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. US Navy Banjo Player Chief Stiltner!

    2D AGO

    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
  2. S5E3 Master Songwriter Mike Mitchell!

    5D AGO

    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
  3. 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
  4. 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

  5. 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
  6. S5E1 Bluegrass Legend Alice Gerrard!

    FEB 12

    S5E1 Bluegrass Legend Alice Gerrard!

    Liz gets to speak with bluegrass pioneer Alice Gerrard for a wide-ranging conversation on music, legacy, and a lifetime in community. Alice reflects on her partnership with Hazel Dickens, her efforts to document traditional music, and on continuing to perform, write, and inspire. A warm, candid look at one of bluegrass music’s most influential voices. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Alice Gerrard / @alice.gerrard North Carolina Arts Council Southern Music Research Org  Whole South Heritage Works Old-Time Herald Magazine  Music in this Episode: ‘Custom Made Woman Blues’ – Alice Gerrard and Hazel Dickens ‘Gallop to Kansas’ – Alice Gerrard 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

    1h 6m
  7. 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
  8. 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
See All (69)

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
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bluegrass BKLYN

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