Heading Up North? Here are some outdoor concerts to heat up your summer
The Homestead near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan Legacy Art Park and Grand Traverse Civic Center are rife with live music this summer. Get the schedules and more at Local Spins.
Tagged: indie-rock
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Avett Brothers take Michigan fans on emotional ride, plus Everclear, Miss May 1, Full Cord
The Avett Brothers and Everclear topped off a hectic week of live music across West Michigan that also included Rising Appalachia, Miss May I, Full Cord, Smiling Acres fest and more. Get the week-in-review photos and recaps exclusively at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Smiling Acres Music Festival: Acres of smiles, moments of musical magic unfold on Day 1
The three-day festival outside Trufant kicked off on Friday with a bevy of popular Michigan acts, and continues through the weekend. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Smiling Acres Music Festival poised to power up summer with regional stars
The last weekend in June marks the return of Smiling Acres Music Festival in Trufant with sets by May Erlewine, Jason Singer of Michigander, The Go Rounds and many more. The preview, schedule and ticket links at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Revivalists romp, narrowly avoid getting washed out for sold-out Meijer Gardens show
Undeterred by multiple weather-related delays, the New Orleans-based band rewarded a dedicated audience with an effusive, exuberant performance of familiar favorites. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Railroad Earth, Ryan Adams, Ally Venable & Buttermilk Jamboree’s Day 2: Recaps, photos
It was another action-packed weekend of live music, the mid-June array of shows and festival romps recapped in words and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rainbow Kitten Surprise armed with dynamic, vocally driven songs for GR tour stop
The indie-alt-rock-pop band born in North Carolina plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Sunday. Guitarist Darrick “Bozzy” Keller chats with Local Spins about Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s evolution and a new album in the works.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Summer Concert Deluge: Lineups for more than 30 outdoor venues
Today, Local Spins gets Michigan music lovers ready for another summer of concert revelry, from Pine Knob to Interlochen to Meijer Gardens to Soaring Eagle Casino, Bell’s Brewery and more. View the schedules from mammoth amphitheaters to intimate outdoor settings.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
N. Michigan’s Hail Your Highness leans into dreamier rock approach with new music
The sisters who made their mark in the hardcore scene have a new single, showcased by Local Spins this week along with fresh tracks by The Native Howl, Full Cord and other Michigan artists. Get the Hail Your Highness back story and listen to this week’s show podcast at Local Spins.
Detroit Artist Spotlight · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Art of Transformation: The Vig Arcadia explores self-discovery, growth on ‘Morph’
The Detroit pop-rock band chats with Local Spins about its latest release ahead of Saturday’s shows at Original Gravity Brewing Company in Milan and The Loving Touch in Ferndale. Learn more about this up-and-coming band and watch their music videos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Guitar phenom, singer-songwriter Jake Allen: ‘Albums That Changed My World’
The Gaylord alt-rock artist and looping wizard plays SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids for the first time on Wednesday, set to showcase virtuosic talent that’s impressed audiences across the globe. Learn more about Jake Allen and check out the albums that have inspired his own music.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
Festival Dreaming: Lineups for 2025 Michigan Music Festivals + Local Spins radio podcast
Spring means lineups for many Michigan music festivals have sprung. Artists appearing at several also are featured in this week’s Local Spins Michigan music showcase radio podcast. Check out lineups for many festivals and listen to this week’s radio show featuring an interview with Dominic John Davis and new music from several Michigan artists.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Papa Vegas ‘rocks out,’ Record Store Day returns + our West Mich. concert recap
Music fans were embracing the classics over the past week — and cheering on Dogs in a Pile and Silver Creek Revival. Browse the images and a video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5
New Michigander album jumps to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
Jason Singer and Michigander — who head out on tour with Dawes later this month — topped the March chart, followed by Headband Henny, Melophobix and The Hacky Turtles. View the full chart at Local Spins and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Judy Collins, Bob James, Red Sea Pedestrians and more heat up mid-March (Photos)
From Traverse City to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, the unseasonable heat wave sparked sizzling concerts by veterans and emerging artists alike. The recaps and images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Raw, powerful, authentic: Elisabeth Pixley-Fink sheds inhibitions with ‘Heartskin’
The Ann Arbor-based artist talks about her new rock and alt-folk collection for Local Spins, which also debuted tracks by Bob James, Ashley Kay, The War and Treaty, Ohly and many more. Get the back story on Elisabeth Pixley-Fink and listen to today’s radio show podcast.
Luke Winslow-King gets fresh, ‘fully present’ on new album, hitting No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart
The Cadillac native’s latest release, “Flash-A-Magic,” nudged out albums by Headband Henny, Michigander, Adrian Wright and Avocadsquad. View the chart; sample the music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
The Wild Honey Collective’s Tommy McCord: Albums That Changed My World
With cosmic Americana/string band The Wild Honey Collective playing SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday, we asked its frontman to reveal recordings that impacted him. Plus, view a video of the band and listen to its music.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Lone Bellow charms GR with fetching ‘Love Songs,’ plus the week’s concert roundup
Enchanting a sold-out crowd at St. Cecilia Music Center, The Lone Bellow’s Saturday tour stop was just part of a bracing concert week that also featured Jimkata, Ten Peso Version, Super Future & more. Get the recaps, photos and a video at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Mark Farner, Brie Stoner, Moon Orchids, Overly Polite Tornadoes & more
This March roundup of releases by Michigan artists also includes our takes on new albums by Jessica Wolfbird and Stephen Hooper. Plus, listen to tracks from each artist and see where some of them will be performing.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Champions of Michigan music: 2025 Jammie Awards flaunt happy throngs, voltaic sets
The 25th WYCE Jammie Awards lit up The Intersection in Grand Rapids with wildly diverse sets by 18 Michigan acts for big crowds while honoring the best Michigan releases of 2024. The Local Spins recap, photo galleries and video highlights.
awards · Breaking music news · Concert reviews
The Crane Wives, Bootstrap Boys, Big Timmy land big wins at 2025 Jammie Awards
Friday night’s musical celebration hosted by WYCE-FM at The Intersection boasted an enthused crowd, riveting sets and honors for in the Valley Below, Michigan Rattlers, Earth Radio, Pablo Eskobear and more. View the full list of winners and more at Local Spins.
2025 Jammie Awards preview: Musical discovery, ‘magical moments,’ bracing sets
Friday night’s mammoth show on all three stages at The Intersection in Grand Rapids will feature 18 bands and numerous award presentations. View and save the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bilmuri, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Wilder Woods lead W. Michigan’s February music parade
The week’s concert lineup also boasted a Jackson Browne/Linda Ronstadt/Warren Zevon tribute, Mark Lavengood and a musical Winter Beer Fest romp. The images and more at Local Spins.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Podcasts
Local Spins expands reach with Michigan music showcase on Interlochen Public Radio
Starting this weekend, northern Michigan radio listeners will get an earful of music by Michigan artists as part of Local Spins’ weekly program. Learn more in today’s announcement.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bryce Vine vamps, Wallows wilts hearts, Brie brings it home + more concert recaps (Photos)
Hip hop, indie-rock, pop, country, EDM and jam bands captivated West Michigan audiences over the past week, from ALLEYCVT to Tyler Braden to Desmond Jones. The recaps and images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos
Ten Peso Version’s no-fear freedom to unleash the band’s chathartic indie-rock
‘Coming to fruition,’ the Grand Rapids indie-rock trio with an anthemic, gritty vibe has a new single, video and EP on the way, along with a show at The Pyramid Scheme. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
Extolling Michigan Music: 2025 Jammie Award Nominees; The Stray’s Band Battle Lineup
Starting in late February, two annual showcases of local and regional bands will give fans a chance to celebrate dozens of Michigan artists representing varied musical styles. View a list of nominees for Jammie Awards and competitors in The Stray’s Battle of the Bands at Local Spins.
Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Looking Forward: February’s Top 10 must-see Michigan concerts and shows
Shake off the winter doldrums, blues and cabin-fever days with regional concerts and events that will electrify fans of every genre — and get some video previews at Local Spins to boot.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Incantations: Smoldering Americana, peace of mind and creativity
The Kalamazoo trio which plays a special Bell’s event on Wednesday has a new EP and big plans. Get their back story and learn more about this week’s Sounds of the Zoo fundraiser.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Ann Arbor Folk Fest oozes camaraderie, ardor with Waxahatchee, Toad, Milk Carton Kids
The 48th annual two-day festival at Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium kept ‘the dream alive’ with sets by acclaimed headliners, plus Josh Ritter, Bruce Cockburn, Joy Clark and more. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After hitting it big with pop’s fun., Michigan’s Andrew Dost debuts his Metal Bubble Trio
The Frankfort native and Traverse City resident’s latest musical project comes after Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling success with indie-pop-rock’s fun. The Artist Spotlight with music videos from Metal Bubble Trio.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Musical Alcoves: Kalamazoo romps at Shakespeare’s, Dormouse Theatre, SugarBowl
A wide array of Michigan bands covering a broad swath of music genres pumped up three Kalamazoo venues over the weekend. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Upcoming shows · Weekend Photo Gallery
Looking Back, Looking Forward: Steppin’ In It’s reunion romp, mid-January concerts & more
Today, Local Spins looks back at a week of live music — from veteran faves on a Michigan tour to teens just getting started to a G. Love & Special Sauce tour stop — and previews some must-see January concerts.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ Rip Smidgeon uncorking ‘weird’ alternative indie-rock/pop on debut album
The band’s new music and back story were part of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Hannah Laine, Jabo Bihlman, Slumlord Radio, Jessica Wolfbird and more. Learn more about Rip Smidgeon and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Emerging Artist to Watch: Mystique leans on ‘rush of ideas’ for her catchy indie-pop
The Caledonia High School alum based in Nashville aims to make waves as an indie-pop/rock artist, recently releasing a new single while attending Belmont University. The Local Spins Q&A.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Singer-songwriters Matt Plessner & Rachel White poised to rev up chill SpeakEZ romp
Grand Rapids alt-rock/folk band Lighting Matches returns to ignite the Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Get the update on the band in this Local Spins Q & A.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Holiday Revelry: Trampled By Turtles, Dead South, May, Kari, Phabies and more (Photos)
May Erlewine’s Winter Dance Party and Kari Lynch’s Very Merry Jingle Jam were part of a festive week of December concerts across West Michigan — shows that also featured All American Funk Parade, Chris Knight, Gunnar Nyblad and more. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
‘A Very Merry Jingle Jam’-ming again for the less fortunate with all-star Michigan cast
Country, Americana and alternative music tunesmith Kari Lynch has hosted the benefit concert for more than a decade. It returns Saturday to Caledonia. The lineup, lowdown and how you can help at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Indie-rock’s PHABIES poised to release new album, light up SpeakEZ, mount 2025 tour
The Grand Rapids band making its final appearance of 2024 on Dec. 11 at SpeakEZ Lounge has big plans for next year and will give fans attending this week’s show a sneak peek into its new songs. Learn more about PHABIES and watch its music video at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Michigan Music Debuts & Thanksgiving videos by Billy Strings, War & Treaty, Jeff Daniels
This week’s special Thanksgiving weekend edition of Local Spins on WYCE lays out a banquet of tracks by Michigan artists. Plus, we celebrate the holiday with special performances by three Michigan stars.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Ficus, Whiskey Hunter, The Cosmoknights, Kylee Phillips
Check out Local Spins’ takes on several new releases by Michigan artists, from psych-rock to country to indie-pop and more. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kalamazoo proves live music still thrives, plus Kidd G and Kanin Wren in GR (Photos)
Kalamazoo boasted a busy Saturday of live music with The Incantaions, Them Coulee Boys and The Smokin’ Dobroleles, capping a week that also saw packed shows in Grand Rapids. Browse the photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Michigander’s ‘real thing’: Cohesive new indie-rock album with GR ‘Holiday Specials’ on tap
Loving his West Michigan roots, Jason Singer opens up about Michigander’s full-length debut for Local Spins, which also premiered tracks by Sonny Ski, Kyle Joe, The American Hotel System and more. Learn more about Michigander’s holiday shows and upcoming release, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Andy Grammer, Devil Wears Prada, Ben Rector, Houndmouth & more: Concert Photo Recap
From stops by national touring artists in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, to regional rock romps to Halloween hoopla, it was a action-packed week of live music across West Michigan. The photos at Local Spins, including Kitchen Dwellers, Lower Leisure Class, Ghost Bunnies, Asamu Johnson, Empress Eyes, Hannah Rose Graves and more.
Album Reviews: Tommy Schichtel, The Lasso/Graham Parsons, Don Julin get creative
Local Spins showcases several imaginative, boundary-pushing releases by Michigan artists in this week’s album-review roundup, which includes a collaborative project featuring Joey Gados Jr., Ben Steer and Noah Mercil.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘Not for the faint of ear’: Metzfire uncorks alt-metal ‘sonic wall’ on stage, in studio
The West Michigan band talked about its new album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured tracks by Jack White, Eminem, The Accidentals, Greet Death, Brenden Stark, Kylee Phillips, The Bootstrap Boys, Heartsick and more.
Neko Case delivers musical glory in no-frills fashion during Grand Rapids tour stop
The esteemed indie-rock/alt-country/folk/pop artist unfurled a 14-song set on Thursday that included a brand new song from a forthcoming album. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Jack White, Greg Nagy, Cal in Red, Lefty, Gianna Stansell, Hunter Noll Bell
From a Detroit rock icon to a rising Grand Rapids indie-pop duo to a veteran bluesman, this Local Spins roundup of Michigan releases digs into some enticing 2024 releases by regional artists. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from each release.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Styx, The Motet, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Major Murphy mix it up: Photo Galleries
From classic rock to bluegrass to funk to indie-rock, West Michigan venues offered plenty of variety for music fans over the past week. Browse the photo galleries, concert recaps and a video at Local Spins.
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