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.
Another potent week of live music brought Michigan fans some iconic hip hop, country, heavy metal, indie-rock and regional stars Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. Check out the recaps in vibrant images by Local Spins photographers.
On a night when the rain held off at Meijer Gardens, the iconic rock/pop artist uncorked familiar faves and new classics for an approving audience. Get the Joe Jackson review and photo gallery, exclusively at Local Spins. And browse a set list from Friday night’s concert, too.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Hip hop and Jesus, how does that coexist? Malcolm chats about his journey as a groundbreaking hip hop artist on this week’s radio show, which also featured new regional music by Greta Van Fleet, The Hacky Turtles, Tom Hymn, Seth Bernard, Jake Allen, Chris Cranick, Chandler Versluis and more.
Award-winning drummer Sandy “Sledge” Kaye will lead a rare drum clinic for women in August aimed at creating “experiences that you will not easily find elsewhere.” Get the lowdown on this special camp at Local Spins.
There’s nothing like it anywhere. The Beaver Island Music Festival is a musical experience and escape unlike any other this summer. Get the lowdown — and a festival soundtrack — at Local Spins. Listen to the playlist of festival acts, get background on this unique Michigan celebration.
There’s no letting up when it comes to summer music in West Michigan, with celebrations and concerts from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Hudsonville, displayed in images at Local Spins. Check out all of the photo galleries and links to coverage.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The West Michigan blues band, which plays this weekend’s Kalamazoo Blues Fest, debuted new songs on the WYCE radio show, which also boasted new tracks by In the Valley Below, Luna Puer and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of Big Boss Band’s in-studio performance.
