Join us for a free happy hour concert!
After years of thrill-seeking (sheep shearing school, macramé, night time wilderness endurance hiking) adrenaline junkies Jill Baker (The Revelators) and Lynne Frederickson (Lynne F. Trio, Dorkestra) have shifted their restless creative energy to something that will pay the bills - folk singing.
Jill and Lynne are thrilled that Hilary Finchum-Sung will be joining on fiddle for this show!

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 Tony Pace on Dobro.

$10 cover

Warren & Flick explore the nuanced textures of a two-person ensemble. Using both original material and arranged standards from many genres, this ensemble finds new depth in the simplicity of a duo. Jacob Warren plays double bass, while Grant Flick plays violin, tenor guitar and nyckelharpa. With Jacob’s classical foundation and Grant’s experience in bluegrass and jazz, their contrasting backgrounds give this collaboration a unique and compelling musical narrative.

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 PM Doors

Award winning finger-style and slide guitarist Rollie Tussing teams up with trumpeter Ross Huff and bass player Serge van der Voo to perform timeless classic jazz and country blues, dewy-eyed tunes of the 20s and 30s, as well as godforsaken songs of the nineteenth century. Their own compositions are influenced by those same lonesome, haunted and abandoned melodies that we all forgot to remember.

Ticketed Show | 8:30 PM | 8 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Steve Pichan is a long time 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.

Cousins James Bourland and Lottie Prenevost began performing together in the late ‘90s in their parents’ back yards, putting on parades full of cobbled-together costumes from dress up bins. A couple formal performance degrees and decades later, they’re delighted to share with you an evening of American standards from a handful of genres.

$18 cover

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!
Blockhouse Valley's original music recalls living in the American Rust Belt and the experiences of growing up in the Midwest and Appalachian regions. These roots are the inspiration for the instrumentation of the band, having been heavily influenced by the regional folk and bluegrass sounds, while also being exposed to the popular alternative, rock, blues, pop, and country music of the 90s and 00s. Blockhouse Valley isn’t shy to pull from all of these influences when writing their music or when arranging one of their unique takes on a popular song.

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 TJ Zindle on electric guitar.

$10 cover

Frank and Cora’s train has arrived in the station- just in time for you to hitch a ride! Venture with the quirky duo through plains of grassy folk-scapes, amidst the sweeping hills of soul and the vast valleys of melancholy melodic mastery, as they transport you from silly to serious and back again. Joined in harmony, Frank and Cora are the alter egos of Aaron Markovitz and Ashley Pyle- two of southeastern Michigan‘s tip top tier songwriters, showing off their multi-instrumental roots and their innovative imaginations with original and cover songs alike. So come one and all, immerse yourselves in the imaginations of Aaron and Ashley as they venture on and spread their magic through their music. The only thing you need for a ticket to ride the rails with Frank and Cora is an open ear and an open mind- they’ll provide the rest!

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

Karim Gideon is an accomplished trumpeter whose passion for music began at the age of 10 in his middle school band. By high school, his talent and dedication to jazz earned him the mentorship of renowned musicians like Dr. Teddy Harris Jr., Marcus Belgrave, and Harold McKinney, with the latter’s Serengeti Ballroom workshops providing a crucial training ground. After high school, Karim enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he continued to pursue jazz while stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. Immersing himself in the vibrant Tokyo jazz scene, Karim honed his craft alongside talented local and international musicians. His military service also took him to Dubai, Norfolk, and Afghanistan, all while maintaining his dedication to jazz. Upon completing his service, he earned a degree in music from Wayne State University, building a career rooted in both tradition and innovation.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | Doors at 8:30

A program of Latin American folk songs that represent the history, aspirations, culture and values of Latin American peoples.

Get Tickets Here

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Gretchen Pleuss is an Ann Arbor based singer-songwriter and poet. Hailing from humble roots along the Ohio River, Gretchen's lyrics weave her personal experiences into larger reflections of society and humanity. "Fans of Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, and other folk luminaries will appreciate Gretchen's gorgeous arrangements and thought-provoking songwriting" - Midwest Action.

Back for the 5th time, Olivia Van Goor returns as the host of the only vocal-jazz-cabaret-showcase-extravaganza in the state of Michigan. Or at least, as far as she knows. This time, featuring the always stunning Anna George, the return of Cayla Stus (who was in the first installment back in February 2024!), new to the stage Ann Arbor native Rachel Arnsdorf, and University of Michigan student Caitlyn Bogart. They will be joined by a stellar rhythm section for all springtime-themed tunes. There is no lack in the Great American Songbook, but the ladies will be looking far and wide for the best and most entertaining tunes for your listening pleasure. As always, there will be giveaways, jokes, and maybe it will even be above 50 degrees outside! You never know what's going to happen at the OVG Cabaret!

| 7:00 Show / Doors at 6:30 | 9:00 Show / Doors at 8:30 |

Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour concert!
Coley Roberts (she/they) is a singer/songwriter who currently lives in Dexter, Michigan. Coley's inspiration comes from delving into their human experience and finding pieces of their grief, confusion, heartbreak, and Love that they release into a musical form. Her instrumentation serves as a backdrop to lilting melodies that shift with the emotionality of their music, which is the driving force for her sound. Coley also has a degree in classical singing/vocal performance and is a board certified music therapist who currently works in hospice and special education. She also loves being in or near the water as often as possible and is fiercely devoted to her dog, Lodi. 

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!
Kedron is an energetic group taking inspiration from a blend of americana, bluegrass, and country music! The local band, hailing from Chelsea, Michigan consists of a ukulele/guitar player, a bassist, a violinist, and a vocalist. Each member brings their personal taste to the band’s sound, and the resulting music is pretty unique.

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 Madcat Ruth on harmonica & ukulele.

$10 cover

The Cinematic Trio creates a lush and dynamic sound combining two virtuosic pianists with guitar and voice.

The trio features Neil Donato and Dale Grisa on keys, and guitarist, singer and songwriter, Terry Farmer.

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

The Alex Anest Organ Trio presents an evening of exciting repertoire for the classic combination of guitar, organ, and drums. Original tunes as well as works by the likes of Duke Pearson, Emily Remler, Ernie Krivda, Christine Jensen, Wes Montgomery and Herbie Hancock have found their way into the set list. The lineup includes David Ward on drums and Robert Mason on organ. The focus is on working together and connecting with the audience through improvisation, groove, and feel. Music should be fun to listen to as well as to play, and this trio is all about enjoying the music. The Alex Anest Organ Trio has lately been performing around the Midwest including dates at clubs and festivals in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and more.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Patrick Clinton wrote his first song in 1968, and after a long hiatus, he’s at it again. He’s known for offbeat, witty, often hilarious tunes about everything from frogs and chickens to cowboys, mashed potatoes, and doomed romance.

Annie Capps is a multifaceted artist whose three-decade career as a performing songwriter defies genre boundaries. Balancing emotional depth with a lighthearted touch, she leaves listeners feeling like they’ve spent time with a good friend.

Bill Edwards is both a master of the songwriting craft and a seasoned and compelling performer. He boasts a catalog of nine full-length albums of originals. He continues to write songs that’ll move your heart or move your feet, or both.

Mark is a southeast Michigan songwriter whose songs range from Beatlesque ballads to humor-laced "pop-ish" tunes and blues to Americana tales of the human experience. He finds the lighter side of life easy to put to music, but writing about love, loss, and the road between them is harder to get right.

$10 cover

Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour concert!
Laura McAndrew is a Michigan-based singer-songwriter and member of Gingersmack!, a folk-indie-Americana duo that originated here at North Star Lounge. She’s joined by her friends Captain Karnooba, Brian Williams, Kyler Wilkins, Aviva Match and James Bourland for a mix of sometimes-sweet, sometimes-snarky originals and heartbroken covers. Laura amuses herself and occasionally others by delivering hard truths in soft tones.

Photo: Tom Sorenson

The double feature drag show returns, with sets at 7:30 & 8:30. You can expect phenomenal lipsync performances, captivating dance moves, and tons of laughs!

$10 cover per show

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
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.

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.

Ryan Racine is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from southeast Michigan. Performing in bands for nearly 30 years, Ryan released his first solo album “Outsider’s Heart” in 2018. The album is a culmination of his experiences both musical and personal, exploring themes of belonging, depression, finding love, and accepting happiness, all sonically planted in American Roots styles.Between 2020 and 2023 Ryan released 5 singles and is currently recording a new full-length record for release in 2025.

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

Dani Darling is a singer songwriter boasting a retro soul set with fun sing-a-long/call and response originals, and shoegazey psychedelic vibes throughout. Dani's lush vocals and poignant lyrics and inner beauty are a highlight.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

From backyards to barbershops, gyms to steamships, Don’t Tell Comedy creates a one-of-a-kind comedy experience featuring the best aspiring comics. Don’t Tell Comedy produces weekly shows in 100+ cities across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The performers are a secret until they hit the stage! Come join us on April 23rd to see this generation's next best comics!

Get Tickets: 7 PM Show | 9 PM Show

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!
Eric Moore is well-known in these parts, but you’ve never quite seen him like this: fronting a band! Yeah, the old folkie has swapped out his Martin for an Epiphone 335, and he feels younger now, thank you very much. His electrified songs sit comfortably in today’s retro fashions. But rest assured, Eric wants absolutely nothing to do with yachts…

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 Mike Harrington on Pedal Steel Guitar.

$10 cover

Amy Love is a heart-stopping singer-songwriter. With honest lyrics and a mesmerizing voice, she carries audiences to their most nostalgic memories. Passionate about community organizing, Love frequently teaches singing classes, songwriting workshops, and has even founded an artist-in-residency program.

Folksinger, balladeer, educator, songwriter, and Earthwork Music Collective member Ben Traverse commands a wide array of instruments in their mission to bring the finest traditional folk music into the 21st century. With deep roots in the Great Lakes State, they travel Michigan and beyond telling stories and truths as old as the hills.

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

The Mighty Swells take the stage to pay homage to the iconic sounds of the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia.

.Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Kathy Wieland is a singer/songwriter, autoharp, banjo and guitar player from Ann Arbor, MI. She has four Cd’s and just had a CD release concert for the latest one - Skyliner - at Trinity House Theatre in Livonia. She performs locally and has performed and taught workshops at festivals in CA, OR, AZ and PA. Some of her songs have won awards at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS and the Riverfolk Festival in Manchester, MI.

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.

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!

Dave Keeney and Sophia Hanifi are known as the hardest working couple in the Ann Arbor music scene. Sophia’s versatile and distinctive vocals have graced bands from Map of the World, FUBAR and Hoodang. Dave has lent his considerable guitar, dobro and singing talent to scores of local artists as a versatile sideman, while also representing one third of the country rock outfit, Hoodang. Together, they bring new life into everything from country and pop standards to overlooked gems from any category you can name. Together in life and together in song, they make a greater sum than each of their individual talents.

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 Kait Rose on vocals & guitar.

$10 cover.

James Bourland is a local musician specializing in classic Americana, Roots, Blues, and Country music. Recently returned to Michigan after performing in the Chicago scene over a decade, he plays an eclectic range of styles while always staying rooted deep in the traditions of American folk and blues.

Peter "Madcat" Ruth is an American Grammy Award-winning virtuoso harmonica player, who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has been an invited guest performer at many harmonica festivals and workshops in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, and has performed with symphony orchestras, as well as on radio and television advertisements and appearances all over the world.

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 PM Doors

A native of Michigan, Rochelle Clark writes music that has been described as raw, honest, and beautifully vulnerable. She writes and sings about real life, joy, struggle and human tragedy. Leaning heavily on personal experience, she connects on an intimate level that resonates with her audience. Drawing on her roots in folk, Americana, and country, Rochelle has found a sound that is uniquely her own. She'll be joined by The Familiars - an Americana/Roots band whose intricate harmonies and instrumentation weave around Rochelle's powerful vocals and driving guitar in a way that will draw you back again and again.

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Bob Hoot is an award-winning singer/songwriter living in the Ann Arbor, MI area. Hoot moved from Madison WI in January 2024. Bob Hoot of HOOT and Hollers performs as a solo act. The vibe is multi-genre leaning into Americana, Alternative Country, and Alt Rock in acoustic and semi-acoustic arrangements. Performances mix Hoot’s original songs with favorite covers.

Bob Hoot records his songs in full band arrangements as HOOT and Hollers with musicians from his former Madison bands and players from Madison now in Nashville, Boston, and California. H&H released four albums of original songs: Bob Hoot of HOOT and Hollers on His Own but Not Alone (March 2025), Bob Hoot & Friends • Genuine American Music (2024), 100% Smooth & Blended (2023), and Matters of the Heart and Other Trouble (202). In 2021, Tent Show Troubadours/HOOT and Hollers released an album of covers aptly titled Cover Letters.

Away Games is your ticket to 80 minutes of pure, unscripted hilarity! Brought to you by the team at hear.say brewing + theater, this fast-paced improv show takes your suggestions and turns them into outrageous scenes and unforgettable characters. With a mix of fun games and unpredictable comedy, we’ll have you laughing from start to finish. Don’t wait—our shows sell out quickly, so grab your tickets and join the fun!

Ticketed Show | Two Sets | 7 PM & 9 PM

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Jesse debuts songs from his forthcoming album Orphans of the Real by Jesse Morgan and the Slender Threads. Jesse is a community music therapist, a father of three and a musical artist. Music is mythology is love.

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 Andrew Brown guitar on & Eric O’Daly on bass.

$10 cover.

A fully realized sonic landscape that harkens back to an Era where flannel ruled and girls drooled, pez dispensers a plenty, cassette tapes unwound flapping in the wind, yet this band arrives 30yrs later with a nostalgic sound and a new message.

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

Turner Luce is an Ann Arbor-based band that has performed numerous shows in Southeast Michigan since forming in 2019. The band emphasizes country rock and Americana stylings, playing both original songs and so-called “deep covers” by such groups as Tom Petty, Paul Simon, Sam Philips, and other legendary artists. Turner Luce consists of Dave Buehrer on bass and vocals, Philip Camp on violin, Dan Degener on keyboard and vocals, and Mark Scott on guitar and lead vocals. The band will be performing several original songs from its double EP release—“Nothing Left to Say” and “Past the Time”—on Spotify and other music streaming services.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
After two years spent wielding a backpack and guitar across the world culminating in a Thai PBS special on songwriting and indigenous rights, Kora Feder (rhymes with cedar) returned to the U.S. with a keen eye for capturing a moment through song. Her 2019 crowd funded record In Sevens spent four months on US Folk Radio Charts. NPR described a solo performance off In Sevens as carrying "an emotional weight that can stop you in your tracks, even long after the song is finished.” I’d Be a Maria, a von Trapp inspired song from the record, has surpassed a million streams on Spotify. In March of 2025 she is releasing a new record that takes an introspective look at the life of a young person in America in the 2020’s, including a song that NPR already described as “eloquently illustrat[ing] the full range of emotions many people are feeling in the era of the coronavirus pandemic." The record was produced by fellow songwriter Justin Farren.

The Mighty Swells take the stage to pay homage to the iconic sounds of the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia.

$15 cover.

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!
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).

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 Wesley Fritzemeier on fiddle & mandolin.

$10 Cover

Listening to Tom Alter, you encounter the sounds of pop, jazz, latin, country, and r&b, mixed into his alternative folk catalog. Tom's song lyrics often combine current events and history with his personal experiences.
Ann-Arbor based singer songwriter Milan Seth has been performing for over 25 years. Combining a smooth classic country baritone with a musical sensibility owing as much to Elvis Costello as Merle Haggard, Milan shares honest observations about life, love, and politics.
Carmel Liburdi is a singer-songwriter from Detroit, MI who performs indie/alternative music with ragtime/folk and jazz influences. Known for their strong vocals and poignant lyrics, their performances are full of energy and authenticity. Whether solo or with a band, their sound is unique and memorable.

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Songwriter and guitarist Daniel Bracken plays music informed by his rich history as a recordist and producer for Public Media. In recent years Dan has delved deeper into personal songcraft, a wholehearted mix expressing the crossroads of spirituality, wistfulness, and humor.

An evening with Satsuki Ina, author of 

"The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest"

The Poet and the Silk Girl illustrates through one family's saga the generational struggle of Japanese Americans who resisted racist oppression, fought for the restoration of their rights, and clung to their full humanity in the face of adversity.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The soulful groove and virtuoso sounds of AgawDilim swirl the blues with Persian flavor. AgawDilim - Filipino for “sunset” and Kurdish for “awakened heart” - performs throughout southeast Michigan and will soon release their first single, “I Don’t Know What I Want.” Producer Babak Soleimani on santoor, Veena Kulkarni-Rankin, keys; Chris Pyke, drums and Franky Bennet III, bass.

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

Shari and Dave throw a four handed acoustic party – street swing, stomp blues, mountain twang – music from the holler and swamp. Blues and gospel shouting, stellar fingerpicking, deep slide, banjo, dobro, mandolin, and Appalachian harmony singing. Gary Davis meets Dock Boggs and Muddy Waters and they share a jug.

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Based in South Lyon, Michigan, Chuchu Houle is a singer-songwriter who crafts deeply personal songs, blending heartfelt lyrics with engaging rhythms. With a focus on acoustic-driven melodies and a pop sensibility, her music captures the essence of individual experiences and emotions.

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.

Acoustic adventurers Stillhouse Junkies explore the worlds between roots, bluegrass, Texas swing, blues, and rock. Their free-flowing musical interplay and improvisation make every show unique as the trio weave through high-energy, intricately composed original songs, never taking the same path twice. Formed in 2017, the band consists of Fred Kosak (guitar, mandolin), Alissa Wolf (fiddle), and Matt Thomas (bass).

$10 cover