“I started at my fraternity, I just kind of started playing music for people who wanted to party," Ronan McLaughlin, a touring DJ for bars, said. "I got a job at Harper's and I just said, ‘Hey, give me a note to DJ and I'll make sure that you guys won't regret it.’ Ever since they just let me just do my own thing, (I) even have my own day. I started country night there.”

McLaughlin mixed music alone in his apartment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, he has been able to work at some of East Lansing’s most popular bars, getting people dancing everywhere from Harper’s to P.T. O’Malley’s.

“After New Years, it just took off," McLaughlin said. "It was insane. I didn't expect a lot of people to pull up (to Country Night). There were probably over 2,000 people who showed up the first night. It was a really cool sight to see just like an agricultural school. (The school) has a lot of people tied into the country aspect.”

McLaughlin said that game days at P.T.'s are his favorite events to DJ because he gets to play for students and their parents. P.T.’s has been around since his dad went to college, which allows him to play music for a more diverse crowd rather than his usual nighttime club scene at Harper's.

“I think that I am a very open format kind of guy, so I always try to watch the crowd of people react to what genres I play," McLaughlin said. "I see a lot of people playing remixes nowadays… what they find on SoundCloud. I don't really tend to roll with that because I see a lot of people who don't like it.”

McLaughlin revealed the best songs to play at any function: "Livin' on a Prayer" for game day, "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme!" at midnight and "Dixieland Delight" on country night.

McLaughlin said that live music changes the atmosphere in bars.

“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," McLaughlin said. "So if you can get in the rhythm of the people, imagine yourself down there. It's really cool … because you're there to have fun. You're not there just for work." 

EagleMonk Pub and Brewery

EagleMonk Pub and Brewery offers outdoor and indoor shows throughout the year. This allows individuals and bands, anywhere from rock and roll to singer-songwriters, to perform their music.

The first Wednesdays of the month bring in the biggest crowds, allowing for storytellers to use the open microphone to share new music. The pub also hosts repeat bands that have a draw from the public, allowing popular bands to play on the same week every single month.

Sonia Buonodono at the EagleMonk said live music is very prevalent in the local community.

“Some of (the draw to live music) probably has to do with the really strong band directors … in high schools, as well as music programs at Michigan State University," Buonodono said. They both have really strong music (ties).”

The brewery is set apart from other venues due to its beer garden, but Buonodono also believes that the real appeal is its creativity.

“I really think what sets us apart is that it’s all original music in the public domain," Buonodono said. "We don't have anybody who plays covers.”

The Avenue Cafe

Bartender and booker Nicholas Richard said that The Avenue Cafe adorns the “come as you are” sentiment. He describes it as a hybrid of a restaurant, pinball bar and music venue.

“When I say 'come as you are,’ I feel like we are a very diverse crowd," Richard said. "We have people who come from downtown and students. It’s a very mixed crowd with punk rockers. Before nine, families come in, eat and have their kids play the games. Then after nine, it can be just like a pretty raucous dive bar.”

Richard explained that the bar truly does everything. Every Monday is karaoke night which is very popular with the students. However, on the weekends, the bar becomes a concert venue.

“We have indie rock, college bands from MSU electronic and hip hop," Richard said. "We have punk rock … and metal. We kind of curate the night.”

With touring smaller bands, The Avenue Cafe has been able to get back into the swing of live music after difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard said that feels that the positive energy that he loves to bartend in is coming back, especially with serving a largely LGBTQ+ crowd.

Richard said the true gem of the venue is that most of the shows are free, allowing free allowing for customers to truly experience the music Michigan has housed for decades, in an affordable way.

“East Lansing used to be the place for EDM played back in the day," Richard said. "I think we do have a history of indie rock and Detroit electronic music … We do have like hip hop nights … Michigan, I think, aside from the coastal scenes, has probably the coolest music.”

Hooked

Even when stepping away from live music, the community can find entertainment in unusual strange places: the local bookshop.

“The weekly happenings include game night. On Monday, we'll have someone leading dungeons (and) dragons," owner Matt Grossman said. "We have a parent Happy Hour on Tuesday where there's kid's reading with wine discounts for parents. We have a Wine Wednesday where you get an extra pour on a wine flight … Thursday, we have ‘trust us’ wine flights, where you get to guess which wine varietals you're drinking … on Friday, we have an educator discount.”

Even with all these events, the shop also squeezes in monthly book clubs and author events, as well as other social events that are unique to the area.

Hooked will host a "Boozy Book Fair" -- modeled after a Scholastic Book Fair, with some incorporated drinking.

"I've discounted the amount of book displays, and will have specials on drinks, so people can kind of relive their book fair but as adults,” Grossman said.

Hooked also hosts writing groups where national authors and experienced writers come to talk with guests about their journey. Yoga groups also rent out the patio to have yoga classes. While Wine Wednesday is their most popular event, the biggest hits among students are their coffee tastings and flights.

“There's always something to do," Grossman said.