Friday’s Grand Rapids lineup boasted two sold-out shows: Indie-folk/bluegrass/jazz artist Sierra Ferrell made her Meijer Gardens debut while Michigan’s Crave Wives lit up The Intersection. The recaps and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Today’s Local Spins on WYCE broadcast marks a full decade of the show that spotlights local and regional music — a program that’s showcased more than 6,000 songs by Michigan artists. Listen to this week’s special radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Playing Hoxeyville Music Festival today, the Americana/bluegrass star is crisscrossing the U.S. behind her latest album. The Artist Spotlight interview and Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast featuring her music and new tracks from a bevy of other Michigan artists.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
In less than three weeks, the bluegrass guitar phenom’s live album has racked up more than 1.1 million listens on Spotify and soared to No. 1 on the Bluegrass Chart. Check out the review, listen to tracks from this popular release by the Michigan-bred superstar.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The 42nd Blissfest unfurled north of Harbor Springs last weekend, with performances by internationally acclaimed roots music stars and regional acts. Highlights, photos and videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
A day of rain kept some ticketholders away, but Tuttle’s band and Old Crow Medicine Show brought bluegrass-, gospel- and country-hued sunshine to Meijer Gardens on Wednesday. Review, photos, video.[…]
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
A bit of scattered light rain fell on festivalgoers outside Trufant on opening day, but performers rocked stages in diverse ways anyway. The recap at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
The latest update to Local Spins’ “Free Outdoor Community Concerts Guide” boasts a wide array of regional acts playing cities across the region. Browse the show schedules and view photo galleries from recent weekday shows in Wyoming, Grand Rapids Township and Rockford.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
The latest update to Local Spins’ extensive “Summer Concerts @ Michigan Venues” guide boasts hot shows from Grand Rapids to Greenville. View the schedules and more at Local Spins.
Audio · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
One of Michigan’s longest-running music festivals will have plenty of folks pickin’ and grinnin’ this weekend at Eaton County Fairgrounds. Local Spins has your festival guide.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The picture-perfect night for the return of a Michigan favorite boasted an appearance by the superstar bluegrass guitarist from Ionia County who kept the enthusiastic sold-out crowd on its feet. The Local Spins review, photo gallery and video highlights.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Local Spins on WYCE debuted fresh tracks from these Michigan artists and more — from Sophia McIntosh to Don Julin — with high-profile shows and tours on tap. The lowdown and the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
The executive director of Bay Harbor’s Great Lakes Center for the Arts — a one-time singer and actor — reveals the artists and albums that have influenced him most. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Michigan favorites May Erlewine, Desmond Jones and Full Cord also are on the docket for the iconic Harbor Springs-area festival taking place in July. View the full lineup, the official poster and get details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
WYCE’s annual celebration of local and regional music not only toasted some of the best releases of the year but showcased diverse talent on three stages amid a packed house of robust fans at Intersection. Highlights, photos, video.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
The Friday night celebration of Michigan music boasted a packed house at The Intersection, diverse sets and awards given out in 18 categories. Get a recap, browse photos and see the full list of winners.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Sunday’s rescheduled Winter Wheat and the return of jazz to SpeakEZ Lounge capped off a fascinating week of live music across West Michigan. The photo galleries, videos and more from seven shows at Local Spins, including Jackson Dean, LowDown Brass Band. Spencer LaJoye and Randissimo’s Sunday Night Jazz.
The acclaimed trio brought its ‘Celebrants’ tour to Kalamazoo State Theatre on Tuesday and didn’t disappoint. The review and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news
The Michigan contingent at Sunday’s Grammy Awards — including Billy Strings, The War and Treaty and Bob James — came away empty-handed but still made a splash in their own way over the weekend.
On Sunday, three fast-rising, Michigan-bred acts will vie for the most prestigious music awards in the business. Local Spins recaps their amazing journeys to prominence. Plus, listen to a Grammy playlist reflecting their nominated recordings.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
The highly acclaimed two-day Michigan festival returns full throttle on Jan. 26-27 for the first time since the pre-pandemic days of 2020. Get details, ticket links and a Q&A with performer Lizzie No at Local Spins.
Celebrations from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids closed out 2023 and welcomed the New Year over the holiday weekend, from a two-night run by Greensky Bluegrass to a cozy party at Turnstiles and more. View all the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Our No. 1 artist and story of the year spotlights homegrown bluegrass hero Billy Strings, whose wrestling-themed Halloween spectacle rolled out as an unprecedented, star-studded, five-hour, epic event. Revisit the review, photos, set list and more as Local Spins wraps up its countdown of the Top 20 stories of 2023.
Features · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Many fans say the beloved Michigan-bred guitarist has changed their lives. Our October feature digging into unprecedented ardor for the superstar soared to No. 2 in our top stories of the year. Plus, view a new photo gallery of fans and more from Billy Strings’ October concert.
Artist Spotlights · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
In a revealing chat, Ionia County’s favorite bluegrass son talks about touring, his adoring fans, taking classical music lessons and his Halloween homecoming. It was Local Spins’ No. 4 story of the year.
Artist Spotlights · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Local Spins’ interview with Billy’s mother, Deb Apostol, soared to No. 8 in our countdown of Top 20 stories of the year. Revisit his younger years and rise to stardom through the eyes of his mom.
Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Our No. 11 story of the year digs into the early days of Billy Strings’ success with Traverse City mandolinist Don Julin, who says Billy deserves ‘every bit’ of his global fame. Revisit the story here.
The all-new Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for November also features new albums from Free Hat, Full Cord, Liz Townsend and Roosevelt Diggs. Listen to tracks from all the releases.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Beyond a flurry of football, the long Thanksgiving weekend cooked up a buffet of rock, hip hop, bluegrass, Americana and jam-band charm at venues from Grand Rapids to Holland to Kalamazoo.
Early-week concerts drew varying crowds at several different venues — Van Andel Arena, The Intersection, St. Cecilia Music Center, The Pyramid Scheme, Midtown — with widely varying musical approaches. Browse the photo galleries and get the concert recaps at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The acclaimed musician who plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday has partnered with the likes of Billy Strings, Bela Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel and more as the leading player of his “ilk.” Learn more about Douglas and his upcoming concert in this exclusive Local Spins interview.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Michigan-bred heroes are making a splash yet again, with Billy Strings nominated for three awards, The War and Treaty for two, and Greta Van Fleet for best rock album. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Lindsay Lou just released a No.1 album that features a collaboration with Billy Strings and heads out on tour this week with Greensky Bluegrass. And with several ‘ties,’ the latest Hot Top 5 chart actually features seven fresh releases by Michigan-bred artists, from indie-rock to world music to singer-songwriter charm.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The bluegrass guitarist’s fans traveled from across the country to catch his wild Grand Rapids concert this week. Local Spins on WYCE spotlights their ardor, Billy’s music + tracks from other Michigan acts. Get the back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
The wrestling-themed Halloween homecoming spectacle for the Michigan-bred bluegrass guitarist was a star-studded, five-hour, epic ‘rumblemania’ event. Review, photos, set list.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
In a revealing chat with Local Spins, Ionia County’s favorite bluegrass son talks about touring, his adoring fans, taking classical music lessons and loving Halloween.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Seven years after the bluegrass guitarist parted ways with Julin, the Traverse City musician still marvels at Billy’s talent and says he deserves all of his fame. Plus, see what other musicians say about Billy.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
In an interview with his mom, Deb Apostol, Local Spins digs into the Ionia County-bred bluegrass guitarist’s childhood, teen rock years and his rise to super stardom.
From pins and posters to vintage clothing and a snazzy board game, home-grown entrepreneurs have built a marketplace community that will fire up for Tuesday’s big arena concert. Learn more at Local Spins.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins asked Billy Strings fans to choose their favorite songs. We took the Top 10 picks and turned it into a classic playlist of modern bluegrass prowess. Listen to the tracks and see who won our Billy Strings gift packs.
Many say the beloved Michigan-bred guitarist has changed their lives. Local Spins digs into unprecedented fan ardor for the superstar as his humongous Halloween homecoming approaches. Check out fan comments from across the country, hailing the bluegrass powerhouse.
Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows · Videos
In a 2019 interview, Billy Strings candidly discussed struggles to maintain his mental health as a road warrior – a challenge for many artists. Revisit the story today at Local Spins. Oh, and check out a new Billy Strings board game.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins’ “Billy Strings Month” continues with a look back at the young, up-and-coming West Michigan guitarist eight years ago as he prepared to play the cozy Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge. Plus, view a full performance video of Billy Strings & Don Julin from earlier the same year.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Check out Local Spins photo galleries featuring Fred Armisen’s Grand Rapids tour stop, plus weekend shows in Kalamazoo starring Headband Henny and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
This week’s lineup and theme announcement for the Oct. 31 bluegrass spectacle at Van Andel Arena — dubbed the “Van Andel Scramble” — features pals Mark Lavengood, John Mailander, Chris Pandolfi and Duane Trucks among other stars of the scene. The lowdown at Local Spins, along with a special concert playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings and his band play a mammoth homecoming show at Van Andel Arena on Oct. 31. Throughout the month, Local Spins looks back – and forward – at this superstar’s career. Today, check out a revealing 2017 Local Spins podcast interview with the then-emerging star.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
From an appearance by a legendary hip-hop act to massive crowds at Eastown Streetfair to captivating performances in Lowell, Muskegon and Kalamazoo, it was a hyper-active mid-September week. Photos, videos at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Hoxeyville uncorks its unique musical charm in the Manistee National Forest west of Cadillac this weekend with Marcus King, Molly Tuttle & more. Get the lowdown on this much-adored gathering.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Videos
Today’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast travels the state to showcase new music from Michigan artists performing at several August festivals. Plus, get details — and links — for nine festivals taking place this weekend, with a chance to win tickets to one of them, and watch Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics recap the August festival lineup for TV8’s EightWest.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The 2023 edition of Dunesville unfurled outside Interlochen last weekend with a bevy of impressive regional acts and late-night drum kivas. The Local Spins recap and photo gallery.
