Turn it Down

American-roots band The Hoopties plays some original material while also paying homage to the members’ favorite musical heroes with a few choice covers. The Lansing-based group, which plays the Green Door on Thursday, dabbles in blues, country, zydeco, reggae and even some old soul. The band, which won the 2011 Capital Area Blues Brawl, released its debut CD, “It Ain’t Never Been Easy,” back in September. The band features a cast of local blues veterans, including Twyla Birdsong (lead vocals), Jason Strotheide (bass, vocals), Aaron Holland (guitar, vocals), James “Mocha” Waller (saxophone, harmonica) and Eric Payne (drums, vocals). This show marks the debut of a new Hoopties member: multi-instrumentalist Andy Callis. While Callis will mostly play keyboards, he’s also proficient in guitar, saxophone, accordion and banjo. Aside from live music, this night is also “ladies night,” and the Green Door will offer half-off drinks from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and $6 domestic pitchers. Thursday, Dec. 22 @ Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 21 and over, NO COVER, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

For the Fallen Dreams at The Loft

Detroit-based metal-core band For the Fallen Dreams headlines a long roster of metal bands on Friday at The Loft. Also taking the stage is Wilson, Forever a Hero, For All I Am, Bearfoot and Ardevedra. For the Fallen Dreams, which formed in late 2003, signed with Rise Records in the summer of 2007. The band has since toured relentlessly, playing its brand of hard melodic metal. The band, formerly from Saginaw, recently had a line-up change and now features Dylan Richter (vocals), Jim Hocking (lead guitar), Kalan Blehm (guitar/backing vocals) and Arvin Sarathy (drums). For the Fallen Dreams is currently supporting its third album, “Back Burner,” which is its second album to have reached the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. Find the band online at www.facebook.com/forthefallendreams. Friday, Dec. 23 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing,  $10 advance, $12 at door, all ages, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Uli´s Christmas Bash

Lansing-area metalheads looking for a head-banging holiday might want to check out Uli’s Haus of Rock Friday. The bar/venue’s annual Christmas bash features performances from Michigan metal bands All Ends Black, Purgatory Grove, DIE-Sect and Known Felons. All Ends Black is a Lansing metal band that’s been rocking since it formed in 2007. The five-piece group features Adam Ray (vocals), Doug Horstman (guitar), Chris Doerr (drums), Josh Knechtges (guitar) and Andy Taylor (bass). Hear the band at www.reverbnation.com/allendsblack. Friday, Dec. 23 @ Uli’s Haus of Rock, 4519 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing. $5, 18 over, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

Doomsday for the holidays   

A mixed-up bill of local acts is set to perform Friday at Mac’s Bar. One of those acts, Mr. Denton on Doomsday, has been gigging around Lansing for years, playing their brand of experimental indie metal. The band’s sound could be compared to Incubus and System of a Down; however, the band mixes it up with some funk, a mess of erratic beats and insightful lyrics. Rounding out the bill are fellow local rockers Croatone, American Gothic and The Jackpine Snag. Listen to Mr. Denton on Doomsday at www.mrdentonondoomsday.com. Friday, Dec. 23 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $5, 9 p.m.

Cheap Girl rock on Christmas

After all the presents have been opened and you’re freed from family affairs on Christmas Day, you may want to head to Mac’s Bar for “A Very Cheap Girls Christmas” show. The Lansing-based alt-rockers, which recently signed to Rise Records, plays an all-ages gig Sunday with opener Ben Hassenger (of Frank and Earnest) playing a solo acoustic set. The night also offers festive holiday drink specials, Christmas movies and an appearance from old Saint Nick and his elves. The Cheap Girls releases its Rise Records debut “Giant Orange” LP on Feb. 21. The tunes “Ruby” and “Cored to Empty” are being streamed on Youtube. The record was produced in Florida by Tom Gabel of the national punk band Against Me! The Cheap Girls even recently opened a tour for Against Me!, playing theatres and large venues across the country. Fans of The Lemonheads, The Replacements and the Smoking Popes, may want to check out the new album. Visit the band’s new website at www.cheapgirls.net. Sunday, Dec. 25 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, all ages. $7, 7 p.m.

MBC´s  ´Open-Mic´  Mondays

Those looking to blow off some artistic steam on the day after Christmas may want to check out Michigan Brewing Company’s “Open-Mic Mondays.” The Lansing pub hosts the free event every week, and it’s open for all. There´s a sign-up list for performers – you can play solo, as a duo, with your own band or even sing some songs with a house band. Spoken-word acts are also welcome. The night has a couple other perks: half-off burgers (beef or turkey), free on-street parking after 6 p.m., a full dinner menu and many local microbrew beers and wines to choose from. Visit www.michiganbrewing.com. Monday, Dec. 26 @Michigan Brewing Company – Lansing, 402 S. Washington Square, Lansing, 18 and over. FREE, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.