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O'Death, People´s Temple, plurals at Mac's

O’Death is a Brooklyn-based alt-country band that combines folk, bluegrass, and indie music into a distinctive style of Americana music. On May 30, the band plays Mac’s Bar, along with Wavvy Hands, The Plurals and People´s Temple. O´Death, which includes a banjo, fiddle, and ukulele player, took its name from an ancient Appalachian dirge. With a wealth of musical influences, O’Death channels the likes of Bill Monroe, Neil Young, even Prince and The Misfits. Pitchfork Media said the band ranges from “menacing and frantic” to “odd and quiet”; Pitchfork also rated the album with a favorable 7.9 (out of 10) rating.

Opening the show is the ever-busy Plurals, who’ve been playing alt-punk since 2004, have toured the country multiple times and have released a stack of records on the GTG label. Lansing-based psych-shoegaze band People´s Templerecently inked a deal to record a live set at Jack White’s Third Man Records in Nashville this July. The band is releasing its second full-length LP on HoZac Records sometime this fall. 

Wednesday, May 30 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $5, 9 p.m.

Manic Metal at Mac´s

Dark Psychosis, which formed back in 1999, is a Lansing-based metal band that features Xaphan (known for his other bands Summon, Masochist and Wastelander) and drummer Justin “Bellitheist” Henry (also a member of Summu Nura). On Thursday, the “blackout-thrash metal” band plays Mac’s Bar along with openers Isenblast and Genocya. Dark Psychosis started off as a primitive black-metal band that preferred the lo-fi sound of a four-track recorder. Over the years it has progressed into an old-school metal sound that also incorporates elements of psychedelic noise. The band has a diverse list of influences, from early Pink Floyd and 13th Floor Elevators to Darkthrone and Venom. Openers Genocya recently celebrated its 10th anniversary of playing shows. The Lansing-based band will have copies of its long-overdue debut album “Ever Descent” at the show, and local metal fans may want to pick up a copy. 

Thursday, May 24 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $5, 9 p.m.

Songwriters takeover the Loft

Jory Stultz, known locally for his past work in the Sunset Club, plays a solo all-ages show Friday at The Loft. The evening is dubbed “Singer/Songwriter Night.” Stultz released the “Aquarium” EP back in December, which features two synth-heavy, dreamy-pop songs. The event also features performances from Fernando Solis (from Flint), Gary Cimmerer (local alt-country), and Lansing-area singer/songwriters Kyle Brown and Bluffing the Ghosts (a.k.a. Travis Valentine).

Friday, May 25 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, $5 for 21 & over, $7 for under 21, doors 8 p.m.

Indie-folk Vet returns to Lansing

Chris Bathgate, a Michigan-based indie folk singer-songwriter and musician, returns to Lansing May 31, along with openers Antrim Dells and Sacred Strays. Bathgate has been a prominent figure in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti folk music scene since he started playing music back in 1999. In 2007, Bathgate signed to Quite Scientific Records, which released “A Cork Tale Wake” in 2007 and “Salt Year” in 2011. Fans of folk singer-songwriters like Sufjan Stevens and Iron & Wine might want to check out this show.

Thursday, May 31 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, all ages, $10 door, $8 advance, doors 8 p.m. 

Pumpstock on horizon

The Pump House, located in East Lansing, has been bringing nationally recognized musical acts to the Bailey neighborhood since 2009. The Sunday concerts often feature acclaimed Americana and alt-country artists from across the map, including many Nashville fixtures. Acoustic music lovers may want to take note of the 3rd Annual Pumpstock, happening June 2. The one-day, outdoor fest runs all day and is family-friendly. It will be held at East Lansing Bailey Community Center Park. Organizers suggest attendees bring chairs and blankets. There is free parking in the Bailey subdivision and at the Community Center. If rain should dampen the day, the event will be moved to the Bailey Community Center Gym. Playing the show are the Tommy Womack Band (Kentucky-based Americana), Harpeth Rising (Nashville-based classical roots), Bill Bynum & Co (Detroit-based bluegrass/roots), Martine Locke Trio (“fierce” folk from Indianapolis) and Matt Bliton & The Kedzie Street Choir (from East Lansing). In addition to the headliners, this year’s Pumpstock features a second stage with local entertainment from the Ukulele Kings, Susan Picking, and more. There’s a $10 suggested donation (kids get in free), and all proceeds will go to the artists.

Saturday, June 2 @ Pumpstock – Bailey Community Center Park, 300 Bailey Street, East Lansing, all ages, $10 suggested donation, doors 2 p.m., ends around 8 p.m.