Turn it down

Language debuts at Mac's Bar

The debut seven-track EP by a new local “post art pop” band, Language, will be released Thursday at Mac’s Bar. Language, which features Chris Minarik (guitar/vocals), Bobby Sullivan (guitar/synth) and drummer Joseph Dellgowan, is influenced by Girls, Yo La Tengo, Joy Division, Wire and an assortment of other British post-punk bands and classic American pop groups. The band formed back in the fall of 2011 and spent most of that time working on the new EP. This will be its first show. For more information, visit: languagemusic.org. Warming up the stage is a pair of local lo-fi rock-n-rollers, Racket Ghost and The Peoples Temple. Also taking the stage is the Kalamazoo-based band Jake Simmons & the Little Ghost — which dropped a vinyl LP of soulful rock on John Krohn’s Lower Peninsula Records label in late 2011.

Thursday, July 26 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $5, 9 p.m.

Freeroots-rockin´ show  at Moriarty´s

For those looking to rock on a limited budget, Thursday at Moriarty’s may be the spot. A roster of rough-around-the-edges roots rockers will perform. There is no cover. Lonesome Wyatt & the Holy Spooks (Madison, Wis.) features Wyatt, guitarist/vocalist of Those Poor Bastards, a dark-folk band. Wyatt released albums on Tribulation Recording Co., his DIY label. Also performing is Joseph Huber, a member of the Milwaukee-based .357 String Band, a “streetgrass” outfit. Rounding out the bill is The Devils Cut, a local four-piece folk-rock-bluegrass band that formed in 2010.

Thursday, July 26 @ Moriarty’s Pub, 802 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, 21 and over, FREE, 9 p.m.

Jazz group 496 West hits Holt

The Lansing-based jazz outfit 496 West opens for smooth-jazz saxophone star Eric Darius Friday at the Holt Performing Arts Complex. The group, which released its self-titled debut earlier this month, will lay down its upbeat mix of contemporary jazz, vocals, gospel, and R&B. Since it formed in July 2008, 496 West has opened for Grammy-nominated artists like Gerald Albright and Kirk Whalum, saxman Euge Groove and smooth jazz guitarist Tim Bowman, to only name a few. For more information about the show visit: bmrwpromotions.com. Word is, after the concert, an after party “meet and mingle” will happen at Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill at Eastwood Towne Center. 

Friday, July 27 @ Holt Performing Arts Complex – Margaret Livensparger Theater, 5885 Holt Road, Holt, tickets are $38, $50 for VIP, 7:30 p.m.

Doom, Punk & Grind at Blackened moon

Five heavy-hitting bands play Blackened Moon Saturday, including Cadillac-based bands Major Disappointment (Oi! from Cadillac) and Destination Morgue (death-core metal). Also ripping it up is Ponyworm (stoner/doom from the U.P.), BerT (local sludge/doom), and Bruxism (Michigan-based grind). Ponyworm is a Marquette band that plays “grunge/blues rock/stoner metal.” The band, which includes Pat Haydon (guitar, vocals), James Hegmegee (bass), and Devyn Rice (drums), draws influence from the likes of Black Sabbath, Electric Wizard, Nirvana and The Black Keys.

Saturday, July 28 @ Blackened Moon Concert Hall, 3208 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing, 18 and over, $10, doors at 6:30 p.m., music at 9 p.m.

Swimsuit issues at Spiral

If you love to break out the swimming suit whether there’s a pool around or not, you’re in luck. Spiral Video & Dance Bar is hosting “Pool Party” Saturday night. While there is no actual pool, guests are encouraged to show up in their finest swimwear. “It’s simple, wear your swimsuit,” the flier states. It’s the best of all worlds: no prune fingers, no harmful UV rays, no yellowjackets, plenty of skin. Loud Top 40 tunes spun by DJ John Cruz will pump up the beach-party vibe. Also, for those 21 and over, admission is free (and $1 off everything) before 11 p.m.

Saturday, July 28 @ Spiral Video & Dance, 1247 Center St., Lansing. 18 and over.

Dagwood´s hosts open mic

Looking to perform your music in front of a live audience? Tuesday Night Open Mic at Dagwood’s might be the spot. Jen Sygit, a veteran local singer/songwriter, hosts the event, which is open to seasoned musicians as well as rookies. Depending on the night, you might hear folk, blues, bluegrass, old-time, swing, jazz or folk-rock. Artists sign up for three songs (or 15 minutes, whichever comes first). People are required to bring their own instruments, but a four-channel PA and two microphones are supplied. For more information visit: dagwoodstavern.com. 

Tuesday, July 31 @ Dagwood´s Tavern & Grill 2803 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

Cursive at the Loft

Saddle Creek Records recording artists Cursive plays an all-ages show Tuesday at The Loft along with openers American Opera and The Playback. Cursive, an Omaha-based band, recently released its seventh LP, “I Am Gemini,” on the post-hardcore band’s long-time label Saddle Creek, which was co-founded by their friend, songwriter Conor Oberst, aka Bright Eyes. Cursive has been playing classic-emo-inspired indie rock since 1995.

Tuesday, July 31 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, all ages, $13 advance, $15 at door, doors 7 p.m.