It is with equal parts sadness and joy that I close one chapter today and dive into new writing adventures.
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West Michigan's music scene
After 31 years at The Grand Rapids Press, nearly half of that covering West Michigan’s music scene and national touring acts, I’m testing my musical passions elsewhere and putting down footprints in a new direction.
Today, however, I’m also looking back wistfully on the amazing run I’ve enjoyed, from all those compelling interviews with legendary stars to nutty concert experiences and more. It’s all there in my final column for The Grand Rapids Press which you can read on MLive.com by clicking here.
Hey, I’m rolling on: I’ll write a monthly music column and stories for REVUE Magazine, which readers will see starting in February, and will continue to follow Grand Rapids-area music developments on my blog here at www.localspins.com, along with commentary on the national scene.
Also, I’ll talk music at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays with Tony Gates, Michelle McKormick and Ed “Uncle Buck” Buchanan on WLAV-FM (96.9) and continue my “Local Spins Live” segment at 10:05 a.m. every Wednesday on News Talk 1340 AM (WJRW), when I spotlight a different local band or singer-songwriter each week. The featured act performs a song on the air and videos of those exclusive in-studio performances get posted here at localspins.com.
It’s all just a fresh extension of my love for music, old-school journalism in the new digital world, and off-the-cuff commentary on the way-too-wacky entertainment scene. It’s something to which I’m devoted even as I explore and seek other professional opportunities.
So, in Bob Seger fashion, “here I am, on the road again …” and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
Email: jsinkevics@gmail.com
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao-tzu
Although this is the popular form of this quotation, a more correct translation from the original Chinese would be “The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet.” Rather than emphasizing the first step, Lau Tzu regarded action as something that arises naturally from stillness. Another potential phrasing would be “Even the longest journey must begin where you stand.
Much success to you, my friend! You can count on my support, out of gratitude for all you have done and will continue to do for my beloved West Michigan music scene!
Thanks again for all the back pats and warm wishes from so many of you as word has gotten out. It may be a cliche, but everything happens for a reason and I’m looking ahead with optimism to 2012. I’m hoping many of you who check out this blog will subscribe for email updates and check back in regularly. Thanks!
John,
You will be missed by me personally and all of us here at The Intersection. I know we will work together many more times, and I look forward to where this new chapter in your life takes the local music scene. Please know that your footprint on the music scene in Grand Rapids does not go unnoticed by those of us in the industry who bust our butts to bring that same good music to the area. You are the one that gets the word out to all the good people around GR and for that I truly appreciate all your hard work. And in this digital age, like you mentioned, please let us all not forget there is a face behind the keyboard and that face is someone like John….someone who actually takes the time to go out and see the band’s meet the people and write the words…
A most groovy Web site Sink. Looks to me like a promising new venture and venue for your gifts. Very nice send-off column in The Press today too. Although I was looking for the comment from the AC/DC fanaticker in the Netherlands who told you to go back to “your loser apartment with your gay Honeytones!” Now that one hurt.
Carry on my friend. It’s a long and winding road, and you’ve just taken a very interesting turn!
Charley
You are awesome John. Best wishes in the next phase. LAS
Holy ** 31 years? Thanks for your reviews and “go have fun”!