The dressing rooms of the Ark, Ann Arbor's much-revered folk-and-more music club, are covered, from baseboard to crown molding, with the scribbled words of hundreds of musicians. Some of the graffiti is funny, some is weird and some can't be quoted here, but most of it reflects a common sentiment: Thank you, the Ark, for asking us to play here! And thank you Ann Arbor, for being a town so in love with music…

It all started back in 1965 when free-thinking hippie couple David and Linda Siglin opened up their huge old house, on Hill Street, just off the University of Michigan campus, for informal folk music concerts. Local musicians began playing there, right in the front parlor, and the people came. Word got out and soon touring acts began stopping by Ann Arbor, just to play at the Ark. Pete Seeger, Odetta, Arlo Guthrie…

In the mid-80s, the old house was sold and torn down, and the club moved to an old industrial space on South Main Street. With lots of comfortable seating, a great sound system, and a full-service snack bar, including liquor for Ark members, audiences grew and the artists kept coming: Ani DiFranco, Janice Ian, Gregg Brown, the Chenille Sisters, the Mahotella Queens…

And in the '90s, the Ark moved again, to its current, comfy, state-of-the-art home in the former Kline's department store on Main Street. These days, the lines snake round the block for big-name acts, like Eddie From Ohio, but the Ark stays true to its mission of music for everyone. There are Take-a-Chance Tuesdays once or twice a month, in which admission is free to see up-and-coming national acts. Wednesdays sometimes feature open mic nights, where the stars of tomorrow pay their dues. The Siglins, grandparents now, are still a solid presence, booking and introducing the acts, but the Ark itself is now a vibrant non-profit corporation. The Ann Arbor Folk Festival, held every January, is a major fundraiser for the club.

The great thing about folk music is that new generations just keep discovering it. And as long as the Ark is open, musicians will be clamoring to play there, make their mark, and move on.

The Ark is located at 316 S. Main Street, in downtown Ann Arbor. For complete Ark information, visit www.a2ark.org.