The Fray delivers heartfelt messages for 2,000 fans in return to Grand Rapids
After a long hiatus, the pop-driven Colorado rock band made a triumphant splash during its tour stop Friday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Tagged: rock
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Fray is Back: Colorado band to toast new songs, debut album’s 20th anniversary in GR
The band which hit quadruple-platinum sales of 2005’s “How to Save a Life” plays Grand Rapids’ GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Friday. The Local Spins interview with David Welsh.
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.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit roar through career retrospective in Grand Rapids tour stop
The much-acclaimed, multi-Grammy Award-winning Americana singer/songwriter/guitarist delivered a nearly two-hour set at Meijer Gardens exploring his 30-year, genre-bending career on Monday. The Jason Isbell review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Gary Clark Jr. sizzles with boost from Lamont Landers amid steamy Michigan weather
The Grammy Award-winning blues/rock/soul/R&B guitarist headlined an evening of scorching temps and searing solos at Meijer Gardens after an Interlochen tour stop. The Local Spins review and photos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Heat Wave Haps: Billy Corgan, Black Crowes, Chase Rice, The Verve Pipe (Concert Recaps)
The West Michigan weekend’s live music romps included tour stops by national stars and concerts spotlighting local heroes, including The Spits and The Verve Pipe. The photos at Local Spins.
Rick Springfield delivers ‘Human Touch’ of nostalgia with help from ’80s pals
The Sunday night “I Want My ’80s” tour stop at Meijer Gardens also featured fan-friendly faves from Wang Chung, John Waite and Paul Young. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The ‘fierce stage persona’ and poetic magic of Detroit’s award-winning Carolyn Striho
The veteran rocker opens up for Local Spins, which also debuts new music by Resurrection Blues Band, Ada LeAnn, The Messenger Birds, May Erlewine and more. Get Carolyn Striho’s back story and listen to this week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase podcast.
Chris Stapleton rocks GR with Mike Campbell; Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal get bluesy at the Gardens
Thursday was filled with stars: Chris Stapleton fired up a capacity crowd on the first of two nights at Van Andel Arena while Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal returned to Meijer Gardens. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rick Springfield, Wang Chung set to relive ’80s glory in upcoming Michigan shows
It’s time to ‘wang chung.’ The artists — joined by John Waite and Paul Young — bring their “I Want My ’80s Tour” to Meijer Gardens and Interlochen. The Local Spins preview and interview with Wang Chung and Paul Young. Plus, relive their classic music videos.
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.
Sessanta’s three-headed band monster invades GR for ingenious homecoming romp
The unusual tour that puts Michigander Maynard James Keenan’s A Perfect Circle and Puscifer on the same stage with Primus rocked Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, with a brief guest appearance by Billy Strings. The Local Spins review and photos.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Movement, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Jon Spencer, Neal Francis heat up Michigan
Local Spins rounds up a busy weekend of live music music across the state — from Detroit to Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Paw Paw and beyond — in words, photos and a video. Check out images from Movement, Bus Benefit, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Neal Francis, Hot Like Mars, Megan Rae Band, Kanin Wren, Jon Spencer and a summer-starting event at Turnstiles.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Maynard James Keenan comes home to Michigan with Sessanta’s ‘fun community vibe’
Keenan’s Puscifer and A Perfect Circle will join Primus on stage Wednesday at Van Andel Arena. He opens up to Local Spins about the tour, his past and a development he plans for Scottville, where he grew up.
Features · Photos · Playlists · Top 13 Lists
Lucky 13: Local Spins toasts birthday with its Top 13 Playlists of All Time and much more
Birthdays only come around once a year, so Local Spins marks its 13th anniversary today with its top playlists, top Michigan albums of 2025 and a photo recap of Wednesday’s birthday bash at SpeakEZ Lounge. Check out some amazing and unusual playlists, and see whic
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Violins to Electric Guitars: Lettuce, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Kishi Bashi charm W. Michigan
It was a weekend of string things unlike any other with pop violinist Kishi Bashi, the GR Symphony getting funky with Lettuce and Rainbow Kitten Surprise closing things with a Sunday flourish. The photos at Local Spins, including images from Bronson Arm, Brother Wolf and Lucius Fox.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Joe Bockheim’s The Legal Immigrants still rocking, still passionately creating 16 years on
The band playing Local Spins’ 13th anniversary show next Wednesday debuted a new song this week and has a busy summer ahead, just part of the mid-May Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast that also featured the debut of tracks by Major Murphy, Dave & Kristi and more. Listen to the show, check out a performance video and learn more about The Legal Immigrants.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Kane Brown, Dave Bruzza, Out of Favor Boys, Heaters and more: Concert Recaps, Photos
From Shades’ electronic spectacle in Grand Rapids to Jon Hayes debuting new music in Kalamazoo to a record label birthday, concert excitement unfolded across W. Michigan. The images at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Whatever Happened To
Heaters reuniting for psychedelic ‘wall of sound’ after scattering across North America
Today’s ‘Whatever Happened To’ feature revisits the psych/surf/garage band which plays the Dizzybird Anniversary tonight in Grand Rapids. Plus, Local Spins debuts new music by other Michigan artists. Get Heaters’ back story and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Summer Concert Cavalcade: Free shows in GR, Ann Arbor, Hastings, Ludington, Zeeland, more
The shows just keep coming. Local Spins’ exclusive listing of outdoor community concerts across Michigan now boasts 100-plus series. We’ve added 25 more schedules to our summer guide; here are a few to check out and get an update on The Accidentals, who will play several of these series this summer.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Nicole LaRae’s Dizzybird Records celebrating 11 years of sharing ‘great music with the world’
The label’s 11th anniversary party takes place at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Friday with Heaters, Gringo Star, Hollywood Makeout and Crystal Trench. Learn more at Local Spins, view the show schedule and check out videos of all the artists.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Pop Evil: Ready to ‘hit on all cylinders’ in unleashing new songs for homecoming shows
The West Michigan-bred hard rock band plays GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids and Fillmore Detroit this week on its ‘What Remains’ tour. The Local Spins interview with Leigh Kakaty, who opens up about processing mental health issues and the importance of Pop Evil’s latest album.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Linkin Park, Jennifer Knapp, Future Islands & more ignite West Michigan stages (Photos)
The musical approaches varied widely, but the impact on packed, enthused audiences was the same at several different venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The concert recaps, photos at Local Spins.
May Erlewine, The Junky Swinger, Hannah Laine dominate Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The latest releases from the northern Michigan singer-songwriter, emerging psych-country-jam band and keyboardist-singer came in just ahead of RyneShyne and Melophobix. View the chart, listen to the music.
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 announcements · Special Offers · Upcoming shows
Local Spins to mark 13-year anniversary with rock ’n’ roll party, Spinsation Ale, trucker hats
In addition to a May 21 bash at SpeakEZ Lounge starring The Legal Immigrants, Local Spins will partner with Rockford Brewing and Turnstiles on May events celebrating our birthday. Get the lowdown on these special events and see how you can support Local Spins’ coverage of Michigan music.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Michigan concert promoter Nate Dorough: ‘Three Albums That Changed My World’
Today, the Local Spins series revealing albums that have impacted musicians and music industry movers and shakers spotlights longtime concert promoter Nate Dorough. Check out his intriguing picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Shinedown revs up Grand Rapids with fiery, emotional ‘Dance, Kid, Dance’ spectacle
With special guests Beartooth and Morgan Wade also impressing fans, the Florida hard rockers electrified the Van Andel Arena crowd on Monday with special effects and emotional moments
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Barely Alive, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Robbie Fulks, Claudettes: Concert Photo Recap
The last full week of April boasted some fascinating shows visually and instrumentally, including guitar wiz Jake Allen and the future of music via Kalamazoo Academy of Rock bands. The images at Local Spins.
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.
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.
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.
Jack White transforms Grand Rapids venue into rafter-rattling, rock ’n’ roll roadhouse
The Detroit-bred guitarist blazed a loud, shapeshifting trail through his career catalog on Tuesday for 2,600 rabid fans at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The concert review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Jack White, Dominic John Davis revel in unpredictability as global tour hits GR
Local Spins checks in with Jack White bassist and childhood buddy Dominic John Davis as the ‘No Name’ tour prepares to play GLC Live at 20 Monroe this week. Plus, see what iconic albums have impacted Davis the most.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
The Ark’s Barb Chaffer Authier: ‘Albums That Changed My World’ – Indigo Girls, Toad, Patty
The popular series highlighting recordings that have influenced artists and those in the music business continues with the Ann Arbor marketing director for The Ark. View her picks; listen to the music.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows · Videos
Local Spins Rewind’s Top 5 Michigan stars of March 2024: Where are they now?
March 2024 generated some of the most buzzed-about stories of the year, and Billy Strings and other Michigan artists featured in those articles are making waves in 2025. Local Spins takes a look back … and forward.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
May Erlewine channels her rock ’n’ roll passion for new album, Michigan tour
The much-admired northern Michigan singer-songwriter opens up about her new music for Local Spins, which also debuts tracks by Michigander, G-Hollow, The Junky Swinger and more. Learn more about May Erlewine’s latest project and listen to today’s radio show podcast.
Gig Giggles: Musicians, fans recall their funniest, oddest concert moments
From naked fans to fiery tips to bitten violists to narcoleptic dogs and keyboard players, the anecdotes from amusing live music events are, indeed, memorable. View many of them at Local Spins and add your own tales to the roster.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Traverse City’s Slow Spell to unfurl enigmatic, powerful experimental rock at planetarium
The quartet featuring singer Laurel Premo creates organic, boundary-pushing music, with two special, visually enhanced concerts this week at a Grand Rapids planetarium. The back story 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.
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 · Weekend Photo Gallery
TobyMac’s mantra, Bell’s Mitten music buffet, Valley Girl’s anniversary soiree: Photo Recap
Local Spins’ week-in-music roundup travels from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to showcase everything from national touring acts such as Vampa and Ella Langley to local stars Hannah Laine, Jessica Ivey and Santino Jones and more. Browse the images at Local Spins.
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