Bluegrass BKLYN

Mike Willner
  • 5.0 (15)
  • 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. S5E12 Music Journalist Kira Grunenberg!

    6D AGO

    S5E12 Music Journalist Kira Grunenberg!

    Liz sits down with Kira Grunenberg, accomplished music journalist, to explore her journey from classical training to writing about bluegrass, jazz, and beyond. They discuss improvisation, perfectionism, and how different musical worlds intersect—along with how the way we talk about music has changed over time. Join in the conversation and get the inside story … literally! Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Kira Grunenberg Events of Note: Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NY Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY BKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NY Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NY Music in this Episode: “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “June Apple” – Michael Daves, with Brittany Haas 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

    26 min
  2. S5E12 Banjo Legend Tony Trischka!

    APR 29

    S5E12 Banjo Legend Tony Trischka!

    An incredible interview with banjo legend Tony Trischka to wrap up Season 5 of our podcast. Mike gets to talk with this towering figure in the world of bluegrass, banjo virtuoso, and wonderful human being –Tony explores his musical journey, his banjo Mount Rushmore, the epic Earl Jam project … and some of the unusual merch at his concerts! We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed speaking with Tony. Mentioned in this Episode: Tony Trischka Earl Jam 2 Béla Fleck Michael Cleveland Sam Bush Symphony Space in NYC Delfest Academy Events of Note: Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NY Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY BKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NY Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NY Music in this Episode: “Columbus Stockade Blues” – Tony Trischka, with Del McCoury “Brown’s Ferry Blues” – Tony Trischka, with Billy Strings “Maple On The Hill” – Tony Trischka, with Sister Sadie 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

    40 min
  3. S5M11 Jam Jersey 2026 Recap!

    APR 27

    S5M11 Jam Jersey 2026 Recap!

    Liz and Mike recap Jam Jersey, diving into what it took to bring the event to life—from planning and structure to the jams themselves. They share what worked, what they learned, and offer practical advice for anyone thinking about hosting their own bluegrass event. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Liz Wolfe Jordan Richmond Pioneer Vally Flame Throwers Jam Jersey Events of Note: Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NY Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY BKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NY Music in this Episode: “Another Empty Bottle” – Raven and Red on their “We Rise Up” album “All About You” – Liz Wolfe and Mike McDonnall at Jam Jersey Open Mic 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

    23 min
  4. S5M11 Brian Drye & BKCM's Community School of Music!

    APR 24

    S5M11 Brian Drye & BKCM's Community School of Music!

    Dozens of classes, hundreds of students, scores of talented musicians teaching … the Community School of Music at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music is a perfect alloy of inspiration and instruction. Plus, they nurture a top-tier Bluegrass Program for adults and kids. From young learners to seasoned musicians, BKCM's Community Music School has something for everyone. Mike sits with Brian Drye, Executive Director of the music school, to get the inside story. Enjoy Mentioned in this Episode: Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Brian Drye, Executive Director of the Community Music School Katherine Slingluff, Bluegrass Coordinator Open Stages Music Festival Events of Note: Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NY Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY BKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NY Registration for the Fall session of the Bluegrass Program starts July 17th 2026 Music in this Episode: “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller 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

    21 min
  5. S5E11 Barrett Smith of the Steep Canyon Rangers!

    APR 23

    S5E11 Barrett Smith of the Steep Canyon Rangers!

    Mike gets to chat with Barrett Smith, bass player and long-time member of the Steep Canyon Rangers. He shares his thoughts and feelings on a broad range of topics, including the challenges facing musicians starting out today, the experience of playing music with Steve Martin … and how a classical guitar player wound up as a bluegrass bassist! Enjoy. Mentioned in this Episode: Steep Canyon Rangers Steve Martin Mountain Song Festival “Next Act” – New release by Steep Canyon Rangers Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Birdfest – May 1st to 2nd at Pinewood SC Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NY Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY BKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NY Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NY 2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA Music in this Episode: “Next Act” – Steep Canyon Rangers “Circling the Drain” – Steep Canyon Rangers 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

    37 min
  6. S5M10 Ken White: Executive Director, IBMA!

    APR 20

    S5M10 Ken White: Executive Director, IBMA!

    Liz talks with Ken White, Executive Director of IBMA, about his journey from lifelong bluegrass player to leading the organization at the center of the bluegrass world. They explore how the IBMA supports artists and industry professionals, their Leadership Bluegrass program, the impact of World of Bluegrass annual event, and what’s ahead for the music we love. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Ken White IBMA Trust Fund Events of Note: Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY 2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA Music in this Episode: “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller 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

    26 min
  7. S5E10 Andy Leftwich: American Fiddler!

    APR 16

    S5E10 Andy Leftwich: American Fiddler!

    Mike gets to chat with the iconic American Fiddler, Andy Leftwich. They cover all kinds of topics, including Andy’s incredible musical experiences, how best to learn a musical genre, some projects of historic scale … and coping with the shellac shortage during World War 2! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! Mentioned in this Episode: Andy Leftwich The American Fiddler Porch Stomp for events and jams Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY 2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA Music in this Episode: “Aced” – Andy Leftwich “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” – J.S. Bach performed by Andy Leftwich on mandolin “Sally Goodin’” – Andy Leftwich with Kentucky Thunder “Highland Rim” – Andy Leftwich 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

    36 min
  8. S5M9 IBMA Foundation!

    APR 13

    S5M9 IBMA Foundation!

    You might be as surprised as Mike was to learn about all the incredible work the IBMA Foundation does to support our favorite music. Listen in on his discussion with Cassie Wright, the Executive Director of the Foundation. She outlines the Foundation’s programs and objectives … and explains how she ended up playing banjo and dobro. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Cassie Lynn Wright IBMA Foundation Fox Crossing String Band Arnold Schultz Fund Strings for Dreams Events of Note: Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY 2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA Music in this Episode: “Somewhere” – Fox Crossing String Band “You Don’t Miss Your Water” – Fox Crossing String Band 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

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 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
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bluegrass BKLYN

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