http://theark.org/ The Ark is Ann Arbor's nonprofit home for acoustic music. Considered one of the top music clubs in the world, The Ark is renowned for the quality and breadth of its programming. The Ark is an intimate 400-seat club presenting performers who fall into the wide-ranging genres of folk and roots music. With live music over 300 nights each year in one of the best listening rooms anywhere, The Ark is a sure bet for a memorable evening of enriching entertainment, musical artistry, and personal warmth. The Ark is located at 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Office: (734) 761-1800; Hotline: (734) 761-1451; Visit us on Facebook or in MySpace. en-us 2013 The Ark. All Rights Reserved. http://theark.org/3499.html May 23, 8 pm -- Detroit's blue-eyed soul survivor -- A critic somewhere once described Stewart Francke as sounding like "Jackson and James Brown(e) were brothers." While he's not sure if he belongs in their exalted company, it's an accurate assessment-"I am trying to combine a narrative lyrical approach with the rhythmic elements of soul and funk," he... Local/Regional Rock/Pop Soul/R&B http://theark.org/3511.html May 28, 8 pm -- "Mike Vial and the Great Lake Effect mixes delicate folk with jangle-y pop-rock to great accord"--Anne Erickson, Lansing NOISE -- In 2011, Mike Vial went through some serious changes! He got married (to writer Natalie Burg), quit his high school teaching job of eight years, moved to Ann Arbor, and decided to hit the road and pursue music full-time. It's worked out well-in 2012 alone, Mike performed more than 150 gigs and logge... Contemporary Songwriters & Groups Local/Regional Rock/Pop http://theark.org/3507.html May 30, 8 pm -- New and committed songwriting from Michigan -- Abigail Stauffer brings all of her experience to the stage. Chances are Abigail won't break your heart, but she will add color to a black-and-white memory. Every song is a captivating showcase of confidence and vulnerability, naturally crafting a balance of pain, hope, and joy. Her music and live pe... Contemporary Songwriters & Groups Local/Regional http://theark.org/3560.html Jun. 7, 8 pm -- "There's an honesty in his voice that's genuinely comforting"-AllMusic -- Dave Boutette's Midwest is full of passion, humor, and a certain shaky grace. Influenced by songwriters from Chuck Berry to John Prine to Elvis Costello, he documents the travels and triumphs of life in the heartland. In turn, his folk-rock music is being closely studied by pretty much the entire cr... Contemporary Songwriters & Groups Local/Regional http://theark.org/3500.html Jun. 8, 8 pm -- The house band of Michigan bluegrass -- The RFD Boys have been delighting southeastern Michigan audiences since 1969 with their fabulous musicianship and sly, exquisitely timed between-song humor. With an appearance on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited, with songs recorded by the likes of the Country Gentlemen, and with performances alongs... Bluegrass/Newgrass Local/Regional http://theark.org/3533.html Jun. 22, 8 pm -- Steeped in the living Celtic tradition -- Finvarra's Wren is one of North America's most exciting Irish quartets. Making music you might hear on the west coast of Ireland," this Detroit-based band has an intense dedication to their instruments and to Irish music. As a family-based group, Finvarra's Wren is capable of playing with a tightnes... Celtic/British Isles Local/Regional http://theark.org/3531.html Jul. 26, 8 pm -- "Music to cure what ails you"-Michigan Times -- From their start at an open mike at the Ark in the summer of 1974, this award-winning duo consisting of David Tamulevich and Michael Hough has become a perennial favorite, not only here in southeastern Michigan but all over the folk singer-songwriter circuit. Their songwriting and recordings have re... Classic Folk Local/Regional http://theark.org/3557.html Aug. 2, 8 pm -- A supergroup of Michigan roots songwriters -- Stella!, a four-piece, all-women, American roots band from Detroit, Michigan, has been referred to as a singer-songwriter supergroup with three-part vocal harmonies and four songwriter voices. Stella! was first conceived of by singer-songwriter Jo Serrapere after a conversation with American music c... Americana/Alt-Country Local/Regional http://theark.org/3513.html Aug. 9, 8 pm -- The house band of Michigan bluegrass -- The RFD Boys have been delighting southeastern Michigan audiences since 1969 with their fabulous musicianship and sly, exquisitely timed between-song humor. With an appearance on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited, with songs recorded by the likes of the Country Gentlemen, and with performances alongs... Bluegrass/Newgrass Local/Regional http://theark.org/3503.html Aug. 29, 8 pm -- Michigan roots! -- Mix the Hot Club of Paris with the sweaty soul of Dixieland, a couple blades of bluegrass, a pinch of ragtime beat, and a western swinging swagger and you've just conjured the sound of The Appleseed Collective. Having released their debut album, "Baby to Beast," in 2012, this band has put the pedal ... Local/Regional Roots http://theark.org/3610.html Nov. 2, 8 pm -- Positive, richly rhythmic, globally oriented sounds ... come back soon for more information. -- Contemporary Songwriters & Groups Local/Regional