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.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The young modern jazz band led by Dutcher Snedeker kicks off the International Wine, Beer & Food Festival in Grand Rapids Thursday, with a full-length album set for release in 2020. Get the back story on the band and a full weekend performance schedule for the Wine, Beer & Food Festival at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The St. Joseph multi-instrumentalist is more than halfway through his challenging beer tour. He’s playing Rockford Brewing tonight. Learn the back story about St. Joe Jack’s wild tour and watch a video from one of his recent performances.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The hometown boy with roots in Ionia and Traverse City can’t wait to play a sold-out New Year’s Eve show at The Intersection in Grand Rapids after a “crazy,” award-winning, chart-topping year. Part 1 of a revealing, on-the-road Local Spins interview with William Apostol, aka Billy Strings.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Detroit-area roots/folk/Americana band made its debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Blueflowers, Porter Kenyon, Jeff Karoub, Drinkard Sisters and more. Listen to the radio show podcast, watch the in-studio video, get the back story on Remnose at Local Spins.
Announcements · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The rock band plays a ‘bon voyage’ show at The Pyramid Scheme tonight, on the same day it releases a new single while preparing to head Down Under. Learn more about The Legal Immigrants’ tour at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Grammy-nominated band of virtuosos made a tour stop Wednesday at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, impressing a small but approving crowd. They play Petoskey, Interlochen and Ann Arbor next. Peruse the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
The emerging country artist got ‘chills to the bone’ during the ‘absolutely amazing’ cruise when her band performed along with other stars. Get the Local Spins recap on Sadie Bass’ recent cruise experience along with exclusive photos by Eric Stoike.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Kalamazoo · Summer Festivals
The Kalamazoo Valley Blues Associations aims to partner with the Kalamazoo Growlers for the August event, with four upcoming fundraising concerts at Shakespeare’s Pub to help finance the festival. Learn more at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
K. Michelle kicks off a week that also features Anamanaguchi, Big Wild, The Hot Sardines, Tommy Castro, Brendan James and much more. See the full roster of shows and win tickets to see Lettuce or Donna the Buffalo at The Intersection.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids singer and musician released her new EP on Friday, previewing songs for the radio show which also debuted music by Overdrive Orchestra, Pretoria and more. The story, the podcast and video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Podcasts
There are compelling stories behind each of the West Michigan artists featured on this month’s edition of Local Spins on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside.” Listen to the podcast, get the back story on these three acts.
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter topped a chart of most-played local albums on WYCE that also features new releases by Last Gasp Collective, May Erlewine and The Skinny Limbs. See the full chart, listen to songs by all of the featured artists and browse a list of new regional releases.
