Loading...

PODCAST

Bluegrass BKLYN

© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

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 .... and beyond. 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.

music music history

All Episodes

45:35

S6E3 The Legendary Tim O'Brien!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/06/04

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’Brien’s Official Website Tim’s Songbook Upcoming Events of Note: Porch Stomp Folk Festival – June 20th

en

17:06

Festval Alert:: Bayou Boogie Cajun & Zydeco Festival!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/06/02

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 and tickets about the Bayou Boogie Festival More info on Steve Riley Productions Music Steve suggests for

en

23:15

S6E3 Mary Lucey of TANASI!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/06/01

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: TANASI Debashish Bhattacharya Strawberry Music Festival Events of Note: Porch Stomp Folk Festival – June

en

45:09

S6E2 Women in Bluegrass: Brenna MacMillan!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/05/28

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 NY Telluride Bluegrass Festival: June 18th – 21st in Telluride CO Podunk Bluegrass Festival: August

en

27:31

S6M1 Next Generation: Leopold and Amanda Schwartz!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/05/25

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 family band Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NY Bluegrass Jams Near

en

45:04

S6E1 SInger, Songwriter ... Legend: Jim Lauderdale!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/05/21

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 Festival. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Jim Lauderdale Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at

en

10:46

BIg News! We are Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/05/12

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 around the jam circle - at Grey Fox! Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NY We

en

26:25

S5E12 Music Journalist Kira Grunenberg!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/05/04

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 Episode: Kira Grunenberg Events of Note: Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May

en

40:22

S5E12 Banjo Legend Tony Trischka!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/04/29

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 with Tony. Mentioned in this Episode: Tony Trischka Earl Jam 2 Béla Fleck Michael Cleveland Sam

en

22:36

S5E11 Jam Jersey 2026 Recap!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/04/27

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 City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NY Swamp in the City Cajun &

en

21:15

Brian Drye & BKCM's Community School of Music!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/04/24

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, Executive Director of the music school, to get the inside story. Enjoy Mentioned in this Episode: Brooklyn

en

37:07

S5E11 Barrett Smith of the Steep Canyon Rangers!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/04/23

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 Steve Martin Mountain Song Festival “Next Act” – New release by Steep Canyon Rangers Bluegrass Jams

en

26:12

S5M10 Ken White: Executive Director, IBMA!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/04/20

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 White IBMA Trust Fund Events of Note: Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th

en

36:20

S5E10 Andy Leftwich: American Fiddler!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/04/16

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 Stomp for events and jams Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole

en

22:04

S5M10 IBMA Foundation!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/04/13

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 Foundation Fox Crossing String Band Arnold Schultz Fund Strings for Dreams Events of Note: Swamp in the City

en

46:30

S5E9 Women in Bluegrass: Amanda Cook!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/04/09

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. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode: Amanda Cook Mountain Fever Records Bluegrass by the Bridge

en

41:11

S5M8 Bluegrass - The Next Generation!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/04/06

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 learn about their joy and love of our favorite music. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode: Alani

en

37:13

Festival Hilight: AFBA Bluegrass Festival!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/04/02

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 Association Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Weekend Jam Camp – April 10th to 12th in New York

en

32:28

S5M7 Behind the Scenes: Mountain Home Music!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/03/30

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. Mentioned in this Episode: Crossroads Label Group Jon Weisberger Chris Jones & the Night Drivers Bluegrass

en

37:40

S5E7 Banjo Polymath Ned Luberecki!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/03/26

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 Jam Camp with Liz – April 10th to 12th, New York City Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week –

en

136 results

Similar Podcasts

Music History Today Network

Music History Today Podcast Network

Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews

R4 and SOA Collaborative

Follow Your Dream - Music And Much More!

Robert Miller

Women of Substance Music Podcast

Bree Noble

The Grunge Bible Podcast

Grunge Bible