House of Waters

The “Jimi Hendrix of the Hammered Dulcimer” (NPR), Max ZT is an innovator of an instrument rarely heard in contemporary music. With roots in Irish folk music, Max has studied in Senegal, where he trained with the Cissoko Griot family, and India, where he studied under the santoor master Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. His unorthodox playing style has been a pioneering force in revolutionizing dulcimer techniques. Moto Fukushima is a recognized master of the six-string bass. With a background in jazz improvisation, Western classical music and the music of South America, Moto’s playing is a combination of finesse, subtlety, and power that leaves audiences “slack-jawed in awe.” (Jazz Wise) Nominated for the Best Contemporary Instrumental album at the 2024 GRAMMY awards, House of Waters is at the forefront of jazz innovation.

What happens when you blend jazz, funk, and world music with a touch of bluegrass? BIG FUN! Based in Traverse City, Michigan, BIG FUN will take you to a sonic land you’ve never experienced before, with Don Julin (Billy Strings) on banjo, Joe Wilson (Steppin’ In It) on dobro, Jack Dryden on double bass, Will Harris on percussion and bandleader/composer Jeff Haas (Building Bridges with Music) at the Ark grand. The group’s shared passion for musical fusion creates a serendipitous acoustic sound palate. BIG FUN promises you an unforgettable night of innovative compositions, soulful melodies, and rhythmic journeys that defy musical margins.

Born in South Florida to a Jamaican father and Barbadian mother, brothers Malcom and Umoja learned to play violin through South Florida’s public school system, and attended Dillard High School for the Performing Arts. Together, these brothers are Sons of Mystro. They use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs and their own creations. Sons of Mystro are a little bit classical, a little bit R&B, and like nothing you’ve heard before!

Jacob V. Warren is well known to Ark audiences. He’s played with the eclectic and rising acoustic music group Westbound Situation, and he’s a frequent guest with San and Emily Slomovits, often under the billing San, Emily, & Jacob, and in a folk-classical duo with violinist-guitarist Grant Flick. Now it’s time for a Jacob Warren solo show! This local multi-style bassist performs an eclectic mix of solo double-bass arrangements in various genres. Special guests on this show will include Grant Flick, John Solari, Zola Hightower, and more!