Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Ralph McKee Blues Trio features veteran players - Magic Tim Douthit on blues harp, guitarist Randy Lear, and Ralph McKee on bass and vocals, who blend many blues styles and grooves, some sophisticated changes, and strong soloing and singing to create a vibrant sound. Their songs tell stories - from serious to mysterious, sad or funny, making you comfortable in your fave local haunt, relaxing or maybe getting a little wild on a Friday night.

Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. Featuring Dylan Charles on electric guitar.

$10 cover

Dylan Charles is an indie folk-rock singer/songwriter/producer based in New York City. His songs blend soulful lyrics and powerful vocals with dynamic and intricate guitar playing. Learn more about the artist here.

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 Doors

The Tinkerhess Family Band features longtime local folksinger and songwriter Paul Tinkerhess joined by cellist Eric Tinkerhess and harpist Mana Tinkerhess visiting from the West Coast. Their show aims to light a path through the dark of early winter.

Ticketed Show | 8:30 PM | 8:00 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Fans of folk luminary Joni Mitchell and folk contemporary Madison Cunningham will appreciate Gretchen Pleuss’s “gorgeous arrangements and thought-provoking songwriting” – Dan Jarvis, Midwest Action. Having opened for acts like Glen Phillips, Steve Poltz, Damien Jurado, and Lisa Loeb, Pleuss is no stranger to the stage and never shies away from wearing her heart on her sleeve.

Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. With a deep repertoire of traditional standards, originals, and unique covers, the Trail Blazers will keep you guessing with unexpected tunes and arrangements every week. Featuring David Keeney on guitar.

$10 cover

A legend of the Great Lakes music scene, this pop-folk artist and producer continues to win over audiences with his contagious spirit and master musicianship.

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 PM Doors

Jason Dennie is known as a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist (guitar/mandolin), and sideman with MANY notable MI Artists over the last 25 years. Solo shows have been a bit of a rarity in recent years but 2026 is bringing a different focus. Much of the more intimate and instrumental based material is bubbling up to the surface, come join in a night of intimate acoustic music. Learn more here

Ticketed Show | 8:30 PM | 8:00 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Sage Advice is the husband-wife duo of Paul and Annemarie Dolan (also of Ann Arbor bands Four Roses and Naked Ace). Sage Advice was originally formed in San Francisco in the late ‘90s, resurrected now as their 2 children are off to music school at UM. They perform an eclectic mix of singer-songwriter covers with some originals sprinkled in.

Calling all language dancers, fancy mouths, and word weavers to share and revel. From quiet haikus read from your notebook (or phone) to seasoned slam performers, we welcome poetry across the wide and ever-evolving genre.
Hosted by Forrest Hejkal & cat h. bradley.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
After a decade in NYC touring the world as a jazz saxophonist and clarinetist with bandleaders such as Wynton Marsalis and Doc Severinsen, Janelle Haskell decided to make a complete switch to something she's always loved deeply: folk music. Gathering influence from the jazz-inspired harmonies of Joni Mitchell, the finger-picking workings of James Taylor, and other artists who've bridged that delicate gap between folk and jazz, Janelle's songs draw heavily upon her personal experiences in love and life, particularly navigating a path from the life of a busy city girl to one back at home in the Midwest with all the open space and sky she'd longed for during all those years away.

Bring your song, story, poetry, comedy, expression, magic, monologue, mood, presence, attention, and appreciation to a safe and welcoming space in the beautiful queer community as we connect with each other and each other’s art. Sign-up begins at 6:30

Hosted by Coley Roberts and Thea Zuby.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Glen Leven Band started in Ann Arbor on Glen Leven Road in 2012 to play a St. Patrick's Day gig and has been performing all over Southeast Michigan ever since at pubs, festivals, parks and porches. They play rocking Irish pub music, including revved-up versions of traditional tunes, along with an eclectic mix of roots, rockabilly and blues.

Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. With a deep repertoire of traditional standards, originals, and unique covers, the Trail Blazers will keep you guessing with unexpected tunes and arrangements every week. Joining them this week is Ryan Michaud on banjo.

$10 cover

Gingersmack is a folk-indie-Americana duo that originated here at North Star Lounge’s Open Mic nights! It features Laura McAndrew and Gordon Kwiatkowski (aka Captain Karnooba).

Ticketed Show | 6:30 PM | 6:00 Doors

Little Spoon River is a folky, funky, new wavey, punky party for the senses. Lyrically dense songs from the wilderness of southern Michigan composed to challenge civilization. An eclectic soundscape of joy and woe, of fun and seriousness.

Ticketed Show | 8:30 PM | 8:00 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Will Kaye’s intimate guitar, soft voice, and oblique lyrics offer an unflinching look into his inner world. Hailing from Saginaw, Michigan and currently based in Ann Arbor, Kaye crafts an introspective and cerebral sound blending both the American and British folk traditions, evoking the works of musicians such as Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, Adrianne Lenker, and Paul Simon. His stark yet elusive work exploring themes of love, longing, grief, and hope have established Kaye as one of Southeast Michigan’s most affecting emerging acts.

Kathy Wieland, Lauren Crane, and Pat Clinton take the stage for a night of fun, lighthearted, and humorous music that is sure to lift your spirits.
Ticket gets you admission to both sets.

Ticketed Show | 7 PM | 6:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Bill Edwards is an award-winning singer/songwriter from Ann Arbor, MI. He’s known for his thoughtful, moving and sometimes hilarious songs, supported by his fine voice and excellent guitar playing.

Dyke Nights are monthly gatherings for queer babes to meet up, dance, and flirt at North Star Lounge✨🌈 This is a trans and non-binary inclusive space!

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Steve Pichan is a longtime Michigan performer and singer/songwriter in the Americana genre with music available on all major platforms.  Recent performances in Ann Arbor were at Crazy Wisdom, Moon Winks and Black Crystal Cafe where he was nominated as a songwriter. Steve performs often in Southeastern Michigan and in the Traverse City region. 
Steve will be joined by Bobby Pennock. Bobby is an accomplished singer/songwriter who weaves intricate narratives reminiscent of folk legends Paul Simon and Harry Chapin, while channeling the melodic innovation of The Beatles. His lyrics catch listeners off guard with their incisive wit and philosophical depth, crafting lines that linger long after the last note fades

Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots.

$10 cover

Peter Madcat Ruth is Grammy Award winning harmonica virtuoso, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. John Churchville is Grammy Award winning tabla player, and was the leader of the award winning Indian fusion group, Sumkali. Together they create some unique and delightful music. Folk music, blues, and world music are all part of the mix.

Ticketed Show | 6:00 PM | 5:30 PM Doors

Hailing from Southeast Michigan, Swing Nouvelle is a dynamic swing quartet known for their virtuosic instrumentation, tight rhythms, and timeless stage presence. Rooted in the rich musical traditions of Detroit and Ann Arbor, the group blends vintage swing with a modern edge, evoking the style and spirit of the 1930-40s while bringing a fresh energy to each performance.

Ticketed Show | 8:30 PM | 8:00 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
born and raised near minneapolis, mn and now resides in ann arbor, mi. loves to cover music from many different genres and has original material to share.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Brady and Olivia, two students at the University of Michigan with a shared love for music, form a dynamic duo. It all began with spontaneous jam sessions in Brady’s room after A Cappella rehearsals (shoutout Amazin’ Blue!), where they’d unwind by belting out their favorite songs, with Brady on keys and Olivia on guitar. What started as impromptu harmonizing soon grew into a shared creative vision, fueled by their mutual love for genres ranging from indie rock to contemporary jazz. Brady and Olivia put a fresh spin on each song they play, driven by their passion for creativity and excitement to share their sound with the world!

Make friends, have fun, win prizes! Join us for a comedic bingo experience with Zooey and Taylor from the Heads over Heels Show.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
So Say We All! is an electric-acoustic collective infusing tuneful grooves with DarkFolk and GlamPunk energies.  They play any song, any language, any genre -- as long as they light up other worlds like little snow globes.  The duo/trio (two guitars, bass, vox) converged in A2 from different corners of the country: the Gulf, the Desert, the Mountains.  This January,  So Say We All! flirts with FrenchCafeJazz and DiscoGoth to debut a few originals and cover some rousing iconic B-sides.  

Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. Joining them this week is Mark Lavengood on dobro.

$10 cover.

Bobby Pennock is a dynamic performer whose music blends elements of pop, rock, and folk, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. With a passion for storytelling and an innate ability to connect with listeners, Bobby crafts songs that resonate deeply with emotion and authenticity. His performances are anchored by the sensitive and melodic bass playing of John Sperendi, whose expressive grooves add richness to the music, and elevated by David Roof, a versatile guitarist known for his range from intricate solos to atmospheric chords. Together, they create a sonic experience that captures the rawness of folk, the energy of rock, and the infectious hooks of pop, leaving a lasting impression on all who hear them.

Ticketed Show | 6:00 PM | 5:30 PM Doors

Greg Austill is an Indie Folk Artist from Otisville, Michigan. From a young age, gospel and bluegrass music were a heavy influence on his musical direction, eventually leading to a love of Folk/Americana music. Priding himself on raw and authentic writing and performance style, Greg connects with his audience through original songs as well as thoughtfully arranged cover songs.

Ticketed Show | 8:30 PM | 8:00 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Ann Arbor-based musician Joseph Groele presents an acoustic set of unique covers and original songs inspired by the indie folk artists of the 00s.

Bring your song, story, poetry, comedy, expression, magic, monologue, mood, presence, attention, and appreciation and join the North Star creative community! Signup starts at 6:30.

$5 cover, though no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Rye Valley is a heartfelt Americana band rooted in Northeast Ohio. Core member, Brett Auerbach, is an indie singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Akron, Ohio. Raised in the Cuyahoga Valley, his music draws deep influence from the sounds of Appalachia and the American Midwest. Blending claw-hammer and fingerstyle guitar with open tunings, Auerbach crafts a sound rooted in delta blues and Americana, marked by raw emotion and vivid lyrical storytelling.

Test your knowledge! Come with friends; make new friends, enjoy LGBTQ trivia like you’ve never experienced before! Your host, Terry McClymonds (who was the resident trivia master at Aut Bar for 9 years) will take you through both a verbal and written round. Food and drinks available for purchase. Come early for happy hour; club opens at 5pm

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Steve Taylor Three is a Detroit-based Americana trio. The three musicians weave emotion, reflections of life and family, and vast experience into original songs that would be a great soundtrack for a long drive across the country. Their latest album “Temporary Heart” is available wherever finer music is streamed.

Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. Joining them this week is Maddy Ringo on guitar.

$10 cover

An Indie Folk/Rock band based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Delta 88’s music is that of an American hymn. Brought together on the four winds, its members combine numerous musical influences to create their own unique sound like haunted mountain spirituals played through a distortion pedal. The songs move through wide channels of dynamic, emotional arrangements, from dark and somber barroom ballads to anthemic battle cries. With four studio albums, the most recent produced by Grammy-award winning Joe Henry, Delta 88 continues to mine for the new American songbook. The band’s music has been heard on stages through the U.S., Canada and Europe with the likes of Ralph Stanley, Richard Buckner, Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller to name a few.

Ticketed Show | 6:00 PM | 5:30 Doors

Celebrate our collective power and solidarity through the beauty of latin music! 100% of ticket proceeds donated to the National Immigration Justice Center.
Performers: Álvaro Vega-Hidalgo 🇨🇷, Vanessa Rodríguez-Sánchez 🇨🇺, Soichi Ystokazu Gomez 🇨🇺, Danny Gonzales 🇵🇷🇳🇮, Eli Ochshorn 🇺🇸, Alain Sullivan 🇺🇸, Harry Rubin-Falcone 🇺🇸, and more!

Ticketed Show | 8:30 PM | 8:00 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Glenbrooke is a Michigan-based country artist known for her powerful vocals and a unique blend of country and rock-inspired melodies. Starting her musical journey at just ten years old, she has always been fueled by a deep passion for music.

Calling all language dancers, fancy mouths, and word weavers to share and revel. From quiet haikus read from your notebook (or phone) to seasoned slam performers, we welcome poetry across the wide and ever-evolving genre.
Hosted by Forrest Hejkal & cat h. bradley.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Alex Wand is a composer and performer whose practice spans songwriting, ecological thought, field recording, and alternate tuning systems. He is currently working on a collection of instrumental compositions for resonator guitar entitled “Rufus’ Retreat.” A Metro Detroit native, he teaches music at the U-M Residential College.
For this set he will be joined by Michael Gould, a celebrated percussionist and professor of Music at U-M, and Joe Fee on upright bass.

Bring your song, story, poetry, comedy, expression, magic, monologue, mood, presence, attention, and appreciation to a safe and welcoming space in the beautiful queer community as we connect with each other and each other’s art. Sign-up begins at 6:30

Hosted by Coley Roberts and Thea Zuby.

Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. With a deep repertoire of traditional standards, originals, and unique covers, the Trail Blazers will keep you guessing with unexpected tunes and arrangements every week. Joining them this week is Jason Dennie on mandolin.

$10 cover

Warren & Flick creates music that feels both grounded and adventurous—rooted in tradition yet unafraid to explore. The genre-blending acoustic duo features Jacob Warren (double bass and tenor bass) and Grant Flick (violin, tenor guitar, nyckelharpa). Their original music is rooted in folk, jazz, and classical traditions—inviting yet exploratory, with a strong improvisational thread. The duo shares their work through performances, workshops, and published sheet music. Together they have released three albums of original music: Kestrel (2019), Waxwing (2022), and Cormorant (2025).

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 PM Doors

Join three of Ann Arbor’s most prominent, up-and-coming female singer-songwriters (Ani Mari, Corazon Szell, Maddy Ringo) for an evening of music, community, and reproductive justice! All ticket proceeds go to Planned Parenthood Michigan to aid in their fight against their defunding by the Trump administration.

Ticketed Show | 8:30 PM | 8:00 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
DeVeaux Gauger is a singer/songwriter from Ann Arbor, channeling the ’70’s troubadour sounds of Harry Chapin, Jim Croce & James Taylor. He blends introspective, fun, storytelling acoustic/folk/rock originals and covers played on 6 and 12 string guitars. Join him for a musical journey on life’s interesting road.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Come along with singer Jeffrey Willets and accompanist Lois J. Kaarre as they take you on a journey of different "Aspects of Love" through popular, classical and Broadway tunes. This is sure to be a big hit for you and your sweetie for Valentine's Day :-)

Expect nothing but the real deal this Valentines Day at North Star Lounge. Dave & Kristi, an actual couple in love, will celebrate all the best the day has to offer with the able assistance of Emily Slomovitz, one of Ann Arbor’s favorite fiddle players. And don’t worry. It won’t get so mushy that singles or first daters will start squirming. It may be a candy and flowers day, but Dave & Kristi know that the greater love beyond romance is where the real good stuff lies.

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 PM Doors

With roots spanning from Texas, North Carolina, and all the way to Canada, Lucky 17 has forged a unique new musical offering here in Michigan. Singer-songwriters Ed Dupas, Caroline Barlow and Tony Pace have joined forces with local bass legend Ozzie Andrews to share their collective stories via song. Whether it's a dusty back road hymn, a song of loss, or a tune of hope and love, they deliver it all with authentic and soulful perspective. Three-part harmonies weave together with acoustic and electric instrumentation to offer an eclectic mix of song styles and textures. Collectively, their talents have graced many stages here and abroad including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Ann Arbor Folk Festival, and Blissfest to name a few.

Ticketed Show | 8:30 PM | 8:00 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Michigan singer/songwriter Andy Baker has spent 3 decades captivating audiences with his unique style of soul satisfying folk. His recent accolades include winning the 2020 Kerrville Newfolk Songwriting Competition and the 2022 Great River Folk Festival Songwriting Competition, as well as being featured as an Emerging Artist at the 2020 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. His 2020 album “North Country Sky” spent several months on the National Folk DJ charts, and Jon Stein, host of WTBQ’s Hootenanny Cafe declares “Andy weaves breathtaking lyrics and melodies…He left me wanting more…much more!”

Come join the drum circle and create a supportive, encouraging community as we share rhythms and voices and explore the music that can be created together. Sundance has been inspired by drumming influenced by the African rhythms that have spread around the world, and the true medicine that comes from letting go and tapping into the Ancestral Voices. From his many years studying hand drumming traditions, Sundance has learned how to guide the drum circle journey while encouraging all to share what they have to give. No experience needed, just listen to your own heartbeat, and share your song. Extra drums will be available.

Recently voted Detroit’s best Americana band by readers of the Detroit Metro Times, The Whiskey Charmers create their own brand of Dusty Americana with melancholy guitar weaving in and out of vocal melodies that tug at your heartstrings and give you the feeling of winding down a dusty desert road.

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Lily Bowen is a singer/songwriter based in the Detroit area. She has 8 singles released on all streaming platforms, and is influenced by pop artists like Gracie Abrams and Lizzy McAlpine. She has performed at many local events, like the Ann Arbor Art Fair and Dally in the Alley.