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

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Renegade rock night

Attention Lansing bands: The Loft is now hosting Renegade Wednesdays, a weekly showcase for hard rock and metal bands. Tonight, five bands are booked, including MK Ultra Culkin, Hangers On, Dozic and Stockton, and Born. On Oct. 20, Hillside Barrier, Medicine Head, Avenue Sky and Downward Affliction will make some noise. Those planning to attend can also look forward to $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon cans and half off all drinks after 11:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 13 and Oct. 20 @ The Loft 414 East Michigan Ave., Lansing $5 for 21 , $10 under 21 . 8 p.m. doors, 18 Friday, Oct. 8



Surf punk legends Agent Orange invade Mac’s

Southern California’s original punk-surf band Agent Orange heads to Mac’s Bar Thursday for an all-ages show. Since forming in 1979, the influential band has been touring the punk underground. The band is also known for filing a lawsuit against The Offspring (‘90s MTV rockers), which allegedly lifted the guitar riff for the hit song “Come Out and Play” from Agent Orange. Rounding out the lineup at Mac’s is Seized Up, Three Cents Short and The Hexbombs.

Thursday, Oct. 14 @ Mac’s Bar 2700 East Michigan Ave., Lansing $12, all ages, 7 p.m.



Hip hop champions make the (SCENE)

A huge part of hip hop that’s often overlooked is the production side of the genre. On Oct. 21 (SCENE) Metrospace will host Bump Night, a beat battle event that hopes to shed some light on local hip-hop producers. The winner will receive a $200 prize and the competition will be judged by local celebrities.

There will also be special performances from local native and emerging MC Othello, along with top Lansing rapper, P2dahi (formerly known as P.h.i.l.t.h.y.)

Thursday, Oct. 21 Bump in the Night! A Battle of the Beats @ (SCENE) Metrospace 110 Charles St., East Lansing $5, doors at 6:30 p.m., all ages

A ‘Lovely’ CD release show with Mike Vasas With a sound that mixes ‘70s-era Stevie Wonder keys and pop sensibility, Mike Vasas & the Beasts of Burden deliver a jovial and dynamic sound. The band’s sophomore album, “Just Lovely,” will be released Friday at (SCENE) Metrospace.

Vasas also is recording one cover song per day and posting them for free on his blog, www.songsnotbyme.com.

Also set to play the CD release show is Gnome Village, a Lansing indie band with an experimental edge, and The Stick Arounds, a local Big Star-influenced power-pop band.

Friday, Oct. 15 @ (SCENE) Metrospace 110 Charles St., East Lansing $5, all ages, doors at 8 p.m. Visit www.myspace.com/mikevasas


Ten Pound Fiddle’s got the blues

John Latini, a Detroit blues and folk fixture, performs Friday at a Ten Pound Fiddle concert. While he strongly emphasizes the blues, Latini’s love of Hank Williams also shines through in his American roots guitar sound.

Sharing the bill is Paul Miles, a Southfield blues musician who melds Delta blues rhythms with soulful R&B howls. Fans of Lightnin’ Hopkins, Robert Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt may want to check out this show.

Friday Oct. 15 @ Ten Pound Fiddle at Creole Gallery 1218 Turner St., Old Town, Lansing Doors at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. show. $15 public, $12 Fiddle members, $5 students


Green Door’s got soul

With a title like the “Princess of Rockin’ Gospel Blues,” it isn’t hard to guess what sound Sharrie Williams is going for.

The Saginaw native has become an internationally known singer, celebrated for her soulful and powerful vocals.

Williams performs at the Green Door Saturday. Fans of Aretha Franklin, Irma Thomas or Sister Rosetta Tharpe may want to stop by.

Saturday, Oct. 16 @ Green Door 2005 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.



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

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