The Ark

Jeremy Pinnell
2024-08-02 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Detroit) | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
When Jeremy Pinnell released OH/KY in the summer of 2015 to stunned acclaim, it felt like an entire career compressed into one knock-out album. Hailed as, a “Mind-blowingly good” (Greg Vandy/KEXP) “ ”tutorial on classic country music” (Popmatters), Pinnell’s debut immediately differentiated as authentic and unflinching. His 2017 album, Ties of Blood and Affection presented a canny lateral move. Instead of doubling down on the stark themes and values of his debut, the sophomore album found Pinnell finding comfort in his own skin, achieving the redemption only hinted at in his previous batch of haunted songs.
If the third time’s a charm, Pinnell is all shine and sparkle on Goodbye LA. Produced by Texan Jonathan Tyler, the tunes buff the wax and polish the chrome on Country music’s deeper roots. Rooted in his steady acoustic guitar, Pinnell’s songs are shot through with honest and classic elements. Honest and careworn, Jeremy’s voice can touch on wry, jubilant, and debauched – all in a single line. At his best, Jeremy Pinnell chronicles the joy and sorrow of being human, which is the best that anyone could do.

Socks in the Frying Pan
2024-08-01 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Socks in the Frying Pan was formed in 2014 in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland–the mecca of Irish traditional music. Forged together by a fire of pure joy and passion for their art, the band comprises Aodan Coyne on guitar and lead vocals, Shane Hayes on accordion, and younger brother Fiachra Hayes on fiddle.
Their ‘Socks Sound’ combines virtuosic musicianship with a burning passion for the music and tradition, pitch-perfect harmonies, and a big splash of quick wit and banter. Their electrifying performances and on-stage charm have established them as the kingpins on the Irish Traditional Music scene today.

Al Bettis
2024-07-31 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Al Bettis was inspired to start writing and singing music at age 30. He felt a spiritual calling to heal the world through music, so he picked up a guitar and a notepad and got to work. The self-trained acoustic guitarist has gained popularity for his smooth vocals and sincere lyrics. His shows are a journey through love, heartbreak and redemption as he offers stories about the musings behind many of his songs. His soothing voice is reminiscent of legends like Al Green and Otis Redding, with musical influence from artists such as Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz.

South For Winter
2024-07-28 19:30 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
With a blend of dreamy acoustic duets, foot-stomping folk and bluesy murder ballads, New Zealand-formed and Nashville-based South for Winter’s sound is as eclectic as their origins. The band is composed of New Zealander Nick Stone, Coloradan Dani Cichon, and Michigander Alex Stradal, and together the three multi-instrumentalists and songwriters combine elements such as cello, guitar, mandolin, suitcase stomp, and three-part harmonies into a genre-bending sound described by American Songwriter as “impeccable.”

The RFD Boys
2024-07-27 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
It’s hard to believe, because each show is fresh and new, but the RFD Boys have been delighting Michigan audiences since 1969 with their fabulous musicianship and sly, exquisitely timed between-song humor. They’re legends of Michigan bluegrass, but they’re more than that too. With an appearance on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited, with songs recorded by the likes of the Country Gentlemen, and with performances alongside bluegrass greats like Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley, the RFD Boys are a part of America’s bluegrass tradition. The RFD Boys are one of southeastern Michigan’s most durable musical ensembles, and their shows capture a deep slice of musical Ann Arbor. Their 50th-anniversary appearance at the Folk Festival was a special moment and introduced many listeners to Dan Roehrig, who joined the band on guitar, mandolin, and bass in mid-2018. Dan grew up listening to Doc Watson, Clarence White, and Tony Rice, and you can hear it in both his singing and guitar playing.

Johnny A. ***Cancelled***
2024-07-27 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this show has been cancelled. Tickets have been refunded through the original point of purchase.
The name ‘Johnny A.’ might not be so mainstream, but there’s no doubt that it’s synonymous with guitar. His passion began at the age of thirteen, when he first saw the Beatles in Boston, followed two years later by an in-person witnessing of Jimi Hendrix. From there, he was hooked, getting a cheap beginner guitar to try and play along with his early heroes — which also included Yardbirds icons Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Soon enough, Johnny A. got it.

By the 1970’s, he was forming bands in the New England area, drawing attention from several established musicians, like Derek and the Dominos’ keyboardist Bobby Whitlock and Doug Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Johnny A. became Music Director of J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf’s outfit, coordinating the onstage arrangements, playing on several tours and co-producing Wolf’s 1996 album, *Long Line.* What’s more, he was even asked to join The Yardbirds as their lead guitarist in 2015.

All this is to say that Johnny A. has the chops, and that’s not to mention his prolific solo career. Spanning three full-length albums, Johnny A. has earned a Grammy Award nomination, the honor of Boston Music Awards, “Blues Artist of the Year 2010,” and a spot in the revered Boston Music Hall of Fame. Ever the restless spirit, Johnny A. continues to glide across genres effortlessly, exploring elements of jazz, soul. He still fervently carries on the tradition of the legends he respected as a teen.

Bailen
2024-07-26 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Rising indie-pop power trio Bailen is made up of siblings Daniel, David, and Julia. Raised and rooted in New York City by classically trained musician parents and their wide-ranging, eclectic record collection, Bailen has emerged as a favorite in indie circles by cultivating a passionate following via word of mouth, a stream of steady touring and collaborating with artists such as Amos Lee, The Lone Bellow, Joseph, and Hozier to name a few.
On Tired Hearts, their exquisite and thought-provoking new album, Bailen learns how to dream in the face of life’s uncertainty and in the process, moves forward aware, resilient, and hopeful. “This album is a breakthrough for us,” Daniel says. “It’s been a rocky road, but we’re really grateful that it’s led us here.”
Nashville based singer-songwriter Liv Greene opens.

Songs of Darkness and Light: Jen Cass, Amy Petty, Sarah Schingeck, and Jennifer Naegele
2024-07-25 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Known for their ability to write honest, powerful and deeply personal songs that evoke pure joy, brutal heartbreak and everything in between, award-winning singer-songwriters Jen Cass, Amy Petty, Sarah Schingeck and Jennifer Naegele share the Ark stage for one night only on their inaugural Songs of Darkness and Light tour.

Shamarr Allen
2024-07-23 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Shamarr Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country. He is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs.” In addition to performing with his band, Allen has collaborated with many renowned artists around the world such as Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Galatic, Harrick Connick Jr, and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few. He is a sought after artist for festivals and venues around the world. In addition to displaying his skills on the front-line as a lead performer, Allen is also a music composer, writer, and producer. With a scintillating and unique sound, look, and exemplary talents, Shamarr Allen transcends musical boundaries. He is the True Orleans experience!
The Ark’s Artist Spotlight Series is made possible with support from Ford Philanthropy. It is presented live, and also livestreamed on The Ark’s Facebook page.
Tonight’s show is FREE (nonperishables accepted for Food Gatherers).

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
2024-07-23 19:00 - 23:00 | Masonic Jack White Theatre, 500 Temple Street, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers.
Whether touring as a Duo or with his Acoustic Group or his Large Band, Lovett’s live performances show not only the breadth of this Texas legend’s deep talents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most compelling and captivating musicians in popular music.
Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lyle Lovett has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, and was named Texas State Musician.
His works, rich and eclectic, are some of the most beloved of any artist working today.

John Berry
2024-07-21 19:30 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Following two years where the world was rocked by a pandemic that took musicians off the road, John Berry has new music and a fresh, new outlook. The singer-songwriter rose to stardom on the country charts of the 1990s with such mega hits as Your Love Amazes Me, Standing on the Edge of Goodbye and She’s Taken a Shine. During his star-making decade, John placed 20 singles on the country charts, 6 of which went Top 5. John was nominated for the ACM Top New Male Vocalist in 1994, won a Grammy Award in 1996 for his participation in Amazing Grace: A Country Salute to Gospel Vol. 1, and was nominated for the CMA Horizon Award and Top Male Vocalist Award in 1995.

John’s enduringly powerful performances draw on a lifetime of making music and living life. Born in South Carolina and raised in Georgia, he began playing guitar at 13, performing shows at age 14 and making records at age 19. “By the time I was 17, I knew that music was what I wanted to do with my life”; and he has done it well ever since. Last year John celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the release of his debut album John Berry.

Summer Sounds at The Ann Arbor Art Fair
2024-07-20 18:00 - 23:00 | The Stage on Main, 353 S. Main St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, 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!
6:00 Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective and BLUESHOUSE!
Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective is an open community of musicians playing at all levels and abilities. Ukes? Well, it’s more like 30 different instruments. Plasticity? Yes! The Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective believes that by sharing music and learning how to play a new instrument, you can: “Drop a brain bomb. Fire up the synapses. Rewire some neural pathways.” And BLUESHOUSE!, led by veteran English bluesman Mike Brooks, has enlivened countless stages and street parties around southeast Michigan over the last decade. Join us for a combination that will stretch your brain!
Mike Brooks, veteran blues guitar player/singer/songwriter from the UK has been playing guitar since the age of 10, and professionally since the age of 16. His musical career and accolades are many and varied, but include hitting the UK charts in 1979 (#28 on “the New Wave of British Heavy Metal” despite being a blues band), getting a cease and desist order from Walt Disney Corp for using a band name too close to that of a cartoon mouse, opening for bands such as the Yardbirds, the Animals, Wishbone Ash and Nine Below Zero, and playing in some of the most famous venues anywhere such as London’s Marquee, and, well, The Ark! In addition to leading BLUESHOUSE and fronting the Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective, he also works with Ann Arbor’s youth at the Neutral Zone, a continuation of a youth music project begun in the UK called Electric896, which taught disengaged youth how to rock the blues.

Summer Sounds at The Ann Arbor Art Fair
2024-07-19 18:00 - 23:00 | The Stage on Main, 353 S. Main St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, 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!
6:00 Jordan Hamilton
Cellist and vocalist Jordan Hamilton is a mix of mastery and maverick musicality; hip-hop influenced, rhythmically layered, melodically robust. Driven by diversity, drawn to the cello’s tone, cosmic strings calling souls home. A different kind of symphony, hopeful enough to grow our empathy, “part political activism, part hopefulness, part performance art, part soundscapes, and all entirely mesmerizing.” (John Sinkevics, Local Spins) Emotional energy crafted from integrity, immaterial and immortal, experienced at the speed of sound, with a bit of bounce, groove by the ounce, and all the jump you’ll need to move.
7:30 Tony Furtado
Very few musicians of any stripe so personify a musical genre as completely as Tony Furtado embodies Americana roots music. Tony is an evocative and soulful singer, a wide-ranging songwriter and a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist adept on banjo, cello-banjo, slide guitar and baritone ukulele who mixes and matches sounds and styles with the flair of a master chef.

Summer Sounds at The Ann Arbor Art Fair
2024-07-18 18:00 - 23:00 | The Stage on Main, 353 S. Main St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, 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!
6:00 Phillip-Michael Scales
As a kid, Phillip-Michael Scales didn’t understand what it meant that his aunt’s close friend, the guitar player who called him “Nephew” and he called “Uncle B,” was B.B. King. Once Phillip-Michael began guitar lessons, the significance became so clear that he shied away from soloing and most things blues. Instead, he fell in love with songwriting when an English teacher told him “A great writer can make their reader identify with anyone.” When his Uncle B passed away, Scales began incorporating more of the blues into his music as a way to honor him. “These days I’m finding more of my story in the blues. A lot has led me here between politics, my identity, and the idea of Legacy.” The result is a sound he calls “Dive Bar Soul” which takes a bit of indie rock storytelling and couples it with the passion of the blues.
7:30 Joe and The Ruckus
The Ruckus is a collective with the goal of recontextualizing classic funk and soul music within our 21st century world. They formed during the pandemic and emerged from lock-down as changed people in search of new live music experiences from those typically seen pre-pandemic. The Ruckus rose to and surpassed that expectation, providing electrifying live concerts with repertoire ranging from the father of funk, James Brown, to the king of soul, Stevie Wonder, and beyond into more modern artists and have now expanded from their hometown to NYC, Chicago and Detroit.

Katie Geddes
2024-07-14 19:30 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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.

The Guy Mintus Trio
2024-07-13 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Guy Mintus is an Israeli-born piano performer, composer, vocalist, and bandleader. He possesses the finesse of a trained concert pianist, the energy of a rockstar, and the exploring spirit of a jazz musician inspired by a wide range of influences from Turkish Makam to Stride piano to South-Indian rhythms.
Along with his long standing trio Guy is able to create a musical playground filled with joy, spontaneity, groove, and humor while embarking on adventures that start with his original music and continue to re-imaginations of music from Beethoven, Chopin, The Beatles, Gershwin or the Great Israeli Songbook to name a few. Officially endorsed by Yamaha Pianos, Guy is the winner of the prestigious Leonard Bernstein Award.
Guy’s latest trio record, A Gershwin Playground, was recently released on the prestigious label ENJA Records (Chet Baker, Charles Mingus, McCoy Tyner among others). The album provides a fresh, modern and very personal take on the music of Jewish-American musical giant while receiving international support from both critics and audiences alike.
The Guy Mintus trio is:
Guy Mintus (piano, vocals)
Dan Pappalardo (double bass)
David Sirkis (Drums)

A Message From White Flowers: VOICES Series
2024-07-12 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
White Flowers is a string ensemble that came out of Autophysiopsychic Millennium’s theatrical performance Something Else in the Garden, based on Dr. Yusef Lateef’s novella, Night in the Garden of Love.
Autophysiopsychic Millennium (APPM) is a Black-led creative research and performance collective that explores, experiment, and studies the music philosophy and spiritual works of world-renowned multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, author, visual artist, professor, Afro-Futurist, and Detroit native, Dr. Yusef Lateef.
White Flowers integrates musical compositions based on environmental themes and climate consciousness to initiate a cultural discourse around climate change and the importance of addressing it before it’s irreversible. These are themes discussed in Dr. Lateef’s Night in the Garden of Love, which is set on a dying Earth due to human destruction and corruption. These compositions will engage deep human emotions to connect with climate change issues through a social, political, and cultural lens. They will serve as a platform to highlight the gravity of the climate emergency.
The lineup of musicians is:
LuFuki King Sophia
Aaron Jonah Lewis
Indira Edwards
Laina Martin
AnJelic
Michael Smith
Voices is a series of artist-cultivated concerts at The Ark conceived and created by Ann Arbor musician Kyler Wilkins, AKA vocal looping artist Ki5. The series seeks to expand the representation of Michigan BIPOC artists and audiences at The Ark. Each show, intentional time will be taken to get to know each artist in the form of brief interviews and musical breaks to have them speak about their journey as musicians and performers with the hope that people in the audience are more connected to and inspired by those voices.

Davis Caruso
2024-07-11 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Davis Caruso, singer/songwriter and multi instrumentalist from Ann Arbor, is bending ears near and far with the 9 song album he published in March of 2023 called “The Fool”. His vocals are poetic and soulful, accompanied by colorful sounds that he produces himself and with the help of trusted collaborators. On July 11th, he will be performing and publishing his second compilation called “Dreaming on Paris” accompanied by drums, keys, bass, & background vocals. You can expect to smile wide and leave feeling nourished by these carefully crafted heart felt tunes.

Alexander Star & The Golden People
2024-07-10 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Alexander Star is an Emmy-nominated recording artist, songwriter, performer, and social impact activist based in South Florida. Star’s work in the field of world change has brought his musical performances to 10+ countries, inside the United Nations, and earned him the title IMPACT ARTIST amongst his peers. Also known as the ‘Anthem Architect,’ Star aligns his art with local, national, and international organizations to shine the light of their impact through his artistic prism. With positive impact at the core of his creative approach, Alexander Star is trailblazing a lane traveled by few other artists and standing tall on his mantra: “Give Hope While Being Dope.”
This performance is presented with support from Visit Lauderdale.

Al Stewart & The Empty Pockets
2024-07-09 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
After Al Stewart’s US tour in 2019 with his band The Empty Pockets, he spent most of 2020 and 2021 sidelined due the COVID-19 pandemic. But in 2022, he came back full force with a string of sold out shows in the United States and United Kingdom. He continues his trek with several shows throughout the United States with The Empty Pockets. He will be playing his old favorites, like Year Of The Cat, Time Passages, On the Border, and Modern Times, along with selections from his deep catalog.
The Scottish-born singer-songwriter has released nearly 20 introspective and lyrically powerful records featuring brilliant backing musicians (Jimmy Page, Phil Collins, Richard Thompson, Peter White, etc.). His biggest platinum successes, “Year Of The Cat” and “Time Passages”, were released in 1976 & 1978 respectively. He’s had several top 20 singles, including the above-mentioned titles, as well as “On the Border” and “Song On The Radio”.
In Al’s own Words: “I’m just a folk singer that is interested in history and wine that got lucky with some hit records! It’s as simple as that really. I was always a huge music fan and originally, I had wanted to be Brian Jones and then Bob Dylan, but those two jobs were already taken. And in many ways, I’m still pretty much the same troubadour that I was back in 1965. I still get a kick out of hearing the Zombies, Hendrix or They Might be Giants on the radio.”

Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters
2024-07-07 19:30 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The music of Asheville, North Carolina based outfit Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters is nuanced, bringing insight and wit to the stories Platt tells through songwriting. Lyrically driven, the band’s country roots music often inspires introspection, whether it be about life on the road, heartache, or hope. There is an empathetic and charming wit ingrained in Platt’s songwriting. She has a knack for accessing a deep well of emotion and applying it to her storytelling, whether she is writing from her own experiences or immersing herself into the melody of emotions in another person’s life. Performing along with Platt, The Honeycutters are Matt Smith (pedal steel and electric guitars), Kevin Williams (keys/vocals), Rick Cooper (bass/vocals), and Evan Martin (drums/vocals).

The Ark's Open Stage
2024-07-03 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, 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.
Why play Open Stage at the Ark? Do it to be heard. Do it so you know you can. Do it to take your music to the masses. Tremendous local performers like Dick Siegel, Misty Lyn, and Matt Watroba spent time honing their craft on Open Stage audiences. Even nationally recognized talents like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Gilda Radner, and David Alan Grier paid their dues here. If you’re not interested in getting on stage tonight, get your practice in at being a great audience member and observer of new music.

Marcia Ball
2024-07-02 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
“Fifty years have passed in a flash,” says Texas-born, Louisiana-raised pianist, songwriter and vocalist Marcia Ball of her long and storied career. Ball, the 2018 Texas State Musician Of The Year, has won worldwide fame and countless fans for her ability to ignite a full-scale roadhouse rhythm and blues party every time she takes the stage. Her rollicking Texas boogies, swampy New Orleans ballads and groove-laden Gulf Coast blues have made her a one-of-a-kind favorite with music lovers all over the world. With each new release, her reputation as a profoundly soulful singer, a boundlessly talented pianist, and a courageous, inventive songwriter continues to grow. Her love of the road has led to years of soul-satisfying performances at festivals, concert halls and clubs. The New York Times says, “Marcia Ball plays two-fisted New Orleans barrelhouse piano and sings in a husky, knowing voice about all the trouble men and women can get into on the way to a good time.” The Houston Chronicle says simply, “She’s as perfect as an artist can be.”

Amos Lee
2024-07-01 19:30 - 23:00 | Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
“There’s a lot of existential stuff in these songs,” says Amos Lee. “If you really listen to what’s in between the lines, there’s a lot of grappling with your place in the world, grappling with loss. There’s a lot of grappling with the balance between bailing out the boat and rowing at the same time—the experience of writing music and playing songs while trying, as we all are right now, to make sense of a world that feels like it’s changing really quickly.”
On his eleventh studio album, Transmissions, singer-songwriter Lee continues to expand his sonic range while sharpening his closely observed lyrics that squarely address death, aging, and love. The force behind such acclaimed albums as Mission Bell and Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song, ever since his gold-selling 2005 debut Lee has been known for his association with a long list of collaborators and touring partners, from Paul Simon to Zac Brown Band.
For the new project, he craved a return to an old-school style of recording, working with his longtime band in a studio in rural Marlboro, New York that was built by drummer Lee Falco and his dad out of reclaimed wood from an old church (“it’s exactly what you’d think a studio in upstate New York should be,” notes Lee). Playing live on the floor for long hours, in close quarters, they were able to capture the album’s twelve songs in less than a week.
“I really wanted us to be all in the room, making music together, listening to each other and responding to each other,” says Lee. “In this age where you can do everything at home and fly it in, there’s something really beautiful about getting in a room and starting at the top, the drummer counting in the song and everybody just playing. I would call it vulnerability.”
Despite the simplicity of the set-up, though, Lee also augmented the band’s soulful, folk-funk sound with arrangements that extend the scope of some songs. “I’ve done a lot of shows over the past few years with orchestras,” he says, “and I wanted to find a way to have miniature moments that could represent those experiences. If you listen to the end of ‘Night Light,’ or ‘Built to Fall,’ there are moments that express those ideas of collaboration and orchestration.”
Transmissions marks only the second time that Lee has produced his own album (following 2016’s Spirit), a daunting challenge even for someone so familiar with the musicians. But he was determined not to overthink or over-complicate the task.
“As a producer, I had to have a clean and clear vision of what I wanted before I went in,” he says. “Especially now that I’ve done ten albums. I’m not lighting a bunch of candles and trying to conjure the spirit—it’s either there or it isn’t. And it was there from Day One. We were playing the song ‘Beautiful Day,’ and I thought, ‘Okay, here’s a song I have a demo for, but I don’t have a full version in mind. I’ve never played it with anyone, I’ve never shown it to anybody, and it’s a bit of a weird, herky-jerky tune.’ And the bass and drums kicked ass, the guitar playing is really cool—so yeah, I felt it from note one. I was never in doubt.”
The’ last few years have been wildly productive for Philadelphia native Lee. After 2022’s Dreamland album (which featured “Worry No More,” a Top Ten AAA hit and his biggest single in over a decade), he followed up with two full-length projects paying homage to musical heroes—My Ideal: A Tribute to ‘Chet Baker Sings’ and Honeysuckle Switches: The Songs of Lucinda Williams. He expresses his awe for these two renegade artists; Williams for her incomparable language and Baker for his delivery. “I love songs that have the ability to expose a wide range of emotions in a short song,” he says. “That’s what my favorite songs always do.”
The Baker album in particular had a strong influence on Lee as a vocalist. “I didn’t grow up singing anything other than what was on the radio,” he says, “and when I started playing guitar, it was John Prine and Dylan and Bill Withers and this classic songwriter stuff, but also all this ‘90s R&B that I loved. I’d never approached what we’re calling jazz—the classics, the songbook—and listening to Chet singing and singing along with him was like, ‘Oh, my God, how is he doing this?’ It was like taking a master class in control and where to use your voice. That level of singing, that level of musicianship, was hugely inspirational—you don’t have to sing loud all the time. You can be really vulnerable, and soft, and really be at your best.”
Transmissions is Lee’s first release of original music on his own label, Hoagiemouth Records. “It’s just a sign of the times,” he says. “Things have really changed for someone like me, and I’m going to adapt. I always wanted to have some kind of small label, so it’s a cool opportunity.” (The imprint is distributed through the Thirty Tigers company, which Lee is especially excited about since he and president David Macias are friends through fantasy baseball.)
Fresh off of some dates with Willie Nelson and heading into a co-headlining tour with the Indigo Girls, Amos Lee notes that his attitude about being embraced by his peers and his idols has transformed over the years, and that his gratitude deeply informs the emotions throughout Transmissions.
“I just appreciate everything a lot more now,” he says. “When you’re younger, you get it, but you don’t really get it because you’re like ‘Oh, cool—my first tour ever and I’m opening for Bob Dylan? Cool.’ Or Norah Jones, the biggest artist in the world, bringing you out right off the street. How do you appreciate that? I was just sort of clueless, honestly. Not out of malice, but you have no context.
“So now I’m just grateful to have a career,” he continues. “I’m grateful to be asked to share the stage with folks who I respect and admire and love and want to learn from and want to support. Now it’s about really being present while it’s happening and knowing that this is not promised, none of this is destiny. It’s a lot of chance. So I’m making sure to really enjoy and appreciate all these opportunities.”

Laith Al-Saadi
2024-06-30 19:30 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
In 2016, Laith Al-Saadi won America’s hearts and a spot in the Season 10 finale of NBC’s “The Voice.” Now he’s bringing an authentic blend of blues, soul and classic rock to audiences around the nation and the world. Laith Al-Saadi has always had the perfect combination of Midwestern hustle and incredible musical chops—honed at the University of Michigan school of music in his hometown of Ann Arbor, and on stages across the country working with legends like Taj Mahal, Luther Allison, Buddy Guy, Son Seals, Gregg Allman, and B.B. King. “Laith is one of the most diverse talents we have,” said Maroon 5 frontman and “The Voice” coach Adam Levine. “Incredible guitar player, incredible singer.” Audiences have agreed, propelling Laith’s album “REAL” to the top of the blues chart for five weeks and the top 20 album chart for two weeks. Guitar Center has crowned him one of the top four blues guitarists in the United States.

Nora Brown with Stephanie Coleman
2024-06-29 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
First brought together by Brooklyn’s tight-knit old-time music community in 2017, Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman share a rich musical partnership that belies their 20 year age difference. Stephanie is a master old-time fiddler, having recorded with and toured internationally over the last two decades with celebrated artists such as trailblazing all-women stringband Uncle Earl, Watchhouse’s Andrew Marlin, and clawhammer banjo virtuoso Adam Hurt. Nora and Stephanie recorded together on Nora’s debut album Cinnamon Tree in 2019, and have performed as a duo in the US and London including renowned festivals as the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Trans-Pecos Festival in Marfa, TX, Winnipeg Folk Fest, Edmonton Folk Fest, and the Roskilde Festival in Copenhagen. Most recently they performed together as a duo on NPR’s Tiny Desk and have released a new duo EP called Lady of the Lake.

Melissa Ferrick
2024-06-28 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Regarded in the industry and by their peers as one of the most prolific and hardworking artists in the business. Melissa Ferrick has released seventeen albums over the last twenty-five years and has won numerous awards for songwriting, production, and performance. She has shared the stage with Morrissey, Joan Armatrading, Weezer, Tegan and Sara, Mark Cohen, Paul Westerberg, Bob Dylan, John Hiatt, Ani DiFranco, k.d. Lang, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, and many others.
Signed to Atlantic Records in 1992 at the age of 21, Melissa released her debut and sophomore albums on Atlantic after opening for Morrissey in the U.S. and UK. In 2000, Melissa launched the nationally distributed independent record label Right On Records. She is currently working with the venerable Kill Rock Stars Records.
Besides their work in the music industry, Melissa is a Professor of the Practice at Northeastern University in the Music Department. She teaches courses in the music business, songwriting, production, and performance. From 2013 – to 2019, Melissa was an Associate Professor of Songwriting at Berklee College of Music. She holds an Ed.M from Harvard University.
Brooklyn-based violin and piano duo Gracie and Rachel opens.

Jared Deck Band
2024-06-27 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Jared Deck has been praised for his “powerful, beautiful voice” by Alejandro Escovedo. Raised on the dusty plains of an Oklahoma family farm, Jared worked in the fields as well as the town grocery, owned by his parents. Later he worked in an oilfield and a factory. During the Great Recession he got by with a job as a pianist in a Black church, where over the next six years, he received an unparalleled musical education. His songs tell stories in an honest voice of Midland America. “The American Dream” won first place in the annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriting Competition.
Jared will be coming to The Ark with a new album, “Head Above Water.”

The Way Down Wanderers
2024-06-26 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Often referred to by fans as one of the hardest-working, hardest-touring bands on the circuit today, the 5-piece Illinois-based act not only proves that classification with their jam-packed tour schedule but also on stage every night, with youthful exuberance and a lively stage show, as reliable as it is infectious. High energy percussion, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo and fiddle weave seamlessly together to create an experience for fans that has sold out shows across the UK and the United States, filling the front rows with fans not just singing along to one tune, but singing along to all of them.
Music enthusiasts are not the only ones taking note. Critics and tastemakers alike have awarded the young artists an impressive number of accolades ranging from official showcases at AmericanaFest (2018) and International Bluegrass Music Association (2016) to Whitstable UK Session of the Year (2017), a BBC Scotland Session (2017) as well as Finalist, International Song Writing Competition (2015 & 2016), Chicago’s Best Emerging Artist, Deli Magazine (2014) and Songpickr’s Best Songs Spotify Playlist (2016) among others.

The Wellermen
2024-06-25 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Bass singing folk group The Wellermen were discovered during the viral Sea Shanty trend of early 2021. The four had only met in person once with members Bobby Waters & Luke Taylor based in the US and Jonny Stewart & Sam Pope based in the UK. The four members’ lives were to change when they dueted with a seemingly innocuous ‘Sea Shanty’ (Wellerman) on TikTok. Since the release of the now ubiquitous TikTok, it’s been viewed 100m+ times across multiple platforms and continents, and has seen The Wellermen appear at events like The Brits, shows like Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Take Away, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver and The Colbert Show & ABC News Australia. The Wellermen used their moment of unexpected virality for lasting good, raising money via proceeds from ‘Wellerman’ for the Marine Conservation Society, giving back to the seas.
Since then the group have gone on to release their debut album containing even more viral hits, from ‘Misty Mountains’ and ‘Nancy Mulligan’ to the North Sea Trend phenomenon ‘Hoist The Colours’ which reached #3 on the global TikTok sound chart in February 2024. The group have achieved 150m streams to date and amassed a global audience of millions in the process.
The Wellermen embark on their debut USA tour in June 2024, with their hotly anticipated follow up album due for release Winter 2024.
The Ark’s Artist Spotlight Series is made possible with support from Ford Philanthropy. It is presented live, and also livestreamed on The Ark’s Facebook page.
Tonight’s show is FREE (nonperishables accepted for Food Gatherers).
