Unfettered: A moving evening of impeccable music with singer-songwriters Joy Clark and Kate Peterson at The Ark in Ann Arbor.

Unfettered with Joy and Kate

The word “unfettered” leapt to mind as soon as I sat down to write about my experience with Joy Clark and Kate Peterson at The Ark. Reflecting on the music I heard from these two gifted songwriters, the notion of being free and unrestrained resonates with the way their songs moved me. 

The Ark felt full. Not just with the typical community of effusive music lovers seeking the intimacy and vibrance of this space, but with happiness and heartfelt solidarity. The Ark also sounded fabulous as the vocals and instruments played by both artists were majestic and vibrant.

Kate Peterson

Up first on this doubleheader was the superb Kate Peterson. We’ve seen Kate perform a number of times, and each has been fantastic. This show was no exception. Not only were we thoroughly enthralled with her music, but she was damn funny, adding insightful wit and self-deprecating humor between her songs.

Kate played favorites such as “Lansing” and “Said and Done.” Her vulnerable vibrato makes your heart break upon each chorus. The percussive playing style comes into full view on “Solid Side.” It is part of what makes Kate’s music transcend traditional folk and become a genre of its own.

Spicing things up instrumentally, Kate incorporated harmonica, keyboards, and ukulele. The harmonica and keyboards were new additions that added rich colors to the canvas of her songs. The keys were a particularly beautiful touch to the cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”

Kate’s wife, Leah, joined Kate for “Lucky.” Their unison shoulder shrug while singing “Lucky” brought a smile and laugh from everyone in the room. The duo’s cover of “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers gave me goosebumps as they poured all of themselves into this powerful song.

Mentioning that she’s been leaning into finding beauty in imperfection, Kate unveiled a new song called “Type Delete.” The lyrics embrace the ideas found in the Zen Buddhist philosophy of wabi-sabi, where you seek to embrace simplicity and flaws. A wonderful concept encapsulated within this elegant song.

Kate finished up with “Heavy,” encouraging all of us to join in. Instead of the typical rock star “leave the stage and come back for the encore” move, Kate stayed for one more tune called “Blank Pages” before leaving to a standing ovation.

Joy Clark

Before this evening, I’d never heard of or listened to Joy Clark. I assumed that if she was on the same bill as Kate, she must be good. Joy was more than good; she was absolutely phenomenal. 

Much of Joy’s set included songs from her 2024 debut album Tell It to the Wind, available on Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records. I made sure to snag a copy (signed no less) after the show.

Thinking over Joy’s performance and sitting down to write this review, I  found myself struggling to convey how deeply her music touched me. It sounds corny, but the word “joy” fits so damn well. You know that emotional response when you hear a song that almost burns your heart and causes your throat to tighten? Or the telltale flushing on your skin as the hairs rise to the sounds that seem to capture something deep within us? That was the exuberant joy and quintessential beauty that Joy Clark brought to the stage and shared with us.

Joy’s voice is stunning, with an earnest sensitivity and intoxicating timbre. On “All Behind”, Joy blends her beautiful voice with poignant lyrics of moving on when the relationship no longer works. She held everyone in the palm of her hand, leaving us desperately wanting to move to the spirit-lifting “Shine”.

As impressive as Joy’s voice is, her guitar-playing is equally exceptional. The aching melody of “Guest” is heightened to the point of tears by sweeping arpeggios and brilliant harmonic intervals. Many times, Joy’s guitar calls back in response to her voice, adding that special magic when those two instruments become one.

My favorite song of the night was “Shimmering”. Unrelenting in its positivity, this song, well, it shimmers. There was so much to love in Joy’s performance. Sadly, I was so wrapped up in the moment that I failed to write down the entire setlist. All I can say is, go see Joy Clark. You won’t be disappointed.

Pictures

There are more photos of Joy Clark and Kate Peterson at The Ark in our gallery.