Happy Hour: Steve Pichan wsg Bobby Pennock
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
BLUEGRASS FRIDAY: PONTIAC TRAIL BLAZERS
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 & John Churchville
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.
Swing Nouvelle
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.
Happy Hour: Derek Jones
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.
Happy Hour: Brady & Olivia
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!
LGBTQ Night: Drag Bingo
Make friends, have fun, win prizes! Join us for a comedic bingo experience with Zooey and Taylor from the Heads over Heels Show.
Happy Hour: So Say We All!
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.
BLUEGRASS FRIDAY: PONTIAC TRAIL BLAZERS ft. Mark Lavengood
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 Trio
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.
Greg Austill
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.
Happy Hour: Joseph Groele
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.
OPEN MIC WEDNESDAY W/ Annie Bacon & Forrest Hejkal
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.
Happy Hour: Rye Valley
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.
LGBTQ Night: Trivia with Terry McClymonds
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
HAPPY HOUR: The Steve Taylor Three
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.
Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Maddy Ringo
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
Delta 88
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.
Immigration Justice Benefit Concert
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!
HAPPY HOUR: Glenbrooke & the Wild Weeds
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.
Poetry Open Mic W/ Forrest Hejkal & cat h. bradley
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.
HAPPY HOUR: Alex Wand & Michael Gould
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.
LGBTQ Night: Queer Open Mic
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.
Happy Hour: my salamander
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
my salamander makes playful, intricate art-pop, inhabiting the interstices between indie-rock, folk, classical, improvisational, and electronic music. They approach composing with a strong commitment to mutualism—finding alternative pathways that highlight their diverse artistic skillsets. Collectively, they craft a kaleidoscopic sound authentic to each of them and larger than any of them.
Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Jason Dennie
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
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).
Planned Parenthood Benefit Concert
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.
Happy Hour: Deveaux Gauger
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.
Happy Hour: Aspects of Love Cabaret
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 :-)
LGBTQ Night: Dyke Night
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!
Happy Hour: The Revelators
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Revelators have been described as eclectic and rootsy. Jill Baker, Ralph McKee and Steve Rich are lead and harmony singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. They wield guitars, bass, lap steel and three lifetimes of listening to the American songbook, blues, British invasion, rock, folk and echoes of other musical cultures. They would be most likely to describe themselves as simply serving the songs. They do so with affection and unexpected innovation.
BLUEGRASS FRIDAY: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Grant Flick
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
Dave & Kristi
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.
Lucky 17
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.
Happy Hour: Andy Baker
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!”
Community Drum Circle Guided by Sundance
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.
Happy Hour: Elisabeth Pixley-Fink
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Elisabeth Pixley-Fink is a Michigan-based singer-songwriter, producer, and bandleader. Her emotion-focused folk and bratty garage rock hits you in the chest with guts, trust and hunger. Her current album, Heartskin, is a powerful interweaving of indie rock and folk storytelling, inspired by a masterful blend of riot grrrl, ambient stillness, and queer poetry.
LGBTQ Night: Trivia with Terry McClymonds
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
Happy Hour: LUVPLANET
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarists, Nicole Sutton and Mark McGee are the heart and fire behind Luvplanet and its musical mission! Together with undeniable chemistry they craft magnetic, feel good rock'n'roll filled with potent lyrics, lush vocal harmonies, psychedelic guitar jams and infectious optimism! Mixing Rock, Pop, Country and Blues their timeless songs ignite the hearts of the listeners. Together with drummer Michael Amos and bassist Zak Plantus, they generate a powerful presence and persuasive sound
Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Emily Slomovitz & Billy King
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. They will be joined by Emily Slomovitz on fiddle & Billy King on guitar
$10 cover
The Whiskey Charmers
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.
Mike Vial (wsg Shiny Shiny Black)
Mike Vial not only believes life is stranger than fiction; he’s lived it. After 20+ years of teaching and playing acoustic centered music, writing songs and performing concerts, he has accumulated more stories than he can tell. Mike will be accompanied by bassist Ozzie Andrews.
Shiny Shiny Black, an award-winning alternative folk band from Goshen, IN, will be opening the show.
Happy Hour: Lily Bowen
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.
OPEN MIC WEDNESDAY W/ Annie Bacon & Forrest Hejkal
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.
Happy Hour: Chris Halverson
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Chris Halverson is a Royal Oak, MI-based guitarist and composer, attempting to blend elements of jazz, ambient and fingerstyle into a holistic sound all his own. His first single, Shadow of a Bird, was released on September 5th, 2025, closely followed by his debut full length, One Day We’ll Cut Down Our Own Tree, released October 3rd, 2025. He is currently writing, recording and readying his next release.
LGBTQ Night: Queer Open Mic
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.
HAPPY HOUR: Dave Keeney & Sophia Hanifi
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.
Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Dave Keeney
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
Four Roses
Four Roses is an acoustically driven cover band playing songs that audiences love. Passionate about vocal harmony, their joyful setlists range from Crosby, Stills & Nash to John Mellencamp, from Fleetwood Mac to Amos Lee.
Rollie Tussing Trio
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.
Happy Hour: Jeremy Siegrist
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Jeremy started regularly performing in the late 90’s, founded theillalogicalspoon in Jackson, MI in the year 2000, and Little Spoon River in the Irish Hills Area in 2019. His solo performances are full of emotional intensity and intimacy with a focus on the poetry and stories. With songs full of the ecstasy and trauma of being alive he explores the tensions between wildness and civilization, spirit and matter. The music moves from acoustic-punk to experimental to versions of traditional folk tunes, country blues, hymns, and sing-a-longs.
Poetry Open Mic W/ Forrest Hejkal & cat h. bradley
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.
Happy Hour: Cincinnati Beer Gut
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Cincinnati Beer Gut is a must see, one man cowpunk band from Ohio. Simultaneously playing drums, guitar and singing, CBG performs his unique blend of rockabilly, 60s garage rock and tear in your beer country ballads all while sporting a luchador mask and his signature western nudie suit.
LGBTQ Night: Queer Trivia w/ tory sparks
Tory Sparks (the founder & very first host of LGBTQ trivia at North Star!) is back to test your knowledge. Come with friends or make new friends in a fun and safe environment!
Food and drinks available for purchase. Come early for happy hour; club opens at 5pm, trivia starts at 7:00 sharp (get your team together and signed up before then!)
Happy Hour: The Wildflowers
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Shannon, Kandy, and Hilary weave together intricate harmonies, acoustic instrumentation, and captivating original music. The trio pours their heart and soul into every song, creating a sound inspired by diverse music traditions, yet remaining uniquely their own.
Paledave
Ypsilanti, Michigan-based Paledave, a.k.a. Dave Buehrer, is a recording artist whose songs combine rock guitar with creative arrangements, thoughtful lyrics, and catchy pop hooks. His angst and rock n roll attitude works its way into your cells, but leaves you on a high note. Paledave performs solo, as an acoustic duo (Paledave & Jenny Fair), and with his full band. He began performing his music in 2004 and has 3 album releases - Find What You Love (2004), One Good Leg (2008), and Still Tickets Left (2018). While continuing to perform with his other bands, Outbound Packard and Turner Luce, in 2026 Paledave will be back in the public eye with new songs and shows. His fans say his music reminds them of REM, Michael Penn, The Wallflowers, Tom Petty, and The Replacements, his biggest influence.
Turner Luce
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.
HAPPY HOUR: Hannah Boike
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Hannah is a singer/songwriter from Flushing, Michigan, whose sound blends alternative folk with elements of R&B and soul. She currently has two singles out that you can listen to, as well as releasing her first music video this year. Hannah is currently working on her debut EP, which she plans to release next summer. She hopes her music resonates with you and appreciates your support on this journey
Happy Hour: Jan Krist & Alan Finkbeiner
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Detroit born Singer-songwriter Jan Krist was raised on rock, and schooled in the folk music of the 60’s and 70’s.Today, Krist's work reflects the power and poetry of having matured as an artist in that place and time.
Born in Flint, Alan Finkbeiner began drumming for his father’s honky tonk band when he was only four. He is a multi instrumentalist, with a deep understanding of folk, rock, and jazz, Alan’s musical contributions always hit the perfect notes.
Happy Hour: Maggie May
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Hailing from Patrick County, Virginia and with her guitar in hand, Maggie Blankenship soulfully sings a combination of original and cover tunes that are guaranteed to take you on an uplifting journey. Influences of bluegrass and rock ‘n’ roll echo throughout her unique folk-rock music style. Anytime she steps on stage she is taken to a sacred place that welcomes anyone willing to join her. She delivers an unforgettable performance that often channels musical icons such as Susan Tedeschi, Grace Potter, Stevie Nicks, and Janis Joplin.
Happy Hour: The Myriad Project
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Myriad Project is a genre-defying electro-acoustic chamber ensemble based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Defined by a passion for community and collaboration, the ensemble (Emily Brownlee, oboe; Donald Schweikert, bassoon; and Daniel Fecteau, electric violin and loop station) curates their repertoire and performance experience in a way that emphasizes authenticity, creativity, and audience engagement. Their music has been described by listeners as colorful, whimsical, and fantasy-inspired, and features beautiful melodies and immersive textures. The trio formed during their shared time at the University of Michigan and has been enthusiastically exploring new projects, genres, and possibilities ever since.
The Lucky Nows
Featuring renown singer-songwriter Jen Cass, the stunning work of harmonica legend Rosco Selley, and the vast and varied musical chops of multi-instrumentalists Eric Janetsky and Michael Robertson, The Lucky Nows have spent the last decade showcasing their stellar songwriting, exceptional musicianship, and intricate harmonies on some of the country’s most famous stages, from The Ark to Wheatland, and everywhere in between. The Lucky Nows have been honored to share the stage with many of our heros, and make it a point to extend opportunity and grace to new singer-songwriters at every step of our journey.
They will be joined by Ozzie Andrews on bass.
LGBTQ Night: Dyke Night
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!
Happy Hour: Bill Edwards
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.
Funny Business w/ Kathy Wieland, Lauren Crane, & Pat Clinton
SOLD OUT
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.
HAPPY HOUR: Will kaye
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.
Little Spoon River
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.
Gingersmack
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).
Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Ryan Michaud
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
Happy Hour: The Glen Leven Band
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.
LGBTQ Night: Queer Open Mic
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.
Happy Hour: Janelle Haskell
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.
Poetry Open Mic W/ Forrest Hejkal & cat h. bradley
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.
HAPPY HOUR: Sage Advice
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.
Jason Dennie
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
Seth Bernard
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.
Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Dave Keeney
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
HAPPY HOUR: Gretchen Pleuss
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.
Crescent City Quintet’s New Orleans New Year’s Eve
BOTH SHOWS SOLD OUT!
Ring in the New Year with a night of traditional, New Orleans-inspired, hot jazz with the Crescent City Quintet! Joyful polyrhythmic richness, moaning and wailing harmonies over danceable, swinging, toe-tapping beats. Drawn to New Orleans’s jazz roots since high school, band leader Alex Belhaj lived in the Crescent City for five years as a working musician, playing with countless seasoned NOLA-based traditional jazz bands.
Ticket includes one glass of champagne (or sparkling N/A alternative) & NOLA party bling!
Tinkerhess Family Band
SOLD OUT!
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.
Dylan Charles
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.
Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Dylan Charles
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
HAPPY HOUR: Ralph McKee Blues Trio
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.
Songwriters circle hosted by Davis Caruso ft. Corazon Szell & Michael Turner
Join us for a night of collaboration between local singer songwriters — hosted by Davis Caruso and featuring Corazon Szell & Michael Turner.
The Minor Pieces
Where Americana and the craftsmanship of songwriting meet, you’ll find The Minor Pieces. The Minor Pieces create music that feels both timeless and fresh, promising an unforgettable night of soulful ballads, raucous anthems, and intimate moments that resonate long after the last chord fades. If you’re a fan of authentic, genre-blurring sounds, The Minor Pieces will feel like home.
BLUEGRASS FRIDAY: PONTIAC TRAIL BLAZERS ft. Wesley Fritzemeier
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
HAPPY HOUR: The Widdershins
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Widdershins are a college-town band from the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti area which take their name from a Scottish adverb meaning “to move counterclockwise or in a contrary fashion”. It is led by Milan Seth, a talented vocalist and composer who plays rhythm guitar, backed by Dan McConnell’s exotic collection of basses, old-hand Scott Marlowe with his unique lead guitar style and backing vocals, and Jerome Drummond on bop kit. They play as many original Seth/Marlowe compositions as they do covers – music that is tuneful, refreshingly literate, and always widdershins – music to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
LGBTQ Night: Trivia with Terry McClymonds
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
Happy Hour: Nick James
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Nick James is a dynamic performer and singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice, rhythmic guitar work, and creative use of looping to build full, layered interpretations of classic songs. Blending timeless hits from the 60s to today with his own heartfelt originals, Nick creates an engaging live experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Whether performing at private events, festivals, or intimate venues, his warm presence and signature looping style leave audiences captivated and connected.
Community Drum Circle Guided by Sundance
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.
Happy Hour: Kat Steih
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Singer and guitarist Kat Steih's concerts are a lively offering. Part performance art, part singer-songwriter, her performances combine self-satirizing songs about partnership (and the conflicts within) with sweet meditations on solitude and self-hood.
North Ingalls Band
North Ingalls is a seven-piece indie folk-groove sound. The original music of North Ingalls is a vibrant patchwork of seven unique individual sounds, each coming together to celebrate and reflect their personal experiences. The music draws inspiration from the traditional genres of folk, jazz, rap, and R&B, influenced by artists such as The Lumineers, Noah Kahan, and John Mayer.