The Ark316 S. MainAnn Arbor,
MI
48104United States
Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. In his early twenties, Smither turned his back on his anthropology studies and headed to Boston at the urging of legendary folk singer Eric von Schmidt. What quickly evolved from his New Orleans and Cambridge musical experiences is his enduring, singular guitar sound – a beat-driven finger-picking, strongly influenced by the playing of Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin’ Hopkins, layered over the ever-present backbeat of his rhythmic, tapping feet (always mic’d in performance).
The Ark316 S. MainAnn Arbor,
MI
48104United States
Once a year, Mark “Mr. B” Braun, Ann Arbor’s own wizard of blues and boogie piano music, comes together with other top piano players from around southeastern Michigan and beyond. Call it a piano summit, or perhaps a meeting of the minds! Audiences in southeastern Michigan tend to think of Mr. B as a local hero, but in fact he’s well known among fans and practitioners of blues and jazz piano music all over the country and around the world. This year Mr. B will be joined onstage by Demetrius Nabors and two surprise special guests.
The Ark316 S. MainAnn Arbor,
MI
48104United States
Los Angeles-based and critically acclaimed guitarist and singer Ana Popovic released her highly anticipated album Dance To The Rhythm (Electric Heel Records) in September 2025. Produced by Popovic and Buthel, the album showcases a groundbreaking fusion of groove, blues, funk, and soul. Building on the success of her previous work, Dance To The Rhythm pushes boundaries, seamlessly blending infectious dance grooves with raw blues guitar and powerful lyrics.
The Ark316 S. MainAnn Arbor,
MI
48104United States
Duke Tumatoe, born William “Bill” Severen Fiorio in 1947, is an American blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. He has gigged with Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, John Fogerty and George Thorogood. He was a founding member of arena-rock giants REO Speedwagon. He has released fifteen albums as the bandleader of Duke Tumatoe & The All-Star Frogs and Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio. His 1988 live album I Like My Job was produced by John Fogerty.
The Ark316 S. MainAnn Arbor,
MI
48104United States
Lemonade 20th Anniversary Tour with special guest MAKUA G. Love & Special Sauce is an American Hip-Hop Blues band known for its unique fusion of hip-hop, blues, funk, and soul. Formed in 1993 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the band originally featured Garrett Dutton, aka G. Love, as the lead vocalist and guitarist, Jeffrey Clemens on drums, and Jim Prescott on bass. The trio quickly gained attention for their laid-back, groovy style and G. Love’s unique vocal delivery, blending rap-like spoken word with bluesy singing.
The Ark316 S. MainAnn Arbor,
MI
48104United States
Fantastic Negrito is a powerhouse performer whose live shows are charged with emotion, intensity, and connection. Blending Delta blues, soul, funk, and rock, he delivers dynamic sets built on rhythm, storytelling, and fearless expression. The Oakland-born artist — a three-time GRAMMY winner — has earned a reputation for transforming every show into a deeply engaging, unforgettable experience.
The Ark316 S. MainAnn Arbor,
MI
48104United States
Larry McCray is a powerhouse bluesman with a soul-soaked voice, blistering guitar chops, and a story embodying the spirit of his music. With his new album Heartbreak City, McCray turns the page on a new chapter—raw, joyful, and deeply personal. Produced by blues-rock champions and Grammy Nominated duo Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, Heartbreak City finds the legendary singer and guitarist firing on all cylinders, reconnecting with his roots while stepping boldly forward.
The Ark316 S. MainAnn Arbor,
MI
48104United States
Chicago guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and multiple Blues Music Award-winner Ronnie Baker Brooks is one of the city’s—and the world’s—most undeniably talented and electrifying bluesmen. Ronnie was born into Chicago blues royalty as the son of legendary multiple GRAMMY Award nominee, Hall Of Famer, and longtime Alligator Records recording star Lonnie Brooks. He is among the few contemporary blues artists who learned his craft directly from many of the genre’s icons, including Albert Collins, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor and, most significantly, his father.
Royal Oak Music Theatre318 W 4th StRoyal Oak,
MI
48067United States
Get ready for an unforgettable night of blues and rock ‘n’ roll featuring three great Grammy nominated bands that define the current day and future of blues rock.
The Ark316 S. MainAnn Arbor,
MI
48104United States
Although award-winning Florida musician Selwyn Birchwood is firmly rooted in the tradition, the young guitarist, lap steel player, songwriter and vocalist sets a course for the future of the blues with his visionary, original music. Birchwood, whose band features the pulsating interplay of his blistering guitar with Regi Oliver’s driving baritone sax, deploys a singular sound and style all his own. He calls it “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues,” an intoxicating mix of deep blues, blistering, psychedelic-tinged rock, booty-shaking funk and sweet Southern soul, played and sung with the fire-and-brimstone fervor of a revival tent preacher with a hellhound on his trail.
