Weekend Riff: Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler in Detroit, Mustard Plug in Lansing, Free Fender Workshop at Marshall Music
-Friday and Saturday: Who doesn't love a good fairy tale? Taylor Swift (right)
embraces happy endings with from-the-heart songs about adolescent romance and growing up. The 20-year-old country-turned-pop star brings hits like, "Fifteen," and "Love Story," Friday and Saturday to the Palace of Auburn Hills. Fellow country girl Kellie Pickler (below, of Idol fame) and country group Gloriana open. Both shows are sold out, but some last-minute tickets may be released.
-Also Friday: East Lansing-turned-Brooklyn, N.Y. pop-rock dudes the Stationary Set play a hometown show Friday at Mac's in Lansing.
-Also Saturday: 27-year-old classical violinist Giora Schmidt performs with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra on Saturday. Read the NOISE Q&A with Schmidt here. Also: singer-songwriter Kyle Rasche releases his new album with Chain of Lakes at (SCENE) Metrospace and Ben Keeler (ex-Van Ermans) releases a new one with his band, the 500 Club at Mac's.
-Sunday: Mustard Plug plays ska music, the type that meshes horns and guitars into a sort of over-charged, party-happy rock sound. It's a style that's far too good to be ignored. The Grand Rapids-based group broke out in the '90s, and they're still hot. Check out the act Sunday at Mac's in Lansing. I'll be there... can't wait! -Tuesday: Okay, Tuesday isn't part of the weekend. But I'm sneaking this in. Marshall Music Co. in Lansing hosts a free guitar workshop with Fender University professor and Favored Nations recording artist Greg Koch on Tuesday. Find the details here.
