Live music clubs / Downtown Ann Arbor (Main St)
The Ark
A nonprofit acoustic listening room on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor, presenting folk, roots and singer-songwriter concerts about 300 nights a year.
01 / The story of this place
Make time for these
The Ark is a nonprofit listening room that presents folk, roots, Americana, bluegrass, world and singer-songwriter concerts on roughly 300 nights a year. Shows are seated, and the room keeps a strict listening atmosphere. The Ark also organizes the annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival, whose 50th edition takes place at Hill Auditorium in January 2027.
- About 300 concert nights a year
- Seated listening-room shows
- Organizer of Ann Arbor Folk Festival
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Sources & fact check · Checked: 2026-09-25
An independently written bilingual guide. This collection is not an attendance-based ranking.
03 / Events
Events at this place
Published events automatically linked from our event guide. Times are local to the venue.
Oct 8, 2026, 8:00 PMMartin Sexton: Live Wide Open Tour 2026
Martin Sexton embarks on a tour commemorating the 25th anniversary of the critically acclaimed double vinyl live album Live Wide Open. The performance features fan favorites along with new songs and surprise covers.
Oct 9, 2026, 8:00 PMScythian
Scythian is a four-member band named after Ukrainian nomads, blending Celtic, Eastern European, and Appalachian roots music with technical precision and energetic performances. Their live shows combine a barn-dance atmosphere, rock concert intensity, and diverse folk traditions.
Oct 10, 2026, 8:00 PMBadass Women Band
Badass Women Band is a dynamic all-female group blending rock, folk, and funk influences. Featuring Annie Bacon, Annie Capps, Sara Gibson, Anne Heaton, Carolyn Koebel, Cori Somers, and Julianna Wilson, they deliver soulful tunes and empowering performances.
Oct 12, 2026, 8:00 PMAlash
Alash are masters of traditional Tuvan instruments and the ancient art of throat singing, a technique for producing multiple pitches simultaneously. They blend traditional Tuvan music with western influences, creating a unique, fresh style true to their heritage.
Oct 13, 2026, 8:00 PMDuane Betts & Palmetto Motel
Duane Betts continues the Southern rock tradition, blending his father Dickey Betts' legacy with his own soulful mix of blues, passion, and skilled guitar work. Supported by Palmetto Motel, their live show features roots rock, blues, and improvisational jams for an authentic and energetic experience.
Oct 14, 2026, 8:00 PMOff Book - A Force of Tour
Off Book is an improvised musical comedy podcast and show created by Jessica and Zach, known for their music in acclaimed series like the WGA-winning Baking It and Rick and Morty. The performance has appeared at various notable comedy festivals recognized for its unique blend of humor and music.
Oct 15, 2026, 8:00 PMOff Book - A Force of Tour
Off Book is an improvised musical comedy podcast and show created by Jessica and Zach, known for their music in acclaimed series like the WGA-winning Baking It and Rick and Morty. The performance has appeared at various notable comedy festivals recognized for its unique blend of humor and music.
Oct 16, 2026, 8:00 PMMike Dawes Concert
Mike Dawes is an English guitarist renowned for his simultaneous multi-part fingerstyle playing on a single guitar. He has been recognized twice as the world's best acoustic guitarist and has achieved viral and mainstream success, including collaborations with Grammy-nominated artists.
Oct 17, 2026, 8:00 PMCarbon Leaf concert in Ann Arbor
Carbon Leaf presents their fifteenth studio album, Time is the Playground, at The Ark in Ann Arbor. The album features 12 songs blending nostalgic storytelling with folk-infused indie rock, reflecting on time, love, and personal growth.
Oct 18, 2026, 1:00 PMWheelchair Sports Camp & Gaelynn Lea
Part of the Michigan Arts Festival, the U-M Arts Initiative and partners present a free concert and discussion with artists Wheelchair Sports Camp and Gaelynn Lea in Ann Arbor. After the concert, Gaelynn Lea's 2026 memoir will be available for purchase and signing at Booksweet.
Oct 18, 2026, 7:30 PMEmily Slomovits & Friends
Emily Slomovits has been playing violin since age seven, blending classical training with jazz and folk fiddle styles. She performs solo, with her family's duo Gemini, and in various ensembles including string quartets and folk bands. She has also appeared in theatrical productions.
Oct 19, 2026, 8:00 PMBonnie "Prince" Billy
Bonnie "Prince" Billy, the stage name of Will Oldham, presents his latest album We Are Together Again, which explores themes of friendship, community, and artistic persistence amid a changing world. The album carries a message of human beauty and hope through shared voices in challenging times.
Oct 20, 2026, 8:00 PMThe Ark's Open Stage
The Ark's Open Stage offers performers the chance to showcase their talents for eight minutes or two songs. Names are drawn to determine the performance order, creating a supportive environment for musicians to practice live performance or simply enjoy playing for an audience.
Oct 21, 2026, 8:00 PMSav Madigan, The Burney Sisters and Emma Zinck
This event features Sav Madigan’s long-awaited solo album Mockingbird Suite, Emma Zinck’s brand new album Am I Country Enough, and The Burney Sisters’ latest EP Elaine. An intimate evening of storytelling and music combining three distinct musical journeys into one special night.
Oct 22, 2026, 8:00 PMBuffalo Rose at The Ark in Ann Arbor
Buffalo Rose, a six-piece band from Pittsburgh, plays Thursday, October 22 at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Their sound blends Theatre Kid Americana with a lively, bright energy that shines most in their live shows.
Oct 23, 2026, 8:00 PMJackopierce
Jackopierce, the legendary duo of Jack O’Neill and Cary Pierce, plays Friday, October 23, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. They've toured worldwide for 35 years and bring their high-energy live show again.
Oct 24, 2026, 8:00 PMThe Tallest Man on Earth
Swedish singer-songwriter The Tallest Man on Earth plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday, October 24, at 8 p.m. His music reflects influences from Bob Dylan and early American folk, delivered with distinctive acoustic guitar and vocals.
Oct 25, 2026, 7:30 PMThe Tallest Man on Earth Live at The Ark in Ann Arbor
Kristian Matsson, known as The Tallest Man on Earth, a folk musician and songwriter, performs on Sunday, October 25, at 7:30 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Fans of Bob Dylan's vibe will want to check him out.
Oct 26, 2026, 8:00 PMThe Ark’s Open Stage
The Ark hosts its Open Stage on Monday, October 26, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Performers get eight minutes or two songs in a supportive room; tickets are at the door, $3, free for students and Ark members.
Oct 27, 2026, 8:00 PMExtra Credit
Extra Credit pairs research talks from three University of Michigan professors with top improvisers from hear.say theater on Tuesday, October 27, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Smart prompts turn into on-the-spot scenes. Free, no tickets; live and livestreamed.
Oct 28, 2026, 8:00 PMHaggis X-1 (featuring members of Enter the Haggis)
Haggis X-1 hits The Ark in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, October 28, at 8 p.m., mixing Enter the Haggis favorites like “One Last Drink” with new Celtic rock. Tickets $35.
Oct 29, 2026, 8:00 PMKylee Phillips: Before I Am Invisible album release show
Michigan singer-songwriter Kylee Phillips celebrates her first full-length on Thursday, October 29, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor with a full-band set. Expect dense guitars, drums, and synths. Tickets are $29; online/phone prices include MUTO’s fee, or buy in person at The Ark box office with no added fees.
Oct 30, 2026, 8:00 PMLucy Kaplansky
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Friday, October 30, at 8 p.m., bringing songs from her new retrospective, The Lucy Story. Tickets are $29; online/phone prices include fees, while in-person box office purchases have no added fees.
Oct 31, 2026, 8:00 PMMurray Hill – Showbiz! The Tour
Comedian Murray Hill brings Showbiz! The Tour to The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday, October 31, at 8 p.m. A cabaret-meets-stand-up, behind-the-curtain romp with his live band THE BALONEY SANDWICHES—his debut comedy show in Ann Arbor. Tickets $40, with a VIP package available.
Nov 2, 2026, 8:00 PMJohn Splithoff – Stripped Tour
John Splithoff brings the Stripped Tour to The Ark in Ann Arbor on Monday, November 2, at 8 p.m. Expect fan favorites in fresh, pared‑back versions. Tickets are $40, with a VIP package available.
Nov 3, 2026, 8:00 PMTeddy Thompson
London-born, Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 8 p.m. He’s touring behind Never Be The Same, his first album of originals since 2020. Tickets are $29; online/phone prices include MUTO’s processing fee, while in-person box office purchases have no included fees.
Nov 5, 2026, 8:00 PMJohn Cowan Trio
Canceled: The John Cowan Trio show scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor has been called off. Tickets were refunded at the original point of purchase.
Nov 6, 2026, 8:00 PMThe Minor Pieces
The Minor Pieces play an Americana/folk/roots-rock show on Friday, November 6, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Soulful vocals and smooth guitar with shades of Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Red Clay Strays, and Wilco. Tickets $29; online/phone prices include MUTO fees, while in-person box office purchases have no added fees.
Nov 7, 2026, 8:00 PMAdam Ezra Group
Adam Ezra Group plays Saturday, November 7, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Folk/Americana soul with rock ’n’ roll energy and no fixed setlist, built around the room’s vibe. Tickets are $35; online/phone prices include MUTO’s fee, while in-person box office purchases have no added fees.
Nov 9, 2026, 8:00 PMThe Ark’s Open Stage
The Ark hosts Open Stage on Monday, November 9, at 8 p.m. in Ann Arbor. Supportive room and solid sound; tickets are at the door, $3, free for students and Ark members.
Nov 10, 2026, 7:30 PMVeterans for Peace Concert
The Ark hosts the annual Veterans for Peace Chapter 93 benefit on Tuesday, November 10, at 7:30 p.m. in Ann Arbor. Proceeds support peace studies scholarships and programs for combat veterans living with serious trauma. Tickets are $24.
Nov 11, 2026, 8:00 PMHiss Golden Messenger
Hiss Golden Messenger, the Americana project led by North Carolina songwriter M.C. Taylor, plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 8 p.m. Warm, introspective songs blending folk, country, soul, and gospel. Tickets $29; website/phone show all-in pricing with MUTO fee, or buy in person at The Ark with no added fees. VIP package available.
Nov 12, 2026, 8:00 PMGreat Lake Swimmers: Caught Light Tour 2026
Great Lake Swimmers play The Ark in Ann Arbor on Thursday, November 12, at 8 p.m. Expect new songs from Caught Light and their intimate, acoustic indie-folk—acclaim that’s earned Polaris shortlist and Juno nominations. Tickets $29.
Nov 13, 2026, 8:00 PMRiders in the Sky
Riders in the Sky plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Friday, November 13, at 8 p.m. Grammy-winning western quartet behind Toy Story 2’s “Woody’s Roundup” and members of the Grand Ole Opry. Tickets are $35; online/phone prices include MUTO’s processing fee, or buy in person at The Ark box office with no added fees.
Nov 14, 2026, 8:00 PMThe Verve Pipe
The Verve Pipe plays Saturday, November 14, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Michigan alt‑rock vets behind The Freshmen and Photograph. Tickets: $35.
Nov 15, 2026, 7:30 PMJoshua Radin
Joshua Radin plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Sunday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. The singer‑songwriter behind a billion streams brings songs from his One Day Home era. Tickets are $40; VIP adds a pre-show mini set, Q&A, and meet & greet. Online/phone prices include fees; buy in person at The Ark box office for no added fees.
Nov 16, 2026, 8:00 PMAmythyst Kiah
Amythyst Kiah plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Monday, November 16, at 8 p.m. She brings songs from Still + Bright—roots meets darker alt‑rock, produced by Butch Walker. Tickets are $29; online/phone prices include fees, while in-person box office purchases have no added fees.
Nov 17, 2026, 8:00 PMJackie Greene
Americana and roots singer-songwriter Jackie Greene plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, November 17, at 8 p.m. From soulful piano ballads to bluesy guitar fire; he’s played with The Black Crowes and Phil Lesh & Friends. Tickets $35; website/phone include MUTO fee, in-person box office has no added fees.
Nov 19, 2026, 8:00 PMSam Shackleton
Sam Shackleton brings his Scottish-tinged folk and country to The Ark in Ann Arbor on Thursday, November 19, at 8 p.m. His mix of country, old-time, folk, and blues lands beautifully live. Tickets $24; online/phone prices include MUTO fees, or buy in person at The Ark box office with no added fees.
Nov 20, 2026, 8:00 PMSteve Poltz
Canadian-American singer-songwriter Steve Poltz plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Friday, November 20, at 8 p.m. He’s touring behind JoyRide, his 14th solo album, and he co-wrote Jewel’s hit “You Were Meant for Me.” Tickets $35; online/phone prices include MUTO fees, or buy in person at The Ark to avoid fees.
Nov 21, 2026, 8:00 PMSteven Page
Steven Page, co-founder of Barenaked Ladies and one of Canada’s most recognizable voices, plays Saturday, November 21, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. He’s touring behind his latest album, Excelsior; tickets are $46.50, with MUTO’s fee included online/phone, or buy in person at The Ark’s box office with no included fees.
Nov 22, 2026, 4:00 PMJoe Jencks & Deidre McCalla
Folk artists Joe Jencks and Deidre McCalla play an afternoon set on Sunday, November 22, at 4 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. A veteran, award-winning songwriter and a celebrated “dreadlocked troubadour” share the stage; tickets are $29 (online/phone include MUTO fees; in-person box office has no added fees).
Nov 24, 2026, 8:00 PMMaking Movies
Latin Grammy–nominated Making Movies plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, November 24, at 8 p.m., part of The Ark’s Artist Spotlight Series—Panamanian rhythms with psychedelic rock power, led by Enrique Chi and his handmade mejorana. Free, no tickets; nonperishables for Food Gatherers accepted, and livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Nov 27, 2026, 8:00 PMMatt Watroba
Matt Watroba leads a sing‑along night, “The power of singing, the Power of Song,” on Friday, November 27, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. An all‑star on‑stage choir backs it up, and a portion of proceeds supports the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan. Tickets $29; online/phone prices include MUTO fees, in‑person box office has no fees.
Nov 29, 2026, 1:00 PMGemily
Gemily—the family folk trio of Laz and San Slomovits (Gemini) and San’s daughter, Emily—plays Sunday, November 29, at 1 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. It’s their long-running post‑Thanksgiving benefit for Mott Children’s Hospital. Tickets $18.50, kids 12 and under $13.50; online/phone prices include fees, or buy in person at The Ark box office with no fees.
Nov 29, 2026, 7:30 PMKat Edmonson
Kat Edmonson brings a holiday jazz concert to The Ark in Ann Arbor on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. New Christmas album and tour, from bossa nova to swing. Tickets $29; online/phone prices are all-in (with MUTO fee), in-person box office sales have no included fees.
Nov 30, 2026, 8:00 PMOpen Stage at The Ark
The Ark hosts its Open Stage on Monday, November 30, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Performers get eight minutes or two songs in a supportive room. No advance tickets—pay at the door; $3, free for students and Ark members.
Dec 1, 2026, 8:00 PMStorytelling Nights
Storytellers from the Michigan Bright Water Storytelling Festival network take the stage at The Ark in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, December 1, at 8 p.m. Voices from across Michigan, $24 tickets; online/phone prices include processing, or buy in person at The Ark’s box office with no added fees.
Dec 2, 2026, 8:00 PMDamian McGinty – Christmas concert
Damian McGinty (Celtic Thunder, Glee, Dancing with the Stars) brings a Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 2, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor, marking 10 years of his album This Christmas Time with originals and classics. Tickets $46.50; online/phone prices include MUTO fees, in-person box office sales have no added fees.
Dec 3, 2026, 8:00 PMS. Carey
Eau Claire multi-instrumentalist S. Carey plays a solo set with a string trio at The Ark in Ann Arbor on Thursday, December 3, at 8 p.m. Classically trained songs with vocals, piano, and guitar lifted by string arrangements. Tickets $29; online/phone prices include MUTO fees, while in-person box office purchases have no added fees.
Dec 4, 2026, 8:00 PMAn Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
Over the Rhine brings its Acoustic Christmas concert to The Ark in Ann Arbor on Friday, December 4, at 8 p.m., with close harmonies and a mix of holiday songs and favorites from their catalog. Tickets are $35; in-person box office purchases at The Ark avoid added fees.
Dec 5, 2026, 8:00 PMBedouine
Bedouine (Azniv Korkejian) plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday, December 5, at 8 p.m.—praised for gentle, lilting folk and masterful songwriting. Tickets $35; online/phone include MUTO fee, in person at The Ark box office has no added fees.
Dec 6, 2026, 7:30 PMGriffin House
Griffin House, American singer-songwriter and storyteller, plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Sunday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. Two decades on the road, 13 albums, and the underground hit “The Guy That Says Goodbye to You is Out of His Mind.” Tickets are $29; online prices include fees, box office purchases have no added fees.
Dec 8, 2026, 8:00 PMPatterson Hood
Patterson Hood, co-founder and frontman of Drive-By Truckers, plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 8 p.m. Expect narrative-rich Americana and Southern rock and songs from his widely praised solo album Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams.
Dec 13, 2026, 7:30 PMJon McLaughlin: Home for the Holidays
Jon McLaughlin brings Home for the Holidays to The Ark in Ann Arbor on Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Expect piano-driven stories and songs—original holiday tunes, classic Christmas favorites, and hits. Tickets $35; online/phone prices include fees, or buy in person at The Ark box office with no added fees.
Dec 15, 2026, 6:00 PMCommunity High Jazz Ark-tic Blast
Community High Jazz students play The Ark in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, December 15, at 6 p.m., with two shows at 6 and 8. This acclaimed school jazz program takes the stage; tickets are $5 at the door.
Dec 16, 2026, 8:00 PMThe Ark’s Open Stage
The Ark hosts its Open Stage on Wednesday, December 16, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Eight-minute (or two-song) slots with name drawings at 7:55 and 8:30; $3 at the door, free for students and Ark members.
Dec 19, 2026, 8:00 PMBlackthorn
Blackthorn, members of the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame, plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at 8 p.m. Expect a multi-instrument Celtic set drawn from deep Irish traditions. Tickets are $29; online/phone prices include MUTO fees, or buy at The Ark box office with no added fees.
Dec 20, 2026, 2:00 PMRiver Raisin Ragtime Revue Holiday Show
River Raisin Ragtime Revue’s 13-piece orchestra brings a family Christmas concert on Sunday, December 20, at 2 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Expect ragtime takes on holiday classics—and special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets $40, kids 12 and under free.
Dec 20, 2026, 7:30 PMClaudia Schmidt and Rachael Davis
Claudia Schmidt and Rachael Davis play a Winter Solstice–time concert on Sunday, December 20, at 7:30 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Expect rich harmonies and a cozy cold‑season vibe. Tickets $29; online/phone prices include fees, or buy in person at The Ark’s box office with no added fees.
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