Much like Noah's boat, this Ark has offered a lifeline to folk fans, not to mention worked as a pioneer in promoting and encouraging culture, arts and music in Ann Arbor. It built its reputation with community outreach, fostering every element of creativity possible through arts and activism. Having grown from its old digs in the Adams estate to its newish 8,000-square-foot spread on North Main, The Ark remains true to its roots. Long the king of all things folk and acoustic back in the day, The Ark has evolved into a healthy spread of blues, jazz, children's music, bluegrass and well, you name it. With such a kind and friendly foundation, The Ark pleasantly reminds patrons of what it's like to be kind and friendly. Rooted firmly in the community, The Ark has spawned countless workshops and collectives, not to mention brought the Ann Arbor Folk Festival and the Frog Island Festival to life. Aside from its importance, The Ark is still a true-to-itself stage for musical performances of assorted tastes and flavors. What started as a coffeehouse and community hangout back in the '60s, has evolved into a mature, advanced version of those very values. The whole vibe is like your friend's right-on hippie parents who just got older, smarter and cooler. -- John Horn (Photo: John Horn)