Keeping the spotlight on talented West Michigan bands and the burgeoning regional concert scene: That’s been a mission of John’s since becoming a lead music critic and entertainment writer for The Grand Rapids Press 15 years ago. As publisher of Local Spins, that’s continued with news updates on Grand Rapids-area musical happenings, guest columns, photo galleries, concert reviews and weekly features on different artists who appear on radio on Local Spins Live.
John holds an honors degree in journalism from the University of Michigan and is co-founder of The Honeytones, once described as “the deans of Grand Rapids’ pop-rock scene” and a band that stages an annual Feedback concert to benefit Access of West Michigan’s food pantries for the needy. He’s also a diehard fan of the Detroit Tigers and, especially, the Detroit Lions, proudly wearing a “Rebuilding Since ’57” T-shirt which, sadly, has proven to be the case year in and year out for this underachieving NFL franchise.
The mid-sized, riverfront concert space has impressed musicians and fans alike during its spring ‘preview mode,’ with more to come. Get the back story, plus photos and a video.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Uncle Sam Jam, East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival and LBMA Fest are also part of this week’s Michigan festival roundup, presented by Local Spins on Memorial Day — the unofficial kickoff to summer.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Playing a dozen U.S. dates with the country/Southern rock superstar, Tanya and Michael Trotter will return to Grand Rapids for an arena-sized homecoming. Get their reaction to being named a tour opener and listen to an encore Local Spins on WYCE show.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The Memorial Day weekend festival along Lake Michigan has become a tradition for many, with performances by more than a dozen Michigan artists. The schedule and details at Local Spins.The Memorial Day weekend festival along Lake Michigan has become a tradition for many, with performances by more than a dozen Michigan artists. The schedule and details at Local Spins.
With summer concert season about to kick off in robust fashion, Local Spins recently asked readers to disclose what bothers them most about live shows and recent music trends.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The West Michigan duo playing an anniversary show next week got cozy with Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Space Bar, Jack Droppers, The Crane Wives, Cameron Blake, Brent Godfrey and more. Learn more about Jesse Ray and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Fest · Upcoming shows · Videos
On Saturday, Local Spins Fest returns to downtown Grand Rapids with six Michigan bands. Today, we shed light on headliner In the Valley Below for our final band Q&A in the countdown to the big day and watch a video their recent performance on TV8’s ‘EightWest.’
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
Staged at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids, the eight-show outdoor series kicks off with Tank & The Bangas on July 12 and also features local faves The Crane Wives and The Verve Pipe. Get the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Michigan’s summer festival roster keeps growing, with weekly lineup announcements delighting fans bracing for one of the busiest seasons ever. Check out performer rosters for several 2023 music festivals today at Local Spins
The soulful Americana duo originally hailing from Michigan found favor with WYCE listeners and programmers when it comes to their latest studio album. View the full chart at Local Spins and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Detroit-area band playing SpeakEZ on Wednesday was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Jesse Cline, Silverstiles, Chance Jones, Tess Clark, Letrick Olson, Pink Sky, Emma Bieniewicz and more. Learn more about the Kate Hinote Trio and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Photos · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
With a capacity of 100 to 205, the new listening room – with unique offerings for concertgoers and bands – officially opens on May 19. Learn more about The Starlight Room’s approach and take a photo tour.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Fest · Videos
On May 20, Kalamazoo’s Grace Theisen Band kicks off the second Local Spins Fest in downtown Grand Rapids. Today, Theisen answers seven questions about her musical journey and her favorite artists. Plus, watch her most recent music video and check out the full Local Spins Fest schedule.
Breaking music news · Contests · Videos
The inaugural April songwriting competition drew entries from across Michigan, with Traverse City’s Trillium Groove snagging runner-up honors. Get details and listen to the winning songs.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Thirteen years after its last original release, the West Michigan band is back with new music. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted tracks by Max Lockwood, American Restless, Jim Alfredson, Jeff Socia, Jeff Karoub, Michigander, Silver Creek Revival and more. Get the back story on Troll for Trout and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Kicking off June 12, the popular free series will feature a host of jazz favorites, including Mary Rademacher, Steve Talaga, Big Band Nouveau, Andrew Rathbun and more. Get the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The flurry of summer music festival news continues, with Michigan boasting celebrations covering everything from metal to folk to blues to jazz and more. Details at Local Spins with links to Phil Denny’s Jazz Fete, Battle Creek Caribbean Festival, Battle Creek Music Fest, Smiling Acres, Local Spins Fest and more.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
The popular Tuesday night shows starring regional acts will kick off in late May and run through late August. Get the full schedule at Local Spins, from Sarena Rae, The Soul Syndicate and Valentiger to Lighting Matches, Ralston & Friends and Steve Hilger & The River City Rollers.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Fest · Summer Festivals · Videos
Today, we announce the sixth act on the bill for May 20’s Local Spins Fest at Studio Park — and Earth Radio responds by answering our seven-question countdown to the one-day festival. Check out the compelling answers and view the final schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids country heroes celebrate “Hungry & Sober” at Founders on Saturday. They’re featured for this week’s spring fund drive edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jim Alfredson, Hickory Creek Revival, Signal Quartet and more. Get the back story on The Bootstrap Boys’ new album, watch their new music video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
May 20’s Local Spins Fest will spotlight six, eclectic Michigan-bred bands. Today, we spotlight much-beloved singer Kari Lynch, who launched her career in West Michigan. Check out her answers to seven questions, plus watch her music videos.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
The rumors are no longer rumors: Powerhouse bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings, a West Michigan native, will make an Oct. 31 tour stop at the sprawling Grand Rapids venue. Details at Local Spins.
Book Reviews · Features · Upcoming shows
Veteran Michigan music writer Gary Graff (Billboard, Oakland Press) toasts Alice Cooper’s 75th with a devastatingly entertaining recap of an illustrious career. Cooper’s U.S. tour kicks off Friday in Michigan. Check out the Local Spins review of this tantalizing biography.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Traverse City singer-songwriter plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday with his all-star band. Local Spins checks in with Joshua Davis — and his life several years removed from national TV prominence. An insightful Q&A with a Michigan institution.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts
Tickets for summer concerts went on sale to Meijer Gardens members this morning and a dozen shows sold out by 10 a.m., with a total of 16 by 10:15 a.m. Get the update and see which concerts sold out at Local Spins. And view comments from some users who were unhappy with the ticketing process.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Southwest Michigan singer-guitarist plays an album-release show in St. Joseph tonight. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted new tracks by several regional artists, including Sadie Bass, Hannah Rose Graves, Steve Rivers, Casper and more. Get Matt Lenny’s back story, watch a video of the tunesmith performing a new song and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
It amounts to a national holiday for independent record shops. With special new releases and a bevy of used classics, vinyl devotees will be flooding area stores on Saturday. Learn more at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Electrifying a jam-packed Stache inside Grand Rapids’ The Intersection on Thursday, the duo with a top-shelf backing band rocked the house in emotional fashion. The review, photos and video at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The 50th anniversary celebration taking place in early September will also feature Tuba Skinny, The Onlies and an impressive roster of Michigan acts. View the full lineup and other details at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Kicking off next week, the 18-artist tour hits five Michigan cities, spotlighting Mitten State talent. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted music by Greta Van Fleet, Rahill, Rockit King, Adaboy, G-Hollow, The Wire Monkeys & more.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
First-timers and returning acts will grace the 30-show season, including Greensky Bluegrass, The Revivalists, Maren Morris, Jason Isbell, First Aid Kit and Joss Stone. The lineup and details at Local Spins, plus check out a list of all-time favorite Meijer Gardens concerts as selected by Local Spins readers.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The festival announced “Phase 1” of its lineup of performers for the Aug. 18-19 celebration at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park, with tickets on sale today. View videos of the headliners and get ticket links at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Northern Michigan’s Interlochen Center for the Arts has revealed more than a dozen concerts thus far for its summer ‘Arts Festival,’ with Styx, The Temptations, Lindsey Stirling, Train, Five for Fighting, The Beach Boys and more on tap. View the lineup at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The week leading up to the holiday was an active one when it comes to live music, from heavy metal to blues to indie-folk and more. The video and photo recaps at Local Spins, including coverage of Fozzy, Garcia Peoples, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers and more.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Lineups continue to get announced for several summer music festivals, along with other details, schedules and ticket deadlines. It’s another Local Spins festival 2023 update, with news about more than a half-dozen summer celebrations.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter showcased her new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Heather Bartman, The Heavy Pine, Horizon Theory, Redbelly, Gosey Hill, Vernon Potts, The JR Band, Brian Muratori and more. Get the back story on Loren Johnson and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Saturday’s second awards show at Franke Center will feature video screenings and performances by Phabies, Lokella, Kait Rose and Josiah C. Baker. The preview of this year’s awards eveng, plus watch videos from all 33 final nominees.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The beloved northern Michigan festival today announced the 60-plus-act lineup for July, including Marc Broussard, Sweet Water Warblers, Myron Elkins, Gina Chavez and The Crane Wives. View the full lineup and get details at Local Spins.
Our weekend music festival news round-up reveals lineups and band additions for several Michigan festivals, including Electric Forest and details about a couple of first-year events such as Baldwin’s Fresh Water Music Festival.
Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE
This week’s radio show toasts up-and-coming acts in several genres, many of them recent award winners. We also debut new tracks by a pair of established artists. Listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
The multi-talented Grand Rapids-based instrumentalist plans to focus on his recording studio, solo projects and the new Moss Manor trio. Read more about Michael Dause’s future and The Accidentals’ new drummer — who’s also a Michigan native.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
With an EP ahead, the Grand Rapids pianist with years of concussion struggles today releases a single for Brain Injury Awareness Month. Local Spins on WYCE also features new tracks by Michigan artists. Get the back story on Caitlin Cusack, listen to her music and this week’s radio show podcast with music by Daisybox, Midwest Skies, Earth Radio, Bierkeller Boys Oompah Band, Mustard Plug and more.
The New Moon Songwriting Challenge requires video entries of new songs to involve co-writes with other artists. The contest kicks off April 1. Get the details at Local Spins.
Our ‘Whatever Happened To’ series exploring the status of once-popular West Michigan bands catches up with members of Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, which played its last show in 2018. Find out where they are now and what the future may (or may not) hold.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The re-branded Cowpie Music Festival will fire up with 14 Michigan bands in early August, boasting no overlapping sets on two stages in southern Kent County. Details, a ticket link and the full inaugural lineup at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Features · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Talk about a robust week of live music in West Michigan: With an early start to the weekend, it was all about the fans at shows packing venues big and small across West Michigan, including album-release concerts by Michigan artists. The recaps and photos from 10 shows at Local Spins.
Temps in the 20s, snow flurries and stiff breezes didn’t thwart thousands of attendees from packing the return of downtown’s Irish on Ionia, which also boasted chilly, jig-inciting sets by Celtic bands and DJs. View the photo gallery and video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The band playing Irish on Ionia and Liquid Note Brewing on Saturday showcased its tunes for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by John Sanger, DL Rossi, Pop Evil, The Still Wonder, NLIIGHTiN, The Junky Swinger, Ohly, Weezil Malone and more. Learn more about CrossBow and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Touring behind ‘Unify,’ the band’s U.S. tour stops at Kalamazoo State Theatre on Tuesday. Drummer Adam Deitch talks to Local Spins about the band’s musical exploration and love of Michigan. Plus, view a couple of Lettuce videos.
After a COVID hiatus, Michigan’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day street party roars back with Celtic bands and DJs. Get details and the performance schedule at Local Spins.
