Bluegrass BKLYN

It's never too late to start making music, and Lee Stivers is living proof! From picking up her first mandolin at 42 to recording an album, building bluegrass communities, and starting a band in Puerto Vallarta, Lee has embraced every opportunity music has brought her way. She and Liz talk about singing with confidence, making room for women in bluegrass, and how music became a source of strength during an extraordinarily difficult chapter of her life. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeLee on Instagram, Facebook and LinkTreeWebsite for their album “Something Tells Me Everything Will Be Alright”IBMA Leadership Bluegrass programUpcoming Events of Note:IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Festival – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TNMusic in this Episode:All songs are from Amy and Lee’s album “Something Tells Me Everything Will be Alright”“Cornbread and Butterbeans”“Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor”Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<<We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good!Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles
Our Partners:Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TN – our sister showThe Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Kenny Feinstein has never taken the conventional route. The Water Tower bandleader tells Liz how a punk-rock kid became obsessed with old-time and bluegrass, built a fan base playing LA freeway off-ramps, traded CDs for gas money while touring, and eventually took the stage at Telluride. Along the way, Kenny turned what he learned about promoting music into a marketing business and a new book, More Than Talent. Plus, hear about his traditional bluegrass solo album, Lonesome LA Cowboy. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode“More Than Talent” guide book by KennyWater TowerWork Smarter Music MarketingKenny’s “Snoop Dogg” videoWater Tower’s hidden tattoo siteTelluride Documentary Water Tower on FaceBook, on Instagram, on TikTokUpcoming Events of Note:IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Festival – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TNBalsam Range Art of Music Festival – December 3rd – 5th @ Lake Junaluska NCMusic in this Episode:All songs are from Water Tower’s album “Lonesome L.A. Cowboy”‘Lonesome L.A. Cowboy’ with Beebs‘I’m Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail’ with Michael DavesOur Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<<We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good!Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles
Our Partners:Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TNThe Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Liz heads virtually to Shanghai to talk with Kirk Kenney, Tom Pang, and Jerry Liu about the growing bluegrass scene there. Tom and Jerry share how a chance encounter with an American musician—and a Nickel Creek CD—led them to pick up the mandolin and banjo and become two of China’s earliest local bluegrass players. They also explore the surprising connections between bluegrass and Mongolian music, and how regular jams are helping introduce a new generation of Chinese musicians to bluegrass. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeTom PengBluegrasslands and NomadsTom Peng’s Spotify playlistAbout Bluegrass in ChinaAbout Dakou tapes Upcoming Events of Note:IBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TNMusic in this Episode:‘Mogan Mountain High’ (Intro music)‘Tears Fall’ (Outro music)Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<<We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good!Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles
Our Partners:Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TN© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Mike and Bryan take a trip through Bryan’s long career from a family band on Church Sundays, to amazing collaborations, up to the band-stand with Hot Rize, into the studio, and as a music educator. We get to listen to Bryan’s personally selected cuts from his latest passion project ‘From Roots to Branches (Vol. 1). Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeBryan SuttonFrom Roots to Branches (Vol. 1)Hot RizeBrooklyn’s own Kevin Greer, our latest Wernick Coach! Upcoming Events of Note:IBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TNMusic in this Episode:Note: All songs feature Bryan Sutton, the notes reflect the duet partner‘Three Star Hornpipe’ –  with Kenny Smith‘Road to Columbus’ – with Cody Kilby‘Working Man Blues’ – with Doc Watson‘The Devil Went Down to Deep Gap’ – with Billy Strings‘Port Tobacco’ – with Chris EldridgeOur Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<<We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good!Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

What does it take to create the next generation of bluegrass music? Meet Brett Morris, Executive Director of Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) and learn about their efforts to engage kids across Appalachia with traditional music, dance and culture. She is also a member of the mountain music trio The Blue Ridge Girls, and we get to learn about the band and listen so some of their music. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeJunior Appalachian MusiciansBrett MorrisMartha SpencerEarl Scruggs Music Festival Upcoming Events of Note:IBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TNMusic in this Episode:Music in this episode is from The Blue Ridge Girls album “Mountain Heartbeats”‘Belle of the Ball’ ‘Blue Ridge Mountain Bound’‘Mystery’‘Can’t Get to Memphis’‘It All Comes Out in the Wash’Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<<We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good!Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Liz gets to know Chris and Taylor Malpass, the Country / Gospel brother band whose love for traditional country music started almost as soon as they could walk. They share stories about growing up singing together, the heroes who shaped their sound, the special chemistry behind their brother harmonies, and why sharp suits are all part of the package! Plus, hear about their new recordings, their old-school TV variety show, and the festival they now call their own. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeYou can find The Malpass Brothers on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and FaceBookThe Malpass Brothers Show Upcoming Events of Note:Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warwick NYIBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TNMusic in this Episode:Music in this episode is from the brothers’ “Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics Live” album:SatisfiedFamily BibleOur Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<<We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good!Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Time for another Jam Talk. Mike and Liz dive into what it takes to make everyone feel included and respected in the jam circle … and how to avoid creating an exclusive or unapproachable jam.  And … have you ever listened to one of our interviews and thought “I wish they had asked …”? Well, drop a line (click below) and we’ll try to include your questions in the future. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeBluegrass Jams Near MeThe Granite Church“I Wish You Had Asked …” email Upcoming Events of Note:Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NYIBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TNMusic in this Episode:“Slow Rolling Train” – J.M. Clifford“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall BuildingsOur Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<<We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good!Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Stephen Mougin shares insights into his multi-faceted, award-winning career with Mike. Performing artist, record company executive, lauded music producer, SiriusXM host, music educator – he spans a wide swath of the music industry and we attempt to cover it all. Then, banjo player and friend of the show Hilary Hawke updates us on her latest exploits and her show at Planet Granite Music & Dance Festival.  Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeStephen MouginDark Shadow RecordingSam BushHilary HawkeUpcoming Events of Note:Hilary Hawke House Concert – September 18th @ Hop Bottom PAPlanet Granite Music & Dance Festival – September 19th – 20th @ Georgetown CTWernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NYIBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TNMusic in this Episode:“There’s No Reason To” – Stephan and Jana Mougin, to be released 9/25/26“I’m Gonna Ride” – Stephen MouginOur Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<<We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good!Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Liz catches up with her friend and fellow banjo picker Urs von Arx, now back home in Zurich after 21 years in New York City. Urs shares what he loved about the NYC jam scene, how it compares with bluegrass in Switzerland, and the remarkable story of his 57 years playing with the Country Ramblers. He also takes us inside the Swiss Bluegrass Music Association, where he now serves as co-president, and talks about the challenge of bringing a new generation into the music. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeUrs von ArxThe Country RamblersBear on Banjo YouTube PlaylistSwiss Bluegrass Music Association CalendarUpcoming Events of Note:Planet Granite Music & Dance Festival – September 19th – 20th @ Georgetown CTWernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NYIBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TNMusic in this Episode:“Dixie Breakdown” – Urs von Arx & The Country Ramblers “Huckleberry Hornpipe” – Urs von Arx & The Country RamblersOur Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<<We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good!Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Festival Alert! We have a new festival in the area! Festival Co-Producer Austin Scelzo chats with Mike about this brand-new festival – Planet Granite Music & Dance Festival (September 19th and 20th) at The Granite, a wonderful music venue in Fairfield CT. Take a walk with Mike and Austin through what’s going on and what to expect. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodePlanet Granite Music & Art FestivalAustin ScelzoHilary HawkeChris LuquetteThe Slide StopsMusic in this Episode:‘Slow Rolling Train’ – J.M. Clifford‘Cherokee Shuffle’ – The Biscuit EatersOur Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors - Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN             We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good!© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com, liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn