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

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Brooklyn indie kids headline Mac’s

My Other Friend, a Brooklyn-based indie band, is headlining a rock show this Sunday. Fans of Arcade Fire and A Brief Smile may want to check this female-fronted band out. Opening the show are two local acts. Drinking Mercury, which features members of The Plurals, has been playing shows since 2000. Also sharing the bill is The Playback, a high-energy indie band with a knack for writing epic rockers.

Sunday, Nov. 7 @ Mac’s Bar 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing $5, 18 and over, 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/drinkingmercuryband.


Green Door’s weekly jam

Steppin’ In It plays every Monday from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the Green Door. The four-piece band combines blues, folk and Cajun into one melodic blend of traditional, old time music. Aside from becoming a staple in the Lansing roots scene, the band has toured the country and released a pile of highly acclaimed albums.

Monday, Nov. 8 @ Green Door 2005 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing Free, 21 and over, 9:30 p.m. www.steppininit.com.


James Keelaghan at the Fiddle

The Ten Pound Fiddle, Lansing’s longest-running folk concert series, will feature a performance by James Keelaghan this Friday. Keelaghan is a Canadian singer/ songwriter who combines history lessons and personal experiences in his lyrically clever and poetic folk tunes.

Friday, Nov. 5 @ Ten Pound Fiddle-Unitarian Universalist Church 855 Grove St., East Lansing Gate opens at 7 p.m., doors open at 7:30 p.m., 8 pm show. Tickets $15 public, $12 Fiddle members, $5 students. www.tenpoundfiddle.org


Astronomical indie folk

(SCENE) Metrospace, an art gallery and music venue in downtown East Lansing, will feature a performance by Carter Moulton, an East Lansing folk singer and Michigan State University student. His mellow tunes could be compared to Simon and Garfunkel and an array of newer indiefolk balladeers. Since “Rain, Dear,” Moulton’s debut in 2009, he has released “In a Room: An Instrumental EP” and “School Boy,” both this year.

Bigger Brush Media is set to release his upcoming album, “Astronomical,” in the near future. Also set to perform are Jeff Pianki and Joe Hertler.

Thursday, Nov. 4 @ (SCENE) Metrospace 110 Charles St., East Lansing Doors at 8 p.m., music by 9 p.m. $5, all ages www.cartermoulton.com

Want to party like its 1929? The Ten Pound Fiddle keeps the party going on Saturday with its first ever Saturday Contra Dance. The old-fashioned, energetic form of dancing features a “caller” who calls out the next move. The Ten Pound Fiddle website suggests dancers wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to twirl; no partner necessary.

The caller is Don Theyken and the band is Rhythm Billies.

Beginners lessons begin at 7:30 p.m. Public $9, Fiddle members $8, students and first time dancers get in for $4.

Saturday, Nov. 6 @ Ten Pound Fiddle-Central United Methodist Church 215 North Capitol Avenue Lansing All ages, 8 p.m. www.tenpoundfiddle.org


Guitar guru at Pump House

Mark Stuart sold out the Pump House with his wife, Stacey Earle, in 2009. Now he returns to his roots as a solo artist this Friday.

Stuart blends Americana with touches of blues, rock, folk and country. A Nashville native, Stuart recently recorded a new solo album, “Left of Nashville.” The venue hosting the show, The Pump House, is a neighborhood-run listening room located in the heart of the Bailey Neighborhood in East Lansing. It is a converted water-pumping house built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s.

Friday, Nov. 5 @ Pump House Concerts 368 Orchard St., East Lansing $10 suggested donation, all money goes to artists, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

www.myspace.com/pumphouseconcerts


Ladies first at Mic Club

The Mic Club is a long-running Lansing hip-hop showcase. Formerly staged at Mac’s Bar, its new home is at Level II Ultra Lounge. This Friday Mic Club will host “Ladies First,” a female-heavy R&B and rap roster hosted by Jewelz and SINcere. Set to perform is LyricLee (opening act at 2010 Common Ground), Yung Nando, Ricky V, Mz Smitty, Lady V and Kiah. Also on the set to make some noise is BGC, SINcere, Omega, DJ Enyce and more.

Friday, Nov. 5 @ Level II Ultra Lounge 6810 S. Cedar St., Lansing $7, 18 and over, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. www.myspace.com/micclubnights

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

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