Turn it down

R.I.P.  to Lansing rapper Big Perm

  The Lansing hip-hop scene suffered a tragic loss when rapper and promoter Cameron Doyle, a.k.a. Big Perm, passed away at Sparrow Hospital on June 2 after suffering a stroke. Doyle, who was influenced by legends like Pimp C, Notorious B.I.G. and Big Punisher, released his first mixtape in 2005 and soon became a pivotal figure in the local hip-hop scene, although he’d often play shows in Jackson and as far away as Florida. He operated his own company, Street Dream Entertainment, organized the State of the Union rap showcases at area venues, and played Common Ground Musical Festival multiple times, including opening for Ludacris and Three Six Mafia.

  A benefit show to raise funds for Doyle’s funeral expenses was quickly organized; it happens Thursday at Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge in Lansing. The “Going Home Party” is giving all proceeds and donations to Doyle’s family. Sounds will be provided by DJ Eclipse, DJ Butcher and DJ E-NYCE. In a 2009 interview with City Pulse, Doyle talked about the sacrifices he made to pursue a career in music. “It’s definitely a struggle. … You really have to love it,” Doyle said. “Sometimes you may have to go without something you want or need to promote yourself as an artist. There are tough decisions to be made every day. I’ve invested so much time into my career that I thought I’d be cheating myself if I didn’t sacrifice to invest in myself.”

  Doyle, who often worked with The Chemist production group on his beats, also described his lyrics during that same interview. “My most successful songs are, ironically, about love and relationships. Outside of that I talk about the heartache of growing up without things you wanted and growing up poor. I also talk about the struggle it takes to get those things you want.”

Thursday, June 7 @ Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge, 6810 S. Cedar, Lansing. 

Reggae rocks at The Loft

Roster McCabe, a Minneapolis-based “funky reggae dance rock” band, blends all of those styles, with no shortage of jammy, twisting guitar solos. The band includes Mike Daum (lead guitar), Scott Muellenberg (bass), Jeff Peterson (drums), Drew Preiner (guitar/keys/samples), and lead singer/keyboardist Alex Steele. Billboard Magazine said the band “(is one of) five up-and-coming jam bands that could draw audiences to the festivals of tomorrow.” Opening the show at The Loft is the Lansing-based melodic, blues-rock band Burton’s Garden.

Thursday, June 7 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over, $6 advance, $8 at door, FREE before 10 p.m., doors at 9 p.m.

Great Lakes at Gone Wired 

The Great Lakes Collective has been busy recently working with an assortment of local musicians. In the pipeline for the collective is a 7-inch vinyl record featuring a collaboration between local indie rockers Elliot Street Lunatic and area hip-hop fixture James “Philthy” Gardin. In the meantime, the collective is busy hosting shows. On Friday at Gone Wired the all-ages event features headliner Dalton Deschain & the Traveling Show (formerly known as Nick Strong), Bluffing the Ghosts (local indie folk) and an acoustic set from Dogs in Winter (rockers from Marshall).

Friday, June 8 @ Gone Wired Café, 2021 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, all ages, $5, 7 p.m. to midnight. 

SoCal industrial duo at Black Mass

AAIMON, a male/female duo from Southern California, rebels against its bright-and-sunny locale in exchange for stunning, forbidding and occasionally harsh soundscapes. Those ominous tones hit Black Mass Sunday at Mac’s Bar. The pair’s compositions are built on feelings of anxiety and paranoia, creating sounds the band calls “menacing conjurations.” 

Generally connected with the “drag” and “witchhouse” genres, AAIMON still uses pop-oriented song structures,” in an effort “to instill unnerving sensations.” Opening the Black Mass show are Preteen Pornstar, Crackula and Jaysen Crave. Black Mass is an avant-garde dance party bringing in “cold, dark, haunting and abrasive music.”

Sunday, June 10 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $5 advance, $7 door, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Cabaret Punks stop at Mac´s 

Fans of Tom Waits and Gogol Bordello may want to check out the Ford Theatre Reunion Saturday at Mac’s Bar. The Lexington-based “cabaret punk” includes some clarinet and accordion in its eclectic, vintage-sounding mix. Opening the show are locals Wisaal, Those Willows and Leper Colony. Wisaal is an Arabic fusion ensemble that formed on the campus of Michigan State University. For the past couple og years Wisaal’s repertoire has included some classical Arabic instrumental pieces, contemporary fusion pieces, original compositions and improvisations.

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