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).
Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
Hosted by singer-songwriter Phil McMillion.
Early jazz classics from Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith to Louis Armstrong and beyond by this veteran local septet led by trombonist Terry Kimura.
Jazz ensemble led by this local drummer.
This popular Swedish ensemble plays a self described brand of “Heavy Folk” that blends pastoral Nordic roots melodies with heavy rock rhythms reminiscent of Jethro Tull and Led Zeppelin. “Fränder’s charged-up repertoire masterfully infuses impressively virtuosic acoustic instrumentation with spirited vocals and formidable rhythms,” writes Roots Music Report. $29.
Veteran local Afro-Cuban jazz band led by multi-instrumental reeds player Paul VornHagen.
Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
Local singer-guitarist who covers songs from a variety of genres. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
Ypsi quartet that plays jazz, rock, and soul covers, along with some originals.
Local electronica musician. Openers: the Detroit-area DJs Hazmat and Billebob, and Omo (see above).
U-M student pop-rock cover band. Openers: the young Detroit-area pop-punk trio Mass Dispute, the U-M student alt-rock band Tell Me When, the Detroit metal rapper Fetti Fuego, and the Michigan pop singer Dutch Snyder. $14.
Jazz ensemble led by local guitarist Bowen, a U-M jazz studies grad.
Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
Jazz favorites by the duo of pianist Jeff Fessler and saxophonist Jeff Kopmanis.
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.
All musicians invited. Hosted by singer-guitarist Brian Brickley.
Detroit Irish-tinged pop-rock quintet fronted by sibling singer-songwriters Tina and Maureen Paraventi.
Ypsi alt-folk band led by veteran singer-songwriter & guitarist Milan Seth. Openers: Bubblegum Thieves, a local indie pop-rock band, and Birjy, the stage name of Lea Detlefs, a local violinist-vocalist who creates live digital loops.
Saginaw-area acoustic pop-folk trio with an air of psychedelia.
