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.
Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Summer Concerts
With the revamped amphitheater reopening June 4 with a Tuesday Evening Music Club “dress rehearsal” starring May Erlewine, RSVP Music Chat had a revealing interview with two key managers overseeing Meijer Gardens concerts. Listen to the podcast and get updates on the upcoming season.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The popular band led by Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter joins some renowned artists who are nominated for awards being presented in September. Read more about it and their reaction to the honor at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Led by songwriters Matt Plessner and Rachel White, the Grand Rapids band releases its new album next week. Get the Lighting Matches back story and watch the band’s music video at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The August festival in southern Kent County has added 10 acts to the three-day lineup, with many performing Woodstock-inspired sets. And several Michigan bands are still competing for a slot at Cowpie, with Round 3 taking place Saturday at Arcadia Brewing in Kalamazoo.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This weekend’s festival in Stanton north of Grand Rapids fires up this weekend with Joshua Davis, Rachael Davis, Act Casual, The Gasoline Gypsies, Bootstrap Boys, Max Lockwood and more. See — and save — the full schedule at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
The announcement of folk, jazz and Chamber Music Society concerts also includes appearances by Raul Midon, Fred Hersch, Emmet Cohen and more. Check out the full lineup for the season, with videos of featured performers at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Michigan-bred, Nashville-based singer and her band previewed the milestone recording in performances at WYCE and River City Studios this weekend. Watch the video of their River City session, learn more about the group’s recording project, listen to their new songs and the Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Veteran lighting designer Tom Kenny, the creative director for The Who on tour, shared behind-the-scenes details with Local Spins about the iconic band’s tour-opening show in Grand Rapids and relayed the group’s love for ‘the local orchestra.’
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals
Michigan’s outdoor summer fun features the second year of a Lansing street fair and a charming series east of Grand Rapids starring regional acts on the Wildwood Family Farms. Get the lowdown on both at Local Spins.
With Grand Rapids’ new city manager, Mark Washington, coming here from the live music capital of the world, the RSVP Music Chat podcast sat down to get his take on music’s growing role in his new home. Read his intriguing back story and check out the podcast interview at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Audio · Podcasts
Local Spins’ May segment for “Stateside” on Michigan Radio showcased three rock bands with impressive new albums who aim to make a splash in 2019. Listen to the podcast and full versions of the featured songs.
Outdoor music abounds in summertime in communities across West Michigan and today’s lineups feature bands playing free shows along the lakeshore. Check out the schedules for a half-dozen series at Local Spins.
