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Chris Bathgate returns to Lansing

Chris Bathgate’s melancholy indie-folk has earned him a loyal following in the Midwest and beyond. On Thursday, he plays Mac’s Bar; openers include Small Houses, Pioneer and Kevin Killen. His acclaimed new album, “Salt Year,” has been compared to songwriters Damien Jurado and Will Oldham. Bathgate is originally from rural Iowa, but now calls Pinckney home.

He’s been garnering attention since 2005 following the release of his first album, “Silence is for Suckers,” and a slew of self-produced EPs and singles. For more information on Bathgate’s signature country-tinged gothic folk style, visit www.chrisbathgate.org. 

Thursday, Jan. 12 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $7, 9 p.m.

Friday the 13th headbanger´s ball

Friday night at Mac’s is all about homegrown head-bangin’ bands. The night, which is headlined by Satyrasis, features the heavy sounds of Halstatt, Genocya and Dagon. Satyrasis was formed in 2001 by Dave Peterman and Matt Trzcinski and has gradually become a staple in the mid-Michigan metal scene. Drawing influence from early Metallica, Carnivore and Death, the band developed a unique style of old-school death metal and thrash. Satyrasis released its debut, “Creation of Failure,” in 2008 and then embarked on a month-long national tour in May 2009. Since then the band has played a limited amount of shows, so local headbangers may not want to miss this rare performance.

Friday, Jan. 13 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $5, 9 p.m.

Explicit Bombers bring ´end of the world´

For those in search of a free punk-rock show, Saturday at Basement 414 may be the spot. The Explicit Bombers (a.k.a. “the Bombers”) play an all-ages CD release show; openers include Against the Grain, CBJ and St. Thomas Boys Academy. The Explicit Bombers are a Howell-based punk band that features Dan Harness (lead vocals, bass), Tyler Brooks (guitar), Cody Biroth (guitar) and David Harness (drums). The Bombers have been gigging around the state for over two years and have opened for the likes of Mustard Plug, the Toasters and DRI. The band’s new album, “The End of the World,” features 11 songs and will be available at B414 for $2. This new disc is a follow-up to the band’s “Out of Business” EP. 

Saturday, Jan. 14 @ Basement 414, 414 E. Michigan Ave. (Jay Street alley), FREE, all ages, 7 p.m to midnight.

P. Diddy-tested, Wakaflocka-approved

Machine Gun Kelly is a Cleveland-based rapper and a new addition to Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy label. He performs an all-ages show Saturday at The Loft. Opening the show are local hip-hop artists the Specktators, Green Skeem and Stryve. MGK was born Richard Baker in 1990 and was raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio. His rap name was inspired by his rapid-fire lyrical flow. After creating a buzz with his three mix tapes — “100 Words and Running,” “Lace Up” and “Rage Pack” — the tattooed rapper and Diddy inked a record deal following MGK´s high-energy performance at SXSW in Austin. Last month, MTV named MGK the “Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2011.” His Bad Boy debut is expected to drop sometime in 2012; in the meantime, fans can listen to the single “Wild Boy,” which features Atlanta-based rapper Waka Flocka Flame.

Saturday, Jan. 14 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, $18 advance, $20 at door, all ages, doors 8 p.m.

Free show at Gone Wired

Local duo Teag and PK plays a free show Saturday at Gone Wired Cafe, with special guests Delicious Bass and Stargrazer. Teag and PK is the project of Mike Teager (saxophone/flute) and Matt “PK” Borghi on guitar and vocals — both are members of local band the Elevator Conspiracy. The songwriters focus on improvisation and ambient music, drawing inspiration from Nick Drake, Bon Iver and the Grateful Dead. The pair also blends in hints of jazz, folk, and blues, creating a repertoire of jazz standards, traditional America folk music and songs reminiscent of the 1970s singer/songwriter period. Stargrazer, a.k.a. Peter Richards, is a solo bassist/vocalist who plays quiet, minimal rock. Richards has been playing shows around Lansing for years, and has an EP on Good Time Gang Recordings. Delicious bass, a newly formed folk-blues-rock outfit, plays a mix of covers and originals. The Lansing-based band includes Ryan Shadbolt (resonator guitar, bass, vocals), Ed Lutz (acoustic guitar, bass, vocals) and Will Jurkiewicz (percussion).

Saturday, Jan. 14 @ Gone Wired Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, all ages, FREE, 7:20 p.m. to 10 p.m.