John Sinkevics, Author at Local Spins

Author: John Sinkevics

John Sinkevics

Publisher

john@localspins.com 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...

Overcoming MS, Michigan’s Dani Darling flaunts cool, reverent, psychedelic soul

September 23, 2022

The Ann Arbor chanteuse playing next week’s Sounds of the Zoo fest debuted a single for Local Spins on WYCE, which also aired new music by Last Gasp Collective, Martyr for Madison, Conklin Ceili Band, Keith Hall & more. Learn more about Dani Darling and the Kalamazoo festival, watch the singer’s new music video and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.

Music and Technology · Videos

Ever-inventive Joe Hertler, Tall Tall Trees ready to amp up tech-driven Confluence Festival

September 22, 2022

The free, second-year event at Grand Rapids’ Studio Park aims to unify art, music and technology for a multi-dimensional weekend experience. Get the lowdown at Local Spins and watch videos of the artists who’ll be playing music showcases.

Breaking music news · Photos · Videos

Michigan country singer Sadie Bass turns heads – and chairs – on ‘The Voice’

September 21, 2022

Hailing from Bath, Mich., the fast-rising country singer made a splash on the NBC show Tuesday and will advance to the next round. The story, video and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

‘Beloved’: A moving Grand Rapids Symphony swan song; Paula Cole impresses Forest Hills FAC

September 17, 2022

GR Symphony opened its season with passion, a premiere and one of the final concerts for a beloved percussionist, on the same night that iconic songwriters held court for a new series in Forest Hills. The concert reviews and photo galleries at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Prior Noon poised to bring country-fueled ‘small-town roots’ to GR’s ‘Ballpark Jam’

September 16, 2022

The emerging Lowell band spotlighted new singles for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Future Misters, DL Rossi, Chris Bathgate, Djangophonique, The Kings of Strings, Samil and more. Learn more about Prior Noon and Sullivan Field’s upcoming concerts.

Breaking music news · Features

Billy Strings, The War and Treaty win major Americana Music Association awards

September 15, 2022

The Michigan artists landed major awards on Wednesday night in Nashville. See what prestigious honors they walked away with and their reaction at Local Spins.

Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Muskegon Gets Celtic: Michigan Irish Music Festival returns with global and local stars

September 15, 2022

After a COVID interruption, the long-running Irish music spectacle kicks off tonight and runs through Sunday. Get the preview and festival map, playlist and videos at Local Spins.

Upcoming shows · Videos

Paula Cole, Sophie B. Hawkins, Lucy Kaplansky to kick off inaugural Festival of the Arts series

September 13, 2022

A Friday concert and Saturday songwriting ‘master class’ at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center will launch the expansion of Festival’s mission to spread arts across West Michigan. Learn more about the weekend event and watch videos of the featured artists.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Earthwork Harvest Gathering 2022 to create ‘chill landing zone’ for Michigan bands

September 12, 2022

After a three-year COVID hiatus, 85 acts will play a more subdued festival on Earthwork Farm outside Lake City next weekend. See what attendees can expect in this Local Spins preview and view the lineup for this year’s festival.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

Inaugural ‘Sounds of the Zoo’ festival raring to make Kalamazoo a music mecca

September 11, 2022

The brainchild of Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert, the week-long affair at several venues in downtown Kalamazoo will boast vastly diverse performances and a collaborative vibe. Learn more about this first-year event, view the full schedule and listen to a playlist of performers.

Concert reviews · Summer Concerts · Top 10 Lists

Local Spins’ Top 10 Summer Concerts of 2022: From Elvis Costello to Japanese Breakfast

September 10, 2022

Based purely on reader traffic for our concert reviews, Local Spins presents a fun Top 10 of this summer’s most memorable shows. Plus check out our editor’s Top 3 picks of the summer and fan comments on other favorite shows of the season.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

Northern Michigan’s Brett Mitchell relishes touring behind latest pop-rock gems

September 9, 2022

The Bellaire-based singer-songwriter talked about his love of northern Michigan and shared new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Bond Girl, Crossword Smiles, Michael Waite, Michael Varverakis, Trickified and more.

Photos · Venue Spotlight · Videos

Celebrating 50 Years: The Intersection revels as ‘godfather’ of Grand Rapids’ music scene

September 9, 2022

To commemorate the Grand Rapids nightclub’s half-century milestone, Local Spins Rewind today updates a 2017 Venue Spotlight on a hot spot that showcases ‘every genre of music.’ Get the history, take video tours and browse photo galleries at Local Spins.

Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists

Shaking It Up: All-new Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart with Djangophonique, Jetty Rae, Samil

September 8, 2022

New releases by a diverse group of Michigan artists all made their Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart debut in August and captivated listeners as well as radio programmers at WYCE (88.1 FM). View the chart, listen to music from all of the releases at Local Spins.

Playlists · Summer Festivals

Biggest Eastown Street Fair in six years rolls out Saturday: Schedule & Local Spins playlist

September 6, 2022

More than 20 bands playing three different stages highlight the Grand Rapids Eastown community’s upcoming weekend celebration, which will also feature vendors, food trucks, beer. art and the WYCE CD & Record Sale. View the performance schedule, listen to a playlist of performers and get the complete Eastown Streetfair lowdown at Local Spins.

Commentary · In-Depth Report

Lack of fair pay for the work they do? Labor Day’s State of the Union for Michigan musicians

September 5, 2022

Local Spins’ annual Labor Day column targeting hurdles still faced by working musicians in 2022 focuses on sobering results of a new Michigan Music Alliance survey. Peruse this year’s report and read comments from Michigan musicians.

Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

The beautiful, internationally traditional ‘holy grail’: Wheatland Music Festival set for return

September 4, 2022

For the first time since the pre-COVID days of 2019, the beloved Michigan festival revs up next weekend with revered touring acts and Michigan stars. The preview, main stage schedule and a playlist at Local Spins

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Honing its sound, Melophobix feeds off energy of fans for funky, genre-melding attack

September 2, 2022

Boasting a more exploratory approach, the Grand Rapids band debuted new tracks for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered music by Pretoria, Cal in Red, Rick Chyme, Chris Canas, The Legal Immigrants, Matt McAlpin, Super Future, Lucius Fox and more. Dive into the Melophobix back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Acclaimed avant-pop artist Helado Negro excited to play ‘magical’ Traverse City

September 1, 2022

The boundary-pushing, ‘groove-heavy,’ bilingual artist from Asheville, N.C., headlines the inaugural All Call Music Festival taking place in Traverse City on Sunday. The Local Spins interview, plus Helado Negro’s latest music videos.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Perrin Backyard Bash eyes return in September with ‘bigger names,’ bigger crowd

August 31, 2022

Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, The Hacky Turtles and more will pump up the Sept. 17 party, with thousands expected to attend. View the schedule and get details at Local Spins.

Playlists · Summer Festivals · Uncategorized · Upcoming shows

Twiddle, Shlump, Truth and more to pump up jams at northern Michigan’s Big Fam Festival

August 30, 2022

The Labor Day weekend festival at Liberty Mountain also boasts more than 50 Michigan acts, from Biomassive to Desmond Jones. Get the preview and the Big Fam Festival playlist at Local Spins.

Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Inaugural All Call Music Fest set to power up ‘new, different music’ in Traverse City

August 29, 2022

The Labor Day weekend celebration at The Little Fleet will feature eclectic sets by national acts Helado Negro, Daniel Villarreal, Finom, Kaina, Tiny Jag and The Antivillains. Details and the full schedule at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Teen singer-songwriter Izubel striving to ‘spread the joy’ with debut indie-folk album

August 26, 2022

The emerging Rockford indie-folk/pop artist with a release show next week lit up Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by Cameron Blake, Low Phase, Martyr for Madison and much more. Learn more about Izubel and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

The Ralston and Friends ‘variety show’ pumps up Tuesday Evening Music Club

August 24, 2022

The next-to-last Tuesday Evening Music Club show of the summer featured Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles and an all-star lineup performing amid splendid weather. The recap, video highlights and photos at Local Spins.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Albion’s Walk the Beat festival expands with 28 bands playing 14 venues on Saturday

August 24, 2022

Launched six years ago and inspired by a similar event in Grand Haven, this weekend’s Walk the Beat will light up Albion’s downtown area with performances by more than two dozen regional acts. Get details at Local Spins.

Features · Playlists · Upcoming shows

Second West Michigan Songwriter’s Festival seeks to elevate songwriting as art form

August 23, 2022

The second-year West Michigan Songwriter’s Festival hosted by Rockford singer-songwriter Dan Terry takes place this weekend in Belmont, starring several respected Nashville tunesmiths, including Grammy winner Steve Leslie. The details and a playlist at Local Spins.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Holler Fest set to continue Jackson County tradition with 60-plus bands on tap

August 21, 2022

After a two-year COVID hiatus, the three-day festival on Frog Holler Farm plans a robust return with a bevy of regional stars, home-grown food and more. The preview and schedule at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Music That Raised Us, Ambrosia, John Waite, Hiss Golden Messenger: Concert Photo Recaps

August 19, 2022

The week leading up to a hectic weekend of live music boasted a dizzying array of styles and approaches, from indie-folk to prog-pop to R&B and soul. Revisit the action in images at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Holland punk band Lost Magic’s ‘super loud, super sweet’ headbanging alchemy

August 19, 2022

Playing a hometown show next week, Lost Magic lit up Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Future Drugs, Avalon Cutts-Jones, Deep Enough and more. Learn more about Lost Magic and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Summer Festivals

LivelyLands’ cozy, ‘stress-free’ approach and its founder’s ‘Albums That Changed the World’

August 16, 2022

Beyond high-profile festivals this weekend such as Hoxeyville and Breakaway is northern Michigan’s LivelyLands, oozing ’boutique’ intimacy. Learn more about it and see which albums have most influenced founder Emily Lively.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Soggy Sonatas: The Crane Wives, Walk the Beat power through pesky rain for fervent fans

August 14, 2022

Despite rain and unseasonable temps, The Crane Wives played their first show in more than two years in Grand Rapids, while on the east side of Grand Haven, solo performer Ryan Lynch won a wet edition of Walk the Beat. Get the recaps, browse the photos and watch the videos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kalamazoo’s Kait Rose finds ‘Balance’ with healing, relatable career-spanning collection

August 12, 2022

The singer-songwriter with an album-release show tonight was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by DL Rossi, Matisse Zuzu, Upon Wings, Leif(kolt), FINKEL, Steven Malcolm and others. Find out more about Kait Rose, watch her new music video and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Return of The Crane Wives: Re-charging, coming full circle to rock GR after a long hiatus

August 11, 2022

Two-and-a-half years after last gracing a stage, the folk-rock band plays a much-anticipated show Saturday at Studio Park. What led to the hiatus? What can fans expect this weekend? The back story and more at Local Spins.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Just a peninsula – and another world – away: The tasty buffet of eclectic U.P. music festivals

August 10, 2022

The Upper Peninsula offers a remote but unique setting for a surprising variety of music festivals, worthy of a trip across the bridge. Here’s a look at this U.P. experience, with previews of upcoming events.

Artist Spotlights · Photos

FINKEL embraces ‘isolated and eccentric’ Mackinac Island for new record, documentary

August 9, 2022

The Michigan natives now based in L.A. spent a winter on the iconic enclave to create ‘Islanders.’ They screen the film and perform as FINKEL Friday at Wealthy Theatre. The interview and back story at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Hispanic Festival, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lady Ace Boogie heat up musical diversity

August 7, 2022

High heat and humidity didn’t hamper a flurry of live music in the great outdoors, from Latin rock on Calder Plaza to hip hop at Cowpie to the choral allure of an iconic South African group and a five-year anniversary for Bass Country. Videos and photos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Festival fave Biomassive diving into ‘deeper level’ of electronic, heavy progressive rock

August 6, 2022

The Traverse City band which lit up Cowpie Music Fest on Friday debuted new music for Local Spins on WYCE, which aired fresh tracks by Act Casual, The Accidentals, Strange Heart, The Aquaerials, Adrian Jay and more. Get the back story on Biomassive and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Cowpie Music Festival kicks up hooves with jam-band fervor, sweltering heat on Day 1

August 5, 2022

The southern Kent County festival’s final salvo began with a sultry bang on Thursday, featuring standout sets by MonoNeon, Mungion, Desmond Jones, Cosmic Knot and more. The recap and photos, only at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Elvis Costello launches U.S. tour with clever, ever-entertaining aplomb in Grand Rapids

August 5, 2022

The legendary rocker and his band, The Imposters, unleashed music from Costello’s latest album along with some choice gems from his hefty catalog. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5

Kyle Rasche’s Chain of Lakes album makes waves at No. 1 on Local Spins’ Hot Top 5 Chart

August 4, 2022

The indie-folk artist credits the work of his producer and studio musicians for enhancing his milestone new recording. View the rest of the chart at Local Spins and listen to tracks from all of the regional releases.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

Final Cowpie Music Festival boasts biggest, most eclectic band lineup yet

August 1, 2022

The last roundup for the southern Kent County music fest kicks up its hooves this weekend with MonoNeon, Dopapod, Joe Hertler, Sophistafunk and dozens more. The lowdown and the schedule at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos

West Michigan native and piano whiz Holly Bowling soars in national jam-band scene

July 31, 2022

The celebrated keyboardist who’s transcribed Phish and Grateful Dead jams for piano is lovingly termed the ‘sixth member’ of Greensky Bluegrass while also fronting Ghost Light. The Local Spins interview with this budding star who boasts West Michigan roots.

Albums that Changed the World · Podcasts

Songs inspiring Michigan musicians: The WYCE edition of ‘Albums That Changed the World’

July 29, 2022

This week’s special edition of the radio show focuses on Michigan music with a twist: We play tracks from albums that a dozen local and regional artists say have influenced them the most, from Kanye West to The Beatles. Get the back story and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Features · Videos · Whatever Happened To

Whatever Happened To Bangups: Tracking down the rambunctious GR rock duo

July 27, 2022

In their heyday, Joey Dornbos and Brent French generated a national buzz and recorded with an iconic producer before moving to California. One is still rocking, the other is not. Get the lowdown and watch the videos in the latest installment in this Local Spins series.

Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows

‘Best Tiny Fest in the Mitten State’: Morley’s Tamarack Music Fest poised for ‘happy energy’

July 24, 2022

With Desmond Jones, Bootstrap Boys, Cosmic Knot and more West Michigan acts on the bill, next weekend’s cozy affair has ‘cute and endearing’ written all over it — part of a trend toward intimate regional music festivals. Learn more about the origins of the Tamarack and view the lineup at Local Spins.

Photos

Summer Strains: Here Come the Mummies, Troll for Trout, Red Wanting Blue & More

July 23, 2022

The weekend got an early start with live music indoors and out, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. View the images from several shows at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kyle Brown & The Human Condition bring to life thoughtful, rootsy, organic, varied rock

July 22, 2022

The former frontman for Bigfoot Buffalo previewed his new band for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Troll for Trout, Sixman, Deadflower, Perren, Jeremy Ensley and more. Learn more about Kyle Brown & The Human Condition and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Summer Concerts

Molly, After Ours to kick off return of GRAM on the Green concert series Thursday

July 19, 2022

Grand Rapids Art Museum and WYCE (88.1 FM) review the popular free series this week. The weekly, four-concert affair also will feature Andrea von Kampen, Brie Stoner, Rachel Brooke, Jesse Ray and more.

Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight

Seven Steps Up listening room set to close later this year; historic building to be sold

July 18, 2022

The highly regarded Spring Lake concert venue which opened 11 years ago has hosted hundreds of concerts by iconic artists and will stage its final show in December. The back story at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals

Upheaval’s primal finale w/ Disturbed, 3 Days Grace, plus The Verve Pipe, Chuck Mead, more

July 17, 2022

Dominated by a packed heavy metal spectacle in Grand Rapids, the West Michigan weekend also boasted shows by Chloe Kimes, The Insiders, The Verve Pipe, Chuck Mead and more. The photo galleries and recaps at Local Spins.

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Author: John Sinkevics

John Sinkevics

Publisher

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Upcoming Shows Hosted by Local Spins

11am FRIDAY NOV. 21 – Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase on WYCE 88.1 FM: Luke Winslow-King

7:30 p.m. FRIDAY NOV. 21 – Local Spins at SpeakEZ Lounge: Laurel Canyon Night II: The Music of The Eagles, The Byrds and Crosby Stills Nash & Young

7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY DEC. 3 – Local Spins at SpeakEZ Lounge: Cold Leather Seats

11am FRIDAY DEC. 5 – Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase on WYCE 88.1 FM: Myron Elkins

7:30 p.m. FRIDAY DEC. 12 – Local Spins at SpeakEZ Lounge: Hot Girls, Wilson Ave

Search localspins.com

Listen to Local Spins Live

Subscribe to Local Spins on YouTube

Follow Local Spins on Twitter

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