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.
Sep 25, 2026, 8:00 PMJoe Pug & Willie Watson
Two distinctive voices in American songwriting and folk at The Ark.
Sep 26, 2026, 8:00 PMRon Pope
Americana and personal storytelling at The Ark.
Sep 27, 2026, 7:30 PMDan Tyminski Band Concert in Ann Arbor
Experience the Dan Tyminski Band live, fronted by one of modern bluegrass's most celebrated musicians and multiple Grammy winner, whose voice features in the film Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? This concert takes place at The Ark in Ann Arbor.
Sep 28, 2026, 8:00 PMWilli Carlisle - The Universal Bubba Tour
Willi Carlisle presents his album The Universal Bubba, a unique musical journey blending folk with funk, Cajun, and experimental sounds. Produced for the first time by Tyler Childers, the album features 17 tracks that tell stories of American life and its people.
Sep 29, 2026, 8:00 PMPure Prairie League Concert in Ann Arbor
Pure Prairie League is a legendary country-rock band active for over five decades, influencing the genre significantly. With talented members and their new album "Back On Track," they continue their storied tradition in country-rock music.
Sep 30, 2026, 8:00 PMHazlett concert rescheduled
Hazlett’s fall tour was rescheduled due to an acute health concern. Organizers are arranging a new date and ticket holders will be notified once confirmed. Purchased tickets will be honored for the new date or refunds can be requested.
Sep 30, 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 1, 2026, 7:30 PMBrain Plasticity Ukulele Collective & Blueshouse
Ann Arbor’s Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective is an intergenerational group playing a variety of instruments and exploring music’s impact on cognition. Blues musician Mike Brooks leads Blueshouse and the Collective, bringing an extensive career from the UK and involvement with youth music programs.
Oct 2, 2026, 8:00 PMHolly Bowling solo piano concert
Holly Bowling is a solo pianist known for her virtuosic playing and emotional depth, creating a unique musical voice that spans genres from Grateful Dead to Nine Inch Nails. She has collaborated with notable artists and performed at prestigious venues worldwide.
Oct 3, 2026, 8:00 PMSusan Werner with King Margo Band
Susan Werner has established herself as one of the most innovative songwriters over her twenty-five year career, showcasing her skills on guitar and piano alongside a graduate degree in voice. Based in Chicago, her work spans genres from acoustic folk to Gershwin-style compositions, gospel, Cuban son, and New Orleans junk piano.
Oct 4, 2026, 7:30 PMLindsay Lou Concert in Ann Arbor
Lindsay Lou, known as the Queen of festivals, is a singer-songwriter and musician from Michigan who now resides in Nashville. She tours with her Queen of Time Band and acoustic Honey Moon Trio. Her latest project, Bluegrass Women, highlights bluegrass classics written by women throughout the genre's history.
Oct 5, 2026, 8:00 PMAn intimate evening with Copeland
Copeland presents an intimate evening in Ann Arbor featuring their latest album, Blushing. This 11-track record reflects the band's musical growth and stylistic development, blending multiple genres into their distinctive sound.
Oct 6, 2026, 8:00 PMThe Bad Plus Farewell Tour
The Bad Plus is a band known for its unique sound and dynamic live performances over two decades. Now performing in a new piano-less lineup with founding members Reid Anderson and Dave King joined by Ben Monder and Chris Speed, the band embarks on a new creative chapter.
Oct 7, 2026, 8:00 PMJaerv and The OK Factor
The Minneapolis-based string duo The OK Factor and the award-winning Swedish quintet Jaerv present their joint program, Traditions. Following multiple tours in Sweden and the US, they blend Swedish and American musical traditions through collaborative instrumentation and interplay to create an engaging experience.
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 11, 2026, 6:30 PMSarah Jarosz concert at The Ark
Sarah Jarosz is a six-time GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with seven solo albums and two albums with the band I’m With Her. The event featured a pre-show conversation moderated by music journalist Lori Stratton.
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.
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