New local rock quartet. Openers: Hunter & the HasBeens, an Ypsi rock trio fronted by vocalist Hunter Walrod, along with the Ypsi rock band Frog Island Power Boat and The City Lines, a local self-styled “Springsteen backed by Jimmy Eat World” power-pop trio fronted by singer-songwriter (and Ann Arbor firefighter) Pat Deneau.
A highly regarded veteran singer-songwriter who has been compared to Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman, Colvin is known for her storytelling flair, pop smarts, and arresting blend of emotional intensity and sardonic wit. $56.
Jazz Manouche (aka Gypsy jazz) ensemble led by this NYC-based Swiss American vocalist known for renditions of this French popular music pioneered by Django Reinhardt that blends 1930s Parisian swing with Balkan Gypsy and folk influences. Praising her band, The Village Voice writes “they continue in the beloved steps of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, but with a contemporary and delightful American twist.” $50 (dinner & show, $95.).
This variety showcase of local female performers includes drummer S.K. Rodriguez, harpist Doris Angel William, poet Michelle Smolarki, guitarists Kira Blue, Juniper, Maddy Ringo, and others. A benefit for The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. 5–8 p.m. Donation; pay what you can.
East Lansing alt-rock & power-pop cover band.
Pop, rock, and punk dance tunes by this local quartet featuring 2 former Bluescasters, guitarist Phil Ryski and bassist Doug Wolgat, along with drummer Rocky Di Iacovo and singer Aubrey Selaty.
Solo performance by this veteran local singer-guitarist, a former finalist on The Voice, plays an eclectic mix of roots Americana, classic rock, and blues, including many originals. Guitar World calls him “a cross between Danny Gatton and Buddy Guy at their best.” $20 in advance at rumpusroomvenue.com & (if available) at the door.
Local singer-guitarist who plays classic country, pop, and rock ‘n’ roll covers.
Acoustic singer-guitar duo. 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Local female singer-songwriters TBA. Hosted by Alaina Lemon and Sara Lambert.
Popular local gospel-flavored blues band led by Lady Sunshine, a fiery, rich-voiced singer whose style blends elements of Aretha Franklin, Koko Taylor, and Denise LaSalle. The band’s latest CD is Big Sexee.
Band led by this Michigan postpunk experimental art-rock singer-songwriter. Openers: the Detroit blues singer-guitarist Nancy Friday, and Beach Occult, a new project by members of the Ypsi trip-surf band Jacuzzi Beach.
The founder of the seminal 80s cowpunk band Rank and File, and No Depression magazine’s 1990s Artist of the Decade, this celebrated Austin-based roots-rock singer-songwriter specializes in songs and ballads about moments of crisis and insight in ordinary lives, and his music is known for its blend of earthy emotional power and stylistic flexibility. “Musically, Alejandro Escovedo is in his own genre,” says veteran Rolling Stone critic David Fricke. “[He’s] a folk-blues classicist with a gritty, plaintive voice and an equal fondness for dirty boogie and spectral balladry.” $35.
Detroit ensemble led by trumpeter Stanco, an MSU jazz professor.
Mid-Michigan rock ’n’ roll quartet.
Jazz-funk-blues fusion quartet led by local composer-saxophonist Streng.
Performers of all skill levels invited. With a short set by James Bourland & the Staches, a local quintet fronted by Bourland, a singer-guitarist who specializes in all forms of American roots music. 6–9 p.m.
Jazz & blues standards by an ensemble led by WCC jazz guitar instructor Somers.
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.
A veteran English electric guitar virtuoso whom Eric Clapton once called “the greatest guitarist in the world,” Lee is a master of just about every style of Anglo-American vernacular music, but he is best known for his influence on country guitarists, via both his stints in the Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and the Everly Brothers bands and from his 1979 song “Country Boy,” which helped redefine country guitar. $35.
