Bluegrass BKLYN

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 England since 1996. From the delicious food options to the late-night jams echoing through the campgrounds, Podunk is pure bluegrass magic. Liz chats with one of the festival’s food vendors about feeding hungry pickers, visits t...

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, to practice advice, to origin stories, to … pizza! Plus, Liz visits with Trish Plays Bass, our friend of the show who has news about her recent and upcoming music releases. Enjoy! Mentions in this Episode: Jason Carter / @...

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 musical traditions, festivals, bands …. and the Gold Rush! Hear an overview of some of the most authentic bluegrass bands in Australia. Enjoy the trip! Mentioned in this Episode: Neil Adam CresFest / @cresfestaus The High Street...

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 marital) partnership, Darin’s time with the legendary Country Gentlemen, the role of singing in jams and in professional bands. Enjoy! Mentions in this Episode: Darin & Brooke Aldridge /  @darinandbrookealdridge T...

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! Rick shares his views on everything from the dynamics of a family band, to the right tone for guitar wood, to getting his voice heard on radio and recordings. In a new segment - Heart and Mind Music -  Mike explores ways...

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 jam, keep it going, and lead it successfully. Everything from marketing and promotion ideas to nitty-gritty logistics you need to consider. Enjoy this very special Jam Talk!, and go forth and jam! Mentions in this Episode...

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 Jay Ungar -  composer of “Ashokan Farewell” – and Molly Mason – musician, organizer, and former Prairie Home Companion Biscuit – and follow the incredible saga of this iconic venue. Enjoy! Mentions in this Episode: Ashokan...

In this Special Edition Liz explores the deep connections between the history of America, the banjo, and America’s folk music. Meet Matthew Sabatella of Ballad of America, who traces the African roots of the banjo from the Caribbean, through 19th century minstrelry, the jazz age, to bluegrass, up to today. Join us on this fascinating journey. Enjoy.  Mentions in this Episode:  Ballad of America  ...

Mike and Liz got an education at this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass. Did you know IBMA has a charitable foundation, and awards numerous grants and scholarships? Or that they offer a Leadership Program, organize community fundraisers … all kinds of stuff. We hear from Brad Kolodner - IBMA Board member, Austin Scelzo – Momentum Award Winner to learn more. Mike and Liz haunt the late-night Rambles a...

This special edition explores the work of the California Bluegrass Association. Executice Director Pete Ludé gives tells us about the Association … We were surprised and impressed with the many programs and initiatives they lead to help our musicians and sustain our music. Listen in and learn more. Mentioned in this Episode: California Bluegrass Association / @californiabluegrass International Blu...

Everyone in New York and many around the country (and even the world) know about Mona’s  Bluegrass Session. Mike gets to chat with Rick Snell – NYC-based guitarist and singer – host and organizer of that iconic session. Liz and Mike swap initial impressions of the 2025 IBMA World of Bluegrass and learn about … bluegrass coffee! Join the fun. Some Mentions in this Episode: Rick Snell / @ricksnell M...

In this very special episode Liz talks with Alison Brown, virtuoso banjo player, First Lady of Bluegrass, Grammy award winner. She shares her insight into our favorite music, the industry, the increasing role women in bluegrass – and encourages Liz to take up the banjo! Plus, Mike reviews the roots and predecessors of banjo-playing women. Some Mentions in this Episode: Alison Brown / @alisononbanj...

Mike gets to chat with Martha Spencer, leader of the Wonderland Country Band, and  fiddle player Lucas Pasley. They share about their musical roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains, self-expression in music, … and some surprising fiddle-playing techniques! Liz and Mike have another Jam Talk, where they discuss different jam cultures, finding the right jam for you, and … sousaphones. Join us! Mentioned...

Bluegrass legend and mandolin virtuoso Emory Lester shares his insights into the development of style and technique in bluegrass, his experiences playing with bluegrass royalty … and his belt-length hair and rock-and-roll career! Plus, we get to meet Brooklyn’s own Alex Deane (by way of Nashville TN), and discuss her growing up in bluegrass, and tips on jamming. Enjoy! Mentions in this Episode: Em...

Our very first Special Edition! We meet Lee Henke, Ryan Acker, and Vinny Donatelle of The Last Revel, who have been delivering driving music and emotionally powerful lyrics for years. They share about the band's history, song writing, touring, and their latest album 'Gone for Good'. Enjoy! Mentioned in this episode: The Last Revel @thelastrevel   thelastrevel.com "Gone for Good" on Spotify The Mer...

Mike chats with some of our favorite local musicians and they share their musical journeys. Raven and Red (Mitchell Lane and Brittany Jones) are Tennessee transplants who have taken root and thrive here in the East.  Emma Turoff is an extraordinary mandolinist who is Brooklyn born and bred. Also – how well do you know the Bluegrass Borough? Take Liz’s Brooklyn Quiz and find out! Mentions in this E...

Liz chats with Becky Buller, 10-time IBMA award winner and fiddle virtuoso. They cover Becky’s life in bluegrass music, her new album “Songs that Sing Me”, what it’s like to win an IBMA award – and her daughter’s dance recital!  We also learn about the Westchester Bluegrass Club, an amazing venue just north of New York City where we can go hear the top bluegrass musicians. Join us! Mentions in thi...

Liz and Mike kick off a new ‘Iconic Venues’ theme … and where else but at Sunny's Bar in Red Hook, Brooklyn! Liz interviews Tone (pronounce too-na) Johansen, the owner of Sunny's, who shares her musical background, her passion for bluegrass, and some advice for new jammers.  Mike chats with Tim Davis, a longtime regular at Sunny's, who gives us a glimpse into the magic of the Sunny’s jam community...

We’re excited to be back with Season 3!  Harry Clark and Maddie Denton of East Nash Grass tell us about the band's life on tour, songwriting, and much more. We catch up with Hilary Hawke for an update on her busy musical schedule, jamming with a guitar, and what music she's been listening to! We hope you enjoy this visit with our musical friends! Some Mentions in this Episode: East Nash Grass east...

We meet Tati Hargreaves (yes, that Hargreaves), a brilliant fiddler and dedicated music educator who is helping to reshape the sound and repertoire of old time music and bluegrass! We explore her approach to teaching and learning, her career as competing in Texas Style fiddle contests, jamming - and how all that shapes her music today. Also, Liz and Mike get into some jam busting in the new segmen...

Join Mike on his trip down under, in search of Bluegrass in Australia! He visits the National Folk Festival where musicians from across the wide continent converge. Listen in as he talks with Bruce Packard, a veteran bluegrass musician, The High Street Drifters, a hard-driving bluegrass band … and Linda Dowdy, a banjo-playing trail boss from Missouri! It’s an amazing journey, and we hope you’ll en...

We get to talk with Jake Jolliff, one of Brooklyn’s Finest, a mandolin virtuoso of the first order, composer, bandleader, and teacher. He shares his thoughts on practice, performance, blending musical influences, and much more. As a special treat, we hear from Riyae Park, one of Brooklyn’s best kept musical secrets … but not for long! Join us and enjoy the episode. Mentioned in this Episode The Ja...

This episode explores the theme of Women in Bluegrass. Liz has a fascinating discussion with Della Mae bandleader Kimber Ludiker where they cover everything from upcoming camps, new albums and tunes, the challenges of touring – and throwing pottery! And, once again, you can test your knowledge of bluegrass history with a quiz. Enjoy the episode!   Some Mentions in this Episode Kimber Ludiker and D...

Join Mike on his journey through the amazing 4-day music camp leading up to the iconic DelFest. Meet Chris Ward, the new fiddle player in the Del McCoury Band and Travelin' McCourys. Follow his progress through the Band Scramble, and along listen in on intriguing and informative conversations with instructors and musicians. Del Yeah! Mentions in this Episode: Delfest Academy www.delfest.com/delfes...

There are so many great musicians and personalities here in the Bluegrass Borough - we wanted you give you a chance to meet a few. We chat with some of our favorite folks from around the jam circle. Listen in on the interesting and surprising conversations, and join us as we drop in on an iconic New York City jam. Some ‘Mentions’ in this episode: Roger Oliver @rto_oliver Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook, B...