GTG FEST XI
Friday and Saturday
7 p.m. to 2 a.m. $5, ages 21 and up
The Avenue, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing
Saturday
1 to 7 p.m.
No cover, all ages
Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing
FRIDAY, SEPT. 7 — This weekend, the Lansing DIY music imprint GTG Records is hosting its yearly live music cavalcade on the Eastside. The festival will see Lansing pop rock mainstays like the Plurals and Hat Madder, but will showcase new GTG recording artists as well.
“One of our bigger new bands this year is Erotic Novels out of Brunswick, New Jersey,” said Isaac Vander Schuur, GTG sound engineer and lead singer of the the Hat Madder.
Coinciding with GTG Fest, Erotic Novels will release their new record Saturday.
“They work really hard and they are a great band. One-half of the record is pop punk and the other half is more melodic alternative indie rock,” he said. “They have a great female lead and she really kills it.”
In its 11th year, GTG fest had humble beginnings in GTG co-founder Tommy McCord’s backyard at his parents house.
Bringing sound gear to the backyard show, Vander Schuur said he met up with McCord and they decided to try to do an actual show of Lansing bands the following year.
“I was running a DIY space in Old Town and we did a festival there,” Vander Schuur said. “Shortly after, we started getting involved with the Avenue and booking shows there. It’s become our second home.”
GTG Records is able to foster local and out of state musicians, because of its hands off approach with artists, Vander Schuur said.
“We believe that the artist is right nine times out of 10. We are not very heavy handed with things. If we get connected with bands that are cool, and we like what they offer, it is a mutually beneficial relationship.”
There are no stringent record contracts signed where the label retains the artist and their intellectual property, Vander Schuur added.
“All of us started doing this because we love what we do, and there is no reason it needs to get stuffy. We keep it light and have fun with it.”
New bands cutting their teeth and seasoned veterans are welcome at the label and show, Vander Schuur said.
“It is all inclusive. If someone really wants to be part of the festival, bands are given the benefit of the doubt and we’ll include them somehow.”
Vander Schuur said hosting local and out of state bands helps GTG reach people outside the 517 area code.
“We get people from out of town, and it offers a good way to show people what we’re doing. We are trying to keep music fun and not over analyzed.”
Movie Night on the River: The Goonies
8 to 11:30 p.m., $22, River Town Adventures, 325 City Market Dr., Lansing
1980s Murder Mystery Night for Gone 2 the Dogs Pet Rescue
5 to 9 p.m., $35, Royal Scot Golf and Bowl, 4722 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing
5 to 8 p.m., Arts Council of Greater Lansing, 1208 Turner St., Lansing
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