Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Grand Rapids’ Tom Hymn uncorks latest musical ‘hodge podge’ from his ‘weird mind’

• December 4, 2020

The prolific artist with a new album was featured at Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brother Elsey, The Accidentals, The Skinny Limbs, L. Supreme & Jasonmakesgoodbeats, River City Narrative, Ohly and more. Get the latest from Tom Hymn, watch a music video for a track from his upcoming album and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Podcasts

Brother Adams finding its stride by getting ‘more eclectic, rock-hued and psychedelic’

• January 29, 2020

Learn more about the Holland folk-punk trio and watch its new videos in this Local Spins Rewind feature.

Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: Pink Sky, Darcy Wilkin, Pack Sounds, Blue Disciples, Dean Madonia

• January 15, 2020

January’s second batch of albums reviews at Local Spins spotlights the latest releases by several artists from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Check out the reviews, listen to the music, find out where some of these artists are performing.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Grand Rapids’ Birdie Country exudes ‘slightly charming,’ punk-hued chill rock

• January 3, 2020

The band which plays The Pyramid Scheme Friday night plans to follow up its high-energy 2019 EP with a full-length album later this year. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight on Birdie Country, with videos.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Stovepipe Stover survives devastating theft of musical gear to uncork grimy folk-punk

• November 30, 2019

The Grand Rapids songwriter played Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Political Lizard, Stone Soup & The Broken Teeth, One Blown Speaker, Hannah Rose Graves, Asamu Johnson and more. Listen to the radio show podcast and check out the in-studio video at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Sept. 30-Oct. 6): Eric Church, Shinedown, Lee Ann Womack, Steve Hackett, Lil’ Ed, Yung Gravy, May Erlewine

• September 30, 2019

The first week of October also brings us Devotchka, Melvins, Orville Peck, Dark Star Orchestra, The Zannies, Lifeline, beer fests, Pulaski Days, a GLAMAversary event and much more. Check out the riveting Under-the-Radar Picks and this week’s ticket giveaway.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (July 29-Aug. 4): Dawes & Margo Price, Nas, Billy Currington, Badfish, Yonder Mountain String Band, Kalamazoo Ribfest

• July 29, 2019

Prettymuch, Corrosion of Conformity, The Beach Boys, Gaelic Storm, The Menzingers, the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival and much more are also on the docket. Check all of this week’s featured concert selections, Under-the-Radar Picks and win tickets to see Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime at The Intersection’s Rock The Lot.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Lettuce, Xavier Wulf, Battle to the B93 Bash, Skitchin’ Fest: Photo Galleries

• June 2, 2019

Browse the resplendent Local Spins images from another weekend of diverse and crowd-energizing live music, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo including Lettuce, Xavier Wulf, Sadie Bass, FLUSHED, Turnspit and more.

Features · Upcoming shows

Tyler Dykema’s Skitchin’ mission for ‘pure, heartfelt, all-accessible’ punk rock

• May 29, 2019

The much-beloved organizer of Skitchin’ Fest and publisher of Skitchin’ Music Zine is preparing for the third incarnation of the Grand Rapids punk festival that takes place over two days this weekend at The Pyramid Scheme. Read the inspiring back story about Tyler Dykema and get details about this weekend’s festival at Local Spins. And see how you can win tickets to Skitchin’ Fest.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (May 27-June 2): Twenty One Pilots, Hozier, Lettuce, Xavier Wulf, Steppin’ In it, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Skitchin’ Fest

• May 27, 2019

The Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden opening weekend, House With a Yard, B93’s Battle to the Bash finals, Midwest Fest, Secret Forte and more fire up this week’s concert lineup. See how you can win tickets to Skitchin’ Fest and check out the fascinating Under-the-Radar Picks.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (May 13-19): MGMT, Badflower, The Cult, Ryan Hurd, Joe, JD McPherson, White Birch Music Fest

• May 13, 2019

Outdoor festival season kicks off on a week that also boasts several album-release shows by West Michigan artists along with much, much more. Peruse this week’s featured concerts and Under-the-Radar Picks, and see how you can win tickets to the White Birch Music Festival.

Weekend Photo Gallery

La Dispute, Tesla, Robin Trower, Tauk, Jake’s Music Fest rock the rafters: Photo Galleries

• April 14, 2019

From a sold-out eighth anniversary bash at The Pyramid Scheme to some iconic rockers to an indoor festival for a good cause, it was another active week of live music in the Grand Rapids area. Browse all of the images at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Weezer, Pixies align perfectly for vintage arena alt-rock show in Grand Rapids

• March 21, 2019

The two giants of the rock world brought their joint tour to Van Andel Arena on Wednesday night, and they gave fans plenty of reasons to leave happy. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

Big List (March 18-24): Weezer, Pixies, Billy Idol, La Luz, Glen Phillips, Cradle of Filth, Gary Allan

• March 18, 2019

Mid-March also brings us In the Valley Below, LadyFest GR, Pink Sky, Lady Ace Boogie, Dan Rickabus, Desmond Jones, Trevor Hall and much more. And see how you can win concert tickets to two different shows at The Pyramid Scheme this week.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (March 4-10): Vince Staples, KISS, Nothing More, TobyMac, Disturbed, Sarah Borges, Veronica Swift

• March 4, 2019

The concert week also features Moneybagg Yo, The Crystal Method, Brother Elsey & Jack Droppers in a pre-SXSW preview show, Gibbz, Runa and much, much more. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Local H, with Valentiger and Slumlord Radio.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Feb. 18-24): Alan Jackson, Needtobreathe, Dropkick Murphys, The War & Treaty, August Burns Red, Walker Hayes

• February 18, 2019

Gungor kicks off the week in Holland, with Laith Al-Saadi, Michigander, Max Lockwood, That Beatles Thing, Mark Lavender, The Holy Warheads and more also featured on The Big List.

Concert reviews · Photos

Panic! At the Disco’s sold-out, career-spanning spectacle heats up Van Andel Arena

• January 30, 2019

Dedicated fans trekked through hazardous weather conditions to join the party thrown by Panic! At the Disco on Tuesday night in Grand Rapids. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows

Album Reviews: Greensky Bluegrass, Josh Davis, McWeakerton, Ajax Stacks and more

• January 24, 2019

Check out the latest batch of Michigan releases being showcased at Local Spins — from high-profile acts to under-the-radar artists — and sample tracks from the featured albums, including recordings by Blueflowers and The Dead Shepherds.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Social Distortion’s rocking ‘Ring of Fire,’ Collective Soul and more: Local Spins Photos

• October 14, 2018

Social Distortion’s weekend tour stop at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live was just part of a music week that also featured appearances by Arturo Sandoval, Collective Soul, Blockhead, Kind Country and more. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Oct. 8-14): Fleetwood Mac, Social Distortion, Arturo Sandoval, Lauv, Chris Robinson, Bottle Rockets, Collective Soul

• October 8, 2018

The week of live music kicks off with the return to West Michigan of Fleetwood Mac, but also boasts Royal Wood, Earth Radio, Elizabeth Landry, Wayland, Golf Clap, Anne Heaton, Jen Sygit, Founders’ Harvest Party and more. Make your entertainment plans with help from The Big List Concert Guide at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

MC50 retains potent proto-punk punch with all-star lineup led by Wayne Kramer

• September 23, 2018

The MC5 anniversary tour stop at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live drew a curiously, half-full house Saturday but the powerhouse band led by Wayne Kramer still proved its influential, rock ‘n’ roll mettle. Check out the exclusive review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Sept. 17-23): MC50, Beats Antique, Audiotree Music Festival, Flint Eastwood, Earthwork Harvest Gathering, Matt & Kim

• September 17, 2018

The arrival of autumn also brings Keller Williams, Heather Maloney, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, a jazzy Grand Rapids Symphony tribute to Paul McCartney and more. Check out this week’s spotlighted shows, plus our Under-the-Radar Picks.

Concert reviews · Photos

Fall Out Boy’s fiery pop-punk spectacle energizes Grand Rapids throng

• September 7, 2018

Just ahead of a big homecoming show in Chicago, Fall Out Boy delivered fan faves and more at Van Andel Arena on Thursday with child-like vigor, pyrotechnics and dizzying lights. Check out the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Sept. 3-9): Fall Out Boy, LIVE, The Magpie Salute, Lane 8, Wovenhand, Wheatland Music Festival, Eastown Streetfair

• September 3, 2018

Labor Day stars the West Michigan Labor Fest, Johnnyswim and LIVE, with plenty to follow the rest of the week: Perrin’s Backyard Bash, Fareed Haque, SALES, Kyle Cook, JMM Jazz, a Grateful Dead tribute and much more. Check out all the featured shows and Under-the-Radar Picks.

Concert reviews · Photos

L7 gets lean, loud, vicious and unapologetically raucous in Grand Rapids tour stop

• July 24, 2018

Local Spins music critic John Serba absorbed the brutish, beautifully ‘apelike rock’ of the iconic L.A. punk/metal/grunge band that rattled The Pyramid Scheme on Monday. Read his take on the rock ‘n’ roll assault along with photos by Katy Batdorff — only at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows

Lowell concerts hosted by 19-year-old musician boast unique flavor, band-lifting mission

• June 16, 2018

The rock-oriented, summertime “Ryne Shyne” LowellArts series assembled by young Lowell entrepreneur Ryne Clarke boasts a special atmosphere with shows captured on video and broadcast on radio. Read more about the series and check out a photo gallery of recent performer Bet on Rats.

Breaking music news · Photos

What You Missed: Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit, Movement revisited and more

• May 29, 2018

Tied up or out of town for Memorial Day weekend? Here’s a recap of some musical magic you may have missed, courtesy of Local Spins and media outlets elsewhere across Michigan. Check out links to coverage of Movement, Bled Fest and more.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (May 29-June 3): Incubus, Yung Joc, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gin Blossoms, Festival of the Arts, Camp Greensky, B93 Birthday Bash

• May 29, 2018

This week’s packed lineup also features Andrew McMahon, Gladys Knight, Phillip Phillips, The Menzingers, BoDeans and more, plus win tickets to see the Gin Blossoms and Valentiger. Get the complete lowdown in this week’s Big List, plus some riveting Under-the-Radar Picks.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Punk at Tip Top, Bimini Bros’ 35th anniversary at DeltaPlex, Lindsay Lou, Michigander at Pyramid Scheme, Liquid Stranger at Intersection: Weekend Photo Galleries

• May 7, 2018

The three-day Skitchin’ Fest of punk fury, Bimini Brothers’ 35th anniversary spectacle, tour stops by Lindsay Lou and Michigander, and the wild Bass Country electronic music show powered up a weekend of live music in Grand Rapids, captured in images at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Videos

GR Symphony Picnic Pops to star Ben Folds; Lansing’s Three Stacks Music Festival

• April 11, 2018

A new Michigan street fair fires up Lansing June 23 with national and local rock bands; piano whiz Folds is part of a 2018 Picnic Pops series which also boasts Tito Puente Jr. and an “’80s Rewind” show. Get the lineups for both at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Dashboard Confessional gets nostalgic, plus Wild Child, Starkbierfest and more: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• April 8, 2018

This week’s live music recap showcases concerts at 20 Monroe Live, The Intersection’s Elevation, The Pyramid Scheme, Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe, SpeakEZ Lounge and the third annual Starkbierfest at Cedar Springs Brewing. Ogle all the images, including shots from performances by Reggie & The Full Effect, Delilah DeWylde, Lipstick Jodi, Tambourina, Fauxgrass, Cardboard Highway, The Mushmen and more.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (March 19-25): Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Bruce Hornsby, Kurt Elling, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Joshua Davis

• March 19, 2018

Styx and REO Speedwagon get the week started, but there’s plenty more: VaporPalooza, Chilly Blues & Brews, Organissimo, Flamingo Nosebleed, JOUNCE, WO-Stock, The Big Gig and another Local Showcase. Get all of this week’s live music picks on The Big List.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Feb. 12-18): Pop Evil, Talib Kweli, Here Come the Mummies, Marillion, Ballroom Thieves, Valerie June, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

• February 12, 2018

Valentine’s Day brings Kathy Lamar’s “Sade/Love Songs” to SpeakEZ Lounge, with the week also featuring Brockhampton, Cabildo, Kofi Baker, Twin Flame, Badfish and more. Plus, see how you can win Pop Evil tickets as part of our weekly giveaway. And plan ahead with our exclusive “On the Horizon” list.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Super Bowl Sunday Photo Galleries: Cooper’s Glen Fest, George Clinton, Winter Punk Fest, Blues Traveler, Trampa, Judy Collins

• February 4, 2018

Super Bowl weekend is about more than just a big football game: West Michigan boasted a couple of music festivals and tour stops by George Clinton, Blues Traveler, Trampa, Judy Collins, Morgan Wallen and more. Check out all of the resplendent photo galleries at Local Spins — the perfect pre-game entertainment.

Concert announcements · Festivals

Perrin Ice Jam to return for second year with headliner Mustard Plug, 5K Frostbite run/walk

• January 10, 2018

The outdoor festival on Jan. 27 will also boast sets by Jake Kershaw, Hollywood Makeout and Fauxgrass, with proceeds benefiting Kids’ Food Basket. See the full schedule and check out details at Local Spins.

Album reviews

Michigan Album Reviews: Hannah Rose, hi-ker, Charles the Osprey, Dori, Tired Blood, River City Narrative, Jeremy Hoekstra

• December 19, 2017

This pre-Christmas batch of regional releases covers a lot of ground, with some much-anticipated new albums in the mix. Read the reviews, listen to the music.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Granger Smith, Dustin Lynch, Matisyahu, Desmond Jones, Breathe Owl Breathe uncork musical blizzard: Week-in-Review Photos

• December 18, 2017

Relive a December week of live music across West Michigan, from hip hop to country to jam bands and more — all captured in Local Spins photo galleries, plus videos.

Features · Videos

West Michigan Video of the Week: Slumlord Radio’s explosive, rollicking “Holy Smokes”

• December 13, 2017

The Grand Rapids rock band enlists a gang to help them out of a jam and shootouts ensue. See what happens in Slumlord Radio’s new video as part of Local Spins’ West Michigan Video of the Week series.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Dec. 11-17): Matisyahu, Ginuwine, Mannheim Steamroller, Bill Kirchen, People’s Blues of Richmond, Granger Smith

• December 11, 2017

Chevelle kicked off the week with a bang, but there’s plenty of diversity – nationally and locally – crammed into this week’s Big List Concert Guide, along with some holiday-themed shows. And see how you can win tickets to see Matisyahu.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Nov. 27-Dec. 3): Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Over The Rhine, Brett Young, UV Hippo, Tommy Emmanuel, Guttermouth

• November 27, 2017

The week also features the Brad Mehldau Trio, Fall Flannel Folk Fest, Kris Delmhorst, the return of The Outer Vibe, Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues and much more. Browse all the live music selections for the week, plus the intriguing Under-the-Radar Picks.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Nov. 13-19): Dubloadz, Styx, Joshua Davis, Front Country, Descendents, Christian McBride, Wine, Beer & Food Festival

• November 13, 2017

Odesza starts the week with a sold-out show, but there’s more: Kerosene Stars, The Ragbirds, Brubeck Brothers, The Contenders, The Krank Daddies, Conklin Ceili Band and a Simon & Garfunkel tribute. And see how you can win free tickets to the mammoth International Wine, Beer and Food Festival.

Playlists · Videos

Haunting Halloween Rock: Local Spins’ Top 10 Creepy Song Playlist by Ted Smith

• October 31, 2017

For this year’s Halloween roster of haunting songs, Local Spins turned to Tip Top Deluxe co-owner — and vintage horror devotee — Ted Smith to create a scary-soundtrack for the creepy holiday. Ogle the vidoes, listen to the playlist on Spotify.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Oct. 23-29): Bob Dylan, Alt-J, Leo Kottke, Kip Moore, Crowder, Dinosaur Jr., Ben Folds, The Accidentals

• October 23, 2017

The week leading up to Halloween is a scary-good one when it comes to live music, and of course, the holiday gets started early with plenty of ghoulish weekend parties. Scour The Big List and Under-the-Radar Picks, and win VIP tickets to see The Accidentals at their CD-release show at the Frauenthal Center.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (Sept. 11-17): Of Montreal, Thomas Rhett, Harvest Gathering, Fallasburg Festival, Funtcase, The Verve Pipe, Greta Van Fleet, Alabama, Michigan Irish Music Fest

• September 11, 2017

The last big festival week of the summer also boasts tour stops by State Champs, San Fermin, P.O.S, Apocalypta, Elliott Brood, Marisela, Ben Sollee, some riveting local shows, the Cottage Bar Chili Cook-Off and the Knickerbocker’s first anniversary. See all the featured live music listings, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Nick Moss.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Week-in-Review Photo Galleries: Beer City Bike Fest, Holler Fest, Five for Fighting, Local Showcase No. 17

• August 28, 2017

The late August round-up of live music features concerts and festivals from Grand Rapids to the lakeshore to Brooklyn — from Emma Loo & Sam’s cutting-edge spectacle at The Pyramid Scheme to Michigan music on the farm. Check out all the images in Local Spins’ week-in-review recap.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Hannah Laine unfurls neo-soul, plus new tracks by Bronze Wolf, Cameron Blake, Billy Strings, Lipstick Jodi

• August 25, 2017

The late August edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted Laine’s in-studio visit and regional music by The Hacky Turtles, Emma Loo, 78 Revolutions Per Minute, Rick Chyme & Nixon, Melophobix and more. Listen to the podcast and watch a video of Laine’s performance.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

La Dispute, Tesla, Andrew McMahon, The Accidentals, Midtown on Tap, Ribfest, Speak Easy, Fat Guy Fest, Fastball: Photo Galleries

• August 7, 2017

National acts as well as local stars packed venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo over the past week, captured in vibrant images at Local Spins.

Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows

The Big List (July 31-Aug. 6): Tesla, Lifehouse & Switchfoot, Fastball, Hot ’80s Rewind, La Dispute, Nappy Roots, Supersuckers

• July 31, 2017

The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, Andrew McMahon, The Accidentals, Kalamazoo Ribfest, Fat Guy Fest and more also grace this week’s live music picks. And check out the Under-the-Radar Picks, along with this week’s ticket giveaway for a show at 20 Monroe Live.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Melvins, Menzingers, Low Cut Connie, Jake Kershaw ignite musical fire: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• July 30, 2017

Blistering rock dominates this weekend’s roundup of images from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, but there was also the fetching indie-folk of Kalamazoo’s Thunderbolt & Lightfoot at an inspiring CD-release show.

Commentary · Festivals · Upcoming shows

Local Spins’ Festival 2017 Music Picks: The Autumnatic, Fable the Poet, Lipstick Jodi, Evidence Jazz Group, The Bitters and more

• May 31, 2017

This weekend’s Grand Rapids festival will have fewer stages and performances, a revamped layout and plenty of eclectic acts from which to choose. We’ll help on the choosing part: Local Spins once again has asked its writers and some West Michigan musicians to pick “The Best of Fest.”