English folk-rock singer-songwriter, the son of Richard Thompson, whom Uncut reviewer Nigel Williamson calls “a writer of precocious talent,” and comparing him to his father, adds, “his voice is sweeter, his songs more romantic, and [Crowded House frontman] Neil Finn would be a closer reference point.” Opener: Jenna Nicholls, an indie folk-rock singer-songwriter whose sound blends elements of New Orleans jazz & cowboy tales. $29.

Canceled.

Newly formed local folk-rock & Americana quartet that plays everything from soulful country-flavored ballads to raucous blues-rock anthems. Opener: the country-folk duo of Hunter Neff & Mike Harrington.

Quartet from Boston, led by singer-songwriter guitarist Ezra, whose country-inflected folk-rock tunes feel uplifting even when the subject matter is dark. The group first emerged in the early 2000s and quickly garnered acclaim for their bold, insightful songwriting and interactive, high-energy live shows. Opener: Sirsy, a pop-rock and soul duo from Upstate New York. $35.

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) at the door only.

An all-star lineup of local musicians TBA perform peace-themed songs. Previous performers include Laith Al-Saadi, Judy Banker, Al Bettis, Chris Buhalis, Annie & Rod Capps, Jill Jack, Shari Kane & Dave Steele, Billy King, the Pontiac Trailblazers, Maddy Ringo, Rollie Tussing, Matt Watroba, and others. A benefit for the Veterans for Peace scholarship fund. $24.

Popular North Carolina indie folk-rock band, led by MC Taylor, a veteran singer-songwriter whose sound blends country, soul, and gospel influences with deeply introspective, poetic, and politically conscious songwriting. The band’s new album, I’m People, is a reflective collection of songs about resilience, community, radical hopefulness, and quiet human moments. Tonight he is joined by Sam Amidon, an adventurous Americana singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist who specializes in experimental reworkings of traditional Appalachian folk tunes. $29.

Veteran Toronto alt-country quintet, led by singer-songwriter Tony Dekker, whose music channels an array of influences from Hank Williams to Gram Parsons. American Songwriter praises the band’s “stunning variety of tones and textures… nothing less than both cerebral and sublime.” Opener: Colleen Brown, a Canadian pop-folk singer-songwriter. $29.

This innovative, often comical Nashville-based quartet of ace musicians has revitalized the genre of the cowboy song. Inspired by the 1930s group the Sons of the Pioneers, the quartet includes two former Ann Arborites, Fred Labour and Doug Green. They specialize in elaborate harmonizations of cowboy folk songs, western ballads, and sentimental Hollywood versions of the real thing. Their repertoire also includes old-time fiddle pieces, some jazz numbers, virtuoso yodels, comic send-ups of western drama, and even occasional rope tricks. $35. 

Veteran dance-rock band led by West Michigan singer-songwriter Brian Vander Ark whose richly textured songs are known for their inventive arrangements, layered vocals, and searching lyrics. $35.

Veteran pop-folk singer-songwriter from Cleveland who’s been compared to the likes of Nick Drake and Elliott Smith and whose empathetic and engaging songs have been featured on the soundtracks to Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs, and several other TV shows. Opener: Raye Zaragoza, a young L.A.–based multi-ethnic pop-folk singer-songwriter known for her protest songs.

Blues-based Southern Gothic singer-songwriter from Tennessee whose influences range from Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Nina Simone to the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the Duhks. Opener: Buffalo Nichols, a young blues singer-songwriter & guitarist whose music ballasts country blues traditions with contemporary social commentary. $29.

Acclaimed veteran Sacramento singer-songwriter with a distinctive poetic touch whose facility with folk, blues, and honky-tonk idioms and attitudes has provoked comparisons to Dylan and Tom Waits. $35.

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) at the door only.

Acclaimed young Scottish singer-songwriter whose music draws on trans-Atlantic folk traditions, including Celtic, old-time country, traditional ballads, and blues. Shackleton sings “in a hearty manner with his guitar, banjo and harmonica and couthy Scottish voice,” writes Americana UK in a review of his 2025 sophomore album, Scottish Cowboy Ballads and Early American Folk Songs. “There’s a sense of sitting in a dank and smoky Edinburgh cellar in the 60s, listening to roving American musicians sitting side by side with the likes of Hamish Imlach.” $24.

The former lead singer of the Rugburns, Poltz is best known as the coauthor of Jewel’s hit single “You Were Meant for Me.” He’s also a famously enchanting live performer who works without a set list to be free to respond to the mood of a room. $35.

Sold out.

Double bill. Jencks is a Chicago singer-songwriter, a member of the longtime all-male vocal harmony trio Brother Sun, who Pete Seeger called “a fantastic singer who carries on the traditions.” McCalla is a veteran California-based singer-songwriter known for her rich alto voice and assured lyricism. $29.

Kansas City-based Latin pop quartet plays songs influenced by rock, cumbia, psychedelia, roots music, and son cubano. Rolling Stone calls its sound “an eclectic blend of rumbero percussion, delicate organs, and grungy fuzz.” Free; nonperishable donations for Food Gatherers accepted.

WKAR-FM (MSU) radio host Watroba presents his annual post-Thanksgiving concert, a program of lyrical songs and poignant ballads, including several originals. Watroba sings in a sweet tenor voice, accompanying himself on guitar and punctuating his performance with sharply humorous observations. This show usually features several guest musicians. $29.