TURN IT DOWN: A survey of Lansing's musical landscape

Local punk scene veteran Chaz Brackx (formerly of The Chirps) filmed a promotional video for a Chaz Brackx & the Tight Teens show at Mac’s Bar; it stirred up some controversy among Lansing musicians after it was posted on the Turn it Down Facebook page (it’s still posted for those interested).

Perhaps the title of the video “Chaz Brackx declares war on Lansing music scene” had something to do with the array of conflicting viewpoints posted in the comments section by resident rockers.

In the video Brackx uses a professional wrestling style of smack talk, saying, “This is a war against what’s become a stale, soulless music scene that’s merely a shell of its former self and nowhere near where it should be. It’s going to be a lot like the Civil War — and you better make sure you’re on the right side.”

For those interested in checking out his style of Buddy Holly and Dale Hawkins-inspired stompers, be sure to get to Mac’s Bar early on Thursday, when the band is opening a show for Black Actress, a high-energy, Chicago punk band. Go Go Yugo, a Lansing rock-n-roll band, will also make some noise.

@ Mac’s Bar 2700 East Michigan Ave, Lansing 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19 $5, 18 www.myspace.com/chazbrackxmusic

Black metal typically doesn’t stray too far from its bloody roots, but Tombs seems to blend psychedelic and alternative influences into its mix quite seamlessly.

On Saturday, the Brooklyn-based band will shake the stage at Mac’s Bar. Tombs, which is signed to Relapse Records, recently released “Winter Hours,” a hypnotically layered album.

Opening the show is Cavalcade, a Lansing band that may have invented the genre of “weird metal” after the release of its bizarre debut album "Into Bolivian." The band, which includes members of The Cartridge Family, was recently featured on a compilation on House Core Records, a label owned and operated by Phil Anselmo, former lead singer of Pantera — a huge accomplishment for any true metalhead.

The show will also feature Planks and Omnia Discordia.

@ Mac’s Bar 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 $10, 18 www.myspace.com/tombsbklyn

Heres a quick heads-up for pop-punk enthusiasts. The Ataris are set to perform at Macs Bar on Sept. 11.

Since it formed in 1995 the band has recorded five melodic punk albums for labels such as Fat Wreck and Columbia Records. Today, the band maintains a dedicated following across the globe.

The early show will feature openers Gasoline Heart (Florida) and Lansing poppy punks Frank and Earnest, The Guest Stars and Epic Fail.

@ Mac’s Bar 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 $8 advance, all ages www.myspace.com/theataris