The Ark

One of the great forms of art is music. It speaks a universal language, and when issues seek to divide us, music can be the force to unite us. Music is, once again, a part of the upcoming Ann Arbor Art Fair. WEMU presents the Summer Sounds-Music on Main Stage, programmed by The Ark at the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Summer Art Fair executive director Karen Delhey about the music and other special activities available as you make the walk through the downtown streets during the three-day Ann Arbor Art Fair.

Michael Jewett spoke with NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron about his appearance at The Ark with the University of Michigan Jazz Showcase.

Kat Edmonson is an award-winning songwriter and singer "with an equal foothold in jazz, cabaret and vintage cosmopolitanism pop" (The New York Times). She has been featured on Austin City Limits, Tiny Desk Concerts, A Prairie Home Companion, and The Late Show. She joined WEMU's John Bommarito on "The Song Break" to talk about her new music and her upcoming appearance at The Ark in Ann Arbor.

Oz’s Music is a well-known Ann Arbor music store, selling instruments and offering lessons and repairs. Behind that curtain, though, is a life-changing program called Know Obstacles, a musical project for people with disabilities. Steve Osburn joins Deb Polich, and they talk about the magic of music to include everyone on this edition of "creative:impact."

Underground and not listed on concert calendars, Johnny’s Speakeasy has hosted bands in a little venue down the road since the late 1990’s. That is, until last year, when a fire destroyed both the venue and Johnny Williams’ home. Hear how and why local musicians have launched a campaign to "Save Johnny’s Speakeasy" when Johnny joins host Deb Polich on this edition of 89.1 WEMU’s "creative:impact."

The lineup for the annual festival has been announced.

Detroit singer-songwriter Jo Serrapere and her newly reformed band The LaFawndas are set to perform at The Ark in Ann Arbor this Sunday. But Jo found some time in her busy schedule to visit the WEMU studio to chat with Jeremy Baldwin and play a few of her tunes.

Today - the 19th of June - is the day now recognized nationally as "Juneteenth". It’s the day in 1865 that American slaves received word they were officially freed. But a Washtenaw County racial justice activist is urging the local community to live the spirit of Juneteenth year-round. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran has more.

The Ann Arbor Folk Festival makes its return this weekend. After a virtual event in 2021, and a cancellation last year, the city’s premier live music event is back with a new format. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.

The annual Ann Arbor Art Fair, which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, is back this year taking place July 15th through the 17th. WEMU's Lisa…