Turn it down

Chris Cresswell, Ian Graham at Mac´s Bar, Saturday, July 11

Vocalist/guitarist Chris Cresswell has fronted Toronto-based punkrock band the Flatliners since its genesis in 2002. It wasn’t until 2014 that he cut his acoustically driven solo debut album. The disc was produced by Joey Cape of Lagwagon and released digitally by One Week Records – Fat Wreck Chords distributed the vinyl version. Between his two musical undertakings, Cresswell spends a bulk of his time touring the world, including stops in Canada, Europe and the United States. Saturday he headlines Mac’s Bar with a stripped down acoustic set. Openers are Ian Graham of Cheap Girls, Jimmy VanHavvermat and Full Monty. As for the Flatliners, the band has been a staple in the Ontario DIY rock scene since its inception. The band’s “Dead Language” LP was nominated for a 2014 Juno Award in the Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year category.

Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages, $12, $10 adv., 8 p.m., Saturday, July 11

The Hot Mess at the Green Door , Friday, July 10

Based in Lansing, the Hot Mess is an eclectic four-piece cover band. The group has gigged around the area since its genesis in the summer of 2013. The band’s song list spans genres, ranging from rock to R&B, and its set list includes everything from “I Feel Good” by James Brown to heavy Guns n’ Roses classics. “We play the hits, but we mostly like to throw in covers that we love that aren’t your typical covers,” said lead vocalist Sara Cruz. “I think this is what sets us apart.” The band, which also includes Steve Langlois (guitar), Adam Meinerding (bass) and drummer Chip J. Herbert, plays Friday at the Green Door. Aside from landing frequent gigs at the Unicorn and R Club, the Hot Mess also snagged the no. 3 spot in the “Best Cover Band” category of City Pulse’s 2015 Top of the Town contest.

The Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 9:30 p.m., Friday, July 10

Possessed By Paul James at the Avenue Cafe, Thursday, July 16

Possessed By Paul James, the solo project of Konrad Wert, is known for authentic, punk-infused bluesy roots tunes. Wert has shared stages with the likes of Wanda Jackson, Shooter Jennings, Lucinda Williams and T Model Ford. July 16 he headlines at the Avenue. Joe Fox of the Devil’s Cut opens the show. Wert has toured the world under the Possessed By Paul James moniker, including dates across France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, to name only a few. His instruments of choice are the banjo, guitar, fiddle and stomp box. When he’s not touring or recording, Wert teaches special education at an elementary school in Boerne, Texas. In 2008 he also starred in the film “The Folk Singer,” a Slowboat Films production. His latest LP, “There Will Be Nights When I’m Lonely,” was released via Hillgrass Bluebilly Records.

The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 18 , $10, $8 adv., 9 p.m., Thursday, July 16