The Nashville-based bluegrass band Mountain Heart and The Ark, Ann Arbor's beloved folk/roots music club, have developed quite a relationship. The band has played several rafter-raising dates at the venue, and they've gone so well that The Ark was the chosen site to record the band's first concert album, "Road That Never Ends."

Now, Mountain Heart returns in a special fundraising show to kick off the club's 45th year this Friday night.

The band is known for its flawless musicianship and high energy. It or its members have been honored too many times to list, and it has appeared on "The Grand Ole Opry" more than 70 times.

Tickets for the Ark date are $25, available online from Ticketmaster or in person at the club, the Michigan Union Ticket Office or Herb David Guitar Studio, 302 E. Liberty St. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Friday; show starts at 8 p.m.

Here's a taste of Mountain Heart — "Road That Never Ends":