Bluegrass BKLYN

S6E3 The Legendary Tim O'Brien!

Liz talks with Grammy-winning songwriter, performer, and bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien about his remarkable musical journey—from accompanying folk masses as a teenager to becoming one of the most respected voices in acoustic music. They explore songwriting, creativity, touring, teaching, AI in music, and the deeply human connection at the heart of bluegrass. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Tim O’Brien’s Official WebsiteTim’s Songbook
Upcoming Events of Note:Porch Stomp Folk Festival – June 20th @ Governors Island NYCGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYCBayou Boogie Cajun / Creole Festival – June 19th to June 21st @ Goshen CT
Music in this Episode:“Nellie Kane” – Tim O’Brien, with Hot Rize“Another Day” – Tim O’BrienClick HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”!
We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

Festval Alert:: Bayou Boogie Cajun & Zydeco Festival!

This Festival Alert brings you the scoop on the Bayou Boogie Festival,It is New England’s newest Cajun & Zydeco Music & Dance Festival. Mike sits with Steve Riley - world famous accordion player and festival organizer - to get the story on this exciting event.  The musicians of the Louisiana bayous are coming to the hills of Connecticut and we're giving you an advance peek! Enjoy. Info and tickets about the Bayou Boogie FestivalMore info on Steve Riley Productions
Music Steve suggests for Cajun newbies:"Balfa Brothers Play Traditional Cajun Music""Home Music with Spirits" by the Savoy Doucet Band"The Best of Clifton Chenier"
Music by Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys in this edition:"Mamou Playboys Special" from their "Friday at Last" album"Oh Ma" - from their "Live at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival" album
Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”!
We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

S6E3 Mary Lucey of TANASI!

Mike gets to chat with Mary Lucey, member of the “WorldGrass” band TANASI. You’ll recognize the Appalachian roots and bluegrass instrumentation in their music. But there’s so much more … rhythms and melodies from all around the world blend and mix with those roots to create something new – and yet old at the same time. Pull up a chair and join the conversation. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:TANASIDebashish Bhattacharya Strawberry Music Festival
Events of Note:Porch Stomp Folk Festival – June 20th @ Governors Island NYCGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYCBayou Boogie Cajun / Creole Festival – June 19th to June 21st @ Goshen CT
Music in this Episode:All music is from TANASI’s latest album “TANASI”“Rock the Cradle Joe / Ducks on the Mill Pond”“Mahala / Let’s Hold On”“Get Up / Ore Mi Kini Se”Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”!
We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

S6E2 Women in Bluegrass: Brenna MacMillan!

Liz dives deep with Brenna MacMillan into the realities of being a woman on tour in the bluegrass world. From songwriting and touring life to health, burnout, and creative inspiration, Brenna shares an honest and thoughtful look at life as a working musician. Plus: The Five Rules of Jamming. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Brenna MacMillanGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival: July 14th – 19th in Oak Hil NYTelluride Bluegrass Festival: June 18th – 21st in Telluride COPodunk Bluegrass Festival: August 5th – 9th in Goshen CTPorch Stomp Folk Festival: June 20th in Governors Island NYIrish Haven Jam Sessions: Mondays 7:00 – 9:30PM EastenMusic in this Episode:“Black Bear” – Brenna MacMillan, with Maddie Denton“Used to Live Here” – Brenna MacMillan
We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox Festival!
We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

S6M1 Next Generation: Leopold and Amanda Schwartz!

Liz explores one of our favorite themes: the Next Generation of Bluegrass. From festival jams to family band practice, rising mandolin player Leopold Schwartz shares his experiences growing up in music. Then his mom, Amanda, joins the conversation to share the realities—and rewards—of keeping up with four musical children. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Leopold SchwartzThe Cattywampus Quartet family bandGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NYBluegrass Jams Near MeMusic in this Episode:“Daybreak in Dixie” – Leopold Schwartz with Ronnie & Heaven McCoury
We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox Festival!
We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
 

S6E1 SInger, Songwriter ... Legend: Jim Lauderdale!

Liz sits down with Jim Lauderdale to reflect on a lifetime in music—from touring and songwriting to working with artists like Ralph Stanley, George Jones, and Emmylou Harris. Jim shares stories, songwriting wisdom, and thoughtful perspectives on creativity, the impact of AI on the music industry, and what makes music truly human. Plus, we announce exciting news involving Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Jim LauderdaleGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NYBluegrass Jams Near MeMusic in this Episode:“The Birds Know” – Jim Lauderdale with the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox Festival!
We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

BIg News! We are Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox!

Big News!! Bluegrass BKLYN podcast has been named ‘Podcast-in-Residence’ at the 2026 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival! We are so excited and honored to be part of this iconic and historic event. Plans are in the works - interviews with the incredible line-up of artists, themed jams sessions, and the  “Tell Your Grey Fox Story” initiative. Drop by our table and say ‘Hi’. We look forward to seeing you around the jam circle - at Grey Fox!Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NYWe are proud to be Podcast in Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox Festival!
We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick ViolinsContact 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
 

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 GrunenbergEvents of Note:Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NYSwamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NYBKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NYGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NYMusic in this Episode:“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings“June Apple” – Michael Daves, with Brittany HaasWe are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick ViolinsContact 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

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 TrischkaEarl Jam 2Béla FleckMichael ClevelandSam BushSymphony Space in NYCDelfest AcademyEvents of Note:Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NYSwamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NYBKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NYGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NYMusic 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 SadieWe are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick ViolinsContact 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
 

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 WolfeJordan RichmondPioneer Vally Flame ThrowersJam Jersey
Events of Note:Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NYSwamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NYBKCM “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 MicWe are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick ViolinsContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklynBluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved