You’re invited to singer-songwriter Laura McAndrew’s annual birthday jam, brought out of the living room for the first time to North Star’s LGBTQ Night! Featuring new performances and collaborations with queer open mic regulars and friends: music with Captain Karnooba and Gingersmack, Coley Roberts, Forrest Hejkal, Rohde, Kat Steih, Kyler Wilkins, and Brian Williams; comedy from Kim Turner, and storytelling by Bee Adelie and Adrienne Frank.

Optional $10 cover raises funds for Ruth Ellis Center.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

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.

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.

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.

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 Yali Rivlin on saxophone.

$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!

Ananda wears his heart on his fretboard and leverages a robust and versatile vocal range to create music that is comforting and exciting all at once. Using his own eclectic blend of musical interests across reggae, folk, jazz and Indian tribal as inspiration for his personal expressions; it’s not hard to tell what he was feeling when he composed a particular song - or to feel it alongside him as he belts it out.  

Piano Karaoke with Jesse Morgan aka Dr. Jam. BE THE STAR YOU ARE—onstage! For special requests, email song requests to jessemusictherapy@gmail.com. You can also choose a song from Jesse’s Song List at the show.

$10 cover

Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour concert!

Often Preposterous, Sporadically Serious, Ever Curious Entertainment. Lauren’s music is imbued with humor, fused with puckish wit (opinions may vary) and reeks with a not-so-subtle spice. It is best consumed with Buffalo Cauliflower wings, Pad Thai, or the perfect crunch of a Taco ‘Bout It Salad. Her songs pair nicely with the Angostura bitters in the Velvet Ropes, and equally well with an icy Citra Pale Ale. Pretty much anything offered at the North Star Lounge will compliment her musical menu. Come on in for a very happy hour.

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!

Karim Gideon is a distinguished trumpeter with an extensive jazz background, having honed his craft under the tutelage of esteemed legends such as Dr. Teddy Harris Jr. and Harold McKinney. A U.S. Navy veteran and Wayne State University alumnus, Karim leads a dynamic quartet that consistently captivates audiences at premier venues across Detroit.

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 Keith Billik on Banjo.

$10 cover

Dedicated to the traditional sounds of Southwest Louisiana, Creole du Nord delivers a lively Cajun & Zydeco groove featuring fiddle and accordion and a rockin’ rhythm section “pour les bon temps” Bandleader Mark Palms traced his family roots to Breaux Bridge and now brings the uplifting spirit of Louisiana to the northern great lakes with Michigan’s finest; Billy King (guitar), Walter Prettyman (fiddle), Carol Palms (bass) & Pete Siers (drums). 

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

The Capps’ sound meets at the intersection of Americana & Folk. Their songs about broken things and poignant little ponderings are delivered with a rootsy vibe, a touch of twang and soulful groove. For this show the quartet will be road testing new songs for their next album.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Hailing from the small towns of Northern Michigan, modern folk and Americana artist Cob Greene began writing songs when a friend gifted him a guitar in the early 2000s.

His lyrics reflect the struggle, heartache, and beauty of being human. Inspired by contemporary troubadours such as Jason Isbell and Kathleen Edwards, as well as the timelessness of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, Cob Greene’s music delves into the heart of what it means to be alive in modern America.

A special night of primarily original music spanning between the group's collective interests in jazz, contemporary worship, singer-songwriter, and American folk! This is a debut performance for the trio not to be missed! Grant Flick will be on tenor guitar & violin, Judah Guerra on bass & Nate Zuellig on drums & vocals.

$20 cover.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

The Davis Triplets include Dani Darling, Jacqui Blue, and Nikki Nik. Identical triplets from Ann Arbor Michigan, the triplets are performing a festive set with their iconic harmonies and arrangements, and all the yuletide vibes - don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime performance from this home grown trio!

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 Grant Flick on fiddle.

$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

Give yourself a gift and step away from all the noise and join Michelle for a special one hour and fifteen minutes of solo original music. These songs are composed of genuine heartfelt narratives and hand-crafted over the past twelve years, with a few new works.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Singer songwriter Ron Leary’s smokey, rye-soaked voice is legendary throughout Ontario’s deep southern region. Whether his songs touch on politics of the day, the downtrodden, romance or joy, he’ll raise your spirits and leave you wilfully optimistic.

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!

Brielle is a singer-songwriter based in the Ann Arbor area. She has a distinctive approach to pop music. With a blend of moody melodies, soulful influences, and hints of country rasp, she challenges conventional genres. Driven by a passion for evoking deep emotions, Brielle aims to connect with her audience through her songwriting and performances.

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!

Bob Skon & Matt Steward have been playing throughout Southeast Michigan for almost 20 years now. With inviting vocals and skillful guitar and percussion, they play classic covers of the singer-songwriters of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s as well as some masterful originals.

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

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 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

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. 

Piano Karaoke with Jesse Morgan aka Dr. Jam. BE THE STAR YOU ARE—onstage! For special requests, email song requests to jessemusictherapy@gmail.com. You can also choose a song from Jesse’s Song List at the show.

$15 cover

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

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 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 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.

Davis Caruso is a singer/songwriter from Ypsilanti, MI. He primarily plays guitar and often plays bass, piano and ukulele. His music aims to propagate the idea that we are all creative to embrace our inner artist. He is known to sing softly and soulfully, paying close attention to the details.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

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!