Michigan’s Jammie Awards poised to rev things up with diverse 20-act lineup

WYCE’s Chris Cranick calls it “a snapshot of the Michigan music scene.”

The 2026 Jammie Awards presented by Grand Rapids community radio station WYCE (88.1 FM) at The Intersection in Grand Rapids on Feb. 20 will feature performances by 20 bands and solo artists, representing the biggest lineup since 2022, with awards presented in a host of categories for the best local and regional music released last year.

The roster of acts playing three stages includes everything from pop, indie-rock, Americana and country swing to hip hop, progressive jazz, reggae and psychedelic rock, with most of the acts hailing from West Michigan.

“It can be difficult to showcase as many genres as possible, while acknowledging that the Michigan music sound leans heavily toward folk, Americana and rock. So, I want to make sure that group of artists is spotlighted, while also shining a light on other genres,” said Cranick, WYCE’s music and program director, adding that artists’ availability is “definitely an issue” to consider.

“I also shoot to include some artists from across the state. Even though The Jammies happen in Grand Rapids, it is truly a Michigan event. As with the last few years, I aim to book a healthy mix of newer artists as well as Jammies alumni from years past, and am sticking to my self-imposed restriction of not having artists perform two years in a row.”

While set times and stages haven’t yet been finalized, artists performing this year will be August, Blockhouse Valley, Caitlin Cusack, CaliKo, Cameron Blake, Candid Antics, Clawfoot, Dante Cope, The Gasoline Gypsies, Justin Avdek, La Furia Del Ritmo, Lady Ace Boogie, Levitator, Lexie Blue, Los Hermanos 616, Normal Mode, Phabies, The Schrock Bros, Sweet Dee & The Wild Honeys and Y-Not.

“August is so incredibly honored to be included in this year’s Jammies lineup,” said band keyboardist Oliva Vargas, who leads the Jammie-nominated Grand Rapids indie-soul-pop group along with Marissa Peak. 

“Coming together with our community to help celebrate our friends, collaborators and acquaintances on their creative wins for the year is such a joyful event. Being able to showcase what our band has been working on in the past year to many people we look up to feels like a wonderful opportunity and we are very grateful.”

The group’s enhanced sound, she added, “feels bigger and bolder than ever” — something fans will experience when August makes its Jammies debut in February.

Traverse City psych-rock band Levitator, meanwhile, is “absolutely elated to be invited to celebrate alongside everyone for one of the most special nights of Michigan music.”

“We are humbled and incredibly grateful for the consideration,” said member Robert Hovie of the band nominated for its 2025 album, “The Realms Beyond.” “Levitator shows are all about good times and fat grooves. We are going to absolutely go wild, no questions asked.”

Laura Hobson of Phabies said the Grand Rapids band would perform songs from its nominated 2025 album, “Curse of Caring,” during the group’s second Jammies’ appearance and first since 2022.

“It will be great to return to the stage after a short rest and play for an audience who might be hearing us for the first time. WYCE always puts together such thoughtful programming, giving local musicians airplay that makes everything feel real. We’re excited to return the favor by playing to raise funds for our favorite local radio station.”

Advance tickets ($10, plus $2.15 in fees) for the Jammie Awards are available via etix.com.

— Find more Michigan music news and concert listings at LocalSpins.com. Email John Sinkevics at john@localspins.com.