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A survey of Lansing's musical landscape

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Slick Rick at The Loft - Friday, April 25

Hip-hop icon Slick Rick (real name Richard Walters) headlines his first American tour since his highly publicized immigration case. The Loft show features openers DJ Ruckus, Josef Coney Island, Rafa’el De La Ghetto, Ozay Moore and Ward Skillz. Rick, 49, was born in London but immigrated to the U.S. in 1977 where his family settled in the Bronx. In 1988, he released the classic rap album “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.” In 1999 he released the acclaimed LP, “The Art of Storytelling”; the disc featured high profile fans such as Nas and Outkast. Known for his narrative style, Rick’s signature track “La Di Da Di” has been heavily sampled, even covered by Snoop Dogg on his “Doggystyle” album.

The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 18 , $30, $22 adv., 8 p.m., Friday, April 25.



Hidden Agenda at Green Door - Thursday, April 24.

Since local four-piece variety band Hidden Agenda formed 20 years ago, it has played hundreds of gigs across the state. Darin Larner (vocals/guitar) retired from the Lansing Police Department in 2008, but he’s back to work as a desk officer at the Grand Ledge Police Department. The band, which also includes Russ Olson (vocals/guitar), Matt Grandstaff (vocals/bass guitar) and Bernie Hartley (vocals/drums), released its recent album, “Decade,” available on CD and through iTunes. The LP is a fiery mix of original country, rock and blues. The band plays Thursday at the Green Door; the band also plays at 8 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion in Grand Ledge as a benefit for Grand Ledge Police Officer Jason Gooley.

Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. $3, 8:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24.



Celtic Fiddle Festival - Friday, April 25

MSU’s Community Music School, hosts the 20th annual Celtic Fiddle Festival. The Boston Herald described its sound as “three sensational fiddlers from three distinct Celtic traditions,” and The Washington Post praised the trio as “three of the finest folk violinists anywhere.” The group features Irish music star Kevin Burke, renowned French fiddler Christian Lemaitre and Quebecois musician Andre Brunet. The evening showcases musical traditions and the members’ wit and spontaneous humor. Throughout the evening, each plays a solo set and then collaborates as a group. The Irish Times said, “they ricochet through everything from magnificent Quebecois tunes to Breton marches to the Irish tradition.”

Ten Pound Fiddle – MSU Community Music School, 4930 S. Hagadorn Road, East Lansing. $20/$18 members/$5 students. 8 p.m., Friday, April 25.

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