Programming at The Ark frequently reaches beyond the regular concert schedule. These special events include the annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Fall Fundraiser, workshops, and more.
Special Events
Shape Note Singing
Shape Note Singing is a non-denominational community musical event. The Ark's group regularly meets on the second Sunday of the month, September through June from 1-4 pm. It’s free to attend and all are welcome. No experience is necessary! Contact Charlotte at cawolfe@umich.edu, or call Pat at (734) 678-7549, for more information.
Storytelling Festival
The Ark’s annual Storytelling Festival is a two-day celebration of the art of the tale, a well-loved journey to the land of the mind’s eye. The Storytelling Festival is an event for all ages, building the next generation of tellers and hearers in a unique way.
Educational Programming
Over the past five years The Ark has been developing new educational initiatives based on community needs and interests. The main focus has been Common Chords: Telling America’s Story Through Music and Cultural Expression.
Through the generous support of the Ford Philanthropy, over the past five years The Ark has presented Common Chords to over 1,300 4th and 5th graders and chaperones from schools in Goodrich, Waterford, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Plymouth, Southfield, Madison Heights and Detroit. The 60-minute program teaches about American history, diversity and music. Participating teachers give the program high ratings for enriching students’ spirits, increasing students’ knowledge of American music and culture, and teaching children how to be good audience members.
Check Out Teacher and Student Feedback!
Concert Sound Production Course
If you’ve ever had the urge to get behind the sound board, these classes are for you! Led by veteran audio engineer Kaia Skaggs, the fundamentals of audio production will be covered through a combination of lecture and a few hands-on exercises.
Student Welcome Show
The Ark welcomes students back to Ann Arbor each Fall with a free show featuring an up and coming artist. This annual event is free to students with any valid student ID (high school, college, local, and out-of-state). The student show performer is highlighted at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival the following January.
Open Stage
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, Open Stage nights at The Ark offer wonderful, warm audiences and a terrific stage on which to play.
Get On Stage!
Fall Fundraiser
Want to hear some great music (and eat some great food!) and kick your support for The Ark up a notch? The Ark’s annual Fall Fundraiser brings favorite artists to the club for a concert and a big party.
Join Us!
Folk Festival
Get ready to find your folk! The Ann Arbor Folk Festival is a two-night extravaganza in late January, showcasing up-and-coming artists, a few veterans you may have missed, and headlining acts.
Find Your Folk!