• Chris Smither

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

    Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. In his early twenties, Smither turned his back on his anthropology studies and headed to Boston at the urging of legendary folk singer Eric von Schmidt. What quickly evolved from his New Orleans and Cambridge musical experiences is his enduring, singular guitar sound – a beat-driven finger-picking, strongly influenced by the playing of Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin’ Hopkins, layered over the ever-present backbeat of his rhythmic, tapping feet (always mic’d in performance).

    $40.00

    North Mississippi Allstars

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

    NMA was started by brother Luther and Cody Dickinson in 1996 as a loose collective of musicians from their North Mississippi home inspired by their father Jim Dickinson as well as neighbors and musical elders of their community; RL Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, Otha Turner and Fred McDowell.

    $40.00

    Hot 8 Brass Band

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

    Drawing on the traditional jazz heritage of their hometown of New Orleans, the Hot 8 Brass Band are renowned for including elements of funk, hip hop, rap, and its local variation, “bounce” in their music. The collective earned a win in the 64th Annual Grammy Awards 2022 for their feature on John Batiste’s ‘Album of The Year', following the nomination of their ‘The Life & Times Of…’ LP for ‘Best Regional Roots Album’ in 2013.

    $35.00
  • Davy Knowles

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

    Whether playing acoustic, mandolin, national steel, or screaming electric guitar, Davy Knowles has an unmistakable style. Since bursting on to the scene with his band Back Door Slam’s critically acclaimed album ‘Roll Away’ in 2007 (“I heard the spirit of Jimi Hendrix” Patrick McDonald - Seattle Times), Davy’s star has only risen. His sophomore release ‘Coming Up For Air’ was produced by the legendary Peter Frampton (“Davy already has a recognizable style. He’s definitely the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century,’’- Peter Frampton).

    $29.00
    Special Event

    Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band

    Royal Oak Music Theatre 318 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI, United States

    Taj Mahal doesn't wait for permission. If a sound intrigues him, he sets out to make it. If origins mystify him, he moves to trace them. If rules get in his way, he unapologetically breaks them. To Taj, convention means nothing, but traditions are holy. He has pushed music and culture forward, all while looking lovingly back.

    $55.34
    Special Event

    Summer Sounds at The Ann Arbor Art Fair

    The Stage on Main 353 S. Main St, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    We are excited to once again partner with the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair to bring live music each evening of the art fairs to the Stage on Main at the corner of Main and William in the Palio lot. Stop by and join one of our favorite street parties of the year! Friday night features psychedelic folk ensemble The Rupple Brothers and tropical ambassador Bobby Alu.

    Free
    Artist Spotlight Series

    Stillhouse Junkies

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

    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.

    Free, donations accepted for Food Gatherers
  • American Patchwork Quartet

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

    American Patchwork Quartet (APQ)—founded by multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Clay Ross and shaped in collaboration with an ensemble of internationally celebrated musicians—binds timeless American folk songs with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation. Their debut album was recently nominated for “Best Folk Album” at the 67th GRAMMY® Awards.

    $29.00

    Tray Wellington Band

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

    Banjo player Tray Wellington’s approach to the quintessential American instrument is all about looking forward. An International Bluegrass Music Association Award winner, Wellington is critically acclaimed not only for his technical prowess, but also for leveraging his unique point of view to craft a one-of-a-kind voice on the instrument. It’s a feat that’s all too rare in these roots genres that seem to value emulation and regurgitation over all else. Instead, Wellington has time and time again reasserted that his playing style, and all of the many varied and disparate parts that combine within it, is wholly his own – and it’s unconcerned with tradition.

    $29.00

    Marty O’Reilly

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

    Marty O’Reilly’s music feels timeless, like an old story told in a new way. His raw, soulful voice and gritty guitar playing form the foundation of a sound rooted in Americana. Drawing inspiration from folk icons like Woody Guthrie, blues legends like Howlin’ Wolf, gospel pioneers like Sister Rosetta Thorpe, and storytellers like Tom Waits, Marty’s music captivates and connects audiences.

    $26.00

    The Brudi Brothers

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

    The Brudi Brothers are a dynamic Americana band hailing from Seattle, Washington. Often recognized as the city's favorite buskers and street poets, they are known for their raucous performances and distinctive old-world soul that stands out in the world of modern music. They gained rapid popularity worldwide when a live clip of their latest single, "Me More Cowboy Than You," went viral, with over 10 million views cumulatively and quickly rising. Comprising of three brothers, Johannes, Conrad, and George, the boys have an inimitable musical and performance dynamic replete with wit and humor.

    $29.00
  • The Bros. Landreth: Tumbling Wild Tour 2026

    Special Guest: Madeleine Roger

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

    The Bros. Landreth are two-time JUNO Award winners from Winnipeg, known for their blend of guitar-driven, soulful, blood harmony roots music. The band, the core of which consists of brothers Dave and Joey Landreth, has earned critical acclaim and a dedicated audience for their heartfelt songs, inventive musicianship, and powerful performances.

    $35.00