Turn It Down

Trail of Dead, Surfer Blood at The Loft

…And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead is an Austin-based alternative rock band that’s seen ample success since it formed in 1994. Primary members Jason Reece and Conrad Keely switch between drumming, guitar and lead vocals during recordings and live shows.

The band, which specializes in aggressive and dramatic rock tunes, is also known for wild live shows, often ending with the band destroying equipment.

This Friday, Trail of Dead will bring that intensity to The Loft.

Fans can also pick up a copy of “Tao of the Dead,” the band’s seventh studio album. 

One of the openers is Surfer Blood, a West Palm Beach, Fla. band that formed in 2009 and quickly amassed a hipster buzz for its combination of surf-rock and indie pop. The band’s 2010 debut album was “Astro Coast.” For those who dig breezy pop and a wall of sound, this show might be a good choice. 

Also taking the stage are the heavy and droning sounds of True Widow. The Dallas-based band formed in 2007 and quickly delved into the world of drone, shoegaze and post-rock. Its echoing guitars and sprawling songs are topped off with meandering, reverb-drenched vocals. The band released its self-titled debut in 2008 and then released a sophomore LP in 2011, the epically titled “As High as the Highest Heavens and From the Center to the Circumference of the Earth.” For those who dig experimental and atmospheric tunes, this band delivers.  

Friday, May 6 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, $17 advance, $20 at door, all ages, Doors 7 p.m.

Saturday night Fiddle fever

Ten Pound Fiddle hosts an old-time party Saturday with its long-running Contra Dance Night, which is open to the public. For those unfamiliar with contra and square dancing, Ten Pound Fiddle helps teach the moves to newcomers. There is a leader, or caller, who teaches the dance steps first and then, once the live band starts playing, will call out the moves as they happen with the music. No need to bring a partner.

The night is set up to switch partners for each dance, and there are 10 to 12 dances during the evening. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes and be prepared to twirl. The caller will be Darlene Underwood; music is provided by Fiddlefire. Beginner’s lessons start at 7:30 p.m. 

Saturday, May 7 @ Ten Pound Fiddle — Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. Public $10, members $9, students and first-time dancers $5. Dance starts at 8 p.m.

Local metal venue books metal extravaganza 

Blackened Moon Concert Hall steadily books heavy shows with huge rosters of headbangers. On Saturday, the venue hosts “May’s Metal Night of Malignity,” an event featuring seven metal bands from various parts of the state. The show starts at 6 p.m.

Co-headliners are Die-Sect (from Fenton) and Bloodletting (from Lansing). Opening the show are Malevolent Awakening (from Southfield), Xero Signal (from Bay City), and American Violence (from Fenton). Also taking the stage will be Flint rockers Mechanism of Misery and Silent Divide.

While fans are cooling off from the mosh pit, they might want to check out the venue’s surprisingly large metal store located at the front of the building. From band shirts and stickers to CDs and other collectibles, the store is truly a metalhead’s dream. 

Saturday, May 7 @ Blackened Moon Concert Hall, 3208 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing. 18 and over, 6 p.m.–2 a.m., $10 donations accepted for bands. 

Uli’s Haus of Rock gets funky

The Flint-based band Covert melds funk, reggae, soul and twang into a hybrid sound that’s won the band a following across the state. On Friday, the band plays a mix of originals and covers at Uli’s Haus of Rock, and dancing is encouraged. Opening the show is Overneath. 

Friday, May 6 @ Uli’s Haus of Rock, 4519 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing. $10 for 18- to 20-year-olds; $8  for 21 and over. 7:30 p.m.

New weekly jazz night at Stober’s

Local jazz group the Jeff Shoup Quartet hosts a weekly open jam session at Stober’s Bar. The free event takes place every Tuesday. For jazz lovers who enjoy improvised sessions, this could become a nice weekly tradition. 

Every Tuesday @ Stober’s Bar, 812 East Michigan Ave., Lansing, FREE, 10 p.m.