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
A closer look
Photos were taken at different times; images are resized and cropped on cards.
Is this your venue? Update this page for free ↗
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.
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
Laith Al-Saadi, Jo Serrapere, Timothy Monger and a long lineup of local artists play The Ark in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, November 10, at 7:30 p.m. for the Veterans for Peace benefit concert. 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, the Michigan band behind "The Freshmen," plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 14, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $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 18, 2026, 8:00 PMThe Ark’s Open Stage
The Ark in Ann Arbor hosts its Open Stage night on Wednesday, November 18, at 8 p.m., where anyone can get up and play for eight minutes or two songs. Tickets are $3 at the door only.
Nov 19, 2026, 8:00 PMSam Shackleton
Scottish folk and country singer Sam Shackleton plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Thursday, November 19, at 8 p.m. His songs blend Scottish, Irish and American roots; tickets are $24 online or by phone.
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 23, 2026, 6:30 PMThe Ark Annual Membership Meeting
The Ark in Ann Arbor holds its annual members' meeting on Monday, November 23, at 6:30 p.m., this year virtually over Zoom. Members hear how the club is doing and handle any membership business that comes up.
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 28, 2026, 8:00 PMMr. B
Flint-born boogie woogie pianist Mr. B plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 28, at 8 p.m. He learned straight from legends like Little Brother Montgomery and Blind John Davis. Tickets are $35.
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 (of Drive-By Truckers)
Patterson Hood, co-founder and frontman of Drive-By Truckers, plays a solo show on Tuesday, December 8, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Expect story-driven songs from the Alabama songwriter; tickets are $40.
Dec 8, 2026, 8:00 PMPatterson Hood (of Drive-By Truckers)
Patterson Hood, co-founder and frontman of Drive-By Truckers, plays a solo show on Tuesday, December 8, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. The songwriter and guitarist brings his story-driven songs and a well-reviewed new solo album.
Dec 10, 2026, 8:00 PMEbird & Friends Holiday Show
Erin Zindle of The Ragbirds hosts her Ebird & Friends Holiday Show on Thursday, December 10, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. She has been curating this holiday music celebration for 19 years, and tickets are $29.
Dec 11, 2026, 8:00 PMEbird & Friends Holiday Show
Erin Zindle of The Ragbirds hosts her Ebird & Friends Holiday Show on Friday, December 11, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. A star-studded house band backs guest vocalists from the Michigan music community. Tickets are $40.
Dec 12, 2026, 2:00 PMEbird & Friends Holiday Show
Erin Zindle of The Ragbirds hosts her Ebird & Friends Holiday Show on Saturday, December 12, at 2 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. It's a big-hearted Michigan music celebration to kick off the season, with tickets at $29.
Dec 12, 2026, 8:00 PMEbird & Friends Holiday Show
Erin Zindle of The Ragbirds hosts her annual holiday celebration on Saturday, December 12, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. It's a 19-year tradition that brings Michigan's music community together, with tickets at $40.
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 18, 2026, 8:00 PMA John Prine Tribute with the Mark Lavengood Band and Jen Sygit
Grand Rapids dobro player and songwriter Mark Lavengood and his band play the songs of John Prine on Friday, December 18, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Michigan songwriter Jen Sygit opens, and tickets are $29.
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.
Dec 21, 2026, 8:00 PMThe Terry Farmer Band
The Terry Farmer Band plays Monday, December 21, 2026, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Farmer’s a veteran guitarist with classical training and rock roots, bringing original songs and a blend of styles. Tickets are $35 online/phone (all-in with MUTO fee), or buy in person at The Ark box office with no added fees.
Jan 2, 2027, 3:00 PMYellow Room Gang
Yellow Room Gang, an eight-member Michigan singer-songwriter collective, plays an afternoon show on Saturday, January 2, at 3 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Expect most or all members on stage. Tickets $29; online/phone prices are all-in with MUTO’s fee, or buy in person at The Ark’s box office with no added fees.
Jan 3, 2027, 7:30 PM50 First Jokes
Fifty up-and-coming and veteran comics tell the first jokes they wrote for the new year on Sunday, January 3, at 7:30 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. It's fast and fresh, and tickets are $24.
Jan 6, 2027, 8:00 PMDuke Tumatoe
Chicago-born blues guitarist and songwriter Duke Tumatoe plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, January 6, 2027, at 8 p.m. Expect blues, rock and R&B with a big dose of humor. Tickets are $29.
Jan 7, 2027, 8:00 PMSchmaltz // Warren & Flick
Ann Arbor's modern klezmer band Schmaltz and the duo Warren & Flick share the stage on Thursday, January 7, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Expect klezmer spiked with jazz, Balkan and funk next to adventurous chamber-folk; tickets are $24.
Jan 8, 2027, 8:00 PMJill Jack's Birthday Bash
Award-winning Americana artist Jill Jack celebrates her birthday with her band on Friday, January 8, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Tickets are $29.
Jan 10, 2027, 7:30 PMGemini Turns 156
Twin brothers San and Laz Slomovits, better known as Gemini, celebrate their 78th birthdays on Sunday, January 10, at 7:30 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. It's a grown-ups' concert of songs, instrumentals and originals, with tickets at $29.
Jan 12, 2027, 8:00 PMAntje Duvekot & David Berkeley
Singer-songwriters Antje Duvekot and David Berkeley, two writers who turn deeply personal stories into shared ones, play The Ark in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, January 12, 2027, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.
Jan 16, 2027, 8:00 PMHeywood Banks
Cult-favorite songwriter-comic Heywood Banks plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday, January 16, 2027, at 8 p.m. Expect funny observations and twisted, inventive songs in every style imaginable. Tickets are $40.
Jan 20, 2027, 8:00 PMOn A Winter’s Night
Patty Larkin, Cliff Eberhardt, John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky share the stage on Wednesday, January 20, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. It's a reunion tour for the singer-songwriters behind the 1994 winter album. Tickets are $46.50.
Jan 22, 2027, 8:00 PMThe Ark's 40th Annual Storytelling Festival – Liars Night
Six storytellers trade their tallest tales on Friday, January 22, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor, as part of the 40th Annual Storytelling Festival's Liars Night. Tickets are $24 online or by phone.
Feb 4, 2027, 8:00 PMHidden Ridge
Bluegrass band Hidden Ridge plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Thursday, February 4, at 8 p.m., celebrating the release of their first EP, "If It's All Worth It." Michigan husband-and-wife folk duo Ironwood opens. Tickets are $26.
Feb 7, 2027, 3:00 PMMustard’s Retreat
Folk trio Mustard’s Retreat plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Sunday, February 7, at 3 p.m., celebrating the release of their new CD. Tickets are $29.
Feb 14, 2027, 2:00 PMMy Folky Valentine
Annie & Rod Capps, The Rough & Tumble and The Lucky Nows, three acclaimed duos who are also couples in real life, share the stage Sunday, February 14, at 2 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Tickets are $29.
Feb 14, 2027, 7:30 PMMy Folky Valentine
Annie & Rod Capps, The Rough & Tumble and The Lucky Nows, three duos who are also partners in life, share the stage on Sunday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Tickets are $29.
Feb 20, 2027, 8:00 PMSons of Mystro
Sons of Mystro, the brother duo who play reggae classics and pop hits on violin, take the stage at The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday, February 20, 2027, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.
Feb 25, 2027, 8:00 PMAaron Lee Tasjan
Grammy-nominated indie folk songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan plays The Ark in Ann Arbor on Thursday, February 25, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.
Feb 26, 2027, 8:00 PMThe Ark’s 40th Annual Storytelling Festival – Liars Night
Jennifer Otto, Steve Daut, Patti Smith, Jane Fink, Jeff Doyle and Ingrid Nixon spin their tallest tales on Friday, February 26, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Amir Bagdadchi emcees, and tickets are $24.
Feb 27, 2027, 8:00 PMThe Ark's 40th Annual Storytelling Festival
Storytellers Ingrid Nixon, Jeff Doyle and Steve Daut take the stage Saturday, February 27, at 8 p.m. at The Ark in Ann Arbor for the 40th annual storytelling festival. Expect funny tales, scary ones and tall stories; tickets are $35.
Feb 28, 2027, 1:00 PMThe Ark's 40th Annual Storytelling Festival Family Show
Storytellers Ingrid Nixon and Steve Daut take the stage at The Ark in Ann Arbor on Sunday, February 28, at 1 p.m. for the family show of the 40th annual Storytelling Festival. Tickets are $18.50, or $13.50 for kids 12 and under.
Keep exploring
Nightlife ↗
Temporary city photo — not this venue
Live music clubs
The Old Miami
The Old Miami is a longstanding Cass Corridor bar with a distinctive backyard.
Live music clubs
Eastern Market Brewing Company
A community-focused brewery and taproom in the heart of Eastern Market, with music, trivia and a running club alongside the beer.
Live music clubs
Northern Lights Lounge
A New Center lounge with live programming and a leafy patio, connecting neighborhood gatherings with music since 2004.