Writing Samples
This is a collection of some of my best published work. Most of it was written for one of two daily Michigan papers: the Jackson Citizen Patriot and the Times Herald in Port Huron.
Due to some wonky website updates, the linked pages for a few of the Jackson stories have someone else's byline at the top, but I promise you, I wrote each and every one of these stories.
If you find a broken link, please feel free to report it by sending an e-mail to me at bill [at] billchapin.net.
Journalism
Other writing
Music
"Laurel District to celebrate diversity with music festival, dance tournament," Oakland Local, June 24, 2011.
"Styx wins over fans new and old at the Jackson County Fair," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Aug. 12, 2010.
"Of Montreal a real group effort: Indie rock band debuting new material Sunday at Land of Nod Experiment in Leoni Township," Jackson Citizen Patriot, July 22, 2010.
"Full Q&A with Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes on upcoming album, performance at Land of Nod Experiment," mlive.com, July 21, 2010.
Albums of the Aughts, a year-long series profiling my favorite albums of 2000-2009, mlive.com, Jan. 4-Dec. 20, 2009.
"The Oak Ridge Boys are making third trip in four years to Jackson Community College," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Dec. 2, 2009.
"Sponge and lead singer Vinnie Dombroski set to make noise at HogsPalace," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Aug. 19, 2009.
"Raven-Symone takes the stage Friday night at the Jackson County Fair," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Aug. 13, 2009.
"Little Big Town is ready to capitalize on its country music successes," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Aug. 6, 2009.
"Live music a hard sell: Fewer venues available for bands and fans; several area businesses that hosted live bands have closed their doors," Jackson Citizen Patriot, July 26, 2009.
"Area guitar makers get to see -- and hear -- the fruits of their labor," Jackson Citizen Patriot, June 28, 2009 (with video).
"Archivist leaving Albion College for job at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," Jackson Citizen Patriot, May 20, 2009.
"All that jazz: Jackson jazz legend Benny Poole celebrates his 80th birthday," Jackson Citizen Patriot, May 3, 2009.
"Ring in the rock: New Year's Eve show at Michigan Theatre to feature Saving Abel," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Dec. 25, 2008.
"New era for Loggins: Hitmaker from the '70s and '80s finds new fans," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Oct. 9, 2008.
"JSO conducting a plan for the future," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Feb. 10, 2008.
Visual arts
"Camp-themed art installation at Albion College brings the great outdoors indoors," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Aug. 31, 2010.
"'Millstones' at Armory Arts Village uses dance and art to explore themes of conflict," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Aug. 25, 2010.
"'Michigan Comics' exhibit at Ella Sharp Museum showcases artists from around the state," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Aug. 11, 2010.
"Civil War is focus of exhibits at Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History," Jackson Citizen Patriot, July 3, 2010.
"Art exhibit at The Bon Ton Room in Jackson was inspired by B-52's song,"Jackson Citizen Patriot, March 4, 2010.
"Arts and Cultural Alliance of Jackson works to rescue mural at old Consumers Energy headquarters," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Jan. 23, 2010.
"Holiday shopping can help boost income for Jackson artists," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Dec. 14, 2009.
"Sculpture an asset or an eyesore? Arts official says Jackson is fortunate to have Summer Night Tree," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Nov. 29, 2009.
"Don't be alarmed: The walking balloon is artist Jimmy Kuehnle,"Jackson Citizen Patriot, Oct. 19, 2009.
"Birds I View: Traveling exhibit of avian artwork by naturalist John James Audubon to land at Ella Sharp Museum," Jackson Citizen Patriot, May 31, 2009.
"‘Beauty in the blight’: Exhibit celebrating Heidelberg Project from inner city Detroit makes its way to Ella Sharp," Jackson Citizen Patriot, March 4, 2009.
"Artists behind bars," Jackson Citizen Patriot, March 30, 2008.
"Scultore Americano: Jackson native sculpts large-scale monument in Florence, Italy," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Feb. 10, 2008.
Theater
"Founder Jeff Daniels gets the last laugh as Purple Rose Theatre Company begins 20th season," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Oct. 13, 2010.
"'Young Frankenstein' coming to East Lansing's Wharton Center," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Jan. 27, 2010.
"Purple Rose Theatre's success a tough act in difficult economic times," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Dec. 25, 2009.
Film
"Locals with links to Hollywood," Jackson Citizen Patriot, March 7, 2010.
"Film casts, crews bring productions to Jackson," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Oct. 2, 2009.
"Jackson County prison has new role in filmmaking industry," Jackson Citizen Patriot, June 11, 2009.
"'Repo! The Genetic Opera' coming to Jackson's Michigan Theatre," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Jan. 20, 2009.
General features
"Jack Town Rollers getting ready for roller derby battles," Jackson Citizen Patriot, April 11, 2010.
"Knowledge is always on the menu at Science Cafe lectures," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Nov. 16, 2009.
"So bad it's creepy," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Oct. 26, 2008.
"After a motorcycle accident nearly took her life, artist Carol Kent is starting to heal and is thankful for … A Second Chance," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Nov. 26, 2007.
"A need for others: U-M commencement speaker faced hurdles after accident," Times Herald, April 29, 2007.
"An American Family: The Medranos make it big in Redbook for redefining 'normal,'" Times Herald, Nov. 19, 2006.
News/investigative
"San Francisco will make America’s Cup more accessible to fans, organizers emphasize at celebratory City Hall event," posted to my blog, All The City Lights, Jan. 11, 2011.
"Financial woes put squeeze on arts in Jackson area," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Sept. 19, 2010.
"American Civil Liberties Union officials send letter to Jackson Public Schools advising them not to advertise Christian rock concert during daytime assemblies," Jackson Citizen, April 21, 2010.
"A City for Artists," Jackson Citizen Patriot, March 23, 2010.
"Since July 2008 charities in Jackson have made more than $1 million at Hot Rods Poker Room," Jackson Citizen Patriot, Feb. 21, 2010.
"'Just mind-boggling,'" Jackson Citizen Patriot, Jan. 23, 2010.
"Seven injured in Hanover Township crash: Five medical helicopters took victims to Ann Arbor," Jackson Citizen Patriot, June 27, 2009.
"A Community in Crisis: Armory Arts Village artists fear project is losing focus," (double byline with Fredericka Paul), Jackson Citizen Patriot, Dec. 21, 2008.
"Murder appeal reaches court: Man convicted of 1987 killing may get second look," Times Herald, March 12, 2007.
Business/Tech
"The GSA Scandal Hangover," Smart Meetings, June 2012.
"Jackson resident David Buchanan hosts podcast called 'The iPad Show,'" Jackson Citizen Patriot, June 6, 2010.
"Wind power finds Thumb home: Construction delayed, but Sanilac wind farm gets OK," Times Herald, Sept. 7, 2007.
"The Auto Zone: 7 things you don't want to miss at the car show," Times Herald, Jan. 12, 2007.
"Snooze Alarm: Suppliers wake up to the dangers of drowsy drivers," Automotive News, March 6, 2000.
Columns/blogs
"'Lost' fans can say goodbye to the TV series Sunday night at the Michigan Theatre," Jackson Citizen Patriot, May 20, 2010.
"'Art Museum Toilet Museum of Art' Web site inspires look at Jackson's own potty collection," Plugged In blog, mlive.com, Feb. 11, 2009.
"Jackson at the Movies No. 2: 'Jacktown,'" mlive.com, Oct. 14, 2008.
"You learn a lot as a VIP: Chance to meet star proves to be a lesson in what not to eat," Times Herald, March 2, 2007.
"Bar tour reveals hidden gems," Times Herald, July 1, 2004.
Copywriting
"Siluria Technologies Attracts $20 Million for Technology Platform That Puts Methane to Use in Production of Fuels and Chemicals, Providing an Abundant, Sustainable Alternative to Oil," revised press release, Sept. 27, 2011.
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