1403, 2012

Duluth Canal Lighthouses at Sunrise

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The Duluth-Superior Harbor on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin is the busiest bulk cargo port on the Great Lakes. But, in the early hours of the day, the waterfront becomes a therapeutic escape from the frantic activity of the rest of the day. The entrance to the Duluth-Superior ship canal is marked by two historic lighthouses: the Duluth North Pierhead Light and the Duluth South Breakwater Light. The southern light has served the port’s freighters since 1874, but the narrowness of the canal and frequent foggy conditions necessitated a second light to the north, first lit in 1910. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists, the band

1809, 2011

Madison, Wisconsin

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This relaxing view of Madison, Wisconsin could easily be mistaken for a view across an inlet of Lake Michigan– except Madison lies in the middle of the state, removed from the Great Lakes. Still, Wisconsin’s capital has great lakes of its own: the “Four Lakes” of Mendota, Menona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa surround the city. Looking at the downtown skyline, the Wisconsin State Capitol is impossible to miss. This is no accident; a local law prohibits any buildings within a mile to be taller than the capitol dome’s pillars. Although low, the downtown skyline remains dense with government buildings, the University of Wisconsin, and more. Joyce Cooling is a contemporary jazz guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. She has

0209, 2011

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee has been a Great Lakes port since 1835, and its port has been important through the city’s long history as an industrial powerhouse. Over the past decade, Milwaukee has created a more postindustrial economy, but the Port of Milwaukee is still an important transport center for the city and the entire western Great Lakes region, including Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul. The waters around the port are important to recreation and the city’s developing tourism industry. The Milwaukee Boat Line’s Iroquois, seen in this video, is the oldest passenger vessel still operating on the Great Lakes, and offers a variety of entertainment excursions. Walter Beasley is a contemporary jazz saxophonist and a full professor at Boston’s

2708, 2011

Algorail at Port of Milwaukee

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The self-unloading freighter Algorail has served the Algoma Central Corporation on the Great Lakes since its construction in 1968, and is managed by its partner, Seaway Marine Transport. This is the second vessel to bear the Algorail name. The first, known as William S. Mack before Algoma purchased it, was scrapped in 1963. In this video, the current Algorail departs the Port of Milwaukee, past the Milwaukee Breakwater Light in Lake Michigan. Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a 20-year span as accompanist and writer for Al Stewart, before launching a solo career in 1990. With several Top 10 jazz albums under his belt, White is a frequent

1808, 2011

Black River, Wisconsin

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Wisconsin’s Black River begins at the Minnesota border and winds through northwestern corner of the state, joining with the Nemadji River and entering Lake Superior. The scenery of the Black River is at its best as it passes through Pattison State Park, thirteen miles south of the city of Superior. The river’s tranquility is eventually broken by the dramatic Big Manitou Falls– Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall– farther downstream. The Black River gets its name from the dark color of the water. This “root beer” color comes from decomposing organic matter from the forest. A similar phenomenon can be seen at Michigan’s famous Tahquamenon Falls. Cindy Bradley is an award-winning jazz trumpeter. She has toured the world as

1507, 2011

Stewart J. Cort

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Built in 1973, the Stewart J. Cort has the distinction of being the first 1000-foot freighter on the Great Lakes. It was named after the late vice president of Bethlehem Steel, the company it has served continuously while operating under the Interlake Steamship Company. In this video, the Stewart J. Cort can be seen passing one of the two breakwater lights that mark the entrance to Duluth-Superior Harbor on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin at the edge of Lake Superior. Mark Love is an independent Australian artist. His work ranges from intense electronic compositions to solo piano ambience. Links Interlake Steamship Company: Stewart J. Cort Terry Pepper’s Seeing the Light: Wisconsin Point Lighthouse Mark Love