When I first got together for a garage rehearsal with a group of musician friends in the spring of 1988 in Anaheim, California, I never dreamed that I would someday be celebrating the silver anniversary of the rocking little band that formed that afternoon.. Yet here I am, looking back over a wild ride that has taken us around the world countless times, that has put us in front of national television audiences, and - most importantly - that has given me the opportunity to play the music that I grew up having such a passion for - Rockabilly, Rock & Roll, Honky-Tonk, Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Doo-Wop... and now with the release of our new all-acoustic album “What A Dream It’s Been”, even a touch of Jamaican Rocksteady. Putting together the new record for Cow Island Music has brought back a flood of memories; we went through our entire catalogue of LP’s, picked out some of our favorite original numbers, and gave them fresh new arrangements, rhythms, and instrumentations. In many ways , it was our way of looking back at everything that has led us to where we are now, while looking forward towards new musical horizons.

A critic somewhere once described Stewart Francke as sounding like “Jackson and James Brown(e) were brothers.” While he's not sure if he belongs in their exalted company, it’s an accurate assessment—"I am trying to combine a narrative lyrical approach with the rhythmic elements of soul and funk," he says. Stewart Francke has gone through a period of great sadness, change, and personal challenge, all of it faithfully and memorably reflected in a series of albums. He comes to The Ark with a new release, "Love Implied," that blends influences from The Beatles with sounds of the great singer-songwriters.

Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at age 13, beginning a 40-year career that has encompassed performance, songwriting, and teaching. Born in Boston and raised in North Carolina, Livingston is the fourth child in a very musical family that includes Alex, James, Kate and Hugh. Including top-40 hits “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman,” both recorded by his brother James, Livingston’s creative output has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genres—folk, pop, gospel, jazz—and from upbeat storytelling to touching ballads. He is a natural performer, peppering his shows with personal stories, anecdotes, and ineffable warmth that connect him to his fans. Liv's relaxed on-stage presence belies the depth of his musical knowledge, and fans may often be treated to a classic Gershwin or something from the best of Broadway. As a full professor at Berklee College of Music since 1989, Livingston Taylor shares his experiences and knowledge of professional touring with young artists, just beginning to hone their skills. Pick up a copy of his book, "Stage Performance," drawn from those classes! Singer-songwriter and Alaska-to-Boston transplant Chelsea Berry opens.

Two great bands on the edge of bluegrass on one great double bill! Cabinet formed in 2006, bringing together players from various musical and personal backgrounds. Some of the members are barely old enough to drink legally, but their thirst for older music is unquenchable. Whether its rustic "American Beauty"-era Grateful Dead or old-timey bluegrass, Cabinet has digested it all. But that's not to say that Cabinet re-creates older styles. This music might have roots in the past, but it's current and vibrant, and this Pennsylvania band has outgrown regional status. When it comes to the music of Cabinet, the essential bywords are soul, simplicity, and serious musicianship. And Gangstagrass goes back to the future with Rappalachia, or, you might say, Jay-Z meets Ralph Stanley. Blending bluegrass and hip-hop seems like an unlikely recipe for success, but don’t tell that to Rench, the mastermind behind the highly successful rap ’n’ grass project Gangstagrass. When he was going to grade school, recess was a time of breakdancing on cardboard to RUN-DMC. But at home, the records on the stereo were Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. That musical mash-up made a lasting impression and sent Rench on a cross-country journey to play country-flavored hip-hop in dive bars. "There are a lot more people out there with Jay-Z and Johnny Cahs on their iPod playlists than you might think," says Rench. You might have heard Gangstagrass's "Long Hard Times to Come" as the theme of the FX series "Justified"—now hear them in person!

The Miracle Worker by William Gibson brings to life the timeless story of Helen Keller and her determined teacher, Annie Sullivan. Trapped in a silent world, blind and deaf Helen is violent and spoiled. Only Annie realizes there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued.

Abigail Stauffer brings all of her experience to the stage. Chances are Abigail won't break your heart, but she will add color to a black-and-white memory. Every song is a captivating showcase of confidence and vulnerability, naturally crafting a balance of pain, hope, and joy. Her music and live performances hold so much emotion for her and the audience that you'll find it hard to believe to believe each song isn't written specifically about you. Finally: an artist who writes about the things that really matter—Abigail Stauffer will warm your heart and serenade your soul. Abigail opened for Shawn Colvin at The Ark last December, and if you're wondering where Michigan songwriting is going, look no further than tonight's show!

YPT’s very own local young people take you on an adventure under the sea in the musical adaptation of Disney's 1989 film, The Little Mermaid. The 1989 film of “The Little Mermaid” signaled a renaissance in Disney animation and featured songs by the composer Alan Menken and the lyricist Howard Ashman that were regularly described as “Broadway-caliber.” It was heralded as that rare fairy-tale cartoon that could be enjoyed just as much by grown-ups as by children. Disney finally decided to give Ariel a chance on Broadway and the musical officially opened January 10, 2008 featuring the hit songs "Part of Your World," "She’s in Love," and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea."

Inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid” was Disney’s first animated film to feature a newly empowered breed of heroine who gets the prince but doesn’t need saving by him. The beautiful and curious young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. She falls for the handsome human prince, Eric, and agrees to a dangerous bargain with the powerful sea witch, Ursula, in exchange for legs and a chance to live with the prince on land. But first, she has to convince Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice!

Come on along under the sea with Sebastian, Flounder, Scuttle, King Triton and all the mermaids and sea creatures including Flotsam, Jetsam and Ursula as YPT presents The Little Mermaid on the Power Center stage for you!

The Miracle Worker by William Gibson brings to life the timeless story of Helen Keller and her determined teacher, Annie Sullivan. Trapped in a silent world, blind and deaf Helen is violent and spoiled. Only Annie realizes there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued.

Raised in Greenville, South Carolina, on a musical diet of everything from Earth, Wind & Fire to David Wilcox, rough-voiced but easy-on-the-ears singer-songwriter Edwin McCain recorded his first independent demo in 1991, issuing his debut, "Solitude," two years later. That album led to his 1995 major-label debut, "Honor Among Thieves," which introduced America to the budding Southeastern bar favorite. Songs like "Solitude" and "3 a.m." remain fan faves and live staples. Two years later, he broke into the mainstream with the sweeping ballad "I'll Be," from the album "Misguided Roses." Edwin McCain has toured with Hootie & the Blowfish, and he has the mature outlook and easy mastery of a performer who's seen and done it all. “I’ve been lucky enough to experience a pretty broad range of stardom, and the lack thereof, throughout my journey as a musician,” Edwin observes. “I’ve been on television shows and won awards, but I’ve also lived in the back of a truck, and I’ve even worked the Drive-Thru at Krispy Kreme singing wedding songs.” Edwin's tenth album, "Mercy Bound," is a songwriting collaboration with California songwriter Maia Sharp.