Turn it down

Frank & Earnest  are "Boss" at The Loft

For those who dig unique covers of classic jams, Friday at The Loft may be the spot. The “Summer Singalong Vol. 2” hosts a roster of local bands, all performing sets by other bands and artists. Cavalcade, Lansing-based weirdo metal extraordinaires, performs the “Donnie Darko” soundtrack; meanwhile, pop-punks Frank & Earnest rocks out as Bruce Springsteen and the E. Street Band. Also taking the stage are Bike Tuff (as Jimmy Eat World), Good Weather For Airstrikes (as Death Cab For Cutie), Heroes on Parade (as Say Anything), Stacey Koziel (as Destiny’s Child) and Earl Grey (as Modest Mouse). Fusion Shows, which is hosting the event, said the all-ages concert is meant to “celebrate how awesome music is … and about throwing all the industry B.S. out the window.” Also, the first 100 guests to arrive at the show, who are 21 and over, receive a free drink.

Friday, July 20 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, $7, all ages, doors 6:30 p.m.

Aussie/Nashville guitarist at Pump House

The Pump House has consistently brought acclaimed alt-country songwriters and Nashville-inspired rockers to East Lansing. This Sunday is no exception, when Anne McCue, an Australian native, plays a bluesy mix of folk rock and Americana. Heart’s Nancy Wilson called her “my Aussie clone.” McCue, who lives in Nashville, dropped her last album “Broken Promise Land” in 2010, a collection she describes as “a bit dirty, a bit rockin’, a bit swampy and a bit bluesy, with a touch of mysteriousness to it.” The disc showcases her rockin’ instincts and six-string virtuosity. The title track features a blazing Hendrix-like guitar solo. However, the blues-rock album also boasts the dirty guitar sound of late ‘60s English bands like The Yardbirds and The Rolling Stones. McCue has performed across the globe, including the Sydney Opera House, and throughout her career she has picked up some prestigious honors. She was voted the Roots Music Association’s Folk Artist of the Year in 2008, and also performed in a Jimi Hendrix tribute at the 2007 International Guitar Festival — the performance was included in the “Four Decades of Folk Rock” box set, alongside Bob Dylan and Wilco. McCue grew up in Campbelltown, southwest of Sydney, Australia. Aside from music, she also graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney with a degree in film production and film studies. For more information, visit www.annemccue.com.

Sunday, July 22 @ Pump House, 368 Orchard St., East Lansing, all ages, $15 suggested donation, $10 for CABS members, show runs 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Hillbilly punks at Mac´s 

Jason and the Punknecks, a Nashville-based trio, plays a trashy style of country and bluegrass. The band, which plays around 300 high-energy shows per year, stops at Mac’s Bar July 25. Opening the show are local roots-rockers Leper Colony and Chaz Brackx & the Big Bucks. Fans of Hank Williams Jr., Social Distortion, Tom Waits, or The Kentucky Headhunters may want to check out Jason and the Punknecks. The Leper Colony, led by Seth C. Newton (vocals/guitar), plays a darker form of Americana, taking its influence from the likes of the Misfits, Danzig, The Goddamn Gallows and Hank Williams. 

Wednesday, July 25 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $7, 9 p.m.

Dixon´s "transformational journey" at (SCENE)

David “Dixon” Hammond played traditional violin for 25 years until he decided to abandon all the rules back in 2005. Hammond, who spent many years living in Lansing, performs under the moniker Dixon’s Violin and plays what he calls “a transformational journey through digital violin.” His style of violin playing relies on improvisation, digital-effects processors and looping pedals. The result is a blend of classical, experimental, and even some rock tones. On Thursday, he brings his ingenuity to (SCENE) Metrospace. “Musically, it’s a combination of classical and modern influences,” he told City Pulse in March, “everything from Pink Floyd to Radiohead. But more than that, it’s about following the moment and feeling the vibe, there’s some influence from yoga and meditation.” Dixon is constantly touring the country and playing festivals from Burning Man to Electric Forest — he´s even given his own TED talk and performance.

Thursday, July 26 @ (SCENE) Metrospace, 110 Charles St., East Lansing. All ages. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.; music at 9 p.m. $10 suggested donation.