Week of Events
Let’s Pretend.
Let’s Pretend.
Jazz, country, and pop tunes by this local trio led by bassist Tim Berla and fronted by vocalist Naya Loftus.
Dennis Gregg.
Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings.
Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings.
Local 10-piece big band led by tubaist Chris Smith that specializes in the old-time big band music of the late 1920s and early 1930s associated with Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver.
Open Stage.
Open Stage.
All acoustic performers invited. Fifteen acts are selected randomly from those who sign up (doors open 7:30 p.m.) to perform 8 minutes (or 2 songs) each. The most talented and popular Open Stage performers are offered their own evenings at the Ark. $3 (members & students, free).
Steve Somers & Friends.
Steve Somers & Friends.
Jazz & blues standards by an ensemble led by WCC jazz guitar instructor Somers.
Davy Knowles.
Davy Knowles.
This acclaimed English blues guitar virtuoso, who Peter Frampton calls “the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century,” is known for his commanding stage presence, searing riffs, and tasteful improvisations. Knowles has played with a who’s who of rock and blues greats, including Jeff Beck, The Who, Joe Bonamassa, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Thorogood, and […]
The Heavy Heavy.
The Heavy Heavy.
All ages. Soulful rock ‘n’ roll quintet from Brighton, England fronted by the singer-songwriter duo of Georgie Fuller & William Turner. Its sound is a throwback to 60s sun-drenched Laurel Canyon folk-pop mixed with early English psychedelia. They “write and play music with that lick of madness that makes early Fleetwood Mac and peak Stones […]
Billy Brandt & Elaine Schoendorf.
Billy Brandt & Elaine Schoendorf.
Duo of veteran Detroit country-flavored psychedelic folk-rock singer-songwriters.
Billy Brandt & Elaine Schoendorf.
Billy Brandt & Elaine Schoendorf.
Duo of veteran Detroit country-flavored psychedelic folk-rock singer-songwriters.
Easy Street Jazz Band.
Easy Street Jazz Band.
Early jazz classics from Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith to Louis Armstrong and beyond by this veteran local septet led by trombonist Terry Kimura.
Jazz Jam Session.
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears.
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears.
Propulsive blues- and- funk-inflected garage-rock by this Texas band led by Lewis, a gravel-voiced singer-guitarist who’s been described as a cross between Howlin' Wolf and James Brown. “Lewis can unleash a stirring scream, a cauterizing billow of noise that’s sure to flutter your nervous system,” writes one Pitchfork reviewer. $29.
Will Conrad.
Will Conrad.
Jackson-area psychedelic blues-rock singer-guitarist. Openers: the Jackson alt-rock bands Benefit The Modern and Townscratch F.C. $14.
Kahil El’Zabar & David Murray.
Kahil El’Zabar & David Murray.
Jazz ensemble, led by World Saxophone Quartet cofounder Murray and Chicago-based percussionist El’Zabar, which draws on African rhythms, contemporary hip-hop, and R&B to perform avant-garde arrangements of material from the American Songbook, early 20th-century jazz standards, show tunes, and popular songs. 8 p.m. $40 (dinner & show, $80).
Brielle Chalou.
Earthwork Music Collective.
Earthwork Music Collective.
With performances by popular local singer-songwriter Sari Brown, Kalamazoo ambient artist Mike Savina, Grand Rapids country-folk & Americana singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma, and Ralston Bowles, a Grand Rapids singer-songwriter whose songs are known for their nervy, biting wit. 7–10 p.m. $25.
Brielle Chalou.
Indie Rock Royalty.
“Sound Invaders.”
“Sound Invaders.”
Showcase of ambient and electronic music. Hosted by the local synthwave ambient artist Omo.
“MixPlate.”
Mark Jewett & The Strategic Advisors.
Mark Jewett & The Strategic Advisors.
Country-tinged pop-rock by this Detroit-area band led by Jewett, a veteran area singer-songwriter & guitarist whose music is inspired by the likes of Randy Newman, John Prine, and Nick Lowe. Opener: Jackamo, a Detroit indie folk-rock duo. $29.
Ken Kozora Quartet.
Ken Kozora Quartet.
World fusion ensemble led by multi-instrumentalist Kozora, a veteran local jazz luminary. With saxophonist/flutist Paul Vornhagen, drummer John Churchville, and Robert Spalding Newcomb on guitar, sitar, & synths.
The Pherotones.
The Pherotones.
A wide range of jazz and jazzed-up popular music, from the 1920s to the present, by this all-star local quintet. With trumpeter Ross Huff, pianist Giancarlo Aversa, bassist Brennan Andes, violinist Jordan Adema, and drummer Wes Fritzemeier.
Tito Villarreal.
Blake James.
Travis Faber.
The Reverend Jesse Ray.
The Reverend Jesse Ray.
High-energy primal blues-rock by this Grand Rapids one-man-band who sings over guitar, harmonica, and foot drums.
The Sideshow Saints.
Indie Rock Royalty.
Felicia Cruz.
Telepathic Wax.
Reckless Manner.
Howie Day.
Howie Day.
Folk-rock singer-songwriter from Bangor, Maine, known for his emotionally direct lyrics, melodic inventiveness, and lively, passionate vocals. In his live shows, Day employs digital loops to create elaborate instrumental arrangements and harmonies. “The term ‘one man band’ comes to mind, but his live incarnation is really so much more than that,” writes Glide Magazine. “Day’s […]
“Emo Night Brooklyn.”
Noah Hogan Quartet.
Noah Hogan Quartet.
Jazz ensemble led by this local guitarist, a U-M grad currently pursuing a degree in jazz performance at NYU.
Kelly “Bird” McDermott.
Kelly “Bird” McDermott.
Ensemble led by this local jazz flutist-vocalist. With pianist Phil Lesky and drummer Marc Smith.
Full Tilt Boogie.
Kay Harper.
Eric Moore & The Fugitives.
Eric Moore & The Fugitives.
A new country side project by veteran local singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist Moore. 8:30 p.m.
Jim Cherewick.
The Kis Bennah Duo.
Shallow Orbits.
Shallow Orbits.
New blues-based folk-rock band led by Highland singer-songwriter Doug Larsen. Tonight they are joined by local singer-songwriters Scott Shadow and Bluesdad.
Sudden Merganzer.
The James Hunter Six.
The James Hunter Six.
English R&B singer-songwriter and guitarist with a smooth, tight, deliciously full vocal style that draws on Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and other classic 50s R&B singers. Van Morrison once called him “one of the best voices, and best-kept secrets, in British R&B and soul.” Opener: McKinley James, a Nashville singer-songwriter & guitarist whose […]
Hemmingway Lane.
Hemmingway Lane.
Detroit-area indie rock band. Openers: the Chicago bluesy indie pop singer-songwriter Jenny Scara, the indie alt-rock band Love Circle, and the anthemic rock band Heartbreak America. $14.
Sean Dobbins Organ Trio.
Sean Dobbins Organ Trio.
Ensemble led by veteran local drummer Dobbins. Tonight it is joined by Indiana saxophonist Rob Dixon.
Kelly “Bird” McDermott.
Kelly “Bird” McDermott.
Ensemble led by this local jazz flutist-vocalist. With pianist Phil Lesky and drummer Marc Smith.
The Missing Cats.
JH Patton & The Good Companions.
Dwight Street Troubadours.
Atomic BombCatz.
Hidden Ridge.
Billy Gunther & The Midwest Riders.
Billy Gunther & The Midwest Riders.
Flint band, led by singer-guitarist Gunther, that plays a high-energy mix of country, southern-rock, and blues.
Mark Maze.
Starfish.
Starfish.
Wife-and-husband duo of local harmonica player & vocalist Brigitte Knudson and Randy Tessier, a veteran local bassist-guitarist who’s also a singer-songwriter with a knack for blending genres and storytelling.
“Irish Session.”
“Irish Session.”
All acoustic musicians invited. Hosted by Irish-ish, a trio from the Malty Taskers that plays traditional Irish music and Irish pub songs. 1–3 p.m.
Feminine Energy.
Feminine Energy.
Performances by local female singer-songwriters TBA. Hosted by Alaina Lemon and Sara Lambert.
Medicine Men.
Medicine Men.
This local dance quintet plays classic R&B and Motown. With vocalist Terry Samuels, guitarist Pete Bullard, keyboardist Andy Adamson, bassist Doug Katchorek, and drummer Mike Moneart. They are backed by the Westside Girls, the vocal duo of Cheryl McIntire and Carol Shaw.
“Stinking Good Comedy & Music.”
“Stinking Good Comedy & Music.”
With local stand-up comics & musical actsTBA. Hosted by comic Tommy Cook.
Sunday, July 5, 2026
No events on this day.
Monday, July 6, 2026
No events on this day.
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
No events on this day.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
No events on this day.
Thursday, July 9, 2026
No events on this day.
Friday, July 10, 2026
No events on this day.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
No events on this day.