Where to go, who to see: Live entertainment in the Lansing area

“I started out as a frat, and I just started playing music for people who wanted to party,” says Ronan McLaughlin, pub touring DJ. “I got a job at Harper’s and I just said, ‘Hey, drop me a note to DJ and I promise you guys won’t regret it. Since they just let me do my own thing, (I) even have me My own day. I started country nights there.”

McLaughlin is alone in his apartment mixing music during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now he’s been able to work at some of East Lansing’s most popular bars, getting people dancing everywhere from Harper’s to PT O’Malley’s.

“After the new year, it just took off,” McLaughlin said. “It was crazy. I didn’t expect a lot of people to stop (for country night). Probably over 2,000 people showed up on the first night. Like an agricultural school, it was a really cool sight. ( school) there are a lot of people associated with the countryside.”

McLaughlin said PT game days are his favorite DJ events because he can play for students and their parents. PT’s has been around since his father’s college days, allowing him to play music for a more diverse crowd than his usual nightclub scene at Harper’s.

“I think I’m a very open-format guy, so I’m always trying to see how the crowd reacts to the genre I’m playing,” McLaughlin said. “I see a lot of people playing with remixes now…what sound cloud they find. I really don’t like that because I see a lot of people don’t like it.”

McLaughlin revealed the best songs to play on any occasion: “Livin’ on a Prayer” on game day, “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme!” Midnight and “Dixieland Delight” on country night.

McLaughlin said the live music changed the bar’s atmosphere.

McLaughlin said: “I think a live DJ is better than a pre-recorded soundtrack because you’re watching people who want to get into the rhythm of the genre. So if you can get into the rhythm of the people, imagine yourself down there. It’s really It’s cool…because you’re there to have fun. You don’t just do it for work.”

EagleMonk Bar and Brewery

EagleMonk Bar and Brewery Outdoor and indoor performances are offered throughout the year. This allows individuals and bands from rock and roll to singer-songwriters to play their music.

The first Wednesday of the month draws the biggest crowds, allowing storytellers to share new music using open mics. The bar also hosts repeat bands that attract the public, allowing pop groups to perform on the same week of each month.

EagleMonk’s Sonia Buonodono said live music is very common in the local community.

“Some (the appeal of live music) may have something to do with really strong band directors … in high school as well as MSU’s music classes,” Buonodono said. They both have very strong music (relationships). “

The brewery is set apart from the rest by its beer garden, but Buonodono also believes that the real draw is its creativity.

“I really think what sets us apart is that it’s all original music in the public domain,” Buonodono said. “None of us cover it.”

Avenue Cafe

Bartender and reservationist Nicholas Richard says Avenue Cafe Decorate with “come with you” emotions. He describes it as a mix of restaurant, pinball bar and music venue.

“When I say ‘like you,’ I think we’re a very diverse group of people,” Richard said. “We have people and students from downtown. It’s a very mixed punk rock crowd. Before nine o’clock, families come in for dinner and let their children play games. Then after nine it can be like a rather rowdy dive bar. “

Richard explained that the bar really does everything. Every Monday is karaoke night, popular with students. On weekends, however, the bar is turned into a concert venue.

“We had indie rock, college bands from MSU electronic and hip-hop,” Richard said. “We had punk rock…and metal. We planned the night in a way.”

By touring smaller bands, The Avenue Cafe was able to get back into the swing of live music after the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard said he feels his positive energy for bartending is returning, especially when serving a large LGBTQ+ population.

The real gem of the venue, Richard said, is that most of the shows are free, giving customers an affordable way to truly experience the music Michigan has had for decades.

“East Lansing used to be where EDM played,” Richard said, “I think we do have a history of indie rock and Detroit electronic music … we do have hip hop nights … Michigan , I think, except from the coastal scene, probably the coolest music.”

hooked

Even far from live music, the community can find entertainment in an unusual and unfamiliar place: the local bookstore.

“Weekly events include game night. On Monday, we’ll have someone leading the dungeon (and) dragons,” owner Matt Grossman said. “We have a parent happy hour on Tuesdays where there are readings for the kids and parents get discounts on wine. We have a wine Wednesday where you can pour an extra wine on the wine flight…Thursday we have the ‘Trust Us’ wine flight , you can guess which wine varieties you’re drinking…Friday, we have educational discounts.”

Even with all this activity, the store is packed with monthly book clubs and writers events, as well as other social events unique to the area.

Hooked will be hosting the “Boozy Book Fair” – modeled after the Scholastic Book Fair, including some drinking.

“I’ve discounted the number of book shows, and there will be drink specials, so people can relive their book fairs in a way, but as adults,” Grossman said.

Hooked also hosts writing groups where national and seasoned writers come to talk to guests about their journeys. Yoga groups also rent patios for yoga classes. While Wine Wednesdays are their most popular event, the most popular among students are their coffee tastings and flights.

“There’s always something to do,” Grossman said.