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

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

Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour workshop!

From facilitator Lauren Crane:

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

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

The double feature drag show returns, with sets at 7:30 & 8:30. Come out to support raising housing funds for our drag diva, Zooey Gaychanel, who was laid off last June. The show will benefit her staying housed through February until she starts her new job! You can expect phenomenal lipsync performances, captivating dance moves, and tons of laughs!

$10 cover per show

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

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

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

$10 cover.

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

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

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

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

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

Bring your song, story, poetry, comedy, expression, magic, monologue, mood, presence, attention, and appreciation and join the North Star creative community! Signup starts at 6:30.

$5 cover, though no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour concert!

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

What is this hot house theme? It is steamy. It is dreamy. It is botanical. It is gay. It is trans. It beats the bitter cold of January. It has the vibes of a meet up, a dance party, and a sauna all at once, but you have to wear clothes. (It involves a plant themed outfit if you so desire!) (We will play HOT TO GO!) See you for an evening of meeting new people, catching up with friends, flirting, and food and drink at North Star on Thursday Jan 30th, 7-11pm As always, our space is trans and nonbinary inclusive!

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

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

Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. Featuring Dylan Charles on electric guitar & mandolin.

$10 Cover

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

Ticketed Show | 6 PM | 5:30 Doors

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!

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.

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!

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

Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. With a deep repertoire of traditional standards, originals, and unique covers, the Trail Blazers will keep you guessing with unexpected tunes and arrangements every week. Joining them this week is Grant Flick on fiddle.

$10 cover.

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. Their debut performance promises 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. Join them for their first-ever show and experience the start of something extraordinary.

Ticketed Show | 6:30 PM | 6:00 PM 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 | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

DeVeaux Gauger is a singer/songwriter from Ann Arbor channeling the ’70’s troubadour sounds such as Harry Chapin & James Taylor. He blends introspective, fun, storytelling acoustic/folk/rock originals and covers played on 6 and 12 string guitars. Join him for a musical journey on life’s interesting road.

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 February 12th 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!

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!

Come celebrate Valentine's Day with an evening of Americana love songs. Featuring Michael Harrington on pedal steel guitar, the Pontiac Trail Blazers will put their unique spin on a selection of tender and sentimental classics. Make sure you reserve your spots ahead of time for this charming event, and yes, there will be heart tarts! (If you know you know)

Get Tickets Here!

Recently voted Detroit’s best Americana band by readers of the Detroit Metro Times, The Whiskey Charmers create their own brand of Dusty Americana with melancholy guitar weaving in and out of vocal melodies that tug at your heartstrings and give you the feeling of winding down a dusty desert road. The Charmers have been releasing albums at a steady clip since 2015 and their latest album “Streetlights” dropped this past June.

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

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

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

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

Neutral Zone is a transformative, youth-driven community where youth embrace their power, ignite their creativity, and launch their future to build equity, justice, and collective liberation. Student performers will showcase their talent in singing and songwriting, as well as covers.

Photo: Margot, a young singer and guitarist.

Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour concert!

Skye Spectrum is a multi-talented actor and activist. Zi has a heavenly voice but is about getting into good trouble. Just like one of hir’s queer radical idols, Larry Kramer and local legend Jim Toy. You can hear Skye as Kevin on episodes of The Trans Narrative Podcast, where they talk to transgender people and awesome allies across the world! If you are a musical lover like Skye, then check out Talking Musical History Podcast, which zi co-hosted and produced with Chris Anderson, where they go in-depth with various musicals in their historical context.

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!

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

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 a secret (shhhhhh).

$10 cover

Described as "One of the brightest stars on the acoustic music scene" (PulpA2) and "a monster singer-songwriter" (SEMIBluegrass) Judy Banker is known for her hook-driven, intensely personal, evocative songwriting and singular, expressive voice. She is joined by three of her all-star Judy Banker Band members including David Roof, John Sperendi, and Tony Pace, for an intimate evening featuring cuts from her award-winning recordings.

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!

Bobby Pennock 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: 'Don't try to reason – a little thought might give you heed/You don't need to be wise when pleasing all your wants/By disguising them as needs.' Like a masterful magician, Pennock's performances leave audiences spellbound, wondering how he managed to conjure such intimate connections through nothing more than words and melody."

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.

Test your knowledge! Come with friends; make new friends. Enjoy LGBTQ trivia with your host Tory Sparks in a fun and safe place. 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!)

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

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

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 Schildcrout 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!

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Ryan Racine is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from southeast Michigan. Performing in bands for nearly 30 years, Ryan released his first solo album “Outsider’s Heart” in 2018. The album is a culmination of his experiences both musical and personal, exploring themes of belonging, depression, finding love, and accepting happiness, all sonically planted in American Roots styles.Between 2020 and 2023 Ryan released 5 singles and is currently recording a new full-length record for release in 2025.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Randy has played for the last half century with various musicians in a variety of venues. Joining him are Rich Dishman, Brigitte Knudson and Patrick Little. They look forward to doing some original music and old favorites. From Mel Torme to the Beatles, they aim to please. Good time music for happy people!

Kevin Meisel and Alex Anest will kick off their two week tour of Switzerland with a set at the North Star Lounge. While Kevin is based in SE Michigan, he rarely plays in the area so you won't want to miss this show.Born the son of a big band musician, Kevin Meisel grew up with the sound and spirit of music around him. Raised in Detroit, and traveling around the states, he listened to the streets, hearing the stories of those around him with an ear for empathy, translation and narrative.

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

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.

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

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!

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!

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Charlotte Morris is a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter, whose autobiographical music weaves together a unique blend of Americana, Folk, Jazz, and more. Her soaring vocals and keen songwriting, often compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell, Liz Longley, Eva Cassidy, and Ira Wolf, create an intimate and vulnerable listening experience. When you see Charlotte live, it's like having a deep conversation with an old friend - personal, authentic, and familiar - and almost always with a few laughs and a few tears.

Mike Ward: Psychosongs is an award winning Detroit based singer-songwriter, known for his lyrically-centric, vocally-charged folk songs. Influences are the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Dylan, Springsteen and John Prine. His intimate songwriting echoes through empty city streets, back country roads and family portraits. Mike has released five studio albums, “We Wonder” (2018) ,“The Darkness and The Light” (2021), "Career Advice" a single (2021),“Particles to Pearls” (June 2022) "Love Never Rests" (April 2023) and "Still Troubled" (2024). He performs regularly at small venues, clubs, house shows and festivals throughout Michigan and the Midwest. He will be joined by Sara Gibson on cello.

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

Ani Mari is an alt-Americana singer-songwriter from the Northwoods of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, whose songs weave complex chord progressions into heart-wrenching stories and melodies, spanning from folk to pop rock.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Ryan Racine is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from southeast Michigan. Performing in bands for nearly 30 years, Ryan released his first solo album “Outsider’s Heart” in 2018. The album is a culmination of his experiences both musical and personal, exploring themes of belonging, depression, finding love, and accepting happiness, all sonically planted in American Roots styles.Between 2020 and 2023 Ryan released 5 singles and is currently recording a new full-length record for release in 2025.

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