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.
Blessed with summer-like weather, Kalamazoo’s seven-day Sounds of the Zoo festival closed out the weekend with a refreshing salvo of diverse music. The recap and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings and his band play a mammoth homecoming show at Van Andel Arena on Oct. 31. Throughout the month, Local Spins looks back – and forward – at this superstar’s career. Today, check out a revealing 2017 Local Spins podcast interview with the then-emerging star.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
Today, check out two showcases of local and regional music: The weekly Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast and photos from this week’s Sounds of the Zoo festival in Kalamazoo.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
“I love to play.” Performing next Tuesday at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall, the one-time Beatle and his fellow rock icons reveal the secrets to their zeal in continuing to pump out classic hits in a recent interview.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Alger Park Church hosts the third season of the series featuring eclectic Michigan acts, including classical music, a twist on opera and ‘The Music That Raised Us’ tribute to black female icons. Get the schedule and more details at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The week-long Kalamazoo festival’s opening night boasted diverse, riveting sets at Bell’s Brewery Back Room, with six more days of Michigan music to come. View photos and a video at Local Spins, along with a recap of Monday’s event.
The ambitious week-long showcase of Michigan bands unfurls at eight different venues, plus some busking stations. Get the background, schedule and a playlist at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins showcases the veteran Grand Rapids ska band which just released its eighth album. Plus, we feature new tracks by Roosevelt Diggs, Les Creatif, Deerfield Run, Sophia McIntosh, VS and more.
The Kent District Library’s two-day festival this weekend at the Cascade Township branch will feature performances by 15 regional acts on two stages. Get details and the schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Kicking off next Wednesday, the mid-week concerts will feature Lighting Matches, Hannah Rose Graves, Roosevelt Diggs, Evidence Jazz and more. View the schedule, listen to a playlist and get details at Local Spins.
Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Aiming to educate and entertain, the two-day festival at Grand Rapids’ Rosa Parks Circle will feature a keynote address by acclaimed music industry expert Ari Herstand, plus live music, a robotics expo, gaming competition and much more. Get details, the full schedule and a playlist at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a new mini-album and an upcoming set at Fallasburg Arts Festival, the Michigan band was spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jan James, Michigan Rattlers, Cal in Red, Steel and Wood, Josh Rose and more. Get the back story on Wild Honey Collective, watch a video of a live performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Beyond ArtPrize there are tons of music festivals and celebrations firing up the final weekend of summer across West Michigan, including Saturday’s Ballpark Jam. Get the lowdown on several of them, with schedules, ticket links and more at Local Spins.
Local Spins previews this weekend’s festival on Rosa Parks Circle that will feature the pioneering hip hop group Sugarhill Gang, local faves Avalon Cutts-Jones, Lady Ace Boogie and more. Get the schedule, a playlist and other details.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Unfolding at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing, this upcoming weekend’s festival promotes Irish culture and heritage with more than 30 acts performing along with dancers, food and more. All you need to know at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins previews what has become one of the Michigan music scene’s favorite late-season festivals. Get details, daily schedules, a playlist and more for this mid-September celebration.
It’s time for readers to speak out when it comes to their favorite concert and festival experiences of the past summer — and some of their comments show just how memorable those experiences were.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins profiles the Grand Rapids studio led by Tommy Schichtel and debuts tracks by artists who relish his unique approach. This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE also features new songs by other Michigan acts. Get the back story on Goon Lagoon and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Amid crazy high expectations, the Lions launch their 2023 National Football League campaign tonight in Kansas City. And Local Spins has the musical soundtrack to spur Michigan’s heroes to glory. We think, maybe … Anyway, it’s Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics’ annual column exploring the plight of the silver and Honolulu blue.
Boasting a new Wheatland app for attendees, the much-beloved festival returns to Remus on Friday, with a wide-ranging lineup of national and regional stars. The Local Spins preview.
The August chart representing the regional albums that received the most radio airplay at WYCE (88.1) covers a lot of musical territory. Check out the chart, listen to tracks from all the releases.
Local Spins’ annual Labor Day column highlighting challenges that continue to face working musicians in 2023 focuses on the views of three artists from widely varied backgrounds. Read their insightful observations and more in today’s special commentary.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In an interview with Local Spins, the one-time member of the iconic Fairport Convention talks about his music and upcoming U.S. tour hitting several Michigan cities.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Get the back story on this fast-emerging Grand Rapids studio’s special niche. Plus, listen to live Dogtown tracks, watch videos of live performances and check out song debuts by several Michigan artists via the Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins previews the eclectic one-day music festival presented for the second year by Little Fleet over Labor Day weekend. The schedule, ticket links, playlist and more.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio
Stricken with back issues and Lyme disease, the northern Michigan artist remains upbeat about Labor Day release of his star-studded album. The back story, with an audio peek into the new collection.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Well worth the trip to Michigan’s East Side, two big music festivals unfold over Labor Day weekend, with some giants of jazz in the Motor City and 200-plus diverse acts in Royal Oak. Info and schedules at Local Spins.
Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The Accidentals, The Crane Wives, Ruthie Foster, Joseph and more electrified 700-plus attendees at the inaugural event on Sunday. Get the recap, photo gallery and video, along with images from the weekend’s Holler Fest in Jackson County.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals
The Grand Rapids band performing at this weekend’s Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival talks about polka’s enduring draw for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuts music by several other Michigan artists, including Kitten & The Tonics, Jake Godsil and Brandon Marceal.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With six female or female-led acts on the bill, Sunday’s celebration in Hastings aims to close out the summer with transfixing music. Get the preview, schedule and playlist at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The West Michigan Americana band topped Low Phase and Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions as part of the friendly competition and one-day festival hosted by Rockford’s Rotary Club. Get the recap and photos at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Taking place in the picturesque, uppermost corner of the Upper Peninsula, this year’s music festival boasts more than a dozen national touring acts. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
The second annual, one-day festival and friendly competition on Tuesday along the Rogue River benefits ShelterBox, with three West Michigan bands gracing the stage. The schedule, details, voting links and band videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Fans at Friday’s sold-out Meijer Gardens show got a special treat when the Kalamazoo-bred Hurd joined the country/pop singer on stage. The review of her18-song show, photos and set list at Local Spins
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE
Local Spins traveled to Kalamazoo’s La Luna studio to showcase new projects from Seth Bernard, G’itis Baggs and Liz Townsend. Plus, the radio show debuts tracks by several other Michigan artists, including Nathan Walker, May Erlewine, Low Phase and Lowke. Learn more about Ian Gorman’s studio and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Traverse City · Upcoming shows · Videos
The reggae-infused funk, jam and rock band plays a special 20th birthday show in Cadillac this weekend, with plans for recording new material in 2024. The back story and a video at Local Spins.
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst previews this weekend’s Breakaway Music Festival taking place at Belknap Park in Grand Rapids. Plus, check out the schedule and[…]
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Hoxeyville uncorks its unique musical charm in the Manistee National Forest west of Cadillac this weekend with Marcus King, Molly Tuttle & more. Get the lowdown on this much-adored gathering.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Videos
Today’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast travels the state to showcase new music from Michigan artists performing at several August festivals. Plus, get details — and links — for nine festivals taking place this weekend, with a chance to win tickets to one of them, and watch Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics recap the August festival lineup for TV8’s EightWest.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
It’s time to kick up your heels in Emerald Isle fashion. Sparta’s Rogers Park once again hosts the Sparta Celtic Festival with Steel City Rovers, Whorled and more on tap. Get the lowdown and festival schedule at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Grand Rapids folk-rock heroes made a triumphant return to Studio Park’s Listening Lawn Series downtown on Saturday. The recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Hot Top 5 · Playlists
Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps, The Schrock Bros. and Loren Johnson round out the regional chart of top releases for July at WYCE-FM. Learn more and listen to tracks from all the recordings at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Videos
Local Spins recaps Shagbark Music & Arts Festival’s Day 1 in words and images, plus features chief event organizer ‘Farmer’ John Crissman along with brand new Michigan music by Full Cord, Chirp, Daisybox, Au Gres and more as part of today’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast.
Two iconic bands played to separate, engaged Grand Rapids audiences just a block away from each other on Wednesday. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With no overlapping sets, more than a dozen Michigan acts will perform at the first-year Shagbark Music and Arts Festival taking place near Caledonia this weekend. Get the preview, schedule and a festival playlist.
More than just ‘The Way,’ the Austin rock/pop band delivered a weekend-ending romp that had a small-but-enthused crowd on its feet at downtown’s Studio Park. Meanwhile, Grand Rapids boasted two sold-out shows the same night: The Death Grips at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and The Regrettes at The Pyramid Scheme. Browse all three photo galleries.
Even as July comes to an end, live music starring Michigan acts continues to heat up across the state with free weeknight concerts, from Bronson to Sparta to Hillsdale and beyond. View concert schedules for several communities at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The West Michigan native who plays home-state dates this weekend was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pajamas, Ficus, Pink Sky, The American Hotel System and more. Get the back story on Beth Bombara and her upcoming new album, plus listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
For the third year, Allegan’s Fat Blossom Farm will host this cozy music festival starring regional acts. View the lineup and details, get ticket links and listen to a Top 10 playlist.
Billed as the ‘best tiny festival in the Mitten State,’ Tamarack rolls out more than 20 regional acts this weekend. Get the preview, playlist and schedule at Local Spins.
