Mumford & Sons makes Grand Rapids debut with stage spectacle, intimate moments
The popular British folk-rock band packed Acrisure Amphitheater on Tuesday night, with Marcus King Band opening. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Tagged: concert reviews
Elvis Costello & The Imposters ‘Pump It Up’ in Muskegon debut with hit-laden escapade
The award-winning British rocker delivered a career-spanning set at Frauenthal Theatre to wrap up his U.S. theater tour on Friday. And the same night, Shakey Graves closed out Meijer Gardens’ summer series in Grand Rapids. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
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Brandi Carlile amps up West Michigan crowd with heartfelt, high-energy performance
The venerated Americana/folk/pop musician, activist and humanitarian captivated fans at Acrisure Amphitheater on Sunday with a career-spanning stop on ‘The Human Tour.’ The Local Spins review and photos, with a set list from the show.
Bruce Hornsby still jamming ‘The Way It Is’ (and was) for devoted Grand Rapids fans
The rock piano icon returned to the Meijer Gardens amphitheater on Sunday with his band, The Noisemakers, delivering a mix of familiar hits, deep cuts and jams. The review and photos.
‘Change is in the Air’: Folk rebel Jesse Welles uncorks defiant anthems at Meijer Gardens
The acclaimed folk/rock singer with an arsenal of protest songs delivered his searing messages to a sold-out Meijer Gardens audience on Monday. The review and photos at Local Spins
Sarah McLachlan builds mystery amid haze, sets ‘World on Fire’ in GR amphitheater debut
Amid sultry, smoky weather, the acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter charmed Grand Rapids fans with a set melding hits with lesser-known classics. Grammy Award-winning singer Allison Russell opened the show. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Dave Matthews Band breaks free on Night 1; Father John Misty cleans up (Reviews, photos)
Tuesday saw the first of two Dave Matthews Band shows at Acrisure Amphitheater with Father John Misty playing GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The reviews, photos and set lists at Local Spins.
Hot Night: Guess Who rolls out the hits; St. Paul & The Broken Bones deliver blistering set
Grand Rapids boasted a twin bill of high-profile concerts on a high-temperature night with The Guess Who at Acrisure Amphitheater and St. Paul & The Broken Bones at Meijer Gardens. Check out the reviews, browse the photos.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Little Feat steps out in GR for final time, plus Smiling Acres, Charley Crockett, more (Recaps)
Our weekend roundup of concerts/festivals starts with the iconic Little Feat’s musical feats of strength at Meijer Gardens, followed by a host of fan-pleasing shows, including Charley Crockett, Pepper & The Movement, The Expendables and more from Smiling Acres Music Festival. Browse the photos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
Billy Strings joins Trey Anastasio at Meijer Gardens; ‘Starman’ MGK soars at Acrisure
Wednesday’s Grand Rapids double-header of high-profile shows featured a powerhouse rapper at a new amphitheater and a jam-band hero with a bluegrass superstar at Meijer Gardens. The recaps of both shows with photos 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.
The Beths ‘Take’ GR by storm, plus Devon Allman, Arcadian Wild, PHABIES & more
The New Zealand indie-rockers made a tour stop Wednesday at The Big Room, part of an early week flurry of concerts from Paw Paw to Kalamazoo to Rockford. Browse the photo galleries.
Concert Recaps · Weekend Photo Gallery
Russell Dickerson, Redferrin, Cody Johnson, Joe Hertler, Emo Fest & more: Concert Photos
With summer-like weather settling in, national tour stops and regional stars heated up West Michigan venues to close out the month — including Jon Hayes, Saturdays at Your Place and more. Browse all of the photos at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Top 10 Lists · Top 5 Lists · Upcoming shows
Meijer Gardens’ Top 5 Concerts and Local Spins’ Top 10 Concert Reviews of All-Time
Meijer Gardens kicks off its 2026 concert series on Wednesday, so Local Spins asked go-to reviewer Tricia Boot for her Top 5 Meijer Gardens concerts of all-time. Plus, check out Local Spins’ Top 10 most popular concert reviews.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
All That Remains, Headband Henny, The All-American Rejects & more: Photo Recaps
Local Spins photographers ventured across downtown Grand Rapids and the greater West Michigan area last week to cover everything from an All-American Rejects pop-up show, to sold out shows from Corrosion of Conformity and Plain White T’s, along with Silversun Pickups, Nate Smith and more. Check out eight photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert Recaps · Photos · Venue Spotlight
Acrisure Amphitheater hosts free community open house featuring local acts
Continuing its opening weekend festivities, Acrisure Amphitheater opened up its doors to the Grand Rapids community for a free open house with a variety of local music acts and opportunities to tour the venue. Photos and recap at Local Spins.
Lionel Richie ushers in new era, kicks off inaugural Acrisure Amphitheater season
Lionel Richie charms concertgoers with clever humor, timeless hits and plenty of love for Grand Rapids at the official opening show of Acrisure Amphitheater. See photos, a review and audience’s thoughts on the venue at Local Spins.
La Dispute hits home in Grand Rapids during final stop on headlining tour
A look at La Dispute’s triumphant return to Grand Rapids over the weekend. Read the concert review and see photos from the memorable night at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Billy Strings goes next level with bluegrass hero Sam Bush in surprise St. Cecilia show
Mandolinist Sam Bush brought unannounced special guest Billy Strings on stage Thursday at the intimate, historic auditorium to the delight of stunned Grand Rapids fans, with the superstar guitarist joining Bush’s band for several songs. The review, photos and video.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Greensky Bluegrass takes Ann Arbor by (winter) storm with electrifying festival debut
The beloved Kalamazoo bluegrass powerhouse kicked off the Ann Arbor Folk Festival on Friday with a fan-inspiring set that followed an opening salvo by guitar icon Junior Brown. The review and photos at Local Spins. The festival continues today with Amos Lee, Dawes and The Crane Wives.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2025 (No. 5): Dwight Yoakam, Mavericks turn things loose in Kalamazoo show
It proved to be The Mavericks’ final Michigan show. Country icon Dwight Yoakam headlined the late March concert at Wings Event Center. Revisit the review and photo gallery as part of our year-end countdown.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Jack White unleashes spirited rock spectacle in Grand Rapids: Top 10 Stories of 2025 (No. 6)
The Detroit-bred guitarist blazed a loud, shapeshifting trail through his career catalog in mid-April for 2,600 rabid fans at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. We revisit the Local Spins review, with photos, as part of our countdown of the Top 10 stories of the year.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Accidentals give holidays fresh home-style boost with help from Kaboom Studio Orchestra
The Traverse City-bred alt-folk trio The Accidentals brought the Michigan tour behind its new Christmas album to Grand Rapids’ Big Room on Friday, impressing fans with enhancement from an ensemble of young Ohio musicians. Review, photos.
All Time Low uncorks high-energy caper of joy & nostalgia; Josh Ritter shows off ‘Wild Ways’
Sunday’s tour stops by artists with new albums featured pop-punk’s All Time Low at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and singer-songwriter Josh Ritter at St. Cecilia. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Don Was and Detroit cohorts blow the roof off during tour-opening Traverse City show
Touting their debut studio album, Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble revved up the intimate confines of The Alluvion listening room with two sold-out shows on Wednesday. The review and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Rilo Kiley closes Meijer Gardens’ biggest season with nostalgic faves, salty-but-sweet sound
Perfect weather and a sold-out crowd with ‘arms outstretched’ greeted the reunited aughts indie darlings, wrapping up the amphitheater’s summer series. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
T-Rex Fest roars back to Grand Rapids with weekend of loud, robust rock
Friday’s opening night of the three-day, indoor festival at The Pyramid Scheme boasted energetic sets by Michigan’s Greet Death, Pennsylvania’s Carly Cosgrove and more. The recap, photos and weekend schedule at Local Spins.
‘Like a hug from an old friend’: Shakey Graves beguiles sold-out Kalamazoo crowd
The Americana tunesmith’s tour stop Monday at Bell’s Beer Garden enchanted fans with his band of “friends and family.” The review and images at Local Spins.
The Fray delivers heartfelt messages for 2,000 fans in return to Grand Rapids
After a long hiatus, the pop-driven Colorado rock band made a triumphant splash during its tour stop Friday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Wynonna Judd digs into her Grammy-winning country roots in ‘greatest hits’ Michigan run
The Country Music Hall of Famer captivated a Meijer Gardens audience for a buoyant evening of solo hits plus familiar favorites from her days as one half of the legendary duo, The Judds. The Local Spins review and photo gallery from Wednesday’s show.
Gary Clark Jr. sizzles with boost from Lamont Landers amid steamy Michigan weather
The Grammy Award-winning blues/rock/soul/R&B guitarist headlined an evening of scorching temps and searing solos at Meijer Gardens after an Interlochen tour stop. The Local Spins review and photos.
Rick Springfield delivers ‘Human Touch’ of nostalgia with help from ’80s pals
The Sunday night “I Want My ’80s” tour stop at Meijer Gardens also featured fan-friendly faves from Wang Chung, John Waite and Paul Young. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Billy Strings weaves kaleidoscopic bluegrass enchantment in spellbinding hometown show
Michigan’s bluegrass hero returned Friday to Grand Rapids for the first of two-jampacked nights at Van Andel Arena. Check out the review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Sessanta’s three-headed band monster invades GR for ingenious homecoming romp
The unusual tour that puts Michigander Maynard James Keenan’s A Perfect Circle and Puscifer on the same stage with Primus rocked Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, with a brief guest appearance by Billy Strings. The Local Spins review and photos.
Valerie June christens The Big Room in Grand Rapids with ever-joyful, solo concert
The acclaimed folk/roots/soul artist ushered in a new era for the historic building on Ottawa Avenue NW with an ebullient attitude and passionate singing. Get the lowdown on Monday’s concert hall debut in words and photos at Local Spins.
Herb Alpert turns back clock with verve, charisma and Tijuana Brass classics
The 90-year-old trumpeter made a Sunday tour stop at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall and drew standing ovations for he and his band’s performance. The Local Spins review.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Phish sparks ‘magic,’ joyful jams with Billy Strings in GR: Top ’24 Stories (No. 7)
It was one of Michigan’s concert events of the year: The legendary jam band playing two straight night in Grand Rapids with a boost from Billy Strings. Revisit the “dream” pairing on Christmas Day as part of our year-end countdown.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Stevie Wonder uplifts fans in first-ever GR show: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 9)
The legendary Stevie Wonder’s debut concert at Van Andel Arena in October boasted a massive backing ensemble and earned widespread praise from fans. Revisit the review and photos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Greta Van Fleet comes home to rock fervid GR fans: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 11)
The Michigan band’s May homecoming and first headlining show at Van Andel Arena brought the heat and ranked as one of the year’s top Local Spins stories. Revisit the concert in words, photos and set list.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Creed, 3 Doors Down rock ‘human experience’ in GR show: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 15)
November’s packed concert at Van Andel Arena surprised many with what rolled out as one of rock fans’ favorite shows of the year. Revisit the Local Spins review, photo gallery and set lists as our December countdown of the year’s top music stories continues.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Healing from tragedy, TobyMac inspires GR crowd: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 16)
The multi-Grammy-winning Christian music artist played Van Andel Arena in March with help from Grand Rapids’ own George Moss. Revisit our interview and show review as we continue our countdown of the top Local Spins stories of the year.
Commentary · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Worst concert flops & disappointments: Local Spins readers vent (Top ’24 Stories Countdown)
Our readers responded in droves in July when recalling their biggest live music disappointments (sloppy sets, horrible sound, nasty fans). It ended up at No. 19 in our top-stories-of-the-year countdown. On the flip side, we want to know the best concert you saw and best album you heard in 2024.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Stevie Wonder entrances and energizes Grand Rapids fans with enduring hits, loving vibe
Wednesday’s first-ever Stevie Wonder concert at Van Andel Arena — the next-to-last stop on the legendary artist’s October tour – boasted a massive backing ensemble. Review, photos and more at Local Spins.
Billy Strings incites flat-picking pandemonium at Pine Knob for home-state fans
The new dad and award-winning bluegrass guitar phenom from Ionia County celebrated a brand new double-album with his band in the first of a two-night run at the Clarkston amphitheater. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Grace Potter delivers ‘the medicine that everybody wants’ in rollicking GR concert
‘Can’t Stop the Beat’: The singer and multi-instrumentalist closed out the weekend with an engaging, energetic return to Meijer Gardens, a show boosted by opener May Erlewine. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Cage the Elephant fires up frenzy of anthemic rock for Grand Rapids fans
The Kentucky-bred indie-rock band lit up Van Andel Arena on Friday with lead singer Matt Shultz displaying terrific showmanship despite a broken foot. Review, photos.
Kansas keeps ’70s alive with enduring songs unfurled for sold-out Grand Rapids crowd
Although only one original band member was on the Meijer Gardens stage Thursday night, the prog-rock-hued favorite made the most its return to the amphitheater. The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Hip hop’s Lecrae, Christian rock’s Crowder heat up Winter Jam at Van Andel Arena
Sunday’s return to Grand Rapids of the popular annual Christian music tour played to a near-capacity audience that lined up for hours outside before the show. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Nickel Creek baptizes packed house in Kalamazoo with elite, bluegrass musicianship
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.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Rockford’s Got Talent 2024’s big winners, plus the weekend concert photo roundup
Caleb & Jenna, David Wyatt and Mary Salo won big at Saturday’s 13-act West Michigan contest spotlighting impressive emerging talent. Plus, browse photos from several other weekend concerts across the region, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo.
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