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British Sea Power

3/26 • Pike Room

It has been smooth sailing for British Sea Power since its formation in 2000. The Decline of British Sea Power was the critically acclaimed debut album, released in 2003. Several years and albums later, BSP proudly released its latest album, Valhalla Dancehall, which was recorded on a farmhouse in East Sussex. This release followed shortly after the Zeus EP. The current single "Who's In Control?" is a heavy alternative rocker with a slight slam of glam. A series of North American tour dates bring BSP across the Atlantic. Along for the ride is supporting group A Classic Education, who's latest release is the Hey There Stranger EP. The Pike Room is located inside of The Crofoot at 1 S. Saginaw St. in Pontiac. Tickets $12. Doors open at 8 p.m. For more info, visit thecrofoot.com.

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Macklemore

3/29 • Blind Pig

Seattlite Macklemore, known by friends and family as Ben Haggarty, has been rhyming since he was 13 while reading "Hip-Hop Quotables" from the back of The Source. Far removed from those days, Macklemore will be giving the Midwest a visit with his long-time producer, Ryan Lewis. Their unique collaborations result in rap that's of a higher intellectual quality over beats that echo the same vein. "I try to be as transparent as possible when I'm writing," says Macklemore of his mixing of Ben and his alter-ego. Macklemore anticipates a full-length album by year's end, but if you just can't wait check out the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis The Vs. EP, as well as its "redux" counterpart. Macklemore also has plenty of EP's available on his Web site, bengalyucky.com. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 the day of show. Blueprint will also perform for this all ages show. For more info, go to blindpigmusic.com.

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Mount Carmel

3/23 • Magic Stick Lounge

This three-piece rock group from Columbus, Ohio has a self-titled album under its belt and has been busy touring to promote it. Mount Carmel is described as having captured an authentic '70s blues rock sound. Mount Carmel will be supported by local acts Unicornium and Bison Machine, who has a new EP out. Magic Stick Lounge is located 4120 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. Tickets are $8 for this 18+ show. Doors open at 9 p.m. For more information, visit majesticdetroit.com.

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Alli Warren and K. Lorraine Graham

3/24 • Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

MOCAD forges ahead with its reading series, curated by K. Silem Mohammad. The latest will feature the mesmerizing work of chapbook creator and poet Alli Warren, whose recent works have included No Can Do. Also on the bill is writer and poet K. Lorraine Graham from Carlsbad, Calif. Expect thoughtful, well-crafted prose.

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3/27 • Blind Pig

My Dear Disco is now Ella Riot! And although the name has changed, they will continue to deliver the "dancethink music" we've all grown to love. The band took inspiration from jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald when deciding the new name. Riot also helps to describe the hilarious party chaos that the band thrives on. The name change comes at a time of transition, as the band is preparing to release a new album. The Ella Riot Love Child album release tour is also ready to kick off at the end of the month. Most recently Ella Riot released The Remixes, which includes a remix of Michael Jackson's "2 Bad." The Blind Pig is located at 208 S. First St. in Ann Arbor. Tickets are $12 advance/ $15 on the day of the show. This all ages show begins at 8 p.m. For more information, visit blindpigmusic.com.

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Eli 'Paperboy' Reed

3/25 • The Magic Stick

Hailing from Boston, Eli "Paperboy" Reed is known as a soulful R & B singer who can get people on their feet. His influences range from classic rock to country to contemporary pop music. Even from a young age, this guy was obsessed with music and it's paying off: he and his band, The True Loves, are now on Capitol Records. The Party Stompers and DJ Savage Matt will join Reed at 8 p.m. at the Magic Stick, 4140 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. Tickets cost $12-14 and all ages are welcome.

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Big Band Big Floor Big Crowd XXV

3/26 • The Masonic Temple

Head over to the historic Masonic Temple Theatre and check out two awesome swing bands compete — the MillionAires and the Paul King and the Rhythm Society Orchestra. Tickets for this shindig are $22 and they will be giving swing lessons for an extra $5 from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. The Masonic is located at 500 Temple Ave.