Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (July 15-21): Diana Ross, Kurt Vile, George Clinton, Poco, Juice Wrld, The Struts, Andrew Bird, Faster Horses, Beaver Island Fest

• July 15, 2019

Kicking off with Amos Lee, the live music week in West Michigan also boasts Static X, Lady Ace Boogie’s hip hop showcase, Chuck Mead & Jim Lauderdale, South Haven’s Rhythm on the River, The Gipsy Kings, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Cabildo and more. Plus, win tickets to see Poco, Firefall and Pure Prairie League in Grand Haven.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Michigan Rattlers revel in spotlight after opening Bob Seger’s final shows

• July 11, 2019

The Petoskey-bred alt-country act is still basking in the glow of its brush with Seger hoopla as it prepares for a half-dozen home state appearances and unveils new music on the road. Get the back story and photos at Local Spins, and see where you can catch the band on its Michigan tour later this month.

Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Rosanne Cash to play Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center in February

• July 9, 2019

The high-profile addition to St. Cecilia’s Acoustic Cafe Folk Series will bring the Grammy Award-winning country artist and daughter of the legendary Johnny Cash to Grand Rapids, along with her musician husband, John Leventhal. Details and a video at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (July 8-14): Heart, Three Dog Night, Blissfest, Kalamazoo Blues Fest, Kansas, Whiskey Myers

• July 8, 2019

Johnnyswim starts a week that also boasts the GR Symphony Picnic Pops, Muskegon’s birthday bash, Winnow, GRAM on the Green, Gringo Star, Between the Buried and Me, Tuesday Evening Music Club and more. Plus, win tickets to the upcoming Poco/Nightfall/Pure Prairie League concert in Grand Haven.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Winnow revisits stripped-down approach for dynamic, alt-country musical stories

• June 29, 2019

Reoriented as a duo, Winnow releases a new EP this month and performed during this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by As Am I, Ghost-Orchard, Free Hat, The Accidentals and more. Watch the video, read Winnow’s back story and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Common Ground launches with sweaty, crowd-wowing sets by Brandi Carlile, Robert Randolph

• June 28, 2019

The four-day festival in Lansing reveled in summer weather and a rock vibe, with hip hop, country and electronic music still to come. Check out the opening-day recap and Local Spins photo gallery featuring Brandi Carlile, Robert Randolph and City and Colour.

Photos · Summer Festivals

Grand River Water Festival oozes ‘relaxed’ vibe with music for a good cause

• June 23, 2019

With a chill, laid-back atmosphere, the 10th edition of the Grand River Water Festival spilled out along the Grand River in Grand Rapids on Saturday. Get the recap and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Grand River Water Festival poised for 10th year of music, environmental advocacy

• June 20, 2019

Saturday’s day-long affair in Riverside Park will once again blend music with water education. See the full schedule for Grand River Water Festival 2019 and a festival playlist at Local Spins, and find out why this is such a beloved event for many Michiganders.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Sweet Water Warblers super-group preparing for Michigan mini-tour, debut LP

• June 18, 2019

The all-star trio of Michigan-bred singers — May Erlewine, Lindsay Lou and Rachael Davis — launch a four-show run through the Mitten at Bell’s in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, and are eyeing a really big year for Sweet Water Warblers in 2020. Learn more about the group, watch videos of their performances at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (June 10-16): New Kids on the Block, Lake Street Dive, All That Remains, Buttermilk Jamboree, Pentatonix

• June 10, 2019

Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd start a week that also features big community concerts, the Ronnie James Dio hologram tour, Grand Rapids Pride Festival, Trampled by Turtles, Rockford’s Start Of Summer, LAV’s Summertime Blues and more. And see how you can win tickets to Thank You Scientist or Synth Night.

Audio · Features · Summer Festivals

Collaborative songwriter Aaron Allen hailed as one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets

• June 4, 2019

Working with Joshua Davis, Greensky Bluegrass and others, the Grayling songwriter has become a go-to collaborator whose songs likely will be heard at this weekend’s Camp Greensky Music Festival in Wellston. Get the back story about this artist from Local Spins writer Ryan Boldrey, listen to his music and find details about this weekend’s festival.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

Listening Room set to transform downtown concert landscape this fall

• June 4, 2019

Local Spins updates construction of “Listening Room by Studio C,” which will be part of the impressive Studio Park project south of Van Andel Arena. Get the back story and check out the photos, video and an artist’s rendering of the new venue.

Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Photos

Steppin’ Into Summer: Michigan favorites open two Kalamazoo beer gardens in style

• June 1, 2019

Steppin’ In It with friends and May Erlewine & The Motivations moved a Bell’s Brewery crowd while Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers funked up Old Dog Tavern in outdoor shows. Check out the recap of both summer-opening spectacles by Ryan Boldrey, with photo galleries by Derek Ketchum.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Bus Benefit about to rev up again along Lake Michigan for Memorial Day weekend

• May 21, 2019

The Go Rounds, Legal Immigrants, Gasoline Gypsies, Political Lizard, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Roosevelt Diggs and more are set to roll at Camp Blodgett south of Grand Haven. See the full schedule at Local Spins and save it on your smartphone to take along for the holiday weekend.

Weekend Photo Gallery

Bring Me the Horizon, MGMT, Ryan Hurd, Lokella and more: Week-in-Review Photos

• May 20, 2019

Mid-May proved to pump up West Michigan with a lively mix of concerts, from high-profile tour stops to local shows. Find the images in these photo recaps at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

Michigan’s The War and Treaty nominated for two prestigious Americana Music awards

• May 18, 2019

The popular band led by Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter joins some renowned artists who are nominated for awards being presented in September. Read more about it and their reaction to the honor at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Lighting Matches sparks ‘unique, listenable’ debut of ‘alt-rock with folk roots’

• May 17, 2019

Led by songwriters Matt Plessner and Rachel White, the Grand Rapids band releases its new album next week. Get the Lighting Matches back story and watch the band’s music video at Local Spins.

Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Free Summer Concerts: Lineups for Holland, East Grand Rapids, Fennville, Sparta

• May 16, 2019

Some of the most popular outdoor — and free — concert series of the summer in West Michigan communities have revealed their lineups of regional performers. Get the schedules at Local Spins and make your plans for music-filled summer evenings.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

The Go Rounds, Appleseed Collective, Earth Radio primed to howl at Holler Fest 2019

• May 16, 2019

The lineup for the August music festival on a Jackson County farm features a who’s who roster of regional favorites. Check out the full list of performers and other details about the 2019 event.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kari Lynch Band hits stride, hones country-rock, Americana sound with new album

• May 12, 2019

The Michigan-bred, Nashville-based singer and her band previewed the milestone recording in performances at WYCE and River City Studios this weekend. Watch the video of their River City session, learn more about the group’s recording project, listen to their new songs and the Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals

Lansing’s Three Stacks Music Fest 2019 with The Breeders, Talib Kweli canceled; Alto’s Between the Silos series boasts regional stars

• May 10, 2019

Michigan’s outdoor summer fun includes a charming series starring regional acts on the Wildwood Family Farms. But the second year of a Lansing street fair has been canceled. Get the lowdown on both at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio

Michigan Album Reviews: Lushh, La Dispute, Eliza Thorp, Leland Blue, The Real Ingredients

• May 7, 2019

Local Spins kicks off May with another roundup of releases by local and regional acts, from Grand Rapids to Petoskey to Kalamazoo. Check out the reviews and listen to songs from each artist.

Summer Concerts

Summer Concert Lineups: Grand Haven, South Haven, Muskegon, Montague, Felt Mansion

• May 5, 2019

Outdoor music abounds in summertime in communities across West Michigan and today’s lineups feature bands playing free shows along the lakeshore. Check out the schedules for a half-dozen series at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos

Annagail endures Lyme disease, ‘wild ride’ to return to stage and studio

• May 4, 2019

The Zeeland-based Americana/rock band revealed a compelling back story and performed during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by several Michigan artists, including The Howlers, The Real Ingredients, Eliza Thorp and more. Learn more about Annagail, watch a video of the band’s in-studio performance, listen to the full radio show podcast.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

War and Treaty, Dustbowl Revival to headline 2019 Porcupine Mountains Music Festival

• May 2, 2019

Staged in the U.P.’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the 15th annual festival aims to leave visitors with “a little bit of the Porkies in their soul.” See the lineup at Local Spins and learn more about this music festival that was the first to be held in a Michigan State Park.

Summer Concerts

More Summer Concert Lineups: Wyoming, Allegan, Camp Blodgett, Parchment

• April 28, 2019

Local Spins presents another roundup of summer concerts taking place across West Michigan, many of them featuring an impressive lineup of regional stars. Peruse the schedules for these free shows.

Album Releases · Audio

Michigan Album Reviews: Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Aquaerials, Kaitlin Rose, North Carolines

• April 26, 2019

This late April roundup features recent releases from artists in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Traverse City. Read the Local Spins reviews, listen to songs from the albums.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Luke Winslow-King: Loving nature and Michigan’s supportive music scene

• April 20, 2019

The acclaimed northern Michigan singer-songwriter previewed his upcoming Grand Rapids concert for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pretoria, August, American Hotel System and more. Read more about the musician and his upcoming tour, and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Estar Cohen, Mark Harrell, Callab debut new songs: Local Spins on WYCE

• April 13, 2019

On the first day of the Spring Fund Drive at WYCE, Local Spins on WYCE show host John Sinkevics premiered new tracks by Michigan artists, had an in-studio chat with singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles and counted down some of the top local and regional tracks of the past six months. Listen to the podcast and watch the video of a new single by Estar Cohen.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

SOJA, Sinclair, Jack Droppers, Mungion, Trout Steak Revival, Public Access: Concert Photos

• April 8, 2019

To say that it was an eclectic week of West Michigan music is an understatement. The early April shows covered a wide range of genres but had one thing in common: exuberant performances and fans captured in Local Spins images. Check out the photo galleries and concert recaps.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Trout Steak Revival set to close spring tour with ‘homecoming’ stop in Kalamazoo

• April 5, 2019

The Colorado jamgrass faves boast strong West Michigan roots and say they’re in it for the long haul. Trout Steak Revival play Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe on Saturday. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature and videos.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Rockford, Lowell, Grand Rapids, Hudsonville set to kick off summer with outdoor concerts

• March 27, 2019

With summer right around the corner, cities across the region are starting to reveal band lineups for their free community concerts which draw thousands on weeknights for outdoor shows. Here are schedules for four of them.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (March 18-24): Weezer, Pixies, Billy Idol, La Luz, Glen Phillips, Cradle of Filth, Gary Allan

• March 18, 2019

Mid-March also brings us In the Valley Below, LadyFest GR, Pink Sky, Lady Ace Boogie, Dan Rickabus, Desmond Jones, Trevor Hall and much more. And see how you can win concert tickets to two different shows at The Pyramid Scheme this week.

Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos

Michigan bands bring northern cool to Austin’s SXSW heat (Review, photos, video)

• March 12, 2019

Brother Elsey, Jordan Hamilton, Jack Droppers, Michigander, Stef Chura, Steppes and more closed out the Michigan House run in Texas with a diverse showcase Monday at an Austin nightclub. Get the recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Vince Staples lifts up 20 Monroe Live, plus Nothing More, Jeff Austin, Veronica Swift

• March 10, 2019

The California rapper’s weekend tour stop was just part of a rambunctious week of live music across West Michigan, with shows by Nothing More, Badflower, Jeff Austin, Travelin’ McCourys, Veronica Swift & The Benny Green Trio, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Brother Elsey and more. Check out the photo galleries and recaps at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Women’s Day for Local Spins on WYCE: Olivia Mainville seeks ‘Higher Ground’ and other inspiring female artists

• March 8, 2019

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Friday’s radio show welcomed Olivia Mainville in-studio and featured tracks by Bermudas, Canceled Plans, Kaitlyn Zittel, May Erlewine, Hannah Rose, Lipstick Jodi, Lindsay Lou and more. Watch the video, read the back story and listen to the podcast starring inspiring music by female artists from across Michigan.

Features · Local Spins at SXSW

A rock band’s must-have tour necessities: Tea, headphones, books, sweatpants, denim, a flask

• March 8, 2019

Heading on tour? Trying to survive SXSW? We asked Michigan musicians heading to Austin to list the tour necessities they won’t leave home without. Their answers are revealing and entertaining.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Beaver Island Music Festival 2019: Hymn for Her, Falling Through April, ClusterPluck

• March 7, 2019

The charming island festival also pumps up July with regional faves Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, The Hacky Turtles, Escaping Pavement, The Bootstrap Boys, Loren Cole and many more. And another island festival will take place in September. Get details and ticket links at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Cowpie Music Festival’s Pathway to Pasture band contest back for second year

• March 7, 2019

More than a dozen Michigan acts will face off in four cities this spring, vying for a performance slot in August’s Cowpie Music Festival. Get the full lineup and contest schedule at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Michigander, Political Lizard, Deep Greens & Blues, Strapping Owls

• March 6, 2019

The March Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’ showcased new music from four attention-getting West Michigan acts from different ends of the musical spectrum: pop to country to soft indie-rock to funky blues. Listen to the ‘Stateside’ podcast as well as full versions of new songs by the featured West Michigan artists.

Festivals · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos

Fretboard Festival unwraps musical ‘gift to the community’ with memorable, upbeat sets

• March 3, 2019

Saturday’s day-long event at Kalamazoo Valley Museum unfurled everything from folk to hip hop to blues courtesy of Red Tail Ring, Jordan Hamilton, Chris Canas and more. Read the event wrap-up, check out photos and a video at Local Spins.

Festivals · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos

Cozy Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest set to showcase indoor music, instruction, instrument makers

• February 27, 2019

The festival kicks off Friday night with a concert by Shari Kane and Dave Steele at Kalamazoo Valley Museum, followed by Saturday’s day-long affair with 15 acts on three stages, vendors, workshops and “pop-up” shows. Get the lowdown and the full Saturday schedule at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Milk Carton Kids branch out, dig deep, get political, stay funny: The Local Spins interview

• February 26, 2019

The California folk duo brings a full band – and some beautiful, sad songs – to Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. Read the Local Spins interview with band co-founder Joey Ryan, check out videos and listen to a Spotify playlist created by Ryan exclusively for Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

The War and Treaty uncork soulful, bluesy musical cyclone at St. Cecilia Music Center

• February 25, 2019

The Sunday night appearance in Grand Rapids boasted a tight five-piece band, uplifting songs and Michael and Tanya Trotter’s infectious, rootsy stage-stomping power. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Walk the Beat festival set for return to Grand Haven in August

• February 17, 2019

After taking a year off, the popular and unusual competition featuring dozens of West Michigan acts playing a host of different venues on a single day is back. And Walk the Beat is hosting a benefit concert on Friday. Get the lowdown on the return of Walk the Beat at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Deep Greens & Blues expand alt-country sound while staying true to harmony-driven roots

• February 15, 2019

Now a six-piece band, Deep Greens & Blues releases its new album Friday night. A trio version of the band previewed the release show for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by several artists, including Sherman Gepherd, The Strapping Owls, Dawning, Bermudas and more.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Nikki Hill, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Las Cafeteras set to pump up Buttermilk 2019

• February 12, 2019

May Erlewine, Samantha Crain, Billy Davis, Earth Radio, Seth Bernard, Jordan Hamilton and other regional stars will play the mid-June festival south of Grand Rapids. Check out the roster of more than three dozen Buttermilk acts and get links to early-bird tickets at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Camp Greensky fires up Year 2 with Del & Dawg, Stephen Marley, Billy Strings, Hiss Golden Messenger

• February 10, 2019

Hosted once again by co-headliner Greensky Bluegrass, the June 6-8 festival in the Manistee National Forest also will boast sets by Circles Around the Sun, The Lil Smokies, Rebirth Brass Band, Ghost Light, Bombino and regional stars such as Joshua Davis, Lindsay Lou, Dominic & Rachael Davis and Seth Bernard.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Jammie Awards 2019 Revisited: ‘A little bit of everything’ plus electrifying performances

• February 9, 2019

“It was crazy.” That was one description of Friday night’s 20th annual Jammie Awards show hosted by WYCE-FM at The Intersection which drew 1,600 people for show-stopping sets by Tunde Olaniran, The War and Treaty, Heavy Color, The Hacky Turtles and more. Check out the highlights in words, photos and video at Local Spins

Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

The War and Treaty, Michigander rack up flurry of WYCE Jammie Awards

• February 8, 2019

The 20th Jammie Awards show on Friday evening at The Intersection drew lively crowds for award presentations and 30-plus performances. See the full winners’ list and a photo gallery at Local Spins, along with a special Jammies edition podcast of Local Spins on WYCE.