Bluegrass BKLYN

S2E8: On the Road: Delfest Academy!

Join Mike on his journey through the amazing 4-day music camp leading up to the iconic DelFest. Meet Chris Ward, the new fiddle player in the Del McCoury Band and Travelin' McCourys. Follow his progress through the Band Scramble, and along listen in on intriguing and informative conversations with instructors and musicians. Del Yeah!
Mentions in this Episode:Delfest Academywww.delfest.com/delfest-academyDel McCoury Bandwww.delmccouryband.com/Deanie Richardson and Sister Sadiewww.deanierichardson.com/www.sistersadieband.com/Christian Ward@christianpennward
Screen Porch Pickerswww.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567301721570Digital Sound Boardwww.digitalsoundboard.net/
Porch Stomp 2025https://www.porchstomp.com/Music in this Episode (in order of appearance)"Can't Get You Off My Mind" - Del McCoury Band @ Delfest"Can't You Hear Me Calling" - Del McCoury Band @ Delfest"Listen to the Radio" - The Radio Fliers @ Delfest Academy Band Scramble"Count Me Out" - Del McCoury Band @ Delfest
 

S2E7: Home Grown, Locally Known

There are so many great musicians and personalities here in the Bluegrass Borough - we wanted you give you a chance to meet a few. We chat with some of our favorite folks from around the jam circle. Listen in on the interesting and surprising conversations, and join us as we drop in on an iconic New York City jam.Some ‘Mentions’ in this episode:Roger Oliver@rto_oliverSunny’s Bar in Red Hook, BKLYNsunnysredhook.comZach Williamsthewestsidecowboys.com@iamzlwMusicians on Callhttps://www.musiciansoncall.orgDonna Kirbywantedgalmusic.comBluegrass by the Bridge Open Jamfacebook.com/groups/502898005440270Porch Stomp 2025 – June 21stporchstomp.comJam Jersey 2026bluegrassjamsnearme.com/jamjerseySheriff Bob's Good Time Jamacebook.com/BobsGoodtimeJamMusic in this Episode (in order of appearance)‘Tear my Stillhouse Down’ – Gillian Welch‘Big Ball in Brooklyn’ – Flatt & Scruggs‘Hard Times’ – The Longest Johns‘Family Tradition’ – The West Side Cowboys (live)‘Brooklyn Smells Like Oregon’ – Donna Kirby / Wanted Gal‘King of the Road’ – David McKay (jam)‘Banks of the Ohio’ – John Vitali (jam)‘Swing Low’ – Ed Robbins (jam)‘Boneparte’s Retreat’ - Donny L'Hirondelle

S2E6: On the Road: Pittsburgh!

Liz revisits her bluegrass roots, returning to her home town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We get to meet some of the amazing musicians and characters there, drop in on the jam scene, take a trip down memory lane with Liz and her sisters … and what’s this about potatoes? You’ll enjoy discovering a thriving bluegrass scene you may not have known about.
Some Mentions in this Episode:
Trish Imbrognowww.trishplaysbass.com@trishplaysbassBecky Bullerwww.beckybuller.com@beckybullerofficialSweaty Already String Bandwww.sweatyalreadystringband.com/Starlite Lounge, Blawnox PAhttps://www.starlite-lounge.com
Andy’s Ramble Bluegrass Band @ Delia’s Lounge 6/8/25www.deliaslounge.comhttps://www.facebook.com/share/18qjSZv2vn/Porch Stomp @ Governors Island 6/21/25www.porchstomp.com@porchstomp
Music in this Episode (in order of appearance)‘Think of What You’ve Done’ – Sweaty Already String Band‘Clinch Mountain Backstep’– Sweaty Already String Band‘ Cherokee Shuffle’ – Becky Buller‘My Home’s Across the Smokey Mountains’ – Pete Seeger ‘The Keeper of the Door’ – Old Buck‘Columbus Stockade Blues’ – Liz Wolfe and the Starlite Jammers‘Battle of New Orleans’ – Pete Seeger‘Country Girl’ – Liz and her Sisters

S2E5: Alex Hargreaves!

One of our great fiddle players, Alex Hargreaves, tells us about his diverse musical journey that includes Texas-style fiddle competitions, and jazz bands, and bluegrass. We talk about touring, teaching, performing, and ... a proposal! Also, Liz and Mike compare notes on shows, events, and festivals coming up this Summer and Fall. We hope you enjoy the episode!
Mentions in this Episode:
Alex Hargreaveshttps://www.alexhargreaves.net/@alexhargreaves.musicGrant Gordyhttps://www.grantgordy.com/@grantgordyNational Fiddle Contest @ Weiser, Idahohttps://www.fiddlecontest.org/@nationalfiddlecontestBerklee College of Musichttps://college.berklee.edu/Artistworks Fiddle Schoolhttps://artistworks.com/fiddle-lessons-alex-hargreavesAndy's Ramble Bluegrass Band @ Delia's Lounge 6/8/25https://www.deliaslounge.com/new-events-2/2025/6/8/andys-ramble-bluegrass-band@statmanandy@bluegrassbklynPorch Stomphttps://www.porchstomp.com/@porchstompGrey Fox Festivalhttps://greyfoxbluegrass.com/Ashokan Bluegrass Camphttps://ashokancenter.org/product/bluegrass-camp-2025/IBMA World of Bluegrass 2025https://worldofbluegrass.org/
Music in this Episode (in order of appearance):
'Malfunction Junction' - Billy Strings / Alex Hargreaves on 'Highway Prayers'https://open.spotify.com/track/70TpmiBQ53x2WZLQb2JJGI?si=ab345d20b4e44bcf'Whistlin' Rufus' - Stuart Duncan on 'Stuart Duncan'https://open.spotify.com/track/6ZLr1de5GgZbMZAAYOyG8X?si=bfa3b21874974f49'Mobius' - Grant Gordy on 'Peripheral Visions'https://open.spotify.com/track/3Ia6G8f8K2b0bfTnKsjmzN?si=8eca10b37e8144a5'All Will Be Well' - Sister Sadie on 'All Will Be Well'https://open.spotify.com/track/6PKbLypSzDkN4RaPGUYVF8?si=2d10e840e0774982'Escabana' - Billy Strings / Alex Hargreaves on 'Highway Prayers' https://open.spotify.com/track/0TR6IW2Wk8NQCAsU0ecAc7?si=d3e018252d884151
 

S2E4: Chris Jones!

Mike and Liz get a chance to speak with Chris Jones, long time bluegrass musician, front man of 'Chris Jones and the Night Drivers', host of Sirius XM's 'Bluegrass Junction' channel, and songwriter. He touches on all areas of our favorite music, and provides fascinating insights from his unique perspective. 
Mentions in this Episode:Chris Jones@chrisjonesgrasswww.chrisjonesgrass.com"Plenty Ventured" - Chris' latest singlehttps://open.spotify.com/track/2ZzoeQezaCO1MVQRJfKZd3?si=cc06e80599f24a15Andy's Ramble Bluegrass Band @ Delia's Lounge 6/8/25https://www.facebook.com/share/18o6hTrqxc/Porch Stomp - 6/21/25www.porchstomp.comMusic in this Episode (in order of appearance)"We Needed this Ride" - Chris Jones and the Night Drivershttps://open.spotify.com/track/2vkI1Q5hDLjk1KiVDHpAvp?si=57e8fa1b4523416e"Cumberland Gap"- Flatt and Scruggshttps://open.spotify.com/track/2IGLgLzFxFUiDnGjshugWZ?si=6f63116a1ec24257"Kentucky Waltz" - Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boyshttps://open.spotify.com/track/5QJPCbA17g4a316gQ9pVQv?si=5775db9c28784f3d"Pages in Your Hand" - Chris Jones and the Night Drivershttps://open.spotify.com/track/1Jm0SgFRW6nxdIb7q6rxmi?si=3d218470ff374010
 

S2E3: Hilary Hawke!

Liz and Mike continue to explore the theme of 'Women in Bluegrass' with an in-depth interview with Hilary Hawke, Brooklyn-based banjo virtuoso, band leader, and teacher. The topics range from cross-over Country music, women in jams, approach to learning and .... fish-net stockings(!). Mike offers you a challenge to your musical knowledge with a fun quiz. Enjoy the episode!
Some mentions in this episode:Hilary Hawke@highatmissphere
Link to album Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hilaryhawke/hilary-hawke-new-album-lift-up-this-old-world?ref=discovery_location&total_hits=7998&category_id=37Bluegrass by the Bridge Open Jamhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/502898005440270Bluegrass Jams Near Mewww.bluegrassjamsnearme.com
Music in this episode (in order of appearance):'Lonely Heart' - Hilary Hawke Band'Hey Me, Hey Moma' - Sierra Farrell'Ring of Fire' - June CarterQuiz Tunes (you'll have to listen!)'Alison's Band' - Charlie Sizemore'4 Cent Cotton' - Hilary Hawke Band

S2E2: Jam Jersey Recap!

We had an unbelievable time at Jam Jersey in April, and wanted to give you a recap. So much fun, so much music! Mike, Liz, and co-producer Jordan Richmond talk about how this important new event in the Northeast region took shape, and we get to talk with attendees and volunteers, hear some of the music. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed making it!Some Mentions in this episode:Jordan Richmondhttps://www.pioneervalleyflamethrowers.com/Liz Wolfewww.bluegrassjamsnearme.comAlex Deanehttps://www.instagram.com/alexdeanemusic/@alexdeanemusic @theoldgrimes @dirtymotherstringband https://www.facebook.com/DirtyMotherStringBand/https://www.instagram.com/theoldgrimes/Zach Williamshttps://www.nybluegrass.com/thewestsidecowboys@iamzlw @thewestsidecowboys Bluegrass by the Bridge Open Jamhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/502898005440270@bluegrassbklynSplatter Painthttps://thedispersedcampers.bandcamp.com/https://jeffreyumbrell.bandcamp.com/@splatterpaintnyc Raven and Redhttps://ravenandred.com/@raven_and_red Some Music from this episode (in order of appearance)'Tear my Still House Down' - Jam Jersey All-Stars'Grandpa's Beer' - Raven and Red'Angel Band' - Woman's Voices JamSegue Music - various jams‘Little Pine Siskin” - Splatter Paint'Steam-Powered Airplane' - Pioneer Valley Flamethrowers

S2E1: Porch Stomp!

Our second season, how exciting! Your hosts Mike Willner and Liz Wolfe give some teasers on up-coming episodes. Theo Boguszewski, fiddler and organizer extraordinaire, gives background and a preview of the up-coming Porch Stomp - the annual iconic day of music and fun on NYC's Governors Island. Then, Mike drops in on the fun and funky Bluegrass by the Bridge jam to listen to some tunes and talk with the folks. We're so glad to be back, and hope you all enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed presenting it!
 
Some 'Mentions' from this Episode:Porch Stomp!www.porchstomp.comhttps://www.facebook.com/events/657150140345908@porchstomp
Hilary Hawke's latest album "Lift Up This World" on Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hilaryhawke/hilary-hawke-new-album-lift-up-this-old-world?ref=project_linkhttps://www.hilaryhawkemusic.com/@highatmissphereGovernors Islandhttps://www.govisland.com/Bluegrass by the Bridge Open Jamhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/502898005440270@ bluegrassbklyn
Kat Lewishttps://www.facebook.com/KathrynMinogue@countrycitykittySean Kershawhttps://www.facebook.com/sean.kershaw1@seankershaw1Music Heard in this Episode (in order of appearance)"Liza Jane" - Hilary Hawke on 'Lift Up This World'"John Henry" - Doc Watson on "Doc and Merle Watson""I Forgot About You" - Kat Lewis at Bluegrass by the Bridge"Momma Tried" - Sean Kershaw at Bluegrass by the Bridge"Gimme Back my Fifteen Cents" - Mike Willner at Bluegrass by the Bridge"NYC Waltz" - Hilary Hawke on 'Lift Up This World'
 

S1E10: Nate Lee!

Mike and Liz are so excited to reach this amazing milestone! In this season finale, we meet Nate Lee, an IBMA Award winning mandolinist. He's got fascinating things to say about learning, teaching, and performing bluegrass music. Thank you to all our listeners, and Enjoy! See you all when we return for Season 2 on May 1st, 2025.Some mentions in this episode:Nate Leehttps://thenatelee.com/@nateleellc
"The Practice of Practice"https://thepracticeofpractice.com/Mandolin Master Class with Nate Lee - May 3rd 2025https://bluegrassjamsnearme.com/natelee/Music in this episode (in order of appearance)'Inglewood Upon Stratford' - Nate Lee'Boxcar' - Mountain Grass Unit'Our Town' - Iris Dement'Chinquapin Hunting' - Nate Lee

S1E9: Jason Carter!

Follow Jason Carter's musical journey,  the long-time fiddle player in the Del McCoury Band and the Travelin' McCourys who recently launched a solo career. How does a lad from Eastern Kentucky become one of our era's most exceptional musicians? What does it take to leave "the best job in Bluegrass" to go out on your own? And, what's up with the psychedelic overalls??? Join us and enjoy our in-depth discussion with Jason. Also, get caught up on shows, events, and jams in and around the Bluegrass Borough of Brooklyn NYC!Some mentions in this Episode:Jason Carterwww.jasoncarterfiddle.com@jasoncarterfiddleUncle John's Tie Dyes, for your *own* psychedelic overalls!@ujtiedyes'Carter & Cleveland' solo album release on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/album/27BLUsv768RKyyQp6ACzsNJam Jersey in Mawah NJ April 4-6thhttps://bluegrassjamsnearme.com/jamjersey/West Side Cowboys @ Delia's Lounge, April 6thhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DHl94mkSYe6/Locksmiths @ Cowgirl Sea-Horse, April 14thhttps://cowgirlseahorse.com/Bluegrass by the Bridge Open Jam @ Delia's Lounge, Wednesdayshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/502898005440270f@bluegrassbklynBoathouse Jam @ Gowanus Boathouse, Wednesdayshttps://www.facebook.com/events/1159849669145300/1159849682478632Bluegrass Session @ Mathilda's, you guessed it ... Wednesdayshttps://www.mathildebrooklyn.com/Music (in order of appearance):"King of the Hill", Jason Carter Band"Get on the Main Highway", Price Sisters"Rank Strangers", Stanley Brothers"Cumberland Gap", Flatt & Scruggs"A Vamp in the Middle", Carter & Cleveland