Touch of silver

New York-based pop band AJR will perform on the Capitol steps at 8 p.m. Friday. The pop/doo-wop group — made up of brothers Adam, Jack and Ryan Met — is best known for the 2013 hit “I’m Ready,” which samples “Spongebob Squarepants” catchphrase. Before play on the radio, the trio busked in New York until they were discovered via Twitter by Australian pop star Sia Furler. It’s been non-stop ever since.

“Our music has taken us around the world,” said Adam Metzger. “It’ll be our first time performing in Lansing, and we’re really excited about it.”

But despite the obvious teenage demographic that the evening’s musical offering might intend to draw, Silver Bells always tries to cast a wide net. The evening starts at 6 p.m. with the Electric Light Parade. This year boasts 77 floats — the largest number in 30 years — as well as marching bands, horse-drawn carriages and Santa Claus himself. And Disney fans are in for a treat: The parade welcomes a surprise Disney character straight from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, serving as the parade’s grand marshal.

A community sing-a-long of Christmas favorites “Silver Bells” and “Joy to the World” will follow the parade at 7:20 p.m., led by the Larry Callahan and Selected of God Choir. The group performed at the 2011 Super Bowl and won an Emmy award for its appearance in the “Born of Fire: Imported from Detroit” commercial.

From there your lungs won’t catch a break for the rest of the evening. At 7:35 p.m., the annual lighting of the tree will commence followed by a fireworks display over the Capital dome.

Starting at 5 p.m. and running throughout the evening will be the Silver Bells Village. Located on the 100 block of Allegan Street between Washington Square and Grand Avenue, guests can purchase refreshments, get a head start on their holiday shopping with the holiday crafts for sale and purchase a 2014 Silver Bells Commemorative ornament.

And since Lansing is going big for Silver Bell’s 30th, activities will carry on throughout the weekend. A 5k walk/ run will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday. Participants are encouraged to wear their most stunning holiday contest and come ready to run as prizes and awards will be given out for looks and speed. Santa will have breakfast with his adoring fans at Troppo from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. To register for the 5K, go to runsignup.com/silverbells.

More than 80,000 people attended Silver Bells in the City last year, and with the event going 30 years strong, you can probably expect that number to grow.

—BETH WALDON & JONATHAN GRIFFITH

Silver Bells in the City

5-9 p.m. Friday Nov. 21 Downtown Lansing silverbellsinthecity.org

SATURDAY, NOV. 22 >> SAINTSENECA AT MAC’S BAR

Ohio’s multi-faceted outfit Saintseneca takes the stage of Mac’s Bar on Saturday to deliver its foot stomping brand of folk rock. The band is in the third leg of its tour supporting the full-length album, “Dark Arc.” The new album has been making waves since its release in April, garnering the band appearances on NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts” and most recently Seattle’s KEXP radio. Saintseneca was formed in 2008 by front man and Ohio native Zac Little. Little and his band mates employ a large wheelhouse of instruments, lending to Saintsenica’s rich and diverse sound. 8 p.m. $12, $10 adv. Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) (517) 484-6795, macsbar.com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 22 >> TASTE OF DIMONDALE

You can get a taste of what Dimondale has to offer at the Taste of Dimondale event. For $10, you get 10 tastes from businesses around the city. All participants will receive a goodie bag, and have a chance to sample of all the local pizza, subs, desserts and ciders. There will also be a home craft show, farmers market, holiday sounds from Water Wonderland Chorus and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the end of the event. Noon-5 p.m. $10. Downtown Dimondale. (517) 646-0230.

SUNDAY, NOV. 23 >> THEATRE ORGAN POPS CONCERT

Justin Stahl will play the historical Barton Theatre pipe organ at the Grand Ledge Opera House on Sunday. While Stahl plays the 87-year-old instrument, there will be a screening of the 1929 silent comedy “Big Business” to go with its tunes. This pairing of silent film and organ was common in the 1920s before movies had sound. 3 p.m. $12/$15 door. Grand Ledge Opera House. 121 S. Bridge St., Grand Ledge. (517) 394-9881, lto-pops.org.

SUNDAY, NOV. 23 >> BREAKING BREAD WITH THE BLUES

A full dinner table is a luxury not enjoyed by everyone, and many people go hungry every winter. The Capital Area Blues Society is holding a night of blues to raise money and contribute items for the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items. Music from Red Herring, Calling Dr. West featuring Gina Garner, the Rotations, Those Delta Rhythm Kings and Harper and Midwest Kind. 3-8 p.m. $10 and a food item. Green Door Bar & Grill, 2005 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. greaterlansingfoodbank.org.

TUESDAY, NOV. 25 >> “FUTURE RETURNS” DOCUMENTARY FILMS SERIES: “FLOOD”

“Flood” is the first in a five-part documentary series at the Broad Art Museum. This film looks at how China deals with water conservancy and flooding prevention, and is tied to “Future Returns,” the Broad’s recent exhibition about Chinese art. This movie was directed by Dong Jun; there will be a conversation after the screening. 7 p.m. FREE. Broad Art Museum, 547 E. Circle Drive, East Lansing. (517) 884-4800, broadmuseum.msu.edu.

MONDAY, NOV. 24 >> BEER AND SOUP PAIRING AT REO TOWN PUB

Lending further evidence to the argument that beer goes great with everything, the suds appreciation group I’m a Beer Hound hosts a beer and soup pairing event at REO Town Pub. The event includes soups from Soup Spoon Café and beers from the Arbor Brewing Co. 4-oz. beer and 3-oz. soup pairings will include Red Snapper Roasted Pale Ale with Seafood Chowder, Violin Monster with Butternut Squash, Jackhammer Old Ale with Chorizo Chile and more. 7 p.m. REO Town Pub, 1145 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. (517) 485-4863, imabeerhound.com.