Turn it down

While Clarence “Blowfly” Reid’s songwriting career started in the 1960s, it wasn’t until his 1971 LP, “The Weird World of Blowfly” that his cult following began to grow. His sexually explicit songs and parodies, performed in a flashy mask and cape, range from “Shittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” to raunchy originals like “Porno Freak.” Friday, the 75-year-old performer headlines at the Avenue Café; opening is the All American Funk Parade. Blowfly’s proto-rap catalog of over 40 LPs has influenced legendary acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kool Keith, Old Dirty Bastard and 2 Live Crew. But Blowfly’s dirty and diverse career includes more than a dozen “clean” albums as well, and he’s penned songs for the likes of K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Betty Wright and Sam and Dave. Over the years his songs have been sampled by Jurassic 5, Ice Cube, Atmosphere and P. Diddy.

The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 9 p.m. $10/$8 adv. 18 , Friday, Sept. 19

Sunset Club reunion at The Loft, Saturday, Sept. 20

Lansing-based indie band the Sunset Club reunites for the first time in two years Saturday at the Loft. Openers are Annika Maschke (East Lansing-based songwriter), the Eric Robins Experience Attacks (featuring the former guitarist of Elliot Street Lunatic) and Blue Mountain Belle (Detroit-based indie folk). The Sunset Club began as a solo project by founding member Jory Stultz (vocals/piano), whose influences include Elvis Costello, Arcade Fire and Muse. Stultz has been gigging as a solo artist since the band’s hiatus. The full group formed in winter 2011 and began gigging across mid-Michigan. The band is Stultz, Phil Colgan (bass), Will McCullough (guitar, production), Chris Daley (drums) and Meagan Earls (back-up vocals/percussion). The Sunset Club’s music is streaming at thesunsetclub.bandcamp.com.

the Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 6 p.m. $8/$6 adv. All ages, Saturday, Sept. 20

Acme Jam Company at Front 43, Sept. 20

Acme Jam Company, a local blues, R&B and funk band, plays its first show Saturday after taking a sevenyear break. The show will be part of the grand opening at Front 43 Neighborhood Pub, a new bar north of Frandor at the Saginaw and Grand River split. The band, which formed in 1997, is known for its distinctive soulful sound. It specializes in Motown-flavored tunes, complete with smoking-tight grooves, five singers and blistering guitar work. The band’s members are music scene veterans Jerome Edmonson (drums), Sweetsie Edmonson (bass), Steve Frarey (guitar) and Stan “the Guitarman” Budzynski playing his signature slide guitar. Sitting in is guest vocalist Kathy Engen. The band plays until 12:30 a.m.; food and drink specials start at 6 p.m.

Front 43, 3415 E. Saginaw St., Lansing. 8:30 p.m. FREE. Saturday, Sept. 20