Nightspots

All invited to join or listen to an instrumental jam session. 

Wildly inventive English fingerstyle guitarist known for his rich tone and ability to play multiple parts at the same time. “Dawes is jaw dropping,” writes Guitar Player Magazine. $25.

Local Americana trio.

An eclectic mix of blues, rock, and Americana by this local ensemble led by drummer Otto. 6–8 p.m.

Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.

Solo performance by this local singer-guitarist, a former finalist on The Voice whose repertoire is an eclectic mix of roots Americana, classic rock, and blues, including many originals. His 2016 CD, Real, a collection of songs drawing on blues, country, gospel, and roots rock, was recorded in L.A. with an all-star cast of session legends, and he won a 2018 Detroit Music Award for his 4-song EP of Jimi Hendrix covers. 7–9 p.m.

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, seniors, & students, $2).

All ages admitted. Melodic Laurel Canyon–inspired indie pop-rock by this New Haven quartet known for their polished sound and energetic, jam-filled, live shows. Live for Music calls their recently released sophomore album, Waiting Game, “a rare ‘no skips’ album in a modern music landscape that often puts a premium on single tracks and social media-ready snippets.” $21.

Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.

Local singer-guitarist who plays acoustic folk and pop covers. 5–7 p.m.

Stylistically variegated songs drawing on funk, blues, and jazz by this singer-songwriter from Boone (NC) known for the thoughtful, emotionally rich realism of her lyrics, which often feature a social-justice slant. $25.

Veteran local hip-hop MC. Openers: area hip-hip MCs Edward Nash aka MC Kadence, Felecia Cruz, Jay Tubbs, Jonny Lovelle, and Blas. $10.

Lansing jam-oriented jazz ensemble led by Hammond B3 organist Alfredson. 7 & 8:45 p.m.

Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.

U-M grad who writes upbeat jazz-tinged pop-folk story songs, accompanying herself on fingerstyle guitar. She has a new CD, They’ll Call Me Magic.

A wide range of jazz and jazzed-up popular music, from the 1920s to the present, by this all-star local quartet. With trumpeter Ross Huff, pianist Giancarlo Aversa, bassist Brennan Andes, and drummer Wes Fritzemeier.

Former touring jazz saxophonist who recently reinvented herself as a folk-style singer-songwriter. Her tender and cerebral songs blend the jazz-inspired vocal stylings of Joni Mitchell with the fingerpicking guitar of James Taylor. 7:30–9:30 p.m.

Sold out.

Grand Rapids funk-rock jazz fusion quintet. Openers: Ypsilanti singer-songwriter Rik Strange, and Opal. $10.

With an ensemble led by local trumpeter Anthony Stanco. 5 p.m. Free.