%u2028Kongos has its roots in South Africa and London, but the band, which headlines an all-ages show at the Loft, is based in Phoenix these days. The folk-rock group is composed of four brothers who are the sons of songwriter John Kongos (who scored a hit in 1971 with “He’s Gonna Step on You Again”). Kongos formed in 2007; its “Lunatic” LP debuted in 2012. That record produced the “I’m Only Joking” single, which topped the South African charts. The follow-up single, “Come with Me Now,” has sold over 70,000 copies. The popularity of the band’s debut led to a deal with Epic Records in January 2014. Opening The Loft show are Brick & Mortar and Flint Eastwood.%u2028
Monday, June 23 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages, $20, $17 adv., 7 p.m.
Big Willy at the Green Door - Thur. June 19
Michigan blues-rocker band Big Willy plays Thursday at the Green Door Blues Bar & Grill. Big Willy plays a high-energy blend of howling vocals, blistering guitar and saxophone licks. The band, led by songwriter and vocalist Will Rideoutt, has opened for the likes of Tab Benoit, Smokin’ Joe Kubek and B’nois King, the Deadstring Brothers and Larry McCray. Big Willy has performed at festivals around the state, as well as at local events like the Old Town BluesFest. The band’s 2009 debut album, “King Without a Crown,” was recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Glenn Brown. In September 2012, Big Willy released its latest full-length album, “Out for Trouble.” The disc is stocked with blues, classic American rock, and Stax Records-style soul. %u2028
Thursday, June 19 @ Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing, 21 , $3 for ladies night, 8:30 p.m.
Left Lane Cruiser at The Avenue Café%u2028 - Sat. June 21st
The blues-tinged rock ‘n’ roll duo Left Lane Cruiser is fronted by vocalist/guitarist Freddie J IV. Backing him is drummer Brenn “Sausage Paw” Beck, who also plays harmonica. The Fort Wayne-based band is signed to Alive Natural Sound Records and has released six LPs, the most recent being 2013’s “Rock Them Back to Hell.” Left Lane Cruiser signed to Alive Records in 2007; a year later the band toured Europe for the first time and dropped its first album, “Bring Yo’ Ass to the Table,” which showcases the band’s foot-stomping, Fat Possum Records-style of primitive blues-rock. Since then, the pair has toured rigorously, sharing stages with artists such as Robert Belfour, Black Diamond Heavies and Chris Cotton.
Saturday, June 21 @ The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 18 , $10, 9 p.m.
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