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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

54:24

S4E9 Addendum: Our Intro Music!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/01/01

You’ve been listening to some great music at the start of our episodes … but in 30 second clips! As a bonus, we’re posting the full-length versions of our introduction music for Season 4 and a bit beyond. Enjoy! Selected Episode Introduction Music: ‘Outrun the Rain’ – Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland, Vince Gill, Jaelee Roberts “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings 5 String Wake-Up Call” – Shelby Means ‘Coal Black Water’ – Missy Raines & Allegheny “Stoney Lonesome” – Andy Statman and

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13:40

S4E9 2025 Wrap Up!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2026/01/01

Mike and Liz reflect on the first year of the Bluegrass BKLYN podcast. They reflect on the most interesting, informative, and surprising episodes. It’s a short episode, but fun … so enjoy and join us in looking forward to 2026 filled with the music we love! Mentions in this Episode: The Sonic Planet Radio Ear Trumpet Labs / @eartrumpetlabs Selected Episode Introduction Music: ‘Outrun the Rain’ – Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland, Vince Gill, Jaelee Roberts “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall

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47:57

S4M8 Tammy Rogers King!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/12/29

Join Liz and get to know Tammy Rogers King, the dynamic fiddle player of The SteelDrivers. You’ll hear twin interviews; one conducted by Della Mae band leader and fiddler Kimber Ludiker and the other by Liz. They delve into every aspect of Tammy’s career - starting in a family band, formation of The SteelDrivers, songwriting, life on the road, being a woman in bluegrass … and winning a Grammy. Enjoy!d Mentions in this Episode: Tammy Rogers King The SteelDrivers “Outrun” on Sun Records Kimber

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39:09

S4M7 Let's Talk Music Education!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/12/22

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36:20

S4E7 Michael Daves!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/12/18

Mike gets to talk with Altlanta-born / Brooklyn’s own Michael Daves. The noted Bluegrass master vocalist, guitar virtuoso, and educator catches us up on all his latest doings – everything from recording EPs, to leading his Artistworks bluegrass vocal school … to Wild Geraniums! Also, Liz shares her wisdom on the role of singing in jams – and why you can sing just fine even if you don’t think so. Enjoy!Mentions in this Episode: Michael Daves @michael.daves Wild Geranium Records /

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49:35

S4M6 Fiddle Hell Recap!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/12/15

Join Mike on his four-day journey to Hell … Fiddle Hell. This unique musical experience offers dozens and dozens of workshops with top-tier artists, non-stop jamming, a dozen music genres. Meet the organizers, teachers, vendors, music, and players who make this event so special. Enjoy!Mentions in this Episode: David Reiner Fiddle Hell with information on Fiddle Hell On-Line Bruce Molsky Darol Anger Bruce & Darol’s Great Big Fiddle Hang, North Adams MA – June 14th – 16th 2026 Cat Slaboda Linden

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41:09

S3E6 NYC Bluegrass History!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/12/11

Mike and Liz get to hear two first-hand accounts of the birth of the bluegrass movement in New York, and how it grew and evolved over the years. Bluegrass singer and guitarist Gene Yellin was right there when our favorite music took root in iconic Washington Square Park. Fiddler Alan Kaufman tells us his journey through that historic time … only this time with knishes! Enjoy this fascinating piece of our musical history, told by those who lived it. Mentions in this Episode: Gene Yellin /

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25:25

S4M5 Le Vent du Nord!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/12/08

Mike sits down with Olivier Demers, fiddler - or violineur - of Le Vent du Nord and learns about the Quebecois style of roots music. Hear about the history of musical migration, fiddle tuning, touring with life balance … and foot tapping! Enjoy this fun and fascinating episode – and maybe add a new genre of music to your play list.Mentions in this Episode: Le Vent du Nord / @leventdunordquebec ‘Voisinages’ album on Spotify La Bottine Souriante Music in this Episode (in order of

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38:09

S4E5 Home Grown, Locally Known: Nate Sabat!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/12/04

Liz sits down with bassist, vocalist, composer, and educator Nate Sabat, whose work spans bluegrass, folk, songwriting, and innovative solo bass performance. Nate shares the story behind his album Bass Fiddler—a bold project featuring only upright bass and voice. They touch on his roots in New York, his musical education at Berklee; his collaborations, and the joy of community-based jamming and national touring. Plus – we get to meet Landon, Sam, and Tom of the Brooklyn-based trio Down North

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18:18

S4M4 Greg Kotis!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/12/01

Liz sits down with Greg Kotis - playwright behind Urinetown - discuss his unexpected journey into bluegrass and how it became a defining creative force. From picking up a banjo during the pandemic to weaving old-time tunes into original theatrical work, he shares how bluegrass reshaped his artistic life and inspired productions like The End of All Flesh and the fully improvised musical The Wayfaring Strangers. It’s a conversation about creativity, community, and the surprising places a single

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40:35

S4E4 Andy Statman!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/11/27

Ready for some musical inspiration? Listen to bluegrass legend Andy Statman's story on mastering multiple instruments and crossing musical borders. Andy also shares his philosophy on mastering a musical an achieving self-expression in your music. Also, we check in with the talented young musician Riyae Park to find out what this Bluegrass Brooklynite has been up to. Enjoy!Mentions in this Episode: Andy Statman Trio / @statmanandy Barbes / @barbesbrooklyn ‘Bluegrass Tracks’ by Andy Statman Riyae

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27:16

S4M3 Ear Trumpet Labs!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/11/24

Mike dives into the interesting and surprising world of … microphones! Philip Graham, proprietor of Ear Trumpet Labs provides a fascinating insight into the design, construction, and proper use of this essential part of our musical lives. Find out the inspiration for the classic iconic look of Ear Trumpet mics, and meet Dephina, Wanda, Nadine … all mics in the Ear Trumpet line up. Enjoy!Mentions in this Episode: Ear Trumpet Labs / @eartrumpetlabs Music in this Episode (in order of

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36:30

S4E3 Women in Bluegrass: Missy Raines!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/11/20

Join Liz in an amazing conversation with bluegrass legend Missy Raines - the first woman to be awarded IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year, winning it a total of ten times. She shares openly about growing up bluegrass, making it in the music industry … and learning to cuss! Then, Mike and Liz have a Jam Talk about their favorite songs to call in jams. Enjoy!Mentions in this Episode: Missy Raines / @missyraines ‘Love & Trouble’ by Missy Raines & Allegheny ‘Easy Standards Songbook’

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36:39

S4M2 Woment in Bluegrass: Shelby Means!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/11/16

In this episode, Liz sits down with two standout voices in today’s acoustic music scene. First up is Shelby Means, whose soulful songwriting and unmistakable bass groove shines on her new album. They discuss stories behind the songs, her upcoming tour … and an alternative use for the banjo!Next, Liz chats with Chris Coole of the Lonesome Ace String Band, one of today’s most respected old-time and bluegrass groups. Chris gives us a preview of the band’s upcoming show at the Westchester Bluegrass

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42:06

S4E2 Damn Tall Buildings!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/11/13

Straight outta Brooklyn! Join Mike’s fascinating conversation with Avery Ballotta of the progressive, creative, innovative trio Damn Tall Buildings. Hear about the band’s journey from busking on street corners and off-ramps, to the bandstand, to the recording studio … to Saudi Arabia! Then, Liz introduces us to Phyllis Elkind, one of our home grown, locally *well* known artists we think you should know too. Enjoy! Mentions in this Episode: Damn Tall Buildings / @gramtallbuildings Sunset Park

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30:38

S4M1 Festival Recap - Podunk Bluegrass Festival!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/11/10

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 the Housatonic Stage for a listen to the Hosmer Mountain Boys,a family-style band that keeps the local

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45:29

S4E1 Carter and Cleveland!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/11/06

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 / @jasoncarterfiddle Michael Cleveland / @michaelclevelandfiddle Trish Plays Bass ‘Carter & Cleveland’

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31:30

S3E12 Bluegrass Down Under!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/10/23

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 Drifters / @highstreetdrifters The Davidson Brothers Nine Mile Creek The Water Runners Mustered

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24:41

S3SE5 Darin Aldridge!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/10/20

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 The Country Gentlemen Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance): “A Million Memories”- Darin &

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35:14

S3E11 Rick Faris!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/10/16

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 to overcome the mental and emotional challenges facing the older music student. Enjoy! Mentions in this

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