On Valentine’s Day, February 14, The Ark is set to light up the stage with “My Folky Valentine,” an event featuring partnered performing duos.
This star-studded line-up includes Dave Boutette & Kristi Davis, Ruth & Max Bloomquist, Jason Dennie & Rochelle Clark, Allison Downy & John Austin, Dave Keeney & Sophia Hanifi, Jan Krist & Alan Finkbeiner, Jo Seraperre & John Devine, Matt & Kim Watroba, Julianna and Andy Wilson (The Springtails), along with hosts Annie & Rod Capps.
“This year, in honor of our 20th-anniversary show, you’ll be treated to 10 Michigan-based dynamic duos who are partners in life as well as music,” Annie Capps said. “With this many singers and multi-instrumentalists, you can expect lots of joyful collaborations and no shortage of love songs. No date required!”
The event promises a variety of artists and a rich mix of musical styles. Attendees will get a taste of the diverse Michigan music scene — from contemporary folk and rootsy Americana to traditional old-timey folk, jazz and blues—all delivered with the unmistakable energy of live collaboration.
“It’s a great opportunity to get a taste of the diverse Michigan music scene,” Capps said. “For fans of a great songwriting and musicianship in a variety of styles.”
While the concert falls on Valentine’s Day, the music itself isn’t confined to a strict love theme. The night promises an eclectic mix that welcomes everyone — even those flying solo.
“Sure, we take advantage of the fact that it’s Valentine’s Day when a lot of couples do something special,” Capps said. “The duos being life partners as well is intentional, but we try not to emphasize ‘romance’. In fact, the artists have been known to play heartbreak songs and murder ballads. It’s important to emphasize that the audience need not be paired up to enjoy the show. We’d never want our platonic and single friends to feel excluded.”
RELATED: 10 Fun Winter Date Nights in Ann Arbor
The show’s history adds a layer of charm and nostalgia. Originating in 2005 with three couples — the Milroys (who coined the name), Jan Krist & Alan Finkbeiner, and Annie & Rod Capps — the event has evolved over the years to include duos from across the country.
Annie and Rod Capps embody the spirit of musical collaboration that defines the evening. With over 30 years of making music, their partnership blends individual creativity with a seamless, symbiotic approach.
“Rod and I have been making music together for over 30 years,” Capps said. “We were mostly doing covers early on, but I started finding my own voice as a songwriter. We don’t sit down and write together. I’m a solitary writer. But I would bring him my nearly finished work, and he would fill in all the missing musical parts and help me find alternatives when I was stuck. It’s rather symbiotic in that I never used to feel like a song was complete until he added his guitar fills and hooks. Those parts are just as memorable as the lyrics.”
The magic of collaborating couples is undeniable, as their deep connection often transforms each performance into a unique, heartfelt experience.
“When it works — and it doesn’t always — the love they have for each other shines through in the music,” Capps said. “In many cases, the music is how the couples came together in the first place, so they already had a deep respect for the other and doing what they love together makes sense. Any collaboration, romantic or otherwise, only works if there’s mutual respect for the music.”
This year’s show promises to be unlike any previous Folky Valentine event, featuring an unprecedented number of couples on stage. It’s a one-of-a-kind celebration marking two decades of musical partnership and creative collaboration.
“This year’s show is really different to any of the past Folky Valentines because of how many couples are involved,” Capps said. “Typically, we only invite 2 or 3 other couples who all share the stage and swap songs. We wanted to make a big deal out of our 20th year, and it was impossible to pick just two or three, so we decided to go all out. The format of this show is not likely to be repeated in exactly this way — at least not for another 10 years — so folks should come. It’ll be worth it.”
Join The Ark on February 14 for an unforgettable evening of musical camaraderie, diverse tunes, and celebrating 20 years of harmonious love and collaboration.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
