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.

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!
Julia Rose is a singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice, honest lyrics, and captivating live performances. Blending folk, soul, and indie influences, she delivers songs that are both powerful and deeply personal.

“Songs From a Hat” is a fun filled cabaret where the audience pulls songs at random out of a hat to decide the order of the cabaret!

Come hear singers Erica Ashe, Jay Kaplan and Jeffrey Willets serenade you with hit songs from musical theatre- with the order chosen by YOU, the audience!

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

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. Joining them this week is Madcat Ruth on harmonica & ukulele.

$10 cover

Philip Bowen is a dynamic and engaging singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose sound is steeped in the rich traditions of his Appalachian roots. Born and raised in West Virginia, he picked up the fiddle at age four and built a loyal following through his energetic performances—amassing over 1.5 million fans and followers online. His viral success led to a win on TikTok’s Greatest Talent competition, and he’s since graced stages like The Bluebird Café, 3rd & Lindsley, and NPR’s Mountain Stage - with a potential return planned for 2025.

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Pete Schumann (Panda Pete) is a songwriter/singer/ performer that plays a wide range of musical styles that lean heavily Americana and pop. Singing for over 40 years, Pete is known for a beautiful and dynamic vocal style and his songs are personal glimpses into those moments that make our life complete. Baritone ukulele, acoustic guitar and harmonica are his main instruments.  Pete shares his feelings, humor and insights from the stage and connects with the audience on a personal level.

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!
Bruno and Christian are both students of the jazz department at the University of Michigan. Their duo project engages with traditional jazz repertoire and plays with the concept of "conversation" between two musicians.

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!
Blou Reed (pronounced BLOO Reed) blends jazz improvisation and harmony with strong, groove based rhythms to create a sound that bares the torch of tradition to light the way to the future of modern music. The band presents a wide ranging catalogue of original compositions and hip arrangements of well known Jazz standards.

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

Peter Madcat Ruth & Stephen Seifert have formed a duo! Peter Madcat Ruth is a Grammy Award-winning virtuoso harmonica player. Stephen Seifert is a highly acclaimed mountain dulcimer player who has performed at music festivals all over the world. Together they present a purely acoustic, and extremely eclectic mix of Americana, folk music, blues, jazz, string band music, country music, soul music, and rock & roll. They are quite likely the only harmonica and dulcimer duo in the world!

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

Founded in 2014 with a theatrical concept, Fangs & Twang has evolved into a genre-blending powerhouse that fuses gothic horror, cryptozoology, classic rock, Americana, and outlaw country into a high-energy live show. Their eclectic sound delivers both humor and substance.

Ticketed Show | 9 PM | 8:30 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.

A night for those of you that sing in the shower and belt it in traffic. A night for those that have no proper place to perform. We have your stage at North Star Lounge! Lousy singer? We don’t care. Just bring a good time.

Hosted by our very own Ryan M.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Sage Advice is the husband-wife duo of Paul and Annemarie Dolan (also of Ann Arbor bands Four Roses and Naked Ace). Sage Advice was originally formed in San Francisco in the late ‘90s, resurrected now as their 2 children are off to music school at UM. They perform an eclectic mix of singer-songwriter covers with some originals sprinkled in.

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!
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.

Described as “post punk acid jazz barn burning bluegrass fusion that will have you jumping,” Front Porch independently released their first album "Shallow Grave" in the fall of 2023. Gaining attention across the U.S. with their energetic live shows, their performances highlight their skillful instrumentation, where foot stomping clawhammer banjo, ripping mandolin, guitar and fiddle melodies are at the forefront of their driving sound. Front Porch has been nominated for bluegrass band of the year for the Arkansas CMA’s in 2024 and 2025, headlined many festivals, and has supported artists such as Bela Fleck, Sierra Hull, Infamous Stringdusters, and Del McCoury. They  are currently on tour supporting their sophomore album “Toolbox.”

$10 cover

Born out of late-night jam sessions at Handstand- the art studio of founding member Jamey Barnard (Souled American/K. Jones and the Benzie Playboys)- the band embraces an aesthetic that celebrates genres from past and present, near and far, composed and improvised.

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

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 | 9 PM | 8:30 PM Doors

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
DeVeaux Gauger is a singer/songwriter from Ann Arbor, channeling the ’70’s troubadour sounds of Harry Chapin, Jim Croce & 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.

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 Jordan Hamilton, Mark Lavengood & Ben Traverse.

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

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.

May 21st is the birthday of our resident drag diva, Zooey Gaychanel, and this year she's doing a celebratory drag show on her ACTUAL birthday! Come on out for an epic, hilarious, star-studded double drag show - and be sure to arrive early as seats will fill quickly!

$10 cover per show

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Detroit native Shannon Lee captivates her audiences with her unique, emotive voice, while offering an acoustic mix of originals and uniquely arranged covers that span folk, Americana, country and indie genres.
This evening will feature Shannon Lee on acoustic guitar and vocals, Rod Foster on mandolin and vocals, and David Roof on bass and harmony vocals.

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

Bruce Sagan is a respected performer, teacher, and composer of Scandinavian music and has been awarded the Swedish Zorn Diploma in Bronze for his playing. Brad Battey started Scandinavian fiddling with Bruce when he was a wee thing of 12 years old, but has been playing for contra dances for as long as he can remember. Brad and Bruce are especially fond of the nyckelharpa, or keyed fiddle, which is the national instrument of Sweden. Their music will set your toes to tapping and your hands to clapping!

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Known for his six-piece jazz band (The Hot Rod Cherries), and rock/soul outfit (The Dan Cafferty Band), Michigan-native singer/songwriter/guitarist Dan Cafferty is thrilled to be returning to the North Star Lounge for a solo acoustic set. A seasoned recording artist, he is releasing his sixth studio album this year. Some of his songs have received national airplay. Cafferty’s unique writing style draws upon many genres. His carefully crafted songs tell intriguing and often humorous stories. He also brings a large repertoire of diverse covers.

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!

John Richard Paul is a Northern Michigan-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist specializing in heartfelt, deeply personal lyrics ruminating on life, love, and loss, all filtered through a timeless Americana lens.

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!
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. Joining them this week is Keith Billik on Banjo.

$10 cover

Ajde Aman plays melodies as old as time and original hits written for today. Come gather round the soulful folk melodies and odd rhythms of South Eastern Europe for this special, unplugged & unfiltered set. The four piece ensemble will include Abby Alwin (cello), Douglas Lane Allen (bouzouki/oud), Will Van Kampen (bass), and Alex Sobolev (accordion).

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

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Lily Bowen is a singer/songwriter based in the Detroit area. She has 8 singles released on all streaming platforms, and is influenced by pop artists like Gracie Abrams and Lizzy McAlpine. She has performed at many local events, like the Ann Arbor Art Fair and Dally in the Alley.

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 Audra Kubat, Graham Parsons, & Saltbreaker + Yali Rivlin.

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

The Cinematic Trio is Neil Donato & Dale Grisa on keyboards, and guitarist-singer-songwriter Terry Farmer. The trio conjures lush and lavish sounds with two virtuosic pianists, guitar & voice.

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