Turn it down

A survey of Lansing's musical landscape

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The Toasters at Macs - Fri. Jan 17

Formed in 1981 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan by British guitarist Rob "Bucket" Hingley, the Toasters played thousands of gigs across the world and became a global act during the ‘90s. While the third-wave ska band was initially influenced by classic acts like the Specials, it has garnered a huge following of its own. Billboard Magazine even dubbed them ska pioneers, and Clear Channel Radio named the band one of CBGB’s 20 core bands. The band plays an all-ages gig Friday at Mac’s Bar; opening are The Mushmen, Matt Wixson´s Flying Circus and Catalina Wine Mixer. In the commercial realm the Toasters have recorded jingles for AOL, Anheuser-Busch and Coke, and recorded movie and television scores.

Friday, Jan. 17 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., $14, $12 adv., all ages, 9 p.m.


Off the Ledge at The Avenue - Fri. Jan 17

Off the Ledge play an album fundraiser show Friday at The Avenue Café. The local group, which blends rock ‘n’ roll with funk, jazz and folk, features Matt Shannon (vocals, guitar, melodica), Tab Wakley (guitar), Ian Wallace (bass) and drummer Chip Herbert. The band is working on a nine-song album; money from this fundraiser will pay for studio time. The album, tentatively titled “Wrong Way Down A One Way,” is being recorded locally at Elm Street Recording. The band hopes to hire John Krohn, owner of Deep Deep Pink Recording Studio, for the mastering. Off the Ledge will launch a crowdfunding campaign to pay for the CDs. Opening at The Avenue show are Cat Tongue Grip, East Harvest and Days In The Arctic.

The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages, $8, 8 p.m.


Girls Night Out at ´The Fiddle´ - Fri. Jan 17

Three of Michigan’s busiest female singer/ songwriters share the “Girls Night Out” bill Friday at The Ten Pound Fiddle. The acoustic, Americana-filled night features Rachael Davis, May Erlewine and Stella!, featuring Lansing’s own, Jen Sygit. Davis, who’s based out of Nashville, started performing in the early ‘00s. In that time she’s released four albums, including one Shout Sister Shout album, a collaboration with Steppin’ In It. Her latest album was 2008’s “Antebellum Queens.” Erlewine debuted with 2003’s “Sleepless” LP on Earthwork Music, her longtime label. On top of playing and recording with her husband under the Seth & May moniker, she’s released a pile of solo records, including 2012’s “The Long Way Home.”

Unitarian Universalist Church, 855 Grove St, East Lansing. $15, $12 members, $5 students. 7 p.m.


Mid-Michigan Bluegrass & Folk Jam - Sun. Jan 19

For those looking to hear and/or perform roots music, the Mid-Michigan Bluegrass & Folk Jam at Woldumar Nature Center might be just the ticket. The concert series, held each third Sunday through April, combines spontaneous round-robin jam circles and main-stage acts. This week features the Luke Lenhart Band and Kari Ann & Lost Creek. Lenhart is an all-around instrumentalist and has mastered the mandolin, guitar, banjo, fiddle and doghouse bass. The New Salem, Mich., native has participated in the National Flatpicking Championships in Kansas and has performed in front of the International Bluegrass Music Association. The Mid-Michigan Bluegrass & Folk Jam often focuses on traditional Americana but all styles and skill levels are welcome.

Woldumar Nature Center, 5739 Old Lansing Rd., Lansing. Donations welcome.


Man Man at The Loft - Wed. Jan 22

The emerging indie-rock band Man Man headlines Jan. 22 at The Loft; opening the allages show is Xenia Rubinos. Lead by front man Honus Honus (vocals/keys) and drummer Pow Pow, Man Man is known for its harmonious singles, like its new song “Head On (Hold On to Your Heart)” and 2008’s piano-driven ditty “Rabbit Habits.” Since the Philly-based band debuted in 2004 with “The Man in a Blue Turban with a Face,” the group has developed and honed its sound into a hybrid of ‘50s rock, psych-rock, vintage soul and hints of hip-hop. The band’s latest record, the “Oni Pond” LP (Anti/Epitaph), has earned the band airplay on alternative radio stations across the map.

The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages, $15, $13 adv., 7 p.m.

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