Turn It Down: A survey of Lansing's musical landscape

Cheap Girls hit Mac’s

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Looking for a loud, indie rock show? If so, be sure to check out The Cheap Girls, a Lansing band keeping busy far beyond Michigan. The group has a distinctive, Replacements-tinged sound and has been touring non-stop, while releasing acclaimed records. This Saturday, May 8, the Cheap Girls will perform at Mac’s Bar.

Sharing the bill is Ninja Gun, whose new album “Restless Rubes” was released to rave reviews on blogs, websites and indie magazines across the map. The Georgia-based band blends warm pop music with catchy hooks.

Also set to perform is Stephen Wisniewski (vocals/guitar/banjo) of Empty Orchestra (EO). He will perform stripped-down versions of songs from the band’s set list. EO goes from Tom Waitsinspired crooning to modern, poppy ballads.

Frank & Earnest is also set to make some poppy-punk noise. While the band’s influences range from Blink 182 to Bruce Springsteen, F&E keeps it local by singing about slumlords and drunken nights in Lansing. Also be sure to check out The Casting Out: This Delaware-based band mixes punk and alt-rock with polished modern rock.

@ Mac’s Bar 2700 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing $8 in advance, all ages, 7 p.m.


For those who prefer glow-sticks and turntables over guitars, Lansing is also set on weekly, live electronic music. Mac’s Bar hosts Neon Tuesday every week. The area’s best DJs spin the latest dance tracks to a packed room. Admission is free for 21 and over — just bring your dancing shoes, and money for the bartender.

@ Mac’s Bar 2700 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing FREE for 21 , 18 welcome, 9 p.m.


Looking to perform your music in front of a crowd? Tuesday Night Open- Mic at Dagwood’s might be the place.

The event has been running for three years and performers both local and from as far away as Winnipeg, Manitoba, have taken the stage.

The evenings are hosted by local singer/songwriter Jen Sygit and are open to seasoned musicians as well as newbies. Depending on the night, you could hear folk, blues, bluegrass, old-time, swing, jazz or folk-rock. The event runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Artists sign up for three songs (or 15 minutes, whichever comes first). People are required to bring their own instruments, but a four-channel PA and two microphones are supplied. All types of music welcome.

@ Dagwood’s Tavern & Grill 2803 E. Kalamazoo, Lansing www.myspace.com/tuesdaynightopenmicatdagwoods

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