The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI 48104 United States
A haggis is a tasty Scottish dish consisting of sheep heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oatmeal, onion, suet, and spices, and then boiled inside the sheep’s stomach. The Canadian-Scots […]
The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI 48104 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 […]
The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI 48104 United States
Lúnasa is an Irish traditional band with a rhythmic difference. Rhythm—their ingenious application of it, and their clear mastery of it—has made Lúnasa one of the most influential and innovative […]
The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI 48104 United States
It’s hard to think of an artist in traditional Irish music more influential than Seamus Egan. From his beginnings as a teen prodigy, to his groundbreaking solo work with Shanachie […]
The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI 48104 United States
Tartan Terrors are not a band but, in the words of the organizers, “North America’s premiere Celtic event, featuring the best in music, comedy and dance.” Amazed by the blistering […]
The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI 48104 United States
Gaelic Storm’s sound mixes traditional Irish music with modern influences, creating songs as wide-ranging as the band’s own audience. From bluegrass fans and country cowboys to Deadheads, rock & rollers, and Celtic fanatics, Gaelic Storm has built one of the most diverse fan bases in modern music. This band has spark and spirit that’s only grown over their 20 years on the road and through an appearance in the blockbuster film “Titanic.” Gaelic Storm’s music weaves influences from rock, bluegrass, Jamaican, African, and Middle Eastern music that may surprise those expecting purely traditional Celtic music. They make new Celtic music for today’s world! Gaelic Storm comes to Michigan with a new release, “Go Climb a Tree.”
The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI 48104 United States
Finvarra’s Wren is one of North America’s most exciting Irish quartets. “Making the kind of music you’d only expect to hear on the west coast of Ireland” (Metro Times), the members of this Detroit, Michigan based band are intensely dedicated to their instruments and craft.
The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI 48104 United States
Named Ireland’s Folk Band of the Year, The High Kings all grew up in households soaked in the Irish musical tradition, and each member of the band witnessed firsthand the power of well-crafted Irish music on an audience. They have sold out hundreds of shows, in Ireland and the U.S., made numerous TV appearances, and achieved platinum status twice. The High Kings showcase their incredible versatility and skills as multi-instrumentalists, playing 13 instruments between them bringing a rousing acoustic flavor to brand-new songs as well as some old favorites. The High Kings are continuing to live up to their reputation as a phenomenal live band, serving up laughter, good times, and even the odd sing-along. They are, quite simply, one of the great bands in Celtic music.
The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI 48104 United States
Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan met ten years ago, late one night backstage at a theater in rural Pennsylvania. Brian’s band Enter The Haggis and Rose’s group Burning Bridget Cleary were sharing a stage that evening, and the two bonded over a love of Irish fiddle tunes, Radiohead, and 4 a.m. whiskey. Their paths crossed a dozen times over the next decade on the road, but it wasn’t until a 2014 conference that they finally became musical collaborators. Burning Bridget Cleary’s guitarist and drummer had their flights canceled at the last minute, and Rose (in desperation) asked Brian to grab a guitar and join her onstage. The two performed with virtually no rehearsal for over an hour, and their connection was powerful and immediate. A few months later Brian moved from Canada to Philadelphia, and as a tribute to the first tune Rose ever taught Brian, House of Hamill was born. Brian and Rose are both accomplished traditional fiddle players and classical violinists, and despite being young, have over 25 years of writing and performance experience between them. Together, they write unusual new fiddle tunes and exciting, unpredictable original songs while also breathing new life into traditional and contemporary material.
The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI 48104 United States
Pat Byrne migrated from Ireland to Austin, Texas in late 2017. Since then, he has melded two musical cultures known for introspective lyricism and raw, from-the-heart emotion—with spectacular results. “The raspy melodic soul of Byrne’s voice recalls the emotional spells the late Austin troubadour Jimmy LaFave used to cast, though Byrne’s songwriting bears a more distinctive Irish stamp.” Pat’s 2022 single “Only a Man” featured musicians from Emmylou Harris’s band, and his new “Until It Isn’t” features production from Bruce Robison and his band, making palpable the working musician’s struggle and uncertainty, underpinned by a nostalgic arrangement of strings and harmonium.
