Martin Sexton: The Ark.
Widely acclaimed singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist from Boston known for bold, thoughtful original songs that blend elements of early jazz, blues, and ragtime with the mannerisms of 70s black pop, and for dynamic vocals that range from falsetto crooning to muted trumpet sounds and occasionally even some unamplified a cappella yodeling. He’s currently showcasing material from his new CD, Sugarcoating. Opening act is a band led by Ryan Montbleau, a talented young singer-songwriter from Cambridge, Massachusetts, whose music blends folk, blues, rock, R&B, funk, and jazz flavors. “His guitar playing is reminiscent of a funk bass player channeling John Lee Hooker, and lyrically, the phrasing runs the gauntlet of a 70s Stevie Wonder, a 90s Jamiroquai, and a healthy helping of Robert Plant,” says The Noise.
7 & 9:30 p.m., The Ark, 316 S. Main. Tickets $20 in advance at Herb David Guitar Studio and the Michigan Union Ticket Office & all other Ticketmaster outlets, and at the door. To charge by phone, call 763-TKTS.