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

Lansing alt-rockers The Plurals drop 10th release

The Plurals have been bashing out ’90s-influenced rock since 2004 — and, along the way, the band has released a pile of EPs and albums.

This Saturday at Mac’s Bar the band unveils its 10th release, “The Plurals Today, The Plurals Tomorrow: A Futurospective,” a nine-song full-length. Good Time Gang Recordings (a label operated by the band) is co-releasing the CD along with fellow Lansing label Bermuda Mohawk Productions.

The band members — which include Tommy McCord (guitar), Nicholas Richard (bass), Hattie Danby (drums), — all share vocal and songwriting duties; they also play in a number of other local bands, including The Cartridge Family, The Break-Ups and Josh David & the Dream Jeans, to name a few.

Opening the show is Honah Lee, a Trenton, N.J., band that specializes in simple yet catchy punk rock. The Hat Madder, a Lansing band led by Isaac Vander Schuur, will also take the stage. Fans of Devo and Muse should be sure to catch their set. For more information on The Plurals, visit www.gtgrecords.net

Saturday, May 21 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over, $5, 9 p.m.

Chicago hip-hop clubber Na Palm at The Loft

Lyrically influenced by the hip hop masters and musically influenced by the Chicago club scene, Na Palm combines both genres to create his signature sound, which he brings to The Loft Friday. His hit single, “What’s Yo Name,” melds rap and Auto-Tune pop and tells of forgetful drunkenness at the club. While he’s lyrically influenced by Nas, his poppy beats are poppy and danceable.

Also performing is The Specktators, a Groesbeck and Lansing-based rap/electronic group. The duo consists of producer Matt Duda (known as Moe-T) and vocalist Patrick Duda (known as Packi). Since they formed in October 2009 the guys have recorded songs for their ongoing project, “The Never Ending Mixtape,” adding a new song to the mix every month.

The Green Skeem (from East Lansing) will also make some noise. The groupincludes Danny Wiseman (a.k.a. Daggler) and Courtney Rodgers (a.k.a. QTheBars), and mixes electronic sounds with dubstep and hip hop. Opening the show is Vinacious, a Mason-based ambient pop band with an indie feel.

Friday, May 20 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., $8 in advance, $10 Day of Show for 21 , $12 for 18 , 9 p.m. doors

Leroy’s showcases Kingpins guitar slinger

Blues guitarist George Bedard has been an important figure on the Michigan roots rock scene for more than 30 years, and this Friday he’ll perform with his group The Kingpins at Leroy’s Classic Bar and Grill.

Bedard was a member of the historic Michigan group The Silvertones in the 1970s. He later performed with blues masters Koko Taylor, Lightin’ Slim, Big Walter Horton and Chuck Berry’s remarkable pianist Johnnie Johnson. If you like rhythm-and-bluesy swing, surf, cheap garage thrill music, blues, and rock ’n roll, George Bedard and The Kingpins might be worth checking out.

Friday, May 20 @ Leroy’s Classic Bar & Grill, 1526 S. Cedar St., Lansing, 21 and over, $5, 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Lansing metal mania at Uli’s

Uli’s Haus of Rock never has a shortage of hard rockin’ shows. This Saturday is no different. The large roster of bands includes Occassus — headbangers who enjoy throwback metal like Pantera, Sepultura and Fear Factory may dig the band’s sound. One Without Reason (Lansing) also performs a set of progressive metal that incorporates alternative rock and even hip hop. Another band taking the stage will be Hillside Barrier, which formed in 2009 in Lansing and has since aggressively played Hatebreed-style metal. Skin Casket and 419 are also performing.

Saturday, May 21 @ Uli’s Haus of Rock, 4519 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing, cover charge unknown, 7:30 p.m.

Flood the Desert at Blackened Moon

Blackened Moon has booked a full lineup for Saturday night. Taking the stage will be Flood the Desert (from Lowell), which plays a hybrid of prog-metal, funk and jam. Also performing is Blood of the Unborn, a Flint-based band with a sound comparable to Black Dahlia Murder and Cannibal Corpse. Pearl Snap Western Brown will raise a ruckus. The progressive hard rock band lists influences as diverse as King Crimson, David Bowie and Mr. Bungle.

Metal bands A Sleepless Malice and Deathwind will also perform. 

Saturday, May 21 @ Blackened Moon Concert Hall, 3208 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing, 18 and over, donation for bands at door. 

New weekly jazz night at Stober’s

Local group the Jeff Shoup Quartet hosts “Jazz Tuesdays,” a new weekly jazz jam session at Stober’s Bar. Musicians are welcome to bring an instrument and sit-in and play some tunes. For jazz lovers who enjoy improvised sessions, this could become a nice weekly tradition. 

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