Open Stage Showcase

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Our Open Stage Showcase lets us shine a light on some of our standout performers who’ve graced our Open Stage through the year.

Bob Hoot of HOOT and Hollers is a singer/songwriter living in Whitmore Lake, MI. Hoot moved back to Michigan in January 2024 after 45 years in Madison WI where he performed and recorded with with Tent Show Troubadours (2016–2023) and HOOT and Hollers (est. 2020– ) Hoot has been performing solo shows in and around the Ann Arbor area, primarily in the summer outdoor concert season. Set lists include songs from Hoot’s catalog of over 115 originals, as well as favorite covers. This show will also be a CD release event for the latest Hoot and Hollers album titled Ain’t My First Rodeo. HOOT and Hollers music is available on all streaming services. Bob Hoot will be joined by Gabrielle Hartman (violin).

Peter Bedford began to teach himself how to play guitar after listening to James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James” album in 1970.  After teaching school for 40 years and continuing to play and teach private lessons, he moved back to Michigan and began to attend and play at the Ark’s Open Stage nights.  Through the luck of the draw and with the support of many loyal friends he found himself on stage more often than not.  Pete says that he is deliberately keeping a lot of old songs alive by performing them and talking about them.  With a songbook of nearly 200 songs in his head, you can expect to hear a sampling of them at the Showcase.  Pete frequently performs with life-long friend, Gary Putrow accompanying him on bass under the name “Pete and Putts”. Gary will join Pete on a number of tunes.  

Student and Ark member tickets available at the door.