The Empty Pockets ignite a bright flame by harnessing a joyful friction between Americana, folk, and rock ’n’ roll spiked with roots soul. The Chicago quartet—Josh Solomon (guitar, vocals), Erika Brett (keyboards, vocals), Nate Bellon (bass, vocals), and Adam Balasco (drums)—lean on an unspoken, yet airtight musical dialogue honed by countless miles on the road, performances alongside the likes of Kenny Loggins, a procession of fan favorite releases (including a #1 debut), and a wealth of memories together. They come to Michigan with a new release, “Gotta Find the Moon.”
It’s hard to think of an artist in traditional Irish music more influential than Seamus Egan. From his beginnings as a teen prodigy, to his groundbreaking solo work with Shanachie Records, to his founding of Irish-American powerhouse band Solas, to his current work as one of the leading composers and interpreters of the tradition, Egan has inspired multiple generations of musicians and helped define the sound of Irish music today. Music comes as naturally to Seamus Egan as breath, but his mastery of the tradition is only one facet of his plans to move the music forward.
For the month of December, the boundary pushing Americana powerhouse Nefesh Mountain is hitting the road on the Love And Light Tour. Their aim for this unique month-long run of shows is to put forth messages of inclusivity, unity and love, largely in response to the current and devastating war in Israel and Gaza. For these special performances, they have curated an incredibly diverse list of originals and covers, hoping to spread light in these dark times through their music and famously dynamic and touching live shows. The tour also comes on the heels of three brand new singles released this year in anticipation of their newest album "The Cabin Sessions" coming out in February 2024.
One December, not long after Over the Rhine began recording and touring, we were invited to perform some seasonal songs on a public radio station in Cincinnati. It was Christmastime […]
Celebrating its 16th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue […]
Celebrating its 16th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue […]
Celebrating its 16th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue […]
Celebrating its 16th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue […]
Whether battling valiantly from behind the enemy lines of his dive-bar-underground past or blowing the doors off sold-out theaters as he’s done with Drive-By Truckers for the last decade, Mike Cooley has proved his mettle time and time again. He’s rock & roll incarnate—Mick and Keith rolled into one impossibly cool, soul-howling, guitar rattlin’ ball of genuine unapologetic grit and swagger. At least that’s how it seems gazing up from the crowd at a packed DBT show. So how did this modern-day rock hero feel about temporarily ditching his band and rolling back the volume for the unaccompanied acoustic performances that would become his debut solo record, “The Fool on Every Corner?” “When you don’t do it normally, it’s terrifying,” Mike admits. “I try to relax, but I’ll probably never be able to sit down in a chair on stage as easily as I sit down on a toilet behind a closed door. That’s the goal—somewhere in between,” he deadpans. “I set the bar high.” Despite his bad nerves and tongue-in-cheek penchant for self-deprecation, Cooley shines, tossing aside his guitar pick and playing almost everything with his fingers. “Strip it, strip it, strip it down,” he says, alluding to the mantra that guided these performances. “What’s left is the song and nothing else.”
The Founding is a progressive folk band from Kalamazoo, Michigan. With its timeless, powerful approach to songwriting and unique instrumentation, they strive to balance tradition and innovation as they bring new music to life. The Founding has performed at theaters and festivals throughout the United States, and they already have a Christmas album out. Members of The Founding are lead singer and flautist Elizabeth June; fiddler and vocalist John Robey; mandolinist and fiddler Joel Tyrone Myers; keyboardist, violist, and percussionist Lukas Stanley; guitarist and cellist Patrick Hartson; and bassist and vocalist Kyle Pitcher.
Lisa LeBlanc comes from a French-speaking village in New Brunswick, and she sings in English and French. She calls her music “trash folk,” and it includes elements of Acadian folk music and garage rock. Lisa sings and plays the guitar, and she has a powerful voice and gives shows with a strong physicality. Lisa’s latest album is “Chiac Disco,” a bright, funny and sparkling record, filled with all kinds of musical glitter and colorful lyrics sung loud and proud. The album earned her a repeat visit to the Polaris Short List, as well as the Félix awards in the categories Album Production of the Year (with her trusted collaborator Benoit Morier) and Pop Album of the Year. Join us for the Ark debut of this rising Canadian original!
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.
