Bluegrass BKLYN

Mike Willner
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Music History
  • Biweekly

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.

  1. 19h ago

    S7R2 Replay: Award-winning Singer Greg Blake!

    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 Special Consensus Grey Fox Music Festival Planning Stages, the festival event planners JM Clifford Della Mae Upcoming Events of Note: Vocal Masterclass with Greg Blake - December 7th @ New York City Music in this Episode: ‘Victim of the Game’ – Greg Blake ‘Love Found Me’ – Greg Blake, with Becky Buller Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Our Partners: Beard Guitars - Only the finest resonator, lap steel, and acoustic guitars Sutton Ole Time Music Hour – our sister show in Granville TN  - Saturday nights @ 7PM Eastern The Sonic Planet – hear rebroadcasts of our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

    S7R2 Replay: Award-winning Singer Greg Blake!

  2. Oct 22

    S7R1 Replay: The Biscuit Eaters!

    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 Episode: All music is from the Biscuit Eater’s album “North Carolina Kids” “Cherokee Shuffle” – The Biscuit Eaters “North Carolina Kids” – The Biscuit Eaters Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors - Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN  We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

    S7R1 Replay: The Biscuit Eaters!

  3. Oct 19

    S7M9 - Immerse Yourself in Music: Winter Village Music Camp!

    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 wintervillagemusic.org. Special offer for Bluegrass BKLYN listeners! Use promo code WVMC2027_BKLYN when registering for camp. Upcoming Events of Note: IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Festival – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Inaugural Jam at the new BKCM Campus – October 25th, 5:30PM @ 963 President Street Vocal Masterclass with Greg Blake – December 7th @ New York NY Music in this Episode: ‘Cherokee Shuffle’ – The Biscuit Eaters ‘Liza Jane’ – Hilary Hawke Our Sponsors and Partners: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors  -> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN - We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Sutton Ole Time Music Hour – our sister show in Granville TN  - Saturday nights @ 7PM Eastern The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

    S7M9 - Immerse Yourself in Music: Winter Village Music Camp!

  4. Oct 15

    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 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 Campus – October 25th, 5:30PM @ 963 President Street Vocal Masterclass with Greg Blake – December 7th @ New York NY Music in this Episode: All music in this episode is by The Red Camel Collective Walk Out in the Rain Finding Your Way Home Roll On Mississippi Daughter of the Stars My Point of View Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles Our Partners: Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TN – our sister show The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

    S7E9 Red Camel Collective!

  5. Oct 12

    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 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 Alright” IBMA Leadership Bluegrass program Upcoming Events of Note: IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Festival – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Music in this Episode: All songs are from Amy and Lee’s album “Something Tells Me Everything Will be Alright” “Cornbread and Butterbeans” “Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor” Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles Our Partners: Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TN – our sister show The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

    S7M8 Musicians You Should Know: Lee Stivers!

  6. Oct 8

    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 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 Smarter Music Marketing Kenny’s “Snoop Dogg” video Water Tower’s hidden tattoo site Telluride Documentary  Water Tower on FaceBook, on Instagram, on TikTok Upcoming Events of Note: IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Festival – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Balsam Range Art of Music Festival – December 3rd – 5th @ Lake Junaluska NC Music in this Episode: All songs are from Water Tower’s album “Lonesome L.A. Cowboy” ‘Lonesome L.A. Cowboy’ with Beebs ‘I’m Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail’ with Michael Daves Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles Our Partners: Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TN The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

    S7E8 Musicians You Should Know: Kenny Feinstein!

  7. Oct 5

    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 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 Spotify playlist About Bluegrass in China About Dakou tapes   Upcoming Events of Note: IBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Music in this Episode: ‘Mogan Mountain High’ (Intro music) ‘Tears Fall’ (Outro music) Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles Our Partners: Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TN © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

    S7M7 Bluegrass in China!

  8. Oct 1

    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 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 TN Music in this Episode: Note: All songs feature Bryan Sutton, the notes reflect the duet partner ‘Three Star Hornpipe’ –  with Kenny Smith ‘Road to Columbus’ – with Cody Kilby ‘Working Man Blues’ – with Doc Watson ‘The Devil Went Down to Deep Gap’ – with Billy Strings ‘Port Tobacco’ – with Chris Eldridge Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

    S7E7 Guitar Giant Bryan Sutton!
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

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 .... 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Willner
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    141
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Bluegrass BKLYN

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