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.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
All Time Low’s Saturday night tour stop at Grand Rapids’ GLC Live at 20 Monroe wrapped up a week of wildly disparate live music. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Grand Rapids studio owner Michael Crittenden unveiled a unique instrumental project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by River City Narrative, Laura Rain, Flowers on the Grave, Laggies and more. Get the back story on ‘Too Chillay for Cats’ and listen to this week’s full radio show.
The third season of the nonprofit group’s panel discussions featuring industry experts continues Monday, with way more in the works to help bolster Michigan’s music scene and give working musicians free guidance in negotiating the thicket of the music industry.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
In June 2017, the night before the Red Hot Chili Peppers played Van Andel Arena, drummer Chad Smith made the musical rounds at Flanagan’s, Mojo’s and 20 Monroe Live. With tickets to see RHCP at Ford Field in 2022 now on sale, Local Spins revisits this unusual night in words, photos and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The frontman for The Hacky Turtles tilts toward country as Hutch Green, spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Kari Lynch, Lazy Genius, Odd Space, Adam Main and more. Learn more about Hutch Green and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Features · Playlists · Uncategorized · Upcoming shows
The acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist plays Grand Rapids’ Listening Room on Saturday as he returns to the road. The Local Spins interview, plus see how you can win tickets to the show.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows
Saturday’s first-year event boasts a day of workshops, exhibits, performances and a keynote address by Djangophonique’s Andrew Brown. Get the details, ticket links and background at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s weekend of live music had a rootsy, country and folk-flavored charm, with a couple of national tour stops and a new open-mic night at a high-profile venue. Browse the images at Local Spins.
With guest musician Patty PerShayla giving the band an extra rock wallop, the Traverse City band lit up Calvin’s Covenant Fine Arts Center on Saturday. The recap and photo gallery from Saturday night’s concert.
Exactly one year ago today, Local Spins featured Tom Wall and Cosmic Knot’s groundbreaking florganoleptic music. After finishing in the Top 25 at ArtPrize, we revisit this incredible ‘jamming with plants.’
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The frontman for Edison Kitt & The Strangers talked about his new solo album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Joey Frendo, Lee Heerspink, Bond Girl, Dick Chiclet, The Krelboynes, Tail from the Crypt, Pieces, Blondfire and more.
Wednesday’s kickoff to the Grand Rapids venue’s Acoustic Café Folk Series boasted a celebratory, rootsy, communal vibe. The Local Spins review and photo gallery from a night of genre-melding bluegrass.
