Meet the New Ulster County Poet Laureate

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has appointed poet and music critic Mike Jurkovic as the county’s 2025 Poet Laureate.

Jurkovic, a resident the Shawangunk hamlet of Wallkill, follows Kate Hymes of New Paltz, who held the inaugural title created by Metzger in 2023.

Originally from the South Bronx, Jurkovic has lived in Ulster County for over 30 years. He is the president and co-founder of Calling All Poets, a Hudson Valley-based poetry organization and series now in its 26th year.

Jurkovic’s poetry, celebrated for its expressive and surreal style, has appeared in literary journals across the U.S., including those in New York City, San Francisco, Baltimore, and London. He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and has published several poetry collections, including “smitten by harpies & shiny banjo catfish” (2016), “Eve’s Venom” (2014), and “Purgatory Road” (2010). His work has been featured in over 400 magazines and anthologies.

Beyond writing, Jurkovic co-chairs the Music Fan Film Series at the Rosendale Theatre and hosts NuJazzXcursions on WVKR-91.3FM at Vassar College.

Radio Catskill’s Miguel Santiago Colón spoke to Jurkovic about his goals for the poet laureate role.

Image: Poet and music critic Mike Jurkovic.