Bluegrass BKLYN

Too much fun at IBMA! We're both still catching up so here's a replay of Liz's favorite episode:

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 thoughtful insights for musicians at every level. Plus, Liz and Mike look back on their experience as Podcast-in-Residence at this year's Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Greg Blake<...

Mike and Liz are busy running around IBMA World of Bluegrass, so Mike selected this episode to replay for you: Mike gets to meet the delightful 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 covering their journey from family jam circle to festival bandstand to recording studio. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
The Biscuit Eaters
Chester McMillian
Mike Mitchell

Music in this Episod...

Get ready for a winter weekend filled with music Liz talks with Rick Manning and Bethany Parisi about Winter Village Music Camp, happening January 7–10, 2027, in Ithaca, NY. With over 120 workshops covering bluegrass, old-time, Irish music, singing, songwriting, and more, there's something for everyone! The outstanding faculty includes the Gibson Brothers, Michael Daves, and Jake Blount, plus concerts, jamming, and a welcoming community for musicians of all levels. And … Liz is going, too! Enjoy, and we hope to see you there!

 
Mentioned in this Episode
For the full workshop schedule, faculty lineup, and registration information, visit winter...

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 the Collective’s style. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Red Camel Collective
“The Songwriter’s Handbook” by Tom T. Hall

Upcoming Events of Note:
IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Festival – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN
Inaugural Jam at the new BKCM Cam...

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 singing with confidence, making room for women in bluegrass, and how music became a source of strength during an extraordinarily difficult chapter of her life. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Lee on Instagram, Facebook and LinkTree
Website for their album “Something Tells Me Everything Will Be...

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 the way, Kenny turned what he learned about promoting music into a marketing business and a new book, More Than Talent. Plus, hear about his traditional bluegrass solo album, Lonesome LA Cowboy. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
“More Than Talent” guide book by Kenny
Water Tower
Work Smarte...

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 bluegrass players. They also explore the surprising connections between bluegrass and Mongolian music, and how regular jams are helping introduce a new generation of Chinese musicians to bluegrass. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Tom Peng
Bluegrasslands and Nomads
Tom Peng’s...

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!

Mentioned in this Episode
Bryan Sutton
From Roots to Branches (Vol. 1)
Hot Rize
Brooklyn’s own Kevin Greer, our latest Wernick Coach!
 
Upcoming Events of Note:
IBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga T...

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 The Blue Ridge Girls, and we get to learn about the band and listen so some of their music. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Junior Appalachian Musicians
Brett Morris
Martha Spencer
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
 
Upcoming Events of Note:
IBMA World of B...

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 harmonies, and why sharp suits are all part of the package! Plus, hear about their new recordings, their old-school TV variety show, and the festival they now call their own. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
You can find The Malpass Brothers on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and FaceBook
The...

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 line (click below) and we’ll try to include your questions in the future. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Bluegrass Jams Near Me
The Granite Church
“I Wish You Had Asked …” email

Upcoming Events of Note:
Wernick Method Jam Camp – S...

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 the show Hilary Hawke updates us on her latest exploits and her show at Planet Granite Music & Dance Festival.  Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Stephen Mougin
Dark Shadow Recording
Sam Bush
Hilary Hawke

Upcoming Events of Note:
Hilary Hawke House Concert – September 18th @ Hop Bottom PA

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. He also takes us inside the Swiss Bluegrass Music Association, where he now serves as co-president, and talks about the challenge of bringing a new generation into the music. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Urs von Arx
The Country Ramblers
Bear...

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 what’s going on and what to expect. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Planet Granite Music & Art Festival
Austin Scelzo
Hilary Hawke
Chris Luquette
The Slide Stops

Music in this Episode:
‘Slow Rolling Train’ – J.M. Clifford
‘Cherokee Shuffle’ – The Biscuit Eaters

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, and challenges us to think differently about the voice as an improvisational instrument. Plus, Liz puts your Dolly Parton knowledge to the test! Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Farayi
American Roots Music Program @ Berklee College
Earl Jam 2
Dolly Parton

Upcoming Events of Note:
Planet Granite Music & Da...

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 Gathering that combines music education, culture, community and a deep connection to the roots of our favorite music. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
The Swannanoa Gathering
Warren Wilson College
Kevin Kehrberg
Ron Pen
Erynn Marshall

Upcoming Events of Note:

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 his newest adventure: co-directing a documentary exploring the fascinating world of competitive flatpicking. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Marcel Ardans
‘Lessons with Marcel’ YouTube channel
Andy Hatfield’s ‘Turkey in the Straw’
Marcel’s lesson on ‘Turkey in the Straw’
Alan Shad’s ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’
Wernick Method Jam Camp – Sept...

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 devastated Appalachia to today. We also get to meet and hear the music of Pickers Anonymous, Nick’s band. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Nicholas Edward Williams
ReString Appalachia
Pickers Anonymous
Guitar Center Foundation
American Songcatcher Podcast

Upcoming Events of Note:
Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th...

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 with joy, hope, and musical bravery. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Guitaro 5000
Reggie’s YouTube Channel
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

Upcoming Events of Note:
Swamp in the City Mini-Festival – September 29th @ Jalopy Theatre, Brooklyn
Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC – We are Podc...

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 rest will be published in a future episode. Also, Mike shares some hot tips and recent news about Peghead Nation … and a way for you to try their courses for free! Enjoy.

Mentioned in this Episode
Jerry Douglas
The Earls of Lei...

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 path—and how they’re now finding their own sound somewhere between tradition and innovation. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
The Litch Brothers
Telluride Bluegrass

Upcoming Events of Note:
Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY
Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th...

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 changed? Laurie also talks about her new album Oh California, her songwriting, and what it feels like to finally make peace with being called a “Legend.” Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Laurie Lewis
The Ashokan Center

Upcoming Events of Note:
Silver Bay Wernick Met...

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 crowded school schedule. Hear the voices of the next generation of Bluegrass. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Carolina Detour
Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC

Music in this Episode:
“No Wrong Turn” – Carolina Detour

Our Sponsors:
- We learn a...

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 how a bumpy bus ride led to a hit song! Plus, Mike and Liz reflect on season 6 and look forward to season 7. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Bronwyn
Wendy Walker
Pat McLaughlin
The Milk Carton Kids
Tractor Shed Studios

Up...

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 with Mary Beth Martin – Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center – and gets the whole story about the festival, the Earl Scruggs Museum and homeplace, and much more. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC

Music in this Episode:
‘Flint Hill Special” – Flatt & Scruggs & The Fog...

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 – Bluegrass BKLYN will be Podcast-in-Residence at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Songwriter Bernie Nelson
Ashokan Center

Upcoming Events of Note:
Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan Center
Southern Week – August 16th – 22nd @ The Asho...

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 covering their journey from family jam circle to festival bandstand to recording studio. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
The Biscuit Eaters
Chester McMillian
Mike Mitchell

Upcoming Events of Note:
Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WV
Podunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CT
Blu...

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 introduce our new sponsor – Peghead Nation on-line music school. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Darren Nicholson
Darren’s album “Lonesome Trails & Tall Tales”
Peghead Nation on-line music school
Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN                              

Upcoming Events of Note:
Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WV
Podunk Bluegrass...

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 Wernick Method Silver Bay jam camp.  Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Harry Gambrill
The Jersey Corn Pickers

Upcoming Events of Note:
AFBA Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival – July 30th to August 2nd @ Wind Gap PA
Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkin...

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 year after year. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Podunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CT

Music in this Episode:
“Slow Rolling Train” – J.M. Clifford
“Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller

Our Sponsors:
We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-clas...

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. Mike and Jim go in depth into how Jim tailors his approach to how folks actually learn. Enjoy! 

Mentioned in this Episode:
Jim Pankey / @wildjimbo
Jim’s YouTube banjo lessons

Events of Note:
Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week - August 3 - 7 @ Elkins WV
Ashokan Center...

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 Foreign Landers as well as his upcoming concerts and tours. Plus – Mike tests you mandolin ear with a “Name That Mandolinist” quiz. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
David Benedict
David’s YouTube channel
The Foreign Landers
Josh Clark, Sound Engineer

Upcoming Events of Note:
August...

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 inspiration, and how they made their mark on one of bluegrass's biggest stages. Then Liz reflects on her own experience attending Telluride for the first time. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Rachel Sumner
Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Upcoming Events of Note:
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th t...

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 welcoming jam communities, and her passion for education, archives, and ensuring bluegrass history is preserved for future generations. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
 Jen Larson Projects
 Augusta Heritage Center – Bluegrass Week – Auguest 3rd – 7th in Elikins WV
 Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Upcoming Events of Note:
...

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 festival and grew into more than twenty years of Grey Fox memories. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Kaia Kater

Upcoming Events of Note:
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYC
Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WV
Bluegrass Week – August...

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, another heart-warming Grey Fox Story. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Ben Morrison
The Brothers Comatose
“Golden Grass” 2025 release album
Ear Trumpet Labs “Edwina” microphones
AJ Lee & Blue Summit
Rocks Off Concert Cruise

Upcoming Events of Note:
Augusta Heritage Cajun...

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 up a chair and join the conversation. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Dom Flemons
The American Banjo Museum
WUNC NPR Radio

Upcoming Events of Note:
Augusta Heritage Cajun Creole & Classic Country Week – July 6th to 10th @ Elkins WV
Grey Fox Bluegrass Fest...

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 band, now including dobro wizard Rob Ickes, are headlining at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in July. Plus, Liz and Mike give the highlights of their recent festival hangs. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Darrell Scott
The Darrell Scott String Band, featuring Rob Ickes
...

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 wonderful Grey Fox Story. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
Wilson Savoy
The Pine Leaf Boys
Marc Savoy
The Courtney Granger Memorial Award
Louisiana Folk Roots (Balfa Week)

Upcoming Events of Note:
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to...

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, other not-to-be-missed programming at the Center … and sound art! Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode
The Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
Gillian Fox
City Winery
Punch Brothers
Trimpin

Upcoming Events of Note:
American Roots...