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.
Episodes
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 ...
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 /...
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 M...
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...
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!
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 Hou...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 emotiona...
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 M...
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 He...
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 Jam...
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 band...
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
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:
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...
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...
Bluegrass legend and mandolin virtuoso Emory Lester shares his insights into the development of style and technique in bluegrass, his experiences playing with bluegrass royalty … and his belt-length hair and rock-and-roll career! Plus, we get to meet Brooklyn’s own Alex Deane (by way of Nashville TN), and discuss her growing up in bluegrass, and tips on jamming. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode: Emory Lester emorylester.com Emory Le...
Our very first Special Edition! We meet Lee Henke, Ryan Acker, and Vinny Donatelle of The Last Revel, who have been delivering driving music and emotionally powerful lyrics for years. They share about the band's history, song writing, touring, and their latest album 'Gone for Good'. Enjoy! Mentioned in this episode: The Last Revel @thelastrevel thelastrevel.com
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