4 Things to Do in Lansing this weekend, Jan. 6-8
This weekend, you can watch local musicians battle it out in the first round of the Q106 Homegrown Throwdown. Or, you can go to a comic book signing, make new friends or compete in a chess tournament. Details below.
14th annual Q106 Homegrown Throwdown
The Homegrown Throwdown was created to prove that the local music scene can thrive. It features 24 bands who compete for prizes and publicity over a five-week period.
Bands will be judged on stage presence, promotions, professionalism and their music. Prizes include $1,500 cash, studio time, a fully produced and directed music video, website, logo designs and more.
This week's competition will be the first of five. The bands competing are Tempest, Sierra Denae Willoughby, What's Not Taken, Assume Nothing, Strength for Battle and Blazing Autumn.
For tickets and subsequent weeks' lineups, visit www.theloftlansing.com.
How to go: Q106 Homegrown Throwdown. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The Loft Lansing, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. $10-$12.
Dave Acosta comic book signing
Dire Comics in Howell will be hosting comic book illustrator Dave Acosta for a signing Saturday.
Acosta's illustrations have appeared in "Vampirella," "Red Sonja," "Twilight Zone/The Shadow," "Doc Savage: Altered States" and "Chastity," but he says his proudest accomplishment is his contribution to “Love is Love,” a comic anthology co-published by DC Comics and IDW to raise money for the victims and families of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando.
“I’m proud that the comics community, spearheaded by writer Marc Andreyko, came together in the spirit of charity to try and help people,” Acosta said. “I am proud to stand with my fellow creators, speak out, and raise money for the afflicted.”
Acosta’s friend and frequent collaborator David Avallone “wrote some very beautiful words that gave me the inspiration to draw some powerful images," Acosta said.
To view Acosta’s portfolio and blog, visit www.davedrawsgood.com.
How to go: Dave Acosta comic book signing, noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. Dire Comics, 213 E. Grand River Ave., Howell. Free and open to the public.
Meet new friends at the City Market
Looking to expand your circle of friends? Join the Lansing City Market at their Speed Friending event.
Attendees will be divided into groups of three to five people. Each group will be provided a list of questions for everyone to answer. They will have 10 minutes to answer before being reshuffled.
The evening will end with a round of Cards Against Humanity. A cash bar will be available.
The event is open to ages 18 and older.
How to go: Speed Friending, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Lansing City Market, 325 City Market Drive, Lansing. $5 at the door.
Chess Tournament
In a world where board and card games are growing more advanced and more varied, chess is still a very popular.
"It's easy to learn, it's usually one of the first strategy games we're introduced to in childhood," said Manafold Games owner Nina Gucciardo. "However, it's difficult to master, and the difficulty level always changes depending on who your opponent is."
Manafold Games in Williamston is hosting a chess tournament Sunday. The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate.
How to go: Chess tournament, 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Manafold Games, 115 W. Grand River Ave., Williamston. $2 to play.