The Storytelling Nights Series features the Michigan Bright Water Storytelling Festival, a network of storytellers from all over Michigan. This group not only features some amazing storytellers, they also produce an annual Storytelling Festival in Howell, Michigan, which offers workshops, open mics, and an evening concert at a day-long in-person gathering.
Kick off the Christmas season with Damian McGinty, lead singer of Celtic Thunder and star of the hit shows Glee and Dancing with the Stars, in a heartwarming holiday concert celebrating the 10th anniversary of his first full-length album, This Christmas Time—the album that introduced Damian's first original songs, "Irish Christmas" and "Will You Dance With Me (This Christmas Time),” and featured classics such as “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and “White Christmas."
Eau Claire, Wisconsin-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer S. Carey presents a boundless evening of solo performance paired with a trio of string players. The classically-trained musician's songwriting prowess and emotive lyricism is uniquely underscored by string arrangements expertly augmenting the performer's vocal, piano, and guitar arrangements. Whether in the round, in uniquely intimate spaces, or at one of the countless venues S. Carey has performed at over the years, this evening of music will be entirely singular.
2026 Christmas Tour Thoughts: One December, not long after Over the Rhine began recording and touring, we were invited to perform some seasonal songs on a public radio station. We worked up a few carols and traditional tunes. It actually felt really good and conjured up an unusual mix of feelings from childhood: innocence, loss, wonder, joy, sadness. I think we were surprised. On our 2026 tour, we will be leaning into some harmonies and making an intimate but hopefully holy ruckus. It won’t be all Christmas music: we’ll certainly mix in tunes from many of our records along the way. But hopefully it’s still true: hopefully, you haven’t heard anything quite like it.
Special Guest: Other Delights
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesBedouine is known for making gentle, lilting folk songs that build fingerpicked guitar melodies into tsunamis of emotion. Her masterful songwriting and timeless melodies have earned her praise from publications like Pitchfork, who said her music “boasts a surreal calm and lived in glow,” and Rolling Stone, who lauded her “humble folk-pop brilliance,” plus an NPR Tiny Desk Concert, and tours with the likes of Fleet Foxes and Father John Misty.
Griffin House is an American singer-songwriter and storyteller. Touring and making records for over 20 years, House has a discography that includes over 13 albums. His debut record “Lost and Found” (2004) was featured on CBS Sunday Morning by music critic and then VP MTV/VH1, Bill Flanagan, who named House one of the best emerging singer-songwriters of our time.
Patterson Hood is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist, and co-founder of the Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. Born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Hood grew up immersed in the region’s rich musical heritage, with his father, David Hood, being a renowned session bassist for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Drawing inspiration from storytelling traditions and a passion for rock, country, and soul, Hood’s music often explores themes of Southern identity, social justice, and personal introspection. While best known as frontman, singer, songwriter, and guitar player for Drive-By Truckers, he is also a writer of essays, columns, and short stories as well as a solo performer and producer.
Ring in the season with Jon McLaughlin’s Home for the Holidays, an evening of music, stories, and holiday cheer. Jon returns to the stage with his signature blend of heartfelt songwriting, masterful piano playing, and soaring vocals.
Ann Arbor's Community High Jazz is one of the best programs of its kind anywhere. The Ark is proud to host this year's students on stage for two shows: one at 6:00 and another at 8:00. Tickets available at the door.
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.
No advance tickets. Tickets available at the door only.
Members of the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame, Blackthorn offers shows that involve a musical ramble across Ireland. Traditional songs of emigration, ballads, shanties and jigs and reels combine with some of Ireland's best contemporary songs for a musical experience that is uniquely Irish.
Join the River Raisin Ragtime Revue 13-piece orchestra for a special family Christmas concert at The Ark! You'll hear ragtime versions of your favorite holiday classics, performed by this outstanding ensemble. Special guests include Santa and Mrs. Claus!