Turn it down

The East Lansing-based band East Harvest plays an eclectic mix of acoustic indie, soul, and reggae rock. The band, which is releasing its “Restless“ EP Saturday at an all-ages show at Mac’s Bar, features vocalist/guitarist Adrian Sanchez, Connor Ralph (vocals/percussion), Spencer Ralph and Joe Vasquez (bass), Jordan Otto (percussion) and Royce Phillips Jr. on saxophone. You can listen to some of the band's other songs at East Havest’s site, eastharvest.bandcamp.com. Opening the show are The Whiskey Pickers and Barefoot Five. The Whiskey Pickers are a local folk group that plays a mix of traditional and rowdy original bluegrass tunes — a style the band calls “Michigangrass.” The group consists of Roger Tijerina (guitar, vocals, harp), Brian Bienkowski (mandolin), Brian VanAntwerp (fiddle) and Sam Winternheimer (bass).

Sat., Feb. 23, Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, all ages. $5, 5:30 p.m.

Hat Madder at Food Bank benefit

The fourth annual Greater Lansing Food Bank Benefit on Thursday hosts a roster of area punks and rockers, all playing for a good cause at Mac’s Bar. Guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item. Taking the stage are The Hat Madder, Teenage Slumber Party, Blackburn Killin, Devils Cut and Decades. The Hat Madder released its synth-heavy LP, “Orgy Opposite,” in November. Organizer Todd Karinen, a veteran in the Lansing music scene and drummer in the heavy-blues band, Jack Pine Snag, said he organized the event to help out a good cause. “This is just a way we can try and help fill the growing needs,” he said. “Every little bit helps.” Discounted ticket prices are available to those who bring non-perishable items.

Thu., Feb. 21, Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 18 . $7, $5 w/ food item, 9 p.m.

Liz Carroll at The Fiddle

Chicago fiddler and composer Liz Carroll was nominated for a 2010 Grammy award for a recording she did with John Doyle, making her the first ever American-born artist to be nominated for the prestigious award. On Friday, Carroll brings her world-renowned Irish fiddling to the Ten Pound Fiddle series. Carroll played for President Barack Obama in 2009 at the annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon in Washington. Fans of Irish music may also recognize her as a member of the String Sisters — she joined the sextet of American fiddlers in 2005. Their 2009 live album was shortlisted for a Grammy. The Ten Pound Fiddle is a folk concert series thats been in the East Lansing area for over 30 years.

Fri., Feb. 22, Unitarian Universalist Church, 855 Grove St., East Lansing, all ages. 8 p.m., $15, $12 Fiddle members, $5 students.

Doug Mains at (SCENE)

Fresh off their “South for the Winter” tour, which stopped in 28 cities, Doug Mains & the City Folk play a “rocking (slash folkin’)” homecoming gig this Friday at (SCENE) Metrospace. Opening the show are local folk band The Bard Owls and Grand Rapids-based trio, Bennett. Last year, Doug Mains & the City Folk released their first full-length album, “The Mountains King.” The group features songwriter Doug Mains (guitar/ vocals), Kim Wren (upright bass), Rob Germeroth (percussion) and Josh Michaels (cello/accordion). The Bard Owls have been gigging since 2011, playing a blend of old-time folk, gospel and original songs — even some pop/alternative covers. 

Fri., Feb. 22, (SCENE) Metrospace, 110 Charles St., East Lansing, all ages, $5, 7 p.m.

Zach Deputy at The Loft

South Carolina native Zach Deputy plays soulful rhythm and blues, which he intertwines with jam band and funk vibes. The songwriter has become known as a master of live looping and a staple in the grassroots club and festival circuit. Next Wednesday, he headlines an all-ages show at The Loft, along with openers the Fried Egg Nebula and The Deep End. On Deputy’s latest release, “Another Day” (Eusonia Records), Zach reflects his broad range of influences, like Al Green, Taj Mahal and Stevie Wonder. The record may also appeal to fans of contemporary artists like Jack Johnson and Amos Lee. The Fried Egg Nebula is a high-energy Lansing-based “jam/psychedelic/southern rock/rockabilly” band.

Wed., Feb. 27, The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., $15, $10 advance, 7 p.m.