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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

23:24

Special Edition: Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Jam!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/03/25

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! Mentioned in this Episode: Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Melody Berger Christian Apuzzo Sam

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34:46

Music, Mind & Spirit - Andy Reiner!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/03/23

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 Bluegrass Jouneymen Events of Note: Fiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole

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33:29

S5E6 Iconic Venues - Lucinda's NYC!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/03/18

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 offers her take on why bluegrass jams can feel intimidating—especially for women, and why embracing

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33:05

Music We Also Love: Balfa Week!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/03/16

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 University of Louisiana Archives Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at

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52:48

S5E5 Dancing Fiddler Hillary Klug!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/03/11

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 Contra to delve into the deep connection between our favorite music and the dancing it serves

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38:33

S5M4 Bluegrass Podcasting!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/03/09

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 Episode: Picky Fingers Podcast / @picky_fingers Lindsay Lou and the Flat Bellys The Ashokan Center

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48:55

S5E4 Bassist Nelson Williams!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/03/05

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 Bluegrass Festival from Delta Hayride Association President, Michael Naquin. Enjoy! Mentioned in this

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24:15

US Navy Banjo Player Chief Stiltner!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/03/02

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 in Washington, D.C., and what it means to “take the Navy where ships can’t go.” She reflects on playing

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40:08

S5E3 Master Songwriter Mike Mitchell!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/02/26

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. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode: Mike Mitchell Band Floyd School of Music Rick Lang Mountain Fever

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32:32

S5M2 Music we Also Love: Shane Hayes

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/02/23

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, Beetljig” … but continues to hold the secret of the band name’s meaning! We thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, we think you will too. Mentioned in this Episode: Socks in the

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38:47

S5E2 Bluegrass Artists You Should Know: Ira Gitlan!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/02/19

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 Gitlan Johnson

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31:00

S5M1 Iconic Venues: Cowgirl Seahorse

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/02/16

Tucked away in the South Street Seaport is one of New York’s iconic music venues - Cowgirl Seahorse Restaurant. Meet Gail Courtney and Steve Smith, who have worked for years to build up a music scene at this venue, providing support and encouragement to the entire bluegrass community. A real peek into the vibrant New York City bluegrass music scene. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode: Cowgirl Seahorse / @cowgirlseahorse Suss / @suss_band Porch Stomp / @porchstomp Human Head Records /

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65:54

S5E1 Bluegrass Legend Alice Gerrard!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/02/12

Liz gets to speak with bluegrass pioneer Alice Gerrard for a wide-ranging conversation on music, legacy, and a lifetime in community. Alice reflects on her partnership with Hazel Dickens, her efforts to document traditional music, and on continuing to perform, write, and inspire. A warm, candid look at one of bluegrass music’s most influential voices. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode: Alice Gerrard / @alice.gerrard North Carolina Arts Council Southern Music Research Org Whole South Heritage

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35:57

S4M12 Women in Bluegrass: Laura Orshaw!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/01/26

Iin this final episode in Season 5, Liz speaks with Laura Orshaw, vocalist, fiddle player and Artist In Residence at the Joe Val Festival presented by The Boston Bluegrass Union. They discuss Laura’s musical journey, educational activities, inspirations, experience as a woman in bluegrass… and plans for the big festival! Enjoy.Mentioned in this Episode: Laura Orshaw / @fiddlin_laura Jen Larson Boston Bluegrass Union Dark Shadow Recording Events of Note: Joe Val Festival – February 12th –

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42:03

S4E12 Jim Pankey!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/01/22

The Man … The Banjo … The YouTube Sensation! Mike gets to chat with Jim Pankey, an award-winning, cross genre banjo master and skilled educator. Listen in on the origin story of the now-famous 10-lesson banjo course for beginners that has started countess hopefuls on the course to banjo playing. Mike and Jim go in depth into how Jim tailors his teaching to how folks actually learn. Then, Liz and Mike re-cap their experience at the recent JAM-uary Weekend at the Ashokan Center, hosted by Austin

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35:54

S4M11 Rick Dollar!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/01/19

Mike and Rick chop it up and talk about everything from podcasting to bluegrass musicians to museums to pickin' on the porch to ... NASCAR racing! Rick is the multifaceted host of 'The Rick Dollar Podcast Show' which brings interviews and insight into the world of bluegrass and it Apalachian roots. Enjoy this informal and informative discussion.Mentioned in this Episode: Rick Dollar Show Podcast / @rickdollarshowpodcast Junior Appalachian Musicians Gruhn Guitars Billy Strings Dan

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43:51

S4E11 Women in Bluegrass: Celia Woodsmith!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/01/15

Finally! Liz completes her Della Mae interview set with this fascinating conversation with Celia Woodsmith. Be prepared for a frank and personal discussion about her musical journey, joining Della Mae – and washboards! Plus, Mike and Liz celebrate bluegrass Grammy nominees with some music and some fun facts. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Celia Woodsmith / @celia.woodsmith Della Mae / @heyheydellamae Jalopy Theatre and School of Music Bluegrass by the Bridge Open Jam @ Delia’s Lounge Lucinda’s

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28:49

S4M10 Bruce Molsky!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/01/12

Liz talks with Grammy-nominated master fiddler and Old-Time music legend Bruce Molsky. Listen in to get his take on personal interpretations of musical traditions from around the globe. Though best known for his work on the fiddle, Bruce is a multi-instrumentalist, including banjo and guitar, as well as an accomplished vocalist. We really loved getting to meet Bruce, we’re sure you will too. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode: Bruce Molsky / @bruce_molsky Darol Anger / @darolangerfiddler Berklee

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46:08

S4E10 Carl Ray Williams!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/01/08

Something special in this episode – Mike gets to talk with Carl Ray Williams, a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Listen in as Carl tells of his long and winding road to success as a recording artist in the music business, a story of perseverance, faith, hard work, and a bit of luck! Plus, Liz and Mike and another Jam Talk, where they discuss how to prepare to bring a new song to a jam. Have fun!Mentioned in this Episode: Carl Ray Williams / @officialcarlray Carl Ray’s Black Country

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23:31

S4M9 Women in Bluegrass - Avril Smith!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/01/05

Liz has an in-depth discussion with Avril Smith – lead guitar player in Della Mae – and they cover a lot of fascinating ground. Learn about Avril’s musical journey, her joining Della Mae, as well as her ‘other life’ working as an organizer and activist in the labor movement. And … what do our favorite A-list musicians do when they’re hanging around at home? Join the fun!Mentioned in this Episode: Avril Smith / @avrilplaysguitar Kimber Ludiker / @kimberludiker Alison Brown / @alisononbanjo Della

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