Bil Lepp is an award-winning storyteller, author, and recording artist. He’s the host of the History Channel’s Man Vs History series, the occasional host of NPR’s internationally syndicated Mountain Stage, and a contributing columnist to the West Virginia Gazette-Mail. Bil’s humorous, family friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life.
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 of it, Open Stage nights offer supportive audiences and a terrific space. Performers have eight minutes (or two songs) each to do their thing. Doors open at 7:30, and names are drawn at 7:55 and 8:30. If your name isn't chosen, bring your raffle ticket with you next time, and you'll double your chances.
Opener: The Minor Pieces
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesAudrey Ray is a rising country music singer-songwriter hailing from Michigan, with a journey that has taken her from her hometown to Nashville and beyond. Music has always been a constant in her life, from her early days singing in church choirs to organizing her own performances at local coffee shops as a middle schooler. By the time she was old enough to hit the local bar scene, Audrey was already rocking full-band shows, carving out her own path in the music industry. Over the years, she has continuously pushed forward, building a reputation and working with some of country music's finest.
Brothers Brian and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn grew up playing music together around their hometown of Carlow, a small town in the southeast of Ireland. After moving to Dublin in 2012, they quickly became a staple of the live music and session scene in Ireland, playing their own original songs as well as folk songs from Ireland, Scotland, England and America.
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.
Mustard’s Retreat has always sung the songs they enjoyed and cared about, regardless of the trends of the music industry and pop culture. They are committed to simply being themselves, not chasing fame or brass rings, while delighting in and connecting with their audiences as if they were family. The honesty of what they present onstage and the extensive body of outstanding original songs and recordings all contribute to a fiercely loyal audience that continues to grow.
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 of it, Open Stage nights offer supportive audiences and a terrific space. Performers have eight minutes (or two songs) each to do their thing. Doors open at 7:30, and names are drawn at 7:55 and 8:30. If your name isn't chosen, bring your raffle ticket with you next time, and you'll double your chances.
Dave Simonett has spent almost two decades as the lead singer, guitar player and songwriter for the widely popular and beloved roots band, Tramped By Turtles. He also fronts Dead Man Winter, a bull-bodied, emotionally resonant brand of Americana-infused indie rock band. He now boldly steps forward with a shining collection of new solo material for the first time under his own name called Red Tail.
Mike Dawes has a torn tendon in his bicep and it’s just too painful for him to perform for the next few months. Unfortunately, he’s going to have to reschedule his performance at The Ark on 2/12/26 to a “to be announce date" in 2026. We expect to have a new performance date confirmed soon! Tickets purchased for this show will be valid for the new date. Once the new date is announced, ticket holders will have thirty days to request a refund if they cannot make the new date.
The 21st Annual celebration of love and music hosted featuring Annie & Rod Capps, Shari Kane & Dave Steele, and Whit & Al Hill. Three acclaimed musical duos who also happen to be partners in life share the stage, swapping songs and stories. You can expect some collaborating both planned and spontaneous.
Presenting the 2026 Reunion Tour of “On A Winter’s Night” from veteran singer-songwriters that remain among the brightest stars of the singer-songwriter movement for the past three decades. In 1994 Christine Lavin gathered them together, along with folk and Americana artists to showcase music of the Winter Season on the now-classic On A Winter’s Night CD, followed by several years of touring collaborations. These artists have released dozens of recordings and toured steadily through the decades, with fond memories of their touring days together.
RJ Cowdery (Ohio), Katie Dahl (Wisconsin), and Hope Dunbar (New Jersey) may be from three different states, but they all share a knack for razor-sharp lyrics, wicked humor, compelling vocals, and unflinching truth-telling. All alumni of the prestigious Kerrville New Folk competition, Cowdery, Dahl, and Dunbar each tour the country individually, but are teaming up for this powerhouse triple bill. Don’t miss this chance to see three of the country’s most respected songwriters, swapping songs with one another in an in-the-round format.