Local quartet whose eclectic repertoire ranges from traditional Irish music to rockabilly, bluegrass, novelty songs, and roots-rock originals. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
A mix of soul, funk, R&B, and rock by this mid-Michigan quintet. 7–10:30 p.m.
With music by favorite Alehouse performers. Jan. 9: Indie Rock Royalty, a local quartet that plays an eclectic mix of covers and originals, including some parodies, Steve Somers & Friends (see above), David Freund, an Ypsi singer-songwriter whose music is said to occupy the territory “somewhere between Paul Westerberg and Neil Young,” and Cattywampus, an Ypsi experimental stoner rock trio. 4:30–10 p.m.
Local horn-powered Motown/Memphis soul tribute band featuring vocalist Sheila Rhodes.
A local pop-soul singer-songwriter. Openers: the Ypsi alt-rock quartet Towner, the local punk band Latterfly, and Sock Jock, the stage name of Taylor Brown, a Chicago-bred indie rock singer-songwriter who mischievously describes her music as “fueled by her unwavering belief that the world needs more songs about early 20s angst.”
Jack is a sultry-voiced Detroit folk-rock singer-songwriter whose music also draws freely on jazz and country flavors. “Her voice can soar like opera and smoke like the blues,” writes one Detroit Free Press reviewer. Jack’s band won a Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Americana Group in 2019, and her annual birthday shows at the Ark have amassed a strong following. $29.
With sets by area DJs Darrio, DJ Djinjo, Karla Chapa, Navigatr, Sam / Wyze, and Voodoo. $23.
Nine-piece Detroit-based jazz-funk ensemble led by bassist Was, a legendary Grammy award-winning producer and onetime president of Blue Note records. His all-star band plays a mix of funky originals and interpretations of songs by Detroit jazz greats, including Yusef Lateef, Olu Dara, and Henry Threadgill. Describing their music, Was says, “there’s a unique sound and feel to Detroit that permeates the music in a way that resonates all over the globe. There is a rawness, a lack of pretension and an unmistakable, underlying groove that reflects the people and culture of the city.” $65.
Jazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.
Jazz originals and standards by a local ensemble led by singer-bassist Rob Crozier.
Local indie folk & Americana duo of Laura McAndrew and Gordon Kwiatkowski. 6:30–7:45 p.m. $15.
Jackson experimental postpunk blues trio. Free. 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Cliff & the Bass Player a local Classic rock ‘n’ roll and country cover duo led by singer-songwriter & guitarist Mulvihill, Jim Cherewick, a local Singer/Songwriter, Dog Latin, the Stage name of Chris McGorey, a Canton singer-songwriter who plays adventurous folk-rock, The Nitpickers, an Ypsi ensemble led by singer-guitarist John Delcamp that plays an eclectic mix of classic country and folk, Jacuzzi Beach, an Ypsi trip-surf trio, Human Skull, a local punk-rock trio, and Zzava, an Ypsi punk-rock quartet. 2–11:30 p.m.
This local dance quintet plays classic R&B and Motown. With vocalist Terry Samuels, guitarist Pete Bullard, keyboardist Andy Adamson, bassist Doug Katchorek, and drummer Mike Moneart. They are backed by the Westside Girls, the vocal duo of Cheryl McIntire and Carol Shaw.
With local stand-up comics Tommy Cook, Bret Hayden, Patty Rooney, and Jacob Russell. Musical acts TBA.
The new side project of Alex Holycross, lead singer of the Oakland self-styled “thrash grass” country quartet The Native Howl, and Erin Zindle, the fiery fiddling frontwoman of the veteran local country-rock band The Ragbirds. Together they play an intense brand of outlaw Americana that blends Hollycross’s edgy rasp and heavy metal powerchord guitar work with Zindle’s airy vocals and graceful fiddle playing. $29.
Young local jazz trio that plays a mix of originals and bebop standards.
All invited to join or listen to an instrumental jam session.
Jazz ensemble led by this local drummer.
Jazz & blues standards by an ensemble led by WCC jazz guitar instructor Somers.
