Concert announcements · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

Hollywood Makeout, Jake Kershaw, The Founding, Yolonda Lavender, Desmond Jones, ConvoTronics, Major Murphy to perform at Jammie Awards for first time

• January 2, 2018

February’s biggest night for local music will also boast sets by popular acts such as May Erlewine, Organissimo, Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, Afro Zuma and many more. See the full roster of performers and listen to the most recent Local Spins on WYCE podcast featuring a bevy of Jammie nominees.

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.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List Concert Guide (Dec. 18-24): Minnesota, Cirque de Noel, Mark Lavengood, Potato Moon, Kari Lynch, Speak Easy

• December 18, 2017

The week leading up to Christmas gets rolling with EyeCandy and Antighost, plus there are shows featuring The Bootstrap Boys, Reggie, Mary Rademacher, Great Black Night and much more. And see how you can win tickets to a Michael Jackson tribute, courtesy of Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Sultry, haunting singer-songwriter Jetty Rae revels in Airstream road life, returns home to Michigan for holiday concerts

• December 15, 2017

Raised in Charlevoix, Jetty Rae brings her musical passion to northern Michigan this month and “sharing of struggles” with her fans. Read the back story about this unique, Michigan-bred artist, watch her videos.

Breaking music news · Commentary

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame vs. WYCE’s Jammie Awards: The Jammies win

• December 14, 2017

It was no contest. This year’s Jammie Award ballot is proof of Michigan’s burgeoning, impressive talent. Check out the local nominees for best new artist of the year and links to news about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

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.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

With ‘Fear Not,’ Cameron Blake boldly embraces ‘more energy, bigger instrumentation’: Local Spins on WYCE

• December 8, 2017

This week’s guest talks about his acclaimed new album and performs with his band on a show that also featured the debut of tracks by hi-ker, Dori, Andy Baker, Bruce Matthews, Charles the Osprey and Talismans. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.

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.

Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Asleep at the Wheel added to St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Cafe series

• December 5, 2017

The annual folk series gets a big boost with these iconic acts in 2018. St. Cecilia also will host another jazz show: A February CD-release concert for jazz pianist John Proulx. Get all the details and ticket prices at Local Spins, and check out music from the featured acts.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Dec. 4-10): Katy Perry, Suicideboys, Joe Hertler, Snails, Damien Escobar, Scarface, Broccoli Samurai, Tab Benoit

• December 4, 2017

A week heavy on EDM also features Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith, Jon Pardi, Soul Patch, The Concussions, Luke Winslow King, The Secret Sisters, Juanita Stein and much more. Get the full concert lowdown, plus intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks, in The Big List Concert Guide.

Announcements · Breaking music news

Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts 2018 performer applications now available online

• December 2, 2017

West Michigan musicians can now apply online to perform at Festival 2018 next June. The applications, with a $15 fee, are due by the end of February. Find the links to the online form at Local Spins.

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.

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.

Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Joshua Davis wraps up Michigan tour while promoting new album in ‘really big way’

• November 16, 2017

The Traverse City singer-songwriter and ‘Voice’ star has released the Steve Berlin-produced ‘The Way Back Home’ and will play The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Saturday. He appears for Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM at 11 a.m. Friday. Check out a review of his new album and listen to new songs.

Album reviews · Videos

Michigan Album Reviews: Bigfoot Buffalo, The Zannies, The Founding, Jukejoint Handmedowns, Organissimo

• November 16, 2017

This November batch of recent regional releases will make many folks thankful for Michigan’s music scene. Check out the reviews and listen to the music. Then stay tuned for Part II later this monrth.

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.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Brant Satala’s musical voyage continues, plus Sleepover, Nordlund, New Music Ensemble, Rick Chyme & Nixon

• November 11, 2017

This week’s episode featured Satala playing a new song in-studio, plus music from Benjaman James, Jukejoint Handmedowns, The Zannies, Last Gasp Collective, Magenta Flag and more. Watch the video, listen to the full podcast.

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.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Nov. 6-12): Borgore, Aaron Lewis, New Found Glory, Mister Heavenly, Joshua Davis, Needtobreathe

• November 6, 2017

Jai Wolf, The Yawpers, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Fareed Haque and tributes to Tom Petty, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young help pump up the live music slate. And see this week’s ticket giveaway at The Intersection.

Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos

Lamp Light Music Festival 2017: An uncommon, copacetic and cozy glow (Review, photos, video)

• November 6, 2017

The sixth annual house concert festival in Grand Rapids’ Eastown neighborhood featured tightly packed performances by Mark Lavengood, Lando Chill, Glum, Mutual Benefit, Timbre, Breathe Owl Breathe, May Erlewine, Tom Hymn’s Tangerine Dream, Stef Chura and more. Check out the recap, photo gallery and video 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.

Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Gifts or Creatures’ new Michigan-centric album hits on definite, historic tones of home

• October 20, 2017

With a new batch of lilting songs about the Great Lakes Basin, the indie-folk duo is set to perform in its new hometown of Kalamazoo and play Grand Rapids’ Lamp Light Music Festival in coming weeks. Discover the back story about this musical couple and watch a video of the first single from their new album.

Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos

Michigan Album Reviews: Cosmic Knot, Deerfield Run, Desmond Jones, Wala Gum, Mid-Life Crisis, Willamena, FlyLiteGemini, Lapdogs

• October 19, 2017

This October round-up of new regional releases covers the musical gamut, from prog-rock to jam bands to indie-rock and more. Check out the reviews, listen to samples of the new music at Local Spins.

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 reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Joshua Davis set to tour, promote long-awaited new album ‘in a really big way’

• October 10, 2017

The Traverse City singer-songwriter and ‘Voice’ star has released the Steve Berlin-produced ‘The Way Back Home’ and will now play several Michigan dates, including Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The Local Spins interview and album review.

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.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (Oct. 2-8): The Lacs, Pixies, Pulaski Days, Matt Flinner Trio, Grand Armory Anniversary Party, Hanson, May Erlewine, Desmond Jones

• October 2, 2017

Gojira helps get the week started and you can win tickets to the show from Local Spins. And there’s more on the docket: Mushroomhead, Tommy Castro, Mike Gordon, Cousin Avery, Cabildo, Lambo and the Red Flannel Festival. See all of this week’s live music picks on The Big List.

Concert reviews · Photos

Sun shines on Blue Bridge Music Festival’s opening day in Grand Rapids

• September 30, 2017

With performances by Yolonda Lavender, The Bootstrap Boys and Michigander, the second-year festival drew big throngs of ArtPrize visitors to the downtown pedestrian bridge over the Grand River. Check out the images.

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.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Deerfield Run proudly set to debut melting pot of bluesy, country-hued rock (Local Spins on WYCE)

• September 22, 2017

The Grand Rapids band rocked the studio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also boasted new tracks by Cosmonaut, May Erlewine, Cosmic Knot, The B-Side Growlers and more. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, podcast and video.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Earthwork Harvest Gathering 2017 Revisited: ‘Like coming home’ to musical jams, camaraderie, unrivaled vibe

• September 20, 2017

Many will say there’s absolutely nothing like it. Anywhere. The summer-ending festival outside Lake City last weekend drew more than 2,500 people for innovative performances, upbeat fellowship and much more. Relive some highlights at Local Spins, along with an extensive photo gallery.

Breaking music news · Features

Rolling Stone hails Michigan’s The War & Treaty among ‘best things’ at Nashville’s AmericanaFest

• September 19, 2017

The national music publication praised the Albion husband-and-wife duo for a ‘tense and hypnotic’ performance during the showcase festival and conference. Read more about it and the band’s reaction at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Weekend Photo Gallery

Of Montreal, The Verve Pipe, The Go Rounds, Nick Moss, Mid-Life Crisis wrap up summer with a bang: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• September 18, 2017

The last blast of summer (officially) arrived in many musical forms and in a slew of different venues across West Michigan. And Local Spins has the photos to prove it.

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.

Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

Grand Haven’s Music at the Museum series returns with Joe Pug, Scythian, Way Down Wanderers and more

• September 7, 2017

The Red House Concert Series has announced the third season of concerts boasting a diverse lineup of national and regional acts playing the Grand Haven museum. See the full lineup at Local Spins. Season passes go on sale later this month.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Sept. 5-10): Buddy Guy, Kid Rock, Wheatland, Queens of the Stone Age, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Conor Oberst, Eastown Streetfair, Tucker Beathard, The Fall of Troy

• September 5, 2017

September gets rolling with Voodoo Glow Skulls, Seth Glier, Lauren Duski, Greg Nagy, Tom Hymn, the Freedom Flag Benefit and anniversary celebrations in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Holland. Check out all of this week’s live music picks on The Big List.

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.

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.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Aug. 21-27): Breakaway Music Fest, Samantha Fish, Rusted Root, Beer City Bike Fest, David Bromberg, Five for Fighting, Shook Twins

• August 21, 2017

Railroad Earth & Twiddle get things started, with the Shoreline Jazz Fest, Conrad Shock, Emma Loo & Sam, Holler Fest and a new Quinn & Tuite’s concert series in the mix. Check out all the live music selections and Under-the-Radar Picks for the week.

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

‘Get to the woods!’ Hoxeyville returns to northern Michigan for national and regional stars, fellowship of ‘usual suspects’

• August 15, 2017

The 15th anniversary festival boasts sets by Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings and Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires, and features a supporting cast of national and regional acts. Read why bands love this annual celebration so much and see the full performance schedule for the weekend.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Cowpie Music Fest 2017 Revisited: ‘Thrills and adventure’ on the ‘hookah lounge’ farm in words, photos, videos

• August 13, 2017

This year’s three-day edition of Cowpie on a Kent County farm wrapped up Saturday with more jam-heavy, genre-bending magic courtesy of moo-ving regional stars. Experience a photo-laden recap of the weekend at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos

Album Reviews + The Hot Top 5: Jake Kershaw, Dan Rickabus, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, On The Line, Paddlebots, Barbarossa Brothers

• August 10, 2017

The War & Treaty’s debut EP topped July’s Hot Top 5 for WYCE airplay, with Crane Wives drummer Dan Rickabus’ solo CD right behind. Check out a review of that album and other new Michigan releases.

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.

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 24-30): The Who, The Shins, 2Cellos, Andrew Bird, Melvins, Low Cut Connie, MoPop Festival

• July 24, 2017

The Beach Boys, a “Women Rock” Picnic Pops tribute, Mike Mains, Farm Block Fest and The Menzingers also fire up the week. And check out the splendid Under-the-Radar Picks.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Faster Horses Festival, Nite Jewel, Red Sea Pedestrians, Foxygen, The Accidentals keep the musical heat on: Weekend Photo Galleries

• July 23, 2017

Sultry July weather didn’t hinder Michigan’s music train, which steamed through country stars in Jackson County, regional stars at Arcadia Ales in Kalamazoo, indie-folk along the water in South Haven and rock ‘n’ roll in Grand Rapids and more. Browse all the images and read the recaps at Local Spins.