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. S5E5 Dancing Fiddler Hillary Klug!

    1D AGO

    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
  2. S5M4 Bluegrass Podcasting!

    4D AGO

    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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. S5E2 Bluegrass Artists You Should Know: Ira Gitlin!

    FEB 19

    S5E2 Bluegrass Artists You Should Know: Ira Gitlin!

    Liz talks with musician, teacher, and bluegrass historian Ira Gitlin about his musical journey. Ira shares about performing with the Johnson Mountain Boys, his work documenting bluegrass history, and his passion for teaching the next generation of players. Along the way, he offers practical insights on musicianship, practice, and building community through jams and camps. Then, Mike and Liz recap their adventures at the Joe Val 2026 festival Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Ira Gitlin Johnson Mountain Boys 1988 Lucketts VA Concert “Bluegrass, A History” by Neil Rosenberg Bluegrass Unlimited / @bluegrassunlimited  Big Howdy Band Boston Bluegrass Union / @bbuorg Bridges and Bows Violin Shop Missy Raines / @missyraines Stuart Duncan / @stubobduncan Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ Silver Bay Wenick Method Camp – August 24th to August 28th @ Silver Bay, NY Music in this Episode: “If I Lose” – Johnson Mountain Boys w/Ira Gitlin (14’30”) “Dust on the Roses” – Ira Gitlin Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough” by NYC government! 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

    39 min

  8. FEB 16

    S5M1 Iconic Venues: Cowgirl Seahorse

    Tucked away in the South Street Seaport is one of New York’s iconic music venues - Cowgirl Seahorse Restaurant. Meet Gail Courtney and Steve Smith, who have worked for years to build up a music scene at this venue, providing support and encouragement to the entire bluegrass community. A real peek into the vibrant New York City bluegrass music scene. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Cowgirl Seahorse / @cowgirlseahorse Suss / @suss_band Porch Stomp / @porchstomp Human Head Records / @humanheadnyc Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ Music in this Episode: “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “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

    31 min
See All (72)

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
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bluegrass BKLYN

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