Songwriter and guitarist Daniel Bracken plays music informed by his rich history as a recordist and producer for Public Media,

In recent years Dan has delved deeper into personal songcraft, a wholehearted mix expressing the crossroads of spirituality, wistfulness, and humor.

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

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

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

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.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Hailing from the Metro Detroit area, Gwendolyn Fuller and Claire Castle met last year at their day jobs at a local library and became fast friends. Discovering their shared passion for music, they’ve joined forces to create Orange Blossom. Join Gwen and Claire for an hour of laid back covers and good vibes!

You’re invited to singer-songwriter Laura McAndrew’s birthday jam, brought out of the living room to North Star Lounge’s LGBTQ night!

Featuring new collaborations with Coley Roberts, Captain Karnooba, James Bourland, Kyler Wilkins, Pat Clinton, Kathy Wieland, So Say We All, Forrest Hejkal, Kat Steih, Emily Slomovits, Aviva Match, and Ryan Shea and Michael Spaly of the Pontiac Trail Blazers, plus storytelling from Bee Adelie and Adrienne Frank and comedy from Kim Turner! Optional $10 cover benefits Ruth Ellis Center.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Davey O. is an award winning, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter based in Buffalo, NY, who is currently touring in support of his August 2023 release “Some Days”. His work has received critical acclaim in the pages of “No Depression” and “Americana Highways”, and in addition to performing at some of the most prestigious listening room and concert club venues in the U.S., Davey has opened shows for a long list of notable artists.

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

Ed Dupas (Du-paw) is an Americana artist with a knack for crafting songs that stick with you — songs that balance grit and vulnerability while cutting to the heart of things. His music has earned airplay across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, resonating with listeners drawn to its emotional weight and lyrical honesty. Joining Ed on stage, celebrating the release of Codename California, is the backing band Lucky 17 featuring Caroline Barlow, Tony Pace, Ozzie Andrews, and special guest Chris Ranney.

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

Mark & Amy are Michigan songwriters and best of friends who have performed together as a duo and as bandmates on many occasions. They share an appreciation for folk, pop, rock & blues built on lush soundscapes as well a good laugh. This appreciation is reflected in their collaborations and selections of cover songs that have been delighting audiences for years. It’s safe to say that, together, Mark & Amy deliver a virtual variety show that will not disappoint!

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Jonas Dainius Berzanskis is a Lithuanian/American singer/songwriter and producer. Born in a refugee camp in Germany, his native language is Lithuanian. His tunes reflect family history, his meditations and musings about world events. He often tours Lithuania, performing at concerts, family farms, and on national TV and radio. Neighbor and fellow singer/songwriter Dave Keeney will be joining him on guitar, showcasing his guitar chops and a few of his new tunes about daily life.

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!
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. 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

Michigan Barstool Anthems is a raw and rowdy ride through the heart of the Mitten. This channel is local backwoods poetry soaked in pine pitch, river water, and motor oil.
This is a collection of songs about barroom prophets, U.P. princesses, lawn chair thrones, chemical plant blues, deer camp lies, broken down dreams, and Michigan motors run’n good.

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 Doors

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 | 8:30 PM | 8:00 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.

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!
Calvin Ohi and Aidan Hammel are guitarists currently attending the University of Michigan studying Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation. As a duo they fuse traditional and contemporary jazz, creating an interactive and dynamic sound, while blending swing, modern harmony, and spontaneous creativity.

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!
Randy Tessier is an Ann Arbor-based guitarist, bassist, vocalist, and songwriter who has been a dynamic force in the Michigan music scene since the early 1970s. Known for his versatility and deep musicality, Randy has performed with a wide range of bands including Walrus, Private Sector, Los Chickens, George Bedard & the Kingpins, FUBAR, Al Jacquez Band, and Starfish. His expansive style spans blues, jazz, rock, funk, soul, and experimental sounds—delivering performances that are both grounded in groove and rich in creative expression. Joining him are Rich Dishman, Brigitte Knudson, Don Kuhli and Patrick Little.

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 Emily Slomovits on fiddle.

$10 cover.

Southeast Michigan's RJ Redline elevates country tradition with high-energy rock influences and punchy riffs. His dynamic live performances offer a sound that's both nostalgic and fiercely modern.

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

Poignant and playful, effortless and endearing, Annie & Rod Capps’ sound meets at the intersection of Americana & Folk covering a broad sonic range of genres and influences – what comes out is a rootsy vibe, touch of twang and soulful groove. The quartet features Jason Dennie, who has been contributing to their arrangements since 2006 with his wildly creative mandolin and instinctive harmony and Ozzie Andrews joyfully adding the rock solid and creative low-end. From house concerts to festival stages, the Capps have become known for their ability to create an intimate and engaging atmosphere that resonates with authenticity, earning them new fans every where they go. New album coming Fall of 2025!

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Ben Seguin writes songs from real life experience, with the humor rising from the ironies that life presents. Sometimes touching on current politics but usually veering into more uplifting topics like dysfunctional families, alcoholism, cheese fires and weeds. Accompanied by the incomparable Graham Rockwood on bass, he is sure to leave you wanting more.

From backyards to barbershops, gyms to steamships, Don’t Tell Comedy creates a one-of-a-kind comedy experience featuring the best aspiring comics. Don’t Tell Comedy produces weekly shows in 100+ cities across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The performers are a secret until they hit the stage! Come join us on November 20th to see this generation's next best comics!

Get Tickets: 7 PM Show | 9 PM Show

Dyke Nights are monthly gatherings for queer babes to meet up, dance, and flirt at North Star Lounge✨🌈 This is a trans and non-binary inclusive space!

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Hot Boys of Jenision formed in Spring 2024 as a one-off project for Bart Moore's album release. It came off so well that the Boys began playing out more regularly. The music is a folk-rock/Americana hybrid that features Moore's original compositions plus a few covers. Featuring Bart Moore (6- and 12-string guitar, vocals) Ryan Eggebrecht (cajon/djembe/percussion), Cody Wilson (guitar) and Craig Cole (bass)

Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. Joining them this week is Jack Wagner on saxophone.

$10 cover

Join us for a celebration of the holiday season with a second annual (and ever) performance from The Santa Band! Come as you are or join in on the festivities with your favorite seasonal wardrobe (costumes welcome)! The Santa Band is thrilled to bring its holiday cheer all the way from the North Pole right to the North Star Lounge. Featured this year will be Grant Flick, Andres Soto, Ryan Schildcrout, Jack Harris, various members of the Gerace Family, and perhaps even a surprise or two. Ho Ho Ho!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!
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.

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

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.

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 PM Doors

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.

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

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.

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 Doors

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 PM Doors

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

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

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!
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.

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!
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.

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

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).

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

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.

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

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.

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!
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.

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!

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.

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

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 | 8:30 PM | 8:00 Doors

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.

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