North Star Lounge
301 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor
North Star Lounge is an intimate music venue and vegan bar in downtown Ann Arbor that hosts live music ranging from bluegrass to folk to open mics, along with community-focused events. The space also serves food and drinks and regularly features solo artists, acoustic duos, and ensemble performances.
Hours: Wed–Sat 5pm–11pm
Upcoming shows50 listings
Wed, Oct 21
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Bart Moore & the Hot Boys of JenisonJoin us for a free happy hour concert! The Hot Boys of Jenison play an amalgam of Americana, country and alt rock – both originals, with influences ranging from Warren Zevon, the Pogues, Talking Heads – and covers from the 1960s thru now, from Creedence Clearwater to Tom Petty and Weezer. Their musiRock · Folk
- J7:30pmJason Dennie & Grant FlickJason 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 areaFolk · Country
Thu, Oct 22
Fri, Oct 23
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Blou reedJoin 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 cJazz
- B7:00pmBluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Jack WagnerHailing 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 tFolk · Country
Sat, Oct 24
- G6:30pmGrace Theisen TrioThe Grace Theisen Trio invites listeners into a space of reflection, resilience, and joy. With songs that blend poetic storytelling, rich melodies, and heartfelt vocals, they explore identity, empowerment, and the intimate threads that connect us all. Through her songwriting, Grace transforms personFolk
- F9:00pmFangs & TwangFounded 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 | 8:30Rock · Folk
Wed, Oct 28
Thu, Oct 29
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Sage AdviceJoin 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, now based in Ann Arbor where they are often joined by their son Brayden and
- A7:30pmA Hauntingly Musical CabaretA Hauntingly Musical Cabaret! Come hear tenors, Jeffrey Willets and Jay Kaplan, pianist Nick Frederick and percussionist Jesse Gibbs, as they take you on a hauntingly musical journey involving villains, monsters, ghosts and the spine-tinglingly bizarre! Songs from “High Spirts”, “Young Frankenstein”
Fri, Oct 30
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: The Bob Skon TrioJoin 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, thJazz
- B7:00pmBluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Jason DennieHailing 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 deFolk · Country
Sat, Oct 31
Wed, Nov 4
Thu, Nov 5
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Lamm & HenleyLamm & Henley is an original music duo comprised of August Lamm and Andy Henley. Their music showcases tight musicianship, an inventive vocal blend, and timeless lyricism influenced by the Great American Songbook.Folk
- L7:00pmLGBTQ Night: Queer Open MicBring 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.
Fri, Nov 6
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: TurtledovesJoin us for a free happy hour concert! Weaving styles from around the globe, Mikey creates a tapestry webbed with romantic boleros, classic tunes, and Celtic melodies. As a writer, Mikey draws from a worldly pool of influences and classical study to evoke wonders of nature and musical tales. As a soFolk · Latin
- B7:00pmBluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Dutcher SnedekerHailing 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 deFolk · Country
Sat, Nov 7
- B6:00pmBig Sky Company: A Benefit for the ACLUBig Sky Company is a collective that began with Geoff Michael at Big Sky Recording. "Walk Up This Hill" written by Mike Ward and Dave Boutette was recorded by Geoff, with Mike and Dave on guitars, Neil Donato on Hammond organ with Annie Bacon, Dave, Kristi Davis and Jim Latini adding vocal support.Rock
- B9:00pmBill Edwards and David StarrOn stage together! Bill Edwards is an award-winning singer/songwriter from Ann Arbor, MI. He’s known for his thoughtful, moving and sometimes hilarious songs, supported by his fine voice and excellent guitar playing. His most recent album, Enough About Me, is a collection of songs from the perspectiFolk
Wed, Nov 11
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Patrick ClintonJoin 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.Folk
7:30pmAbigayle Oakley and FairhazelFairhazel is the moniker of multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Hugh Macdonald. Hugh grew up in South Africa, France and the UK, and currently resides in Nashville. Hugh produces, mixes and masters all of his own music from his home studio. From Las Vegas to Nashvegas, Abigayle Oakley blIndie · Folk
Thu, Nov 12
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Kathy WielandJoin us for a free happy hour concert! Kathy Wieland is a multi instrumentalist and an award winning songwriter from Ann Arbor. Her songs are full of heart and humor. Over the past 20 years she has been a featured performer at festivals in MI, PA, AZ, CA. Find out more about the artist here
- L7:00pmLGBTQ Night: Dyke NightDyke 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!
Fri, Nov 13
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Nick JamesJoin us for a free happy hour concert! Nick James is a Michigan-based singer-songwriter blending soulful vocals, acoustic guitar, and live looping into an intimate, layered sound. His set features a mix of heartfelt original songs, improvisation, and storytelling—building each performance live in thFolk
- B7:00pmBLUEGRASS FRIDAY: PONTIAC TRAIL BLAZERS ft. Clint WeanerHailing 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 tFolk · Country
Sat, Nov 14
Wed, Nov 18
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Ralph SantarpiaJoin us for a free happy hour concert! Rekindling a music career from the late 60’s, Ralph Santarpia is bringing his pop-style, rockin', rollin' stylings to the North Star Lounge and other small venues to the Ann Arbor area. His music has been heard in movies, on national television and on radio staPop
7:00pmEarthwork Music Collective Ft. Dede Alder, Audra Kubat, and Mike SavinaEarthwork 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, inspireFolk
Thu, Nov 19
Fri, Nov 20
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Wood, Wind & SteelJoin us for a free happy hour concert! With many years as successful singer-songwriter's, Wind, Wood & Steel (WW&S) are a seasoned, three-part harmony group performing a variety of heartland, blues and jazz original and cover songs. In addition to skilled instrumentation on high-end acoustic guitarsFolk · Jazz
- B7:00pmBLUEGRASS FRIDAY: PONTIAC TRAIL BLAZERs ft. Keith BillikHailing 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 tFolk · Country
Sat, Nov 21
Wed, Nov 25
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Jordan Smith-HaysJoin us for a free happy hour concert! Jordan Smith-Hays is a guitarist from Ann Arbor, Michigan. He takes inspiration from Randy Rhoads, David Gilmour, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Jordan frequently uses an 8 string guitar and a looper pedal to play every part of his songs layer by layer, from basslines t
- O7:00pmOPEN MIC WEDNESDAY W/ Annie Bacon & Forrest HejkalBring 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.
Fri, Nov 27
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: KedronJoin us for a free happy hour concert! Kedron is an energetic group taking inspiration from a blend of Americana, folk, and country music! The local high school band, hailing from Chelsea, Michigan consists of a guitar player, a bassist, a violinist, and a vocalist. Together, these young musicians hFolk · Country
- B7:00pmBluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Mike HarringtonHailing 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 tFolk · Country
Sat, Nov 28
- D6:00pmDylan Charles"It’s a physical performance. He plays and sings like he knows what he’s singing to the bone." -Parisa Mahdad, Kinofilia Arts Blog Dylan Charles is an indie folk/roots-rock singer/songwriter and producer based in New York City. His songs blend soulful lyrics and powerful vocals with dynamic and intrRock · Indie
- S8:30pmShannon Lee & The Silver LiningsShannon Lee & The Silver Linings offer a mix of originals and covers in Americana/alt-country/folk genres, with singer/songwriter Shannon Lee fronting the band on lead vocals and acoustic guitar. Listeners are delighted by the masterful musicianship executed by her backing band, The Silver Linings,Folk · Country
Wed, Dec 2
Thu, Dec 3
Fri, Dec 4
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Dino TimeJoin us for a free happy hour concert! Dino Time is the new indie-folk duo project of Jess Corkins and Laura McAndrew, formed right here at North Star Lounge! Jess and Laura blend ethereal harmonies with earnest songwriting about hope, loss, and nature. They’ll mix in their takes on indie covers forIndie · Folk
- B7:00pmBluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Dylan CharlesHailing 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. FeaturingFolk · Country
Sat, Dec 5
6:00pmTimothy MongerTimothy Monger is a musician and writer living in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He has released four solo albums ranging in style from pastoral folk to lush baroque pop and harmony-driven indie rock. In addition to his work as solo singer/songwriter, he is the bandleader of Timothy Monger State Park, co-founSinger-songwriter
- T8:30pmTurner LuceSince 2019, Turner Luce has been a mainstay in showcasing Americana and alt-country music in the Ann Arbor region. Offering a blend of covers and original songs, the band celebrates the joy of acoustic music, delving into such themes as personal lost, redemption, the saving grace of love, and heartbFolk · Country
Wed, Dec 9
Thu, Dec 10
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: Red Moon RounderJoin us for a free happy hour concert! Red Moon Rounder is centered around the songwriting of Justin O’Connell. Originally formed in Colorado and now based in mid‑Michigan, the project leans into a cosmic Americana sound—nostalgic and familiar but wrapped in cinematic layers. Introspective by natureFolk
- L7:00pmLGBTQ Night: Dyke NightDyke 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!
Fri, Dec 11
- H5:30pmHappy Hour: The Myriad ProjectJoin us for a free happy hour concert! The Myriad Project is an Ann Arbor-based electroacoustic trio that pairs traditionally classical woodwinds with electric strings, synthesizing these timbres in a fresh and innovative way. Live looping and electronic effects further expand Myriad's sound, creatiFolk · Electronic
- B7:00pmBluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail BlazersHailing 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 coverFolk · Country