Turn it down

A survey of Lansing's musical landscape

Posted
Greater Lansing Food Bank Benefit, Saturday, Jan. 31

Not all rock shows are organized solely to benefit musicians’ egos. The annual Greater Lansing Food Bank Benefit, now in its fifth year, has become an institution in the Lansing rock scene. The event features live music by local indie and alt-rock bands while also collecting grub for the food bank. Attendees who donate a non-perishable food item save $2 off admission. One of the performers is Jackpine Snag, a doomy grunge-blues band featuring guitarist/vocalist Joe Hart, bassist Jason Roedel and drummer Todd Karinen. Karinen is also the founder and organizer of the event. Joining the line-up for this year’s concert at the Avenue Café is Frank and Earnest, Lovey Dovey, Off the Ledge and Damn Van Cannibals. Lovey Dovey features drummer Hattie Danby who locals may recognize from other bands like the Plurals, the Break-Ups and Calliope.

The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 18 , $7, $5 with donation, 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31



Mid-Winter Singing Festival, Friday, Jan. 30-Saturday, Jan. 31

Hundreds of voices will join together in song as the Ten Pound Fiddle presents the 13th annual Mid-Winter Singing Festival. In February 2008 The New York Times praised the harmonious festival as “a slow-going, folkish appreciation of American vernacular culture.” All skill levels are welcome to belt it out at this two-day event at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing. The master of ceremonies is Bob Blackman, former host of WKAR’s long-running program, “The Folk Tradition.” Friday night’s song leaders are Joel Mabus, Anne Hills, Frank Youngman and Mark Dvorak. Dan Chouinard, who will bring popular songs and showtunes from the 1920s through today, leads Saturday night’s festivities. In addition to the two evening community sings, the festival also hosts a free children’s concert at 11 a.m. and six singing workshops from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Hannah Community Center, 819 N. Abbot Road, East Lansing. www.singingfestival.com, Friday, Jan. 30-Saturday, Jan. 31




Kim Vi and the Siblings at Mac´s Bar, 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31

Composed entirely of MSU College of Music students, Kim Vi and the Siblings is known for its jazz-fusion brand of pop music. The group, which headlines an all-ages show Saturday at Mac’s Bar, is led by Vietnamese- American songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kim Vi. After learning the ropes from local jazz greats like Rodney Whitaker and Randy Gelispie, the band developed its own unique sound that blends rock, hip hop, gospel, and Latin American music. At times, its jazzy flavor is reminiscent of classic bands like Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears and Weather Report. Opening the show is Desmond Jones, an East Lansing-based jazz-fusion band with influences ranging from Phish to Charles Mingus. Also performing are Bennett, a Grand Rapidsbased folk-pop group, and singer/songwriter Stefanie Haapala.

Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages, $12, $10 adv., 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here




Connect with us