Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Jon Letts is a Michigan-based singer-songwriter and upright bassist originally from the Upper Peninsula and currently active in Detroit. He holds a master’s degree in improvisation from the University of Michigan and blends folk, jazz, Americana, and free improvisation into intimate live performances centered around voice and upright bass. His work draws from Midwest storytelling, experimental traditions, and years of performance across the region.

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Detroit-based independent musician trippytea makes music from the heart that has an alternative soft-pop feel. Their songs follow the themes of religious trauma, queer heartbreak, and resistance. A few of their musical inspirations include Remi Wolf, Benee, between friends, and King Mala.

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!
Our Two Cents & The Gold Standard is a high energy roots rock and indie-folk band based out of Manchester, Michigan.  Comprised completely of multi-instrumentalists, the band is known for their dynamic performances of original music as well as their eclectic arrangements of cover tunes.  Our Two Cents is Conor Reed (guitar, bass, drums, vocals) and Roxy (vocals, electric viola, saxophone, guitar).  The Gold Standard is Jimmy Stewart (drums, piano), Gunther Gottschalk (guitar, bass), and Austin Petrie (saxophones, piano).

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 tenor guitar

$10 cover

Join us for a free 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.

Earthwork Music Collective believes in the intrinsic power of music to raise both community and self-awareness. Comprised of musicians, teachers, healers, farmers, water protectors, and community organizers, they encourage cooperation and collaboration, using music as a tool to serve, heal, inspire and empower. This monthly series features members from all around MI converging to create cosmic collabs, cultivate lasting relationships with our community, and elevate environmental and social justice movements.
This month’s show will feature performances by Ralston Bowles, Sari Brown, Mike Savina, Nicholas James Thomasma

Ticketed Show | 7:00 PM | 6:30 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Tito Villarreal is a Michigan-based guitarist & vocalist. Blues is the philosophy of his life. His guitar is the floor he stands on. Join him as he pays tribute to the musicians and traditions that have shaped him, all while moving the music forward in his own way.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Kedron is an energetic group taking inspiration from a blend of Americana, folk, and country music! The local high school band, hailing from Chelsea, Michigan consists of a guitar player, a bassist, a violinist, and a vocalist. Together, these young musicians have created a unique sound that blends silky smooth vocals and thick harmonies with gritty guitar, exciting fiddle lines, and even the occasional bass solo. 

O, Brother! Fresh off the box-car from Cottonelia, Mississippi, a group of Soggy Bottomed Songsters is raring to share their bonafide old-timey tunes smack in the middle of Kerrytown. Enjoy an evening of salvation as a mysterious group of bearded string musicians shares the classic Coen Brothers soundtrack in its entirety along with other timeless tunes from the early 20th century south. Proudly sponsored by Dapper Dan Pomade and Pappy O’Daniel’s Flour.
$15 cover

The Atomic Bombcatz is a four piece, high-octane, rockabilly combo from Southeast Michigan with a style based on the energetic and nostalgic groove of the early rock & roll days, but with modern twists and updates pulling from not only the 50s and 60s but also the 70s and 80s that gets people dancing and shaking to its infectious retro sound.

The band’s four-part harmonies and humorous stage banter cap off the stage show and draw the audience to the dance floor even more.

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

Hidden Ridge takes the timeless sound of the American String Bands of the 50s and catapults it into the 21st century. Driven by firey fiddle and singing guitar, soaring mandolin and deep bass this group presents Bluegrass in a rip-roaring performance you won't want to miss.

Ticketed Show | 9:00 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Jacki Daniels is a Michigan-based Nashville recording artist known for powerhouse vocals, magnetic stage presence, and emotionally rich songwriting. In 2025, she earned Rising Star of the Year at the Josie Music Awards, the world’s largest independent music awards show, and also took home four Michigan Music Awards along with the Fan Favorite honor from the Vehicle City Sound Podcast Awards. Blending pop-country polish with raw storytelling, she’s quickly becoming a standout voice in the independent country music scene.

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

Ticketed Show | 7 PM | 6:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Lindsey King is a singer-songwriter based in Southwest Michigan. Her music has been captivating audiences for years, and she is best known for her relatable lyrics and catchy melodies. Lindsey has a pop-rock sound with a unique blend of musical influences. She released her freshmen EP in 2019 and has since released numerous singles. She plays with a collective of musicians called JustJaye that help bring her songs to life.

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!
Ellis & M.E. is Catherine Ellis, Bob Elkins and Alma Muxlow. The trio’s creative groove comes from tight vocal and instrumental harmonies, innovative songwriting, and covers that speak to our lives and times. With influences ranging from Bob Dylan, Nanci Griffith, John Prine & CSN to the Maritime provinces' East Pointers, their sound is reminiscent of the heyday of folk rock. The eclectic trio are also masters of swing, blues, & bluegrass.

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 Sequoia Rose on guitar.

$10 cover

Schmaltz, a modern klezmer band based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, gives Jewish traditional music a new flavor by fusing elements of jazz, balkan, funk, latin, and polka. The group is seen frequently as part of a monthly residency at the North Star Lounge in Ann Arbor, as well as at synagogues, bars, jazz clubs, and other music venues all across SE Michigan.

Ticketed Show | 6:30 PM | 6 PM Doors

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.

Ticketed Show | 9:00 PM | 8:30 Doors

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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. Janelle's latest album, Dedications & Postcards, released in late 2025, is a collection of deeply compelling songs that embody a sense of wanderlust and letters from afar.

Join Laura McAndrew & Captain Karnooba for his special return from sea as they reprise the North Star Lounge-born duo, Gingersmack! Joining them are friends Coley Roberts, Kyler Wilkins, Aviva Match, and Jess Corkins of Dino Time. All are invited for a night of friendship and indie-folk-Americana tunes!
All proceeds go to Food Gatherers & additional donations will be accepted at the door.

Ticketed Show | 7:30 PM | 7 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Ben Damschroder was born and raised in Ann Arbor Michigan, then spent several years traveling through the South and Mountain west. All of these places influencing his sound. As a singer-songwriter he combines elements of folk, country, rock, and blues music to create an original sound accompanied by a list of fan favorite covers with his own personal twist.

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!
Mike Green and Emily Slomovits will team up for their world debut together. It’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen in this happy hour show, but they will certainly include some of Mike’s songs from his new “Blind Spot” album with Emily adding her dazzling fiddle work and harmony vocals. Friday night happy hour shows tend to fill up, so come early and plan to stay since Emily will be sitting in with the Pontiac Trailblazers later that evening.

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 John Sperendi on bass.

$10 cover

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

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

North Ingalls is a four-piece indie folk-groove sound. All members of North Ingalls hail from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and met through the School of Music.

The members of North Ingalls enjoy blending various genres to fuel their unique sound. With folk at the forefront, it is mixed in with jazz, R&B, and rock to create the music you hear from them today. They are constantly expanding their ears, finding new music and new sounds to draw inspiration from to feed their passion.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 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.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Anna loves to sing pop ballads and indie folk originals. She is influenced by songwriters such as Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey and Alanis Morrissette. With simple accompaniment she writes to challenge her own comforts, to question the way of things and to serenade the flowers.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Tamiko May and Austin Kaufmann comprise the creative duo at the heart of Lansing’s indie folk darlings The Dangling Participles. Their performances feature spirited duets, storied lyrics, soulful harmonies, and vibrant folk-jazz instrumentation, with Austin anchoring the pair on guitar and Tamiko adding cornet and ukulele. Songwriters both, they draw deep from the wells of literature, art, family, and relationships to pen songs evoking the breadth of human experience. Reviewers praise them for their authenticity and positives vibes: “Listening to [The Dangling Participles] feels like a burst of dopamine.”

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 Rochelle Clark on vocals & guitar

$10 cover

Presented by Detroit vocalist Olivia Van Goor and Lansing drummer Jeff Shoup, Shadows & Light takes its name from Joni Mitchell’s iconic 1979 live album, which featured an all-star lineup of jazz legends: Pat Metheny on guitar, Jaco Pastorius on bass, Don Alias on drums and percussion, Lyle Mays on piano, and Michael Brecker on saxophones. Inspired by Joni’s boundary-pushing songwriting and genre-defying collaborations, Shadows & Light: The Music of Joni Mitchell is a heartfelt tribute that seeks not only to honor her work, but to carry forward the spirit of creative exploration that defines it.

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

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.

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.

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

Ticketed Show | 6:30 PM | 6 PM Doors

Jazz chords, groove-heavy rhythms, and Iranian melodies, played on the 72-string santoor, come together in the genre-blurring musical feast of AgawDilim. Their music can transport you in an instant from a winding alley in Tehran’s bazaar to a smoky blues bar in Detroit. Trained in the Radif tradition and immersed in modern santoor techniques, Babak Soleimani weaves jazz and electronic textures into his instrumentals on two exploratory EPs: Dhow and Farewell Pond. Veena is a pianist grounded in classical training and equally at home in jazz and blues. Together with drummer Chris Pyke and bassist Frank Bennett III, they founded AgawDilim, a band created to channel their fusion-driven sound on stage.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Jordan Smith-Hays is a guitarist from Ann Arbor, Michigan. He brings to stage a high-energy solo set of funk, blues, R&B, and rock, with many guitar solos and occasional vocals.

Desperate to maintain their sanity during the pandemic, G-Fours began as four friends who met in a dusty garage to play some tunes. Through their exuberant blend of styles ranging from classical to tangos to Scandinavian folk tunes to beloved pop songs, G-Fours are known for their engaging interpretations of music from around the globe. Dedicated to the transformative magic of music, G-Fours strive to bend the aural arc of the universe toward joy. 

Ticketed Show | 7 PM → 6:30 PM Doors

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Lila has been writing songs and performing her whole life, and has recently started to strive to make music more than just a passion. Last summer, she released her second album, “Ray of Sunshine” and is eager to share these stories with a live audience. Having grown up in Ann Arbor, she is so excited for this opportunity to perform in her hometown before she heads back to the east coast to begin her junior year at Boston University.
Learn more about Lila here.

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.

Alt-Americana singer-songwriter Ani Mari has been performing solo, with her backing band, and with her folk duo, Ani & Kora, around her home state of Michigan for almost a decade. She has shared stages with prominent artists such as James McMurtry, BettySoo, Amelia Day, The Accidentals, May Erlewine, and Joshua Davis, and headlined 3 tours across the Midwestern United States and the East Coast. On her debut album, girlfriend, listeners will hear echoes of the forests and waters of Michigan's Upper Peninsula where she was raised, and the bluegrass and folk musical influences she grew up surrounded by. While the title track, “girlfriend,” might triangulate Ani Mari’s current alt-rock temperature somewhere between Liz Phair, Waxahachee, and Ratboys, comparisons ultimately fall short. Compelling, alive, humming, and hungry, her songwriting is 100% original, and definitely not to be missed. Her sophomore album, The Masquerade, drops at the end of August 2026!

6:30 Show → 6 PM Doors | 8:30 Show → 8 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Shiny Shiny Black is the project of Goshen, Indiana husband and wife songwriters Nate and Amber Butler — a duo whose self-described “coffeehouse rock and roll” creates space for people to feel genuinely at home. Their music is warm enough for a quiet room and alive enough to fill it: classic guitar tones, close vocal harmonies, and songs that hold complexity without heaviness. Nate’s songs lean toward warmth and forward motion; Amber’s toward reflection and depth. Together they cover more emotional ground than either could alone.