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November 2024 by Andy Stewart
Best place to see live music in Ann Arbor.
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October 2024 by Saundra Dudek
Line outside at beginning of the event went quickly, very organized inside (merch and refreshments), friendly staff, great smaller venue to see a band. No bad seats here. Parking was a bit challenging. Recommend nearby walkable parking garage.
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October 2024 by Erik Odegard
The Ark is one of the best small venues around. The sound system is always top notch and they bring in some great talent. Ana Popovic and crew delivered a great show!
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October 2024 by Pam Mahar
Great venues and wonderful acoustics.
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October 2024 by Salvatore Cellura II
Best small venue I've been to
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October 2024 by Laurence Krieg
Thrilling revisit of Tannahill Weavers from Scotland!
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October 2024 by Kristen
Amazing gem, favorite place hands down to watch live music. Small, respectful and has seating. You can always meet the artists afterwards which is super unique and cool. Highly recommend
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October 2024 by Anthony Martinez
Amazing music venue‼️?
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September 2024 by Karen Bick
The BEST little music venue in Ann Arbor...and beyond. Definitely worth the 37 mile ?
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August 2024 by Heather Hunter
What a fantastic venue! Traveled from East Michigan to see Matt Nathanson. Intimate venue with incredible sound. Volunteers were very helpful and knowledgeable. Excellent location. Will absolutely go back.
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August 2024 by Brian Thompson
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently had the pleasure of assisting an artist friend with load-in, merch setup, and load-out at The Ark, and it provided a fantastic opportunity to explore the venue. Located upstairs in what used to be Kline's Department Store (the third and final move for The Ark), this venue is rich with history and charm. The walls are adorned with memorabilia from numerous big-name artists who have performed there, creating an ambiance that is both intimate and inspiring.
The layout is spacious, with brightly lit halls and tasteful decor that enhances the overall experience. The Ark is a quaint and unique venue that music lovers should not miss. However, when purchasing tickets, keep in mind that General Admission is the best option. These seats are at the front of the stage, while the more expensive VIP seats are set further back—a detail not clearly noted on the seating schematic.
As a listening room, The Ark emphasizes a seated and attentive audience, which may not be ideal for those who like to get up and dance. Additionally, the policy on recording and taking photographs is strictly enforced by the venue, rather than the artist, which might be a point of contention for some.
One minor drawback is that concessions close midway through the show, meaning there's no opportunity to purchase snacks or drinks during the performance or while waiting for meet-and-greet opportunities afterward. This seems like a missed revenue opportunity, especially since volunteers are often seen standing idle at the front.
Overall, The Ark is a gem of a venue with a rich history and a unique atmosphere. Despite a few small issues, it’s definitely worth a visit for any music enthusiast.
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August 2024 by Mary Schuring
The Ark is a unique and special place to hear great music. The design allows for a feeling of intimacy between artist and audience.
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July 2024 by Elaine Isaacs
Clean, friendly well organized.
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July 2024 by Maulshree Sinha
Amazing experience!
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July 2024 by Phil
Went to see Mike Massé at The Ark for the 4th time. I always enjoy the show and the venue.
