TURN IT DOWN: A survey of Lansing's musical landscape

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Dagwood’s hosts open mic

Looking to perform your music in front of a live audience? Tuesday Night Open-Mic at Dagwood’s might be the spot. The event has been running for three years and performers from as far away as Winnipeg have performed.

Jen Sygit, a local singer/songwriter, hosts the event, which is open to seasoned musicians, as well as rookies. Depending on the night, you could hear folk, blues, bluegrass, old-time, swing, jazz or folk-rock.

The event runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Artists sign up for three songs (or 15 minutes, whichever comes first). People are required to bring their own instruments, but a four-channel PA and two microphones are supplied.

Tuesday, Nov. 23 @ Dagwood’s Tavern & Grill 2803 E. Kalamazoo, Lansing www.myspace.com/tuesdaynightopenmicatdagwoods


American roots rockers weekly jam

Steppin’ In It plays every Monday from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the Green Door. The four-piece band combines blues, folk and Cajun into one melodic blend of traditional old-time music.

Aside from being a staple in the Lansing roots scene, the band has toured the country, the band shared a bill with Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead at the 2009 Rothbury Festival.

While you’re at the Green Door on Monday you can enjoy $6 domestic pitchers, $1 off microbrews and 50-cent Wings from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 22 @ Green Door 2005 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing Free, 21 and over, 9:30 p.m. www.steppininit.com


Sixth Annual Punks vs. Pokes fest rides into Mac’s

Those who enjoy angst-driven, three-chord punk songs, as well as the high lonesome sound of a steel guitar, should check out the 6th Annual Punks Vs Pokes Fest at Mac’s Bar this Saturday. Seven local bands will take the stage.

The event is hosted each year by Aaron Bales, singer/ guitarist of the local alt-rock-country band Flatfoot. The idea behind the show is that the roster of bands rotates back and forth between punks and country pickers.

Also, the punks are invited to do their best cover of a country song, and vice versa: Last year the Cartridge Family played a “unique” version of Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.”

This year’s line-up includes (on the punk side) the Cartridge Family, Frank and Earnest, and Josh David & the Dream Jeans. The country folk will be represented by Flatfoot, Cat Midway, Chaz Brackx & the Tight Teens and Squonky Tonk. If you’re into both Johnny Cash and The Clash, this could be the show of the year.

Saturday, Nov. 20 @ Mac’s Bar 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing $7, 18 and over, 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/punksvspokes


Funny folk play the Fiddle

The Ten Pound Fiddle is known for hosting eclectic folk singers, and this Friday in no different.New Jersey-based songwriter Mike Agranoff will play a set of his storytelling folk ballads.

Agranoff blends contemporary and traditional folk into a unique, and often humorous, brand of folk music. His main instrument is the guitar, however he also plays concertina and piano, sings a cappella, and performs riveting spoken word pieces.

Friday, Nov. 19 @ Ten Pound Fiddle - Unitarian Universalist Church 855 Grove St., East Lansing Gate opens at 7 pm; doors open at 7:30 pm. 8 pm show. General admission seating. Tickets $12 public, $10 fiddle members, $5 students. www.tenpoundfiddle.org


Open Haus welcomes rockers

You can close out your weekend of music at Uli’s Haus of Rock, which hosts the Open-Mic-Jam every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event, which is hosted by Craig Hendershott, has instruments such as guitars, bass drums and microphones available for those who need them. Original songs, covers and jamming is welcome.

Come out and network with other area musicians or just enjoy the show. Also be sure to keep up to date with Uli’s calender of live, rockin’ music.

Sunday, Nov. 21 @ Uli’s Haus of Rock 4519 S Martin Luther King blvd., Lansing Free, 21 and over www.ulishausofrock.com


If your band has an upcoming show, post it at www.facebook.com/turnitdown

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