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PODCAST

Bluegrass BKLYN

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

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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24:13

S3SE4 Jam Talk!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/10/13

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: Bluegrass Jams Near Me Wernick Method Email Liz for a copy of her Jam Song Book Music in this

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37:48

S3E10 Iconic Venues: The Ashokan Center!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/10/09

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 Center / @ashokancenter Fiddle Hell - Westford MA, November 16th – 18th Banjo Weekend 2025 – Ashokan

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28:37

SE3 Ballad of America!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/10/05

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 Smithstonian Folkways Bluegrass Jams Near Me Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance): “Foggy

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47:25

S3E9 IBMA Event Recap!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/10/02

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 and Showcases where hand-picked bands show their stuff. They got to talk with – and hear songs by - The

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20:26

SE2 California Bluegrass Association!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/09/29

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 Bluegrass Music Association / @intlbluegrass Bluegrass Jams Near Me Bluegrass BKLYN /

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38:57

S3E8 Home Grown, Locally Known with Rick Snell!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/09/25

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 Mona’s Bluegrass Session International Bluegrass Music Association World of Bluegrass /

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30:32

S3E7 Women in Bluegrass: Alison Brown!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/09/18

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 / @alisononbanjo Banjo Basecamp: October 6 – 10 in North Adams MA Alison’s Banjo School on Artistworks IBMA World of

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31:46

S3E6 Martha Spencer and Lucas Pasley!

Bluegrass BKLYN ·

2025/09/11

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 in this Episode: Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Country Band /

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