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

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Blues and booze

For those looking for a night of original bluesy music — with a touch of saxophone — Big Willy might be worth checking out at the Green Door this Thursday. The Lansing band, led by Will Rideoutt (guitar/vocals), is heavily rooted in blues, with a solid dose of old-school rock and soul elements. The band’s debut CD, “King Without a Crown,” is available at its website. Aside from live music, a few other perks of the night include 50 percent off drinks (from 8 to 11 p.m.) and $4 Long Islands and Long Beaches, $5.50 domestic pitchers — and it’s Ladies Night.

Thursday, September 23 @ the Green Door For more information, visit www.greendoorlive.com

Red Swan reunites at B414

Lansing’s Red Swan is reforming for a couple of shows, one of which is a free Turn It Down showcase at Basement 414 on Saturday, Sept. 25. Red Swan formed in 2002 and recorded a debut 7-inch with legendary producer Steve Albini (of Big Black, Rape Man and Shellac; he also recorded Nirvana’s “In Utero”). Last year it was listed in Spin Magazine as an essential “Pigfuck” album. The band, which broke up in 2007, has often been compared to Wisconsin’s Killdozer. Red Swan’s lyrical folklore made it a one-of-a-kind Lansing fixture. Opening the show is the newly re-formed (and synthesizer-heavy) Fun Ender and Chaz Brackx and The Tight Teens.

Saturday, Sept. 25 @ Basement 414. 414 Jay Street, Lansing (take the alley behind Nuthouse Sports bar). FREE, all ages, 8 p.m. Listen to Redswan at www.myspace.com/redswan .

Headbanger’s ball

Oade’s Hidden Camel rarely has a shortage of head banging metal. This Saturday is no exception. Local metal bands Slight Case of Death and Silverspork will both take the stage. Also on the bill: veteran rockers Animal Mother, which formed in 2002. Since then, the band has played its Metallica- and Megadeath-influenced tunes at clubs across the state. The band also has a surprisingly large variety of merch for sale at its website.

Saturday, September 25 @ Oade’s Hidden Camel 1210 S. Washington Avenue, Lansing 21 and over, 9 p.m. Listen to Animal Mother at www.myspace.com/animalmotherrocks

Chi-town electro rock

Progressive pop rockers Oh My God will play Mac’s Bar this Friday. The Chicago-based band mixes electro keyboards and catchy riffs into a radio-friendly blend of high-energy rock. Opening the show is Narc Out the Reds, which is easily one of Lansing’s most energetic bands — think of the Pixies with anger management problems. Narc Out the Reds recently released its debut EP and has a new album on the way. Also on the bill is local indie favorites, Loune.

Friday, Sept. 24 @ Mac’s Bar 2700 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing $10, 18 and over, 9 p.m. Listen to Oh My God at www.myspace.com/ ohmygod

Jam band lights up The Loft

Looking to pack your pipe with a little funky stuff?

Check out jam-rock legends Ekoostik Hookah this Saturday at The Loft. The Ohio-based band specializes in improvisational psychedelic rock ’n’ roll, blues, funk, jazz and bluegrass. Since it formed in 1991 the band has developed a cult following across the country and has opened for the likes of Willie Nelson and Bruce Hornsby. Opening the show is fellow jam band enthusiasts, Tree Hut Kings ( from Ann Arbor)

Saturday, September 25 @ The Loft 414 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing $10 in advance. 18 , 8 p.m. Get your tickets online, at Music Manor or at FBC in East Lansing. Find out more about the band at www.ekoostik.com

If your band has an upcoming show, post it at www.facebook.com/ turnitdown



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