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.
Tagged: R&B
Features · Summer Concerts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of the Year (No. 2 & No. 3): Prince’s enduring legacy, Meijer Gardens’ robust series
As the year end approaches, Local Spins’ countdown of its top 2025 stories hits No. 2 and No. 3 — our in-depth look back at Prince’s impact and the continued popularity of Meijer Gardens concerts.
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Concert reviews · Top 10 Lists · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Stories of 2025 (No. 9): 90-year-old Herb Alpert blows away fans in Grand Rapids
Our countdown of Local Spins’ most-buzzed-about stories of the year continues with a review of legendary trumpeter Herb Alpert’s May tour stop at DeVos Performance Hall that drew robust standing ovations.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Organissimo turns 25, ready to unfurl its B3-fueled, soulful jazz in Traverse City, Ann Arbor
The soulful jazz trio formed by organist Jim Alfredson and drummer Randy Marsh will play two star-studded shows to celebrate its birthday. Learn about Organissimo’s history and listen to its music at Local Spins.
Local Spins’ Top 5 Concerts of ’25: What were your favorite shows & albums of the year?
To heat things up for our upcoming year-end round-up of best concerts and albums of 2025, we’re revealing the Top 5 concerts based on reader counts of concert reviews, and asking readers to submit their favorites, too. Those that do will be entered into a drawing for a Local Spins gift pack.
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.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Molly, Erin Monroe, Abe Savas, Zero Sun & more serenade October: Photos
Call it a weekend to celebrate new albums and fresh music performed by some regional favorites. Molly, Erin Monroe, Abe Savas and Zero Sun provided an eclectic mix for enthused fans. Browse the 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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Molly makes her return: Grand Rapids’ soulful star headed to Big Room with album ahead
The much-admired West Michigan singer and songwriter will play a full-band show at The Big Room on Saturday, the day after releasing a new single and music video, with more fresh songs on the way. The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Kalamazoo wraps up Sounds of the Zoo 2025 with summery, light-festooned revelry
Reflecting the milieu of the entire seven-day music festival, Sunday’s closing salvo at Bronson Park boasted a wide swath of styles amid stellar weather. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Sounds of the Zoo 2025 launches with eclectic musical mix, forum for artistic expression
Monday’s opening showcase at The Clover Room in Kalamazoo was the kickoff to seven days of live music at a host of venues. Get the recap, photos and festival schedule for Tuesday through Sunday.
Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Vibes Fest, Michigan Irish Fest, Lucius Fox, Celeste Allison, Soccer Mommy: Photo Recap
Music lovers couldn’t have asked for much more: Regional bands at Vibes Fest, Celtic strains in Muskegon, an M-45 Celebration, two album-release shows in Kalamazoo and a tour stop by Soccer Mommy. The photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The War and Treaty takes it to the streets for magical, rain-interrupted Albion homecoming
The soulful Americana stars didn’t let rain and a power outage prevent them from delighting fans Saturday with an acoustic performance following the city’s 20-band Walk the Beat fest — with Lowell’s The Nuance winning this year’s competition. Recap, photos, video
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Neil Francis relishes blowing things up, bringing audiences joy with GR stop ahead
The Chicago-based psychedelic and soulful indie-rocker plays The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids and the Sonic Lunch series in Ann Arbor this week with West Michigan native and drummer Collin O’Brien aboard. The Local Spins interview with Francis, along with two of his latest music videos.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
Shagbark’s ‘magical place’ on hiatus amid Michigan’s busiest month of music festivals
Local Spins chats with Shagbark fest honcho Farmer John Crissman about taking 2025 off and the challenges facing many festivals. On the flip side, our podcast features artists playing a host of August festivals.
The War and Treaty stage triumphant return to West Michigan with boost from GR Symphony
Perfect weather, a rich wall of sound plus a hillside of adoring fans equaled an ideal environment for the beloved Michigan-bred act’s homecoming Friday at Meijer Gardens. Review, photos
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.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
‘Quiet Riot’ of Rhythm: A Billi Free & The Lasso bring soothing vibe to Tuesday Eve Music Club
Tuesday’s regional showcase at Meijer Gardens unfurled a slice of funky, groovy, electronic music for attendees, while Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish rocked a refurbished park in Rockford.
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 · Photos · Videos
Tuneful Tuesday: TEMC’s soulful kickoff at Meijer Gardens + Jake Kershaw, Watchhouse
Sunny, sultry weather greeted fans of vibrant music on Tuesday: The Music That Raised Us at Meijer Gardens, Jake Kershaw in Rockford and Watchhouse in Kalamazoo. Revisit the musical action in images at Local Spins.
Michigan Album Reviews: Michigander, Melophobix, Frankie Ballard, Flexadecibel
Our early June roundup of new releases by artists from Michigan covers pop, country, funk, soul and much more. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kalamazoo Pride shines with diversity, GridLife revs its electronic music engines
In Kalamazoo, Pride shined through on a perfect day to celebrate diversity with a host of eclectic Michigan bands. Plus, GridLife Fest wrapped up two days of music in South Haven and Kalamazoo hosted ‘Art on the Mall’ performances. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Nathan Moore Affair embraces ‘weird’ soulful stew bigger than sum of its parts
Local Spins profiles the Kalamazoo band with a new single/video this week and playing Kalamazoo Pride, while also debuting fresh tracks from Kennedy Perez, Sonny Ski, Chloe Kimes, Jake Simmons, Flexadecibel and other Michigan artists. Learn more about The Nathan Moore Affair, watch their new music video and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast.
Chaka Khan creates ‘Something Good’ and more in retrospective Meijer Gardens show
The legendary R&B singer brought a cavalcade of hits to the outdoor amphitheater on Wednesday, with Grand Rapids native Sarena Rae getting the evening started. The Local Spins review and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Out of Favor Boys eschew ‘museum versions of the blues’ for dynamic new album
The veteran blues band opens up about its new studio release for Local Spins, which also debuts tracks by Annagail, Desmond Jones, Rodeo Boys, Sixman, Flowers on the Grave and more. Get the back story on Out of Favor Boys and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Funky Fun: The New Mastersounds, Simply in Time, Desmond Jones & more ignite weekend
It was a funky weekend of music from Grand Rapid to Kalamazoo, with soulful, dance-fueled sets by everything from a British touring band to West Michigan favorites. The photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Commentary · Playlists · Videos
Nine years after his death, Prince’s legacy lives on — at Paisley Park and in West Michigan
Today, Local Spins revisits the remarkable career of the American rock, funk, R&B and pop legend, showcases the continued popularity of Minnesota’s Paisley Park and traces West Michigan connections to The Purple One. Plus, check out a Top 9 Playlist of under-the-radar Prince classics.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Bright Eyes, May Erlewine, Feedback, Papadosio attract ardent crowds (Recaps)
As Michigan’s spring finally began to emerge, national and local heroes raised the temperature musically from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, featuring everything from national acts such as Killswitch Engage to local heroes such as Molly and Kait Rose. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Billy’s Lounge builds on Grand Rapids legacy of 50-plus years of riveting live music
The Eastown institution offers a wide range of musical entertainment, from hip hop to blues to rock to soul to DJs to reggae and more. Learn more about the popular nightclub in this Venue Spotlight and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Hannah Laine gets personal, inventive, embraces ‘presence of love inside’ for new EP
The singer and keyboardist with Earth Radio releases her new solo EP today and opens up about it for Local Spins, which also debuts music by PHABIES, Flowers on the Grave, Cold Leather Seats, RyneShyne and more. Get Hannah Laine’s back story and listen to today’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Feedback 2025 benefit set to ‘Rock Poverty with Soul’ at Founders Brewing on Sunday
For 25 years, The Honeytones hosted this benefit concert to aid the hungry in Kent County until COVID hit. Now, it’s back with The Soul Syndicate and Money Soup to party for a cause.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Michigan Rattlers come home + Chase Matthew, Russell Dickerson, The Bootstrap Boys, more
Late March heated up with homecoming shows, national touring acts and local favorites on multiple stages across West Michigan, including Ty Myers, Brandon Fitzpatrick, Bayker Blankenship and more. The recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
The War and Treaty get ‘rebellious about love,’ revel in energetic Michigan homecoming show
The Albion-bred, soulful Americana and rock band returned to Grand Rapids St. Cecilia Music Center for a rousing Friday concert that was taped for a future live release. The review and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Youth Movement: Emerging Money Soup electrifies audiences with funk-soul-pop fusion
The band which plays Billy’s Lounge, Founders, Chicago Beef Joint and Park Theatre in coming weeks joined other Michigan artists in debuting music for Local Spins: Mary Beth Orr, Deerfield Run, Stanley & Quiggle and more.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Interlochen to host Alison Krauss, Earth Wind & Fire, Straight No Chaser for summer concerts
The northern Michigan venue announced its first three summer concerts for 2025 today, with more shows set to be revealed in coming weeks. The details at Local Spins.
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.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
WYCE announces 18-band lineup for February’s Jammie Awards show, from hip hop to rock
Today’s reveal of Michigan artists playing the late-February spectacle honoring the best regional releases of the past year includes many first-time performers and award nominees.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Desmond Jones, Saxsquatch, DJ Blaze 589 and more
This week’s regional album roundup also includes Local Spins’ takes on releases by Finding Amelia and Jacob McLeod. Check out the reviews, listen to the music.
Local Spins Rewind: The ultimate soundtrack to a Detroit Lions Super Bowl run
Exactly one year ago, Local Spins published a playlist that helped spur our beloved Motor City heroes to two playoff victories. This year, we aim to serenade them to Super Bowl glory.
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.
Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos
Best Music of 2024: Local Spins critics and readers pick their favorite albums, concerts
Our year-end picks for the best releases and concerts of 2024 covers a lot of musical ground. Check out the selections, listen to the music.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Round-Up: Michigander, Del McCoury, Patty Pershayla, MaRynn Taylor, Saxsquatch
As December rushes toward the holidays, West Michigan venues heated up with crowd-pleasing shows from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Spring Lake. The photos and recaps at Local Spins, including Whitey Morgan, Groove Tonic, Kalamazoo Academy of Rock and more.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan’s holiday music magic: The White Stripes, Al Green, Bob Seger, The Supremes
This week’s Michigan music showcase for Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted Yuletide tracks by Mitten State stars, from Alice Cooper to Smokey Robinson to The Accidentals. Plus, the show debuts new music by several other Michigan artists.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Sounds Like Michigan debuts, Kalamazoo State Theatre bows out (Concert Photo Recaps)
Local Spins recaps the final chapter in State Theatre’s legacy, the inaugural ‘Sounds Like Michigan’ concert, Neil Francis, Sunsquabi, Wreckno and more from across the region. Check out the reviews, images and a video.
‘Sounds Like Michigan’ concert to showcase collaboration, diversity, support, authenticity
Saturday’s upcoming benefit at Wealthy Theatre for the nonprofit Michigan Music Alliance boasts intra-state stars Frontier Ruckus, American Hotel System, Ari B and Cabildo. The lowdown, performance schedule and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
LowDown Brass Band’s multi-genre energy: ‘You don’t need a guitar to get down’
The celebrated Chicago brass ensemble that blends funk, jazz, hip hop and soul into its lively approach plays Grand Rapids’ Midtown tonight. The Local Spins interview.
Songs of War, Peace and Sacrifice: The Ultimate Veterans Day Playlist at Local Spins
Today is the Veterans Day holiday, so we’re unfurling some classic tracks that commemorate those in the military and the sacrifices they’ve made, as well as anthems for peace in the face of endless global conflicts. Listen to the songs, watch the videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
August’s harmony-hued, genre-bending soul-pop: Olivia Vargas’ musical time capsule
August the duo plays SpeakEZ Lounge tonight, led by the GR keyboardist and singer. The back story, plus Local Spins debuts tracks by other Michigan artists, including Von Kaiser, Overdrive Orchestra, The Concussions, The Blue Herons, Tunde Olaniran, Chris DuPont and more.
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