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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
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.
Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The Michigander and legendary Motown artist brings his “Sing Your Song As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour to Van Andel Arena Wednesday. Warm up with this Local Spins playlist of Stevie Wonder classics.
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.
To commemorate the Detroit Tigers’ incredible late-season run, Local Spins has compiled a special playlist filled with iconic hits from the 1968 and 1984 championship seasons, along with current hits. Go Tigers!
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins spotlights Kalamazoo’s diverse and robust musical artists, with movers and shakers naming acts more people should know. Plus, our radio show podcast debuts new tracks by a host of Michigan bands. Learn more about these artists and listen to this week’s show.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Hawks and Owls delivered a tantalizing first chapter in a new Grand Rapids concert series, while eclectic bands from across the state closed out Kalamazoo’s week-long music festival. The images from both events at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
The opening night of the seven-day festival featured five eclectic singer-songwriters performing varied tunes in an intimate setting. The recap, photos, video highlights and more at Local Spins, along with the performance schedule for the rest of the week.
Musicians’ financial and labor struggles have continued in 2024. So here in their own words, Local Spins provides its annual Labor Day column exploring the plight of Michigan artists and performers.
Canada’s ‘Stayin’ Alive’ tribute to the Bee Gees hits Grand Rapids next Saturday. The Local Spins interview with singer Todd Sharman, along with a video of the band.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Saturday’s second annual festival celebrated the KDL Vibes regional music streaming service with sets by more than a dozen acts, including Phabies, Earth Radio, Ralston Bowles and more. Revisit the event in words and photos at Local Spins.
The award-winning ’90s vocal group mixed hits with popular covers during their Meijer Gardens debut on Sunday night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins, along with images from another vocal group sensation at Meijer Gardens: Il Divo.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Festivalgoers basked in Saturday’s sunny weather as the second-year event delivered impassioned sets from seven acts, including Hannah Wicklund, who created a real buzz with her performance. Check out Local Spins’ review of the festival, along with photos and video highlights.
All five acts took to stages across the state this week, from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Sparta and beyond. Browse the photo galleries from these shows and more, only at Local Spins.
Two concerts starring beloved acts rolled out in Grand Rapids on Friday night, and Local Spins was there to capture the musical action at both. Check out the reviews and photos.
The Kalamazoo musician’s latest album has been embraced by WYCE programmers and radio listeners, with up-and-coming band Money Soup making its chart debut at No. 2. See who else made the chart and listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
After buying beer for fans at a St. Cecilia concert earlier this year, a fan returned the favor by supplying the singer-songwriter a drink Wednesday at Meijer Gardens. Just part of an inviting Grand Rapids show. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Despite a delay caused by a fan’s medical emergency, the Austin-bred duo, plus backing band, heated up Meijer Gardens on Sunday with their signature blend of psychedelic soul and rock, The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
Two district libraries are seeking tracks by artists from the Grand Rapids and Traverse City areas for special streaming services that showcase Michigan music. Details at Local Spins.
Hot Top 5 · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show not only highlighted tracks by the Hot Top 5 artists for May, but boasts an interview with the city manager about the new amphitheater and his favorite acts.
Wednesday’s concert at Meijer Gardens delivered the familiar and funky ensemble’s catchy catalog of material, bringing many fans to their feet. The review, photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The legendary horn band brings its tour to Meijer Gardens on Wednesday. The Local Spins interview with bandleader Emilio Castillo, who’s led the group for more than 50 years.
