Check out the vibrant bluegrass music scene here in Brooklyn, NYC - and beyond. Join your hosts Mike Willner and Liz Wolfe to meet the musicians and teachers, explore the venues and events, and share the stories and community in the Bluegrass Borough. We’ll talk classic bluegrass, bluegrass-adjacent music, vendors, instruments, jam camps, current events, gear ... you know, all the good stuff! So give a listen, we’ll have a fine old time.
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Sep 28, 2026 · 28:30
What does it take to create the next generation of bluegrass music? Meet Brett Morris, Executive Director of Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) and learn about their efforts to…
Sep 24, 2026 · 40:58
Liz gets to know Chris and Taylor Malpass, the Country / Gospel brother band whose love for traditional country music started almost as soon as they could walk. They share…
Sep 21, 2026 · 23:22
Time for another Jam Talk. Mike and Liz dive into what it takes to make everyone feel included and respected in the jam circle … and how to avoid creating an exclusive or…
Sep 17, 2026 · 56:49
Stephen Mougin shares insights into his multi-faceted, award-winning career with Mike. Performing artist, record company executive, lauded music producer, SiriusXM host, music…
Sep 14, 2026 · 39:52
Liz catches up with her friend and fellow banjo picker Urs von Arx, now back home in Zurich after 21 years in New York City. Urs shares what he loved about the NYC jam scene, how…
Sep 12, 2026 · 15:52
Festival Alert! We have a new festival in the area! Festival Co-Producer Austin Scelzo chats with Mike about this brand-new festival – Planet Granite Music & Dance Festival…
Sep 10, 2026 · 45:13
Liz talks with singer, songwriter, fiddler, and educator Farayi Malek about her musical journey from childhood fiddle contests to years of studying jazz—and now back to her…
Sep 7, 2026 · 23:30
For five weeks in the Summer - and now some weekends in the Fall – the Blue Ridge Mountains at Warren Wilson College come alive with music, dance, and the joy of learning at The…
Sep 3, 2026 · 46:17
Liz talks with Marcel Ardans, the man behind ‘Lessons with Marcel’, about his unexpected journey from aspiring high school music teacher to successful bluegrass educator on…
Aug 31, 2026 · 27:19
Mike learns all about ReString Appalachia – an organization dedicated to getting quality instruments back in the hands of those who lost them due to natural and economic…
Aug 28, 2026 · 12:27
Another amazing Grey Fox story! Mike caught up with Reggie Guillaume – better known as Guitar 5000 – at Grey Fox where Reggie shared his vision and musical mission. This YouTube…
Aug 27, 2026 · 39:48
Mike sits with Dobro legend Jerry Douglas and they go deep into all aspects of Jerry’s career, the bands he leads, the music he loves, his approach to learning and teaching, and…
Aug 23, 2026 · 38:21
Liz talks with Tashi and Kaj Litch, winners of the 2026 Telluride Band Contest, about growing up immersed in music on a tiny Washington island and turning a childhood bluegrass…
Aug 20, 2026 · 47:30
Liz sits down with bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis for a wide-ranging conversation about the music she’s loved and played for more than 50 years. What makes bluegrass “bluegrass”?…
Aug 15, 2026 · 22:53
Mike chats with Lake Carver and Lyla Cherry of the dynamic North Carolina-based band Carolina Detour. These talented and accomplished young musicians (they are both 16 year old!)…
Aug 10, 2026 · 29:38
Our last episode of Season 6! To end on a high note, Mike sits with Bronwyn – one of our greatest fiddle players – who is about to release her first album of songs she wrote or…
Aug 6, 2026 · 19:26
Festival Alert! The iconic Earl Scruggs Music Festival is coming up very soon – Friday September 4th through Sunday September 6th. Held at the Tryon Equestrian Center, the…
Aug 6, 2026 · 42:39
Liz talks with award-winning singer Brooke Aldridge about the heart behind the uplifting music she and husband Darin create together. Brooke shares how they choose songs that…
Aug 3, 2026 · 36:02
Mike gets to meet the Biscuit Eaters, a traditional bluegrass family band from North Carolina. Meredith Wilkerson (the “Band Mom”) shares her thoughts, along with guitarist…
Jul 30, 2026 · 43:14
Meet Darren Nicholson, son of Western North Carolina who brings generations of pickin’ and singin’ to his music. Join the wide-ranging conversation about the soul of bluegrass,…
Jul 27, 2026 · 25:21
Whether you're new to bluegrass or looking to improve your jamming skills, Harry Gambrill shares practical wisdom drawn from years of teaching and performing. Learn how to build…
Jul 24, 2026 · 16:55
Liz talks with Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival organizer Shanna Connor about what makes this award-winning festival such a favorite among bluegrass fans. From world-class music…
Jul 23, 2026 · 54:59
Liz talks with award-winning vocalist and guitarist Greg Blake about the lessons he's learned from decades of performing, teaching, and making music. From what creates a great…
Jul 20, 2026 · 29:07
The Man … The Banjo … The YouTube Sensation! Mike gets to chat with Jim Pankey, an award-winning, cross genre banjo master and skilled educator. Listen in on the origin story of…
Jul 16, 2026 · 44:45
Mike chats with David Benedict – mandolin master and well-known YouTube and Patreon personality. David delves into his musical roots, his somewhat DIY musical education, the…
Jul 13, 2026 · 36:36
Liz sits down with singer / songwriter Rachel Sumner to reflect on the journey that shaped Rachel’s music and career - from volunteering at Telluride to winning its prestigious…
Jul 9, 2026 · 35:04
Liz talks with bluegrass vocalist, songwriter, historian, and educator Jen Larson about her remarkable journey from New York City jam sessions to preserving bluegrass history.…
Jul 6, 2026 · 43:44
Liz talks with Kaia Kater about growing up in the Grey Fox community, discovering clawhammer banjo, collaborating with Trey Wellington, and building an internationally recognized…
Jul 1, 2026 · 36:55
Mike takes a deep dive with Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose! They chat about everything from the band’s musical influences, the ‘California’ sound, their latest album…
Jun 29, 2026 · 42:46
Liz chats with Don Flemons, The American Songster, and Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist. Dom is a connoisseur and curator of Black music of 19th and early 20th century…
Jun 25, 2026 · 40:31
Mike goes deep with the legendary Darrell Scott, award-winning song writer and front man of the Darrell Scott String Band. They explore the Zen of song writing, the challenges of…
Jun 22, 2026 · 31:36
Mike gets to talk with Grammy award-winning Cajun musician Wilson Savoy, front man of the Pine Leaf Boys. They get into all kinds of topics like an intro to Cajun music, the…
Jun 19, 2026 · 17:54
The American Roots Music Festival is going to be a day of awesome music, great food, and natural beauty. All at the iconic Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah NY.…
Jun 18, 2026 · 43:32
Liz chats with Anissa Burnett and they explore the story behind the Burnett Sisters Band—from growing up in the mountains of North Carolina to becoming one of bluegrass's…
Jun 16, 2026 · 20:54
Meet Blake Miller, one of the organizers of the Augusta Heritage Cajun, Creole & Classic Country Week. He’s a top-tier accordionist and fiddler, plays in several bands –…
Jun 15, 2026 · 32:28
Liz talks with award-winning musician and songwriter Bob Amos about his journey from geologist to full-time bluegrass musician, the joy of performing with his daughter Sarah, and…
Jun 11, 2026 · 41:33
J.M. Clifford shares his views and experience with Mike on a wide range of topics from songwriting to sound engineering to use of AI in music. This Brooklyn-based songwriter /…
Jun 8, 2026 · 27:40
Liz talks with Erin Dube about teaching bluegrass jamming at Grey Fox Festival, navigating jam culture as a woman musician, and helping adult learners discover the joy of making…
Jun 4, 2026 · 45:35
Liz talks with Grammy-winning songwriter, performer, and bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien about his remarkable musical journey—from accompanying folk masses as a teenager to becoming…
Jun 2, 2026 · 17:06
This Festival Alert brings you the scoop on the Bayou Boogie Festival,It is New England’s newest Cajun & Zydeco Music & Dance Festival. Mike sits with Steve Riley - world famous…
Jun 1, 2026 · 23:15
Mike gets to chat with Mary Lucey, member of the “WorldGrass” band TANASI. You’ll recognize the Appalachian roots and bluegrass instrumentation in their music. But there’s so…
May 28, 2026 · 45:09
Liz dives deep with Brenna MacMillan into the realities of being a woman on tour in the bluegrass world. From songwriting and touring life to health, burnout, and creative…
May 25, 2026 · 27:31
Liz explores one of our favorite themes: the Next Generation of Bluegrass. From festival jams to family band practice, rising mandolin player Leopold Schwartz shares his…
May 21, 2026 · 45:04
Liz sits down with Jim Lauderdale to reflect on a lifetime in music—from touring and songwriting to working with artists like Ralph Stanley, George Jones, and Emmylou Harris. Jim…
May 12, 2026 · 10:46
Big News!! Bluegrass BKLYN podcast has been named ‘Podcast-in-Residence’ at the 2026 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival! We are so excited and honored to be part of this iconic and…
May 4, 2026 · 26:25
Liz sits down with Kira Grunenberg, accomplished music journalist, to explore her journey from classical training to writing about bluegrass, jazz, and beyond. They discuss…
Apr 29, 2026 · 40:22
An incredible interview with banjo legend Tony Trischka to wrap up Season 5 of our podcast. Mike gets to talk with this towering figure in the world of bluegrass, banjo virtuoso,…
Apr 27, 2026 · 22:36
Liz and Mike recap Jam Jersey, diving into what it took to bring the event to life—from planning and structure to the jams themselves. They share what worked, what they learned,…
Apr 24, 2026 · 21:15
Dozens of classes, hundreds of students, scores of talented musicians teaching … the Community School of Music at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music is a perfect alloy of…
Apr 23, 2026 · 37:07
Mike gets to chat with Barrett Smith, bass player and long-time member of the Steep Canyon Rangers. He shares his thoughts and feelings on a broad range of topics, including the…
Apr 20, 2026 · 26:12
Liz talks with Ken White, Executive Director of IBMA, about his journey from lifelong bluegrass player to leading the organization at the center of the bluegrass world. They…
Apr 16, 2026 · 36:20
Mike gets to chat with the iconic American Fiddler, Andy Leftwich. They cover all kinds of topics, including Andy’s incredible musical experiences, how best to learn a musical…
Apr 13, 2026 · 22:04
You might be as surprised as Mike was to learn about all the incredible work the IBMA Foundation does to support our favorite music. Listen in on his discussion with Cassie…
Apr 9, 2026 · 46:30
Liz talks with Amanda Cook—bandleader and President of Mountain Fever Records—about what it takes to balance life on the road with running a record label. She shares her journey…
Apr 6, 2026 · 41:11
Who will be playing, recording, and teaching bluegrass music in the coming 20, 30 years? Meet Alani Sugar and Izaak Atlas Schwartz who represent the next generation of bluegrass…
Apr 2, 2026 · 37:44
Liz chats with the creators and attendees of the Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association (AFBA) Bluegrass Festival. They discuss how a small backyard jam turned into on unique…
Mar 30, 2026 · 32:28
Join Mike behind the scenes at Mountain Home Music at Crossroads Recording Studio. He speaks with Jon Weisberger - A&R Director, and Clay Miller - Senior Engineer, at Mountain…
Mar 26, 2026 · 37:40
Mike gets to chat with Ned Luberecki, and there’s plenty to talk about – Ned’s musical journey, his passion for radio, his teaching and touring careers … and then some. We hope…
Mar 25, 2026 · 23:24
Have a seat in the spacious concert hall at the iconic Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and settle in for an amazing jam! Players from age 7 to 70 (literally!) join jam leaders…
Mar 23, 2026 · 34:46
We explore the theme of Music, Mind & Spirit – to understand what we can do to optimize our improvement and growth as musicians. Mike talks with Andy Reiner, host of ‘The River…
Mar 18, 2026 · 43:25
Liz talks with musician, songwriter, and actor Allison Kelly about the bluegrass jam she hosts on Tuesday nights at Lucinda’s on NYC’s Lower East Side. Allison shares her journey…
Mar 16, 2026 · 33:05
In this episode we explore the music we *also* love … Cajun and Creole music. Join the conversation with Mike and Joe Vidrine, Program Director of the Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole…
Mar 11, 2026 · 52:48
Mike and Hillary explore the unusual and interesting origin story of The Dancing Fiddler … and thank goodness for overpriced Nashville parking garages! She presents an very…
Mar 9, 2026 · 38:33
Liz leads a panel discussion with Kieth Billik - host of Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast, and Mike Willner – co-host of Bluegrass BKLYN. Everyone gets involved, covering the fun and…
Mar 5, 2026 · 48:55
Liz sits with bassist and teacher Nelson Williams to discusses his musical path from French horn and classical bass in Baton Rouge to roots, jazz, and bluegrass influences, his…
Mar 2, 2026 · 24:15
Liz sits down with Chief Musician Haley Stiltner, banjo player for the U.S. Navy Band’s country and bluegrass ensemble, Country Current. Chief Stiltner shares her journey from…
Feb 26, 2026 · 40:08
We have an engaging and very personal conversation with songwriter, recording artist, fiddle player, and band leader Mike Mitchell. We were inspired by his frank and open sharing…
Feb 23, 2026 · 32:32
Meet the accordion-playing front man for the famous Irish band ‘Socks in the Frying Pan’ – Shane Hayes. We cover so many fascinating topics with Shane … the band’s quirky origin…
Feb 19, 2026 · 38:47
Liz talks with musician, teacher, and bluegrass historian Ira Gitlin about his musical journey. Ira shares about performing with the Johnson Mountain Boys, his work documenting…
Feb 16, 2026 · 31:00
Tucked away in the South Street Seaport is one of New York’s iconic music venues - Cowgirl Seahorse Restaurant. Meet Gail Courtney and Steve Smith, who have worked for years to…
Feb 12, 2026 · 1:05:54
Liz gets to speak with bluegrass pioneer Alice Gerrard for a wide-ranging conversation on music, legacy, and a lifetime in community. Alice reflects on her partnership with Hazel…
Jan 26, 2026 · 35:57
Iin this final episode in Season 5, Liz speaks with Laura Orshaw, vocalist, fiddle player and Artist In Residence at the Joe Val Festival presented by The Boston Bluegrass Union.…
Jan 22, 2026 · 42:03
The Man … The Banjo … The YouTube Sensation! Mike gets to chat with Jim Pankey, an award-winning, cross genre banjo master and skilled educator. Listen in on the origin story of…
Jan 19, 2026 · 35:54
Mike and Rick chop it up and talk about everything from podcasting to bluegrass musicians to museums to pickin' on the porch to ... NASCAR racing! Rick is the multifaceted host…
Jan 15, 2026 · 43:51
Finally! Liz completes her Della Mae interview set with this fascinating conversation with Celia Woodsmith. Be prepared for a frank and personal discussion about her musical…
Jan 12, 2026 · 28:49
Liz talks with Grammy-nominated master fiddler and Old-Time music legend Bruce Molsky. Listen in to get his take on personal interpretations of musical traditions from around the…
Jan 8, 2026 · 46:08
Something special in this episode – Mike gets to talk with Carl Ray Williams, a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Listen in as Carl tells of his long and winding road…
Jan 5, 2026 · 23:31
Liz has an in-depth discussion with Avril Smith – lead guitar player in Della Mae – and they cover a lot of fascinating ground. Learn about Avril’s musical journey, her joining…
Jan 1, 2026 · 54:24
You’ve been listening to some great music at the start of our episodes … but in 30 second clips! As a bonus, we’re posting the full-length versions of our introduction music for…
Jan 1, 2026 · 13:40
Mike and Liz reflect on the first year of the Bluegrass BKLYN podcast. They reflect on the most interesting, informative, and surprising episodes. It’s a short episode, but fun ……
Dec 29, 2025 · 47:57
Join Liz and get to know Tammy Rogers King, the dynamic fiddle player of The SteelDrivers. You’ll hear twin interviews; one conducted by Della Mae band leader and fiddler Kimber…
Dec 22, 2025 · 39:09
Mike is joined by three experienced music educators – Austin Scelzo, Matt Curley, and Liz Wolfe -in a panel discussion covering all aspects of teaching and learning music. We get…
Dec 18, 2025 · 36:20
Mike gets to talk with Altlanta-born / Brooklyn’s own Michael Daves. The noted Bluegrass master vocalist, guitar virtuoso, and educator catches us up on all his latest doings –…
Dec 15, 2025 · 49:35
Join Mike on his four-day journey to Hell … Fiddle Hell. This unique musical experience offers dozens and dozens of workshops with top-tier artists, non-stop jamming, a dozen…
Dec 11, 2025 · 41:09
Mike and Liz get to hear two first-hand accounts of the birth of the bluegrass movement in New York, and how it grew and evolved over the years. Bluegrass singer and guitarist…
Dec 8, 2025 · 25:25
Mike sits down with Olivier Demers, fiddler - or violineur - of Le Vent du Nord and learns about the Quebecois style of roots music. Hear about the history of musical migration,…
Dec 4, 2025 · 38:09
Liz sits down with bassist, vocalist, composer, and educator Nate Sabat, whose work spans bluegrass, folk, songwriting, and innovative solo bass performance. Nate shares the…
Dec 1, 2025 · 18:18
Liz sits down with Greg Kotis - playwright behind Urinetown - discuss his unexpected journey into bluegrass and how it became a defining creative force. From picking up a banjo…
Nov 27, 2025 · 40:35
Ready for some musical inspiration? Listen to bluegrass legend Andy Statman's story on mastering multiple instruments and crossing musical borders. Andy also shares his…
Nov 24, 2025 · 27:16
Mike dives into the interesting and surprising world of … microphones! Philip Graham, proprietor of Ear Trumpet Labs provides a fascinating insight into the design, construction,…
Nov 20, 2025 · 36:30
Join Liz in an amazing conversation with bluegrass legend Missy Raines - the first woman to be awarded IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year, winning it a total of ten times. She shares…
Nov 16, 2025 · 36:32
In this episode, Liz sits down with two standout voices in today’s acoustic music scene. First up is Shelby Means, whose soulful songwriting and unmistakable bass groove shines…
Nov 13, 2025 · 42:06
Straight outta Brooklyn! Join Mike’s fascinating conversation with Avery Ballotta of the progressive, creative, innovative trio Damn Tall Buildings. Hear about the band’s journey…
Nov 10, 2025 · 30:38
In this episode, Liz takes you along to the iconic Podunk Bluegrass Festival in Goshen, Connecticut — a beloved gathering that’s been bringing world-class bluegrass to New…
Nov 6, 2025 · 45:29
We kick off season 4 Mike having a free-wheeling interview with bluegrass legends Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter. The discussion ranges from thoughts on recording an album,…
Oct 23, 2025 · 31:30
Mike takes a musical journey to the Land Down Under - speaking with Neil Adam, a Victoria-based musician and one of the organizers of CresFest music festival. They discuss…
Oct 20, 2025 · 24:41
Liz goes in-depth with Darin Aldridge, half of the Darin & Brooke Aldridge singing duo. Listen in on their discussion as they cover how Darin and Brooke formed their singing (and…
Oct 16, 2025 · 35:14
We enjoy a free-wheeling and broad ranging conversation with the Bluegrass Man for All Seasons, Rick Faris - singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, band leader and … luthier!…
Oct 13, 2025 · 24:13
Want to start a jam? Already lead one and could use some pro tips? Listen and learn - in this Special Edition, Liz shares her considerable experience and wisdom on how to start a…
Oct 9, 2025 · 37:48
Mike and Liz visit the Ashokan Center, where music, nature, art, and history have thrived and grown for more than four decades. Listen in on their fascinating conversation with…
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