Brochure26l_ISSUMay4 by Door Community Auditorium

SEASON 2026

TO DOOR COUNTY AUDITORIUM

OUR STAGE IS SET FOR ANOTHER EXCITING SEASON

— our 35th Anniversary Season! This year, we celebtate that milestone anniversary AND a momentous beginning as we open our new and second venue, education center, and gathering hall, The Cramer Exchange. If you are interested in becoming more involved at this special time, here are a few ways to play a leading role at DCA:

BECOME A SEASON SUBSCRIBER

Season Subscribers save 10% on DCA tickets – a savings of up to $161. Season Subscribers receive VIP priority ticket processing and get to choose the same seats for every show. Or, create your own 6-pack! Choose tickets to six unique DCA-presented events and save 5%.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are the heart and “go power” of DCA! Please visit www.dcauditorium.org/volunteer to find out more about giving back to your community through volunteerism. We currently have a special need for parking attendants and year-round volunteers.

JOIN THE AUDITORIUM SOCIETY

Auditorium Society membership is a way of supporting all of DCA’s programs, concerts, and events through a financial contribution. Auditorium Society Members receive VIP priority ticket processing with a minimum gift of $100. DCA is recognized as a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization and contributions may be tax

ON THE COVER: Valerie June—performing at DCA on September 11

Door County students watch Dinosaur World

performance as part of DCA’s Passport

SPONSOR A SHOW OR ADVERTISE IN THE PLAYBILL

We’re always looking for businesses and individuals to help make great shows happen! DCA offers sponsorship packages and advertising options to suit a variety of needs and budgets.

RENT THE AUDITORIUM OR THE CRAMER EXCHANGE

Door County Auditorium is pleased to serve as both a partner and a venue for several Door County nonprofit groups, businesses, and individuals. If you or your group is interested in renting the auditorium for a concert, event, or presentation, contact the DCA business office at 920.868.2728 for a tailored estimate.

FOLLOW DCA

New events are regularly added to DCA’s calendar. Stay “in the know” by joining us on Facebook or subscribing to our e-newsletter. Subscribers and Facebook Friends receive event news, invitations to free events, and special discounts!

Subscribe to DCA’s E-Newsletter www.dcauditorium.org/contact

Live’s

Program.

Photo by Vinni Hancock.

Thank You for Making Dreams Come True!

The Cramer Exchange officially opens with the kick-off of the 2026–2027 Season, Friday, June 12, 2026.

With amazing community support, we near the successful completion of The Encore Campaign. Finishing gifts are still needed to help us complete the final phase and realize our shared vision. Please help us close the pledge timing funding gap and complete the finishing touches to The Cramer Exchange’s outdoor spaces, remaining A/V and kitchen equipment, and, the Education Wing’s furnishings, instruments, and program needs.

Naming opportunities remain. Gifts of all sizes will be listed alphabetically in the Main Entrance.

Read all about our future programming plans in development on page 38.

Thank you!

TO OUR 2025/26 SPONSORS

We salute the following individuals, organizations, foundations, and businesses for sponsoring last year’s events.

UNDERWRITING & PRESENTING SPONSORS

Tad Gilster

Donald & Carol Kress

Cynthia Stiehl & The MMG Foundation in celebration of Northern Sky Theater

MAJOR SPONSORS

And, Supporting Sponsors of Multiple Shows

EH Barker

Cramer Family Fund

Richard & Barbara Board

The Doerr Family

Cindy Gavin in memory of Steve Gavin

Fun in Wisconsin

IMPORTANT DATES

MAY 6 - TIER ONE VIP SALES (Donors 500+)

MAY 7 TIER TWO VIP SALES (Donors 100+ and volunteers)

May 14: All Sales Begin

All Sales Begin at 12 p.m. Central

MAJOR

THE WALLFLOWERS

Friday, June 12, 8 p.m.

$64 / 80 / 96

with Special Guest Silverada SOLDOUT

“Bringing Down the Horse is packed with lush tales of Americana, folklore from the frontiers wrapped up in string-creaking acoustic guitars and swirls of Hammond organ.” - NME

A band whose sound walks a tightrope between alternative roots and straight-up rock and roll, The Wallflowers are the brainchild of guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist Jakob Dylan. Though he’s the son of Bob Dylan, Jakob Dylan and The Wallflowers have a sound and creative voice all their own. On this tour, The Wallflowers will mark the 30th anniversary of their landmark album Bringing Down the Horse (which spawned multiple hits, including “One Headlight”) by performing the album in its entirety, in sequence. They will also pay tribute to the anniversary of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers by playing Petty’s 1982 album Long After Dark in its entirety as well.

Premiere Screening of the 2017 pat mAcdonald Concert Film

Sunday, June 14, 7 p.m.

$15

DCA presents the premiere of a concert film featuring pat mAcdonald, his songs, and a host of other artists— a film that was originally shot at DCA, back in 2017. That year, 46 artists gathered to present 37 songs by mAcdonald, the prolific songwriter’s songwriter who has been nominated for a Grammy, written a Billboard hit song, founded Steel Bridge Songfest, and lives right here in Door County. In the filmed concert, musicians including James Hall, Eric McFadden, Genevieve Heyward, Cathy Grier, Ruby James, Dirty Deuce, and dozens more take the stage (and courtyard) for an electric evening of friendship, homage, and rock and roll.

Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m.

DANCE CLASSES FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER:

JUNE 22, JULY 20, AUG 17

with Elena Santiago at The Cramer Exchange

Monday, June 22

Fairy Tale Ballet Adventure, Ages 3-5, 9–10 a.m. $35

Rainbow Ballet, Ages 6-9, 10:15–11:30 a.m. $45

Learn a Lyrical Ballet in a Day, Ages 10+, 12:30–2:30 p.m. $50

“I’ve been on the receiving end of so many talented and inspiring teachers that have inspired me and changed my life. I want to do that for someone else… and share my love and passion for this art form that is undervalued and underappreciated.” – Elena Santiago

Dance educator, choreographer, and dancer Elena Santiago grew up in Door County and began classical ballet training at age 13 in Green Bay. Now, she returns to Door County after studying dance at Hunter College, UW–Madison, and The Ailey School. In fun, engaging sessions that encourage confidence, imagination, flexibility, coordination, emotional expression, and storytelling, Santiago will teach a total of 9 classes, in 3 different styles, spread over 3 days this summer at The Cramer Exchange: BALLET on June 22 featuring “Fairy Tale Ballet Adventure” (ages 3-5), “Rainbow Ballet” (ages 6-9), and “Learn a Lyrical Ballet in a Day” (ages ten and up); MODERN on July 20 featuring “Under Water Dance Adventure (ages 3-5), ”Flow Like Water” (ages 6-9), and “A Modern Dance Experience” (ages ten and up); and JAZZ FUNK DANCE on August 17 featuring “Pop Star Dance Party (ages 3-5), “Pop Star Moves” (ages 6-9), and Pop Star Performance Lab (ages ten and up). Kaitlyn Kraemer will serve as Elena's teaching assistant.

Little Feat

Friday, June 26, 8 p.m.

$105 / 125 / 135

“The rollicking, frisky whomp of the band’s groove remains intact.”

– Rolling Stone

Little Feat is one of the best living examples of the American musical melting pot, a band known for fusing a broad span of styles and genres into something utterly distinctive. Since their founding in 1969, Little Feat has been combining earthy material with tight musicianship, stirring funk, California rock, folk, jazz, country, rockabilly, and New Orleans swamp boogie into a rich gumbo. With hits that include “Willin’,” “Dixie Chicken,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub,” and “Rock & Roll Doctor,” they’ve been leading people in joyful dance ever since.

Saturday, June 27, 8 p.m.

$36 / 46 / 64

SIERRA HULL

“Sierra Hull just keeps getting better and better… sparkling vocals, instrumental savvy, and lyrical brilliance.” – Folk Alley

Virtuoso mandolin player Sierra Hull returns to DCA by popular demand! A six-time Grammy-nominated artist and songwriter and seven-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year, Hull has been a pioneer of acoustic music throughout her impressive multi-decade career. In addition to performing on America’s most iconic stages (Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and the White House), she has collaborated with artists including Alison Krauss, Sturgill Simpson, Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton, Béla Fleck, Steve Martin, Brandi Carlile, Dave Matthews, Billy Strings, and more. Though her oneof-a-kind sound is rooted in bluegrass, she is widely considered one of acoustic music’s most inventive artists.

Billy Dave Sherman & The Hedgehog Republic Host A Hedgehog Wedding & Dance Party at The Cramer Exchange

All the fun dance tunes, no presents, no nuptials!

Thursday, July 2, 8 p.m. $20

THE ZABRECKY HOUR

at The Cramer Exchange

Monday, July 6, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

$33

“A unique persona, highly reminiscent of Norman Bates, with a bit of Rod Serling in the mix—a psycho from the Twilight Zone, doing magic.” –Magic Magazine

Magic like you have never seen it before. In this oneperson comedy magic and variety show, multi-skilled artist Rob Zabrecky sets the stage for everyday life, then sets it on fire. Delivered via a blackly comedic and bizarre persona, Zabrecky’s magic is designed for those who don’t think they love magic, transcending the medium into something between performance art and transformative comedy. For over two decades, Zabrecky has headlined theaters, magic festivals, and magic conventions from Tokyo to New York City and has been honored with six awards from the Academy of Magical Arts at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle.

JT Nero

Friday, July 10, 8 p.m.

$33 / 43 / 57

“A superb crooner and an equally powerful soul singer, [JT Nero] can belt out a lyric or etch it with the delicacy of Venetian glass, whilst evoking Curtis Mayfield one moment and Sly Stone the next.” – allmusic

JT Nero is a songwriter, singer, poet, and producer based in Nashville. From deep Door County roots— many on the peninsula will know him as the frontman of JT and the Clouds, or as half of the duo Birds of Chicago with Allison Russell—Nero has grown a wide and rich career. In recent years, he co-wrote Russell’s two critically acclaimed solo albums, 2021’s Outside Child and 2023’s The Returner, which he also coproduced. The Returner received four Grammy nominations, winning in the Best American Roots Performance category. With a songwriting voice that’s as distinctive as his fractured soul croon, Nero weaves funk, gospel, and folk into rock and roll psalms of righteous empathy.

CRISTINA VANE TRIO

at The Cramer Exchange

Monday, July 13, 8 p.m.

$35

“Vivacious—both unassuming and boldly outspoken.” – Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Cristina Vane has a breadth and depth of serious musical skill compiled from countless miles across all kinds of geography. Her sound reflects an amalgam of experiences: born in the foothills of the Italian Alps and raised between Italy, England and France, Cristina’s half-American, half-Guatemalan heritage is as unique as her sound. She is a product of a merging disparate worlds, and she likewise merges her classic rock/’90s indie instincts with her passion for country, bluegrass, pre-war blues, and old-time fiddle and banjo music. Rolling Stone described her early single “Badlands” as “evocative of a young Bonnie Raitt and early PJ Harvey…entrancing stuff”.

SALSA SOCIAL: SALSA SOCIAL:

Dance Instruction by Elena Santiago, Encore Bar Open, & Food Truck On Site at The Cramer Exchange

Wednesday, July 15, 7 p.m.

$30

Get ready to dance, mingle and soak in the beautiful culture of Latin music and dance at our Salsa Social Night! Whether you’ve never danced a step or you’re ready to spice up your skills, this night is all about FUN, energy, and connection!

We’ll kick things off with a 45-minute beginner-friendly salsa dance lesson where you’ll learn:

• A simple warm-up to get your body moving and feel the rhythm

• Basic salsa steps to build your foundation

• Easy turns to add some flair

Salsa has roots in Caribbean culture, blending African and Latin influences into a vibrant, joyful dance that’s all about expression, music, and community!

No partner? No problem! Come solo, bring a friend— dancing on your own is just as fun or meet a partner!

What to Wear: Wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely—think flowy, breathable, and fun!

Shoes: Smooth-soled shoes are best (so you can turn easily). Avoid heavy sneakers if possible.

After the lesson: Stay and enjoy a relaxed social with snacks, wine, great company in a beautiful atmosphere and of course practice your moves or make up your own! For more details, visit page 11.

BIG RICHARD & Genevieve Heyward

Friday, July 17, 8 p.m.

All Sections $35

“Rocker Genevieve Heyward wowed.”

– Rolling Stone

“Big Richard is blowing up the bluegrass scene… fierce, loving, and unstoppable.”

– Bluegrass Situation

Door County’s own Genevieve Heyward—fresh off her top-20 finish on this season’s American Idol will join forces with roots supergroup Big Richard for a one-night-only co-bill that’s not to be missed. Heyward, now based in Nashville, is a rising indie rock artist who can captivate any room with a voice that’s as smooth as it is raspy and original songs that are as honest as they are lively. Big Richard, based in Colorado, exploded onto the scene in 2021with tight vocal harmonies, dazzling string virtuosity, and clever arrangements. They deliver ferocious, unapologetic acoustic music with big energy and serious chops.

BoDeans

Thursday, July 23, 8 p.m.

$57 / 78 / 89

“Feisty heartland rock.” – Shepherd Express

With countless tunes you know from the first note, rip-roaring gigs you can count on, and a whole lot of energy you’ll take home with you, Wisconsin’s own BoDeans are an American institution. Founded and led by original frontman, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Kurt Neumann, BoDeans emerged out of Waukesha, WI, in 1986 with their seminal debut, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, produced by T Bone Burnett. The band’s catalog consists of generational anthems such as “Good Things,” “You Don’t Get Much,” “Idaho,” and “Closer to Free,” which served as the theme song for the smash hit TV show Party of Five.

Modern Dance Classes for Kids

with Elena Santiago at The Cramer Exchange

Monday, July 20

Under Water Dance Adventure, Ages 3-5, 9–10 a.m., $35

Flow Like Water, Ages 6-9, 10:15–11:30 a.m., $45

A Modern Dance Experience, Ages 10+, 12:30–2:30 p.m., $50

For more details, visit page 11.

The WOOD BROTHERS

with Special Guest Luke Tyler Shelton

Friday, July 24, 8 p.m.

$54 / 64 / 75

“Groove-heavy folk rock that’s rootsy enough to impress the purists and fun enough to even get the punk kids to pay attention.”

– New Noise Magazine

Dubbed “masters of soulful folk” by Paste, The Wood Brothers formed after brothers Chris and Oliver Wood had pursued separate musical careers for 15 years. Chris already had legions of devoted fans for his incomparable work as one-third of Medeski Martin & Wood, while Oliver’s band King Johnson built a loyal following in the South. With drummer Jano Rix added as a permanent third member, The Wood Brothers evolved into one of roots music’s most revered acts. The Wood Brothers twine their voices into high-lonesome brother harmony blends, shuffling between bluesy country and swampy funk with their spunky acoustic guitar, virtuosic upright bass, and jangling percussion.

Don McLean

Wednesday, July 29, 8 p.m.

$79 / 99 / 109

“One of America’s most enduring singer-songwriters.” – The Sun Chronicle

Don McLean is a Grammy Award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. His smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a Top 5 song of the 20th century by the Recording Industry of America. A New York native, Don McLean is one of America’s most revered and respected songwriters. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late 1960s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air,” and many more.

HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS THE BOB SEGER EXPERIENCE

Sunday, August 2, 8 p.m.

$35 / 55 / 65

“A full, rich sound that went a long way to replicating Seger’s Silver Bullet Band.” –Times News Penn Peak Hollywood Nights - America’s Bob Seger Experience is the ultimate tribute to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. The 9-piece New Jersey- based band strives to recreate everything about Bob Seger and his music, down to the core. Carrying on the 30-year legacy of Seger’s unforgettable high-energy shows, roaring raspy vocals, and impactful songs, Hollywood Nights celebrates the Silver Bullet Band way, representing the voice and values of every fan, honoring working-class roots, and paying tribute to the love of rock 'n' roll. Fans of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, won't want to miss Hollywood Nights!

at The Cramer Exchange

Sunday, August 16, 8 p.m.

$15

Hailed as a breakout hit of the 2023 film festival circuit, Hundreds of Beavers is a slapstick, supernatural winter epic following a down-on-his-luck applejack salesman forced to battle— yes—hundreds of diabolical beavers on his quest to survive and become the greatest fur trapper of them all.

Peninsula Music Festival

Annual Residency

August 4–22, Tues, Thurs, & Sat at 7:30 p.m.

Nine different symphonic concerts in three weeks featuring musicians from America’s finest orchestras. Full concert details: www.musicfestival.com

Call 920-854-4060 or visit the PMF box office at 10431 N. Water Street, Ephraim

Jazz Funk Dance Classes for Kids with Elena Santiago at The Cramer Exchange Monday, August 17

Pop Star Dance Party, Ages 3-5, 9–10 a.m., $35

Pop Star Moves, Ages 6-9, 10:15–11:30 a.m., $45

Pop Star Performance Lab, Ages 10+, 12:30–2:30 p.m., $50 For more details, visit page 11.

RHYMES OF PASSAGE:

23 Skidoo

& The Secret Agency

RHYME WRITING RESIDENCY/DAY CAMP

at The Cramer Exchange

Monday thru Friday, August 24–28, 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.

For Students Entering Grades 4 through 8

$350 Need-based Scholarships Available

“Nobody is making better ‘Kid-Hop’ than Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.” – NPR

For over a decade, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo has been leading workshops and residencies from the United States to Australia. His unique approach teaches rhyme writing and performance through a “rites of passage” framework—thus the name Rhymes of Passage. Focusing equally on literacy and self-confidence, 23 Skidoo teaches kids to put their thoughts into words and use them to change the world. In a safe and supportive environment, students learn to explore their creativity and reach beyond their comfort zone. The experience is transformative, allowing each participant to be seen and celebrated for their own unique voice. The camp will included a daily trip to the YMCA and conclude with a performance showcase for families and friends.

G. Love & Special Sauce

with Special Guest Todd Carey

Sunday, August 23, 8 p.m.

$45 / 59 / 69

“Electrifying… insisting on hope and determination in the face of doubt and despair.” – American Songwriter

G. Love & Special Sauce is an American hip-hop blues band known for its unique fusion of hip-hop, blues, funk, and soul. Formed in 1993, the trio quickly gained attention for their laid-back, groovy style and G. Love’s unique vocal delivery, blending rap-like spoken word with bluesy singing. Their debut self-titled album, G. Love & Special Sauce, was released in 1994 on Epic Records and included the hit single “Cold Beverage.” Frequently incorporating elements of ’90s hip-hop beats with classic blues rhythms, the band’s style has been described as a mix of “alternative hip-hop” and “slacker blues.” Todd Carey opens the show.

I'M WITH HER

Tuesday, August 25, 8 p.m.

$54 / 68 / 78

“There’s a healing alchemy in these three voices breathing as one, like a spell they’ve studied, perfected, and now conjure and wield with careful reverence.”

– Acoustic Guitar Magazine

With the 2014 formation of I’m With Her, singer/ songwriters Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins introduced an essential new force into the world of folk music: a close-knit alliance of highly esteemed musicians, each graced with a deep understanding of folk tradition and unbridled passion for expanding its possibilities. Known for their work with bands like Nickel Creek (Watkins) and Crooked Still (O’Donovan) and successful solo careers, I’m With Her (who have won four Grammys, including two in 2026) is a supergroup built around luminous harmonies, near-telepathic chemistry, and deep soulsearching.

Friday, September 4, 7 p.m.

$90 / 100 / 110

“The ‘Happy Together’ tour proves you’re never too old to rock and roll…pure bliss.” – Holy City Sinner

The touring sensation that has crisscrossed the nation delighting audiences for over a decade returns this summer with a show full of charttopping hits from the ’60s and ’70s. This year, the tour will feature The Cowsills, The Vogues, Gary Puckett, The Fortunes, The Association, Ron Dante, The Troggs, and Jason Scheff from the band Chicago. All told, the participating bands have created an incredible 33 Billboard Top 40 hits. The Happy Together Tour is an unforgettable evening—nostalgia made entirely fresh.

Valerie June

Friday, September 11, 7 p.m.

$48 / 59 / 69

“Valerie June’s every quiver bespeaks emotional honesty.” - The New Yorker

Valerie June is a Grammy-nominated, Tennessee-raisedand-based singer-songwriter who combines electric blues, African rhythms, and cosmic atmospherics with delicate soul. June weaves “fresh medicinal downloads of love, sweetness, goodness, and joy” together with songs that have flowed through her for years. She has recorded three best-selling solo albums, written songs for Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama, been praised by Bob Dylan, and shared the stage with Norah Jones. Every note June sings is dusted with her distinctive Tennessee twang, but her work is expansive, growing from her psychedelic folk, indie rock, Appalachian, bluegrass, country soul, orchestral pop, and blues root system into an ever-growing canopy of wisdom.

Passport

Program:

SHOUTHOUSE

Saturday, September 19, 7 p.m.

All Sections $35

“Carves out a niche that is completely its own, one in which nobody but the artists themselves could be an expert.”

– I Care if You Listen

ShoutHouse is a New York City-based collective of musicians who bring together complex grooves, poetic hip-hop, high-octane vocals, and instrumental solos in a way that is delightfully new and entirely unexpected. The brainchild of composer/pianist Will Healy, ShoutHouse’s sound is an “absolutely unique blend of postrock, art-rock, and indie classical styles” (New York Music Daily), with a core roster of musicians from many corners of the NYC music scene. Ted Gioia, author of The History of Jazz, called ShoutHouse “a revelation…one of the most creative projects you’ll hear all year.”

PEGASIS

at The Cramer Exchange

Friday, September 25, 7 p.m.

$30

“Their harmonies are gorgeous.” – Turn Up the Amp

Since their inception as a band in 2018, the members of Green Bay-based band Pegasis have prided themselves on what they call “discord in synergy”—the conscious union of seemingly opposing elements. With shimmering vocal harmonies, pulsing rhythms, tight arrangements, musical virtuosity, and vibrant dynamics, Pegasis creates lush soundscapes that captivate all types of listeners and makes the complex sound easy. Hopping between jazz, funk, R&B, pop, world, and Latin, with lyrics in both English and Spanish, Pegasis is always energetic and eclectic, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

The War &Treaty

Friday, October 9, 7 p.m.

$45 / 59 / 69

“An ecstatic, empowering sense of partnership.” – NPR

Since forming in 2014, The War and Treaty have amassed a following as eclectic as their sound itself, a bluesy but joyful fusion of Southern soul, gospel, country, and rock and roll. Known for a live show that’s revival-like in its intensity, the husband-and-wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter create an exhilarating exchange of energy with their audience, a dynamic they’ve brought to the stage in opening for the legendary Al Green and touring with the likes of Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell. Their Grammy-nominated, Americana-Award-winning albums “brim over with unbridled passion and torrid energy” (Folk Alley).

PASSPORT PROGRAM:

Curious George:

The Golden Meatball

Tuesday, October 20

Daytime Student Matinees. Call for Details.

“Delightful and engaging.” – Broadway World

Curious George, the inquisitive, lovable monkey— star of books, film, and television—takes center stage in this brand-new musical, Curious George: The Golden Meatball. Specifically designed for young audiences, this show tells the story of All You-Can-Eat Meatball Day, which happens only once a year. Curious George, determined to help his friend Chef Pisghetti, goes on a mission to enter the Chef’s meatballs in the world-famous Golden Meatball Contest in Rome. With every swing and flip, George and the audience learn about Rome, meatballs, and the secret ingredient to cooking.

Eric Lewis & Josh Harty IN THE ROUND

at The Cramer Exchange

Friday, October 23, 7 p.m.

$38

Josh Harty: “A true son of the heartland whose bold defiance and riveting delivery channel the essence of American music.”

– Glide Magazine

Eric Lewis: “A young fellow with a Collings guitar asked if he could sit in. Sit in, he took the place apart!”

– The Independent Register

A first-ever pairing of two Door County favorites! Josh Harty, based in Madison but known in Door County for his appearances at Steel Bridge Songfest and the Tambourine Lounge, is a songwriter whose work reflects the landscapes of his North Dakota upbringing, capturing the essence of small-town life, the allure of the open road, and the bittersweet symphony of love and loss. Memphis-based Eric Lewis, known around the peninsula for his wizardry on a host of stringed instruments, including guitar, mandolin, and pedal steel, is also an accomplished singer-songwriter. In this intimate “in the round” format, Lewis and Harty will swap songs, deepening and adding texture to one another’s work.

PASSPORT PROGRAM:

BLACK VIOLIN

Wednesday, November 18, 7 p.m.

$35 / 58 / 68

“Playful and powerful in equal measure.”

– Around the Town Chicago

For nearly two decades, the two-time Grammynominated duo Black Violin has been merging string arrangements with modern beats and building bridges in communities along the way.

Members Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste first met in high school orchestra class. Now they sell out headline performances at the most prestigious venues in the U.S., prompting NPR to declare that “their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation.” Their latest album Full Circle bursts with indelible melodies, boom-bap rhythms, rich orchestration, and lyrics full of hope and persistence, revealing the range and depth of a project the members call “more a movement than a brand.”

Gunhild Carling SWEDEN’S QUEEN OF SWING Big Band Holiday

Friday, December 11, 7 p.m.

$35 / 54 / 64

“I have never seen a band so hot that a room full of 500 dancers stopped dancing just to listen!” –Hep Cat Reviews

“Sweden’s Queen of Swing” Gunhild Carling is an international musical sensation. Whether she’s singing favorite swinging jazz standards, playing one of 11 instruments (including trumpet, trombone, harmonica, oboe, harp, flute, recorder, or jazz bagpipe!), juggling, or tap dancing, Carling’s sublime showmanship shines. She’s performed everywhere from Stockholm’s Royal Palace to America’s Got Talent, masterfully performing classics like “All of Me” and “It Had to Be You.”

From the first note of the evening to the finale (in which—spoiler alert—she plays three trumpets at once), Gunhild Carling thrills every audience she encounters.

WE THREE SPRINGS PERFORMS

Booker T.'s In The Christmas Spirit at The Cramer Exchange

Saturday, December 19, 7 p.m.

$75

“Listening to Three Springs perform, I often find myself closing my eyes, deeply listening, sometimes dancing, and then pinching myself because I’m in Fish Creek—not a New York or Chicago club.” – DCA Executive Director Cari Lewis

Three Springs, known in other configurations as Ketchup, is a self-described “rock-ish, at times slightly dancey, funky, and experimental band” based right here in Door County. In this special holiday appearance, Three Springs (Paul Taylor on guitar, Shepley Frater on bass, Adam Cain on drums, along with special guest Solomon Lindenberg on organ) becomes “We Three Springs,” reimagining and celebrating Booker T. & the M.G.’s’s iconic album In the Christmas Spirit, along with other soul classics from the holidays and beyond. Delicious barbecue fare will make this holiday evening especially festive.

Booker T. & Biscuits

at The Cramer Exchange

Sunday, December 20, 12 p.m., $75

The same thang, but with soulfood brunch this time!

2027 EVENTS PASSPORT PROGRAM: Jazz at Lincoln Center

Presents

Tuesday, February 16, 2027, 7 p.m.

All Sections $35

“Great jazz… a young, dynamic vibe that you won’t want to miss.” – NYS Music

As another installment in the esteemed “Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents” series, guest vocalist Kate Kortum will debut arrangements of tunes from Broadway’s most beloved productions, including Hamilton, Wicked, South Pacific, West Side Story, and more, in a special concert event entitled “World on a String: Swinging Songs of Broadway.” This evening will pay tribute to some of Broadway’s brightest lights, celebrating the famed avenue’s most talented, inventive, and sophisticated composers and offering a fresh spin on Broadway’s most beloved standards. It’ll be sure to put you in a New York state of mind.

2027 EVENTS

Passport Program: NoGravity

Sunday, April 4, 2027, 7 p.m.

$35 / 58 / 68

“Dazzling.” – KC Studio

NoGravity is a groundbreaking Italian performing arts company that blends dance, theater, and visual artistry into breathtaking multidisciplinary performances.

Founded in 2005 in Rome by visionary artist Emiliano Pellisari, the company is renowned for its gravity-defying choreography and mesmerizing stage illusions. Drawing inspiration from the extraordinary beauty of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque eras, NoGravity transforms classical artistry into modern theatrical magic. Their performances evoke a sense of wonder, illusion, and dreamlike elegance, transporting audiences into surreal worlds where the impossible becomes reality. With a poetic language built on beauty, fantasy, and fun, NoGravity continues to redefine the boundaries of contemporary performance.

COMING SOON

This Summer

Pre-Show Music, Beer, & Wine on the Okarma Patio 2.5 hours prior to show time. Service ends 30 minutes prior to curtain for DCA Mainstage Events.

This Fall

The Emerson Education Wing will host

• Afterschool Music Lessons

• Recording Studio Hours

DOOR COUNTY TALKS

THE CRAMER FAMILY MOVIE SERIES

JAN 8, FEB 5, FEB 26, APRIL 2, APRIL 30

COFFEEHOUSE CONCERTS

DATES: JAN 16, JAN 30, FEB 6, FEB 20, MAR 6, APRIL 10, MAY 1, JUNE 5

Lineup TBA

DCA’s well-loved series gets a refresh. An expanded lineup of concerts will take place at The Cramer Exchange beginning this winter. The deep listening coffeehouse environment and cozy fireplace vibe fans have long enjoyed will remain, but now with the addition of extra capacity and beer and wine sales. Artists from Door County or with Door County roots are invited to submit their performance proposals by August 1. Preference will be given to artists with professional promotional materials (brief bio & photos), an established or growing fan base, a concert plan different from other local public concerts, and, new collaborations with other artists (could be as simple as two acts each doing 50 minute sets in one co-billed night).

Submission details will be available on our website by July 1.