Presented by A2 Jazz Fest Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and respected jazz artists to have emerged in our generation. His latest project, Where Are We, marks the first time that Joshua has included a vocalist (Gabrielle Cavassa) on a record, and features Aaron Parks on piano, Joe Sanders on bass, and Brian Blade on drums.
After a series of indie releases and growing buzz in the Atlanta music scene, Shawn Mullins’ critical and commercial breakthrough came when 1998 Soul’s Core shot him to fame on the strength of Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit, “Lullaby” followed by AAA/Americana No. 1 hit “Beautiful Wreck” from 2006’s 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor. For the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album, Shawn revisited the music of Soul’s Core by recording two new versions of the album. This is not a remix or a remaster of the original, but rather brand new recordings with new arrangements of the songs – one album is stripped down solo performances, some on guitar, some on piano and maybe one a cappella and the second is a new studio recording with his full band.
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and folk icon Tom Paxton is back, and he's teaming up with the Grammy-winning Nashville singer/songwriter duo The DonJuans—Don Henry & Jon Vezner. Within days of writing and playing together, the trio knew they were onto something, and they soon took it on the road. This will be Tom’s last area performance as he’s retiring from the road in spring 2025.
This show has been cancelled. Refunds were issued through original point of purchase.
Special Guest: Jack Van Cleaf
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesFor nearly two decades, Willie Watson has made modern folk music rooted in older traditions. He’s a folksinger in the classic sense: a singer, storyteller, and traveler with a catalog of songs that bridge the gap between the past and present.
Legendary Michigan songwriter, Jay Stielstra, whose life and art will long be remembered by our Michigan community, has left us a treasured legacy of unforgettable songs, musical plays, and other writings. To celebrate Jay’s life and music, a roster of beloved Michigan musicians will bring the songs from Jay’s many musical plays, including Jay’s iconic North Country Opera, and more, to the The Ark stage.
Special Guest: Angel White
The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United StatesKaitlin Butts has a deep affinity for country music’s more theatrical side: the extravagant storytelling, dazzling showmanship, songs embedded with both unbridled emotion and quick-fire humor. After discovering her passion for performing as a little girl, the Tulsa native later brought her boundless energy and radiant voice to her own unapologetic yet soulful songwriting. When it came time to create her third album, the Nashville-based musician leaned into her lifelong love of musical theater and dreamed up a modern-day reimagining of the soundtrack to her all-time favorite musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! The result: a high-concept but candidly autobiographical LP called Roadrunner!, whose 17 powerhouse songs show the full force and extraordinary depth of Butts’ artistry for the very first time.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this show has been postponed to November 7th. All previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new date. If unable to attend on the new date, ticket holders have until October 17th to request a refund.
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.
The Ark’s Artist Spotlight Series is made possible with support from Ford Philanthropy. It is presented live, and also livestreamed on The Ark’s Facebook page. Humbird (Siri Undlin) is a Minneapolis based singer-songwriter, poet, and storyteller inspired by the crystalline chill of her home state’s northern winters. Undlin twines experimental indie folk rock, environmental Americana, and orchestral compositions into lush landscapes of mesmerizing sound.
When you think of a singer-songwriter, who comes to mind? Nathan Graham says it probably isn’t somebody who looks like he does, and he wants to change that. Born and raised in Chicago, Graham meshes South Side Blues with Nashville Americana, beginning his career backing blues singers at famous haunts like Buddy Guy’s Legends and Kingston Mines. He spent a decade as a guitar-for-hire before picking up a mic to tell his own stories on the stage. Soulful and steady, Graham’s music offers a raw introspective of the human condition that’s both painful and comforting. His guitar conveys heartbreak, lyrics tell stories of regret, but his rich vocal delivery offers the remedy.
A long time friend of The Ark, Vienna Teng performs for The Ark's 28th annual Fall Fundraiser. Upper tier tickets include a dessert reception followed by a pre-show conversation with Vienna Teng.