Bluegrass BKLYN

S5M11 Brian Drye & BKCM's Community School of Music!

Dozens of classes, hundreds of students, scores of talented musicians teaching … the Community School of Music at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music is a perfect alloy of inspiration and instruction. Plus, they nurture a top-tier Bluegrass Program for adults and kids. From young learners to seasoned musicians, BKCM's Community Music School has something for everyone. Mike sits with Brian Drye, Executive Director of the music school, to get the inside story. Enjoy
Mentioned in this Episode:Brooklyn Conservatory of MusicBrian Drye, Executive Director of the Community Music SchoolKatherine Slingluff, Bluegrass CoordinatorOpen Stages Music Festival
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 NYRegistration for the Fall session of the Bluegrass Program starts July 17th 2026
Music in this Episode:“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings“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 @bluegrassbklynBluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S5E11 Barrett Smith of the Steep Canyon Rangers!

Mike gets to chat with Barrett Smith, bass player and long-time member of the Steep Canyon Rangers. He shares his thoughts and feelings on a broad range of topics, including the challenges facing musicians starting out today, the experience of playing music with Steve Martin … and how a classical guitar player wound up as a bluegrass bassist! Enjoy.Mentioned in this Episode:Steep Canyon RangersSteve MartinMountain Song Festival“Next Act” – New release by Steep Canyon RangersBluegrass Jams Near MeEvents of Note:Birdfest – May 1st to 2nd at Pinewood SCLiz 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 NY2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA
Music in this Episode:“Next Act” – Steep Canyon Rangers“Circling the Drain” – Steep Canyon Rangers
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

S5M10 Ken White: Executive Director, IBMA!

Liz talks with Ken White, Executive Director of IBMA, about his journey from lifelong bluegrass player to leading the organization at the center of the bluegrass world. They explore how the IBMA supports artists and industry professionals, their Leadership Bluegrass program, the impact of World of Bluegrass annual event, and what’s ahead for the music we love. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Ken WhiteIBMA Trust FundEvents 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:“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings“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

S5E10 Andy Leftwich: American Fiddler!

Mike gets to chat with the iconic American Fiddler, Andy Leftwich. They cover all kinds of topics, including Andy’s incredible musical experiences, how best to learn a musical genre, some projects of historic scale … and coping with the shellac shortage during World War 2! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!Mentioned in this Episode: Andy LeftwichThe American FiddlerPorch Stomp for events and jamsBluegrass Jams Near Me
Events 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:“Aced” – Andy Leftwich“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” – J.S. Bach performed by Andy Leftwich on mandolin“Sally Goodin’” – Andy Leftwich with Kentucky Thunder“Highland Rim” – Andy Leftwich
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

S5M9 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

S5E8 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