Gig Report

Friday, April 19 — Indie and alternative rock abound this week in Lansing. The Avenue Caf on the East Side features indie folk rock reminiscent of Tom Petty, while The Loft and Mac’s host heavier acts in Anberlin and New Politics, respectively.

And check out this week’s edition of Turn It Down in the print edition of City Pulse, which highlights folk legend Tom Paxton and an Eight Ball Grifter reunion happening tonight.

Bluffing the Ghosts at The Avenue Caf

Relatively new to the indie rock scene, Bluffing the Ghosts is the work of musician Travis Valentine, whose talent with multiple instruments has allowed him to create his own unique blend of acoustic folk and indie rock. Valentine recently self-produced his first full-length album, “Boxing Blind.” Bluffing the Ghosts has been well received by the Lansing music scene, and has been compared to the likes of Gordon Lightfoot and Tom Petty. Also performing on Friday will be Nathan Alan, Jory Schultz, Jeremy Cronk, and Kyle Brown.

Friday, The Avenue Caf, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All Ages. Free, 8 p.m.

Anberlin at The Loft

Formed more than a decade ago with six studio albums under its belt, alternative rock group Anberlin continues the tradition of a rigorous touring schedule this month. Though signed with a Christian rock label and largely considered to be a Christian band, lead singer Stephen Christian has stated that he doesn’t want to be labeled an evangelical, but a musician. He has also criticized more overtly religious bands like Knights of the New Crusade for being preachy. Regardless of religious lean, Anberlin has drawn inspiration from musicians across the spectrum of rock and pop, including Radiohead and New Order. Opening for Anberlin will be alternative rock bands Paper Route and Make Do and Mend.

Saturday, The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All Ages. $17-$20, 7 p.m.

New Politics at Mac’s Bar

The members of New Politics moved from Copenhagen to Brooklyn in 2009 after signing with RCA for their debut album. The alternative rock trio — David Boyd (vocals), Sren Hansen (guitar, vocals, keys) and Louis Vecchio (drums, vocals) — released their self-titled debut LP in 2010. The album includes “Yeah Yeah Yeah” — the band’s most popular single to date — which was picked up for the 2010 video game “Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.” New Politics has completed several U.S. tours, including a stop at the 2010 South By Southwest Music Festival and a supporting tour for 30 Seconds to Mars. New Politics is expected to release a second album this year.

Wednesday, Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All Ages. $9.41-$12, 7 p.m.