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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

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 &

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 –

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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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