Davis Caruso is an Ann Arbor-based singer/songwriter crafting world soul music. His sound is rooted in Latin rhythms, lived experience, and the people and places that shape each moment in time. Every body of work is a document of a specific period, the space it was recorded in, and the hands and ears that helped bring it to life.
With a blend of dreamy acoustic duets, foot-stomping folk and bluesy murder ballads, New Zealand-formed and Nashville-based South for Winter’s sound is as eclectic as their origins. The act is composed of New Zealander Nick Stone and Coloradan Dani Cichon, and together the two multi-instrumentalists and songwriters combine ethereal harmonies, poetic lyricism, percussive finger-style guitar, bluesy resonator, suitcase stomp, and driving mandolin into a genre-bending sound described by American Songwriter as “impeccable”.
Wild Child is the Austin-born songwriting partnership of Kelsey Wilson and Alexander Beggins, a duo whose chemistry has powered more than a decade of acclaimed indie-folk releases and spirited live shows. What began as a spontaneous creative spark in the back of a tour van evolved into one of Austin’s most beloved bands, known for warm harmonies, candid storytelling, and an ever-evolving blend of folk, pop, and soulful brass-driven arrangements.
Bluegrass heroes Stillhouse Junkies are on the forefront of breaking through the genre with their free-flowing musical interplay that weaves roots, classical, texas-swing and blues into a high-energy, intricately composed yet expansively improvised tapestry of sound.
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. Tickets at the door.
Close harmony vocal trio All About Eve (Katie Geddes, Deb Wood, Mary Fithian) offers up a repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs encompassing folk, country, pop, and gospel genres, with an emphasis on edgy lyrics and topical content. Eric Fithian accompanies on guitar. This evening will feature repertoire chosen especially for these times.
How did East Nash Grass follow up their 2024 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award for Best New Artist? By earning a nomination for Entertainer of the Year, IBMA’s highest honor, in 2025, and celebrating fiddler Maddie Denton’s win as Fiddler of the Year. In short, East Nash Grass have quickly established themselves as the fresh new face of Nashville’s storied bluegrass tradition, a supergroup of rising stars: Grand Master Fiddle champion Denton is joined by banjo player Cory Walker (banjo player on the five-time nominated “Carter & Cleveland” album this year, among numerous accolades), 2022 IBMA Momentum Mandolin Player of the Year Harry Clark, and charismatic frontman James Kee. This is an all-star band that harkens back to the sort of talent collected in the original Blue Grass Boys and a powerhouse leader of the next generation in bluegrass excellence.
Chicago's own Natalie Lynch has a sound that ranges from classic country to rock & roll with undertones of folk and blues. The depth of her vocals add a layer of soul that commands your attention, sounding brand new and as old as time all at once. Many of her artistic influences are drawn from the likes of Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, Carol King, and Joni Mitchell.
Chris Pierce is a singular American voice. An artist whose songs carry equal parts soul, truth, and grace. Rooted in folk, blues, and Americana, his music speaks plainly yet profoundly to the human condition, earning him a reputation as one of the most moving performers of his generation.
For nearly thirty years, the Austin-based Hot Club of Cowtown has built a global brand on jaw-dropping musicianship, three-part harmonies, and exhilarating live shows. This legendary trio—celebrated for an authentic Texas virtuosity that effortlessly bridges Western swing and European hot jazz—is thrilled to return to The Ark. Over the years, this iconic listening room and its dedicated community have deeply helped shape the band's career, making it one of the most meaningful stops on their tour routing. The band is incredibly eager to step back onto this familiar stage and reconnect with one of their absolute favorite Michigan audiences.
Rolling Stone calls award-winning Florida musician Selwyn Birchwood “a remarkable, contemporary bluesman…a powerhouse young guitarist and soulful vocalist.” Now, this mesmerizing guitarist, lap steel master and cinematic songwriter unleashes the powerful new self-produced album, Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues, further blazing his own musical trail.
From a small-town minivan to sold-out theaters, Girl Named Tom’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Siblings Bekah, Caleb, and Joshua Liechty grew up making music together but officially formed their band in 2019, hitting the road with a self-funded tour and their debut EP, Another World. Their tight harmonies and heartfelt songwriting captivated audiences, leading them to make history as the first group to win The Voice.