S5E2 Bluegrass Artists You Should Know: Ira Gitlin!

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 bluegrass history, and his passion for teaching the next generation of players. Along the way, he offers practical insights on musicianship, practice, and building community through jams and camps. Then, Mike and Liz recap their adventures at the Joe Val 2026 festival Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Ira Gitlin Johnson Mountain Boys 1988 Lucketts VA Concert “Bluegrass, A History” by Neil Rosenberg Bluegrass Unlimited / @bluegrassunlimited  Big Howdy Band Boston Bluegrass Union / @bbuorg Bridges and Bows Violin Shop Missy Raines / @missyraines Stuart Duncan / @stubobduncan Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ Silver Bay Wenick Method Camp – August 24th to August 28th @ Silver Bay, NY

Music in this Episode: “If I Lose” – Johnson Mountain Boys w/Ira Gitlin (14’30”) “Dust on the Roses” – Ira Gitlin

Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough” by NYC government! Click here to sign our petition ….

We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved