Nightspots

Jazz & blues standards by an ensemble led by WCC jazz guitar instructor Somers.

Energetic, sophisticated blend of danceable soul, blues, and rock by this band led by Hoodang bassist McKee.

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.

All acoustic musicians invited. Hosted by Irish-ish. 1–3 p.m.

Performances by local female singer-songwriters TBA. Hosted by Alaina Lemon and Sara Lambert.

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 country-flavored folk-rock trio.

Local 10-piece big band led by tubaist Chris Smith that specializes in the old-time big band music of the late 1920s and early 1930s associated with Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver.

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.

Early jazz classics from Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith to Louis Armstrong and beyond by this veteran local septet led by trombonist Terry Kimura.

All jazz musicians & singers invited. Hosted by drummer John Blanchette.

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).