Detroit may be the birthplace of techno and a breeding ground for jazz, but who would have guessed that this flat state of ours would become such an influential haven for the resurgence of roots music. Even though the Appalachians don't quite reach the state line, Lansing's Steppin' In It will be stirring in a hearty dose of classic American folk to their soulful, down-home sound this weekend at the Ark.

But don't toss this dapper quartet off as old-fashioned. Some of Steppin' In It's tunes may take you back to an era of feet-stomping hootenanny. Its lively blend of swinging, bluesy old-time music, however, is a tasteful take on tradition. "They make traditional music contemporary without selling its soul in the process" said Performing Songwriter Magazine.

Fronted by singer/songwriter Joshua Davis, Steppin' In It has become one of the most sought-after bands in Michigan. From music festivals like Wheatland in Remus, MI and the Telluride Bluegrass festival in Colorado, to appearances on NPR's Mountain Stage, the group has been sharing its tuneful melodies and rocking crowded dance floors ever since its 2000 debut Children Take Your Shoes Off.

Supporting Davis's lyrical eloquence and string chops (primarily guitar) is Dominic Suchyta on upright bass. Acting as the rhythmic pulse to this percussion-less group, Suchyta was last seen plucking and slapping on the Ark's stage at the sold out Daisy May and Seth Bernard show in April.

Rounding out the quartet are ulti-instrumentalist brothers Joe and Andy Wilson. Similar to Suchyta and Davis, the Wilson brothers have also lent their skills to Earthwork musicians like Seth Bernard and Daniel Kahn. Joe, who plays steel guitar, dobro and trombone, and Andy, who plays harmonica, trumpet and the Cajun button accordion are the catalysts for Steppin' In It's genre melding. The virtuosic brothers and their instrumental diversity allow the group to transition from calypso to blues to bluegrass without crowding the stage.

Opening for Steppin' In It will be the newly reunited Lost World String Band. Active in the late '70s, the LWSB offers a flavorful concoction of Cajun, jug-band and old-time music. The combined powers of these two vibrant bands should get the usually seated Ark-goers on their feet.

Steppin' In It and Lost World String Band
8 p.m.
$15
The Ark