David Specht

[email protected] This weekend, many Lakers will head to their hometown for a quick Labor Day break before taking the final plunge into the fall semester. As is the case every year, a handful of students will, for any number of reasons, remain in West Michigan over break. Fortunately for those music lovers left behind there are a select few shows being held throughout downtown Grand Rapids that just might make their stay worthwhile. – Veteran punk rock trio Murder Party! is set to headline an evening of Grand Rapids-based bands at the Tip Top Deluxe on Thursday. Opening acts include American post-hardcore band Cosmonaut, punk/grunge/garage rock quartet Flex.0 and alternative punk rock group Antilogical. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $3. The show is for ages 21 and up. For more information visit facebook.com/events/1595494250677396. – On Friday, Mediterranean fusion sextet Wisaal will share its complex amalgamation of worldly sounds at Billy’s Lounge located in the heart of Eastown. The Arabic word wisaal means “links, connections or unities;” with a uniquely eclectic mix of instruments and influences, the group truly lives up to its name. The set runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free of charge. The show is for ages 21 and up. For more information visit billyslounge.com. – Four-man rapcore crew (hed) p.e. is set to bring their blend of gangsta rap and punk rock to the front room stage, The Stache, at The Intersection at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The California-based group will be joined by the likes of Dope, Sunflower Dead, Pass of Aggression and Isolationtheory. The show is all ages and tickets are $15 advance, $17 day of show. For more information visit sectionlive.com. – On Sunday, a whole host of Midwest DJs will gather on the main stage at The Intersection to battle it out on the turntables. The evening begins at 10 p.m. and will feature regional acts such as DJ Q89, DJ Buscat, DJ Johnny B Good and PJ Da DJ. Tickets are $10 presale, $15 day of show and $20 at the door. The show is ages 18 and up. For more information visit sectionlive.com.