• Blackthorn

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

    At it since 1984, 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 five 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 almost 40 years, and they're a must-see for those who want to know the deep traditions of Irish music in Michigan.

    $20
    Sold Out

    Vienna Teng

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

    “I’ve been in a long-distance relationship with music for the past several years,” jokes songwriter Vienna Teng. “Now we’re talking about moving in together again." Long-distance, perhaps, but long-running. In 2002, Vienna released her debut album, “Waking Hour,” landing her on NPR’s Weekend Edition, The Late Show with David Letterman, and the top of Amazon’s music charts. More albums followed; 2013’s “Aims” became the first album to win four Independent Music Awards. Most recently Vienna composed the music for The Fourth Messenger by playwright Tanya Shaffer. Along with Vienna’s captivating live performances and thoughtful online presence, her work has built a devoted following across generations as well as continents.

    $40

    Maggie Cocco’s Science for Sociopaths

    Special Guest: Joanna Sterling

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

    One of Michigan's international exports, Maggie Cocco returns with a preview of her first analog album, “Like A Moth,” slated for release in 2024. Through "Science for Sociopaths," Cocco crafts evocative theatrical song cycles that delve into themes of systemic and interpersonal wounds and connection. Boasting awards including Best Music at Auckland Fringe Festival, Maggie Cocco's Science for Sociopaths is "radiant but raw, presenting beautifully melodic odes of unvarnished truths," says Jeff Milo of Deep Cutz.

    $20

    The Ark’s Open Stage

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

    $3, $2 members & seniors, students free with student ID

    The Dick Siegel Trio presents Angelo’s Restaurant Going Away Party

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

    One of America’s great songwriters, Michigan legend Dick Siegel teams up with longtime compadre guitarist Dave Roof, and upright bassist Charlie Reischl to bring his irresistible and exuberant music to life. Strains of American folk, blues, jazz and r&b weave through Dick’s songs in classics like “Angelo’s” (and since Angelo’s restaurant is closing, you really have to come to this show!) and “What Would Brando Do?” Sometimes there’s a hint of Hank Williams … a bit of Louis Jordan, Bob Dylan … the zaniness of Spike Jones… even a little T.S. Eliot meets the Beatles. It’s all Dick Siegel music – served up hot and fresh.

    $25

    Crossroads Ceili

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

    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.

    $25
  • 50 First Jokes

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

    The tradition that started more than a decade 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 2024 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?

    $10

    Gemini’s 150th Birthday Celebration

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

    You read that right! Gemini, the Michigan duo of San and Laz Slomovits, consists of a pair of twin brothers, and they’re celebrating their 75th birthdays. Gemini is well known and loved for their shows for families. But lately, thanks in part to the budding folk career of San’s daughter Emily —who will be joining them for this show — they’ve reinvigorated their career singing music for adults. They'll also be joined by their longtime Good Mischief Band, Mike Morrison on drums and Eric Fithian on bass. The brothers play songs by many of the artists who’ve inspired them, including Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, and the Beatles. They also sing their own songs, as well as poetry they’ve set to music. Leave the kids at home with their favorite babysitter and come celebrate and sing with two beloved Michigan musicians!

    $20

    The RFD Boys

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

    $16, $15 members, students or seniors

    The Yellow Room Gang

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

    The Yellow Room is the "brilliantly yellow" living room of Tamulevich's house on Ann Arbor's Old West Side, where 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.

    $20

    Neil Woodward Trio

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

    Neil Woodward's musical performances bring to life the Michigan Experience for Great Lakes audiences and visitors from around the world. Neil's first time to play at The Ark was 1975. He is recipient of Michigan State University's Michigan Traditional Arts 2018 Heritage Award for leadership and artistry in folk music. In 2003 the State of Michigan Legislature officially designated Neil "Michigan's Troubadour" in recognition of his life-long commitment to preservation of Great Lakes folk music and culture.

    $20

    Albert Lee

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

    British guitar legend Albert Lee, regarded by many as one of the world's finest guitar players, with a career spanning more than 50 years, needs no introduction for country, blues and rock fans. Widely hailed for his fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique, Albert Lee helped to redefine country guitar for a whole generation of players with his song "Country Boy." Albert's many career highlights include two Grammy wins, five years in the Eric Clapton band (at Clapton's request Albert played the Crossroads Festival with Eric at Madison Square Garden) and stints with the Rolling Stones' Bill Wyman, The Crickets, the Everly Brothers, Joe Cocker, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell and many more.

    $30