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The Calamity Cubes and Ford Theatre Reunion at the Avenue 
Farmageddon Records-signed band the Calamity Cubes are a Kansas-based “trashicana” band who croon about getting bent on whiskey, love and murder. The rugged country-punk trio features guitar, banjo, and upright bass. The band plays the Avenue Cafe Friday. Sharing the bill is Ford Theatre Reunion, a theatrical “neo-carnival rock‘n’roll” group. The Lexington-based outfit finds inspiration in the stuff of bygone eras, specifically “gypsy caravans and rail-riding hobos.” Sonically, the band delivers a vaudeville-tinged brand of progressive-roots rock in a D.I.Y. punk-rock package. The band comprises Alex Johns (vocals, keys, clarinet), Will Chewning (drums), Luke Harrington (bass), Joe Harbison (guitars, banjo, vocals) and Eric Myers (accordion, vocals). Last week Ford Theatre Reunion announced the release of its new full-length LP, “Legends & Landmarks.” The 11-track album is available to stream or purchase at fordtheatrereunion.bandcamp.com.
The Avenue Cafe, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 18 , $8, 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14 

Christopher Paul Stelling at Mac's Bar
Known for his complex and furious finger-picking guitar style and a gruff-vocal delivery, Brooklyn-based songwriter Christopher Paul Stelling plays a Southern-inspired brand of throwback folk. The Florida native headlines an all-ages show Thursday at Mac’s Bar; opening are Worn Spirit, Hut Two Hike! and From the Ends. Since his 2012 debut LP, “Songs of Praise and Scorn,” Stelling has received praise from the likes of American Songwriter Magazine, who noted his ability to "play difficult guitar parts and sing a completely disparate melody line at the same time.” Promotion for his latest disc, 2013’s “False Cities,” has included extensive touring across the U.S. and dates in Europe.

Mark Stuart at Concerts in the Courtyard
Nashville-based singer/songwriter Mark Stuart has toured virtually non-stop for the last 17 years, including dates across American, Europe and Canada. Stuart, 50, has gigged at festivals and large clubs, as well as intimate venues like house concerts and coffeehouses. Sunday he performs an acoustic set at Concerts in the Courtyard, held in the flower-lined outdoor space behind the Old Town General Store. Known for a soulful brand of Americana accented by his masterful guitar work, Stuart has kept busy as a performer since his teens. He was a member of his father’s band, the Nashville Rebels, which appeared in the Waylon Jennings’ film “The Nashville Rebel.” Through the years, he’s also played sideman to legendary acts like Joan Baez, Freddy Fender and Steve Earle. A portion of the proceeds from the Concerts in the Courtyard shows benefit Lansing-area music programs through Music is the Foundation, a local nonprofit.
Old Town General Store, 408 E. Grand River, Lansing. All ages, $15, 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 16