Bluegrass BKLYN

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. They discuss Jen's work on the first full biography of Hazel Dickens, her years performing in New York, the importance of welcoming jam communities, and her passion for education, archives, and ensuring bluegrass history is...

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 music career. Then her mom, Tamara, shares the family tradition that began with a search for a nearby bluegrass festival and grew into more than twenty years of Grey Fox memories. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Kaia Kat...

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 “Golden Grass” … and the perils of IPA! Listen to tunes hand selected by Ben and Mike, and hear Ben’s take on them! Plus, another heart-warming Grey Fox Story. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Ben Morrison The Brothers Comatose...

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 America. He takes us on a journey through the songs, stories, and drama of that period. Liz and Dom delve deep … pull up a chair and join the conversation. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Dom Flemons The American Banjo Mu...

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 performing, the joy of finding your inner musical voice – even the geeky details of mic’ing the band! Darrell and his band, now including dobro wizard Rob Ickes, are headlining at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in July....

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 Savoy family’s musical history, the musical vision of Pine Leaf Boys, being a musical ambassador – and Wilson tells us his wonderful Grey Fox Story. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Wilson Savoy The Pine Leaf Boys Marc Savoy T...

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. Mike gets to chat with Gillian Fox –President and CEO of the Center – who gives us the inside scoop on the Festival, other not-to-be-missed programming at the Center … and sound art! Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode The Car...

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 exciting young touring acts. They discuss family harmony, songwriting, festivals, and the unique musical connection that comes from performing with siblings. Plus, Celia Woodsmith returns to the show to share her amazing Grey Fox...

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 – including his passion project ‘Blake Miller & the Old Fashioned Aces’. He shares insights into the famous Augusta Heritage Music Festival (which is in its new location for the first time this year!), Cajun music and cultur...

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 why teaching has become such an important part of his musical life. They also share practical insights on leading successful jams and what makes the Silver Bay Wernick Method camp such a special experience. Enjoy! Mention...

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 / singer is a Grey Fox Emerging Artist, a public-school music teacher – and has an awesome Grey Fox story. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: J.M. Clifford Music Together early music education Dawn Kenny songwriter “Trains Drin...

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 music together. Plus, a look at Rhode Island’s thriving bluegrass and Irish music communities. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Scott Hopkins’ Bluegrass Camp Wernick Method Jam Classes @ Grey Fox Events of Note: Porch Sto...

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 one of the most respected voices in acoustic music. They explore songwriting, creativity, touring, teaching, AI in music, and the deeply human connection at the heart of bluegrass. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Tim O’...

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 accordion player and festival organizer - to get the story on this exciting event.  The musicians of the Louisiana bayous are coming to the hills of Connecticut and we're giving you an advance peek! Enjoy.  Info an...

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 much more … rhythms and melodies from all around the world blend and mix with those roots to create something new – and yet old at the same time. Pull up a chair and join the conversation. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: TA...

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 inspiration, Brenna shares an honest and thoughtful look at life as a working musician. Plus: The Five Rules of Jamming. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Brenna MacMillan Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival: July 14th – 19th in Oak Hil...

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 experiences growing up in music. Then his mom, Amanda, joins the conversation to share the realities—and rewards—of keeping up with four musical children. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Leopold Schwartz The Cattywampus Quartet...

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 shares stories, songwriting wisdom, and thoughtful perspectives on creativity, the impact of AI on the music industry, and what makes music truly human. Plus, we announce exciting news involving Grey Fox Bluegrass Festiva...

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 historic event. Plans are in the works - interviews with the incredible line-up of artists, themed jams sessions, and the  “Tell Your Grey Fox Story” initiative. Drop by our table and say ‘Hi’. We look forward to seeing you ar...

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 improvisation, perfectionism, and how different musical worlds intersect—along with how the way we talk about music has changed over time. Join in the conversation and get the inside story … literally! Enjoy! Mentioned in this...

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, and wonderful human being –Tony explores his musical journey, his banjo Mount Rushmore, the epic Earl Jam project … and some of the unusual merch at his concerts! We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed speaking...

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, and offer practical advice for anyone thinking about hosting their own bluegrass event. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Liz Wolfe Jordan Richmond Pioneer Vally Flame Throwers Jam Jersey Events of Note: Liz Wolfe and the...

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 inspiration and instruction. Plus, they nurture a top-tier Bluegrass Program for adults and kids. From young learners to seasoned musicians, BKCM's Community Music School has something for everyone. Mike sits with Brian Drye, Exe...

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 challenges facing musicians starting out today, the experience of playing music with Steve Martin … and how a classical guitar player wound up as a bluegrass bassist! Enjoy. Mentioned in this Episode: Steep Canyon Rangers...

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 explore how the IBMA supports artists and industry professionals, their Leadership Bluegrass program, the impact of World of Bluegrass annual event, and what’s ahead for the music we love. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Ken...