Bluegrass BKLYN

Mike Willner
  • 5.0 (14)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. S4M12 Women in Bluegrass: Laura Orshaw!

    JAN 26

    S4M12 Women in Bluegrass: Laura Orshaw!

    Iin this final episode in Season 5, Liz speaks with Laura Orshaw, vocalist, fiddle player and Artist In Residence at the Joe Val Festival presented by The Boston Bluegrass Union. They discuss Laura’s musical journey, educational activities, inspirations, experience as a woman in bluegrass… and plans for the big festival! Enjoy. Mentioned in this Episode: Laura Orshaw / @fiddlin_laura Jen Larson Boston Bluegrass Union Dark Shadow Recording Events of Note: Joe Val Festival – February 12th – 15th Bruce Molsky @Westchester Bluegrass Club RESCHEDULED for February 15th Music in this Episode: “Seeing the Best of You” – Laura Orshaw and The Slocan Ramblers “Red Bandana” – Laura Orshaw and the Slocan Ramblers 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 Linden 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

    36 min
  2. S4E12 Jim Pankey!

    JAN 22

    S4E12 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 countess hopefuls on the course to banjo playing. Mike and Jim go in depth into how Jim tailors his teaching to how folks actually learn. Then, Liz and Mike re-cap their experience at the recent JAM-uary Weekend at the Ashokan Center, hosted by Austin Scelzo. Enjoy!  Mentioned in this Episode: Jim Pankey / @wildjimbo Jim’s YouTube banjo lessons Jalopy Theatre The Ashokan Center Austin Scelzo Bruno Bruzzese Events of Note: Bruce Molsky @Westchester Bluegrass Club RESCHEDULED for February 15th Old-Time Square Dance @ Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Sunday February 15th SUBJECT TO SNOW DELAY Music in this Episode: “Old Chattanooga” – Jim Pankey and the Hamilton County Ramblers “She Left Me Standing on the Mountain” – Jim Pankey and the Hamilton County Ramblers 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

    42 min
  3. S4M11 Rick Dollar!

    JAN 19

    S4M11 Rick Dollar!

    Mike and Rick chop it up and talk about everything from podcasting to bluegrass musicians to museums to pickin' on the porch to ... NASCAR racing! Rick is the multifaceted host of 'The Rick Dollar Podcast Show' which brings interviews and insight into the world of bluegrass and it Apalachian roots. Enjoy this informal and informative discussion. Mentioned in this Episode: Rick Dollar Show Podcast / @rickdollarshowpodcast Junior Appalachian Musicians Gruhn Guitars Billy Strings Dan Tyminski Mountain Grass Unit Music in this Episode: “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass with Becky Buller Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    36 min
  4. S4E11 Women in Bluegrass: Celia Woodsmith!

    JAN 15

    S4E11 Women in Bluegrass: Celia Woodsmith!

    Finally! Liz completes her Della Mae interview set with this fascinating conversation with Celia Woodsmith. Be prepared for a frank and personal discussion about her musical journey, joining Della Mae – and washboards! Plus, Mike and Liz celebrate bluegrass Grammy nominees with some music and some fun facts. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Celia Woodsmith / @celia.woodsmith Della Mae / @heyheydellamae Jalopy Theatre and School of Music Bluegrass by the Bridge Open Jam @ Delia’s Lounge Lucinda’s Music Bar Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Della Mae @ Jalopy Theatre of Music, January 28th Jam-uary Wernick Bluegrass Weekend @ The Ashokan Center, January 16th – 18th Bruce Molsky @ Westchester Bluegrass Club –January 18th Music in this Episode: “Family Tree” – Della Mae “Kern County Breakdown” – Carter & Cleveland “Outrun” – The SteelDrivers “Headlight” – Della Mae Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared the Bluegrass Borough … click here to sign our petition Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    44 min
  5. S4M10 Bruce Molsky!

    JAN 12

    S4M10 Bruce Molsky!

    Liz talks with Grammy-nominated master fiddler and Old-Time music legend Bruce Molsky. Listen in to get his take on personal interpretations of musical traditions from around the globe. Though best known for his work on the fiddle, Bruce is a multi-instrumentalist, including banjo and guitar, as well as an accomplished vocalist. We really loved getting to meet Bruce, we’re sure you will too. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Bruce Molsky  / @bruce_molsky Darol Anger / @darolangerfiddler Berklee College of Music Events of Note: Bruce Molsky @ Westchester Bluegrass Club –January 18th Bruce & Darol’s Great Bid Fiddle Hang – North Adams MA, June 14th – 18th Music in this Episode: “Last of Calahan” – Bruce Molsky “Piney Mountain” – Bruce Molsky Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    29 min
  6. S4E10 Carl Ray Williams!

    JAN 8

    S4E10 Carl Ray Williams!

    Something special in this episode – Mike gets to talk with Carl Ray Williams, a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Listen in as Carl tells of his long and winding road to success as a recording artist in the music business, a story of perseverance, faith, hard work, and a bit of luck! Plus, Liz and Mike and another Jam Talk, where they discuss how to prepare to bring a new song to a jam. Have fun! Mentioned in this Episode: Carl Ray Williams / @officialcarlray Carl Ray’s Black Country Music Radio “Coming Home” on Spotify David Sussman Glenn Spivak Events of Note: Bruce Molsky @ Westchester Bluegrass Club –January 18th Andy’s Ramble @ Jalopy Theatre - January 18th Della Mae @ Jalopy Theatre – January 28th Jam Jersey @ Mahwah Doubletree Inn – March 20th – 22nd Jam-Uary @ The Ashokan Center -  January 16th – 18th Music in this Episode: “Mountainview Missionary Baptist Church” – Carl Ray “Get on Board” – Carl Ray Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    46 min
  7. S4M9 Women in Bluegrass - Avril Smith!

    JAN 5

    S4M9 Women in Bluegrass - Avril Smith!

    Liz has an in-depth discussion with Avril Smith – lead guitar player in Della Mae – and they cover a lot of fascinating ground. Learn about Avril’s musical journey, her joining Della Mae, as well as her ‘other life’ working as an organizer and activist in the labor movement. And … what do our favorite A-list musicians do when they’re hanging around at home? Join the fun! Mentioned in this Episode: Avril Smith / @avrilplaysguitar Kimber Ludiker / @kimberludiker Alison Brown / @alisononbanjo Della Mae / @heyheydellamae Della Mae at Jalopy Theater – January 28th “Magic Accident” to be released on January 23rd Music in this Episode: “Magic Accident” – Della Mae “16 Tons” – Della Mae, Avril Smith, Alison Brown Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    24 min

  8. JAN 1

    S4E9 Addendum: Our Intro Music!

    You’ve been listening to some great music at the start of our episodes … but in 30 second clips! As a bonus, we’re posting the full-length versions of our introduction music for Season 4 and a bit beyond. Enjoy! Selected Episode Introduction Music: ‘Outrun the Rain’ – Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland, Vince Gill, Jaelee Roberts “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings 5 String Wake-Up Call” – Shelby Means ‘Coal Black Water’ – Missy Raines & Allegheny “Stoney Lonesome” – Andy Statman and Ricky Skaggs “Bienvenue” – Le Vent du Nord “Orphan Annie” – Nate Sabat on ‘Bass Fiddler’ “I’ve Endured” – Michael Daves from ‘Early Morning Sun’ “Gone Home” – Gene Yellin and the Sentimentals “Second Fiddle Blues” – Austin Scelzo and Vickie Vaughn “Outrun” – The SteelDrivers “The Rabbit Hole’ – Rick Faris “Where the Soul of Man Never Dies” – Rick Snell and the Six Deadly Venoms “Girl’s Breakdown” –  Alison Brown “You’ve Rambled Too Long” – Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Country Band ‘Fisher’s Hornpipe’ – Emory Lester & Mark Johnson Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

    54 min
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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
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bluegrass BKLYN

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