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 · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The band unleashed two robust new songs this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Suzies, The Extra Texture, Shanf, Minor Element, JRob and more. Listen to the full radio show podcast, watch the video of Conrad Shock + The Noise’s in-studio performance. The band plays the Local Spins Summer Kickoff in Grand Rapids on May 27.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
The Accidentals, The Ragbirds, Appleseed Collective, Mark Lavengood, May Erlewine and many more regional stars have been booked to perform along the shores of Lake Leelanau in northern Michigan. See the full summer schedule of concerts at this picturesque resort.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Videos
West Michigan-bred Nathan Kalish was cited this week by Rolling Stone as one of ‘10 new country artists you need to know.’ Read more about Kalish and his reaction to the acknowledgment at Local Spins; watch a video of a song from his new album.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The all-day free event outside Cedar Springs this weekend boasts an eclectic lineup of young and experienced Michigan acts. See the full schedule and get details at Local Spins.
Live at River City · Photos · Videos
The Southern rock-fueled Grand Rapids band fired up the latest edition of the studio series. Watch this week’s performance, listen to the interview, browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia today announced its upcoming jazz and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center concerts as well as the first Acoustic Café show for next season. Get the lowdown on all of the upcoming shows at Local Spins and listen to new music from The Lone Bellow.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The week kicks off with Big Sandy and closes out with Steve Martin & Martin Short’s Grand Rapids tour stop, with plenty of musical action in between, including special SpeakEZ shows, Hip Hop Appreciation Week, the Bona-Who? festival, Thunder Chicken, The Extra Texture and Stryper. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Granger Smith.
