Metromix Detroit Music

For 20 years, Loft Studios in Saline has been the recording home for some of metro Detroit's best-selling rock bands. On Saturday, the Crofoot in Pontiac will host the studio's 20th anniversary celebration.

Brothers Tim and Andy Patalan opened the studio in 1988 inside a 150-year-old reconfigured oat barn on the Patalans' family property in Saline.

"We pretty much cater to rock music," says Andy Patalan. "It's a very relaxed atmosphere," he says.

Many of the bands performing at the anniversary celebration have been repeat visitors to the studio.

"It's a combination of Andy's bedside manner and both of the brothers' visionary talents in terms of really bringing out the best of the bands," says bassist Dana Forrester, who has recorded at the Loft with several bands over the years.

Since then the studio has been home to a variety of successful recordings from household names such as Sponge, Taproot, Bob Guiney of "The Bachelor" fame, Peter Searcy, Fret Blanket, Flickerstick, Hoarse, the Fags and more. Sales of albums recorded at the studio are in the millions worldwide.

On tap at the anniversary gathering are short sets from more than 20 Loft-recorded bands, including Sponge, Solid Frog, Bob Guiney Band, Speedball, 60 Second Crush, Calling Marvin, Crud, Garden of Souls, Konniption Fit, Novada, Orbitsuns, the Gepetto Files, Universal Temple of Divine Power and more, plus a reunion from '90s chick rockers the Motor Dolls.

Doug Podell from WRIF-FM (101.1) will be on hand with a live broadcast. A guitar giveaway will round out the anniversary fun.

Doors at 6:30 p.m. Saturday for the all-ages show. $15. For more: www.myspace.com/theloftrecording.

Sonically solo
If you've ever been intrigued by the aural attack of a one-man band, here's your chance to see three such acts in one night. The one-man rock assault appropriately titled "3 Angry Men" is set for Saturday at the Old Miami in Detroit.

The night features the return of Man Inc., the punk minimalist who plays kick drum, bass guitar and sings. He's back from a brief hiatus and boasting a few new tunes. From Port Huron come the one-man rockabilly band Sobourbon Son, playing whiskey-soaked country tunes, and the mysterious metal outfit Krakatoa, armed with a guitar and a slew of music samples.

Doors at 9 p.m.; admission is $5. Old Miami, 3930 Cass Detroit. 313-831-3830.

Iggy on DVD
"Escapedmania" is the title of the new DVD from Iggy & the Stooges. It features live footage from Belgium's Lokerse Festival in 2005, interviews with Iggy and more. It's due for release July 8.

Be the first to know: Singer-songwriter Luke Sayers and his group the Last to Know are celebrating the release of his latest CD, "Radio Flower," on Thursday at the Ark in Ann Arbor.

The former Detroiter and former member of the defunct Tangerine Trousers recently moved to Chicago.

Soul rocker Stewart Francke will also perform. The show starts at 8 p.m., and admission is $15. 316 S. Main Ann Arbor. 734-761-1451. For more: www.myspace.com/lukesayers.

More new music:
"Swallowed by the World" is the latest from punk outfit the Bill Bondsmen. The band is throwing a release party Saturday at Small's in Hamtramck to celebrate.

Along for the ride are Daily Void, Hellmouth and Death Skin Razors. Doors at 8 p.m. $7. 10339 Conant Hamtramck. 313-873-1117.

RACHEL MAY is a member of local bands Broadzilla and Novadriver. Send music news to her at rmay@freepress.com.