Three shows to check out this weekend

This weekend, Greater Lansing is stacked with dynamic shows across the region. Here are just three events to keep on your radar — especially if you’re looking to get out and get down. 

‘Jagged Little Pill’ brings Alanis Morissette’s songs to life

These days, when a Broadway show like “Jagged Little Pill” rolls into town that “speaks directly to the messy reality of American life,” as The Hollywood Reporter put it, one might wonder what mess they’re talking about. In this case, it’s the story of an imperfect American family. The musical touches on the spectrum of life’s ebbs and flows: joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom and catharsis. Of course, it’s set against the backdrop of Morrissette’s catalog of Billboard-topping hit singles.

For those wanting to check it out, there’s still time — the show opened Tuesday (Jan. 31) at the Wharton Center and runs through Sunday. From ‘90s standards like “You Oughta Know” and “Hand in My Pocket” up to her latest LP, 2022’s “The Storm Before the Calm,” the Canadian singer-songwriter has sold more than 75 million records while nabbing seven Grammy Awards along the way and being dubbed the “queen of alt-rock angst” by Rolling Stone.

Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (“Pippin”), with a Tony-winning book by Diablo Cody (“Juno”) and a Grammy-winning score, “Jagged Little Pill” has received ample praise, including from Rolling Stone, which said the show “burns with passion.” Meanwhile, The New York Times said it’s “redemptive, rousing and real.” 

Through Sunday (Feb. 5) at the Wharton Center, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. Tickets from $39, MSU students $29. whartoncenter.com.

Tejano Sound plays benefit show

On Friday, The Junction will host Tejano Sound, a long-running, locally based Tejano band that knows how to get a crowd on the dance floor. The gig is a benefit for International Engagement Volunteers, which supports and contributes to the lives of disadvantaged populations in Mexico through various events and donations. The organization is supported by Michigan State University’s study abroad program. According to its organizers, this is International Engagement Volunteers’ “biggest event of the year,” so they’re hoping supporters “come and party hard for a good cause.” All proceeds will benefit communities in Mexico visited during its annual study abroad trip. 

Friday (Feb. 3) at The Junction, 410 S. Clippert St., Lansing. 7 p.m., 18+, $10. thejunctionmichigan.com.

Get down with Salsa Verde at UrbanBeat

Founded in 2008 for students to practice and perform Afro-Cuban music, Salsa Verde has played concerts, dances, festivals, recitals, benefits and various cultural events throughout Michigan. The setlist comprises songs by Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Gloria Estefan, Wayne Gorbea, Poncho Sanchez, Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony and Isaac Delgado, among others. Sprinkled in are original arrangements by the members of Salsa Verde, who are students and faculty of the MSU College of Music. Want to learn how to get down? Show up at 8:30 for dance lessons, then stick around for the performance, which runs from 9 p.m. until midnight.  

Saturday (Feb. 4) at UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St., Lansing. Doors at 8 p.m. $10 in advance, $15 doors, $5 with student ID. urbanbeatevents.com.