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 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

Maddy Ringo is a singer-songwriter from Toronto. Raised in the opera world, she pivoted to folk busking when the pandemic closed its doors on live performance. Now, she is developing a career in folk-Americana in Ann Arbor, while she pursues a degree in classical voice from the University of Michigan.

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

Join us for a free Happy Hour Concert!

Hailing from the University of Michigan, the Philip Buchman Trio offers a refined trio experience with original sounds and compositions, while still bringing the familiarity of Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Bill Evans. The members of the trio have appeared at venues all over Southeast Michigan, such as: Cliff Bells, The Blue Llama, Ravens Club, Ziggy's, and more. These musicians are some of the finest SMTD has to offer; pianist Rowan Tucker-Meyer and bassist Jack Nissen are currently studying at the University of Michigan, and drummer/bandleader Philip Buchman graduated in 2023 and is now based in Detroit.

Don’t miss this trio of players from Community High School playing everything from real old fashioned New Orleans jazz to light ballads to high energy, expressive modern jazz.

$10 cover

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!

Eastwood Drive is an Indie Rock band based in Metro Detroit with notes of R&B, Alternative Rock, and Psychedelic Rock.

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

Schmaltz is a klezmer-funk 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 | 6:30 PM | 6:00 Doors

Stacey Murray "Soul Songstress" is an award-winning singer and songwriter. With her captivating stage presence and soulful vocal talents she lends her one-of-a-kind sound to original and cover songs from an array of genres.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Singer, songwriter, performer, recording artist and producer, Annie Capps has spent the past 4 decades forging her own unique genre-defying style, garnering 4 Folk Dj chart-topping albums and two Kerrville New Folk Finalist awards along the way.

Bill Edwards is both a master of the songwriting craft and a seasoned and compelling performer. He started his career in the singer-songwriter scene in Buffalo, NY in the 70’s, and his journey has led him through bluegrass to country-rock, to classic country and Americana.

Mark Jewett is an insightful Michigan storyteller with listeners in over 60 countries. He writes songs that push the boundaries of Americana into an uncommon blend of folk, rock, blues, and prog rock.

$10 cover

Make friends, have fun, win prizes! Join us for a comedic bingo experience, hosted by Zooey from the Heads over Heels Show!

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. Joining them this week is Keith Billik on Banjo.

$10 Cover

Alex Belhaj and Erik McIntyre play intimate acoustic music on vintage guitars with swinging rhythm, sweet and haunting melodies, and an interweaving of joy and sorrow through improvisational conversations inspired by Blues, Jazz, and a plethora of early 20th century recordings.  Their music is dynamic and never the same twice. Gentle voices searching for home.

Ticketed Show | 6:30 PM | 6 PM Doors

Dylan Charles is an Indie Soul Folk singer/songwriter/producer based in Ann Arbor, MI. His songs blend soulful lyrics with dynamic guitar playing, and his performances are powerful and memorable.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Join us for a free Happy Hour Concert!

Acquired Dialects is an instrumental and vocal trio whose performances evoke a timeless quality that transports listeners to the heart of Americana. Songwriters Tyler Campbell, Trevor Bechtel, and Jennifer Erb pay homage to a rich musical heritage with a contemporary twist, ensuring that their music resonates with a broad audience eager to connect with authentic and evocative storytelling.

Blues and boogie-woogie pianist Mark Lincoln Braun has become one of the premiere purveyors of a vanishing art. Having learned his craft first-hand from the early masters, he is a rare living link to the first generation of blues and boogie pianists. Steeped in the rich legacy of this tremendously exciting music, Mr. B learned directly from blues and boogie legends like Little Brother Montgomery, Boogie Woogie Red, and Blind John Davis.

Bill Heid came of age in the crucible that was Pittsburgh in its jazz heyday, hanging out at legendary Hill District clubs. Bill took these lessons and experiences and headed West to Detroit and Chicago, where he built a solid blues resume, touring and recording as a pianist. It is as an organist though that Bill became better known, recording as a leader on several outstanding jazz organ dates in the mid to late nineties for the Muse/Westside and Savant labels. Now, after having spent a number of years working in Japan and touring all over the world for the U.S. State Department as a Jazz Ambassador, Bill is back stateside where he can be heard on organ and piano engagements at various venues in the Washington, D.C. area.

$15 cover.

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!

Wind, Wood & Steel brings many years of life, musical styles and performing experience to their artful blending of harmonized voices and musical instrumentation. Seasoned voices are joined by regular and specially tuned nylon and steel string acoustical and electric Martin, Gibson and Ibanez guitars that are strummed, finger and flat-picked, hammered, and harmonicized. The guitars and voicers are accompanied by roiling flutes (Western Concert and Alto), piano, Bass Guitar, Mandolin and Mandola. Wind, Wood & Steel perform original and cover songs within a jazzy structure that provides opportunities for reflection, expression, innovation and, most of all, interpretation.

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 Mike Harrington on Pedal Steel Guitar.

$10 Cover

Tom Alter and Milan Seth are two songwriters who find inspiration from current events, history, literature, and their own personal experience.

Ann-Arbor based singer songwriter Milan Seth has been performing for over 25 years. Combining a smooth classic country baritone with a musical sensibility owing as much to Elvis Costello as Merle Haggard, Milan shares honest observations about life, love, and politics.

Listening to Tom Alter, you encounter the sounds of pop, jazz, latin, country, and r&b, mixed into his alternative folk catalog. Tom's song lyrics often combine current events and history with his personal experiences

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

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.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Billy Davis is an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Doo Wop Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Billy was the lead guitarist for Hank Ballard and The Midnighters for 30 years. Born in Bentonia, MS in 1938, by the age of 17, Billy Davis & The Upsetters became Berry Gordy’s first in-house live band. He was the guitarist for Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Ben E. King, and many other artists including Martha and The Vandellas. Billy was the mentor and lifelong friend of Jimi Hendrix teaching him what he knew about guitar and his special sound which in later years became the signature for many other musicians.

Billy continues to carry the torch in the music industry as he is a treasured music legend in his own time. He continues to mentor as he has included Mighty Michael Mendelson as special guest with his Billy Davis Rhythm Machine Band.

$20 cover

Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour concert!

Laura McAndrew is a Michigan-based singer and member of Gingersmack!, a folk-indie-Americana duo that originated here at North Star Lounge. Her acoustic sets draw from heartbreak, nature, and subversive hope for a sound that’s delicate, ornamented, and beautifully bleak.

The double feature drag show returns, with sets at 7 & 8:30. 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!

Southeast Michigan native Gabe Peacock uses classic rock and folk influences mixed with upbeat and rhythmic guitar to create indie folk and alternative originals meant to catch the ear and tell stories. Inspired by a wide array of music spanning from classic artists such as Bob Dylan and John Prine to new wave indie bands such as Flipturn and Houndmouth, Gabe aims to create a variety of unique and enjoyable songs that appeal to many.

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 Joe Vega on mandolin

$10 Cover

If there’s one constant to Terry Farmer’s ongoing musical and spiritual evolution, it is a relentless striving for advancement into new territory and techniques while at the same time clinging to the tastes and traditions that have shaped his development since his earliest days.

In his latest musical venture, Farmer combines the skill and discipline that led to the attainment of a degree in Classical guitar, with the joy and freedom that have always characterized his touring jam band, to deliver an original feel-good rock and roll that is comfortably familiar and unpredictably spontaneous. Terry’s trio includes two of his favorite pro musicians and people: Neil Donato on keyboards, and Mike Harrington on Pedal Steel and Acoustic Guitar.

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

The North Ingalls Band is a seven-piece indie folk-groove group hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan formed in 2023. Each member of the band brings a unique sound that has been shaped through their own diverse personal experiences to the original music you hear from them today. As a group, they continue to explore and pull from each and every genre that catches their ears, lights a fire in their souls, and flows from their instruments.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors

Bring your song, story, poetry, comedy, expression, magic, monologue, mood, presence, attention, and appreciation and join the Northstar 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!

Coley Roberts, open mic host and a Thursday night regular, regales us with a her sweet and solemn guitar and vocals.

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!

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!

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 Drew Najor on fiddle.

$10 Cover

Holding traditional jazz deep in their hearts, these musicians have a deep passion for the early formation of jazz in all of its aspects: culture, structure, improvisation, and virtuosity. Standing on the shoulders of his gracious mentors, Pete Siers is a proud recipient of the tutelage of fallen-but-not-forgotten greats such as Hazen Schumacher, James Dapogny, and Paul Klinger. Pete brings with him a stellar line-up to get the “stomping” underway: Dave Kosmyna (cornet and vocals); Ray Heitger (clarinet and vocals); Alex Belhaj (guitar and vocals); and Chris Tabaczynski (bass saxophone). Pete will be hitting it on the drums, of course, but also…the washboard!

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

Recognized in the Jazz Times Critic’s Poll, the Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet masterfully blends rhythms, sounds, and textures from across the globe with world music inspired original compositions. Featuring oud, violin, electric bass, synthesizer and world percussion, the Worlds Quartet is fueled by the spirit of jazz, world music and dynamic exploratory improvisation. Bassist, composer, and bandleader Dave Sharp leads the Worlds Quartet to explore music traditions from Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, India, Bulgaria, Armenia and Greece.

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

Join us for a night of all-lawyer storyGet Tickets: DOORS AT 6:00 PM | EVENT AT 6:30 PMtelling about unusual and remarkable escapades inside and outside of the courtroom, as we raise money for the ACLU of Michigan. Tickets start at $50 but you can contribute $75 or $100 for a ticket if you would like to donate more .  Raise a glass and raise funds!

GET TICKETS: DOORS AT 6:00 PM

The Lovestruck Balladeers enchant audiences with their masterful performances and inspired repertoire of ragtime, jazz and beautiful songs from around the world.

The Lovestruck Balladeers are Jake Sanders, Dennis Lichtman, Sean Cronin and Dalton Ridenhour. Featuring special guest Mike Davis.

| 6:30 Show / Doors at 6:00 | 9:00 Show / Doors at 8:30 |

Make friends, have fun, win prizes! Join us for a comedic bingo experience, hosted by Zooey from the Heads over Heels Show!

Join us for a free Happy Hour concert!

Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan- Megan Dooley has been performing regionally and abroad for over 24 years. Bridging the gaps of soul, folk, americana, roots, and rock- Dooley has been named "Best Solo Performer in SW Michigan" as well as "First Lady of The Kalamazoo Music Scene" by Revue Magazine and popular vote. Captivating audiences with her powerhouse vocals- described as "A train dressed in satin"- Dooley is also a multi-instrumentalist, community activist, chef, writer, and professional whistler. Make sure to listen to her original music on any streaming platform today!

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 Aaron Jonah Lewis on fiddle.

$10 Cover

James Bourland is a local musician specializing in classic Americana, Roots, Blues, and Country music. Recently returned to Michigan after performing in the Chicago scene over a decade, he plays an eclectic range of styles while always staying rooted deep in the traditions of American folk and blues.

| 6:30 Show / Doors at 6:00 | 9:00 Show / Doors at 8:30 |

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Ann Arbor singer-songwriter Gretchen Pleuss has played throughout the United States, Canada, the UK, and Ireland, and opened for acts such as Glen Phillips, Lisa Loeb, Loudon Wainwright III, and Damien Jurado. "Fans of Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, and other folk luminaries will appreciate Gretchen's gorgeous arrangements and thought-provoking songwriting (Dan Jarvis, Midwest Action)."

The Alex Anest Organ Trio returns to North Star Lounge on Wednesday June 12th for a night of soulful and swinging music. Original tunes as well as works by the likes of Duke Pearson, Emily Remler, Ernie Krivda, Christine Jensen, and Herbie Hancock have found their way into the set list. The lineup includes Jordan Anderson on organ and David Ward on Drums. The focus is on working together and connecting with the audience through improvisation, groove, and feel. Music should be fun to listen to as well as to play, and this trio is all about enjoying the music. The Alex Anest Organ Trio has lately been performing at clubs and festivals around Southeast Michigan and Ohio including dates at Con Alma in Pittsburgh, Cliff Bell's in Detroit, Ginger Rabbit in Columbus, and the Treelawn Social Club in Cleveland.

$15 cover

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!

Michigan based Jacob Wolfe and Olivia Kimes, the mainstays of J & O Junction, first bonded over their shared love of Bluegrass. With fiery guitar and soulful vocals, they have created grassy original music that appeals to many. While playing the favorite Folk and Bluegrass standards we know and love, they keep things interesting by fusing other genres into their playing. Check out their self titled EP 'J & O Junction' out now on all streaming platforms.

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

The double feature drag show returns, with sets at 7 & 8:30. Come celebrate pride month with phenomenal lipsync performances, captivating dance moves, and tons of laughs!

$10 cover per show.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Brandon Z. Smith is an eclectic songwriter with a tenor voice Time To Indie describes as "sensual and charming". Equal parts twangy and soulful, Smith's music straddles the line of many genres drawing influence from Harry Nilsson, John Lennon, Jackie Wilson, and the Muppets

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.

The Cody Sisters band is the very heart of contemporary acoustic Folk and Bluegrass music in Colorado, the United States and the UK. Their propulsive instrumental solos and warm harmonies combine to grip the listener. Along with their bass player Will Pavilonis, sisters Megan (guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Maddie (guitar, banjo, vocals) have forged a new sound that has no equivalent match in the acoustic world today.

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

Schmaltz is a klezmer-funk 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 Doors

Bring your song, story, poetry, comedy, expression, magic, monologue, mood, presence, attention, and appreciation and join the Northstar 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!

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.

When we say queer you say Bingo. Queer! BINGO! Queer! BINGO!

Have fun, make friends, win prizes. Hosted by Katharine Korchnak.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!

Noble Hobo is a Detroit-based, “one-man band” that exposes the subtle complexities of love, loss, acceptance, and grief; performing genuine and compelling, original folk music characterized by dynamic and passionate vocals, captivating storytelling, catchy clawhammer banjo/fingerstyle guitar melodies, and driving percussion.

Dead, Dead Swans is a melancholy indie folk presence hailing from Milwaukee, WI. Lyrically taking equal parts stories of Middle America and those of Chicago punk basements, the project has been consistently on the road since the release of its debut full length, Lenses. Dead Swans is now touring on its sophomore LP, Even Still, We Were Together.

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.

Guitarist and songwriter for the band, Desmond Jones, Isaac Berkowitz brings an eclectic mix of country, rock, jazz, and folk music. With a distinctive sound, Isaac is able to captivate audiences through his lyrical storytelling, and masterful guitar performance. Joining him will be Taylor Watson of Desmond Jones on Bass and Vince Russo on Washboard.

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

Elisabeth Pixley-Fink is an Ann Arbor-based indie folk singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Heartbreaking and heart-making, her distinctive songwriting voice hits you in the chest with guts, trust and hunger.

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

The Corn Potatos have delighted audiences with their driving fiddle tunes and harmonious singing across the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico, and India. They are all multi-instrumentalists dedicated to continuing the music and dance traditions of the Central and Southern US. In addition to being champion fiddlers they play banjo, guitar, bass and mandolin and deftly handle many different antiquated styles including ballads, “ho-downs,” country “rags” and southern gospel, specializing in twin fiddling and double banjo tunes.

| 6:30 Show / Doors at 6:00 | 9:00 Show / Doors at 8:30 |

Will Orchard is a Nashville via-New England based songwriter with roots in indie rock and americana. He has toured the US and Europe numerous times, shared the stage with the likes of Liz Longley, Josiah Johnson (of the Head & The Heart), and Y La Bamba, and he’s been consistently praised as a progressive emerging voice in folk music.

Ann Arbor singer-songwriter Anne Erlewine explores gentle zones of sound with her deceptively stark acoustic guitar strum and delicate lyricism - kindred to her sensitivities as a fine artist - reflective and vulnerable in equal measure.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 Doors