Last month, celebrated poet and author Mark Turcotte was named the sixth Poet Laureate of Illinois, joining the ranks of literary icons like Carl Sandburg and Gwendolyn Brooks. Even early in his career, Turcotte’s powerful voice was drawing attention, particularly through his books Road Noise (1998) and Exploding Chippewas (2002) – works he published during his decade living in Door County. In this conversation, Debra Fitzgerald speaks with Mark about his journey from the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation in North Dakota to his current role as Poet Laureate. They also reminisce about his years in Door County. 

Mark Turcotte Named Illinois Poet Laureate

It will probably come as no surprise to anyone that Door County’s robust music scene includes world-class chamber music. Allyson Fleck, executive director of Midsummer’s Music, and a talented violist herself, talks with Debra Fitzgerald about the organization’s roots, its mission, what chamber music means and the musicians who bring their music to the Door County community. Stay tuned: she also brought along her viola and plays a short piece by Bach.

Midsummer’s Music With Allyson Fleck

The Door County Granary, built in 1901, carries a rich legacy – from its role in a bygone agricultural era to a near-demolition, and ultimately, a community-driven effort to save and repurpose it as a public gathering space. James Dallman, the lead architect behind the Granary’s ambitious restoration and transformation, was recently in town working on a model that will be unveiled to the public on Sept. 20. He spoke with Debra Fitzgerald about the political and technical journey that brought the structure back to life, the challenges of balancing historic preservation with modern functionality, and what it means to him to reimagine a building so deeply tied to the community’s identity and sense of place.


Designing with History: The Granary with James Dallman

The Door County Pulse Podcast is dedicated to bringing you the news and stories of Door County, Wisconsin.
Hosted by Myles Dannhausen Jr. and Debra Fitzgerald, the podcast brings you interviews with artists, musicians, and business owners who make Door County what it is, hear from journalists from the Peninsula Pulse, and catch up on the news that's shaping our community. 

For Door County news, events and more stories visit www.doorcountypulse.com

Designing with History: The Granary with James Dallman

Door County Pulse Podcast

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