Bluegrass BKLYN

© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
  • 5.0 (18)
  • 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. 2d ago

    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!

  2. 5d ago

    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!

  3. 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!

  4. Sep 28

    S7M6 The Next Generation: Junior Appalachian Musicians!

    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 Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Music in this Episode: Music in this episode is from The Blue Ridge Girls album “Mountain Heartbeats” ‘Belle of the Ball’ ‘Blue Ridge Mountain Bound’ ‘Mystery’ ‘Can’t Get to Memphis’ ‘It All Comes Out in the Wash’ 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

    S7M6 The Next Generation: Junior Appalachian Musicians!

  5. Sep 24

    S7E6 Music We Also Love: The Malpass Brothers!

    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 Malpass Brothers Show   Upcoming Events of Note: Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warwick NY IBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Music in this Episode: Music in this episode is from the brothers’ “Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics Live” album: Satisfied Family Bible 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

    S7E6 Music We Also Love: The Malpass Brothers!

  6. Sep 21

    Jam Talk: Including Everyone!

    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 – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY IBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Music in this Episode: “Slow Rolling Train” – J.M. Clifford “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings 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

    Jam Talk: Including Everyone!

  7. Sep 17

    S7E5 Bluegrass Dynamo Stephen Mougin!

    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 Planet Granite Music & Dance Festival – September 19th – 20th @ Georgetown CT Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY IBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Music in this Episode: “There’s No Reason To” – Stephan and Jana Mougin, to be released 9/25/26 “I’m Gonna Ride” – Stephen Mougin 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

    S7E5 Bluegrass Dynamo Stephen Mougin!

  8. Sep 14

    S7M4 Artists You Should Know: Urs-Ranier von Arx!

    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 on Banjo YouTube Playlist Swiss Bluegrass Music Association Calendar Upcoming Events of Note: Planet Granite Music & Dance Festival – September 19th – 20th @ Georgetown CT Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY IBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Music in this Episode: “Dixie Breakdown” – Urs von Arx & The Country Ramblers  “Huckleberry Hornpipe” – Urs von Arx & The Country Ramblers 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

    S7M4 Artists You Should Know: Urs-Ranier von Arx!
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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
    © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Bluegrass BKLYN

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