Darrin James Band | JDs Stage Bistro — Chelsea, MI

Thursday, Dec 3, 2026

Doors 5:30 PM

Start Time 7:00 PM

JDs Stage Bistro

117 1/2 South Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118

All Ages

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Darrin James touches on Robbie Robertson’s gruff soulfulness, Tom Waits’s vaudevillian menace and Paul Westerberg’s ramshackle charm ... James has a knack for perceptive lyrics and memorable tunes; his crack band supplies the laid-back grooves." Time Out NY

Ann Arbor based roots-rock singer-songwriter Darrin James is known for his distinctive gravelly voice, thought-provoking lyrics, soulful guitar playing and a very personal and authentic style of rock n'roll, steeped in gritty blues improvisation, rustic folk balladry, moody alt-country storytelling, and many funky influences from around the globe.

James has been a consistent performer and recording artist for over twenty years, building a steady catalog of heart-on-your-sleeve storytelling mixed with sharp wit and social commentary. DJB has released four critically praised albums of original songs: Thrones of Gold (2006), The Lovely Ugly Truth (2009) Strange Storm (2016) and See Right Through (2024). James lyrics have been featured in American Songwriter Magazine, and his music has found it's way into TV and film such as Discovery Channel's Emmy nominated Deadliest Catch and the 2019 film, Peel, starring Emile Hirsch.

In 2025 James released two thematic singles, Tricked By the Devil and Old and In Your Arms, which continue James signature blend of poignant lyrics, soulful singing and an eclectic range of folk blues guitar styles. James later released Live Ravine Sessions, a collection of live studio recordings and videos that show off the chemistry of James' tight studio band performing and jamming some of James' best known songs. The current band is a who’s who of prominent Michigan musicians: Brennan Andes (bass), Rob Avsharian (drums), Keaton Royer (keys) and Tim Haldeman (sax).

Darrin James was born in Kentucky, grew up in Brighton, MI, and attended University of Michigan, where he studied literature. He spent a decade cutting his teeth in New York City where he released his first two albums and established himself in the Brooklyn music scene, performing at venues like Galapagos, Jalopy Theater, Southpaw, Pete's Candy Store, and more. In 2010 James returned to Ann Arbor, Michigan and has been active in the Ann Arbor and Detroit scenes, performing at places like the Blind Pig, the Ark, and Ann Arbor’s Summerfest. In 2023 Darrin James opened Ravine Records in Ann Arbor, a recording studio and record label where he continues to produce new music and help build the local music scene.