316 S. Main, Ann Arbor
761-1451
theark.org
316 S. Main (734) 761–1451
Michigan’s leading showcase for American and international performers of all forms of traditional and roots music and contemporary songwriting. Shows almost every night at 8 p.m. Mon.–Sat. & 7:30 p.m. Sun., unless otherwise noted. Tickets are sold in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office (734-763-TKTS) & TheArk.org, and at the door. Note: Mask required if, per the Washtenaw County Health Department, the county is at a high community level for Covid-19.
Upcoming Events
October 14, 2025: Gretchen Pleuss / Annie Bacon & Her OSHEN
Double bill of local singer-songwriters. Pleuss writes songs that are both emotive and smart, and Midwest Action writer Dan Jarvis says “fans of Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, and other folk luminaries will appreciate Gretchen's gorgeous arrangements and thought-provoking songwriting.” Bacon, a San Francisco transplant, fronts a quintet that plays a mix of thoughtful Americana folk-rock tunes.
October 15, 2025: Cole Chaney.
Young Appalachian-bred country-folk singer-songwriter & guitarist who writes poignant and heartfelt story songs equally influenced by bluegrass and 90s rock. “Cole’s music transcends boundaries, captivating audiences across the country with his soulful voice and electrifying stage presence,” writes Melodic Magazine. Opener: Wild Horses, a young country-folk ensemble from Minnesota. $24.
October 16, 2025: Lindsay Lou.
Michigan-bred, Nashville-based Americana singer-songwriter best known locally as the frontwoman of the former Michigan bluegrass band The Flatbellys. Rolling Stone calls her “an artist who has been deftly weaving bluegrass into ethereal, indie-folk explorations.” Opener: Cousin Curtiss, a Northern Michigan singer-songwriter. $29.
October 17, 2025: Carrie Newcomer.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter and dynamic performer from northern Indiana whose songs explore the nourishments of the spirit in everyday life with a gritty realism and soft-spoken charm. A stylish singer with a dark, smoky alto, she uses a honky-tonk drawl and a bluesy purr to give her songs a seasoned toughness and a seductive sensuality that’s tempered by her Quaker roots. $29.
October 18, 2025: Carbon Leaf.
Acoustic Celtic-rock quintet from Richmond (VA). A Performing Songwriter critic calls the band’s 2007 CD, Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat, “four easy steps to rock ’n’ roll bliss.” $40.
October 19, 2025: David Nail.
Veteran Nashville country singer-songwriter from Missouri known for his raw & direct lyrics and powerful voice. “Nail’s robust, resonant tenor just might be country’s most limber and soulful this side of Ronnie Dunn,” writes The Washington Post. $40.
October 20, 2025: Seth Walker.
Blues-based down-home Americana by this singer-songwriter from Ashville who has been praised for blending “the grit of Delbert McClinton and the detail and insight of Robert Cray.” $29.
October 21, 2025: Jesse Cook.
Rumba-flamenco fusion by this Canadian guitar virtuoso known for his challenging, intricately expressive original compositions and for his high-powered live shows. His influential 2000 CD, Free Fall, features a characteristic mix of breakneck dancescapes and pensive ballads, along with the remarkable “On Walks the Night,” a song that, according to Jazziz reviewer Jonathan Widran, “practically creates a whole new genre—hip-hop gypsy.” $56.
October 22, 2025: 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 (seniors, $2 members & students, free).
October 23, 2025: Madi Diaz.
A Nashville-based singer-songwriter, and Harry Styles backup singer, Diaz writes tender yet unsentimental love songs which she delivers in a rich and enchanting voice. She has a new album, Weird Faith, which, according to one Pitchfork reviewer, “makes even the most immovable feelings open up with just a little time and space.” Opener: Clover County, a young country-pop singer-songwriter from Georgia.
October 24, 2025: Steve Poltz.
The former lead singer of the Rugburns, Poltz is best known as the coauthor of Jewel’s hit single “You Were Meant for Me.” He’s also a famously enchanting live performer who works without a set list to be free to respond to the mood of a room. $35.
October 25, 2025: Jackopierce.
Pop-rock originals by this veteran Texas singer-songwriter duo of Jack O’Neill and Cary Pierce known for their well-crafted, literate songs and lyrical melodies. Their brand-new album, Feel This Good, is their first studio project in 5 years. $35.
October 26, 2025: Dan Tyminski Band.
Bluegrass ensemble led by Tyminski, the guitarist and mandolinist in Alison Krauss’s Union Station most widely known as the singing voice of George Clooney in O Brother, Where Art Thou? A benefit for the Ark. $60 & up.
October 27, 2025: Eric D. Johnson.
Chicago-based singer-songwriter best known as the frontman of the influential indie folk-rock band Fruit Bats. Tonight he plays a solo show of songs from the brand-new Fruit Bats album Baby Man. $35.
October 28, 2025: Alice Wallace.
Young Nashville-based pop-country singer-songwriter. Free; nonperishable donations for Food Gatherers accepted.
October 31, 2025: Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective & Blueshouse.
Double bill. Blueshouse is a local blues trio led by veteran English singer-guitarist Mike Brooks, and Brain Plasticity is a collective, also led by Brooks, comprising some 20 musicians of various ages and levels of expertise. Instruments include ukuleles, guitar, flute, percussion, trumpet, accordion, bass, and melodica. A benefit for Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. $29.
Past Events
September 21, 2025: Dan Rodriguez & Heather Maloney. (More Info)
September 19, 2025: Djangophonique and Harmonious Wail. (More Info)
September 9, 2025: Socks in the Frying Pan. (More Info)
