For more than five decades, The Ark has embraced area music lovers as part of its family. While artists won’t grace the stage until at least May 31, the iconic venue is making sure the music lives on with The Ark Family Room Series.
The free virtual concert series showcases some of the world’s best folk musicians throughout April and May, with performances live-streamed on Facebook.
“We’re in a time that our friends JT and Alli of Birds of Chicago would call Real Midnight,” said Marianne James, Executive Director of The Ark. “The taxing mix of stress, uncertainty and compulsory closeness at home may make us sharp sometimes with those around us, but our light and resilience put holes in that darkness and make us stars. Music helps us remember that.”
So, get comfy on the couch, order dinner from a local restaurant, and tune in for these upcoming shows:
Birds of Chicago
Sunday, April 26 @ 7:30pm
Catch the celebrated Americana duo and their unique blend of roots and rock n’ roll. More info here.
The Accidentals
Friday, May 1 @ 8pm
The Traverse City-based has performed more than 1,000 shows over the last five years. More info here.
Nora Jane Struthers
Sunday, May 10 @ 7:30pm
The singer-songwriter has written “some of the most quietly powerful narratives within the new wave of Americana artists,” says Ann Powers of NPR Music. More info here.
Jared Deck
Tuesday, May 12 @ 8pm
The Woody Guthrie Songwriting Contest award winner’s new album, Bully Pulpit, is full of gospel shouts, country storytelling, and soulful crooning. More info here.
Rachael Davis
Sunday, May 17 @ 7:30pm
The expressive multi-instrumentalist will be joined by special guest Dominic John Davis for an evening of folk, blues, country and pop. More info here.
Chicago Farmer
Tuesday, May 21 @ 8pm
The Americana and Alt-Country artist is a modern-day bard, singing autobiographical and passionate stories in the vein of Woody Guthrie. More info here.
Unlike in-person shows, this concert series is free, so financial support is appreciated. Help keep the music going by making a donation to the virtual tip jar during the show, which benefits both the performing artists and The Ark. Donations are also accepted through PayPal at any time. Click here to make a contribution.
For a full list of upcoming concerts, including shows that have been or will be rescheduled for later dates, visit The Ark’s Facebook page.
