Bluegrass BKLYN

Mike Willner
  • 5.0 (14)
  • 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. S5E6 Iconic Venues - Lucinda's NYC!

    19H AGO

    S5E6 Iconic Venues - Lucinda's NYC!

    Liz talks with musician, songwriter, and actor Allison Kelly about the bluegrass jam she hosts on Tuesday nights at Lucinda’s on NYC’s Lower East Side. Allison shares her journey from bass player to clawhammer banjoist and her work with Americana Women. Hear how the Lucinda’s jam grew into a thriving bluegrass community, and how jamming brings musicians together in today’s isolating world. Allison offers her take on why bluegrass jams can feel intimidating—especially for women, and why embracing mistakes is key to growing musical skills. Then, meet Kelly Swindall, creator of and managing partner at Lucinda’s, and hear her vision for a venue dedicated to authentic country and roots music. Mentioned in this Episode: Lucinda’s NYC Allison Kelly Kelly Swindall David Lutkin The Porch on Windy Hill New Ohio Band Americana Women Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd @ Doubletree Hilton, Mahwah NJ Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th @ Eunice LA Music in this Episode: Note: music in this episode is from Allison Kelly’s “Southpaw Green” album: “Orion” “Chicory Blue” Contribute to the Boathouse Jam Fundraiser! Click here to donate! Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition …. We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    43 min
  2. Music We Also Love: Balfa Week!

    3D AGO

    Music We Also Love: Balfa Week!

    In this episode we explore the music we *also* love … Cajun and Creole music. Join the conversation with Mike and Joe Vidrine, Program Director of the Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week. Take a trip to the front porches, kitchens, and stages of southwest Louisiana where the music and culture are brought together. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Louisiana Folk Roots Dewey Balfa University of Louisiana Archives Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA Music in this Episode: “Les Veuves de la Coulée” – Dewey Balfa & Friends “’Tit Galop pour Mamou” – The Balfa Brothers We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    33 min
  3. S5E5 Dancing Fiddler Hillary Klug!

    MAR 11

    S5E5 Dancing Fiddler Hillary Klug!

    Mike and Hillary explore the unusual and interesting origin story of The Dancing Fiddler … and thank goodness for overpriced Nashville parking garages! She presents an very personal and revealing glimpse into her world – everything from the physical demands of dancing and fiddling, to the joy of learning new skills, to dealing with internet trolls. Then Dana Miller and Joe Rinehart of Brooklyn Contra to delve into the deep connection between our favorite music and the dancing it serves. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Hillary Klug / @hillaryklug Grand Ole Opry / @opry Don Flemons Keith Secor Beast Games Brooklyn Contra / @brooklyncontradance Camp Friendship, Brooklyn Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ Brooklyn Contra Dance twice-monthly dance – next on March 22nd in Brooklyn NY The 5 Borough Fling Annual Dance Festival – November 6th – 8th in Manhattan NY Music in this Episode: Music is from Hillary’s upcoming album “The Dancing Fiddler” “Le Petit Chat Gris (The Little Grey Cat)” “Crawdad Song”- with Don Flemons and Keith Secor Contribute to the Boathouse Jam 2026 Fundraiser! Click here to donate! Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition …. Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    53 min
  4. S5M4 Bluegrass Podcasting!

    MAR 9

    S5M4 Bluegrass Podcasting!

    Liz leads a panel discussion with Kieth Billik - host of Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast, and Mike Willner – co-host of Bluegrass BKLYN. Everyone gets involved, covering the fun and challenges of creating, producing, and hosting a bluegrass podcast. Also, in a segment on ‘Jam Focus’, Mike talks with Liz Rabson Schnore and Christian Apuzzo about the celebrated Boathouse Jam. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Picky Fingers Podcast / @picky_fingers Lindsay Lou and the Flat Bellys The Ashokan Center Cowgirl Seahorse Mona’s Monday Nights Raven and Red Liz Rabson Schnore Christian Apuzzo Boathouse Jam / @boathousejam Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club Contribute to the Boathouse Jam Fundraiser! Click here to donate! Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ Music in this Episode: “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “Freshly Picked” - podcast theme song, Kieth Billik “8th of February” – banjo solo, Kieth Billik Bluegrass jam at the Boathouse, featuring Alex Deane “Another Empty Bottle” – Raven and Red Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    39 min
  5. S5E4 Bassist Nelson Williams!

    MAR 5

    S5E4 Bassist Nelson Williams!

    Liz sits with bassist and teacher Nelson Williams to discusses his musical path from French horn and classical bass in Baton Rouge to roots, jazz, and bluegrass influences, his work with Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, and the New Dangerfield project. Nelson reflects on being a Black musician in bluegrass and issues of history, access, and belonging. Mike gets the low-down on the Bayou Bluegrass Festival from Delta Hayride Association President, Michael Naquin. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Nelson Williams Chris Jones & The Night Drivers The New Dangerfield Delta Hayride Association Bayou Bluegrass Festival Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd @ Doubletree Hotel, Mahwah NJ Camp Bluegrass Pride 2026 – June 21st to 26th @ Astoria, Oregon Music in this Episode: “Jenna’s Waltz” – The New Dangerfield Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition …. Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    49 min
  6. US Navy Banjo Player Chief Stiltner!

    MAR 2

    US Navy Banjo Player Chief Stiltner!

    Liz sits down with Chief Musician Haley Stiltner, banjo player for the U.S. Navy Band’s country and bluegrass ensemble, Country Current. Chief Stiltner shares her journey from festival jams and East Tennessee State University to becoming the only billeted banjo player in the entire U.S. military. They talk about auditioning for the Navy, nine weeks of boot camp at age 28, life as a Navy musician in Washington, D.C., and what it means to “take the Navy where ships can’t go.” She reflects on playing the Grand Ole Opry, honoring veterans through music, and how being surrounded by elite musicians has elevated her banjo playing to a new level. It’s a conversation about discipline, service, bluegrass tradition, and the unexpected paths a music career can take. Mentioned in this Episode: Official Navy Band website Country Current — official U.S. Navy Band channel Country Current live performances & festival sets Country Current Grand Ole Opry clips (2022 appearance) Music in this Episode: "East Virginia Blues" - USN Band Country Current Band at Lakes Music Festival Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition …. Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    24 min
  7. S5E3 Master Songwriter Mike Mitchell!

    FEB 26

    S5E3 Master Songwriter Mike Mitchell!

    We have an engaging and very personal conversation with songwriter, recording artist, fiddle player, and band leader Mike Mitchell. We were inspired by his frank and open sharing of his musical journey, songwriting challenges, and his dedication to support and mentor bluegrass’s future generations. Plus, Mike helps you lose those excuses that are keeping you from fulfilling your musical potential. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Mike Mitchell Band Floyd School of Music Rick Lang Mountain Fever Records Becky Buller IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ Music in this Episode: All selections are from The Mike Mitchell Band’s upcoming album “Love Songs, Torch & Bluegrass” “I’ll Take Virginia” “Cold Frosty Morning” “Bridge I Can’t Burn” Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition …. Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    40 min
  8. S5M2 Music we Also Love: Shane Hayes

    FEB 23

    S5M2 Music we Also Love: Shane Hayes

    Meet the accordion-playing front man for the famous Irish band ‘Socks in the Frying Pan’ – Shane Hayes. We cover so many fascinating topics with Shane … the band’s quirky origin story, Irish jam culture, song writing, touring and much more. Shane explains how the song selection came to be known as “Beetlejig Beetlejig, Beetlejig” … but continues to hold the secret of the band name’s meaning! We thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, we think you will too. Mentioned in this Episode: Socks in the Frying Pan / @socksmusic Bertrand Gaillard Accordions Louisiana International Festival Flaco Jiménez Walnut Valley Festival Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ Music in this Episode: “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “Beetlejig, Beetlejig, Beetlejig” – Socks in the Frying Pan “Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough” by NYC government! Click here to sign our petition …. Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    33 min
See All (74)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 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
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bluegrass BKLYN

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