
Happy Hour: Bart Moore
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Bart Moore's music weds the native influences of the Pogues, Warren Zevon, and Basement Tapes-era Dylan to a head-full full of images and impressions that are singularly his own.

Open Mic W/ Annie Bacon & Forrest Hejkal
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.

HAPPY HOUR: Orange Blossom
Join us for a free LGBTQ night 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!

LGBTQ Night: Trivia with Terry McClymonds
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

HAPPY HOUR: The Steve Taylor Three
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Steve Taylor Three is a Detroit-based Americana trio. The three musicians weave emotion, reflections of life and family, and vast experience into original songs that would be a great soundtrack for a long drive across the country. Their latest album “Temporary Heart” is available wherever finer music is streamed.

Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers
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.
$10 cover

Timothy MOnger
Timothy Monger is a musician and writer based in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He has released four solo albums ranging in style from lush chamber pop to pastoral folk and harmony-driven indie rock. In addition to his work as solo singer/songwriter, he is the bandleader of Timothy Monger State Park and co-founder of the cult classic Ann Arbor rock band Great Lakes Myth Society. His most recent release is Last Known Address, a multimedia project commissioned by the Ann Arbor District Library in late 2024.

Mother Mushroom
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 creates a sonic journey through the traditional and futuristic punctuated by a rotating roster of instruments, including the kokle (a miniature Latvian harp). Mother Mushroom’s band includes Larisa Mednis (vocals, guitar, ukelele, kokle), Hank Hietala (guitar, bass, synth), and Caroline Porter (vocals, mandolin).
Mother Mushroom is a self-published independent artist whose music you can find here!

Happy Hour: Janelle Haskell
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.

Calvin Ohi & Grant Flick
Calvin Ohi is a guitarist drawing inspiration from both modern and traditional legends like Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, and Bill Frisell. He primarily plays jazz but also enjoys playing and drawing inspiration from folk, classical, and prog rock. He will be joined on stage by Grant Flick.
$10 cover.

Happy Hour: Tammy Cook
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Singer-songwriter Tammy Cook hails from a long line of coal miners, carhops, factory workers, bootleggers and preachers. Her subjects are broad and include Jackson Pollock, 19th century immigration, highway ghosts and the creation of the New York subway system in 1888. She thinks she’s funny.
This will be Tammy’s first appearance at North Star Lounge!

LGBTQ Night: Queer Open Mic
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.

Happy Hour: Vicki Dischler
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Vicki was a longtime part of the Michigan music scene, performing with bands like Black Train, Dorkestra, and the Blue Light Band, and drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres. She also taught a German-language music course at the University of Michigan, guiding students in finding their own musical voices. Now based in Minneapolis, Vicki continues to expand her repertoire of distinct cover songs and is exploring the art of songwriting. She's thrilled to return to Ann Arbor to share music and reconnect with friends.

Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers
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.
$10 cover

Philip Bowen
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.
Happy Hour: The Revelators
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Revelators have been described as eclectic and rootsy. Jill Baker, Ralph McKee and Steve Rich are lead and harmony singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. They wield guitars, bass, lap steel and three lifetimes of listening to the American songbook, blues, British invasion, rock, folk and echoes of other musical cultures. They would be most likely to describe themselves as simply serving the songs. They do so with affection and unexpected innovation.

Come Softly wsg spare key
Come Softly is a brand new ambient-Americana band based in the greater Detroit metro area. Longtime musicians Annie Bacon and saahnjoo test the limits of a romantic and creative collaboration through songwriting while southeast Michigan's hardest working bassist, Ozzie Andrews, completes the trio. The debut collection of songs showcases the trio's shared devotion to process, along with poetic lyricism, indelible melodies, and a distinctive mood of intimate encounter.
Opening for them is Mat Larimer, also known as Spare Key, a Detroit-based music producer, sound designer, and multi-hyphenate artist whose work lives at the intersection of musical exploration, sonic space, and connection.
$10 cover.

Happy Hour: Lila Fetter
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Lila has been writing songs and performing her whole life, and
has recently started to strive to make music more than just a passion. She recently released her second album, “Ray of Sunshine” and is eager to share these stories with a live audience. Having grown up in Ann Arbor, she is so excited for this opportunity to perform in her hometown before she heads back to the east coast to begin her sophomore year at Boston University.

LGBTQ Night: Dyke Night
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!

Happy Hour: So Say we All!
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
So Say We All! is an electric-acoustic collective who infuse their grooves with dark-folk, psychedelic-jazz, and glam-punk energy, driven on stage by an instinct for musical theater. This evening’s duo/trio have come to dwell in A2 from different corners of the country: the Gulf, the Desert, the Mountains . . . So Say We All! seeks local musical collaborators (on originals and covers) to voice songs that light up worlds inside worlds.

Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Jason Dennie
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.
Bobby Pennock Trio
Bobby Pennock is a dynamic performer whose music blends elements of pop, rock, and folk, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. With a passion for storytelling and an innate ability to connect with listeners, Bobby crafts songs that resonate deeply with emotion and authenticity.
Together, Bobby Pennock and his bandmates create a sonic experience that captures the rawness of folk, the energy of rock, and the infectious hooks of pop, leaving a lasting impression on all who hear them.

The Minor Pieces
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.

Happy Hour: Birjy
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Birjy is the wide-ranging electroacoustic solo project of Ypsilanti-based violist, singer, and composer Lea Detlefs. Using a looper and fx she continues the tradition started by violin looping extraordinaires such as Andrew Bird, Kishi Bashi, and Dixon's violin, with her own unique take on the one-man band act. Her music, ranging from originals to video game covers, has folk, world music, and post-rock vibes and may, it's been said, ‘transport you to another world’.

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

Happy Hour: Ukulele Jake
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The unrivaled Ukulele King of NYC comes to Ann Arbor to perform his new smash album, Direct Line In. With mystic melodies that teleport you, his power to engage his audience is unbridled amusement and passion.

LGBTQ Night: Drag Bingo
Make friends, have fun, win prizes! Join us for a comedic bingo experience with Zooey and Taylor from the Heads over Heels Show.

Happy Hour: Root Cause Analysis wsg Hilary Finchum-Sung
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
After years of thrill-seeking (sheep shearing school, macramé, night time wilderness endurance hiking) adrenaline junkies Jill Baker (The Revelators) and Lynne Frederickson (Lynne F. Trio, Dorkestra) have shifted their restless creative energy to something that will pay the bills - folk singing.
Jill and Lynne are thrilled that Hilary Finchum-Sung will be joining on fiddle for this show!

BLUEGRASS FRIDAY: PONTIAC TRAIL BLAZERS ft. Tony Pace
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

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

Little Spoon River
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.

Happy Hour: Brady & Olivia
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!

OPEN MIC WEDNESDAY W/ Annie Bacon & Forrest Hejkal
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.

Happy Hour: Maggie May
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Hailing from Patrick County, Virginia and with her guitar in hand, Maggie Blankenship soulfully sings a combination of original and cover tunes that are guaranteed to take you on an uplifting journey. Influences of bluegrass and rock ‘n’ roll echo throughout her unique folk-rock music style. Anytime she steps on stage she is taken to a sacred place that welcomes anyone willing to join her. She delivers an unforgettable performance that often channels musical icons such as Susan Tedeschi, Grace Potter, Stevie Nicks, and Janis Joplin.

LGBTQ Night: Trivia with Terry McClymonds
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

Happy Hour: The Bob Skon Trio
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Bob Skon Trio, comprised of Bob Skon on guitar and vocals, Matt Steward on percussion and vocals, and Trent Collier on bass and vocal, have been playing throughout Southeast Michigan for two decades now. With inviting vocals and skillful instrumentation, they play classic covers of the singer-songwriters of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s as well as some masterful originals.

BLUEGRASS FRIDAY: PONTIAC TRAIL BLAZERs ft. Keith Billik
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 Anest Organ Trio
The Alex Anest Organ Trio presents an evening of exciting repertoire for the classic combination of guitar, organ, and drums. Original tunes as well as works by the likes of Duke Pearson, Emily Remler, Ernie Krivda, Christine Jensen, Wes Montgomery and Herbie Hancock have found their way into the set list. The lineup includes Annie Hayes on drums and Robert Mason on organ. 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 around the Midwest including dates at clubs and festivals in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and more.

Stucchi & the Shepherd: The Way Home
Stucchi & The Shepherd (Davis Caruso & Giancarlo Robert) are debuting their 7 song soul record called “The Way Home” featuring lead vocalist Kyande Sanders. This set will include guitar, percussion & vocals that offer a delicious taste of whats to come from these budding artists.

Happy Hour: Patrick Clinton
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Patrick Clinton wrote his first song in 1968, and after a long hiatus, he’s at it again. He’s known for offbeat, witty, often hilarious tunes about everything from frogs and chickens to cowboys, mashed potatoes, and doomed romance.

Poetry Open Mic W/ Forrest Hejkal & cat h. bradley
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.

Happy Hour: my salamander
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Rather than striving for a particular pre-defined sound, my salamander centers on the intersection of each member's creative interests and musical backgrounds—bridging classical, rock, folk, and punk into an entirely unique sound. They embrace an experimental creative process that allows them to transform ideas into music authentic to each of them and larger than any of us.

LGBTQ Night: Drag Bingo
Make friends, have fun, win prizes! Join us for a comedic bingo experience with Zooey and Taylor from the Heads over Heels Show.

Happy Hour: Randy Tessier
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.

Bluegrass Friday: Wire in the Wood ft. Joe Odell
Ann Arbor's finest purveyors of barn-burnin-bluegrass, swing'n serenades and psychedelic string jams. Featuring Billy Kirst on guitar, Jordan Adema on Fiddle, Ryan Shea on Bass and Michael Spaly on Mandolin, Wire in the Wood is the direct predecessor to the Pontiac Trail Blazers. They will be joined by Joe O'Dell on guitar.
$10 cover

Turner Luce
Turner Luce is an Ann Arbor-based band that has performed numerous shows in Southeast Michigan since forming in 2019. The band emphasizes country rock and Americana stylings, playing both original songs and so-called “deep covers” by such groups as Tom Petty, Paul Simon, Sam Philips, and other legendary artists. Turner Luce consists of Dave Buehrer on bass and vocals, Philip Camp on violin, Dan Degener on keyboard and vocals, and Mark Scott on guitar and lead vocals. The band will be performing several original songs from its double EP release—“Nothing Left to Say” and “Past the Time”—on Spotify and other music streaming services.

Rollie Tussing Trio
Award winning finger-style and slide guitarist Rollie Tussing teams up with trumpeter Ross Huff and bass player Serge van der Voo to perform timeless classic jazz and country blues, dewy-eyed tunes of the 20s and 30s, as well as godforsaken songs of the nineteenth century. Their own compositions are influenced by those same lonesome, haunted and abandoned melodies that we all forgot to remember.

Happy Hour: Leo DiSanto
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
A song and story man, a compulsive adventurer, a rural Pennsylvania yokel with a restless curiosity and a passion for street performance, Leo DiSanto has hauled his wanderlust wagon and his guitar case everywhere from monasteries in the high Himalaya to the boulevards of New Orleans to the wild interior of Alaska. Whether performing concerts in music venues across the US or busking his way across Europe with only a guitar and a backpack, Leo rejoices in the privilege of being some of the noises life makes. Known for his imaginative songwriting, powerful singing voice, exciting live performances, and captivating storytelling, Leo is the founding front man of the award-winning, original Amerikindasorta string band, Vinegar Creek Constituency.

Kedron
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Kedron is an energetic group taking inspiration from a blend of americana, bluegrass, and country music! The local band, hailing from Chelsea, Michigan consists of a ukulele/guitar player, a bassist, a violinist, and a vocalist. Each member brings their personal taste to the band’s sound, and the resulting music is pretty unique.
Happy Hour: Jan Krist w/ Alan Finkbeiner
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Detroit born Singer-songwriter Jan Krist was raised on rock, and schooled in the folk music of the 60’s and 70’s. Today, Krist's work reflects the power and poetry of having matured as an artist in that place and time. “Unreservedly recommended”, Bob Darden, Billboard Magazine
Flint born drummer and keyboard musician Alan Finkbeiner has been playing in bands since the age of 6. Finkbeiner is part of Diamonds in the Rust, with Annie and Rod Capps, Jan Krist, and Jim Bizer and often accompanies Jan , performing as a duo.

Happy Hour: The Bends
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
The Bends is the Midwest's premier Radiohead tribute band, presenting a high-energy mix of the legendary group's greatest hits, deep cuts, and reinterpretations.

BLUEGRASS FRIDAY: PONTIAC TRAIL BLAZERs ft. James Bourland
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 James Bourland on guitar.
$10 cover

Jason Dennie & Grant Flick
Jason Dennie and Grant Flick collaborate for a night featuring both original music and standards from the bluegrass idiom. This performance will be acoustic in the lounge and a mix of songs and instrumentals. Definitely a show not to be missed for lovers of American roots music in the Ann Arbor area!

Happy Hour: Steve Pichan
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Steve Pichan is a long time Michigan performer and singer/songwriter in the Americana genre with music available on all major platforms. Recent performances in Ann Arbor were at Crazy Wisdom, Moon Winks and Black Crystal cafe where he was nominated as a songwriter. Steve performs often in Southeastern Michigan and in the Traverse City region. He will be joined by Laurie Jarski on banjo & cello.

Community Drum Circle Guided by Sundance
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.

Happy Hour: Chuchu
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.

LGBTQ Night: Queer Open Mic
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.

Happy Hour: Deveaux Gauger
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.
The Lucky Nows
Featuring renown singer-songwriter Jen Cass, the stunning work of harmonica legend Rosco Selley, and the vast and varied musical chops of multi-instrumentalists Eric Janetsky and Michael Robertson, The Lucky Nows have spent the last decade showcasing their stellar songwriting, exceptional musicianship, and intricate harmonies on some of the country’s most famous stages, from The Ark to Wheatland, and everywhere in between. The Lucky Nows have been honored to share the stage with many of our heros, and make it a point to extend opportunity and grace to new singer-songwriters at every step of our journey.
They will be joined by Ozzie Andrews on bass.

Gretchen Pleuss & Adam Reifsnyder
Gretchen Pleuss is a singer-songwriter based in Ann Arbor whose "vocal delivery and skillful finger picking call to mind the folk singers who graced the stage of the Gaslight Café during the 60's Greenwich Village folk renaissance." - Dan Jarvis, Midwest Action. While she stays closer to home these days, she previously toured the United States, Ireland, and the U.K., and opened for artists like Glen Phillips, Damien Jurado, Lisa Loeb, and Loudon Wainwright III.
Cleveland, Ohio's Adam Reifsnyder is a folk-pop songwriter, performer, recording artist, and founding member of the pop group Walk the Moon and the Newgrass group Honeybucket.
Gretchen and Adam first collaborated in 2020 on their single "Pining," and are excited to release their first E.P. together in 2025. Fans of the Weepies and the Civil Wars will appreciate Gretchen and Adam's acoustic melodies and vocal harmonies.

Happy Hour: Derek Jones
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
born and raised near minneapolis, mn and now resides in ann arbor, mi. loves to cover music from many different genres and has original material to share.

OPEN MIC WEDNESDAY W/ Annie Bacon & Forrest Hejkal
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.

Happy Hour: Joseph Groele
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Ann Arbor-based musician Joseph Groele presents an acoustic set of unique covers and original songs inspired by the indie folk artists of the 00s.

LGBTQ Night: Trivia with Terry McClymonds
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
HAPPY HOUR: Wind, Wood and Steel
Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour concert!
Wind, Wood and Steel is a well seasoned band that performs rousing three-part harmony vocals backed up by piano, guitars, mandolin and other stringed instruments, percussion and flute. Their music includes updated covers of well known songs and originals in a jazzy, folk rock tradition.

BLUEGRASS FRIDAY: PONTIAC TRAIL BLAZERS ft. Wesley Fritzemeier
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

Delta 88
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.

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

Happy Hour: Michelle Held
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Michelle Held has an unmistakable voice—fragile and fierce, tender with an edge. Her songs are invitations: into grief, into wonder, into the kind of honesty that asks you to stay a little longer than is comfortable. With a poet’s attention and a deep sensitivity to life’s complexities, Michelle builds a world where small moments carry weight and every syllable matters. Over the years, she’s quietly built a body of work that resonates far beyond her hometown of Detroit. Named a 2025 Honorable Mention in the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriter Showcase, a three-time honoree in the Telluride Troubadour Contest, and praised by folk legend Tom Paxton, Michelle continues to carve out a thoughtful, steady path—one that honors intention and takes its time. Her songs don’t offer answers, but they listen well. They become something luminous: a way forward, a way back.

Poetry Open Mic W/ Forrest Hejkal & cat h. bradley
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.

Happy Hour: Kat Steih w/ Mikey Abbasspour
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.
Weaving styles from many corners of the globe, Mikey creates a tapestry of music that ranges from romantic Mexican boleros to Celtic melodies.

LGBTQ Night: Queer Open Mic
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.

Happy Hour: Blockhouse Valley
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Blockhouse Valley's original music recalls living in the American Rust Belt and the experiences of growing up in the Midwest and Appalachian regions. These roots are the inspiration for the instrumentation of the band, having been heavily influenced by the regional folk and bluegrass sounds, while also being exposed to the popular alternative, rock, blues, pop, and country music of the 90s and 00s. Blockhouse Valley isn’t shy to pull from all of these influences when writing their music or when arranging one of their unique takes on a popular song.

Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Mike Harrington
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

Setiawan & Flick
An acoustic show featuring some of the brightest and most innovative instrumentalists on the acoustic scene today! Ethan Setiawan and Grant Flick will bring original instrumentals from influences representing their collective experiences in bluegrass, jazz, and traditional fiddling styles.

Songwriters in the Round: Jim Bizer, Annie Capps, Jan Krist
Jim Bizer hails from Detroit, but his music is from all over the map. Poignant and quirky, hilarious and heartfelt, Jim’s songs are both beautiful and startling. And award-winning: he’s been a winner or finalist in numerous national songwriting competitions. With his commanding stage presence, virtuoso guitar skills and a clear love for making music, Jim shares a contagious joy and enthusiasm with his audience.
Annie Capps is a multifaceted artist whose three-decade career as a performing songwriter defies genre boundaries. With 3 Folk DJ chart-topping albums and two Kerrville New Folk Finalist awards to her name, she has solidified her place in the contemporary folk and acoustic music scenes in her home state of Michigan and beyond. Detroit born singer-songwriter Jan Krist was raised on rock, and schooled in the folk of the 60’s and 70’s. Today, Krist's work reflects the power and poetry of having matured as an artist in that place and time. Jan is a 2 time finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Competition, in Kerrville, Texas, and has won four Detroit Metro Music Awards,

Happy Hour: Jaded Ravins
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Jaded Ravins are a duo based out of a van. They play songs you never knew you needed to hear. Life, love, passion, and stories.

Don’t Tell Comedy
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!
Happy Hour: Nathan & Jessie
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Nathan Rivera & Jessie Andra Smith travel the world playing original songs on their resonator guitars, accordion and more. Singing songs inspired by home and by their travels, their shows are full of musicianship, fun stories, interplay between the male and female vocals in English, Spanish, and French. They are accompanied by Trevor Mulvey on the upright bass.

Ryan racine & The Little Victories
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.

Ani Mari
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.

James Bourland & Friends
James Bourland is an eclectic singer songwriter specializing in moving and heartfelt music. Moving seamlessly between Blues, Country, Folk, and Rock n Roll, James will be joined by a who's who of local talent for a night of songs, jokes, and drinks.

Dan Ripke’s Americana Revue wsg Peter Madcat Ruth & James Bourland
Dan Ripke’s “Americana Revue - Acoustic Music Show" is a heartfelt journey through the soul of American roots music. Featuring masterful acoustic performances, the show blends folk, blues, bluegrass, and country influences into an intimate and engaging experience. Ripke’s rich storytelling and intricate guitar work transport audiences to the heartland, weaving timeless melodies with modern insights. Perfect for music lovers of all ages, the Revue highlights the traditions that define Americana while adding fresh, personal touches. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Americana acoustic music or a newcomer, this show promises an evening of warmth, connection, and unforgeable songs.
Including very special guests: Grammy Award winning harmonica legend Peter Madcat Ruth (harmonica, vocals, jaw harp, ukulele) & guitarist extraordinaire James Bourland (guitar, vocals)

Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Dylan Charles
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

Happy Hour: Isaac Roughton
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Isaac Roughton is a music-maker of incredible caliber. As a writer, performer, and director, he aims to impact audiences with his creations. His lyrics come directly from his unique life experiences and tell stories that reflect the true human spirit, both good and bad. His live performances intimately connect his music to audiences and leave people feeling moved. He believes that art equals emotion and he has the power to influence lives with music, as his has been.

LGBTQ Night: Drag Bingo
Make friends, have fun, win prizes! Join us for a comedic bingo experience with Zooey and Taylor from the Heads over Heels Show.
Happy Hour: RJ Redline & Kara Frank
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
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.
Kara Fank is a Detroit-based vocalist/songwriter with a passion for creating harmony. Raised on the radio stations of Motown, she carries these musical influences and styles into her performances.

Chloe & the Steel Strings wsg Bekka madeleine
Chloe & Connor Ward are the soulful heartbeat of Chloe & the Steel Strings—a husband-and-wife duo weaving raw emotion, stirring vocals, poetic storytelling, and healing energy into every note they play. Rooted in their love for each other and their shared dream of making meaningful music, their songs blend the shimmer of folk with the spirit of psychedelia, creating a sound that feels like coming home. With Chloe’s luminous voice and Connor’s grounding basslines, they craft intimate performances that speak to the artists, the dreamers, and anyone longing to feel seen.
Opening the show for Chloe & the Steel Strings is Bekka Madeleine, an emerging sixteen-year-old singer-songwriter from Ann Arbor who imagines the young Americana with a distinctly melancholy twist.

Happy Hour: Steff Kayser
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Since moving from Tucson to Ypsi in early 2024, Northstar Lounge has become one of Steff’s favorite venues. Please come out and enjoy the atmosphere, the drinks and eats, the friendly staff, and some music!
Steff will entertain you with a bunch of unique cover tunes and a variety of originals: Sasquatch, Build Another Venice (in Dubai), These Lonesome Blues, The Whole Enchilada, and more!

Judy Banker
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 Alan Pagliere, for an intimate evening featuring cuts from her award-winning recordings.

Post Imperial Jazz Band
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.

BLUEGRASS FRIDAY: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Jordan Adema & Ryan Michaud
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 Jordan Adema on fiddle & Ryan Michaud on banjo.
$10 cover.

Happy Hour: Billy & Elaine
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.

LGBTQ Night: The dog show drag competition
"The Dog Show" is an 8 week, multi challenge and runway competition show that emulates that which came before it ala RPDR and Dragula. This week (the 17th) will be the Roast Challenge! The Roast of our Host Stevie Phoenix will take place after the "Baha Blast" runway challenge where competitors have to remake a Baha look in their own style. This is a non-elimination week so competitors are fighting for the win this week! Join us to see who ends up on top- being Top Dog of THE DOG SHOW

HAPPY HOUR: Hannah Boike
Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour concert!
Hannah is a singer/songwriter from Flushing, Michigan, whose sound blends alternative folk with elements of R&B and soul. She currently has two singles out that you can listen to, as well as releasing her first music video this year. Hannah is currently working on her debut EP, which she plans to release next summer. She hopes her music resonates with you and appreciates your support on this journey

Funny Business w/ Kathy Wieland, Lauren Crane, & Pat Clinton
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.

Happy Hour: saahnjoo
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
saahnjoo is a solo ambient-pop project featuring voice, keyboards, and drum machine. Detroit-metro based by way of New Jersey, saahnjoo writes songs covering loss, gratitude, and hope.

Fangs & Twang
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.

Corndaddy
“With a pure purpose and honest intent, Corndaddy makes refreshingly uncluttered country rock -- keenly aware of the genre's standard-bearers but not absorbed with imitation. Guitarist-vocalists Kevin Brown and Jud Branam are the creative forces here, a position they staked out on the group's stellar 2000 debut album. ... (for years) they've delivered... classic rustic sounds processed through a Midwestern rock 'n' roll filter and balanced with a touch of humor and catchy melodies.” — Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press

Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Mike Harrington
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

Happy Hour: Kat Steih w/ Mikey Abbasspour
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.
Weaving styles from many corners of the globe, Mikey creates a tapestry of music that ranges from romantic Mexican boleros to Celtic melodies.

LGBTQ Night: Summer Cruising Dyke Night
After prom in June (and after you have potentially been partying a LOT for pride), join us for a low key hangout at North Star Lounge for our slide into the official summer season. North Star's patio is full of flowers right now, and the summer night temps should be prime for mingling indoors or out. Invite the cutie you linked up with at prom or pride!
As always, our events are trans and nonbinary inclusive, and our evenings at North Star are 21+

HAPPY HOUR: wtchbtchtea
Join us for a free LGBTQ night happy hour concert!
wtchbtchtea is a nonbinary independent artist whose music explores themes of religious trauma, queerness, and heartbreak. With a sound that blends witchy indie vibes with a touch of gentle pop, wtchbtchtea's music offer a raw, intimate exploration of identity and emotion. Originally from Utah but now based out of Ypsi, they continue to create music that resonates with listeners seeking authenticity and connection.

Don’t Tell Comedy
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 July 9th to see this generation's next best comics!
Mike Green with Rod Capps
Mike Green’s philosophy about life may be a bit confounding to listeners. His songs exhibit a palpable tension between tenderness and irony, profundity and slapstick, aching beauty and fierce rock & roll. He creates poetic alchemy by pairing words and melody in a way that is more powerful than each would be separately.
He will be joined by Rod Capps, a seasoned guitarist and singer-songwriter, performing a range of styles from folk to rock to musical theater.

The Wildflowers
The Wildflowers are three singer, songwriting, musician friends (Shannon Lee, Hilary Finchum-Sung, & Kandy Fredrick), who recently joined together to support each other’s original and cover material, in a new and fun way. As a result, soaring 3 part harmonies by unique and beautiful voices combine with interwoven stringed instruments, to deliver up a delicious slice of Americana music!

The Whiskey Charmers
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.

LGBTQ Night: Queer Open Mic
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.

Happy Hour: Ben Seguin & Graham Rockwood
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Ben and Graham return after two SRO performances at North Star! Ben's songs are thought-provoking, witty and often hilarious. Graham is an all around fabulous musician and music therapist. He will be joining Ben on bass.

Community Drum Circle Guided by Sundance
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.

Happy Hour: ALma Russ
Join us for a free happy hour concert!
“The sound of Alma Russ is less an attempt at impersonation, and more an amalgam of many great singers of country and roots interwoven into an original approach…”- Trigger, Saving Country Music.
Alma lives in Mill Spring, NC, when she’s not on the road. Her sound is a mix of country gold, Appalachian tradition, and Americana soul.