Nightspots

Heartland songwriter rock, at once artful and urgent, by this acclaimed Cincinnati quartet, a longtime Ark favorite. Led by the husband-and-wife songwriter duo of vocalist Karin Bergquist and bassist Linford Detweiler, the band is known for its enchantingly spare arrangements and its reflective, self-consciously literary lyrics. They’re also known for their Christmas shows—they’ve released 3 albums of mostly original self-styled “reality Christmas” songs—and tonight’s acoustic show features a mix of the band’s Christmas and non-Christmas music. $35.

 Originals, country, folk, and some classic rock by this local singer-songwriter duo.

Award-winning 14-piece big band led by bassist Keller and featuring vocalist Sarah D’Angelo and occasional guest vocalists. Also, each week features a middle set by a guest college student ensemble.

Veteran Portland (OR)–based pop-rock singer-songwriter best known as a finalist on the 2006 season of Rock Star: Supernova. Tonight she fronts her band, Le Bonheur, in “The Holiday Ordeal,” a revenue of songs ranging from “2000 Miles” and “Hallelujah” to “Sock it to Me Santa,” and what she calls “the greatest holiday song never written for the holidays,” Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” $40.

Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.

Bluesy folk-rock singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist.

All acoustic musicians invited. Hosted by Skinned Knees. 6:45 p.m.

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

Free jazz and improvisations by this large ensemble led by local bassist Leigh Daniels.

Jazz ensemble led by local trumpeter Benjamin Green, a U-M grad. Drawing inspiration from the free improvisational style of Ornette Coleman, it uses electronics and electro-acoustic manipulations to convey feeling and passion through sonic freedom. Opener: Purplereiign, a Detroit soul and R&B singer-songwriter. $14.

 Holiday show by this local Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble led by composer-percussionist Alberto Nacif.

Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.

Hosted by local folk-rock singer-songwriter Tavey Lean.

Local singer-songwriter and guitarist who sings short, funny songs about dysfunctional relationships, consumerism, and cheese fries. Tonight he is joined by bassist Graham Rockwood. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

Folk-rock & Americana quartet led by veteran Lansing-area singer-songwriter & guitarist Moore. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

Local jazz ensemble.

Monthly gathering of live electronic production musicians, using beat machines, samplers, modular systems, synths and similar instruments. Tonight: local synth artist SKURWYSN (7 p.m.), the local electronic hardware duo of Elevator Raider and Waylau (7:45 p.m.), Chicago postindustrial artist June Doom (8:30 p.m.), Detroit techno artist Dillon Preech (9:30 p.m.), and local “synthwave” ambient artist OMO (10:30 p.m.).

Erin Zindle, the fiery fiddling frontwoman of the classy local eclectic band the Ragbirds who has also released a solo CD, Scenes from the Fragile, Agile Avian World, is joined by several established and up-and-coming luminaries of the Michigan music scene for her very popular annual program of new and old holiday music, now in its 18th year. There is  also a matinee show at 2 p.m. on Sat. $29–$40.

Nationally touring Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band. $22.

Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.