The Ark
| Address: | 316 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA |
| Phone: | +1 734-761-1451 |
| Site: | theark.org |
| Rating: | 4.8 |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 64
RA
Raymond Vasser
Not what its touted to be acoustically. My wife and I attended the Vienna Teng performance on September 27, 2013. We had never been to the Ark before and looked eagerly toward visiting the venue. (I have been a fan of Ms. Shihs work for many years and heard her perform in small venues, with light stage amplification - all great experiences.) First, despite its small size and seats located in the second row stage right. The music blared from overhead monitors controlled by a mixing board in the back of the room. To hear Tengs voice directly reveals sweet nuance and subtlety of this talented artist. This could have been easily done with light stage amplification - albeit with more difficulty. This was all lost once the PA system finished compressing and homogenizing the subtlety and nuance out of the equation. Secondly, on those songs that were softer and less reliant on the PA amplification there was a background drone of drums and bass off beat. I scoured the stage to find who was playing the drum and playing it badly. Upon leaving we discovered a club nearby blaring its own (recorded) music and it was the bass and drums bleeding into the Arks acoustic environment. We met a number of people who appeared to be regulars - enamored with the Ark. The faithful will not be swayed. Tengs performance was very good, but we left feeling disappointed with a lingering sense about the "emperors new clothes" and the Ark. Were not likely to return.
G
G Bates
Great small venue. Attended the meet and greet and Morgan James was a doll. The seating situation was weird for premium paid tickets you could not sit on the first two rows. Since there were only about 20 people at the meet and greet that was weird. Plus they waited until we were all seated to make us move. Might want to share that when purchasing tickets.
RO
Robert Weyant
They make you wait in line before the show. Most of the venue was reserved for a private party, so it was hard to figure out which good seats were still available. You also have to be a member to buy alcohol, which costs $5 for a few months, or $20 for the year. Otherwise snack and drink prices are very reasonable.
HA
Harvey Pillersdorf
Oldest, continually running, nonprofit music venue in the country. Great fundraiser at Hill Auditorium where 3,400 fans sample music varieties on the last Friday and Saturday nights in January. Folk, roots, some jazz, local, and internationally renowned artists.
VE
Veronica Raft
Such an interesting building! The main room was great, and my partner and I were impressed by the soundproof quality of the doors. The workers are genuine and pleasant. My one complaint: There arent trash cans in the stalls of the female restrooms... Awkward.
AS
Ashley Tomlin
Intimate concert venue with excellent acoustics. I always enjoy the music here! Seating is a a bit close, but still comfortable. Popcorn & drinks available, but the popcorn is not very good at all...really the only downside, the popcorn lol!
A
A Private User
Hands down, my favorite place to watch live performances. Only downside is that seating is general admission, but love this place, concerts start on time, and there isnt a bad seat in the house!
MI
Mimi Ray
I will go see a group I even slightly want to see just to go enjoy The Ark. You get an intimate setting and amazing service from the volunteers. Go and enjoy a great night of music and fun!
JO
Joel Boyce
Beautiful, quiet non-profit venue with an acoustic atmosphere and friendly vibes. Great place to catch a quick show after a nice dinner at the various eats in downtown Ann Arbor.
JO
John Lessnau
Not a bad seat in the house. Very pleasant venue to see a concert if you can get a ticket. Popular bands sell out fast because this place cant hold many more than 1000 people.
DA
Dane Hillard
The Ark is wonderful. They put on the Ann Arbor Folk Festival and bring in so many quality musical acts each season. It would be nice if they sold alcohol to non-members!
GR
Grant Higgins
BY FAR my favorite place to see live music. Call Michigan Union ticket office to reserve seats instead of using the website to save on the processing fee.
NI
Nick LeRoy
Great low-key and intimate music venue. My favorite spot to see live music in the area. They do a great job keeping good acts coming through.
A
A Private User
I recall there being a couple inconvenient pillars that its possible to get stuck behind. Otherwise, its a nice venue to watch shows in.
KA
Kara Palette
A wonderful little venue. Over the Rhine here cant be missed. The venue is comfy and well maintained and the staff is so welcoming.
AN
Anjo Lopes
Boa viagem pra todos que vão para essa cidade
ER
Eric Cooper
Intimate venue. General admission is great if you want to get good seats. I wish theyd have the vocals a little louder.
BR
Brittany N. Williams
Great venue with friendly staff. Beautiful and clean and the dressing rooms have a lot of character
CH
Charles Wright
good place to see local bands perform live. Ticket prices can vary, depending on the program
MI
Mike Weintraub
One of the premier listening spaces in the country! The tickets are relatively cheap, too.
DA
David Johnson
Awesome venue for any performance. Great volunteers. Try take a chance Tuesday for free!
MA
Mark Lewandowski
Premier venue in the country for folk/acoustic/bluegrass. Not a bad seat in the place.
MI
Mike Schropp
Great venue to see all kinds of varying acts. Very cozy and the staff is very friendly
TO
Tom McClellan
What an amazing venue !!! If you like good music, this is an absolute must-have venue
MA
Mark Bates
The performance was great. Organization of the venue was... well... they tried hard.
SU
susan Smiley
A very intimate place to see your favorite artists. Not a bad seat in the house!
JO
Joanna Connelly
Theres not a bad seat in this small music venue. They host quality acts, too.
DA
David Rowland
this place has earned its place in ann arbor. historic and influential.
KA
Kayda Exton
No wonder all the best musicians make it a point to stop and play here!
CU
Curt Hamilton
This place is a gem. It is the best music venue in southeast Michigan.
LI
Linda L. Elizabeth Connolly
Always fun to go whether country singers with 3 names or unusual acts.
SE
Sean Svadlenak
Really nice place for good music. Friendly staff and good seating.
RI
Rick Carter
Hard to find a bad seat in the place. Fairly intimate music venue.
BR
Bruce Geffen
Always a great experience catching some of the best live shows!
SU
Susana Schaad
Went on an open mic night and was blown away by the talent.
LA
Larry LeBlanc
The best venue in north America! What a wonderful house.
RI
Rich Hughes
The best music venue hands down. We dont even deserve it!
AR
Art Johnson
Excellent entertainment in a personal close up setting.
JO
Jolanda West
Small intimate place for an artist with dedicated fans
DA
David Gregory
Cozy, intimate venue....not a bad seat in the house!
DI
Diane Melvin
Intimate venue for wonderful concerts. Great sound!
JO
John Mulligan
The best venue there is for live, intimate music!
SW
Swan Lin
Small venue. Enjoyed the bluegrass concerts here.
PE
Peter Anderson
Music for all tastes in the heart of Ann Arbor
AJ
AJ
No place as intimate and friendly as this!
A
A Private User
The Ark is a great place to see any show.
KE
Kenneth Knepler
Really cool little venue. Very intimate.
IV
Ivana Chen
I saw Second City here and it was epic!
JO
John Hanks
Awesome band. Really neat atmosphere.
DA
Daniel Egan
Favorite music venue in Michigan.
JO
Joshua Jenks
This is an awesome venue. Love it!
KY
Kyra Jackman
Great venue to see live music!!!
JO
Josh Woodward
Best folk venue in the region!
SE
Sean OConnor
Great intimate listening room.
CH
Cheri Hawkins
What a cool, intimate venue!
BO
bo tammarine
Sound quality is amazing
DA
Daniel Fernandes
Best venue on the city
MA
Main Scream
Great intimate venue
XI
Xiaobai T
good place for music
TH
Thomas Myers
Great live music!!!
TO
tonja hamilton
Great music venue!!
NA
Nancy Litch
Wonderful venue.
NA
Nathaniel Williams
Historic place.
ST
Stephen Layton
Wonderful venue
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