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Neal Francis

Neal Francis

Special Guest: Danielle Ponder

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

presented by ann arbor's 107one On his new album, “In Plain Sight,” Neal Francis offers up a body of work both strangely enchanted and painfully self-aware, unfolding in songs sparked from Greek myths and frenzied dreams and late-night drives in the depths of summer delirium. True to its charmed complexity, the singer/songwriter/pianist’s second full-length came to life over the course of a tumultuous year spent living in a possibly haunted church in Chicago. The result: a portrait of profound upheaval and weary resilience, presented in a kaleidoscopic sound that’s endlessly absorbing. 
American soul singer Danielle Ponder is both empowering and a powerhouse. In 2020, NPR described her music as anthemic while compassionate; soulful, while bold and strong. She reverberates with a goosebump-inducing passion,."

$25
Banjo Fest
Sold Out

Friday Night Folk: BanjoFest

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

46th Ann Arbor Folk Festival - Presented by Bank of Ann Arbor Valerie June headlines this in-the-round evening in The Ark's Ford Listening Room featuring her own specially curated lineup of phenomenal women banjo players, including Yasmin Williams and Michigan’s own Rachael Davis.

$250, $120, $45
Folk Festival Special Event

46th Ann Arbor Folk Fest

Hill Auditorium 825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

46th Ann Arbor Folk Festival - Presented by Bank of Ann Arbor Saturday night of the Ann Arbor Folk Fest offers the traditional Folk Fest format in beautiful Hill Auditorium, featuring a blend of renowned and up-and-coming performers, providing the opportunity to hear artists you know and love while discovering great new talent.

$250, $120, $70, $47.50

Buffalo Nichols

Buffalo Nichols

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

Since his earliest infatuations with guitar, Carl “Buffalo” Nichols has asked himself the same question: How can I bring the blues of the past into the future? After cutting his teeth between a Baptist church and bars in Milwaukee, it was a globetrotting trip through West Africa and Europe during a creative down period that began to reveal the answer.

$20
Appalachian Road Show

Appalachian Road Show

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

Appalachian Road Show is a visionary acoustic ensemble, bringing new-generation interpretations of traditional Americana, bluegrass and folk songs, as well as offering innovative original music, all presented with a common thread tied directly to the heart of the Appalachian regions of the United States. Grammy-nominated banjoist Barry Abernathy joins forces with Grammy-winning fiddler Jim VanCleve, fresh off of his recent stint touring with multi-platinum country artist Josh Turner, as well as esteemed vocalist and mandolinist Darrell Webb, who has recorded and toured with Dolly Parton and Rhonda Vincent, among many others. The group also includes 26-year-old “old soul” guitarist Zeb Snyder, whose fierce and versatile playing recalls Doc Watson and Norman Blake as readily as it does Duane Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

$25
Mustard's Retreat

Mustard’s Retreat

Opener: Jonas Berzanskis

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

Mustard’s Retreat has always sung the songs they enjoyed and cared about, regardless of the trends of the music industry and pop culture. They are committed to simply being themselves, not chasing fame or brass rings, while delighting in and connecting with their audiences as if they were family. The honesty of what they present onstage and the extensive body of outstanding original songs and recordings all contribute to a fiercely loyal audience that continues to grow.

$20
Laith Al-Saadi

Laith Al-Saadi

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

An intimate solo performance
Laith Al-Saadi began singing at age four and began playing guitar at 13. At 15 he formed his first blues band, Blue Vinyl. In short order they opened for blues greats like Buddy Guy (to whose work his playing has been compared), Luther Allison, Son Seals, and Taj Mahal and toured the Netherlands. At the University of Michigan, Laith was a member of the Johnny Trudell Orchestra and freelanced with Detroit greats like Thornetta Davis, Jocelyn B, The Reefermen. Laith is a real road warrior who generally can be found playing at least five nights a week around Michigan and beyond, and Michigan's secret got out when he made the finals of television's "The Voice." If you haven’t checked out this monster Michigan talent yet, you really should! Tonight Laith performs a rare solo show.

$30
JD Clayton

JD Clayton

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

Arkansas-based singer/songwriter JD Clayton crafts and plays songs from the heart and heartland. Through varied tunes and soul-gripping lyrics, JD weaves a classic Americana vibe, staying true to his Southern roots. From an early age, he developed his musical skills from piano to percussion and blues harp to guitar, uniting them with coming-of-age verse. He delivers to his listening audience the essence of what it means to be young and alive. He comes to Michigan with a new EP, “Side A.”

$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.

$3, $2 members, seniors, students

Talisk

Special Guest: Anna Mieke

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

Groundbreaking, chart-topping, genre-bending, globetrotting, instantly enthralling… it’s little wonder that Talisk ranks highly amongst the most in-demand folk-based groups to emerge from Scotland in the last decade and more. Mohsen Amini (BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Musician of the Year), Graeme Armstrong and Benedict Morris  (BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year) fuse concertina, guitar, and fiddle to produce a multilayered signature that has captivated audiences around the globe. At its core, three seemingly acoustic instruments—but in the hands of three master craftsmen one unmistakable, bold sound and captivating live show. Talisk is coming to Michigan with a new album, “Dawn.”

$20
Breabach photo

Breabach

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

Securely ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts, Breabach unite deep roots in Highland and Island tradition with the innovative musical ferment of their Glasgow base.

$25
Justin Roberts
Ford Fund Family Series

Justin Roberts & The Not Ready For Naptime Players

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

Five-time GRAMMY-nominated Justin Roberts is truly one of the all-stars of the indie family music scene. For some 20 years, Justin has been crafting songs for kids and parents that navigate the joys and sorrows of growing up. Along with his band, The Not Ready for Naptime Players, he has traveled the globe, from Hong Kong to New York, and Miami to Seattle. He comes to the Family Room with a new album, "Space Cadet," that’s packed with his trademark brand of zany fun. Justin has performed in front of millions of people on the Today show; he's been featured on Nick Jr.; and his song "Get Me Some Glasses" was featured on a World Series broadcast. We’re excited to welcome Justin back for his first in-person performance since the pandemic started!

$15, $12 kids