Mountain Music Breakdown Podcast

Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit

5.0 (2)
Music Interviews
Updated Weekly

The mountain comes to you! Shasta Mountain Music presents 'Mountain Music Breakdown', a weekly podcast inviting you to explore Northern California's vibrant Americana music scene. Learn about the artists, personalities, festivals from across the region who make the music and community. From Mount Shasta to you, just enjoy the music!

1d ago

Co-Host Mike Willner

Turnabout is fair play – Dave turns the mic on Mike and does an in-depth interview of his co-host. They get into Mike’s musical origin story, how he started his career as a podcast producer, the Bluegrass scene in Brooklyn NYC (the ‘Bluegrass Borough”) – and his phobia of recorder orchestras! It’s a fun and wide-ranging discussion with a lot of interesting give and take. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Mike Willner Bluegrass BKLYN podcast Liz Wolfe Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Wolf Jett @ Shasta Mountain Music: July 24 at McLeod Inn, CA RockyGrass Music Festival: July 24 – 26 in Lyons, CO Music in this Episode: “Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller “Tit Galop Pour Mamou” – The Balfa Brothers Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved. follow @shastamountainmusic / contact howdy@shastamusic.org / visit shastamusic.org

29 min
May 31

Dan Gabel of Peghead Nation

This episode Dave and Mike go in-depth with Dan Gable, President of Peghead Nation, a platform providing quality online music instruction. Dan shares his story of working within the music industry as a journalist, his passion for acoustic roots music and ,with guitarist Scott Nygaard and Teja Gerken, creating an online pathway connecting students - from beginners to experienced musicians - with professional instruction. So, relax and enjoy the music! Mentioned in this Episode: Peghead Nation Dan Gabel Scott Nygaard Events of Note: Wolf Jett @ Shasta Mountain Music: July 24 at McLeod Inn, CA RockyGrass Music Festival: July 24 – 26 in Lyons, CO Music in this Episode: “No Path Home” – Dan Gabel with Minus Mary “900 Miles” – Dan Gabel, with Minus Mary Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved. follow @shastamountainmusic / contact howdy@shastamusic.org / visit shastamusic.org

29 min
May 23

Chris Jones of Wolf Jett!

Dave and Mike are excited to start Season 2 of Mountain Music Breakdown with an in-depth interview of Chris Jones, front man of Wolf Jett. He shares fascinating insights into the band's evolution from a Southern country acoustic string-band to a versatile festival powerhouse. They touch on the impacts of the pandemic and California fires, the healing energy in music, the diverse influences on Chris’ music, and more. Welcome back to the conversation - relax and enjoy the music! Mentioned in this Episode: Wolf Jett AJ Lee Shasta Mountain Music Wolf Jett songs recommended by Chris: “One Sweet Day” “Nothin’ But Trouble” “Mean Ol’ River” Events of Note: Wolf Jett @ Shasta Mountain Music: July 24 at McLeod Inn, CA RockyGrass Music Festival: July 24 – 26 in Lyons, CO Music in this Episode: “Straight Back Home to You” “Letting Go” with Jason Crosby Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved. follow @shastamountainmusic / contact howdy@shastamusic.org / visit shastamusic.org

33 min
Apr 19

Bluegrass Legend: Laurie Lewis - Part 2

In this second episode Mike and Dave continue their fascinating discussion with bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis. During our interview we talk more about Laurie's friendships within the industry and her work with multiple musicians, including Linda Ronstadt and Kenny Baker. We also learn more about her life away from the stage. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Laurie Lewis Wintergrass Festival "O California" - Laurie Lewis and The Right Hands Glen Canyon Laurie Lewis and Katie Kallick - McLeod Inn on Saturday August 15th Music in this Episode: "Look Down That Lonesome Road" - Laurie Lewis and The RIght Hands "Trees" - Laurie Lewis "Wheel of Life" - Laurie Lewis and The Right Hands Mountain Music Breakdown is produced by Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

28 min
Apr 11

Bluegrass Legend: Laurie Lewis

Sitting down with the legendary Laurie Lewis has been an honor for Mike and Dave. A renowned singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Laurie has for nearly four decades, gathered fans and honors. Pull up a seat and join the conversation! "Laurie has shown how a woman can blend into any part of the classic bluegrass singing trio, and she showed us how a great voice could move fluidly between bluegrass and other types of music. She has shown how a Californian can appeal to traditional bluegrass audiences, as well as winning acclaim in the worlds of Americana and folk music." Mentioned in this Episode: Laurie Lewis Berkely Community Theater “Musical Holdouts” documentary Sweets Mill Music Festival history Events of Note: Never Come Down – McCloud River Inn, Saturday April 18th Sierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2nd Music in this Episode: “Your Eyes” – Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands “Who Will Watch the Home Place?”– Laurie Lewis on ‘True Stories’ Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

24 min
Apr 4

Never Come Down

This week's interview is with Joe Suskind and Crystal Lariza, members of the award winning Portland-based band Never Come Down. Getting ready to kick off a busy tour season, the band sat down with Mike and Dave for a wide ranging interview. We talk about their life on the road, their unique blending of Americana and bluegrass sounds, songwriting and finding that sweet spot for their outstanding vocal harmonies. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Never Come Down RockyGrass Festival Shasta Mountain Music Events of Note: Never Come Down – McCloud River Inn, Saturday April 18th Sierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2nd Music in this Episode: Music is from Never Come Down’s “Greener Pastures” album: “Greener Pastures” “Rise Up And Sing” Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

34 min
Mar 27

Banjo Virtuoso Frank Evans

This week Dave and Mike sit with one of Nashville's premier banjo players, Frank Evans. He’s appeared with Old Crow Medicine Show, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, and is currently touring with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. Don't just take our word for his virtuosity – Banjo Newsletter cites "Frank is one of the top banjo players of his generation." When he's not touring, Frank is a beloved member of the local music and jam scene in Nashville. We're proud that Frank is an Advisory member to the Board for our nonprofit Shasta Mountain Music. Mentioned in this Episode: Frank Evans Cliff Top Festival American Banjo Camp Station Inn, Nashville Shasta Mountain Music Events of Note: Nat Lefkoff – Redwood Galley Venue, Friday March 27th Never Come Down – McCloud River Inn, Saturday April 18th Sierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2nd Music in this Episode: “Cherry River Line” – Frank Evans & Rosalyn Dennett “Possum’s Tail is Bare” – Frank Evans & Rosalyn Dennett Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

22 min
Mar 21

Strings & Stories: Linda Leavitt and Tom Nechville

Dave Reynolds sit down with musician, organizer, and activist Linda Leavitt and banjo maker / inventor Tom Nechville for an engaging discussion about music, craft, and community. Presented by Shasta Mountain Music, the episode highlights artists, events, and instrument makers from the Pacific Northwest. Mentioned in this Episode: Linda Leavitt Tom Nechville Cascade Bluegrass Shasta Mountain Music Wintergrass Festival IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Music in this Episode: "When the Day is Done" - Linda Leavitt, Tom Nechville & Friends Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

33 min
Mar 13

Behind the Scenes with Helen Ludé

Dave and Mike have a wide ranging discussion with Helen Ludé of Wisteria Management. She takes us behind the scenes - the life of a touring band, John Hartford's musical legacy, managing major music events, and the future of bluegrass. Dave also provides a glimpse into the thriving musical community and scene in and around Shasta Mountain, California. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Wisteria Management Shasta Mountain Music AJ Lee & Blue Summit Shelby Means The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project IBMA World of Bluegrass California Bluegrass Association Po’ Ramblin’ Boys Events of Note: House of Hamill – McLeod River Inn, Thursday, March 19th Bayou Bluegrass Festival – New Orleans, Saturday March 22nd Sierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2nd Music in this Episode: “Tear my Stillhouse Down” – AJ Lee & Blue Summit with Lindsay Lou “Little Country Town” – Alison Brown, Brittany Haas, Dominic Leslie, Jordan Tice, Paul Kowert “Up on the Mountain” – Shelby Means Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

25 min
Mar 6

Inside Shasta Mountain Music with Dave Reynolds

Mike sits down with Dave Reynolds, Executive Director of Shasta Mountain Music (and co-host of the podcast) to discuss a wide range of topics. Join in and learn about the origin of the organization, the amazing artists who will perform there in 2026 – and the Australian Gold Rush! Pull up a chair and enjoy the conversation, Mentioned in this Episode: Shasta Mountain Music Jordan Tice Gerry O’Connor House of Hamill Never Come Down Shelby Means Wolf Jett Nina Gerber Laurie Lewis Hattie Craven The Rosa Lees Caltucky The Crooked Jades Music in this Episode: “Wild Bill Jones” – Jordan Tice “Moving Cloud” – Gerry O’Connor “Joy to the Gentlemen” - House of Hamill “Greener Pastures” – Never Come Down “5-String Wake Up Call” - Shelby Means “Nothin’ But Trouble” – Wolf Jett “Deep Water” - Nina Gerber “Used to Be” - Laurie Lewis “Take Me Momma” – Hattie Craven “Ellie Mae” – The Rosa Lees “Don’t go on the Mountain” – Caltucky “Sand Lake” – The Crooked Jades Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

33 min
Feb 27

George Schroder's Musical Journey

Mike and Dave welcome veteran songwriter George Schroder, a participant in and witness of the transformative 1960's music scene in San Francisco. Hear his powerful sharing of his musical origin story, longtime collaboration with Kate Wolf, and ongoing work as a performer and songwriter. Also, learn about Shasta Mountain Music's concert series in McCloud, California, and local venues around Mount Shasta, For more, follow @ShastaMountainMusic on Instagram or visit shastamusic.org. Mentioned in this Episode: George Schroder Shasta Mountain Music The McCloud River Inn Bed and Breakfast Kate Wolf Jacob Collier Anoushka Shankar Nickel Creek Music in this Episode: "Redtail Hawk" - Kate Wolf Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

27 min
Feb 19

Master Guitarist Jordan Tice

Welcome to our new podcast! Join Mike and Dave for their interview with Nashville-based musician, songwriter and ace guitarist Jordan Tice. Jordan shares his journey from a garage band rocker smashing guitars, to his career today as a sought after musician and cofounder of the Americana super group Hawktail. Jordan and his band are embarking on a West Coast tour that includes an evening on the Shasta Mountain Music stage in McCloud, California. Enjoy the music! Mentioned in this episode: Shasta Mountain Music / @shastamountainmusic Jordan Tice / @jordan.tice Brittany Haas / @brittfiddle Kenny Feinstein Jordan Tice at Shasta Mountain Music - February 25th @ 7PM Music in this episode (In order of appearance) "Badlettsville" - Jordan Tice "Chicken Dog" - Jordan Tice A production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN LLC © Copyright Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

33 min

12 Episodes

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

The mountain comes to you! Shasta Mountain Music presents 'Mountain Music Breakdown', a weekly podcast inviting you to explore Northern California's vibrant Americana music scene. Learn about the artists, personalities, festivals from across the region who make the music and community. From Mount Shasta to you, just enjoy the music!

Creator

Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit
Years Active

2K
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
Show Website

Mountain Music Breakdown Podcast