Mike Cooley (of Drive-By Truckers)
2025-12-17 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Detroit) | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
Mike Cooley is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as a member of the Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. The Alabama musical style blends elements of rock, country, and Americana, and he is recognized for his sharp, evocative lyrics and distinctive guitar work. As one of the band’s primary songwriters, Cooley has written numerous iconic tracks for Drive-By Truckers, with his songs often exploring themes of personal introspection, Southern identity, and social commentary. Alongside bandmate Patterson Hood, Cooley has been a driving force behind the band’s evolution since their formation in the late 1990s, contributing to their gritty, honest sound and critical success.
In addition to his work with the band, Cooley has pursued a solo career, releasing his debut solo album The Fool on Every Corner in December 2012. The album showcases his storytelling prowess and ability to create poignant, introspective songs with a more stripped-down, intimate sound compared to his work with Drive-By Truckers. Known for his wit and keen observational style, Cooley’s solo work highlights his versatility as an artist, cementing his place as an influential figure in contemporary American roots music.

Spending Christmas with Alicia Witt
2025-12-18 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
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 with songs from full length Christmas album, “I Think I’m Spending Christmas With You.”
A classically trained, award winning pianist and Billboard Top 30 charting singer-songwriter, Alicia will get you in the holiday spirit with this festive show. Featuring nine heartfelt and uplifting originals and three holiday standards, you’ll hear selections from the album, as well as Alicia’s previously released original Christmas songs, many of which you’ve heard in her Hallmark movies over the years.
VIP tickets include a general admission ticket to the performance, early entry into the venue, and a pre-show meet & greet including autographs and a photo opportunity. Limited tickets available.

Tartan Terrors
2025-12-19 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
Tartan Terrors bring their Celtic Invasion to festivals and shows across North America, blending the energy of a rock show with humor and step dance. With a distinctive sound and proud tradition of making Celtic music fun and accessible to any audience, the Tartan Terrors have performed on 4 different continents, in some of the most prestigious Festivals, Highland Games and theaters of North America. Join the phenomenon of the Tartan Terrors and see why Celtic Beat Magazine hails them as “the heirs apparent to the [Celtic] mayhem.”

Blackthorn
2025-12-20 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
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. Each of the band’s members plays multiple instruments, including flute, accordion, tin whistle, fiddle, banjo, cittern, bodhran, and more. These instruments complement the lead vocal of Belfast native Richard McMullan and the band’s tight blend of four-part harmony. 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.

John Prine Tribute Show
2025-12-21 19:30 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Mark Lavengood is a distinguished multi-instrumentalist, performer, and producer whose work in the Bluegrass, Americana & Roots Music genres has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following. Known for his soulful interpretation of Prine’s classics and his engaging stage presence, Lavengood and his talented band will honor the remarkable legacy of one of America’s most beloved troubadours. Together with Michigan powerhouses Jen Sygit, Grace Theisen, Chris Zehnder and the house band featuring Loren Kranz, Dutcher Snedeker, and Jerry Wenger, fans can expect an evening filled with laughter, poignancy, and the timeless storytelling that Prine embodied. PLUS – it’s a benefit concert for the Smiling Acres Music Festival – don’t miss out!

Crossroads Ceili
2025-12-27 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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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. Fiddler Mick Gavin, the organizer of the Ceili and a frequent performer there, was recently inducted into the Irish Music Hall of Fame.
This year’s featured artists include vocalist Katie Else (formerly with Riverdance) and fiddlers Hannah Harris and Darby Casey.

50 First Jokes
2026-01-02 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
The tradition that started 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 2026 comedy scene in the most righteous way possible! It’s fast, it’s fresh, and above all it’s funny. It’s also not going to break the bank, so why not check out some Michigan comic voices you may not have known about?

The Yellow Room Gang
2026-01-03 15:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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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.
Note that this is an afternoon performance with a start time of 3:00pm!

Mr. B
2026-01-04 19:30 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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Born in Flint and a true Michigan institution, Mr. B (Mark Braun) is a rare living link to the early days of boogie woogie, having learned directly from legends like Little Brother Montgomery and Blind John Davis. He plays in concert halls, he plays outdoors, he’s even played on a piano he towed by swimming out to Mackinac Island, but wherever you hear him, it’s an exciting show.

Schmaltz
2026-01-06 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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Giving traditional Jewish music a new flavor by infusing elements of jazz, balkan, funk, latin, and polka, Schmaltz blends traditional Klezmer sensibilities with modern influences to produce their energetic, horn forward sound. With roots deeply seeded at the University of Michigan, the band features a number of SMTD alumni and is proud to call Ann Arbor home.
This show will celebrate the physical release of Schmaltz’s debut album, “The Seltzer Man”! Join us as we welcome a plethora of special guests to the stage and our debut album to the world.

The Ark's Open Stage
2026-01-07 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-20 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-02-03 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. 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.

Gemini's Birthday Celebration Concert
2026-01-08 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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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. Above all, audiences have come to love their sense of ease and joy on stage. San and Laz will be celebrating their 154th birthday with this show (they’re twins – you do the math) and will be joined by Emily plus their Good Mischief Band.

Duke Tumatoe
2026-01-09 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Duke Tumatoe, born William “Bill” Severen Fiorio in 1947, is an American blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. He has gigged with Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, John Fogerty and George Thorogood. He was a founding member of arena-rock giants REO Speedwagon. He has released fifteen albums as the bandleader of Duke Tumatoe & The All-Star Frogs and Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio. His 1988 live album I Like My Job was produced by John Fogerty.
Tumatoe is a self-taught guitarist who learned to play by watching Chicago’s blues legends. His guitar playing has been described as “B.B. King played through Jimi Hendrix (with a touch of Andy Gill).”
Tumatoe’s songs are noted for their humor, something he explains as, “There are two elements of the blues. There’s the general intensity of the music…and an element of humor, some twist in the lyrics. It’s like a comedian turning something sad into something funny.”

Jill Jack's Annual Birthday Bash
2026-01-10 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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Jill Jack’s decades-long career has taken her across the globe, performing solo and with her band, opening for acts like Bob Seger and Loretta Lynn. Her Americana music blends folk, rock, country, and blues, and she’s known for storytelling, humor, and heartfelt performances. With 12 CDs and 51 Detroit Music Awards, she’s also composed for documentaries and ad campaigns. Jack gives back through missionary work, nonprofits, and mentoring artists of all ages.
For over a decade, Jill Jack has celebrated her birthday the best way she knows how — through music, with her beloved fans and incredible band. Join the party as The Jill Jack Band electrifies the stage and fills the room with love, laughter, and unforgettable melodies. Happiness is guaranteed — all you need to do is buy a ticket!

Ember & Ash
2026-01-11 19:30 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
Ember & Ash, the duo forged by Erin Zindle and Alex Holycross, is as captivating and dangerous as a spark on the wind in the dry season. Armed with fiddle and guitar, these two MIchigan songwriters have had long careers, both defying genre boundaries in their own respective bands (The Native Howl’s “Thrash Grass” and The Ragbirds’ edgy global folk-rock)
Alex & Erin’s voices curl together like smoky ribbons floating above a wild, elemental energy. In their live performances the duo seem to come more alive with each note, stoking a heat that threatens to burn the whole place down.

Community High Jazz Ark-tic Blast
2026-01-12 18:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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.

Amythyst Kiah
2026-01-13 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Produced by Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, Green Day, Weezer) and recorded at his Nashville studio, Amythyst Kiah’s new album Still + Bright explores the vast expanse of her inner world: her deep-rooted affinity for Eastern philosophies and spiritual traditions, a near-mystical connection with the natural world, the life lessons learned in her formative years as a self-described “anime-nerd mall goth.” In dreaming up the backdrop to her revelatory storytelling, Kiah and Walker arrived at a darkly cinematic and exhilarating twist on the rootsy alt-rock of her 2021 breakthrough album Wary + Strange—an LP that landed on Rolling Stone’s list of the 25 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2021 and drew acclaim from major outlets like Pitchfork. With its sonic palette encompassing everything from fuzzed-out guitars and industrial-leaning beats to gilded pedal steel and Kiah’s exquisitely graceful banjo work, Still + Bright fully affirms her as an artist of both daring originality and uncompromising depth.
On Wary + Strange, Kiah offered up a collection of spellbinding songs detailing her experience with grief and trauma and alienation, each illuminating the extraordinary impact of her songwriting. An electrifying showcase for her singular musicality and soul-stirring voice, Kiah’s Rounder Records debut soon found many leading critics hailing her as a formidable new talent, adding to a list of accolades that includes earning a Grammy nomination for her powerhouse anthem “Black Myself.”
While Still + Bright undoubtedly finds Kiah pushing into new emotional and musical terrain, the album also makes for a vital new addition to a body of work largely dedicated to exploring the struggle and joy of true self-discovery. “With all of my music, I’d love to leave people with the feeling that it’s okay to go off the beaten path and to structure your life in a way that feels right to you,” says Kiah. “And just like with the last record, I hope that these songs can help people out if they’re going through a difficult time. That’s what I always hope for more than anything: for my music to continue to be a part of the healing process for anyone who might need it.”

Denitia
2026-01-15 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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On her new album, Sunset Drive, Denitia shares her story of going after something new — a life back in Nashville, where she attended college, immersed in both the city’s roots music scene and the community of the artist collective Black Opry — while experiencing the menagerie of emotions that come with leaving behind what you knew and starting over. Across the album, she draws from the country and alternative rock music she listened to growing up outside of Houston; the songs of artists such as the Eagles, Vince Gill, Waylon Jennings, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, and Neil Young, ever present in her life; and the decade she spent entrenched in Brooklyn’s indie music scene.
Denitia’s music has been featured in the films Nanny and The Invitation, as well as in the series Better Things (FX), Broad City (Comedy Central), Dear White People (Netflix), Shrinking (Apple TV+), and The Terminal List (Amazon). She has toured extensively with the Black Opry Revue; been invited to perform at the National Museum of African American Music and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville; and shared stages with Jason Isbell, Amythyst Kiah, Joy Oladokun, and Allison Russell, among other artists.
In 2023, Denitia earned one of five spots in a residency hosted by the Black Opry and WXPN, was named to Rissi Palmer’s Color Me Country class, and was one of three artists selected for CMT and mtheory’s Equal Access cohort. And the momentum continued in 2024: Denitia was one of CMT’s 2024 Next Women of Country; was named an artist to watch by the Nashville Scene; made her Grand Ole Opry debut and opened shows for Mickey Guyton in 2024. Denitia was a featured vocalist in Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony.

Django Reinhardt Birthday Celebration
2026-01-16 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
Join Michigan’s own Djangophonique in celebration of Django Reinhardt’s legacy of music that is still alive and evolving 115 years after he was born.
Djangophonique is an award winning project that delivers the infectious joy, and expressive freedom that is at the heart of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche. With respect for the tradition and a fearless creativity that bends the conventions of the style, Djangophonique is keeping the Hot Club revival alive and well.

Heywood Banks
2026-01-17 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
Heywood Banks is simply one of a kind, almost impossible to describe, with a style his very own. Equal parts genius and buffoon, this songwriter-comic-singer-poet-musician has become a cult hero and a pop icon, with a show that appeals to college students, stoners, businessmen, yuppies, rednecks, punks, kids or your grandmother. Heywood intersperses his humorous observations of life with twisted, inventive, bizarre songs, sung and played in a variety of styles, from folk, to country to rock to pop, and way beyond. You have to be pretty sharp to get Heywood at his deepest level (he demands a high level of pop culture literacy), but you can also enjoy him just for his vocal style impersonations, expert musicianship and just plain silliness. Heywood has appeared on A&E’s Evening at the Improv, MTV’s 1/2 Hour Comedy Hour, CNN’s Hollywood Minute, Caroline’s Comedy Hour, Entertainment Tonight, Showtime Comedy Club Network, and the Dr. Demento Show,” and is a frequent guest on the national Bob and Tom radio show.

G. Love & Special Sauce
2026-01-18 19:30 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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G. Love & Special Sauce is an American Hip-Hop Blues band known for its unique fusion of hip-hop, blues, funk, and soul. Formed in 1993 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the band originally featured Garrett Dutton, aka G. Love, as the lead vocalist and guitarist, Jeffrey Clemens on drums, and Jim Prescott on bass. The trio quickly gained attention for their laid-back, groovy style and G. Love’s unique vocal delivery, blending rap-like spoken word with bluesy singing.
Their debut self-titled album, G. Love & Special Sauce, was released in 1994 on Epic Records and included the hit single “Cold Beverage,” which became popular on alternative radio stations and MTV, solidifying their presence in the music scene. The band’s style has been described as a mix of “slacker blues” and “alternative hip-hop,” as they frequently incorporate elements of 90s hip-hop beats with classic blues rhythms.
Over the years, G. Love & Special Sauce has released numerous albums, including Coast to Coast Motel (1995), Yeah, It’s That Easy (1997), The Electric Mile (2001) and the GRAMMY nominated The Juice (2020). Their sound evolved to include more soul, R&B, and rock influences, though they retained their laid-back vibe and clever lyrical play. Their 2014 album Sugar saw a reunion of the original lineup after several years, and they continued to tour and produce music with a loyal fan base.
Known for their energetic live performances, G. Love & Special Sauce has played at festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Garrett Dutton also frequently collaborates with other artists, including Jack Johnson, with whom he shares a similar vibe, and has released solo projects that dive deeper into his blues influences. G. Love & Special Sauce remains a beloved name in the music scene, blending genres in a way that feels fresh and authentic.
G. Love is excited to offer the Pre-Show VIP option.
G. Love’s Pre-Show Pop Off is an ALL REQUEST storytellers solo acoustic performance by G. Love and a one of a kind merch package. The pre-show pop off also includes early entry, a Q&A and photo opportunity with G. Love, and early access to the merch booth. Your VIP Pre-Show Pop off ticket includes a general admission ticket into the show.
VIP Ticket Includes:

An ALL REQUEST storyteller acoustic performance by G. Love
Q&A session with G. Love
Photo with G. Love
VIP Laminate
Exclusive VIP Poster
Early access to the merch booth

*THIS VIP UPGRADE INCLUDES A TICKET TO THE SHOW. You must have a Pre-Show Pop Off ticket in order to redeem the VIP package elements and be let into the event. Tickets to the show must be presented at the time of entry to the Pre-Show Pop Off.

FRÄNDER
2026-01-21 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
Born from a thunderstorm, FRÄNDER emerged like lightning — a fusion of Nordic roots and modern attitude became HEAVY FOLK. From the deep forest of Sweden & Estonia, with energy and a warm presence they deliver heavy grooves and seductive harmonies that weave a mesmerizing soundscape.
“FRÄNDER II is a perfect, magnificent masterpiece” – LIRA.se
Following their acclaimed debut and global touring, the band’s groundbreaking second album FRÄNDER II pushes the limits of what folk can be – with echoes of Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull meeting the pulse of Nordic tradition they blend folk music with the raw power and weight of hard rock in an incomparable way, they craft a sound that’s both ancient and modern, acoustic yet heavy, mystical yet fiercely alive – they make the folk music tradition their own.
FRÄNDER is one of Sweden’s biggest folk music exports. In 2024 alone, they completed three U.S. tours and they have surpassed 100 concerts only in Canada. They continue building cultural bridges beyond the stage through their festivals in Uppsala, Sweden and Nordic Nights Festival at Lincoln Center in New York City — bringing the power of modern Nordic tradition to audiences around the world.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON A CONCERT WITH FRÄNDER
In short: expect a show where folk music becomes a living, breathing force.
At a concert with FRÄNDER, audiences can expect a powerful, immersive journey where Nordic folk roots meet the raw energy of rock ‘n’ roll. The show blends ancient melodies, modern grooves, and tight vocal harmonies into something both deeply emotional and electrifying.
The atmosphere shifts from intimate to wild and untame— pulsing rhythms drive the music forward while the band’s chemistry and stage presence make every moment feel alive and spontaneous. Acoustic instruments are pushed to their limits, creating heavy yet organic soundscapes that can feel mystical one moment and thunderous the next. It’s hard to stay still—one moment you’re dancing and jumping with abandon, the next you’re floating away with your eyes closed.
Beyond the music, FRÄNDER’s concerts radiate warmth, connection, and storytelling. Their performances invite the audience into the Nordic spirit — raw nature, myths, and emotion — all expressed with modern attitude and virtuosity.

Garnet Rogers
2026-01-22 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
In a darkened bedroom, lit only by the amber glow from an old floor model radio, two young brothers aged 6 and 12 lay in their beds, listening to the country music broadcasts from the Grand Ol’ Opry, and practiced their harmonies. Two years later, the youngest one was playing the definitive 8-year-old’s version of “Desolation Row” on his ukulele. He soon abandoned that instrument to teach himself the flute, violin and guitar.
Within ten years, and barely out of high school, Garnet Rogers was on the road as a full-time working musician with his older brother Stan. Together they formed what has come to be accepted as one of the most influential acts in North American folk music.
Since then, Garnet Rogers has established himself as ‘One of the major talents of our time”. Hailed by the Boston Globe as a “charismatic performer and singer”, Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence – close to six and a half feet tall – with a voice to match. With his “smooth, dark baritone” (Washington Post) his incredible range, and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. His music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. Cinematic in detail, his songs “give expression to the unspoken vocabulary of the heart” (Kitchener Waterloo Record). An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humour and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again.

The Rupple Brothers
2026-01-23 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
The Rupple Brothers are a psychedelic folk ensemble who combine a love for family, music, life, and improvisation to create a musical space unlike any other. Born unto song, brothers Evan and Cole, and an ever expanding cast of soul brothers, traverse the entire spectrum of sound and space; each being proficient in multiple ways of musical strangeness, while bringing a positive and powerful family message with their brand of wild folk. They have carved themselves out a respected place amongst the Michigan music scene, throwing their own annual grassroots festival Handmade Music Festival in their home of Chesaning, opening for bands like The Way Down Wanderers, Chirp, The Mallett Brothers Band, Tejon Street Corner Thieves, Good Old War, opening up for White Denim at Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch, winning the Review Award for “Best Duo”, and playing top tier venues and festivals across the state. They plan to carry their stories of song to the furthest reaches of the universe.

Folk Fest Kickoff: A Tribute to Todd Snider
2026-01-24 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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This special show will kick off the 2026 Ann Arbor Folk Festival and will feature 14 Michigan artists each performing their version of a song by Todd Snider. Featured artists include: Al Bettis, Ani Mari, Chris Buhalis, Dave & Kristi, Jetty Rae, Jill Jack, Ki5, The Lucky Nows, Maddy Ringo, Mike Robertson, The Minor Pieces, Misty Lyn, The RFD Boys, and Wilson Thicket.

Bil Lepp
2026-01-25 19:30 - 23:00 | The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Ticket prices on our website reflect all-in pricing for purchases made online or by phone. This means the price you see includes the ticket price plus MUTO’s ticket processing fee. Tickets may be purchased with no included fees in person at The Ark during box office hours.
Bil Lepp is an award-winning storyteller, author, and recording artist. He’s the host of the History Channel’s Man Vs History series, the occasional host of NPR’s internationally syndicated Mountain Stage, and a contributing columnist to the West Virginia Gazette-Mail. Bil’s humorous, family friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Though a five time champion of the WV Liars’s Contest, Lepp’s stories often contain morsels of truth which present universal themes in clever and witty ways. Audiences all across the country, from grade schools to corporate execs to the Comedy Central’s Hudson stage, have been delighted by Bil’s mirthful tales and delightful insights into everyday life. Bil’s books and audio collections have won awards including the PEN Steven Kroll Award for Children’s Book Writing, Parents’ Choice Gold awards, and awards from the National Parenting Publications Assoc., and the Public Library Assoc. He is also the recipient of the Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest folk honor.

49th Ann Arbor Folk Fest opening night concert
2026-01-30 19:30 - 23:00 | Hill Auditorium, 825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
Premium tickets ($136.50 and up) include a tax deductible donation to The Ark – more info here!

Opening Night Concert
Greensky Bluegrass
with special guest
Junior Brown

The Ark and Bank of Ann Arbor are excited to announce the lineup for the Ann Arbor Folk Fest at Hill Auditorium. The festival is The Ark’s largest annual fundraiser and delivers the full spectrum of “Ark music,” presenting a taste of what’s happening on the leading edge of acoustic music while delving into the very heart of folk and roots traditions. Friday night features a new format with a later start, and a concert length performance from Michigan’s own Greensky Bluegrass with special guest, the legendary Junior Brown.
Known for their dazzling live performances and relentless touring schedule, Kalamazoo’s Greensky Bluegrass — Anders Beck [dobro], Michael Arlen Bont [banjo], Dave Bruzza [guitar], Mike Devol [upright bass], and Paul Hoffman [Mandolin] — are connected through a deep bond, just as they are seasoned road warriors, they’re a band of brothers who have seen each other through decades of ups and downs, personal and collective highlights, and the moments when life turns it all upside down. These are real people having real experiences. As with traditional bluegrass, they write about their own contemporary day-to-day happenings, emotions, and experiences in the modern world.
The band has earned critical acclaim from Billboard, Parade, NPR, and Rolling Stone who hailed them as “representing the genre for a whole new generation.” The band embraces tradition while ushering bluegrass forward on their eighth full-length offering, Stress Dreams. “Greensky is and always has been very unique in our world,” observes Paul. “We put our love, energy, and focus into what we appreciate about our music. We come together as a band in a way that’s organic. We take a lot of pride in how we grow and challenge each other too. We’re maturing together. I think we get more Greensky all of the time.”
With his unique voice, more unique song writing, and even more unique double necked “Guit-Steel” guitar, there has absolutely never been anyone like Junior Brown. He’s an American Original. He’s a one-man musical hot fusion machine! People call him a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Ernest Tubb. But there’s a lot more to say about Junior Brown. There’s the fact that he’s just about the best surf guitarist around, for example. Or that he’s a wonderful composer of traditional country songs, the kind in which each outrageous pun leads you deeper into an emotional blind alley. An Ark favorite for over 2 decades, before taking a breather from touring the last few years, Junior Brown and his powerhouse band know how to bring the party – and we couldn’t be more delighted to have them join us for the Friday night show!
Opening the evening is Junior Brown. With his unique voice, more unique song writing, and even more unique double necked “Guit-Steel” guitar, there has absolutely never been anyone like Junior Brown. He’s a one-man musical hot fusion machine! People call him a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Ernest Tubb. But there’s a lot more to say about Junior Brown. There’s the fact that he’s just about the best surf guitarist around, for example. Or that he’s a wonderful composer of traditional country songs, the kind in which each outrageous pun leads you deeper into an emotional blind alley. Seeing Junior live is a definite must, so GUIT WITH IT ’cause he’s AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL and an absolute legend! Come check out the performer voted #1 House Rocker by the readers of Guitar Player – we are delighted to welcome Junior Brown and his legendary band to open this year’s Ann Arbor Folk Festival.

49th Ann Arbor Folk Fest night 2
2026-01-31 19:00 - 23:00 | Hill Auditorium, 825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
Premium tickets ($136.50 and up) include a tax deductible donation to The Ark – more info here!

Folk Fest Night 2 Featuring
Amos Lee
Dawes
The Crane Wives
Jon Muq
Rabbitology
Ryan Montbleau, MC

The Ark and Bank of Ann Arbor are excited to announce the lineup for the Ann Arbor Folk Fest at Hill Auditorium. The festival is The Ark’s largest annual fundraiser and delivers the full spectrum of “Ark music,” presenting a taste of what’s happening on the leading edge of acoustic music while delving into the very heart of folk and roots traditions. Saturday night’s lineup features Amos Lee, Dawes, The Crane Wives, Jon Muq, Rabbitology, and Ryan Montbleau, MC.
