PODCAST · music
Bluegrass BKLYN
by © 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. 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.
Episodes
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S7E9 Red Camel Collective!
Mike chats with Heather and Tony of the Red Camel Collective, last year's IBMA New Artist of the Year. They share their musical journeys, from Heather's first record at age 12 to Tony relearning the banjo after losing his sight. Plus, we listen to some songs they personally selected that define…
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S7M8 Musicians You Should Know: Lee Stivers!
It's never too late to start making music, and Lee Stivers is living proof! From picking up her first mandolin at 42 to recording an album, building bluegrass communities, and starting a band in Puerto Vallarta, Lee has embraced every opportunity music has brought her way. She and Liz talk about...
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S7E8 Musicians You Should Know: Kenny Feinstein!
Kenny Feinstein has never taken the conventional route. The Water Tower bandleader tells Liz how a punk-rock kid became obsessed with old-time and bluegrass, built a fan base playing LA freeway off-ramps, traded CDs for gas money while touring, and eventually took the stage at Telluride. Along…
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S7M7 Bluegrass in China!
Liz heads virtually to Shanghai to talk with Kirk Kenney, Tom Pang, and Jerry Liu about the growing bluegrass scene there. Tom and Jerry share how a chance encounter with an American musician—and a Nickel Creek CD—led them to pick up the mandolin and banjo and become two of China’s earliest local...
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S7E7 Guitar Giant Bryan Sutton!
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...
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S7M6 The Next Generation: Junior Appalachian Musicians!
What does it take to create the next generation of bluegrass music? 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. She is also a member of the mountain music trio...
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S7E6 Music We Also Love: The Malpass Brothers!
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. They share stories about growing up singing together, the heroes who shaped their sound, the special chemistry behind their brother...
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Jam Talk: Including Everyone!
Time for another Jam Talk. Mike and Liz dive into what it takes to make everyone feel included and respected in the jam circle … and how to avoid creating an exclusive or unapproachable jam. And … have you ever listened to one of our interviews and thought “I wish they had asked …”? Well, drop a...
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S7E5 Bluegrass Dynamo Stephen Mougin!
Stephen Mougin shares insights into his multi-faceted, award-winning career with Mike. Performing artist, record company executive, lauded music producer, SiriusXM host, music educator – he spans a wide swath of the music industry and we attempt to cover it all. Then, banjo player and friend of…
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S7M4 Artists You Should Know: Urs-Ranier von Arx!
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. Urs shares what he loved about the NYC jam scene, how it compares with bluegrass in Switzerland, and the remarkable story of his 57 years playing with the Country Ramblers....
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S7FA1 Festival Alert: Planet Granite Music & Dance Festival!
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) at The Granite, a wonderful music venue in Fairfield CT. Take a walk with Mike and Austin through...
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S7E4 Women in Bluegrass: Farayi!
Liz talks with singer, songwriter, fiddler, and educator Farayi Malek about her musical journey from childhood fiddle contests to years of studying jazz—and now back to her American roots. Farayi shares fascinating insights into the connections between blues, jazz, bluegrass, and country music…
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S7M3 Iconic Music Workshops: The Swannanoa Gathering!
For five weeks in the Summer - and now some weekends in the Fall – the Blue Ridge Mountains at Warren Wilson College come alive with music, dance, and the joy of learning at The Swannanoa Gathering. Mike and Kevin Kehrberg, Director of The Swannanoa Gathering, discuss the special magic of The...
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S7E3 Guitar Guru & YouTube Star - Lessons with Marcel!
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. They dig into his practical—and reassuring!—ideas about practicing, teaching, and becoming a better musician, plus...
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S7M2 Scruggs Fest Highlight: ReString Appalachia!
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. Executive Director Nicholas Edward Williams traces ReString’s history from September 2024 when Hurricane Helene...
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Special Edition - Guitaro 5000 at Grey Fox!
Another amazing Grey Fox story! Mike caught up with Reggie Guillaume – better known as Guitar 5000 – at Grey Fox where Reggie shared his vision and musical mission. This YouTube sensation asks random strangers a simple question – “Will you sing a song with me?”. An inspiring discussion filled…
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S7E2 Scruggs Fest Highlight: Dobro Master Jerry Douglas (Part1)
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. So much more that we had to break this epic exploration into two segments … here you have Part 1, and the…
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S7M1 2026 Telluride Band Contest Winners - The Litch Brothers!
Liz talks with Tashi and Kaj 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. They share how family, festivals, mentors, and a little brotherly rivalry shaped their musical...
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S7E1 Scruggs Fest Highlight: The Legendary Laurie Lewis!
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. What makes bluegrass “bluegrass”? Do drums belong in our msuic? Why is picking valued more than singing? And how has the experience of women in bluegrass...
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Earl Scruggs Music Festival Highlight - Carolina Detour!
Mike chats with Lake Carver and Lyla Cherry of the dynamic North Carolina-based band Carolina Detour. These talented and accomplished young musicians (they are both 16 year old!) reflect on a broad range of musical topics like performing, competing – and the challenges of fitting it all into a...
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S6M12 World-Class Fiddler Bronwyn!
Our last episode of Season 6! To end on a high note, 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! She delves into her motivations for pursuing this musical path, thoughts on learning and playing music – and…
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Festival Alert - Earl Scruggs Music Festival!
Festival Alert! The iconic Earl Scruggs Music Festival is coming up very soon – Friday September 4th through Sunday September 6th. Held at the Tryon Equestrian Center, the festival features amazing headliners, workshops, vendors, jamming – and Bluegrass BKLYN as Podcast-in-Residence! Mike speaks...
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S6E12 Scruggs Fest Highlight: Singer Brooke Aldridge!
Liz talks with award-winning singer Brooke Aldridge about the heart behind the uplifting music she and husband Darin create together. Brooke shares how they choose songs that inspire hope, balance life on and off the stage, and build a musical partnership that's as strong as their harmonies. Plus…
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S6M11 Bluegrass: The Next Generation - The Biscuit Eaters!
Mike gets to meet the Biscuit Eaters, a traditional bluegrass family band from North Carolina. Meredith Wilkerson (the “Band Mom”) shares her thoughts, along with guitarist Maggie (age 12), fiddler Silas (age 10) and dancing fiddler Molly (age 7). It’s a surprising and fascinating discussion...
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S6E11 Soulful Songwriter Darren Nicholson!
Meet Darren Nicholson, son of Western North Carolina who brings generations of pickin’ and singin’ to his music. Join the wide-ranging conversation about the soul of bluegrass, virtuosi showcases vs singable songs, and enjoy a game of ‘musical tag’ Darren and Mike play. Also, we’re proud to...
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S6M10 Music Educator Harry Gambrill!
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. Learn how to build confidence, communicate in a jam, and stop waiting for the "perfect" moment to join in. Plus, find out more about the...
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Festival Alert: Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival!
Liz talks with Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival organizer Shanna Connor about what makes this award-winning festival such a favorite among bluegrass fans. From world-class music and late-night picking to volunteers, community, and the bluegrass family, discover why so many people return to Podunk...
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S6E10 Award-winning Singer Greg Blake!
Liz talks with award-winning vocalist and guitarist Greg Blake about the lessons he's learned from decades of performing, teaching, and making music. From what creates a great singer to the importance of rhythm guitar, audience connection, and finding your own musical voice, Greg shares…
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S6M9 Instant Replay - Jim Pankey!
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 countless hopefuls on the road to banjo playing....
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S6E9 Master Mandolinist David Benedict!
Mike chats with David Benedict – mandolin master and well-known YouTube and Patreon personality. David delves into his musical roots, his somewhat DIY musical education, the impact of the pandemic on his career, his somewhat DIY band, and his somewhat DIY album. We learn about his band, the…
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S6M8 2025 Telluride Band Contest Winner Rachel Sumner!
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. They discuss the courage it takes to write songs that tackle meaningful subjects, band chemistry, creative...
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S6E8 Women in Bluegrass: Jen Larson!
Liz talks with bluegrass vocalist, songwriter, historian, and educator Jen Larson about her remarkable journey from New York City jam sessions to preserving bluegrass history. They discuss Jen's work on the first full biography of Hazel Dickens, her years performing in New York, the importance of...
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S6M7 Grey Fox Artist Highlight: Kaia Kater
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. Then her mom, Tamara, shares the family tradition that began with a search for a nearby bluegrass…
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S6E7 Grey Fox Headliner: Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose
Mike takes a deep dive with Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose! They chat about everything from the band’s musical influences, the ‘California’ sound, their latest album “Golden Grass” … and the perils of IPA! Listen to tunes hand selected by Ben and Mike, and hear Ben’s take on them! Plus,...
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S6M6 Grey Fox Headliner: Dom Flemons!
Liz chats with Don Flemons, The American Songster, and Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist. Dom is a connoisseur and curator of Black music of 19th and early 20th century America. He takes us on a journey through the songs, stories, and drama of that period. Liz and Dom delve deep … pull…
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S6E6 Grey Fox Headliner: Darrell Scott!
Mike goes deep with the legendary Darrell Scott, award-winning song writer and front man of the Darrell Scott String Band. They explore the Zen of song writing, the challenges of performing, the joy of finding your inner musical voice – even the geeky details of mic’ing the band! Darrell and his...
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S6M5 Grey Fox Artist Hilight: Wilson Savoy of the Pine Leaf Boys!
Mike gets to talk with Grammy award-winning Cajun musician Wilson Savoy, front man of the Pine Leaf Boys. They get into all kinds of topics like an intro to Cajun music, the Savoy family’s musical history, the musical vision of Pine Leaf Boys, being a musical ambassador – and Wilson tells us his...
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Festival Alert: American Roots Music Festival!
The American Roots Music Festival is going to be a day of awesome music, great food, and natural beauty. All at the iconic Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah NY. Mike gets to chat with Gillian Fox –President and CEO of the Center – who gives us the inside scoop on the Festival…
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S6E5 Anissa Burnett of the Burnett Sisters Band!
Liz chats with Anissa Burnett and they explore the story behind the Burnett Sisters Band—from growing up in the mountains of North Carolina to becoming one of bluegrass's exciting young touring acts. They discuss family harmony, songwriting, festivals, and the unique musical connection that comes...
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Festival Alert: Augusta Heritage Cajun, Creole & Classic Country Week 2026!
Meet Blake Miller, one of the organizers of the Augusta Heritage Cajun, Creole & Classic Country Week. He’s a top-tier accordionist and fiddler, plays in several bands – including his passion project ‘Blake Miller & the Old Fashioned Aces’. He shares insights into the famous Augusta Heritage…
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S6M4 Singer, Songwriter Bob Amos!
Liz talks with award-winning musician and songwriter Bob Amos about his journey from geologist to full-time bluegrass musician, the joy of performing with his daughter Sarah, and why teaching has become such an important part of his musical life. They also share practical insights on leading...
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S6E4 Grey Fox Emerging Artist: J.M. Clifford!
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. This Brooklyn-based songwriter / singer is a Grey Fox Emerging Artist, a public-school music teacher – and has an awesome Grey Fox story. Enjoy! Mentioned...
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S6M3 Grey Fox Hilight: Erin Dube!
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. Plus, a look at Rhode Island’s thriving bluegrass and Irish music communities. Enjoy! Mentioned in this...
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S6E3 The Legendary Tim O'Brien!
Liz talks with Grammy-winning songwriter, performer, and bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien about his remarkable musical journey—from accompanying folk masses as a teenager to becoming one of the most respected voices in acoustic music. They explore songwriting, creativity, touring, teaching, AI in...
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Festval Alert:: Bayou Boogie Cajun & Zydeco Festival!
This Festival Alert brings you the scoop on the Bayou Boogie Festival,It is New England’s newest Cajun & Zydeco Music & Dance Festival. Mike sits with Steve Riley - world famous accordion player and festival organizer - to get the story on this exciting event. The musicians of the Louisiana…
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S6E3 Mary Lucey of TANASI!
Mike gets to chat with Mary Lucey, member of the “WorldGrass” band TANASI. You’ll recognize the Appalachian roots and bluegrass instrumentation in their music. But there’s so much more … rhythms and melodies from all around the world blend and mix with those roots to create something new – and…
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S6E2 Women in Bluegrass: Brenna MacMillan!
Liz dives deep with Brenna MacMillan into the realities of being a woman on tour in the bluegrass world. From songwriting and touring life to health, burnout, and creative inspiration, Brenna shares an honest and thoughtful look at life as a working musician. Plus: The Five Rules of Jamming.…
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S6M1 Next Generation: Leopold and Amanda Schwartz!
Liz explores one of our favorite themes: the Next Generation of Bluegrass. From festival jams to family band practice, rising mandolin player Leopold Schwartz shares his experiences growing up in music. Then his mom, Amanda, joins the conversation to share the realities—and rewards—of keeping up...
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S6E1 SInger, Songwriter ... Legend: Jim Lauderdale!
Liz sits down with Jim Lauderdale to reflect on a lifetime in music—from touring and songwriting to working with artists like Ralph Stanley, George Jones, and Emmylou Harris. Jim shares stories, songwriting wisdom, and thoughtful perspectives on creativity, the impact of AI on the music industry,...
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BIg News! We are Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox!
Big News!! Bluegrass BKLYN podcast has been named ‘Podcast-in-Residence’ at the 2026 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival! We are so excited and honored to be part of this iconic and historic event. Plans are in the works - interviews with the incredible line-up of artists, themed jams sessions, and the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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. 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.
HOSTED BY
© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Bluegrass BKLYN have?
Bluegrass BKLYN currently has 137 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Bluegrass BKLYN about?
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. We’ll talk classic bluegrass,...
How often does Bluegrass BKLYN release new episodes?
Bluegrass BKLYN publishes regularly with 137 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Bluegrass BKLYN?
You can listen to Bluegrass BKLYN on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Bluegrass BKLYN?
Bluegrass BKLYN is created and hosted by © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved.
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