Live music in Ann Arbor, MI

A lively house party at the Corner features tasty food, live music, and plenty to explore. This casual gathering invites guests to enjoy something good to eat, listen to live performances, and discover everything on offer throughout the space.

Olivia Van Goor returns to Blue LLama Jazz Club with a tribute to Anita O'Day, a pivotal inspiration in her own development. O'Day, who often called herself a song stylist, brought a bold, innovative spirit to jazz that captured Olivia's attention early on. Supported by a jazz trio, the program traces O'Day's story of triumphs and challenges through signature tunes like Tea for Two and Sweet Georgia Brown alongside deeper cuts such as Waiter, Make Mine Blues and Hershey Bar. It highlights the legacy of an artist who stepped outside the typical girl singer image and helped reshape the sound of vocal jazz.

Crazy Wisdom Bookstore presents a live performance from Adam Labeaux. A fixture in Michigan’s music community for over three decades, he blends folk, classic rock, funk, pop, and soul influences with an emphasis on melody. His voice can pivot from lighthearted to reflective and from powerful to restrained, offering unexpected turns and genuine feeling. Expect original songs that avoid clichés, carry an upbeat sincerity, and explore themes of yearning and hope. John Bommarito, host of Acoustic Alternatives, praises Labeaux’s album Brave Face for skillfully mixing contemporary sounds with the classic pop of the 70s and 80s, recalling the radio of his youth.

Moonmill, a Brooklyn-based folk pop duo, brings story-rich songs shaped by intricate guitar work and luminous two-part harmonies. Mary Collins and Kaye Hamada first met in an Ann Arbor high school choir, then, years later, discovered they were living two blocks apart in Brooklyn and began writing together, which sparked the creation of Moonmill. Their music blends the warmth of classic folk with contemporary, confessional songwriting and airy pop production, inviting listeners into immersive soundscapes. This appearance at The Ark highlights their otherworldly folk pop storytelling.

Water Tower Distilling Co. hosts a speakeasy-style open mic presented by Rhizome Roots Studio with MC Scott Watson. Acoustic musicians, artists, poets, authors in the making, and patrons of the arts are welcome. Performers can sign up for a 10 minute slot in advance using the organizer’s form, and drop-in performances are possible if space is available. Those who prefer to listen can support performers and hear local talent. Attendance is free with optional donation based giving that supports local small businesses, with Venmo or cash accepted. Rhizome Roots is queer founded and inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds and identities. All attendees are expected to follow a Safer Spaces Policy. For questions or to volunteer, reach out by direct message on social media.

A DJ-driven gathering in downtown Ypsi celebrates retro house, funk, and disco. Local host Evan Oswald leads the music. He is a house music enthusiast and heat wave researcher who advocates anti-racism and direct democracy, and identifies as a market socialist. Rotating guest DJs add their own grooves. A suggested donation of $10 supports the DJ and space rental. Cash or Venmo only. If cost is a concern, volunteer opportunities are available.

Bob Hoot and Gabrielle Hartman, performing as the HOOT and Hollers duo, bring live music to Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Visitors can browse produce, flowers, sweet and savory offerings, and crafts while they share their own songs alongside familiar covers.

Fundamental Sound Co. presents the 6th Annual Fun Fest at Frog Island Amphitheater, a full day of incredible local live music, art, vendors, and good vibes. The main stage features Gabriel Brass Band, Pajamas with special guest Rik Strange, The Pherotones, Tikimen of Berlin, Blaine Luis, James Bourland & The Staches, and Sophiyah E. & The Sol Tribe. The acoustic stage spotlights Adam Snyder, Skinned Knees, Maddy Ringo, and Carmel Liburdi. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $20 to help cover costs. Purchasing a ticket is a donation that supports the festival and helps keep it going. Sponsored by Bank of Ann Arbor, Ypsi Real, and Miles Gerou Law.

Take in a free open air concert with live sets by local artists. A food truck will be available for purchases, and lawn games will add to the fun.

At North Star Lounge, The Whiskey Charmers bring a dusty, Americana-tinged sound where moody guitar lines wind through heartfelt vocals, evoking the feel of an unhurried drive along a desert road. Readers of the Detroit Metro Times have named them Detroit's best Americana band, and William P Davis, former deputy director of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, has praised their uniquely original style. The band is currently working on its sixth full length release, expected in 2026. Tickets are available.

Vocalist Shahida Nurullah brings a career of acclaim to the stage, with mentions in Downbeat, the New York Times, the Detroit Free Press, and Finland’s Rytmi magazine, where her name appeared in a poll alongside Sarah Vaughan and fellow Detroiter Betty Carter. Her milestones include a return to live performance highlighted by the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival, many club appearances across southeast Michigan, and a starring role in the musical play "After Hours: Great Legends! Great Music!"

The evening marks the release of Bill Kirchen’s new album, with a set that blends fresh songs and well-loved material from across his long career. Returning to Ann Arbor, where he and kindred spirits formed Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, he plans a balanced show that includes hometown recollections and selections from his past. Expect the possibility of a few Dylan covers, along with stories he is finally ready to share, memory permitting. He will appear with his Texas bandmates Rick Richards and Jack Saunders for a full honky tonk rock and roll experience, and he promises a cheerful mood. A Grammy-nominated guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Kirchen is celebrated for the Telecaster lines that helped drive Commander Cody’s Hot Rod Lincoln into the national Top Ten. Recognized by Guitar Player Magazine as a master of the Telecaster, his sound spans rock and roll, blues, bluegrass, Texas western swing, and California honky tonk. Over more than five decades, he co-founded Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, released a dozen acclaimed solo albums, toured internationally with Nick Lowe, and performed or recorded with Doug Sahm, Gene Vincent, Elvis Costello, Dan Hicks, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Bruce Hornsby, and Link Wray.

Ton-Up celebrates its Sweet 16 with a free, all-ages, rain or shine motorcycle and music festival featuring food, door prizes, a bike show, and live performances from Michigan bands to be announced. You do not need to ride to take part, as the day centers on great music, vendors, and beverages alongside a close-up look at vintage and custom machines. Craft beverages and food are provided by Arbor Brewing Company and Corner Brewery. DJ Del Villarreal of WCBN FM and Motorbilly Radio serves as master of ceremonies and keeps the energy up with roots rock between sets. Expect a wide range of vendors offering clothing, gear, art, ice cream, coffee, and more. The bike show welcomes every kind of build, from customs and modified to vintage imports, mopeds, scooters, and even works in progress. Entry is $15, with one-of-a-kind handmade and pinstriped trophies on the line. Tentative categories include Best Brit, Best Japanese, Best American, Best European, Best Cafe, Best Italian, Best 2 Stroke, Best Original or Non-restored, Most Modified, and People’s Choice. Registration for the show is in person only. To avoid scams, do not respond to unsolicited posts or comments about vendor spaces or bike registration. Vendors should contact the event host directly and use only the official application channel. Please note that dogs are not permitted beyond the main gate, with the exception of service dogs. This is an all-ages event, and anyone under 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

Musicians are invited to bring their instruments for an open jam hosted by James Bourland & The 'Staches at the Second Sundays Blues Jam at Water Tower Distilling. A house drum kit, keyboard, amplifiers, and microphones will be available for use. All skill levels are welcome.

A showcase of joyful folk fusion pairs North Ingalls with Ananda Murari for an evening of storytelling and song. North Ingalls, a four-member indie folk groove outfit formed at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, folds jazz, R&B, and rock into a folk foundation, guided by a constant search for new inspirations. Their writing keeps love at the center, tracing the peaks and valleys of romance, friendship, and family. Candid, narrative-driven lyrics and unguarded vocals settle into a warm, expansive sound, earning the band a loyal audience and connecting with listeners across ages. Ananda Murari, an artist from Southeast Michigan, offers devotional folk shaped by ten years in monastic life. After time devoted to spiritual study and simple living, he returned to songwriting with renewed wonder, carrying the stillness of the woods, a spirit of service, and the tender work of becoming human again. His music draws from folk, jazz, and tribal traditions from India, weaving stories, fables, and philosophical reflections into songs that feel grounded yet luminous. Themes span the winding path of love, the struggle of the heart, the slow practice of self-discovery, and the unexpected beauty that can open when we are broken. With roots in devotion and a voice formed by nature, study, and lived experience, his songs welcome seekers and anyone traveling the long road home.

Ireland’s famed folk quartet The High Kings bring their Rocky Road Tour 2026 to the stage with a show that celebrates Irish heritage through rich harmonies, spirited instrumentation, and a fresh take on tradition. Known for uniting timeless ballads with a modern edge, they highlight storytelling, musical craft, and connection in a performance designed to radiate energy and culture. Recent years have propelled the group to new heights. They sold out a world tour, appeared in the series Only Murders in the Building, and drew over five million weekly streams. In 2025 they continued that momentum across the United States, finishing a run of packed dates with a headline night at The Troubadour in Los Angeles after stops that included Kansas, Nashville, St. Paul, St. Louis, New York, New Hampton, Glen Ellen, Ridgefield, and Alexandria. Their music also reached cinema audiences worldwide through Sinners, a global number-one film whose soundtrack was assembled by Academy Award and Grammy winner Ludwig Göransson. After hearing the band live in Los Angeles, he chose their versions of The Rocky Road to Dublin and Go Lassie Go for the score. The High Kings have entertained hundreds of thousands around the world at major festivals and iconic public stages, from Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight Festival to Times Square and Trafalgar Square on St. Patrick’s Day. Television appearances across the U.S. have included Good Morning America, Good Morning LA, The View, and The Today Show. Collaborations span a duet with Steve Perry on The Streets of Kinsale and a stadium performance of Glorio with Jon Batiste before 30,000 fans. Praised by leading publications including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, and Hot Press, the group continues to set the pace for contemporary Irish folk.

Catch The High Kings live for an Irish-focused folk show described as a “folk juggernaut.” The evening includes an 8:00 PM performance at The Ark, with doors opening at 7:30 PM. Ticket pricing ranges from $44.50 to $56.00, and the listing is marked as sold out.

The evening begins with a beginner Rueda de Casino class, then shifts to Cuban music and social dancing for the rest of the night. Donations are accepted to support continued growth.

Fink is coming to The Ark with special guest Maggie Koerner. Expect new music and a live show starting in the evening.

With the band on break, the spotlight shifts to the crowd. Expect open-mic renditions of country anthems, classic rock favorites, 90s throwbacks, and those guilty-pleasure tunes everyone knows by heart. Sing solo or back up friends from the bar, all in a laid-back atmosphere centered on fun, big sing-alongs, and staying late.

Settle in at North Star Lounge for a free happy hour performance from Ann Arbor guitarist Jordan Smith-Hays. Expect an energetic solo show that moves through funk, rock, jazz, R&B, and blues, filled with plenty of guitar solos and vocals appearing from time to time.

At North Star Lounge, G-Fours brings the collaborative spark that began when four friends gathered in a garage during the pandemic to keep making music. Their performance blends classical pieces, tango flair, Scandinavian folk traditions, and familiar pop into a lively, globe-spanning mix. Known for fresh, inviting interpretations, they lean into music’s ability to lift spirits and steer the room toward joy. The quartet features Val Jaskiewicz and Sonya Lewis on violins, Joe Lange on viola, and Margaret Weiss on cello.

Sonic Lunch is featuring Lost Mary live at Liberty Plaza in Ann Arbor. The set starts in the late morning.

Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch presents a free outdoor summer concert in downtown Ann Arbor featuring Racing Mount Pleasant with a performance by Lost Mary. Lost Mary is the songwriting duo of Luke Martin and David Johnson III from Hillsdale, Michigan, focused on folk storytelling that blends traditional roots with contemporary Americana, creating songs that feel personal yet widely relatable and evoke porch gatherings and after-hours sessions. Lunch will be available for purchase from on-site local food trucks. The series is a collaborative effort led by Bank of Ann Arbor and ann arbor’s 107one.

A showcase of classic and special interest cars fills the street as drivers park along the curb and visitors explore a variety of nearby food and shopping. Kids can take part in a hula hoop contest and pick up fun giveaways, while a DJ keeps the music going. Dancing spills into the street and the whole scene hums with an upbeat, family-friendly vibe.

A free happy hour concert features singer and songwriter Lila Fetter. She has been writing and performing since childhood and is now working to make music more than a passion. Last summer she released her second album, Ray of Sunshine, and will bring those stories to the stage. Raised in Ann Arbor, she will perform a hometown set before returning to the East Coast to begin her junior year at Boston University.

Aguanko delivers vibrant Latin jazz from the Detroit area, led by percussionist and composer Alberto Nacif. This seven-piece ensemble is grounded in Cuban jazz and showcases original works that blend jazz with son and salsa rhythms. Nacif, born in Oaxaca, Mexico, started playing percussion at a young age and studied with respected Cuban masters. The group has earned recognition in the United States and abroad, performing alongside prominent jazz artists and receiving multiple award nominations.

Raynes bring their sophisticated, irresistibly catchy folk-pop sound to The Ark for an evening live performance. Doors open at 7:30 PM, with the show starting at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices are $24 to $35.

Suzy leads a beginner-friendly hour of line dancing at The Ranch, open to newcomers and seasoned dancers alike. No partner or prior experience is required, and guests can pick up a few moves while enjoying a drink. After the lesson, DJ Mc Quan takes over and keeps the energy high into the night. There is a $10 cover, and the atmosphere centers on boots, cold drinks, and a welcoming dance floor.