Turn it down

Jake Simmons, one of two songwriting talents behind thenow-defunct West Michigan indie band Dead Scene Radio, is back with hisnew band, Jake Simmons and the Little Ghosts. The band plays anall-ages vinyl LP release show at Mac’s Bar on Thursday. With ahand-picked supporting cast of musicians, Simmons is taking his blendof punk, rock, country, pop and folk out of a southwest Michigan garageand onto your turntable, via Lower Peninsula Records. The local labelis operated by Lansing music producer John Krohn. With the LittleGhosts behind him, Simmons’ live show swings wildly from soulfulacoustic ballads, to catchy doo-wop, to cascading sheets of howlingfeedback. For those who prefer brash and honest Midwesternsinger/songwriters, Simmons may be worth a listen. The new, self-titledalbum is available at Lower Peninsula’s website, www.lansingscene.com.Also performing are Husband and Wife, and Lansing’s own high-energyrockers Narc Out the Reds. 

Thursday, Nov. 17 @ Mac’s Bar 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, $7, all ages, 5 p.m.

Kyle Nelson Pentecost headlines (SCENE)

(SCENE) Metrospace hosts an all-ages indie/folk concerton Thursday, featuring Kyle Nelson Pentecost, Paper Wings, Salvation ofthe Logical Product, and Frannie Bennigan. Pentecost is a Lansingnative who has been playing the local music scene for the past twoyears, appearing at open-mic nights and various venues, includingBasement 414 and (SCENE) Metrospace. He brings a blend of early rockand roll and acoustic folk to the stage. Paper Wings features BrianFritz, an acoustic artist bouncing between pop and folk. Fans of BrightEyes, Elliott Smith and Dashboard Confessional may want to check himout. 

Thursday, Nov. 17 @ (SCENE) Metrospace, 110 Charles St., East Lansing. $5, all ages, doors 8 p.m.; music 9 p.m.

Dr. Kittle releases jazz disc at Sir Pizza

Local chiropractor and bassist Dr. Walter (Pete) Kittlereleases his debut solo CD, “BASSically Me,” on Thursday at Sir Pizzain Old Town. Kittle, who practices at Chiro-Technology in Holt, wrote,produced and arranged the new smooth-jazz disc. The show starts at 6:30p.m. with Kittle performing; at 7:30, Kittle will sit in with the KathyFord Band. Several veteran Lansing musicians will join Kittlethroughout the night, performing everything from funk to classic jazz. WhenKittle isn’t working on his own tunes, he also does session work as abassist and plays in Uptown Praise, an area Christian band.

Thursday, Nov. 17 @ Sir Pizza, 201 E. Grand River, Old Town Lansing, all ages, show at 6:30 p.m.

Taproot returns to Loft

Taproot, a four-piece hard-rock bandthat formed in 1997 in Ann Arbor, performs Saturday at The Loft. Theband first started to gain national attention toward the end of thenu-metal phase, even scoring a national hit, “Poem,” in 2002. Afterbouncing around a few labels, Taproot recently signed with VictoryRecords and released “Plea the Fifth” in May 2010. In September, theband announced it will record its sixth studio album. Opening the showare Purgatory Groove, Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome and Medica.

If you enjoy espresso, WiFi and some legit folk tunes, this show might be worth checking out.

Saturday, November 19 @ The Loft, 414E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over, $15 presale, $18 day of show($2 surcharge under 21), 7 p.m.

Seventh Annual Punks vs. Pokes fest rides into Mac’s

Those who enjoy angst-driven,three-chord punk songs as well as the high lonesome sound of a steelguitar should check out the 7th Annual Punks Vs Pokes Fest at Mac’s Barthis Saturday. Six bands take the stage to play loud rock and truecountry ballads. Representing the country bands are Flatfoot, RachelBrookes, the Whiskey Daredevils and Bloodshot Records recording artistLydia Loveless. The Lansing punk spectrum is covered by Frank andEarnest and The Guest Stars. The event is hosted each year by AaronBales, singer/guitarist of Flatfoot, a local alt-country outfit. Theidea behind the show is that the roster of bands rotates back and forthbetween punks and country pickers. The punk bands are also invited todo their best cover of a country song, and vice versa. Last year at theevent, local punks Josh David & the Dream Jeans played an obnoxiousand unintelligible version of Shania Twain’s “I Feel Like a Woman.” Forthose into both Johnny Cash and The Clash, this could be the show ofthe year.

Saturday, Nov. 19 @ Mac’s Bar 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, $8 advance, $10 day of, 18 and over, show at 9 p.m. 

You got the blues? Or some canned goods?

Local blues rockers will come together Sunday to play anall-ages show at the Green Door in benefit of the Greater Lansing FoodBank. The event, dubbed “Breaking Bread with the Blues,” is the annualfood and fundraiser hosted by the Capital Area Blues Society. Rippingthrough sets of blues will be Andy Wilson & Johnny D, Frog &the Malonetones, Big Bill & the Blues Ambassadors, Zydecrunch andThe Hoopties, featuring Twyla Birdsong. Proceeds go to the GreaterLansing Food Bank. For more information, visit www.greendoorlive.com. 

Sunday, Nov. 20 @ Green Door, 2005 E.Michigan Ave, Lansing, all ages, admission is $10 & food item, kidsunder 16 are free with food item. Doors at 3 p.m., music from 4 to 9p.m.