Alicia Witt, star of this summer’s smash hit movie “Longlegs” opposite Nicolas Cage, 9 Hallmark Christmas movies, and with four decades worth of film, TV and stage credits, makes her return to The Ark to celebrate the release of her first full length Christmas album, “I Think I’m Spending Christmas With You."
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. This band has been bringing a rich tapestry of Celtic music to southeast Michigan and beyond for 40 years, and they're a must-see for those who want to know the deep traditions of Irish music in Michigan.
The Ark's annual Crossroads Ceili is a great way to mark the turning of the year. It's a gathering of local Celtic-oriented singers, instrumentalists, and dancers, all sharing the stage to get your Celtic music year off to a good start. If you'd like to get an idea of the depth of southeastern Michigan's Celtic music scene, the Ceili is a great place to do it.
The tradition that started almost two decades ago at the Bell House in Brooklyn, New York, and now is a much-anticipated event also in Los Angeles and other cities, is coming back to Ann Arbor! Fifty of the area's up-and-coming and veteran comics come together to tell the first jokes they've written for the new year, kicking off the 2025 comedy scene in the most righteous way possible! It's fast, it's fresh, and above all it's funny.
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.
Note that this is an afternoon performance with a start time of 3:00pm! The Yellow Room is the "brilliantly yellow" living room of Tamulevich's house on Ann Arbor's Old West Side, where the gang members meet monthly for musical brainstorming and mutual critique. There are eight members of the gang, most or all of whom are on hand for any given show: Annie Capps, Kitty Donohoe, Jan Krist, Michael Hough, David Tamulevich, David Barrett, Jim Bizer, and Matt Watroba. Each an accomplished songwriter and performer in their own right, they create a unique atmosphere of respect and support, friendship and generosity finding new and unexpected ways to explore beyond their previous personal boundaries.
Laz and San Slomovits, the duo Gemini, moved to Ann Arbor in 1973, and have played The Ark every year since then. About twenty years ago, San’s daughter, Emily, began joining them on stage, necessitating a new name for their trio, Gemily (Gemini + Emily). They’re known for their beautiful voices, genetically tight harmonies, a stage-full of instruments, and songs and instrumentals ranging from traditional American and British Isles folk music, to songs of the 60s Folk Revival, klezmer tunes, pop songs and their own originals.
Toronto's Polky, led by multi-talented immigrant female musicians, delights audiences with traditional vocals, unusual instruments, and energizing performances. Drawing deep inspiration from Poland's rich cultural tapestry, they push musical boundaries by fearlessly blending Polish traditional music with sounds and rhythms from across the globe.
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.
Adapted from the top-ranked history podcast, Professor Greg Jackson tells the epic tale of “The Unlikely Union,” weaving defining moments in American history (1754-1865) into a thrilling narrative of the struggle and triumph of a young nation to form, define, and reform itself. Travel back in time through epic storytelling of familiar and unsung real characters from history, and return with real context for today.
Jill Jack’s annual birthday bash has become a New Year's tradition at The Ark! Jill's magical connection to her audience is the result of her generous artistry. By combining her gifts as a conceptual visionary with a warm gathering of musical influences, Jill touches that secret heart of ours with her melodies and lyrics. In her hometown of Detroit, Jill needs no further explanation. She’s been lauded in equal measure to her talents: Since 1997 she’s won dozens of Detroit Music Awards in every conceivable category that applies to a singer-songwriter.
Opener: Zak Bunce
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesFormed out of love for traditional American Folk & Blues music, Steppin’ In It has been playing shows and packing dance floors for over 20 years. In the words of England's Rock and Reel magazine, they're "possessed with a consistently delightful spirit of musical adventure that, as well as bringing elements of old-time, country, cajun, blues and various roots styles to the table, manages to instill everything they do with an attractive and accessible cool."