Local bluegrass quartet known for its beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess. Tonight they are joined by guitarist Dave Keeney. 7–10 p.m. $10.
A wide range of jazz and jazzed-up popular music, from the 1920s to the present, by this all-star local quintet. With trumpeter Ross Huff, pianist Giancarlo Aversa, bassist Brennan Andes, violinist Jordan Adema, and drummer Wes Fritzemeier.
In-the-round performances by this group of 8 award-winning veteran Michigan songwriters who get together regularly to share their new work. Members are David Barrett, Jim Bizer, Annie Capps, Kitty Donohoe, Jan Krist, Matt Watroba, David Tamulevich & his former duo partner in Mustard’s Retreat, Michael Hough. 3 p.m. $29.
With short sets by different area acts each night. A benefit for Food Gatherers. Jan. 3: The area punk trio Human Skull, the Detroit psychedelic art-rock trio Sonic Smut, the local doom metal/stoner rock band King Under The Mountain, and veteran local hip-hop rappers Nickie P. and Duke Newcomb. $14.
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.
A Lake City native known for his clever, funny, and candidly insightful folk-, rock-, and jazz-based songs about his life, Bernard founded Earthwork Music, a collective of musicians who focus their work on environmental advocacy, social justice, and community building. 6–7:15 p.m. $25.
Solo show by this veteran local bluegrass guitarist-mandolinist. 8:30–9:45 p.m. $15.
Ann Arbor’s Mark “Mr. B” Braun has established an international reputation as one of the most exciting interpreters of traditional boogie-woogie and blues piano. He has mastered the classics from Meade Lux Lewis and Jimmy Yancey to Brother Montgomery and Professor Longhair, and he has added several dynamic originals to the long tradition he works in. “Mr. B knows the complete legacy of Blues piano. Not many pianists in this style play with more conviction,” writes Downbeat. Tonight he is joined by veteran local drummer Pete Siers to celebrate the release of a new CD. $29.
All invited to join or listen to an instrumental jam session.
Ensemble led by this young jazz composer guitarist from Milwaukee, a U-M music grad student. His guitar sound ranges from visceral to introspective, weaving lithe storylines and chromatic tapestries.
Local klezmer-funk collective with a repertoire of originals and klezmer classics. Tonight they are joined by a lineup of guests TBA to celebrate the release of their debut album, The Seltzer Man. $29.
Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
All acoustic performers invited. Fifteen acts are selected randomly from those who sign up (doors open 7:30 p.m.) to perform 8 minutes (or 2 songs) each. The most talented and popular Open Stage performers are offered their own evenings at the Ark. $3 (members & students, free).
Detroit-area hip-hop rapper. Openers: the Novi punk-rock band Permanently Pissed, along with Detroit-area hip-hop rappers Suave Ray, Trick Flair, and Whiteloaf. $14.
Local world music–inflected jazz ensemble of drummer Jesse Kramer, guitarist John Arnold, and bassist & vocalist Pathe Jassi.
Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
Folk-rock covers and some originals by the husband-and-wife duo of Paul and Annemarie Dolan, members of the local rock cover band Four Roses. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
All invited to bring a poem or monologue that they’ve written. Hosted by cat h. bradley & Forrest Hejkal. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. 7–10 p.m.
This popular local acoustic duo of twin brothers Laszlo and Sandor Slomovits is known for their upbeat originals about life’s simple pleasures, along with covers of songs by Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, and the Beatles. Tonight they celebrate their 76th birthdays and are joined by their Good Mischief Band, which includes San’s daughter, fiddler Emily Slomovits. $29.
