Turn it down

The Queers and Ataris co-headline Mac´s

Punk fans who dig the poppy-side of the spectrum may be in luck this Friday when pop-punk heavy hitters The Queers and The Ataris bring their tour to Mac’s Bar. Opening the show is Far From Finished (from Boston) and locals Frank and Earnest. Since 1981, The Queers have been churning out genuine, catchy punk records. The New Hampshire-based band was founded by Joe King (aka Joe Queer), the only constant member. The lineup includes King (guitar/vocals), Dangerous Dave (bass/vocals) and Lurch Nobody (drums). The band broke up in 1984, but King reformed it in 1986; in 1990 the group released its debut album, “Grow Up.” But The Queers didn’t blow up until 1993, with the release of “Love Songs for the Retarded” on Lookout! Records. The Queers are known for Ramones-style guitars and poppy vocals. Lyrically, the band sticks to topics like girls, drugs and booze. Aside from originals, the guys also knock out a handful of cover tunes, including takes on The Beach Boys, Skeeter Davis, Angry Samoans and Tommy James & the Shondells, to name a few.

The Ataris, best known for the 2003 release “So Long, Astoria” on Columbia Records, is an Indiana-based band. They´ve put out five albums since forming in 1995. A new studio LP, “The Graveyard of The Atlantic,” has been in the works for a couple years and is due out sometime this year, via Paper Plastick Records.

Friday, Feb. 24 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, all ages. $13 advance, $15 door, 8 p.m.

David Francey and Craig Werth humor the Fiddle

Carpenter-turned-songwriter David Francey left his construction career and began recording tunes back in 1999. Since then the Scottish-born Canadian has released nine albums and become an award-winning singer-songwriter in the folk world.

The three-time Juno winner shares his songs and stories Friday at the Ten Pound Fiddle when he performs with multi-instrumentalist Craig Werth. In concert, Francey blends music with his wry humor, which should make him a perfect match for the Fiddle. 

Friday, Feb. 24 @ Ten Pound Fiddle — Unitarian Universalist Church, 855 Grove Street East Lansing, all ages. Box office 7 p.m.; doors 7:30 p.m.; show 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 public; $12.

East Grand Record Co. hosts free in-store

A fresh addition to the East Lansing vinyl community is East Grand Record Co. a record shop located in the heart of downtown. Aside from stocking stacks of wax — including rock, punk, soul, and pop — the store also hosts free live shows. Performing Saturday is a cast of locals, including: Billiards Music, Ghoulie, BerT and Cat Midway.

Saturday, Feb. 25 @ East Grand Record Co., 213 1/2 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, all ages. FREE, 9 p.m.  

Taddy Porter  brings vintage-rockin´ to The Loft

Serving up some straight rock ‘n’ roll is Taddy Porter, an Oklahoma-based band playing an all-ages show Sunday at The Loft. The band draws influences from a hodgepodge of classic rockers, as well as current bands like The Black Keys. Taddy Porter, which formed in 2007, says in its bio that it thrives on “raw emotion and power” — using a formula that includes Les Paul guitars, Marshall Amps and a fashion sense that mirrors the Allman Brothers. For those looking for riff rock, this could be the ticket. Warming up the stage are local rockers The Brodberg Band, Green Light Effect and Tripp ‘N’ Dixie. 

Sunday, Feb. 26 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, all ages, $6 advance, $8 at door, doors 7 p.m.

Dan Crary gets crazy versatile at Pump House 

Musical veteran Dan Crary has a range that runs from Mozart to Anglo-American fiddle tunes — not to mention his evocative original compositions that transcend genre labels.

A master of the guitar, Crary is a Kansas native with 50 years of performing and nine solo records under his belt. His recordings combine many American influences; on stage he weaves everything together with stories and observations. His ability to connect with crowds has landed him appearances all across the country, including spots in Europe, Japan and the South Pacific. Visit www.dancrary.com.

Sunday, Feb. 26 @ Pump House, 368 Orchard St., East Lansing, all ages, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

MBC´s  ´Open-Mic Mondays´

For those looking to blow off some artistic steam, perhaps Michigan Brewing Co.´s “Open-Mic Mondays” may be the spot. The Lansing pub hosts the free event every week and it’s open to 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, such as 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 michiganbrewing.com. 

Monday, Feb. 27@ Michigan Brewing Co. – Lansing, 402 S. Washington Square, Lansing, 18 and over. FREE, weekly, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.