Brett Dennen, the singer-songwriter named by Rolling Stone as an “Artist to Watch” a few years back, will pay a return visit to Ann Arbor Thursday as part of the free downtown music series Sonic Lunch.

Dennen had a hit in 2006 with “Ain’t No Reason,” and his song “Heaven” appears on the local "Live From Studio A2, Volume Two" benefit CD, released in 2009. Some may recall a live mini-concert that February at the downtown Borders store, followed by a show at the Blind Pig at which Dennen personally greeted or shook hands with everyone waiting in line to get into the club.

Local fans should consider themselves lucky, as Dennen is not on tour and is just coming to town for the show, said Matthew Altruda, who helps book and run Sonic Lunch.

“He’s flying in with his three-piece (band), playing the show and flying out,” Altruda said. “The only reason he’s coming is he loves (radio station and Sonic Lunch partner) 107.1 and he loves Ann Arbor.

“I was surprised at how quickly he said he’d love to come and play,” added Altruda, who also said Dennen’s talent is unique.

“I feel like in some aspects he’s almost like the Neil Young of the next generation. He’s very soulful, but with a little bit of a pop touch to him, which I think 2013 might identify with better,” Altruda explained.

“I feel like he’s a very honest musician. You can tell the music he’s making he’s not making it for a record label. He’s making it for himself. I think his fans identify with his approach to songwriting and to playing.

“A lot of people, including Rolling Stone, think he’s the next big thing,” Altruda said.

Dennen began his songwriting career playing by campfires in northern California, and before long had picked up a devoted West Coast following. Known for his ability to combine breezy, good-natured pop melodies, his lyrics call to mind uplifting activist folk. The CD “Loverboy,” released in 2011, included the single “Comeback Kid.” He’s busy working on a new disc for fall release.

Altruda also praised Dennen’s community involvement - something he said Sonic Lunch is all about.

“On that level, Brett Dennen is a saint,” he said. He goes above and out of his way to talk to fans. He’s got an amazing non-profit in San Francisco called the Mosaic Project to help underprivileged teens, he does a lot of fundraisers for camps and he really embraces where he’s from and his community.

“It’s almost like we’re drawn to each other,” Altruda added.

Dan Henig, who played recently at Top of the Park and attained YouTube fame last year for his folksy, acoustic cover of Lil Jon and the East Side Boys' hip-hop smash "Get Low,” will open the show.