Bluegrass BKLYN

Mike and Bryan take a trip through Bryan’s long career from a family band on Church Sundays, to amazing collaborations, up to the band-stand with Hot Rize, into the studio, and as a music educator. We get to listen to Bryan’s personally selected cuts from his latest passion project ‘From Roots to Branches (Vol. 1). Enjoy!

Meet Brett Morris, Executive Director of Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) and learn about their efforts to engage kids across Appalachia with traditional music, dance and culture. Enjoy!

Liz gets to know Chris and Taylor Malpass, the Country / Gospel brother band whose love for traditional country music started almost as soon as they could walk. Enjoy!

Time for another Jam Talk. Mike and Liz dive into what it takes to make everyone feel included and respected in the jam circle. Enjoy!

Stephen Mougin shares insights into his multi-faceted, award-winning career with Mike. Then, banjo player and friend of the show Hilary Hawke updates us on her latest exploits  Enjoy!

Liz catches up with her friend and fellow banjo picker Urs von Arx, now back home in Zurich after 21 years in New York City. Enjoy!

Festival Alert! We have a new festival in the area! Festival Co-Producer Austin Scelzo chats with Mike about this brand-new festival – Planet Granite Music & Dance Festival (September 19th and 20th). Enjoy!

Meet singer, songwriter, fiddler, and educator Farayi Malek who shares her musical journey from childhood fiddle contests to years of studying jazz—and now back to her American roots. Plus, Liz puts your Dolly Parton knowledge to the test! Enjoy!

Mike and Kevin Kehrberg, Director of The Swannanoa Gathering, discuss the special magic of The Gathering that combines music education, culture, community and a deep connection to the roots of our favorite music. Enjoy!

Liz talks with Marcel Ardans, the man behind ‘Lessons with Marcel’, about his unexpected journey from aspiring high school music teacher to successful bluegrass educator on YouTube. Enjoy!

Mike learns all about ReString Appalachia – an organization dedicated to getting quality instruments back in the hands of those who lost them due to natural and economic disasters. Enjoy!

Mike caught up with Reggie Guillaume – better known as Guitar 5000 – at Grey Fox where Reggie shared his vision and musical mission

Mike sits with Dobro legend Jerry Douglas and they go deep into all aspects of Jerry’s career, the bands he leads, the music he loves, his approach to learning and teaching, and much more. And, some hot tips and recent news about Peghead Nation. Enjoy!

Liz talks with Toshi and Kai Litch, winners of the 2026 Telluride Band Contest, about growing up immersed in music on a tiny Washington island and turning a childhood bluegrass dream into reality. Enjoy!

Liz sits down with bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis for a wide-ranging conversation about the music she’s loved and played for more than 50 years. Enjoy!

Earl Scruggs Music Festival Highlight - Mike chats with Lake Carver and Lyla Cherry of the dynamic North Carolina-based band Carolina Detour.

Mike sits with Bronwyn – one of our greatest fiddle players – who is about to release her first album of songs she wrote or co-wrote! Plus, Mike and Liz reflect on season 6 and look forward to season 7. Enjoy!

Festival Alert! The iconic Earl Scruggs Music Festival is coming up very soon – Friday September 4th through Sunday September 6th.

Liz talks with award-winning singer Brooke Aldridge about the heart behind the uplifting music she and husband Darin create together. B Plus – Bluegrass BKLYN will be Podcast-in-Residence at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival. Enjoy!

Mike gets to meet the Biscuit Eaters, a traditional bluegrass family band from North Carolina. Enjoy!

eet Darren Nicholson, son of Western North Carolina who brings generations of pickin’ and singin’ to his music. And: Introducing our newest sponsor - Peghead Nation on-line music school. Enjoy!

Whether you’re new to bluegrass or looking to improve your jamming skills, Harry Gambrill shares practical wisdom drawn from years of teaching and performing. Enjoy!

Liz talks with Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival organizer Shanna Connor about what makes this award-winning festival such a favorite among bluegrass fans. Enjoy!

An in-depth interview with Bluegrass giant Pete Wernick.

Watch out, the Sheriff's in town ... and he's makin' sure everyone is jammin' and havin' a good time! In this episode we have an in-depth discussion with the Sheriff of Good Times, Bob Saidenberg, a fixture in country and bluegrass music for many decades. He shares his perspective on the music scene in NYC from the 50's to the 90's, on hosting and participating on jams .... and on saxophone playing! Plus, upcoming shows, events, and jams.

Special Edition!! Our host Mike and our new co-host Liz Wolfe adventure up to JamVal 2025 in Framingham Mass. for 2 days of jamming, workshops, interesting conversations and fun. We talk with guitar virtuoso and instructor Tony Watt, bass legend Mike Bub, and East Nash Grass' Maddie Denton and Harry Clark!  We meet some the the attendees, get to hear some of the live jam music, and catch up on shows and events in the area. Join the jam circle and enjoy this special report ...

We continue to spread love of bluegrass the Brooklyn Way! In Episode 2 we have an in-depth interview with Michael Daves, nationally known performer and teacher. Also, we reveal Mike Willner’s Bluegrass Mt. Rushmore for Fiddle. And, we get a slew of updates on up-coming events and jams. Enjoy! Here are links referenced in the episode: Sunday March 2nd - Christian Apuzzo @ Delia’s Lounge 7-10PM www.deliaslounge.com Bluegrass by the Bridge Jam @ Delia’s on Wednesdays 6-9PM.  facebook.com/groups/502898005440270 ”Posh Jams” on Sundays 2-5PM on the Upper West Side of NY with Liz Wolfe liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com Sunday Bluegrass Session with Sean Kershaw @ Prospect Grill 545 5th Ave. 4-7 PM. facebook.com/groups/307357758423428 Michael Daves Bluegrass Vocal School on Artistworks www.artistworks.com/bluegrass-vocal-lessons-michael-daves JamVal Non-Festival Festival - February 14 - 16 @ Framingham Sheraton https://bbu.org/events/jamval/ Maddie Denton and East Nash Grass www.eastnashgrass.com Follow us at @bluegrassbklyn on Instagram Join ’Bluegrass BKLYN’ on Facebook Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com

Our first episode!! We get to speak with Christian Apuzzo, the BKLYN-based singer, guitar player, band leader, jam leader ... Also, we have some fun with a Bluegrass Mount Rushmore!   © Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Liz talks with award-winning vocalist and guitarist Greg Blake about the lessons he’s learned from decades of performing, teaching, and making music. Plus a reflection on the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy!

The Man … The Banjo … The YouTube Sensation! Mike gets to chat with Jim Pankey, an award-winning, cross genre banjo master and skilled educator. Enjoy!

Mike chats with David Benedict – mandolin master and well-known YouTube and Patreon personality. Plus - test your mandolin knowledge. Enjoy!

Liz sits down with singer / songwriter Rachel Sumner to reflect on the journey that shaped Rachel’s music and career - from volunteering at Telluride to winning its prestigious Band Contest.

Liz talks with bluegrass vocalist, songwriter, historian, and educator Jen Larson. Enjoy!

Liz talks with Kaia Kater about growing up in the Grey Fox community, discovering clawhammer banjo, collaborating with Trey Wellington, and building an internationally recognized music career.

Mike takes a deep dive with Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose! Plus, another heart-warming Grey Fox Story. Enjoy!

Liz chats with Don Flemons, The American Songster, and Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist.

Mike goes deep with the legendary Darrell Scott, award-winning song writer and front man of the Darrell Scott String Band. Plus, Liz and Mike recount their recent festival hangs. Enjoy!

Mike gets to talk with Grammy award-winning Cajun musician Wilson Savoy, front man of the Pine Leaf Boys. Enjoy!

The American Roots Music Festival is going to be a day of awesome music, great food, and natural beauty. Enjoy!

Liz chats with Anissa Burnett and they explore the story behind the Burnett Sisters Band, and Celia Woodsmith tells her ”Grey Fox Story”. Enjoy!

Meet Blake Miller, one of the organizers of the Augusta Heritage Cajun, Creole & Classic Country Week. Enjoy!

Liz talks with award-winning musician and songwriter Bob Amos. Enjoy!

J.M. Clifford shares his views and experience with Mike on a wide range of topics from songwriting to sound engineering to use of AI in music. Enjoy!

Liz talks with Erin Dube about teaching bluegrass jamming at Grey Fox Festival, navigating jam culture as a woman musician, and helping adult learners discover the joy of making music together. Enjoy!

Liz talks with Grammy-winning songwriter, performer, and bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien about his remarkable musical journey. Enjoy!

This Festival Alert brings you the scoop on the Bayou Boogie Festival,It is New England’s newest Cajun & Zydeco Music & Dance Festival.

Mike gets to chat with Mary Lucey, member of the “WorldGrass” band TANASI. Enjoy!

Liz dives deep with Brenna MacMillan into the realities of being a woman in bluegrass. Plus ... The Five Rules of Jamming! Enjoy.

Liz explores one of our favorite themes: the Next Generation of Bluegrass. Meet rising mandolin player Leopold Schwartz and his mom, Amanda. Enjoy!

Liz sits down with Jim Lauderdale to reflect on a lifetime in music - we are named Podcast-in-Residence for Grey Fox 2026!!!

Big News!! Bluegrass BKLYN podcast has been named ‘Podcast-in-Residence’ at the 2026 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival!

Liz sits down with Kira Grunenberg, accomplished music journalist, to explore her journey from classical training to writing about bluegrass, jazz, and beyond.

An incredible interview with banjo legend Tony Trischka to wrap up Season 5 of our podcast. Enjoy!

Liz and Mike recap Jam Jersey, diving into what it took to bring the event to life.

Mike sits with Brian Drye, Executive Director to get the inside story on the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s Community Music School. Enjoy!

Mike gets to chat with Barrett Smith, bass-player and long-time member of the Steep Canyon Rangers.

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.

Mike gets to chat with the iconic American Fiddler, Andy Leftwich, join the conversation!

You probably don’t know all the amazing programs run by the IBMA Foundation to support our favorite music. Join us with Cassie Wright, Executive Director, and find out!

We continue to explore the theme of Women in Bluegrass with Amanda Cook - musician, recording artist and President of Mountain Fever Records. Enjoy!

Meet Alani Sugar and Izaak Atlas Schwartz, the next generation of bluegrass artists. Enjoy!

Get the inside scoop on one of the East Coast’s most iconic bluegrass festivals, Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass. Enjoy!

Get the inside scoop on the music production business at Mountain Home Music record label. Enjoy!

Mike talks with banjo master Ned Luberecki - join the conversation and learn more! Enjoy.

Join the fun at the iconic Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s monthly open jam. Meet jammers, organizers, and jam leaders. Enjoy!

Learn how the cross ’The River of Suck’ that separates you from your most perfect musical self.

Liz introduces us to the people who make Lucinda’s NYC one of our Iconic Venues!

Join Mike as he explores music we *also* love - Cajun and Creole. Learn all about the culture and music of southwest Louisiana! Enjoy.

Mike talks with Hillary Klug, The Dancing Fiddler, about her unique craft. Then, Mike explores the link between dance and our favorite music Brooklyn Contra.

Liz and Mike, joined by Kieth Billik - host of Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast - discuss the whys and wherefores of creating, producing, and hosting a bluegrass podcast. Also, a ”Jam Focus” segment on the Boathouse Jam.

Meet Nelson Williams, bassist and teacher - share his musical journey from Classical french horn to jazz and bluegrass. Learn about the Bayou Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy!

Meet USN Banjo Player Chief Stiltner who picks her 5-string in the USN Band Country Current. Enjoy!

Join Mike in a conversation with Mike Mitchell, songwriter, recording artist, fiddler, and mentor. Plus, lose those excuses for not following your musical heart. Enjoy!

We explore ’Music we also love’ with Shane Hayes, accordion-playing front man of the famous Irish band ’Socks in the Frying Pan’. Enjoy!

Meet Ira Gitlan, bluegrass musician, historian, and educator. Plus, Mike and Liz recap the fun at Joe Val 2026 Festival. Enjoy!

Check out one of New York’s iconic music venues and meet Gail and Steve, the folks who make it happen. Enjoy!

Meet bluegrass legend Alice Gerrard as she shares her musical and personal journey with Liz. Enjoy!

Iin this final episode in Season 5, Liz speaks with Laura Orshaw, vocalist, fiddle player and Artist In Residence at the Joe Val Festival.

Get up close and personal with Jim Pankey, award-winning banjoist, educator, and YouTube sensation. And, hear a fun recap of the recent JAM-uary weekend at Ashokan.

Join Mike’s fascinating conversation with multi-faceted podcast host Rick Dollar!

Celia Woodsmith of Della Mae opens up about her musical journey, joining Della Mae ... and washboards! Plus, a bluegrass Grammy preview.

Meet Grammy-nominated master fiddler Bruce Molsky.

Follow the musical and life journey of Carl Williams, country and bluegrass recording artist, singer, songwriter.

Liz and Avril Smith talk about music, work, being a woman in Bluegrass. Enjoy!

Enjoy the full length. versions of our Season 4 (and a bit more).

Join Mike and Liz as they reflect on an amazing first year for Bluegrass BKLYN podcast.

Two sides of Tammy Rogers King - one interview by Della Mae’s Kimber Ludiker and the other by our own Liz Wolfe. Enjoy!

Join Mike and Liz, Austin Scelzo and Matt Curley in a fascinating panel discussion on music education.

Michael Daves, bluegrass giant, talks with Mike about his new record label, upcoming releases, and his teaching philosophy. Then ... Jam Talk with Liz!

Join Mike on his journey through the amazing Fiddle Hell - four days of music, instruction, jamming and fun. Enjoy1

Join Mike and Liz for a fascinating journey into the roots of the Bluegrass movement in New York as told by musicians who were part of that history. Enjoy!

Meet Olo Demers of Le Vent du Nord and learn about Quebecois style, the fiddle-sawing, accordion-squeezing, foot stomping music genre from Canada. Enjoy!

We meet bassist Nate Sabat and discuss the release of a unique project - solo bass fiddle and vocals! Also, we hear from Down North Bluegrass. Enjoy!

Liz sits down with Greg Kotis - playwright behind Urinetown - discuss his unexpected journey into bluegrass. Enjoy!

Meet legendary bluegrass (and jazz, and klezmer) mandolinist Andy Statman! Plue, we catch up with Brooklyn’s own Riyae Park. Enjoy!

Mike meets Philip Graham of Ear Trumpet Lab and learns all about these iconic microphones. Enjoy!

Liz chats with Missy Raines, they discuss her amazing career in bluegrass ... and how she learned to cuss! Plus, Mike and Liz have a Jam Talk about good songs to call in a jam. Enjoy!

Liz chats with Grammy-winning bass player Shelby Means ... and learns a new use for the banjo! Also, Lonesome Ace Stringband talks about their unique blend of old-time, bluegrass, and original music. Enjoy!

Join Mike and Liz as they follow the Brooklyn-based Damn Tall Buildings on their musical journey. And, meet Phyllis Elkind - another Bluegrass Brooklynite we think you should know. Enjoy!