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

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Tucos mix power pop and alt-country

Jeremy Porter & the Tucos blend classic alt-rock with whiskey-soaked alt-country vibes. The Plymouth, (via Marquette) band lists The Replacements, Cheap Trick, and Gram Parsons as some of its primary influences and describes its sound as power pop/Americana.

The band opens a show at Mac’s Bar Thursday in support of its new 7-inch single “Night on the Town” (Magwheel Records). In early 2010 Porter also released his debut solo album, “Party of One,” then went on to play dozens of shows across the East Coast, Midwest and Canada, hitting all the major cities. Headlining the night is Floodgate (members of Atrium), Blissfield and Fair Enough.

Thursday, July 28 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, $5, 5 p.m.

Experimental tuba player at Mac’s; Ghoulie opens 

Brian Wolff first discovered the tuba at a music store in Austin, back in the summer of 1994. Soon after that he hooked up with drummer Tony Nozero and formed Drums and Tuba, which developed a visceral blend of old brass and new electronic instruments and sound effects. The band toured the world extensively with Cake, Primus and Ani DiFranco (among many others), building a fierce underground following in the process.

Since Drums and Tuba officially parted ways, Wolff has continued touring under the clever alias Wolff. He still blends his tuba with an array of digital sounds while drummer Steve Garofano provides the backbeat. Fans of electronic and experimental music may want to check this out, or visit www.wolffandtuba.com. 

Opening the Mac’s show is local electro-weirdo Ghoulie, who performs an experimental set of grimy soul, noise, funk and rap. Ghoulie is one of the many projects of Lansing musician/producer Patrick Wenzel, who is also known for his analog/electro groups Public Pubes and Sex Ghost. In January Ghoulie released a digital EP, “Ouch! There’s a Gorilla in Your Ass.” In July he released a follow-up album called “Tales from the Toilet”: Both albums were released by Madlantis Records and are free downloads at www.ghoulie.bandcamp.com. The latter release is also available on cassette at Flat, Black & Circular in East Lansing.

Opening the show is Remote Viewing Society, a Lansing band that plays slightly dark, high-energy rock. 

Friday, July 29 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $8, 9 p.m.

Free local indie show at Record Lounge

The Record Lounge, an East Lansing vinyl record shop, hosts a free in-store event Sunday. A roster of local indie bands will play live sets, including Audrey, Elliot Street Lunatic, The Sunset Club, Scott Brown Countdown, Sherman’s Wake and more.

For details on the in-store, visit www.facebook.com/therecordlounge.

Sunday, July 31 @ Record Lounge, 111 Division St., East Lansing, all ages, FREE, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.


Green Door still offers up roots rock every Monday

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 acclaimed albums.

On a national level, the band’s bassist Dominic John Suchyta recently played bass on the latest Wanda Jackson album, “The Party Ain’t Over,” on Third Man Records, a 2011 album spearheaded by the label owner Jack White (of the White Stripes). 

For more Steppin’ In It tour dates, visit www.steppininit.com.

Monday, Aug. 1 @ Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing, 21 and over, 9:30 p.m.


Mac’s hosts release show for Bomb the Music Industry!

Bomb the Music Industry!, a New York-based DIY musical collective led by songwriter/producer Jeff Rosenstock, plays Mac’s Bar Tuesday. The early, all-ages event is a release show for the new album, “Vacation.”

The band plays catchy punk-pop, but also lists Harvey Danger and Neutral Milk Hotel as influences. BtMI also releases all their music for free online and burns fans free CDs. The collective/band also operates Quote Unquote Records, a donation-based record label.

Opening the show are The Sidekicks, The Riot Before and We are the Union. For more information, visit bombthemusicindustry.com. 

Tuesday, Aug. 2 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, all ages, $10, 5 p.m.

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