Ancient Mermaids, fairytale castles and a glitzy gala

Another week has come to pass, meaning it’s time to celebrate the weekend with exciting happenings throughout Greater Lansing. 

For live music, on Friday evening, we have Jake VanRavenswaay at Eaton Rapids Craft Co., The Rotations at Red Cedar Spirits and The Real Ingredients at Lansing Brewing Co. at 7; The Wilson Brothers with Elden Kelly at University United Methodist Church at 7:30; The Swift Brothers at The Peanut Barrel, the Monster Energy Up & Up Tour featuring Pioneer Drive, Simio and more at The Junction and Ancient Mermaids, Jay Arthur, Moon Disco and Dr. Jes at Mac’s Bar at 8 and Starfarm’s ‘80s party at UrbanBeat at 9. Saturday night, we have DJ E-Nyce at Eaton Rapids Craft Co. and Lit Up at the Williamston Roadhouse at 7; Atomic Boogaloo at UrbanBeat at 8 and Vincie D, Mistic Mountian and Lucas Powell at The Avenue at 9. Both Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., The Insiders will cover Tom Petty’s hits at The Green Door. For more information, check out this week’s Turn it Down. On Sunday, Red Cedar Spirits’ weekly jazz feature is the Hugh Downs Trio at 7 p.m. If you’re looking for a matinee, members of the Michigan State University Vocal Arts program will perform “operatic masterworks” at the Fairchild Theatre at 3 p.m.

At the Wharton Center, the iconic and somewhat mysterious Blue Man Group will perform Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. in Cobb Great Hall. Tutti Frutti Productions of Leeds, England, will take the stage in the Pasant Theatre Saturday at 1:30 and 4 p.m. for its production of “Ugly Duckling,” which is probably more entertaining and less nightmare-inducing for families with young kids.

Old Town Commercial Association’s Old Town Silver Gala, 6 p.m. Saturday at R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, will feature live music, special guests, a silent auction and, of course, opportunities to explore the museum. The event seeks to raise money for the organization’s Old Town Match Reimbursement Grant Program, which supports businesses and nonprofits in the Main Street District.

Ten Pound Fiddle is holding its biweekly Contra and Square Dance at Central United Methodist Church Saturday at 7 p.m., so strap on your dancing shoes and be prepared to get a little sweaty.

Travel to Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and beyond with the Wangelin family at the Foster Community Center Friday at 7 p.m. Their travelogue highlights faith, family and fun as they walk guests through a trip to fairytale castles and cities throughout Central Europe.

Cheese-based dishes abound in Sweet Encounter Bakery & Café’s cooking classes this weekend. Friday at 5:30 p.m., try your hand at making chicken Parmesan with fresh tomato sauce, homemade alfredo over fettuccine and apple crostatas. In Saturday’s kid’s class at 10 a.m., youngsters will learn to cook mac and cheese (NOT the Kraft variety), chicken tenders and roasted broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce.

I’ll be at DIY Freezing Man on Saturday, a festival at The Fledge featuring 10 local bands that are sure to wow with their energetic music and charismatic stage presence. Doors open at 1 p.m.

However you choose to spend it, I wish you the best of weekends.