Bluegrass BKLYN

Liz talks with Toshi and Kai Litch, winners of the 2026 Telluride Band Contest, about growing up immersed in music on a tiny Washington island and turning a childhood bluegrass dream into reality. They share how family, festivals, mentors, and a little brotherly rivalry shaped their musical path—and how they’re now finding their own sound somewhere between tradition and innovation. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Litch BrothersTelluride Bluegrass Upcoming Events of Note:Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NCWernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NYMusic in this Episode:‘Where’d You Go My Friend?’ – The Litch Brothers‘June’ – The Litch BrothersOur 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 sits down with bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis for a wide-ranging conversation about the music she’s loved and played for more than 50 years. What makes bluegrass “bluegrass”? Do drums belong in our msuic? Why is picking valued more than singing? And how has the experience of women in bluegrass changed? Laurie also talks about her new album Oh California, her songwriting, and what it feels like to finally make peace with being called a “Legend.” Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeLaurie LewisThe Ashokan CenterUpcoming Events of Note:Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NCWernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NYMusic in this Episode:All music is from the album “O California!” by Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands‘O California!’‘Wheel of Life’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

Mike chats with Lake Carver and Lyla Cherry of the dynamic North Carolina-based band Carolina Detour. These talented and accomplished young musicians (they are both 16 year old!) reflect on a broad range of musical topics like performing, competing – and the challenges of fitting it all into a crowded school schedule. Hear the voices of the next generation of Bluegrass. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeCarolina DetourEarl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NCMusic in this Episode:“No Wrong Turn” – Carolina DetourOur Sponsors: - We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors - 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

Our last episode of Season 6! To end on a high note, Mike sits with Bronwyn – one of our greatest fiddle players – who is about to release her first album of songs she wrote or co-wrote! She delves into her motivations for pursuing this musical path, thoughts on learning and playing music – and how a bumpy bus ride led to a hit song! Plus, Mike and Liz reflect on season 6 and look forward to season 7. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeBronwynWendy WalkerPat McLaughlinThe Milk Carton KidsTractor Shed StudiosUpcoming Events of Note:Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan CenterSouthern Week – August 16th – 22nd @ The Ashokan CenterSilver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NCWernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NYMusic in this Episode:All music is from Bronwyn’s album “Rattlin’ Bones”“Gallitin Road” with TImbo“Sticks and Stones”“Johnny Ray”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!© 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! The iconic Earl Scruggs Music Festival is coming up very soon – Friday September 4th through Sunday September 6th.  Held at the Tryon Equestrian Center, the festival features amazing headliners, workshops, vendors, jamming – and Bluegrass BKLYN as Podcast-in-Residence! Mike speaks with Mary Beth Martin – Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center – and gets the whole story about the festival, the Earl Scruggs Museum and homeplace, and much more. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeEarl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NCMusic in this Episode:‘Flint Hill Special” – Flatt & Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys“You Are My Flower” – Flatt & Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain BoysOur 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

Liz talks with award-winning singer Brooke Aldridge about the heart behind the uplifting music she and husband Darin create together. Brooke shares how they choose songs that inspire hope, balance life on and off the stage, and build a musical partnership that's as strong as their harmonies. Plus – Bluegrass BKLYN will be Podcast-in-Residence at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeDarin & Brooke AldridgeSongwriter Bernie NelsonAshokan CenterUpcoming Events of Note:Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan CenterSouthern Week – August 16th – 22nd @ The Ashokan CenterSilver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NCWernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NYMusic in this Episode:“Once in a While” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge“He’s Already There” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge“Wild Flower Too” – Darin & Brooke AldridgeOur 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

Mike gets to meet the Biscuit Eaters, a traditional bluegrass family band from North Carolina. Meredith Wilkerson (the “Band Mom”) shares her thoughts, along with guitarist Maggie (age 12), fiddler Silas (age 10) and dancing fiddler Molly (age 7). It’s a surprising and fascinating discussion covering their journey from family jam circle to festival bandstand to recording studio. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Biscuit Eaters Chester McMillianMike Mitchell
Upcoming Events of Note:Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WVPodunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CTBluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan CenterSilver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NCMusic in this Episode:All music is from the Biscuit Eater’s album “North Carolina Kids”“Cherokee Shuffle” – The Biscuit Eaters“North Carolina Kids” – 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

Meet Darren Nicholson, son of Western North Carolina who brings generations of pickin’ and singin’ to his music. Join the wide-ranging conversation about the soul of bluegrass, virtuosi showcases vs singable songs, and enjoy a game of ‘musical tag’ Darren and Mike play. Also, we’re proud to introduce our new sponsor – Peghead Nation on-line music school. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeDarren NicholsonDarren’s album “Lonesome Trails & Tall Tales”Peghead Nation on-line music schoolDiscount code for our listeners: BKLYN                              
Upcoming Events of Note:Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WVPodunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CTBluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan CenterSilver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NCMusic in this Episode:“All Trains Come to Pass”“Windows Have Pains”“Get Me Down the Line”“Any Highway”“I’ve Got No Tears Left to Cry”“Eager Overachiever”“Big Sky”“Dillsboro Blues”Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructorsWe’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 / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

Whether you're new to bluegrass or looking to improve your jamming skills, Harry Gambrill shares practical wisdom drawn from years of teaching and performing. Learn how to build confidence, communicate in a jam, and stop waiting for the "perfect" moment to join in. Plus, find out more about the Wernick Method Silver Bay jam camp.  Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeHarry GambrillThe Jersey Corn Pickers
Upcoming Events of Note:AFBA Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival – July 30th to August 2nd @ Wind Gap PAAugusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WVPodunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CTBluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan CenterSilver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NCMusic in this Episode:‘Sweet Corn Picking’ –  Harry Gambrill & The Jersey Corn Pickers“Bywater Breakdown” – Harry Gambrill & The Jersey Corn Pickers Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructorsWe’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 / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

Liz talks with Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival organizer Shanna Connor about what makes this award-winning festival such a favorite among bluegrass fans. From world-class music and late-night picking to volunteers, community, and the bluegrass family, discover why so many people return to Podunk year after year. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodePodunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CT
Music in this Episode:“Slow Rolling Train” – J.M. Clifford“Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky BullerOur Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructorsWe’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 / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn