Ann Arbor has its share of free live music events, but Ypsilanti is no slouch. All summer long Ypsilanti Crossroads has hosted some of Washtenaw County's best loved and most promising performers, taking the stage on Washington Street between Pearl and Michigan.

On Friday at 7 p.m., check out bluegrass-punkers Black Jake & the Carnies. Since 2003, the Ypsilanti-based octet have turned heads with their richly written tales of mayhem and raucous live performances. Also playing are Ann Arbor ska-Latin-jazz alchemists Hullabaloo.

Black Jake & the Carnies perform "Farmer Had Him Rats" at Summer Festival:

Still ahead on the Ypsilanti Crossroads schedule: • August 21: The Raisin Pickers w/ Gone Cajun • August 22: Lady Sunshine & The X Band • August 28: First Class Band w/ Ypsitucky Colonels

Chrysta Cherrie is the entertainment producer/copy editor for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at chrystacherrie@annarbor.com.