The Ann Arbor Folk Festival Hits the Hill to Celebrate 35 Years
One of A2’s most anticipated and celebrated annual events, the 35th annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival returns this year for two nights of down-home fun at Hill Auditorium. In an effort to raise money for The Ark, Ann Arbor’s premier nonprofit home for live folk, roots and ethnic music, the AAFF welcomes back old friends and new up-and-comers to share the stage for two intimate and festive evenings of some of the world’s finest folk performances.
Recent years have brought monumental names from the folk/roots scene, including the likes of Roseanne Cash, Richie Havens, Pete Seeger, Kris Kristofferson and The Swell Season. 2012 sees the return of AAFF veterans including Emmylou Harris and Nanci Griffith, as well as two highly anticipated first-time headliners, Ryan Adams and Glen Campbell.
Singer/songwriter Ryan Adams is fresh off his tour in support of his critically acclaimed album, “Ashes & Fire,” and will make his AAFF debut headlining Friday night’s show. Along with Emmylou Harris and Nanci Griffith, another AAFF first-timer, the legendary Glen Campbell will co-headline Saturday night’s lineup as he makes a stop in A2 for his farewell tour.
Breaking new ground for their 35th birthday, the festival welcomes comedian Heywood Banks who will serve as MC for both nights. This year’s lineup also features the highly theatrical and interactive Caravan of Thieves, described as, “If Django Reinhardt, the cast of Stomp and the Beatles all had a party at Tim Burton’s house, Caravan of Thieves would be the band they hired.” With a description like that, how can you go wrong?
You can also catch Dawes, a California-based folk/rock quartet that has worked with the likes of Wilco and Chris Robinson, playing Friday night along with Devotchka, Carbon Leaf and Elephant Revival. Saturday night’s show will include acts like veteran musician Joe Henry, the multi-stringed repertoire of Sarah Jarosz and the 22-year-old up-and-comer Seth Glier, who has shared the stage with artists like James Taylor and Mark Knopfler.
The 35th annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival will be held at Hill Auditorium Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28, starting at 6:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets are on sale now starting at $80 for one night or $145 for both nights, which includes a tax-deductible donation to The Ark. Platinum Circle Tickets ($160/$290) include backstage passes during intermission and an invitation to the Saturday pre-glow party. Visit theark.org for more information and a complete lineup and schedule.
