Bluegrass BKLYN

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...

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 genre, some projects of historic scale … and coping with the shellac shortage during World War 2! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! Mentioned in this Episode: Andy Leftwich The American Fiddler Porch Sto...

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 Wright, the Executive Director of the Foundation. She outlines the Foundation’s programs and objectives … and explains how she ended up playing banjo and dobro. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Cassie Lynn Wright IBMA Foundati...

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 from artist to industry leader, along with insights on structure, growth, and supporting other musicians in today’s bluegrass world. Plus, Mike and Liz have a ‘Jam Talk’ about unexpected situations that can bust any jam. E...

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 music. Mike gets to chat with them to discuss their musical journeys, aspirations, and plans. He encounters their focus, discipline, and drive that will help them carry bluegrass into the future. But most importantly, we l...

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 sold-out festival, the vibrant and welcoming bluegrass community within the festival, the jamming and music stage cultures, and ... drag racing! Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Ass...

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 Home. They walk through the entire process of signing up with the label, working with the producer, recording in the studio, and releasing the final product. Fascinating conversation, we’re sure you’ll enjoy it. Mentione...

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 you enjoy listening to this wide-ranging interview as much as we enjoyed doing it. Mentioned in this Episode: Ned Luberecki Bluegrass Junction SiriusXM Becky Buller Dr. Demento Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Weekend...

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 Melody Berger and Christian Apuzzo and share their music and songs. Get the inside story from Katherine Slingluff, BKCM jam organizer, and listen in on chats with jam leaders and players … and of course, enjoy the music! Ment...

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 of Suck’ podcast, who offers some amazing insights and a ton of great advice to help us follow our musical hearts. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Andy Reiner River of Suck podcast Rockygrass Festival Rapidgrass Blueg...

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 from bass player to clawhammer banjoist and her work with Americana Women. Hear how the Lucinda’s jam grew into a thriving bluegrass community, and how jamming brings musicians together in today’s isolating world. Allison...

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 Heritage Week. Take a trip to the front porches, kitchens, and stages of southwest Louisiana where the music and culture are brought together. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Louisiana Folk Roots Dewey Balfa Universi...

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 personal and revealing glimpse into her world – everything from the physical demands of dancing and fiddling, to the joy of learning new skills, to dealing with internet trolls. Then Dana Miller and Joe Rinehart of Brooklyn Con...

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 challenges of creating, producing, and hosting a bluegrass podcast. Also, in a segment on ‘Jam Focus’, Mike talks with Liz Rabson Schnore and Christian Apuzzo about the celebrated Boathouse Jam. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Ep...

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 work with Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, and the New Dangerfield project. Nelson reflects on being a Black musician in bluegrass and issues of history, access, and belonging. Mike gets the low-down on the Bayou Bluegr...

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 festival jams and East Tennessee State University to becoming the only billeted banjo player in the entire U.S. military. They talk about auditioning for the Navy, nine weeks of boot camp at age 28, life as a Navy musician i...

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 of his musical journey, songwriting challenges, and his dedication to support and mentor bluegrass’s future generations. Plus, Mike helps you lose those excuses that are keeping you from fulfilling your musical potential....

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 story, Irish jam culture, song writing, touring and much more. Shane explains how the song selection came to be known as “Beetlejig Beetlejig, Beetlejig” … but continues to hold the secret of the band name’s meaning! We th...