That confidence is a testament to her steadfast skills with the nylon strings and her poised on-stage coolness. At the November 2009 show, Isbin performed just feet away from the First Family and did what she does at every show: sat, guitar in lap, masterfully nailing each note.

He now plays, what he calls, "a transformational journey through digital violin." It’s a field that relies heavily on improvisation, digital-effects processors and looping pedals, creating an experimental blend of classical, even some rock tones. On Thursday, he brings his ingenuity to the Creole Gallery.

Who says St. Patrick’s Day has to be all about Irish music? This Saturday Mac’s Bar is all about rugged American-style rocking. Black Jake & the Carnies, an Ypsilanti-based band, headlines the night, delivering ferocious murder ballads and foreboding tales to the beat of an old-time string band. The septet’s blend of Americana, bluegrass and punk (dubbed “crabgrass”) sets a disorderly pace for original songs about evil creatures and banjo-pickin´ demoniacs. The band features Black Jake (banjo, vocals), Joe Cooter (bass), Gu

The Dolphins are an East Lansing-based rock ´n´ roll band with a love for ‘60s tunes and vintage psychedelic sounds. The four-piece features Chris Smith (guitar, vocals), Alex Ovenhouse (bass), Josh Guysky (drums) and guitarist Ryan Guysky. The band, which formed in 2010, plays The Loft on Thursday. Opening the show is another local outfit, The Unguarded Moment.

This particular gig showcases songs by Etta James, Koko Taylor, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Fleming and Skory will be joined on stage by a couple of area jazz vocalists, including Satin (performing a Houston song) and Ty Teon Thompson, who will channel Vandross. Fleming's 9-year-old nephew will also take the stage to play a keyboard version of "Crazy Man Blues."

Punk fans who dig the poppy-side of the spectrum may be in luck this Friday when pop-punk heavy hitters The Queers and The Ataris bring their tour to Mac's Bar. Opening the show is Far From Finished (from Boston) and locals Frank and Earnest.

The Long Island native is largely known for staggering through a different town every week in his influential reality show, "Insomniac with Dave Attell," which aired on Comedy Central from 2001 to 2004.

Fans of aggressive rockabilly and slow to mid-tempo rockin' may want to stop by Mac's Bar Thursday. Slim Chance & the Can't Hardly Playboys will rip through a set of outlaw-country originals and may throw in a few classic-country numbers as well.

Zydecrunch plays a melting pot of American music, fusing New Orleans R&B, Cajun, country two-steps and waltzes, Creole struts and blues-inspired rock‘n’roll. On Thursday, the band releases its new album, “Zydefaux Pas,” at the Green Door. The show has no cover charge. The new disc is a follow-up to 2001’s “Ton Son Ton” CD.

Each year the Ten Pound Fiddle hosts the Mid-Winter Singing Festival, along with help from “song leaders,” who keep things moving from the stage. All skill levels are welcome to show up, grab a lyric book and shamelessly belt it out.