The Ark produces events beyond the regular concert schedule including the annual Fall Fundraiser, Storytelling Festival, Voices Series, and more.
Artist Spotlight Series
The Ark’s Artist Spotlight Series is made possible with support from Ford Philanthropy. It is presented live at the club and also live-streamed on The Ark’s Facebook page and YouTube channels. The shows are FREE – nonperishables are accepted on behalf of Food Gatherers.
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.
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 is our second largest annual fundraiser after the Ann Arbor Folk Festival. Held each autumn, the Fall Fundraiser brings favorite artists to the club for a concert and a big party.
Folk Festival
Get ready to find your folk at The Ark’s largest fundraiser! 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.
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!
Email Charlotte, or call Pat at (734) 678-7549, for more information.
Storytelling Festival
The Ark’s annual Storytelling Festival in February is a three-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.
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. Open Stage takes place on select Wednesdays throughout the year. More about getting on stage.
Voices Series
Voices is a series of artist-cultivated concerts at The Ark conceived and created by Ann Arbor musician Kyler Wilkins, AKA vocal looping artist Ki5. The series seeks to expand the representation of Michigan BIPOC artists and audiences at The Ark. At each show, intentional time will be taken to get to know each artist in the form of brief interviews and musical breaks to have them speak about their journey as musicians and performers with the hope that people in the audience are more connected to and inspired by those voices.
Ark Family Room Series
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we provided our “Ark Family” with the Ark Family Room – a virtual event series streaming straight into your own family room.