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

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Halloween costume party in January? Yup.

Blackened Moon Concert Hall, one of the city’s newest live music venues, is hosting a night of indie acts this Friday — and its also a Halloween party.

Attendees are asked to wear a spooky or fun costume, although it’s not required. Taking the stage is a roster of locals, including Rob Johnson, Waldo, Nick Strong, The Sunset Club, Some Polish Girl and Mountain Nobility.

Friday Jan. 28 @ Blackened Moon Concert Hall, 3208 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing, all ages, 6 p.m., $6.


Lansing rock bands unite for indie documentary

A roster of local rock bands are set to play a benefit show Saturday at Mac’s Bar.

The show is raising funds for a documentary about Karp, a defunct Washington-based band that reflected the sounds of the Melvins and Black Sabbath. “Karp Lives: A Documentary Film About a Band Called Karp” traces the band’s career, which lasted from 1990 to 1998. Karp (which stood for “kill all redneck pricks”) had releases on legendary indie labels Kill Rock Stars and K Records.

Set to perform at the benefit is Fun Ender, a Lansing band who recently ditched its guitars for keyboards. Sharing the bill will be the experimental rock sounds of Dr. Device, BerT, Hordes, and Triangle & Rhino (Pittsburgh). Exclusive clips from the documentary will be shown during the show.

Saturday Jan. 29 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing, 18 and over, 9 p.m., $5 donation.


The Gentleman Callers reunite

Lansing twang-rockers The Gentleman Callers broke up in October 2008. However, the band is reuniting for one show Friday at The Chrome Cat in Old Town.

For those who love Mick Taylor-era Rolling Stones and Waylon Jennings, this show might be worth checking out. The night will also celebrate the birthdays of two band members, Jeff Gower (vocals/guitar) and drummer Joel Kuiper.

Friday, Jan. 28 @ Chrome Cat, 226 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing, 18 and over, music at 10 p.m., $5.


Rockers rally for Lansing Food Bank

Those with a few extra canned goods and a desire to watch loud rock and roll should head over to Macs Bar Thursday, Feb. 3. Local musician Todd Karinen is hosting a benefit for the Greater Lansing Food Bank, featuring five local bands. Set to perform are indie rockers The Plurals, Narc Out the Reds and The Playback. Rounding out the bill is Josh David & the Dream Jeans (punk rock) and The Jackpine Snag (heavy blues rock).

Thursday, Feb. 3 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 18 and over. 9 p.m., $5 with a non-perishable food item, $7 without.


Motor City blues vets bring blues to LeRoy’s

Leroy’s Classic Bar & Grill continues its weekend soul/blues shows with a performance from The Alligators, a veteran Detroit band inspired by the early blues of Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. The show will be in honor of Alligators founding member and guitarist Steve Schwartz, whose recent passing devastated the Detroit blues scene. However, the band plays on, with new guitarist Billy Farris. This will be one of the first shows with the new guitar player.

Friday, Jan. 28, @ Leroy’s Classic Bar & Grill, 1526 S. Cedar St., Lansing, 21 and over, 9:30 p.m., $5


Uppity blues singer belts it out at the Fiddle

Ann Rabson was a member of the beloved (and now-defunct) trio Saffire, known as “the uppity blues women.” Today, she is touring solo.

Rabson was first touched by the blues at age 4 when she heard Big Bill Broonzy on the radio. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. In her distinctive contralto voice, accompanying herself on piano or guitar, she sings about love and lost love. A community dinner takes place before the show, from 6 to 8 p.m. — all are invited.

Friday, Jan. 28, @ Ten Pound Fiddle – Unitarian Universalist Church, 855 Grove St., East Lansing, all ages. Gate opens at 7 p.m., doors open at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. show. Tickets are: public $12, Fiddle members $10, students $5, www.tenpoundfiddle.org


Put on your boogie shoes

The Ten Pound Fiddle keeps the party going on Saturday with its 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 band is Scarlet Runner String Band. Beginners’ lessons begin at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 29, @ Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. $9 public, $8 members, $4 students and first-time dancers.

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

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