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.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Twelve years after a Grand Rapids lip dub video of the Don McClean classic set a world record and created a sensation, he’ll revisit the city to kick off a Black Pigeon Studios venture to put the area back on Hollywood’s radar. Get the lowdown and watch the 2010 lip-dub video at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
A weekend of milestones: the first Bell’s Beer Garden show, the finals of B93’s Battle to the Bash, the State on the Street opener, Judy Collins at St. Cecilia Music Center’s final folk concert and a rare Rush tribute show. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Enthused, happy crowds cheered Friday’s Local Spins 10th anniversary double-header: Jake Kershaw and Hank Mowery at a packed Tip Top Deluxe, Desmond Jones with The Legal Immigrants at Elevation. Get the recaps and browse photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
When Grand Rapids singer Hannah Rose Graves plays Local Spins Fest on Saturday, she’ll lean on her popular, throwback approach. The Artist Spotlight and Local Spins on WYCE podcast, including brand new tracks by Entransient, Kyle Brown and more.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Thursday’s installment of Local Spins’ week-long anniversary bash boasted an unprecedented Beatles tribute on a rooftop in downtown Grand Rapids and a three-act hip-hop affair at The Pyramid Scheme. The recaps, photo galleries and a video at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Michigan Rattlers, Molly, The Hacky Turtles, The Accidentals, Lazy Genius, Lipstick Jodi, Aramis 616, Major Murphy, Callab & more to rock Intersection. View the full roster of performers at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The first two concerts celebrating Local Spins Week at Listening Room attracted an all-ears attitude from fans enamored of the performers’ story-telling charm and top-shelf musicianship. Check out the recaps, photos and videos from Monday and Tuesday’s 10th anniversary kickoff.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
Headlining Saturday’s Local Spins Fest at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids, The Accidentals today give Local Spins readers a fun roster of their favorite things about this coming summer’s touring. Plus, see how you can request a song for the band’s encore via Juke and check out a Spotify playlist featuring tracks from all of the Michigan artists playing Local Spins Week events.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
From an all-star Michigan band led by Eric O’Daly and Max Lockwood to tour stops by iconic artists such as The Wailers, Shawn Colvin and Dave Bruzza, Local Spins captured more than a half-dozen Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo concerts in striking images.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Top 10 Lists
As Local Spins prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary this week, we revisit the top stories every year since the website launched in 2012. Check out the roster of memories as we get ready to unleash seven concert events in six days.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos was the show’s special guest, talking favorite interviews and bands in rollicking fashion, while exhibiting pitiful paper-airplane know-how. Listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast with tracks by Lokella, Eric O’Daly, Max Lockwood, Cheap Emotion, Neon Birdhouse and more.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
As part of a U.S. tour, the Spain-based Cadillac native kicks off Local Spins Week in Grand Rapids on Monday. The Local Spins interview, and a ticket giveaway.
