Turn it Down: A survey of Lansing’s musical landscape

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TURN IT DOWN

Etta James’ guitar player at Leroy’s

Blues guitarist extraordinaire Bobby Murray played guitar for Etta James for 25 years and recorded with B.B. King and T-Bone Walker. On Friday, the Bobby Murray Band performs at Leroy’s Classic Bar & Grill.

Now living in Detroit, Murray has appeared with Albert Collins, Taj Mahal, Otis Rush, Robert Cray and Junior Wells, to name a few. He’s also had music featured on HBO’s "The Sopranos," and he’s performed on "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "Austin City Limits."

Friday, Jan. 14 @ Leroy’s Classic Bar & Grill, 1526 S. Cedar St., Lansing,$5, 21 and over, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.


BMP hosts release show at Mac’s

Bermuda Mohawk Productions is set to host a record release show for Shores, a Grand Rapids duo on No Idea Records. The show is set for Thursday, Jan. 20 at Mac’s Bar.

Shores features Brian Przybylski (guitar, vocals, bass) and John Massel (of North Lincoln fame) on drums. The pair has been compared to the “slowcore” movement of the mid-‘90s. The new album, “Coup de Grace,” is stocked with downbeat melodies, dreamy sounds and elegant guitars.

The band has already recorded a second album titled “To Volstead,” which No Idea Records plans to release this spring. Also set to perform is Morrow (Bloomington, Ind.), Charles the Osprey (Grand Rapids) and Nocturnal Aviators in Action (Lansing).

Thursday, Jan. 20 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., $7, 18 and over, Doors 7 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m.


Totally awesome ‘80s cover band

For those who miss the days when Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and Simple Minds ruled the airwaves and MTV, Starfarm might be your new favorite cover band. Lovers of ‘80s hits can catch them Saturday at the Green Door. The band plays a wide variety of hits from the glory days of new wave and pop radio. Starfarm, which plays weekly area shows, is based in East Lansing and has been performing since November 2001. Starfarm features co-lead vocalist Whitney Spotts and Slammin’ Danny, creating a dynamic blend of female/male vocals.

Saturday, Jan. 15 @ Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave., $5 21 and over, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.


Detroit DJ John Johr spins into The Loft

John Johr, who is set to spin at The Loft Saturday, began his career as a DJ in 1999 after drawing inspiration from the sounds of early Detroit techno and house. His sets today blend house, tech house, minimal, and Detroit techno. Johr’s status in the electronic music scene began to rise when he produced Input/Output, which is one of Detroit’s longest running weekly electronic music events.

In the fall of 2009 John went overseas for his first tour of Europe, where he performed in Berlin, Munich and Zurich. Also spinning is an all star cast of Lansing DJs, including Rob Perry, Noah Desmit and Juan Trevino.

Saturday, Jan. 15 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave.,$5 advance, $7 for 21 , $10 for 18 , Doors 9 p.m.


Amy Speace at Pump House

Born in Baltimore and raised in small-town Pennsylvania, Amy Speace made her way into music after moving to New York City.

Speace, who plays the Pump House Sunday, made her solo debut with the 2002 release “Fable,” recorded with $5,000 donated by fans and released on her own Twangirl label. After playing a gig at the SXSW music industry festival, Judy Collins’ manager brought Speace to the attention of Collins, who signed her to her Wildflower label.

Speace’s debut for the label, “Songs for Bright Street,” received warm praise from critics. Her new album, “The Killer In Me,” is out now.

Sunday, Jan. 16 @ Pump House, 368 Orchard St., $10 suggested donation, all money goes to the artist; children are FREE, 7 p.m.


Laugh with Lavin at Ten Pound Fiddle

Christine Lavin will make a stop at the Ten Pound Fiddle Friday, Jan. 21. Lavin is midway through a special tour celebrating 25 years of humorous yet poignant shows.

Lavin is a singer/songwriter living in New York. She has recorded 20 solo albums, her latest being “Cold Pizza for Breakfast.” She performs concerts all over America, Canada, and as far away as Australia, Germany and Israel — and she hosts knitting circles backstage prior to each show.

Friday Jan. 21 @ Ten Pound Fiddle — Unitarian Universalist Church , 855 Grove St., East Lansing, all ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $15 general admission, $12 members, $5 for students. www.tenpoundfiddle.org


Cops and robbers party at Chrome Cat

The Chrome Cat is celebrating its second year of serving the gay community in Old Town with a special event this Saturday. The venue will host comedian Mimi Gonzalez and musician Sista Otis, plus the House Divas. The theme is "Cops & Robbers," due to a recent break-in the bar experienced on New Years Day. Cover is free if you are dressed as a cop or a robber.

Saturday, Jan. 15 @ The Chrome Cat, 226 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing, $8 for 18 and over, $5 for 21 and up, but FREE if you dress as cop or robber, 8 p.m.

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