Joan Shelley is a songwriter and singer who draws inspiration from traditional and traditionally-minded performers from her native Kentucky, as well as those from Ireland, Scotland, and England, but she’s not a folksinger. Her disposition aligns more closely with that of, say, Roger Miller, Dolly Parton, or Tom T. Hall, who once explained—simply, succinctly, in a song—“I Witness Life.”
The annual Pete Seeger Birthday Concert returns to The Ark with an all-star celebration honoring the life and work of singer, songwriter, activist, and national conscience, Pete Seeger, who passed in 2014. The evening will be filled with storytelling and singalongs in the true uplifting Seeger audience participation tradition. The lineup will feature special guest Reggie Harris, renowned folk artist and educator, who performed in the 2014 tribute to Pete and Toshi Seeger at the Lincoln Center, along with a lineup of well-known Michigan artists including Matt Watroba, Billy King, Annie & Rod Capps, San, Laz & Emily Slomovits, Judy Banker, Dani Darling, Mustard’s Retreat, and more (TBA). All proceeds from the event go to support The Ark.
Special Guest: Julian Taylor
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesWhen Matt Andersen steps on stage, he brings a lifetime of music to every note he plays. His latest album, The Big Bottle of Joy, is all about hard-won celebration; a dozen songs infused with raw blues-rock, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk, and ecstatic gospel.
A free family concert by Joe Reilly and his band featuring Anishinaabe pow wow dancers from Mt. Pleasant. This family-friendly event is great for elementary-school aged kids. The event is free and open to the public with a catered lunch provided beforehand. It is sponsored by the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Pre-registration is closed, but walk-ups are welcome after 12pm until we reach capacity.
Mary Fahl is an expressive, emotional singer/songwriter who first achieved fame as lead singer and co-founder of the mid-1990s NYC-based chamber-pop group October Project, a band known for their lush harmonies, sweeping melodies and Fahl’s unique and powerful vocals. After two records on Epic, Fahl had more freedom to pursue her own muse, whether that meant writing and recording songs for movies (including the theme for the Civil War epic “Gods and Generals”), singing arias and medieval Spanish songs for Sony Classical, or releasing a unique album-length take on “Dark Side of the Moon”…
Opener: Chris DuPont
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesJess Merritt is an Ann Arbor-based singer and songwriter whose rich, soulful voice evokes a unique emotional resonance. From power ballads to velvet keys, soul and rock to blues and pop, listeners are headed into a memorable experience by this expansive and versatile local favorite. Finding inspiration in the natural world, she draws from deep roots to deliver in ways both captivating and raw - taking listeners with her on a journey of healing through feeling.
Opener: The Back Alley
El Club 4114 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI, United States“This record is all kink and no shame,” says Adam Weiner of ART DEALERS, the tough, sexy and tender new album coming from Low Cut Connie. “With Low Cut Connie, I try to create a safe space for you to just absolutely get your freak on.” For years now, Low Cut Connie has built its grassroots coalition of oddballs, underdogs, and fun-loving weirdos with songs that celebrate life on the fringes of polite society. The band’s infamously wild, passionate live shows provide a total release - of stress, of inhibition, of shame - working up a primordial rock n roll sweat for fans to get blissfully soaked in.
Jacob Jolliff is one of the world’s premier contemporary mandolinists. In 2011, he graduated from Berklee College of Music, having studied there on a full scholarship. The following year, in 2012, he won the USA’s National Mandolin Championship in Winfield, KS. A fixture of the bluegrass scene, he has performed and collaborated with Béla Fleck, Tony Trischka, Michael Daves, Grant Gordy, Wes Corbett, and Alex Hargreaves, to name a few.
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.
Hear melodies and stories woven into an exceptional musical experience by the brothers Jens and Uwe Kruger alongside their musical partner Joel Landsberg. With a unique blend of bluegrass, folk, and classical influences, their music flows like a gentle river, guiding listeners on a journey through a rich tapestry of emotions.
Your favorite nerds are back for another year of Glass Cannon Live! Join Troy, Joe, Skid, Matthew, Sydney and Kate as they bring their unique brand of off-the-wall comedy and epic storytelling to a town near you. Every show is its own unique live gaming session, and you never know what's going to happen until you see it play out live! Please note, this show is 18+
Chicago-based singer/songwriter Tanner Dane draws from a wide array of influences citing his love of 60s soul music, 90s r&b as well as indie rock and modern day alternative-folk that helps shape melodies cloaked in haunting lyricism.