Bluegrass BKLYN

Mike Willner
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Music History
  • Updated 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. 23h ago

    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 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 Foggy Mountain Boys “You Are My Flower” – Flatt & Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys 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

  2. 1d ago

    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 – 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 Ashokan Center Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY Music in this Episode: “Once in a While” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge “He’s Already There” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge “Wild Flower Too” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge 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

    S6E12 Scruggs Fest Highlight: Singer Brooke Aldridge!

  3. 4d ago

    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 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 Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan Center Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC 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

    S6M11 Bluegrass: The Next Generation - The Biscuit Eaters!

  4. Jul 30

    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 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 Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CT Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan Center Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Music in this Episode: “All Trains Come to Pass” “Windows Have Pains” “Get Me Down the Line” “Any Highway” “I’ve Got No Tears Left to Cry” “Eager Overachiever” “Big Sky” “Dillsboro Blues” 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! © 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

    S6E11 Soulful Songwriter Darren Nicholson!

  5. Jul 27

    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 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 @ Elkins WV Podunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CT Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan Center Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Music in this Episode: ‘Sweet Corn Picking’ –  Harry Gambrill & The Jersey Corn Pickers “Bywater Breakdown” – Harry Gambrill & The Jersey Corn Pickers 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! © 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

    S6M10 Music Educator Harry Gambrill!

  6. Jul 24

    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 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-class instructors 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 / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

    Festival Alert: Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival!

  7. Jul 23

    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 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: Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WV Podunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CT Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan Center AFBA Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival – July 30th to August 2nd @ Wind Gap PA Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC 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! © 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

    S6E10 Award-winning Singer Greg Blake!

  8. Jul 20

    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. 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 Bluegrass Camp - August 10 - 14 @ Olivebridge NY Music in this Episode: "Slow Rolling Train" - JM Clifford "Cherokee Shuffle' - Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller Our Sponsors: We learn and grow on Peghead Nation online music learning platform We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones © 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

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
17 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
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bluegrass BKLYN

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