Meijer Gardens fans brave rain for uplifting night of ‘Magic’ from Andy Grammer
Music won out over weather Monday when the multi-platinum-selling pop singer-songwriter from California returned to Grand Rapids. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Tagged: singer-songwriter
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Larry McCray, The Fields, Mike Ward, Justin Avdek
Browse our takes on another roundup of new albums by Michigan artists, from blues to folk to indie-rock to ambient spaghetti Western, and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Mary Chapin Carpenter, Brandy Clark sparkle, shine in scorcher of Grand Rapids show
The Grammy-winning folk/country singer-songwriters captivated the Meijer Gardens crowd on Thursday with sincere ballads, rollicking rockers and affable stage personas. Review, photos.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Michigan’s Greet Death puts twist on love songs with lush, dark, anthemic ‘Die in Love’
The band headlining T-Rex Fest’s opening night in Grand Rapids opens up about its new music. Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase also debuts tracks by several Mitten State artists, including Cameron Blake, Ralston Bowles, The Fields, Clawfoot and more. Get the back story on Greet Death and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Commuters raring to unleash rock-fueled alt-country with release of debut EP
Local Spins spotlights the Grand Rapids band and its long-awaited new recording, while also debuting music by The Rebel Eves, The Mollusks, Deadbeatdad, August, Matthew Borr, Horizon Theory and more. Get The Local Commuters’ back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Out of Favor Boys, Charlie Millard, RyneShyne, Death By Lions
This mid-July roundup of new releases by Michigan artists also recaps the latest hip-hop album from The Musalini & Henry Puffington and Eric Engblade. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
America set to continue legacy, ‘wealth of hits’ at Interlochen with Dewey Bunnell at helm
Appropriately, Local Spins marks the Fourth of July holiday weekend with a story about America, the band. Writer Ross Boissoneau interviews Dewey Bunnell, the solo remaining original member still touring.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Mid-Michigan’s Kanin Wren dives into fresh, fun pop with debut studio album
Local Spins spotlights the emerging tunesmith and Taylor Swift tribute artist, while also debuting new music from PHABIES, Silver Creek Revival, Ajax Stacks, Pretoria and more. Get the back story on Kanin Wren’s new album and listen to this week’s Michigan Music Showcase radio show.
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.
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.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Nor-East’r festival ramping up with Michigan stars for 21st year in Mio
Oscoda County Fairgrounds will light up with dozens of performances on three stages this coming weekend, spotlighting a bevy of regional acts. The preview and schedule at Local Spins.
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.
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.
Message to Musicians: Be authentic, own social media, build your brand, tell your story
This weekend’s second Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids drew attentive musicians and songwriters for guidance in career development from industry experts across Michigan. It continues to today with ‘Vendor Day’ featuring merchandiser and information from a variety of music-related organizations.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Old-school country’s Rachel Brooke gets honest and real with raw ‘sad songs’ album
The Saginaw-area singer and songwriter talks about her ‘surprise record’ with Local Spins, which also debuts music by The Hacky Turtles, Silent Spirit, Billy Strings, Ribbons of Song, Death By Lions and more. Learn more about Rachel Brooke and her new music, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
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.
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.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Martha Wainright, Cooper Alan, Jackson Dean make musical marks: Concert Photo Recaps
West Michigan’s live music array also featured The Missing Generation, Basic Comfort, Sin Theorem and fourth-round Battle of the Band winner Ethereal performing at venues from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse all of the images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Singer-songwriter Melissa Dylan: Big voice, intense songs, starting a new band
Grand Rapids singer Melissa Dylan plays a songwriters’ night at SpeakEZ Lounge on Friday with Ralston Bowles and Dan Terry. Local Spins digs into more about this tunesmith who just started a new band.
Toasting the mandolin and more, Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival celebrating 20th year
The free Saturday festival with live performances and instrument vendors at Kalamazoo Valley Museum also boasts a Friday kickoff event starring Brian Oberlin of Full Cord. Get the full schedule and a preview of this year’s event at Local Spins.
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 · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘I Lived It’: Iconic singer Judy Collins embraces ’60s folk scene legacy and much more
The folk legend with a new book of poetry and another Grammy-nominated album returns this week to play St. Cecilia Music Center, one of her absolute favorite concert halls. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan Rattlers embrace freedom, musical exploration with latest album, major tour
The Petoskey-based band nominated for Jammie Awards plays its home state next month. The Local Spins interview, plus bend an ear to new tracks from The Accidentals, Spencer LaJoye, Verlaine, Sean Anthony Sullivan, Josie Hall and more.
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 · Photos · Videos
Guiding Light Live shines for good cause with Joshua, Ralston, Kate, Colonel & The Rebel Eves
The first-ever musical benefit for Grand Rapids’ Guiding Light rolled out as a compelling and touching showcase of songwriting and performing by a who’s who roster of Michigan artists. The review, photos and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Traverse City’s Nick Veine: Embracing Delta blues, challenging the status quo
The soulful folk artist has a powerful new single, showcased for Local Spins, which also debuted tracks by May Erlewine, Mar in Color, JR Band, Hannah Laine and more.
‘Songs echoing around every corner’: Great Indoor Folk Festival to heat up Traverse City
The unusual Feb. 23 event at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons will feature performances by more than 75 Michigan musicians and singers. The lowdown on the 15th festival 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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Facing monsters & embracing Michigan musicians: Tony Halchak’s Americana journey
Launching a ‘personal’ 2025 album with its first single, the West Michigan singer-songwriter opens up to Local Spins, which also debuts tracks by Melophobix, Dante Cope, DJ Holographic and more.
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.
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.
Singer Mary Salo, juggling Proefrocks win fourth Rockford’s Got Talent competition
A Rockford sixth-grader and a father-son juggling duo took home the top prizes in the fourth-annual competition and fundraiser. The story and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Spencer LaJoye: Reveling in candid personal music, open hearts & Michigan’s music scene
Preparing to play SpeakEZ Lounge on Friday with two other Michigan artists, Spencer LaJoye opens up about songwriting, performing and the region’s welcoming music community.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Mustard Plug, Tunde Olaniran, The Bandwagon, Third Coast Swing
Our mid-January roundup of new releases by Michigan artists features everything from the alternative, guitar-driven new collection from Adam Main to folk’s Mad Hat Mojo. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from each release.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids Tunesmith Travis Atkinson: Three Albums That Changed My World
The Local Spins series revealing albums and artists that have influenced Michigan musicians continues with Deep Greens & Blues founder Travis Atkinson, who plays The Stray on Saturday.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Unprecedented Local Spins Wednesdays & Fridays series set for SpeakEZ Lounge
Today, Local Spins announces the winter/spring concert series at the downtown club and restaurant, showcasing Michigan acts and tribute bands. View the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
New Year’s Eve revelry: From ‘Dark Side’ to dark wave to downtown romps and beyond
Bands and revelers ushering in 2025 celebrated amid a wide swath of musical styles unfurling from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The recaps, photos and a video at Local Spins.
Podcasts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Grand Funk founder Mark Farner’s new ‘Closer to Home’ legacy: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 8)
In a revealing interview, the renowned rock frontman reflected on his new music and Grand Funk Railroad’s past triumphs. The story and radio show podcast was one of the year’s top Local Spins posts.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Bootstrap Boys gallop to No. 1 Michigan artist of 2024 at WYCE-FM
The throwback country outfit from GR topped all other Mitten State artists based on radio airplay, ahead of Billy Strings and The War & Treaty. View the Top 10 roster and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast, which also features the debut of tracks by Mystique, Aaron James Wright and Laura Rain.
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.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
Nathan Kalish bringing ‘wild, psychedelic country rock’ back home to Michigan
The Nashville-based singer-songwriter who launched his career in the Grand Rapids area has a new studio EP and plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday with tunesmith Jessica Pounds. Get his back story and listen to music by Kalish and Pounds.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With Grand Rapids show ahead, tunesmith David Wilcox plays the songs he ‘needs to hear’
The ‘quirky,’ veteran folk singer plays Midtown in Grand Rapids with West Michigan’s own Kyle Joe on Sunday night. The Local Spins interview and a music video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Kanin Wren wraps ‘incredible’ year with mix of Taylor Swift, her own pop and country hits
The acclaimed teen singer-songwriter fires up Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night with a special show for Swifties and fans of her own pop-laced singles as she prepares to release her debut album and launch a “Boots & Bracelets Tour.” Get the back story and show details at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Waxahatchee, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Bruce Cockburn to amp up Ann Arbor Folk Festival
The lineup for the two-day festival taking place at Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium features big name indie artists, including Josh Ritter, The Milk Carton Kids, Jobi Riccio and Joy Clark, with Old Crow’s Ketch Secor emceeing. Get all of the details 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.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio
Album Reviews: Crane Wives, Luke Winslow-King, Michigan Rattlers, Silver Creek Revival
As fall settles in, Local Spins turns its attention to new releases by Michigan artists. Check out reviews of six recordings, including The Brothers Crunch and Quilter, and listen to tracks from each release.
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