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
May 14, 2026: Joe Pernice.
The former frontman of the popular 90s alt-country outfit the Scud Mountain Boys and the chamber pop quintet The Pernice Brothers, this Massachusetts country-rock singer-songwriter is known for his literate, emotionally resonant lyrics and strong melodic sense. NPR calls him “a workhorse of a songwriter who delivers hard truths with the softest of whispers.” Opener: Pete Mancini, a young NYC folk-pop & Americana singer-songwriter. $24.
May 15, 2026: Jon Muq.
Ugandan pop-rock singer-songwriter whose career started when Norwegian Cruise lines hired him after seeing an online video of him entertaining a group of children. Now based in Austin, and being taken under the wing of The Black Keys co-founder Dan Auerbach, Muq has gained a following for his honest songwriting and the joyful clarity of his voice. “The velvet-voiced Muq embroiders his songs with all the euphoria and heartbreak that come with searching for a foothold in new, unfamiliar territory,” writes No Depression. $29.
May 16, 2026: “Guitar Women: An Evening with Sue Foley, Rory Block, & Cindy Cashdollar.”
Three of the most respected voices in American roots music swap songs, trade guitar solos, and share stories. Foley is a veteran Canadian blues singer-songwriter & guitarist who has drawn comparisons to both Rickie Lee Jones and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Block is one of the best traditional blues singers around, with a deft, exciting finger-picking guitar style, and she sings both traditional and original material in a voice that glides easily between delicate lyrical shadings and powerful declamation. Cashdollar is a slide guitar and pedal steel legend who has played with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, and Lyle Lovett, among others. $40.
May 17, 2026: Chris Knight.
Veteran country-rock singer-songwriter from Kentucky whose fans include Willie Nelson. Often compared to Steve Earle or Townes Van Zandt, Knight writes laconic, edgy, cinematically vivid story songs, usually about dark characters or shadowy emotions. “Knight keeps true to his Kentucky roots by weaving urban tales from the dark side,” says Nashville Rage critic Angie Glover. $29.
May 20, 2026: 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).
May 21, 2026: Suzy Bogguss.
One of the most popular and critically respected country singer-songwriters of the last 30 years, Bogguss first came on the scene in the 90s with radio hits like “Drive South,” “Outbound Plane,” and “Hey Cinderella.” She’s known for her strong, clear, expressive contralto voice and her eclectic taste, which ranges from enjoyable pop-country fluff to female-centered reinterpretations of hard-edged Merle Haggard songs and challenging material by top contemporary songwriters. A longtime local favorite. $46.
May 22, 2026: The Seldom Scene.
Revamped version of this pioneering, durably popular progressive bluegrass quintet that was founded in Bethesda (MD) in 1971. The current all-star lineup includes guitarist mandolinist Lou Reid, bassist Ronnie Simpkins, banjoist and fiddler Ron Stewart, Dobro player Fred Travers, and guitarist Clay Hess. $35.
May 26, 2026: Ike Dweck.
Brooklyn indie-folk singer-songwriter with a deep, gravely voice, who writes gritty, rock-tinged confessional songs about battling mental health and navigating relationships. Free; nonperishable donations for Food Gatherers accepted.
May 27, 2026: Paper Wings.
This Nashville duo of singer-songwriters Emily Mann and Wila Frank is known for its warm pastoral folk songs featuring delicate banjo accompaniment and spellbinding harmonies so close you often can’t tell their voices apart. Opener: The Montvales, an all-female country-folk duo from Tennessee. $24.
May 28, 2026: Dave & Kristi.
Husband-and-wife duo of singer Kristi Davis & singer-guitarist Dave Boutette, a veteran local folk-rock songwriter whose genial songs about the small ups and downs of ordinary life draw on a range of influences from Chuck Berry to Bob Dylan to Paul Westerberg. $29.
May 29, 2026: Mike Massé.
Internationally acclaimed singer-guitarist whose acoustic arrangements of popular songs are known for their originality and emotional honesty. His repertoire includes songs by Toto, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, Boston, Sarah McLachlan, and others. $35.
May 30, 2026: Kim Richey.
Sweet-voiced veteran singer-songwriter from southwestern Ohio whose music blends country themes with the irony and attitude of modern rock and the strong melodic hooks of classic pop. Her songs have been recorded by the likes of Mary Chapin Carpenter and Trisha Yearwood. Tonight Richey highlights songs from her 2025 album, Every New Beginning. Opener: Caroline Spence, a country-folk singer-songwriter from Nashville. $29.
May 31, 2026: Peter Mulvey & Jenna Nicholls.
Duo of clear-voiced Pennsylvania singer-songwriter Nicholls and Mulvey, an acclaimed folk-rock singer-songwriter from Milwaukee known for his complex guitar work, expressively playful vocals, and dark, vividly rendered lyrics. Their brand-new album, Floyd Mercantile, is a mix of originals and Tin Pan Alley standards recorded in an abandoned mercantile building in the Blue Ridge Mountains. $29.
Past Events
April 30, 2026: Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective & Blueshouse. (More Info)
April 20, 2026: Tadhg Ó Raghallaigh, Aidan Duffy, Paul Spring, and Alex Wand. (More Info)
April 18, 2026: “Mr. B’s 29th Blues and Boogie Celebration.” (More Info)
