Shows & Events

The RFD Boys

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

It's hard to believe, because each show is fresh and new, but the RFD Boys have been delighting Michigan audiences since 1969 with their fabulous musicianship and sly, exquisitely timed between-song humor. The RFD Boys are one of southeastern Michigan's most durable musical ensembles, and their shows capture a deep slice of musical Ann Arbor.

$16, $15 members, students or seniors

Susan Werner

Opener: King Margo

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Over the course of her 25-year career, Susan Werner has earned a reputation as “one of the most innovative songwriters working today” (Chicago Tribune). With formidable chops on guitar (she began playing at age five) and piano (she was a guest on NPR’s Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz), along with a graduate degree in voice performance, she puts on shows that are a one-woman master class in musicianship. Her songs have been recorded by Tom Jones, Michael Feinstein, and Shemekia Copeland. Her latest recording of originals is “The Birds of Florida.”

$25, $33, $50

Matt Andersen

Special Guest: Old Man Luedecke

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

When Matt Andersen steps on stage, he brings a lifetime of music to every note he plays. His latest album, “The Big Bottle of Joy,” is all about hard-won celebration; a dozen songs infused with raw blues-rock, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk, and ecstatic gospel. Andersen’s stage presence is informed by decades of cutting his teeth in dusty clubs, dim-lit bars, and grand theaters all over the world, delivering soulful performances that run the gamut from intimate to wall-shaking.

$25

Peter Madcat Ruth’s 75th Birthday Celebration Concert

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Celebrate the birthday of a local legend with an all-star lineup featuring Peter Madcat Ruth’s C.A.R.Ma. Quartet with John Churchville on tabla, Brennan Andes on bass, and guitarist Dan Ripke. Special guests include Rachael Davis, Seth Bernard, and Nashville based harmonica virtuoso Buddy Greene.

$30

Louisiana Calling with The Sonny Landreth Band and The Iguanas

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

The deep roots tag team of Cajun slide guitar phenom Sonny Landreth and legendary New Orleans Latin-Americana rockers the Iguanas presents a mind-blowing musical trip through the scenic soundscape of the bayou. Still wet from crawling out of the swamps, this cross-pollinated confection will be both savory and sweet. Louisiana’s calling—here’s your chance to answer!

$32

William Fitzsimmons

Opener: Baerd

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

William Fitzsimmons is an indie troubadour from Illinois whose eight studio albums explore themes of joy, heartbreak, loss, and connection. The Sparrow and the Crow 15th Anniversary Tour is a celebration of his critically acclaimed third album; hailed by iTunes as the “best folk album of 2008.” Written after his first divorce, the record is a beautiful walk through love, loss, and healing. William will embark on a 30-city tour of the US playing the record in its entirety for the first time, in intimate settings armed only with his voice and acoustic guitar, in addition to other fan favorite songs from his catalog.

$25

Jackie Greene

Opener: Cousin Curtiss

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Americana and roots singer-songwriter Jackie Greene is a jack-of-all-trades and an artist who can croon over soulful piano ballads as much as he can shred a bluesy guitar solo. Since the release of his critically-acclaimed debut album 'Gone Wanderin’,' Greene has built an enduring audience through a relentless touring schedule with the likes of BB King, Mark Knopfler, Susan Tedeschi, and Taj Mahal. He played lead guitar with The Black Crowes on their Layin’ Down With #13 World Tour, recorded and toured with Trigger Hippy - his supergroup with Joan Osborne - and in the last four years performed over 300 shows of his own, all while continuing to record and release his solo work.

Sold Out

Raul Malo

Opener: Seth Walker

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

When Raul Malo came on the scene as the lead singer of The Mavericks, he already had a sound that didn't fit the usual categories, and a luxuriant voice that brought to mind Roy Orbison. The Ark has been an ideal venue for Raul's solo shows, which are more personal than the music he's made with The Mavericks, and his Ark shows over the past decade have lingered in the memories of listeners and the club staff alike. Raul comes to Michigan with a new solo instrumental album, “Say Less.”

$50, $60, $80

Hot Club of Cowtown

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

The Austin-based Hot Club of Cowtown explores the space where early jazz met Texas swing, where Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang met Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Guitarist Whit Smith and fiddler Elana James have become a world-class country-jazz duo, challenging each other and reading each other's minds at every turn. This is virtuoso small-group western swing that's beyond infectious.

$30

BIG FUN

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

What happens when you blend jazz, funk, and world music with a touch of bluegrass? BIG FUN! Based in Traverse City, Michigan, BIG FUN will take you to a sonic land you’ve never experienced before, with Don Julin (Billy Strings) on banjo, Joe Wilson (Steppin’ In It) on dobro, Jack Dryden on double bass, Will Harris on percussion and bandleader/composer Jeff Haas (Building Bridges with Music) at the Ark grand. The group's shared passion for musical fusion creates a serendipitous acoustic sound palate. BIG FUN promises you an unforgettable night of innovative compositions, soulful melodies, and rhythmic journeys that defy musical margins.

$20

The Ark’s Open Stage

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Whether you're looking for your big break, want to perfect your live performance skills, or just want to perform live for the sheer fun of it, Open Stage nights offer supportive audiences and a terrific space. Performers have eight minutes (or two songs) each to do their thing. Doors open at 7:30, and names are drawn at 7:55 and 8:30. If your name isn't chosen, bring your raffle ticket with you next time, and you'll double your chances.

$3, $2 seniors, students free with student ID

Amy Speace

The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Heralded by Rolling Stone and Billboard Magazine, Amy Speace is one of contemporary folk and Americana music’s leading voices. Lauded by mentors Judy Collins, Tom Paxton and Janis Ian, as well as the songwriting community in Nashville, her songs have been recorded by Judy Collins, Red Molly, Sid Selvidge among others. After 20 years of touring, she has played concerts all across the US and Europe and has graced stages from Glastonbury Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival in the UK to Rocky Mountain Folks Festival and Mountain Stage.

$20