Opener: Sunny War
Masonic Jack White Theatre 500 Temple Street, Detroit, MI, United StatesSam Beam is a singer-songwriter who has been creating music as Iron & Wine for over a decade. Through the course of seven albums, numerous EPs and singles, and the initial volumes of an Archive Series - Iron & Wine has captured the emotion and imagination of listeners with distinctly cinematic songs.
In January 2024, Kim Richey found herself in Mexico, gazing out at a sea of people singing along to “I’m Alright,” one of her classic tracks. The three folks on stage with the veteran, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter were also raising their voices in harmony. To her right sat Brandi Carlile, to her left, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark. The formidable foursome was participating in a songwriter’s round only half-jokingly dubbed “Titans of Americana” at Carlile’s female-forward Girls Just Wanna Weekend festival on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. The good news for fans of this particular Titan is there will soon be a whole new batch of songs to sing along with and arm wave to with the forthcoming release of her 10th studio album Every New Beginning.
Special Guest: Ethan Regan
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesBrett Dennen, a Northern California native, has been captivating audiences for nearly two decades with his distinct blend of folk-pop melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and soulful vocal prowess. His signature red hair and lanky frame are as unmistakable as the music that has earned him legions of dedicated fans and critical acclaim.
Special Guest: Sammy Rae & The Friends
Masonic Temple Theatre 500 Temple St, Detroit, MI, United StatesThree-time Grammy Award nominees The Avett Brothers made mainstream waves with their 2009 major label debut "I And Love And You." In 2016, the band was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Their latest album, "The Third Gleam" debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums chart, #1 Rock Albums, and #1 Vinyl Albums. "Swept Away" - a musical inspired by & featuring the music of The Avett Brothers - premiered in January 2022 at Berkeley Repertory Theatre to rave reviews from audiences and critics and is currently in D.C. for a limited pre-Broadway engagement at Arena Stage.
Legendary artist Graham Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee - with Crosby, Stills, and Nash and with the Hollies. He was also inducted twice into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, as a solo artist and with CSN, and he is a GRAMMY Award winner. Towering above virtually everything that Graham Nash has accomplished in his long and multi-faceted career, stands the litany of songs that he has written and introduced to the soundtrack of the past half-century. His remarkable body of work, beginning with his contributions to the Hollies continues all the way to his most recent album, "Now," released in 2023.
After three years of breakout touring at some of the biggest roots festivals in the United States and Canada, and another three years locked out of the live performance world they have so ambitiously cultivated, Doolin’, France’s premiere practitioners of Irish and Celtic music, return to touring with a new album entitled CIRCUS BOY.
Louie Lee breaks lyrical boundaries in country with thought-provoking ballads and high-energy anthems infused with hip-hop flair. Join The Louie Lee Show for a one night only experience of your favorite songs UNPLUGGED. This special acoustic performance will feature Louie Lee with special guests. Get your tickets today and hear the stories behind the music.
Grounded in roots music yet pushing the boundaries of indie pop and rock, the Claudettes are writing the most riveting chapter of their story right now. Pianist/songwriter Johnny Iguana formed the Claudettes with drummer Michael Caskey, dazzling with the barrelhouse bravura of their 2013 debut Infernal Piano Plot…HATCHED! Another Yellow Dog Records release followed in 2015 featuring Nigerian-American singer Yana: No Hotel. Vocalist Berit Ulseth and bassist/vocalist Zach Verdoorn joined the band for Pull Closer to Me: Live in the Piano Room (2017) and Dance Scandal at the Gymnasium (2018, helmed by Grammy-winning Black Keys producer Mark Neill). Now, the Claudettes introduce Rachel Williams, a six-foot Texan with a mohawk, a big voice and powerful stage presence.
The Go Rounds are one of contemporary indie rock’s most creative groups, a bold and visionary collection of talented musicians that have forged a reputation as innovators over the course of five studio albums and countless live performances.
Anya Hinkle is an Asheville-based songwriter, steeped in the tones of roots and folk and seasoned by travels across the world. 2019 Merlefest Chris Austin Song Contest winner, No Depression calls her 2021 release Eden and Her Borderlands “...one of roots music’s gems so far this year.” She tours extensively across the US, Japan & Europe and releases her newest effort, OCEANIA, in 2024 on Red Parlor Records. Anya will be joined on stage by The Billy Sea, a trio of virtuosos who blend global sounds with Appalachian roots music.
Individually, each member of Fantastic Cat boasts their own impressive resume along with a litany of critical acclaim. Paste declared Don DiLego’s latest album a “stunner.” NPR said Anthony D’Amato “sings and writes in the tradition of Bruce Springsteen or Josh Ritter.” Rolling Stone called Brian Dunne’s new record “the sleeper album of the year” and praised Mike Montali’s band, Hollis Brown, as “the soundtrack for a late-night drive through the American heartland.” Collectively, though, the four transcend their respective roots, emerging as velvet-clad rock and roll cooperative far greater than the sum of its parts.
Whether you're looking for your big break, want to perfect your live performance skills, or just want to perform live for the sheer fun of it, Open Stage nights offer supportive audiences and a terrific space. Performers have eight minutes (or two songs) each to do their thing. Doors open at 7:30, and names are drawn at 7:55 and 8:30. If your name isn't chosen, bring your raffle ticket with you next time, and you'll double your chances.