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: hip-hop
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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Sounds of the Zoo 2026 wraps up with brilliant sunshine, high energy, epic performances
The seven-day Kalamazoo music festival closed Sunday with four fan-pleasing sets after a week featuring more than 40 Michigan bands and solo artists. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
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.
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.
‘Don’t Stop the Party’: Pitbull unleashes dance-fueled Grand Rapids spectacle (Photos)
The Florida rapper, singer and reggaeton star pumped up Acrisure Amphitheater on Thursday night as part of his “I’m Back” tour. Browse the photos of Pitbull and Lil Jon at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Latvian jubilees, Weird Al’s parodies vitalize the holiday weekend: Recaps, photos
Fourth of July fireworks weren’t limited to the skies over Michigan: Plenty of dazzling salvos took place on stages, too, covered in words, photos and videos at Local Spins — including Sister Hazel, Black Country, New Road and more.
Freedom at 250: The Ultimate ‘Freedom Rocks’ Independence Day Playlist
America’s 250th birthday today means this country has embraced — and protected — its freedom for a very long time. So feel “free” to pump up the volume on this “Freedom Rocks” playlist, from Damian Marley and Billy Strings to Pitbull and Beyonce.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Latvian Song & Dance Festival set to take over Grand Rapids with ‘rich culture and traditions’
The mammoth festival unfurling this week in West Michigan for the first time boasts dozens of concerts and events at multiple venues. Local Spins has the preview and schedule.
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.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Tank & The Bangas set to uncork New Orleans vibe, poetry, ‘good time’ in Grand Rapids
Touring behind a brand new album, “The Last Balloon,” Tank & The Bangas open tonight for Trombone Shorty at Meijer Gardens. The Local Spins Q&A with this electrifying band.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
GridLife Festival, Pattie Gonia, N. Miss. All Stars and More: Concert Photo Roundup
An incredibly hectic week of live music continued through the weekend, from South Haven to Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids. Browse all of the images at Local Spins.
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.
A tribute to brothers and sisters in arms: The Ultimate Memorial Day Playlist
As we honor and remember all of those who’ve given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces, Local Spins offers a playlist that’s a tribute to their sacrifice and a prayer for peace.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Kalamazoo
Headband Henny is here to “serve the moment” and this one might be his
How Kalamazoo R&B artist Headband Henny stays hyper-focused on the here and now. Read the exclusive Local Spins interview with this emerging Midwest star ahead of his headlining show at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe on May 15th.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Yolonda Lavender bringing magic of New Orleans to Michigan with May 1 show on tap
The soulful Kalamazoo singer-songwriter has been splitting time between Crescent City and her home state. The Local Spins Q&A with an artist playing Bell’s Spring Concert Series.
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.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Going Local: Acrisure Amphitheater open house on May 16 to boast 19 West Michigan acts
When the public tours the amphitheater during the special May 16 event, they’ll be treated to rock, pop, country, funk, hip hop, ballet and more. View the lineup.
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.
Grand Rapids hip-hop stars shine ahead of Riff Raff in packed house with metalcore next door
The California rapper’s tour stop at The Intersection’s Stache on Wednesday gave a host of regional hip-hop acts a chance to strut their stuff for an enthused crowd. And in the main showroom, metalcore’s ERRA and Currents rattled the house. Review and photo galleries at Local Spins.
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.
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.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Record Company, Stephen Wilson Jr., Hip-Hop Romps & more: Concert Photo Roundup
The Record Company topped the list of shows energizing venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, with Headband Henny, Hazy Past, Level Up, Stephen Wilson Jr. and a Heavyweights band contest all in the mix. The photo galleries and a concert video at Local Spins.
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.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Desmond Jones, Lady Ace Boogie, Myron Elkins, Y-Not, Yacht Rocket, Incantations, more: Photos
It was a week of live music dominated by Michigan-based artists — from Matthew Borr to Vespa — at several venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, including a new performance space. Get the recaps and view the photo galleries, including images of EDM star Kompany’s Intersection tour stop.
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.
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.
Music festivals, artist features, fresh tracks, reviews, photos: Local Spins’ Michigan mania
As we enter our 14th year, we recap 2025 at Local Spins by looking back at the numbers — our flurry of stories, photo galleries, reviews, podcasts and more that embrace Michigan’s music scene. We haven’t been able to do it without your support.
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.
Grand Rapids hip-hop acts pull off musical slam dunk during Grand Rapids Gold halftime show
Several Grand Rapids hip hop artists performed for fans Saturday at Van Andel Arena, an exuberant, milestone halftime show that included a new Grand Rapids Gold anthem. The back story at Local Spins.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2025: Local Spins staffers tout the artists & releases that topped their playlists
From Perfume Genius to NF to Rosalia, the roster of impressive albums cited by Local Spins writers covered a lot of territory in 2025. View their picks — along with some selections submitted by readers — and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase featuring some of the best tracks by Michigan artists.
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.
Michigan Album Reviews: 84 Tigers, G-Hollow, Silverstiles, Lost Magic
With the holidays fast approaching, Local Spins digs into four recent album and EP releases by Michigan artists. Check out our takes on these recordings and listen to tracks from all of them.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ghost-Note poised to electrify Holland with mix of hip hop, jazz and ‘conscious funk’
Led by Grammy Award winners from the highly acclaimed Snarky Puppy, Dallas’ Ghost-Note makes a tour stop Sunday at Holland’s Park Theatre. The Local Spins interview with this hard-hitting band.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Hip hop star Steven Malcolm’s ‘Albums that Changed the World’: Marley, Michael, Lil Wayne
The acclaimed, faith-based Grand Rapids artist has made waves with his inspiring storytelling, racking up more than 75 million streams. Today, he reveals the recordings that have impacted him most.
Michigan Album Reviews: Kate Hinote Trio, Sonny Ski, DJ Blaze 589, deadbeatdad
Our mid-October roundup of recent releases by Great Lakes State artists delves into indie-folk, hip hop and electro-pop. Check out the reviews and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
Hip hop’s Adrian Wright: Rap as a ‘safe haven’ and making real connections with listeners
The Grand Rapids hip-hop, soul and funk artist is poised to rev up The Stray tonight with his band, The Great Let Gos. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature on this emerging star.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Singer, improviser, bathrobe model: Marc Rebillet brings wild ‘performance art’ to GR
The Texas electronic musician and YouTube star makes a stop on his ‘Places I’ve Never Played And Will Never Play Again’ tour Sunday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
Sounds of the Zoo charms Kalamazoo with hot hip hop, eclectic jazz, bracing rock & soul
The first four days of Kalamazoo’s week-long musical celebration have covered a lot of bases. Get the recap, photos and listen to this week’s radio show podcast featuring tracks by more than a dozen Michigan artists.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Photos
Wuzee, Affy, Sonny Ski, Huntchino, Gwopped Up Speedy rack up wins at GR Hip-Hop Awards
Last weekend’s Grand Rapids Hip-Hop Awards hosted by Victor Williams, Jonathan Jelks, Willie the Kid and TEKH TOGO also honored Ruben Martinez, Lady Ace Boogie, Push the City Cypher, Alfie Da Great and many more. The recap and full winners’ list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Red Wings join Quinn XCII, La Dispute’s homecoming, Bell’s 40th & more: Recaps
Our week-in-review of West Michigan concerts boasts milestone performances and a send-off show for a Grand Rapids singer, plus The Baseball Project, Superchunk, The Bootstrap Boys and more. Get the show recaps and browse the photos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kalamazoo eager to amplify voices ‘bigger than just an event’ at Sounds of the Zoo fest
The fourth-year, week-long Sounds of the Zoo music festival will unfold on eight stages over seven days starting Monday with more than four dozen bands and solo artists. Get the preview and schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Hip-hop artist Sonny Ski: A regular guy with an irregular mind making waves in Grand Raids
In this profile of an up-and-coming rapper, Sonny Ski talks about balancing faith, family and fierce competition as he prepares to release his next project, ‘Regular Guy, Irregular Mind.’ Learn more about Sonny Ski and listen to his music at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
‘Offbeat Week’: Suburbs Fest, Domestic Problems, Of Montreal, Deadbeatdad (Photos)
Things were, well, a bit different with live music across West Michigan, and Local Spins was there capturing the action for our resplendent weekend photo galleries.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Out of Favor Boys, Charlie Millard, RyneShyne, Death By Lions
This mid-July roundup of new releases by Michigan artists also recaps the latest hip-hop album from The Musalini & Henry Puffington and Eric Engblade. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Studies in Inspiring Contrasts: Lonestar, Social Distortion, Headband Henny, Hannah Laine
Today, Local Spins recaps widely varying summer concerts that took place at disparate venues across West Michigan in early July. Browse the photos in this exclusive round-up.
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