Bluegrass BKLYN

S3E8 Home Grown, Locally Known with Rick Snell!

Everyone in New York and many around the country (and even the world) know about Mona’s  Bluegrass Session. Mike gets to chat with Rick Snell – NYC-based guitarist and singer – host and organizer of that iconic session. Liz and Mike swap initial impressions of the 2025 IBMA World of Bluegrass and learn about … bluegrass coffee! Join the fun.
Some Mentions in this Episode:
Rick Snell / @ricksnell
Mona’s Bluegrass Session
International Bluegrass Music Association World of Bluegrass / @iintlbluegrass
Acoustic Coffee Company / @acousticcoffeecompany
Seth Mulder and Midnight Run / @midnightrunbluegrass
Austin Scelzo, 2025 IBMA Industry Involvement Award Winner
Wernick Method Camp in Warick NY Oct 10 - 12
Fiddle Hell in Westford MA Nov 13-16
Music in this Episode (in order of appearance):
“Six Deady Venoms do the Ninja Walk” – Rick Snell and the Six Deadly Venoms  on The Lucky and the Losers
“Stoop Pickin’” – Rick Snell, Chris Luquette on City Suite for Two Guitars
“Kid on the Mountain” – Rick Snell, Chris Luquette on City Suite for Two Guitars
“Where the Soul of Man Never Dies” – Rick Snell and the Six Deadly Venoms on The Lucky and the Losers
Episode Index:
3:40 Interview with Rick Snell25:25 Reflections on IBMA Experience38:03 Conclusion and Final
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S3E7 Women in Bluegrass: Alison Brown!

In this very special episode Liz talks with Alison Brown, virtuoso banjo player, First Lady of Bluegrass, Grammy award winner. She shares her insight into our favorite music, the industry, the increasing role women in bluegrass – and encourages Liz to take up the banjo! Plus, Mike reviews the roots and predecessors of banjo-playing women.
Some Mentions in this Episode:Alison Brown / @alisononbanjoBanjo Basecamp: October 6 – 10 in North Adams MAAlison’s Banjo School on ArtistworksIBMA World of Bluegrass: September 16 – 20 in Chattanooga TNFiddle Hell: November 16 -20 in Westford MAWernick Method Jam Camp: October 10 – 12 in Warwick NY
Music in this Episode (in order of appearance):“Girl’s Breakdown” –  Alison Brown on ‘Fair Weather’“Song of the Banjo” – Alison Brown on ’Song of the Banjo’“Wolf Moon” – Alison Brown on ‘Simple Pleasures’“Leaving Cottondale” – Alison Brown on ‘Simple Pleasures’“Under the (Five) Wire” -  Alison Brown with Joe Craven, Garry West, John R. Burr on “Company You Keep”
Episode Index02:50 Allison Brown's Musical Journey22:26 Women and Banjo in History28:00 Upcoming Events and Announcements
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the International Bluegrass Music Association© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S3E6 Martha Spencer and Lucas Pasley!

Mike gets to chat with Martha Spencer, leader of the Wonderland Country Band, and  fiddle player Lucas Pasley. They share about their musical roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains, self-expression in music, … and some surprising fiddle-playing techniques! Liz and Mike have another Jam Talk, where they discuss different jam cultures, finding the right jam for you, and … sousaphones. Join us!
Mentioned in this Episode:Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Country Band / @marthaalice_in_wonderland
“Wonderland” by Martha Spencer
Lucas Pasley / Lucas on Patreon
Women in Roots Project
The Blue Ridge Girls @theblueridgegirls
Junior Appalachian Musicians @juniorappalachianmusicians
Westport Folk Festival @westportfolkbluegrass
Bluegrass by the Bridge Open Jam @ Delia’s Lounge
bluegrassjamsnearme.com
Fiddle Hell – November 13 – 16thMusic in this Episode, in order of appearance:(Note: All music can be found on Martha’s “Wonderland” album)
“You’ve Rambled Too Long”“Midsummer Serenade”“Young Rover”“Rags Over Riches”“Come Home, Virginia Rose”Episode Index:03:54 Interview with Martha Spencer and Lucas Pasley19:34 Jam Talk: Diversity and Variety in Jamming29:50 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview
 
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S3E5 Emory Lester!

Bluegrass legend and mandolin virtuoso Emory Lester shares his insights into the development of style and technique in bluegrass, his experiences playing with bluegrass royalty … and his belt-length hair and rock-and-roll career! Plus, we get to meet Brooklyn’s own Alex Deane (by way of Nashville TN), and discuss her growing up in bluegrass, and tips on jamming. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode:Emory Lesteremorylester.com Emory Lester on Facebook
‘1863’ – Emory Lester & Mark Johnson Alex Deane@alexdeanemusic
Michael Daves@michael.daves michaeldaves.com
 Wernick Method Jam Camp – October 10-12
Fiddle Hell – November 13-16
Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):
‘Fisher’s Hornpipe’ – Emory Lester & Mark Johnson
‘My Long Journey Home’ – The Monroe Brothers
‘Where I’m Bound’ – Della Mae & Tom Paxton
‘Back Up and Push’ – Emory Lester
 
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

SE1: The Last Revel!

Our very first Special Edition! We meet Lee Henke, Ryan Acker, and Vinny Donatelle of The Last Revel, who have been delivering driving music and emotionally powerful lyrics for years. They share about the band's history, song writing, touring, and their latest album 'Gone for Good'. Enjoy!Mentioned in this episode:The Last Revel@thelastrevel  thelastrevel.com
"Gone for Good" on Spotify
The Mercury Lounge East
Music in this Episode, in order of appearance:'Solid Gone' - The Last Revel'Simple Wheel' - The Last Revel'Porcelain' - The Last Revel'Until Death' - The Last Revel
© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedProfessional Member of the International Bluegrass Music Association

S3E4: Home Grown, Locally Known!

Mike chats with some of our favorite local musicians and they share their musical journeys. Raven and Red (Mitchell Lane and Brittany Jones) are Tennessee transplants who have taken root and thrive here in the East.  Emma Turoff is an extraordinary mandolinist who is Brooklyn born and bred. Also – how well do you know the Bluegrass Borough? Take Liz’s Brooklyn Quiz and find out!
Mentions in this Episode:Raven and Redravenandred.com   @raven_and_red
Emma Turoff@emmaroseturroff   youtube: @emmaroseturoff7760
Berklee College of Musicberklee.edu   @berkleecollege
Fiddle Hellfiddlehell.org   @fiddlehell
Bluegrass by the Bridge Jam @ Delia’s Lounge
Bluegrass Jams Near Me
Comprehensive Jam and Event Info from Porch Stomp
Music in this Episode, in order of appearance:
‘Another Empty Bottle’ – Raven and Red
‘Lee Highway Blues’ – Stuard Duncan
‘Hard Rock Mountain Prison’ – IIIrd Tyme Out
‘Buried in a Cape’ – Andrew Marlin
‘Stripped Pants on a High Chair’ – Emma Turoff, Annie McDougall
Episode Index:00:39 Today's Theme: Homegrown01:34 Upcoming Events and Jams03:52 Interview with Raven and Red13:29 Interview with Emma Turoff24:51 Brooklyn Quiz Time28:42 Closing Remarks and Future Plans 
Professional Member, International Bluegrass Music Association  
© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
 

S3E3: Women in Bluegrass: Becky Buller!

Liz chats with Becky Buller, 10-time IBMA award winner and fiddle virtuoso. They cover Becky’s life in bluegrass music, her new album “Songs that Sing Me”, what it’s like to win an IBMA award – and her daughter’s dance recital!  We also learn about the Westchester Bluegrass Club, an amazing venue just north of New York City where we can go hear the top bluegrass musicians. Join us!
Mentions in this Episode
Becky Buller@beckybullerofficial  beckybuller.com“Songs that Sing Me” on Dark Shadow RecordingsInternational Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)@intlbluegrass ibma.org Westchester Bluegrass Club @westchester_bluegrass_club  westchesterbluegrassclub.comDelia’s LoungeWarwick Wernick Method Jam Camp
 
Music in this Episode (in order of appearance)
“Wall Around Your Heart” – Becky Buller
“Bile ‘em Cabbage Down” – Andy Statman
“Boxcar” – Mountain Grass Unit
“Weary Lonesome Blues” – The Price Sisters
“Muddy Waters” – Becky Buller
 
Episode Timeline
00:00 Introduction 03:54 Interview with Becky Buller22:15 Interview with Mike Burns of Westchester Bluegrass Club29:49 Conclusion and Farewell
© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S3E2: Iconic Venues: Sunny's Bar!

Liz and Mike kick off a new ‘Iconic Venues’ theme … and where else but at Sunny's Bar in Red Hook, Brooklyn! Liz interviews Tone (pronounce too-na) Johansen, the owner of Sunny's, who shares her musical background, her passion for bluegrass, and some advice for new jammers.  Mike chats with Tim Davis, a longtime regular at Sunny's, who gives us a glimpse into the magic of the Sunny’s jam community. Join us!
Mentions in this Episode:Sunny’s Bar Red Hook  @sunnysbarofficial
“The Wind and the Rain – A Story about Sunny’s Bar”
“Homecoming” by Tone Johansen
Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival
The Ashokan Center
Bluegrass by the Bridge Jam @ Delia’s Lounge
Bluegrass Jams Near Me
Music in this Episode (in order of appearance):‘Sunny’s Bar’ – Tone Johansen from ‘Homecoming’
[The remaining music was recorded at the Sunny’s Bar jam, and graciously provided by Tim Davis]
“Long Black Veil” – led by Raven and Red “Company Store” led by Tim Davis“This Land is Your Land – in a Minor Key” – led by Tim Davis“I Heard a Sweet Voice” – led by Tone Johansen
Episode Times00:40 Liz and Mike introduce Iconic Venues: Sunny's of Red Hook03:43 Interview with Tone Johansen 21:59 Meet Tim Davis33:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S3E1: East Nash Grass!

We’re excited to be back with Season 3!  Harry Clark and Maddie Denton of East Nash Grass tell us about the band's life on tour, songwriting, and much more. We catch up with Hilary Hawke for an update on her busy musical schedule, jamming with a guitar, and what music she's been listening to! We hope you enjoy this visit with our musical friends!
Some Mentions in this Episode:
East Nash Grasseastnashgrass.com @eastnashgrass
‘Lonesome Song’
Hilary Hawkehilaryhawkemusic.com @highatmissphere
Lift Up This Old World
Podunk Bluegrass Music Festivalpodunkbluegrass.com @podunkbluegrass
Brenna MacMillan@brennafrancesmacmillan
AJ Lee & Blue Summit Musicbluesummitmusic.com @ajleebluesummit
Music in this Episode (In order of appearance):
‘Bend in the Road’ – East Nash Grass
‘Black Bear’ – Brenna MacMillan
‘All I’ve Ever Known’ – Hilary Hawke Band
‘The World Rests Its Head’ – Hilary Hawke Band
‘Following You’ – East Nash Grass
Episode Segments:East Nash Grass: 02’ 50”Hilary Hawke: 17’ 17”
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@Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, All Rights Reserved

S2E12: Tatiana Hargreaves!

We meet Tati Hargreaves (yes, that Hargreaves), a brilliant fiddler and dedicated music educator who is helping to reshape the sound and repertoire of old time music and bluegrass! We explore her approach to teaching and learning, her career as competing in Texas Style fiddle contests, jamming - and how all that shapes her music today. Also, Liz and Mike get into some jam busting in the new segment "Jam Talk"! Enjoy the episode.
Mentions in this Episode:Tatiana Hargreaves@dragonfiddlertatianahargreaves.comBluegrass by the Stroll @ Delia's Lounge 7/18/25facebook.com/share/16rKChWbh1Alex Deane @ Urbane Arts 7/26@urbane_brooklyn@alexdeanemusicAlice Gerrard@alice.gerrard34th St. Partnership34thstreet.orgInformation on Jam Jersey and Warwick Weekendbluegrassjamsnearme.comMusic in this Episode, in order of appearance.'8th of January' - Tatiana Hargreaves & Allison de Groot'Rocky Pallet' - Tatiana Hargreaves'I Would Not Live Always' - Tatiana Hargreaves & Allison de Groot'The Road That's Walked by Fools' -  Tatiana Hargreaves & Allison de Groot'Beaufort County Jail' - Tatiana Hargreaves & Allison de Groot@Bluegrass BKLYN LLC 2025All Rights Reserved Bluegrass BKLYN LLC