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 | 6:30 PM | 6:00 PM Doors

Join us for a celebration of the holiday season with The Santa Band! Come as you are or join in on the festivities with your favorite seasonal wardrobe. Featuring North Star favorites Jacob Warren and Grant Flick (of Warren & Flick), Jack Harris and Michael Gerace (of Schmaltz) and Ann Arbor legend Neil Donato.

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.

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

'i want you to want me' is a curated spoken word performance of eight poems, most essentially about our longing. 'iwytwm' was the first spoken word performance held at North Star and sold out two weeks before its debut in September. it is expected to sell out again!

cat h. bradley (she/her) is a black-mixed race, queer earth child and healing artist born and raised on anishinaabe lands (ann arbor, mi.). her poetry and spoken word are created to be in service of her own and our collective liberation and return to love. her hope and intention is that her work has an awakening and reWilding effect—that sharing her own truth of spirit connects others with their own and sows seeds of desire in them to re-member and reclaim their deeper, more primal nature and free ways of being. cat is a weaver of embodiment, energy, flow, and soul love. she longs to make healing irresistible.

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 | 8:30 PM

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!

Josh Rose’s songs float into the room like a Lake Michigan evening onshore breeze.  They refresh you, they energize you, and they linger long into the darkness of your favorite nights.  His endless catalogue will make every interaction unique and fluid in the hearts and minds of the listener.  He has played thousands of shows throughout the Midwest in his 20 year career and has shared the stage with KT Tunstall, G Love and Special Sauce, Ziggy Marley, and Styx.  Welcome to the Head-in-the-Clouds Folk music of Josh Rose.

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 Jordan Adema on Fiddle.

$10 cover

Ann Arbor native Laith Al-Saadi has been a staple of the Michigan music scene for almost 30 years. Having over 10 Detroit Music Awards and opening for legends such as BB King, Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, Gregg Allman and many more, Al-Saadi also was a finalist on Season 10 of The Voice and winner of the Northern region of the U.S. in Guitar Center’s inaugural “King of the Blues” competition.

We hope you will join us in this most intimate setting as Laith returns solo to North Star Lounge!

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Jon Letts is a musician based in Detroit, MI. Letts has performed as a bassist with many groups such as the Blue Water Kings, John Douglas, Allen Dennard, Laura Rain and the Caesars, RJ Spangler, and many more. In 2021 he earned a Master's degree in Jazz bass from University of Michigan. His latest release, Hot Sauna presents the country roots Letts grew up with in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. 

Come experience this friendly, soulful community for a great time singing your favorite songs, supported by board-certified Community Music Therapist Jesse Morgan on the keys.

$10 cover

Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour concert!

wtchbtchtea is a nonbinary independent artist whose music explores themes of religious trauma, queerness, and heartbreak. With a sound that blends witchy indie vibes with a touch of gentle pop, wtchbtchtea's music offer a raw, intimate exploration of identity and emotion. Originally from Utah but now based out of Ypsi, they continue to create music that resonates with listeners seeking authenticity and connection.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Meredith Hinz is a singer songwriter from Warren, MI. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Lori McKenna and Jason Isbell, Meredith crafts a unique blend of folk, indie, and acoustic melodies. Her songs promise to elevate your happy hour with an authentic and unforgettable musical experience.

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 Ben Traverse on banjo.

$10 cover

With roots spanning from Texas 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 | 6:30 PM | 6:00 Doors

It’s 3am, you’re at the campfire with all your friends, family, loved ones, kids, neighbors, and some new crazies you just met… some have instruments, others just have their voices, hands, and whatever else they can find… everyone is singing their hearts out to the chorus…..and thus you have landed at the heart of what Anna Lee’s Co. is all about. Add in some top notch fiddle, guitar, piano, organ, bass, drums, percussion, and more with some finely crafted original songs and you have the rootsy/bluesy/funky blend of rock-americana that is a live Anna Lee’s Co. show. So get on up, come on out, dance freely, and sing along. In the words of our favorite singalong song “…won’t ya stay and keep Anna Lee company!

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Mary Ann Kirt is a multi instrumentalist. Her music is a unique fusion of Pop and Indie Pop with a distinctive sound and alluring lyrics. She delights her listeners with great vocals and instrumentation. Her music is aired globally and available on multiple platforms.

Feeling the winter blues? Doctors prescribe vocal jazz as the perfect remedy! Join local jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor for her 4th cabaret at the wonderful North Star Lounge. With different featured vocalists, exciting themes, a constant variety of songs, and killer rhythm section, Olivia's cabarets are always fun, exciting, and enjoyable for all!

All 5 vocalists take the stage to sing their tales of woe with voices so beautiful they can warm even the coldest of hearts. Backed by a stellar trio, you won't want to miss the one-of-a-kind night.

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

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!

Tamiko Rothhorn and Austin Kaufmann comprise the creative duo at the heart of Lansing, Michigan’s indie folk band The Dangling Participles. Songwriters both, Tamiko and Austin draw upon literature, art, family, and relationships to pen songs evoking the breadth of human experience, their performances featuring soulful harmonies and spirited duets.

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 Andy David on guitar.

$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 | 6:30 PM | Doors at 6:00

America’s musical history is long and extensive, covering generations of influence from around the world. No place else is this history more apparent than the river city of St. Louis! The cities’ location on the mighty Mississippi blessed the town as a melting pot of music from around the country. Delta Blues from the south, Ol’ Time from deep in the Ozark hills and Jazz from the surrounding cities are embedded deep into the very soul of the city! St. Louis native and acoustic fingerstyle guitarist Brian Curran knows his town’s history well and has made it his mission to keep these musical traditions alive and well today! Digging deep into blues and the roots of jazz, country and more, Brian brings to light the musical influences of some of America’s most treasured singers, guitarist and songwriters like Doc Watson, Chet Atkins, Robert Johnson, John Hartford and many more! He will be joined by Shari Kane & Dave Steele.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

From Michigan’s northern lower peninsula, the Charlie Millard Band has developed a unique sound, voice and thought-provoking lyrics/poetry of their own. Always playing lots of festivals and venues across the States and Canada, with percussionist Will Harris, Jercat Millard on guitars, and Charlie on the keys/organ/Rhodes bass, this trio’s live performances have audiences raving about their refreshing Indie-Roll sound described as “small movies for the ears”.

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

Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour workshop!

From facilitator Lauren Crane:

“I have been journaling since I was a kid, but recently, inspired by cartoonist and teacher, Lynda Barry, I began illustrating my journals. Her advice is to put pen to paper and see what shows up. What showed up was a deeper, richer journaling experience that sometimes makes me laugh out loud and other times scratch my head wondering where that came from. In this workshop we will write and/or draw to simple prompts and share our discoveries if desired. No previous writing or drawing experience necessary, just a desire to tell your stories, hang with friends, and create a journal full of (your) life.  Tools needed: Something to write in or on and with. “

After retiring from a career in advertising, Lauren self-published a novel and a cd of original songs. She performs as a singer/songwriter and is an enthusiastic journaler. More at www.laurencrane.com

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Liam Charron is a pianist, composer and arranger currently based in southeast Michigan. Charron strives to spark connections and conversations with musicians and listeners, creating a space for personal expression that can only be found through the arts. With his trio, he explores this space through standard jazz repertoire, original compositions, and reimagined works of popular music.

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.

Dylan Charles is an indie folk/rock singer/songwriter/producer based in Ann Arbor, MI. His songs blend soulful lyrics and powerful vocals with dynamic and intricate guitar playing. He is currently releasing a series of singles ahead of an upcoming full length album titled “Transmissions”. The first three tracks “Ship”, “Seeing You” and “Strong at Heart” are now streaming on all platforms.

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

Schmaltz is a modern klezmer fusion band based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The six-piece ensemble draws inspiration from a number of genres to produce their energetic horn-forward sound. Brought together by band leader and Ashkenazi food enthusiast Ryan Schildcrout, Schmaltz brings a refreshing uniqueness to the beloved traditions of klezmer.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Bob Hoot is a singer/songwriter who moved back to his home state of Michigan after 45 years in Madison, WI. Hoot has recorded 12 albums of his original material with his Wisconsin bands: HOOT and Hollers (2020-2023), Tent Show Troubadours (2016-2023), and The New Baldones.(2012-2015). In February 2024, Hoot released the a 9-song album titled Bob Hoot & Friends • Genuine American Music. Hoot performs original songs and favorite covers in semi-acoustic arrangements.

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 LGBTQ night happy hour concert!

Mother Mushroom is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist composing a mix of indie pop and folk. She takes inspiration from Latvian folk music and traditions, from the natural world, and from her own travels and experiences, aiming to connect with her audiences through delicate melodies and reflective lyrics. Mother Mushroom will be joined at North Star Lounge by special guests Hank Hietala on guitar and bass and Caroline Porter on vocals and mandolin!

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Sculptor of sounds and creator of sound-scapes, Marco Bruschtein takes you on a sonic journey like no other. His stories are told through sound and word. Be prepared to journey through world grooves, sonic tonics, blues, slide guitar and more. Energetic and fun, "you will see how he's mastered the fingering on the frets. It's Dazzling," Michael Shelata, former host of The Ark's Open Stage.

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 & mandolin.

$10 Cover

Prominent local singer-songwriter Chris Bathgate brings an evening of new material and friends in a night of acoustic guitar centric music, and poetry. Supported by friend and fellow musician Micah Ling (Cello/Vocal) Chris will be performing new and rarely/never heard songs. Audience members will also enjoy songs from the accomplished and precise Dave Toennis, and poetry from the poignant and striking Aaron Lopatin. Come for a cozy evening of superb folk music and poetry!

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 Doors

Davis is getting his midlife crisis out of the way early. He is taking a brief hiatus from performing his more heart felt original tunes to offer some light heartedness through a musical comedy set that will be partly planned and mostly improvised. Come by expecting to laugh and enjoy some time with Davis.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Billy Brandt and Elaine Schoendorf are two emotionally driven singer songwriters. They come from different backgrounds and different musical influences. But when they come together in harmony, world’s are connected. They always seem to get to the heart of the matter.

Come experience this friendly, soulful community for a great time singing your favorite songs, supported by board-certified Community Music Therapist Jesse Morgan on the keys.

$10 cover

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Monte Pride is a Michigan-born and based singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist whose music recalls the delicate vocals of Simon & Garfunkel, with guitar-work reminiscent of The Tallest Man On Earth and early Joni Mitchell. Paired with electric, ambient soundscapes, he blends haunting melodies with vivid lyricism to create lush, experimental folk songs.

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 Grant Flick on fiddle.

$10 cover.

Why can't you get a country band singing about Vampires? Horror hoedowns if you will? Or, maybe if the Munsters lived in Nashville? Ypsilanti, MI based Fangs and Twang were birthed in 2014, with the idea of a concept band that substituted monsters into classic country rock music tropes, the chorus to the title track on fourth record (released in December, 2023), “We used to sing about monsters, now we sing about you" captures the continued evolution of the band's songwriting. "You Monster" takes aim at the monsters among us, including extreme political polarization, misinformation, and the breakdown of public discourse. They have been bringing their high energy and eclectic live show to festivals and venues across the Midwest for the past 9+ years.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

DeVeaux Gauger is a singer/songwriter from Ann Arbor channeling the ’70’s troubadour sounds such as Harry Chapin & 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!

Kick off your Valentine's night with a Cynically Romantic Happy Hour featuring the Lynne Frederickson Trio! Featuring local luminaries David Sterns on double bass and William Marshall Bennett on keys, the trio will swing through a witty set of sometimes dark, sometimes sappy tunes drawn from the American Songbook. Whether you're celebrating new love or despairing over a recent breakup, there will be a song for you!

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. The Charmers have been releasing albums at a steady clip since 2015 and their latest album “Streetlights” dropped this past June.

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

The Post Imperial Jazz Band injects the spirit of Detroit into traditional jazz, folk, western swing, and the musical ephemera of Americana. Fingerpicked guitar leads clarinet/sax, mandolin, and accordion on top of tuba, percussion and vocals.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Kait is currently studying at the University of Michigan’s School of Music Theatre and Dance with a focus on Vocal Jazz. As a singer-songwriter whose work leans into the folk genre, her emotive voice and thoughtful lyricism will leave a lasting impression.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Ben Seguin plays guitar and sings, mostly songs that he writes. This has been going on for a long time. His songs are not all that long, but he gets to the point, often in a humorous way, about such amusing topics as dysfunctional relationships, consumerism, and cheese fries. He is inspired by Bob Dylan, John Prine, Lucinda Williams, Loudon Wainwright, Richard Thompson, and everyday life as it unfolds.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

So Say We All! is an electric-acoustic rock guitar duo who infuse their grooves with psychedelic, dark-folk, and glam-punk energy. Years with rock groups and jazz ensembles (Barbie Army of Chicago, Electric Blue of D.C., among others), and a yearning for musical theater propel them now towards shimmery yet danceable tunes, both originals and covers. So Say We All! seeks musical collaborators of all kinds to build a collective voicing songs that light up worlds inside worlds.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

ON TAP is a group of Michigan students with a passion for infusing their music with originality and flair. Drawing from their jazz backgrounds, they offer a dynamic blend of improvisation and creativity that fosters an engaging live experience for audiences. With a modern twist that channels the spirit of classic jam bands, ON TAP’s sound stands out in today’s music scene.