a lot of irons in the musical fire.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: The Bootstrap Boys, Signal Quartet, Feeding Grizzlies
As warm weather returns, Local Spins heats up with its takes on new releases by Michigan artists. Check out three gems today and listen to tracks from each album.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Lorna Shore, Manic Focus, Record Store Day, Grieves, Lily Rose & more: Photo Recaps
Mid-April always brings vinyl-inspired hoopla, along with a torrent of local and national stars performing at venues across the region, including Lily Rose, Vespa, Tony Halchak, J.H. Patton & The Good Companions, Colby Acuff, Kalamazoo Academy of Rock and more. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
April’s Musical Showers: Josh Garrels, Chicago Farmer, Myron Elkins, Raynes (Photos)
West Michigan’s music week also boasted shows by Santino Jones, Darcy Wilkin, Disco Behemoth, Jim Lauderdale and more. Browse all the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Kalamazoo tunesmith Darcy Wilkin gets ‘more adventurous’ on sophomore folk album
Local Spins spotlights the singer-songwriter with a new recording, plus debuts tracks by Dan Rickabus, Headband Henny, Ten Peso Version, Kyle Brown, Toby Bresnahan, Jordan Rodriguez and more. Check out the feature story and radio show podcast.
The Stray set for band battle finals amid atmosphere of ‘mutual support’
Marcus AK, The Mannequins, The Rupple Brothers and Ironwood will face off for the top prize to close out the month-long battle on Saturday. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Celebrations Galore: Boys Like Girls, Gary Numan, Pretty Sure, The Honeytones (Photos)
International and local stars marking anniversaries or new releases pumped up stages across West Michigan, as well as Super Future, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Steel Panther and more. The recaps, photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival strums up folk, surf, rock, drone music & more to greet spring
Saturday’s day-long festival at Kalamazoo Valley Museum boasted sets by more than a dozen acts (with some unusual twists), a bevy of instrument vendors and several workshops. Check out the recap, photos and video highlights.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
Spring has Sprung with New Michigan Music: The Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase
Today’s radio podcast digs into tracks by Brie Stoner, Shayla Hamady, Mark Harrell, The Bootstrap Boys, Hannah Rose Graves, Heat Above and many more. Learn more about these acts and listen to this week’s show.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Go Rounds’ Graham Parsons: Reflecting on creativity, loss and excitement for the road
With Kalamazoo’s The Go Rounds mounting a full-fledged spring tour for the first time in years, Local Spins checks in with frontman Graham Parsons on all of the changes affecting the band and his life, with new music to come. Check out the full tour schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Adam Main & The Joy Modulators: Dynamic chamber folk, jams, jazz harmonies and fun
Local Spins spotlights the eclectic all-star Southwest Michigan rock, blues and folk band making its SpeakEZ Lounge debut next week. Learn more about the group and check out this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast which features new music from May Erlewine, Annie & Rod Capps, Zach Peterson, Rashaad Lee, Whorled and more.
Sunday Spree: Winter Jam, Our Lady Peace, The Verve Pipe, Shawn Colvin (Concert Recaps)
Within a radius of several blocks in downtown Grand Rapids, Sunday night boasted tour stops by a flock of national artists at Van Andel Arena, GLC Live at 20 Monroe and St. Cecilia Music Center. Get the concert recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Indie-alternative band Wilson Ave. finds its voice, exudes ‘beachy’ energy with new EP
Local Spins spotlights the Grand Rapids group with three upcoming performances in March, plus debuts music by Rachel Brooke, Brick Street Soul, Ghost Bunnies, Ocean & The Universe, Seth Bernard and more. Discover Wilson Ave’s back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
awards · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Joyful ‘micro-dosing’ of Michigan Music: Jammie Awards deliver kaleidoscope of treats
With throngs of fans on board, Friday’s 2026 WYCE Jammie Awards celebration at The Intersection boasted plenty of highlights from 20 acts on three stages. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
The DAAC in Grand Rapids returns to its S. Division Avenue roots in larger, inclusive space
The all-ages DIY arts and music space has a new home at the renovated Four Star Theatre, less than two miles south from The DAAC’s original location on S. Division Avenue. The story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Ann Arbor Folk Festival gets rootsy, rocking, relevant with Crane Wives, Amos Lee, Dawes
The second day of the 49th festival at Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium melded Michigan charm with national esprit after Greensky Bluegrass kicked things off the night before. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Acclaimed Michigan producer Glenn Brown: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
The celebrated producer, studio owner and multi-instrumentalist reveals the impact that Jimi Hendrix, Return to Forever and Peter Gabriel had on his own career. Check out his album picks, listen to tracks from each recording.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Squatch, Avello, Sounds of the Zoo Showcase, Jeff Fest, Bad Bad Hats: Concert Photo Recaps
Frigid wintry weather couldn’t halt the flurry of live music heating up stages from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo over the weekend, from rock and metal to bass music and acoustic glory. Browse all of the photos at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Jammie Awards poised to rev things up with diverse 20-act lineup, from August to Y-Not
With 20 regional bands from across the state on the performance bill for the Feb. 20 awards show at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, the annual Jammie Awards roll out as “a snapshot of Michigan music.” View the lineup, get all the deets at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Winter Wingdings: Red Sea Pedestrians, Gasoline Lollipops, Technicolor, B93 Guitar Pull
In spite of near-constant snowfall, several West Michigan concerts featuring national as well as regional acts powered through over the weekend. The Local Spins recaps and photos.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Best Michigan artist and album of 2025? Public voting for Jammie Awards has begun
Tickets are on sale for the 2026 WYCE Jammie Awards taking place Feb. 20 at The Intersection, with sets by 15-plus bands. Radio listeners have a voice in the outcome. Plus, see who’s playing the Local Spins pre-show.
Michigan Album Reviews: Empress Eyes, N8ure, Radio Vision, Larry D
The first Michigan album review round-up of 2026 spans the state and several genres. Check out the Local Spins takes on these fresh releases and listen to music from each recording.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Winter Wheat: ‘Coming in hot and bringing the fire’ with Michigan music, communal spirit
Detroit area’s Ember & Ash are just one of more than 10 bands performing Saturday at The Intersection as part of the Wheatland Music Organization’s one-day festival and fundraiser. The preview and schedule.
Concert Recaps · Weekend Photo Gallery
Secret Grief, Ocean & The Universe, Queerapalooza incite fan flurry to launch 2026
Local Spins’ first weekend-concert-photo roundup of the year showcases audience-igniting shows at The Pyramid Scheme and Four Star Theatre. Browse all of the images.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows
January’s Hot Michigan Shows: The Local Spins must-see winter concert round-up
Check out our picks for must-see shows across the region and the state, from Winter Wheat to World of Winter to the Ann Arbor Folk Festival and plenty of riveting concerts in between. Plus view videos from many of the performers.
Festivals · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
Michigan artists, fans toast New Year’s with electronica, jazz, rock, Latin music and more
Today, Local Spins not only recaps New Year’s Eve celebrations across West Michigan in words and photos, but spotlights a memorable Michigan Music Showcase podcast filled with tracks by regional artists.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
In-demand Traverse City bassist John Richard Paul makes waves with solo songwriting charm
For today’s Artist Spotlight, Local Spins profiles a much-sought-after northern Michigan musician and singer-songwriter who releases his second solo album in early 2026. Get John Richard Paul’s back story, listen to his music.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jonas Brothers, Knee Deep Shag, Hot Girls, Soul Coughing, KAR: Concert Recaps
Local Spins’ week-in-review roundup of concerts as the weather turned frigid features sizzling hot shows from national stars and regional favorites. Browse the photos and a video, including Sunday’s tour-ending Grand Rapids concert by Soul Coughing.
Gift Guide · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Michigan Music Lovers Gift Guide: Local Spins’ ideal Christmas shopping list (& podcast)
Local Spins has assembled a holiday shopping list that would be the envy of Santa Claus when it comes to the perfect gifts for music lovers on your radar. And most of them sport a Michigan vibe. Plus, get more ideas by listening to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast, featuring new music by 14 Mitten State artists.
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