• Heywood Banks

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

    Heywood Banks is simply one of a kind, almost impossible to describe, with a style his very own. Equal parts genius and buffoon, this songwriter-comic-singer-poet-musician has become a cult hero and a pop icon, with a show that appeals to college students, stoners, businessmen, yuppies, rednecks, punks, kids or your grandmother. Heywood intersperses his humorous observations of life with twisted, inventive, bizarre songs, sung and played in a variety of styles, from folk, to country to rock to pop, and way beyond.

    $40.00

    G. Love & Special Sauce

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

    Lemonade 20th Anniversary Tour with special guest MAKUA G. Love & Special Sauce is an American Hip-Hop Blues band known for its unique fusion of hip-hop, blues, funk, and soul. Formed in 1993 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the band originally featured Garrett Dutton, aka G. Love, as the lead vocalist and guitarist, Jeffrey Clemens on drums, and Jim Prescott on bass. The trio quickly gained attention for their laid-back, groovy style and G. Love’s unique vocal delivery, blending rap-like spoken word with bluesy singing.

    $51.50
    Open Mic

    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.

    $3.00, Students and Ark Members free

    FRÄNDER

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

    Born from a thunderstorm, FRÄNDER emerged like lightning — a fusion of Nordic roots and modern attitude became HEAVY FOLK. From the deep forest of Sweden & Estonia, with energy and a warm presence they deliver heavy grooves and seductive harmonies that weave a mesmerizing soundscape.  FRÄNDER is one of Sweden’s biggest folk music exports. In 2024 alone, they completed three U.S. tours and they have surpassed 100 concerts only in Canada. They continue building cultural bridges beyond the stage through their festivals in Uppsala, Sweden and Nordic Nights Festival at Lincoln Center in New York City — bringing the power of modern Nordic tradition to audiences around the world.

    $29.00

    Garnet Rogers

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

    In a darkened bedroom, lit only by the amber glow from an old floor model radio, two young brothers aged 6 and 12 lay in their beds, listening to the country music broadcasts from the Grand Ol’ Opry, and practiced their harmonies. Two years later, the youngest one was playing the definitive 8-year-old’s version of “Desolation Row” on his ukulele. Since then, Garnet Rogers has established himself as ‘One of the major talents of our time”. Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence with a voice to match. His music is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful.

    $29.00

    The Rupple Brothers

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

    The Rupple Brothers are a psychedelic folk ensemble who combine a love for family, music, life, and improvisation to create a musical space unlike any other. Born unto song, brothers Evan and Cole, and an ever expanding cast of soul brothers, traverse the entire spectrum of sound and space; each being proficient in multiple ways of musical strangeness, while bringing a positive and powerful family message with their brand of wild folk.

    $24.00
    Special Event

    Folk Fest Kickoff: A Tribute to Todd Snider

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

    This special show will kick off the 2026 Ann Arbor Folk Festival and will feature 14 Michigan artists each performing their version of a song by Todd Snider. Featured artists include: Ani Mari, Chris Buhalis, Dave & Kristi, Jetty Rae, Jill Jack, The Lucky Nows, Mike Robertson, The Minor Pieces, Misty Lyn, The RFD Boys, Wilson Thicket, and more to be announced!

    $40.00

    Bil Lepp

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

    Bil Lepp is an award-winning storyteller, author, and recording artist. He’s the host of the History Channel’s Man Vs History series, the occasional host of NPR’s internationally syndicated Mountain Stage, and a contributing columnist to the West Virginia Gazette-Mail. Bil’s humorous, family friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life.

    $29.00
    Folk Festival

    49th Ann Arbor Folk Fest opening night concert

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

    The Ark and Bank of Ann Arbor are excited to announce the lineup for the Ann Arbor Folk Fest at Hill Auditorium. The festival is The Ark's largest annual fundraiser and delivers the full spectrum of “Ark music,” presenting a taste of what’s happening on the leading edge of acoustic music while delving into the very heart of folk and roots traditions. Friday night features a new format with a later start, and a concert length performance from Michigan's own Greensky Bluegrass.

    $56.50
    Folk Festival

    49th Ann Arbor Folk Fest night 2

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

    The Ark and Bank of Ann Arbor are excited to announce the lineup for the Ann Arbor Folk Fest at Hill Auditorium. The festival is The Ark's largest annual fundraiser and delivers the full spectrum of “Ark music,” presenting a taste of what’s happening on the leading edge of acoustic music while delving into the very heart of folk and roots traditions. Saturday night's lineup features Amos Lee, Dawes, The Crane Wives, Jon Muq, Rabbitology, and MC Ryan Montbleau.

    $56.50
  • Open Mic

    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.

    $3.00, Students and Ark Members free

    Audrey Ray

    Opener: The Minor Pieces

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

    Audrey Ray is a rising country music singer-songwriter hailing from Michigan, with a journey that has taken her from her hometown to Nashville and beyond. Music has always been a constant in her life, from her early days singing in church choirs to organizing her own performances at local coffee shops as a middle schooler. By the time she was old enough to hit the local bar scene, Audrey was already rocking full-band shows, carving out her own path in the music industry. Over the years, she has continuously pushed forward, building a reputation and working with some of country music's finest.

    $24.00