The modern renaissance of folk music began when John Gorka won the Kerrville Folk Festival's New Folk award in 1984, and it grew to maturity when he released his debut album, "I Know," three years later. Here was a singer-songwriter with a striking baritone voice that made you feel like you'd been hearing it all your life.
It has always seemed as if there were two Cheryl Wheelers, with fans of the New England songwriter relishing watching the two tussle for control of the mic. There is poet Cheryl, writer of some of the prettiest, most alluring and intelligent ballads on the modern folk scene. And there is her evil twin, comic Cheryl, a trend defier and savagely funny social critic. The result is a series of delightful contrasts, for really Cheryl Wheeler is a woman of many musical personalities—heart-wrenching romantic balladeer, marvelous observational humorist, poet of ordinary New England scenes and people, committed activist, irascible grump.
The annual Pete Seeger Birthday Concert returns to The Ark with an all-star celebration honoring the life and work of singer, songwriter, activist, and national conscience, Pete Seeger, who passed in 2014. The evening will be filled with storytelling and singalongs in the true uplifting Seeger audience participation tradition. The lineup will feature special guest Reggie Harris, renowned folk artist and educator, who performed in the 2014 tribute to Pete and Toshi Seeger at the Lincoln Center, along with a lineup of well-known Michigan artists including Matt Watroba, Billy King, Annie & Rod Capps, San, Laz & Emily Slomovits, Judy Banker, Dani Darling, Mustard’s Retreat, and more (TBA). All proceeds from the event go to support The Ark.
Katie Geddes sings traditional and contemporary folk, country-folk, and folk-pop tunes. A deft interpreter of beloved songs, her captivating voice and velvety-smooth delivery bring new life to the compositions of writers such as John Prine, Michael Nesmith and Lennon and McCartney. When not doing her own gigs, Katie has been known to "moonlight" singing harmony for folk-rock legend Melanie and local favorite Matt Watroba, and is part of the female vocal trio All About Eve.
Ketch Secor is a merry ringmaster, passionate professor, modern Beat, and unassuming virtuoso. The Story the Crow Told Me is his solo debut, tracing the journey from street busker to founding Old Crow Medicine Show, now a Grammy-winning, Opry-member band behind the double-platinum hit “Wagon Wheel.” Produced by Jody Stevens, the album features Marty Stuart, Molly Tuttle, Willie Watson, Jaren Johnston, and an ode to Nashville with help from Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash.
Allison Lupton hails from the heart of rural Ontario, Canada where her love for music took root in church choirs and local sessions. From playing for community dances to soloing with orchestras, Allison has found her voice as a singer-songwriter and flutist after more than a quarter century performing in Canada and abroad. Along the way Allison has received accolades from international press as well as her peers at home winning Folk Music Ontario's "Songs From The Heart" and multiple Canadian Folk Music Award nominations including “Traditional Singer of the Year."
Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet formed Trout Fishing in America in 1979 as a means of survival. They traveled to California as a part of the Texas-based five-piece band St. Elmo’s Fire with hopes of being discovered and signed by a major record label. When no such opportunity arose, and the promising tour dissolved, Keith and Ezra peeled off from their bandmates to fend for themselves. Busking on the streets of Santa Cruz with an acoustic guitar and an upright bass, the pair quickly learned that engaging listeners instantly was the only path towards dollars and coins in the open guitar case. When entry in a music contest required them to have a name for their act, they chose Trout Fishing in America as an homage to Keith’s love of writer Richard Brautigan and Ezra’s love of fishing.
Special Guest: The Lowest Pair
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesFolksinger Willi Carlisle holds tight the conviction that love is bigger than hate, and no-one is expendable. Carlisle’s music has always been a dance between absurdity, spectacle, and philosophy. On his fourth studio album, Winged Victory, Carlisle returns with his signature blend of traditionally-rooted folk music and kaleidoscope of oddball characters to confer with his core tenets in more overt and provocative ways.
Cris Williamson returns to the Ark for a celebration and special 50th Anniversary solo presentation of the beloved Changer and the Changed, the album that became the soundtrack of a movement.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this show has been postponed. Ticket buyers have been refunded from point of purchase.
“Two singer-songwriters sit on the edge of a cliff…” With these words, we are drawn into the world of Both Sides Now - a theatrical concert that explores the music and lives of long-time friends and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Created by, and starring Robbie Schaefer and Danielle Wertz, the cabaret-style performance traverses decades alongside songs such as A Case of You, Hallelujah, Big Yellow Taxi, Suzanne, and many more.
What could be better than to kick off the holiday season with a Michigan folk music institution? Many know Matt Watroba as the voice of folk music in Michigan for his work producing and hosting shows for public radio. He has devoted his life and career to being a custodian of American folk and roots music. This has helped shape a repertoire and presentation that is unique on stages across the state and country.