Turn it down

A survey of Lansing's musical landscape

Posted
Like, omigod...it´s Starfarm! 

For those who still dig neon clothes and poppy synthesizers, the Starfarm show tonight at the Green Door may be the pre-Turkey Day spot to be. The glitzy cover band plays a “totally awesome” collection of ‘80s songs, dressed in Run-D.M.C-style Adidas tracksuits, topped off with legwarmers, headbands and British Knights shoes. The East Lansing-based band has been performing weekly since it formed 11 years ago. The group is co-led by vocalists Whitney Spotts and Dan Malnar, allowing the band to play a broader range of tubular tunes, including hits from Madonna, Prince and Duran Duran.

Wednesday, Nov. 21 @ Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 21 and over, $5, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.


Brackx is back with "Musical  Melee"

A random night of rock ‘n’ roll, rap and punk happens Friday at Mac’s Bar. The show is dubbed “The Musical Melee” and is hosted by the International Ring of Grapplers (I.R.O.G.), a locally operated professional wrestling company. This early, all-ages event marks the return of the local oddball rockabilly band Chaz Brackx & the Big Bucks. Brackx’s distinct sound mixes the melodies of the Everly Brothers and Dale Hawkins, with demented lyrics about baby oil and drinking blood. Opening the show are area rappers Wavie P and Milwaukee Rich & Dre Threestackz. Rounding out the roster is the sloppy-punk sounds of Teenage Slumber Party, a Grand Ledge-based duo. For more information go to facebook.com/TheIROG.

Friday, Nov. 23 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, all ages. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.


Old-school psych-metal at Mac´s

Blue Snaggletooth, an Ann Arbor-based four-piece band, brings its brand of psychedelic proto-metal to Mac’s Bar on Saturday. The band takes heavy influence from old-school riff-masters like Black Sabbath and Hawkwind and newer revival bands like Sword. Also taking the stage are Black Valley Mass, Record of War and BerT.

Saturday, Nov. 24 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $7, 9 p.m.


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 blues, bluegrass, 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, go to dagwoodstavern.com.

Tuesday, Nov. 27 @ Dagwood´s Tavern & Grill 2803 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. 10 p.m.-1 a.m.


Blake Selby hosts rap show at Uli´s

Lansing rapper and body builder Blake Selby has been busy shooting music videos and recording tracks on his Northern Hype imprint for quite some time. In 2010, he started to amp things up and since then has added a long list of other locals to his label. On Nov. 29, Selby hosts a hip-hop show at Uli’s Haus of Rock. Also taking to the mic are Lansing rappers Cesic, Ricky Rucker, D Fro, Lavish, Spinna J and True Poets. Rounding out the roster are DBlaze (from Battle Creek) and SkReW (from Waterford). For more information, go to reverbnation.com/blakeselby.

Thursday, Nov. 29 @ Uli’s Haus of Rock, 4519 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing, 18 and over, $10, 9 p.m.


Punks Vs. Pokes on horizon

The annual Punks Vs. Pokes show at Mac’s always draws a mixed crowd: punk rockers, alt-country enthusiasts and classic-country purists. The concert mixes punk and country bands on the same bill and is hosted by area Flatfoot member Aaron Bales. Flatfoot headlines the show and will release its new album, “Blue Water” at the gig. Flatfoot plays a rocking brand of alternative country that combines Flying Burrito Brothers swagger with an assortment of other roots and rock influences — even some traditional Irish tones.  Also representing the country side is JJ & the BTs, a Ferndale band that tips its hat to Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Dwight Yoakam. On the punk side are Lansing’s own Hunky Newcomers and local pop-punk favorites Frank and Earnest.

Friday, Nov. 30 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 and over, $7 advance, $8 at door, 9 p.m.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here




Connect with us