Bluegrass BKLYN

S5M10 IBMA Foundation!

You might be as surprised as Mike was to learn about all the incredible work the IBMA Foundation does to support our favorite music. Listen in on his discussion with Cassie Wright, the Executive Director of the Foundation. She outlines the Foundation’s programs and objectives … and explains how she ended up playing banjo and dobro. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode: Cassie Lynn WrightIBMA FoundationFox Crossing String BandArnold Schultz FundStrings for DreamsEvents of Note:Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA
Music in this Episode:“Somewhere” – Fox Crossing String Band“You Don’t Miss Your Water” – Fox Crossing String Band
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

S5E9 Women in Bluegrass: Amanda Cook!

Liz talks with Amanda Cook—bandleader and President of Mountain Fever Records—about what it takes to balance life on the road with running a record label. She shares her journey from artist to industry leader, along with insights on structure, growth, and supporting other musicians in today’s bluegrass world. Plus, Mike and Liz have a ‘Jam Talk’ about unexpected situations that can bust any jam. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this Episode: Amanda CookMountain Fever RecordsBluegrass by the Bridge JamBluegrass Jams Near Me
Events of Note:Weekend Jam Camp – April 10th to 12th in New York CityDewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA
Music in this Episode:“Odd One Out” – Amanda Cook Band“Out of my Bones” – Amanda Cook Band
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

S5M8 Bluegrass - The Next Generation!

Who will be playing, recording, and teaching bluegrass music in the coming 20, 30 years? Meet Alani Sugar and Izaak Atlas Schwartz who represent the next generation of bluegrass music. Mike gets to chat with them to discuss their musical journeys, aspirations, and plans. He encounters their focus, discipline, and drive that will help them carry bluegrass into the future. But most importantly, we learn about their joy and love of our favorite music. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this Episode: Alani Sugar“Ricky Tony” album by AlaniIzaak Atlas Schwartz“Black Oak Ridge” album by IzaakAppalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass AssociationBluegrass Jams Near Me
Events of Note:Weekend Jam Camp – April 10th to 12th in New York CityFiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA
Music in this Episode:“Liza Jane” – Hilary Hawke Band“Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller
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

Festival Hilight: AFBA Bluegrass Festival!

Liz chats with the creators and attendees of the Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association (AFBA) Bluegrass Festival. They discuss how a small backyard jam turned into on unique sold-out festival, the vibrant and welcoming bluegrass community within the festival, the jamming and music stage cultures, and ... drag racing! Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode: Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass AssociationBluegrass Jams Near Me
Events of Note:Weekend Jam Camp – April 10th to 12th in New York CityFiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA
Music in this Episode:Various songs by jammers at the 2026 AFBA 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
 

S5M7 Behind the Scenes: Mountain Home Music!

Join Mike behind the scenes at Mountain Home Music at Crossroads Recording Studio. He speaks with Jon Weisberger - A&R Director, and Clay Miller - Senior Engineer, at Mountain Home. They walk through the entire process of signing up with the label, working with the producer, recording in the studio, and releasing the final product. Fascinating conversation, we’re sure you’ll enjoy it.Mentioned in this Episode:Crossroads Label GroupJon WeisbergerChris Jones & the Night DriversBluegrass Jams Near Me
Events of Note:Fiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA
Music in this Episode:“Are You Lonesome Tonight” – Michael Daves“June Apple” – Michael Daves with Brittany Haas
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

S5E7 Banjo Polymath Ned Luberecki!

Mike gets to chat with Ned Luberecki, and there’s plenty to talk about – Ned’s musical journey, his passion for radio, his teaching and touring careers … and then some. We hope you enjoy listening to this wide-ranging interview as much as we enjoyed doing it.
Mentioned in this Episode:Ned LubereckiBluegrass Junction SiriusXMBecky BullerDr. DementoBluegrass Jams Near Me
Events of Note:Weekend Jam Camp with Liz – April 10th to 12th, New York CityDewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th @ Eunice LAMusic in this Episode:“Earl’s Court” – Ned Luberecki“Take Five” – Ned Luberecki
Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition ….
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

Special Edition: Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Jam!

Have a seat in the spacious concert hall at the iconic Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and settle in for an amazing jam! Players from age 7 to 70 (literally!) join jam leaders Melody Berger and Christian Apuzzo and share their music and songs. Get the inside story from Katherine Slingluff, BKCM jam organizer, and listen in on chats with jam leaders and players … and of course, enjoy the music!Mentioned in this Episode:Brooklyn Conservatory of MusicMelody BergerChristian ApuzzoSam DallasIsabelle Clavo
Events of Note:Fiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA
Music in this Episode:All music in this episode is by the BKCM Jammers, some songs of note:
“Old Home Place” – Sam Dallas on bass and vocals with the BKCM jammers“Lazy John” – Mina on fiddle and vocals“Welcome Table” – Melody Berger on fiddle and vocals
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
 

Music, Mind & Spirit - Andy Reiner!

We explore the theme of Music, Mind & Spirit – to understand what we can do to optimize our improvement and growth as musicians. Mike talks with Andy Reiner, host of ‘The River of Suck’ podcast, who offers some amazing insights and a ton of great advice to help us follow our musical hearts. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Andy ReinerRiver of Suck podcastRockygrass Festival RapidgrassBluegrass Jouneymen
Events of Note:Fiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA
Music in this Episode:“Old Joe Clark” – Andy Reiner & Bethany Waickman“Still Write Your Name in the Sand” – RapidgrassContribute to the Boathouse Jam Fundraiser! Click here to donate!
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
 

S5E6 Iconic Venues - Lucinda's NYC!

Liz talks with musician, songwriter, and actor Allison Kelly about the bluegrass jam she hosts on Tuesday nights at Lucinda’s on NYC’s Lower East Side. Allison shares her journey from bass player to clawhammer banjoist and her work with Americana Women. Hear how the Lucinda’s jam grew into a thriving bluegrass community, and how jamming brings musicians together in today’s isolating world. Allison offers her take on why bluegrass jams can feel intimidating—especially for women, and why embracing mistakes is key to growing musical skills. Then, meet Kelly Swindall, creator of and managing partner at Lucinda’s, and hear her vision for a venue dedicated to authentic country and roots music.
Mentioned in this Episode:Lucinda’s NYCAllison KellyKelly SwindallDavid LutkinThe Porch on Windy HillNew Ohio BandAmericana WomenBluegrass Jams Near Me
Events of Note:Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd @ Doubletree Hilton, Mahwah NJDewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th @ Eunice LAMusic in this Episode:Note: music in this episode is from Allison Kelly’s “Southpaw Green” album:“Orion”“Chicory Blue”
Contribute to the Boathouse Jam Fundraiser! Click here to donate!
Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition ….
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
 

S5M6 Music We Also Love: Balfa Week!

In this episode we explore the music we *also* love … Cajun and Creole music. Join the conversation with Mike and Joe Vidrine, Program Director of the Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week. Take a trip to the front porches, kitchens, and stages of southwest Louisiana where the music and culture are brought together. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Louisiana Folk RootsDewey BalfaUniversity of Louisiana ArchivesBluegrass Jams Near Me
Events of Note:Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJDewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA
Music in this Episode:“Les Veuves de la Coulée” – Dewey Balfa & Friends“’Tit Galop pour Mamou” – The Balfa Brothers
We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick ViolinsBluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn
© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved