Bluegrass BKLYN

Liz talks with award-winning vocalist and guitarist Greg Blake about the lessons he's learned from decades of performing, teaching, and making music. From what creates a great singer to the importance of rhythm guitar, audience connection, and finding your own musical voice, Greg shares thoughtful insights for musicians at every level. Plus, Liz and Mike look back on their experience as Podcast-in-Residence at this year's Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeGreg BlakeSpecial ConsensusGrey Fox Music FestivalPlanning Stages, the festival event plannersJM CliffordDella Mae
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 CenterAFBA Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival – July 30th to August 2nd @ Wind Gap PAEarl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NCMusic in this Episode:‘Victim of the Game’ – Greg Blake‘Love Found Me’ – Greg Blake, 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

The Man … The Banjo … The YouTube Sensation! Mike gets to chat with Jim Pankey, an award-winning, cross genre banjo master and skilled educator. Listen in on the origin story of the now-famous 10-lesson banjo course for beginners that has started countless hopefuls on the road to banjo playing. Mike and Jim go in depth into how Jim tailors his approach to how folks actually learn. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode:Jim Pankey / @wildjimboJim’s YouTube banjo lessonsEvents of Note:Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week - August 3 - 7 @ Elkins WVAshokan Center Bluegrass Camp - August 10 - 14 @ Olivebridge NYMusic in this Episode:"Slow Rolling Train" - JM Clifford"Cherokee Shuffle' - Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller
Our Sponsors: We learn and grow on Peghead Nation online music learning platformWe’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones© 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

Mike chats with David Benedict – mandolin master and well-known YouTube and Patreon personality. David delves into his musical roots, his somewhat DIY musical education, the impact of the pandemic on his career, his somewhat DIY band, and his somewhat DIY album. We learn about his band, the Foreign Landers as well as his upcoming concerts and tours. Plus – Mike tests you mandolin ear with a “Name That Mandolinist” quiz. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeDavid BenedictDavid’s YouTube channelThe Foreign LandersJosh Clark, Sound Engineer
Upcoming Events of Note:Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd – August 7th @ Elkins WVAshokan Center Bluegrass Week – August 10th- August 14th @ Olivebridge NYEarl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th – September 6th @ Mill Spring NC
Music in this Episode:“When the Morning Comes” – The Foreign Landers“In Such a Short Time” – East Nash Grass“Charleston Ramble” – Andy Statman“Rabbit in the Log” – Chris Thile & Michael Daves“Into the True Country” – David Benedict“Made to Wonder” – The Foreign LandersClick HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”!
Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play Robinson FiddlesBluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
 

Liz sits down with singer / songwriter Rachel Sumner to reflect on the journey that shaped Rachel’s music and career - from volunteering at Telluride to winning its prestigious Band Contest. They discuss the courage it takes to write songs that tackle meaningful subjects, band chemistry, creative inspiration, and how they made their mark on one of bluegrass's biggest stages. Then Liz reflects on her own experience attending Telluride for the first time. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeRachel SumnerTelluride Bluegrass Festival
Upcoming Events of Note:Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYCAugusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WVBluegrass Week – August 10th – 14th @ The Ashokan CenterMusic in this Episode:Music is from Rachel’s album “Traveling Light”“When I Was a Cowboy”“Yodelay”Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”! Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026
Our Sponsors: We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesMike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles© 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 bluegrass vocalist, songwriter, historian, and educator Jen Larson about her remarkable journey from New York City jam sessions to preserving bluegrass history. They discuss Jen's work on the first full biography of Hazel Dickens, her years performing in New York, the importance of welcoming jam communities, and her passion for education, archives, and ensuring bluegrass history is preserved for future generations. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode Jen Larson Projects Augusta Heritage Center – Bluegrass Week – Auguest 3rd – 7th in Elikins WV Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Upcoming Events of Note:Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYC
Music in this Episode:“Rock Island Line” – Jen Larson“Burning House of Love” – Jen LarsonClick HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”!
Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play Robinson FiddlesBluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
 

Liz talks with Kaia Kater about growing up in the Grey Fox community, discovering clawhammer banjo, collaborating with Trey Wellington, and building an internationally recognized music career. Then her mom, Tamara, shares the family tradition that began with a search for a nearby bluegrass festival and grew into more than twenty years of Grey Fox memories. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeKaia Kater
Upcoming Events of Note:Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYCAugusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WVBluegrass Week – August 10th – 14th @ The Ashokan CenterMusic in this Episode:Music in this episode is Kaia on her ‘Strange Medicine’ album:‘Fédon’, with Taj Mahal‘Tigers’ Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”! Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026
Our Sponsors: We learn and grow on Peghead Nation online music learning platformWe’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesMike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles© 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

Mike takes a deep dive with Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose! They chat about everything from the band’s musical influences, the ‘California’ sound, their latest album “Golden Grass” … and the perils of IPA! Listen to tunes hand selected by Ben and Mike, and hear Ben’s take on them! Plus, another heart-warming Grey Fox Story. Enjoy!Mentioned in this EpisodeBen MorrisonThe Brothers Comatose“Golden Grass” 2025 release albumEar Trumpet Labs “Edwina” microphonesAJ Lee & Blue SummitRocks Off Concert Cruise
Upcoming Events of Note:Augusta Heritage Cajun Creole & Classic Country Week – July 6th to 10th @ Elkins WVGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYCBluegrass Week – August 10th – 14th @ The Ashokan CenterMusic in this Episode:All music in this episode is by The Brothers Comatose:“Blue Mountain”“Tops of the Trees”“Golden Grass”“Harvest Moon” – with AJ Lee & Blue Summit “The IPA Song” – with Ronnie McCoury“Hills of San Francisco”Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”! Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026
Our Sponsors: We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesMike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles© 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 chats with Don Flemons, The American Songster, and Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist. Dom is a connoisseur and curator of Black music of 19th and early 20th century America. He takes us on a journey through the songs, stories, and drama of that period. Liz and Dom delve deep … pull up a chair and join the conversation. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this EpisodeDom FlemonsThe American Banjo MuseumWUNC NPR Radio
Upcoming Events of Note:Augusta Heritage Cajun Creole & Classic Country Week – July 6th to 10th @ Elkins WVGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYCBluegrass Week – August 10th – 14th @ The Ashokan CenterMusic in this Episode:“’Til The Seas Run Dry’ – Don FlemonsClick HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”!
Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play Robinson FiddlesBluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
 

Mike goes deep with the legendary Darrell Scott, award-winning song writer and front man of the Darrell Scott String Band. They explore the Zen of song writing, the challenges of performing, the joy of finding your inner musical voice – even the geeky details of mic’ing the band! Darrell and his band, now including dobro wizard Rob Ickes, are headlining at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in July. Plus, Liz and Mike give the highlights of their recent festival hangs. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this EpisodeDarrell ScottThe Darrell Scott String Band, featuring Rob IckesRob IckesStation Inn, Nashville TN“Old Cane Back Rocker”Telluride Bluegrass FestivalPorch Stomp Folk Festival
Upcoming Events of Note:Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYCMusic in this Episode:“Long Time Gone” – Darrell Scott with Tim O’Brien “Fried Taters” – Darrell Scott String Band with Shalom AberleClick HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”!
Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play Robinson FiddlesBluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

Mike gets to talk with Grammy award-winning Cajun musician Wilson Savoy, front man of the Pine Leaf Boys. They get into all kinds of topics like an intro to Cajun music, the Savoy family’s musical history, the musical vision of Pine Leaf Boys, being a musical ambassador – and Wilson tells us his wonderful Grey Fox Story. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this EpisodeWilson SavoyThe Pine Leaf BoysMarc SavoyThe Courtney Granger Memorial AwardLouisiana Folk Roots (Balfa Week)
Upcoming Events of Note:Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYCMusic in this Episode:“Pine Leaf Boy Two-Step” – Wilson Savoy & The Pine Leaf Boys“Tante Aline” – Amédé Ardoin“T’ai Petite et T’ai Meon” – The Balfa Brothers“Zydeco Gris-Gris” – Michael Doucet & Beausoleil“Cajun From Church Point” – Wilson Savoy & The Pine BoysClick HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”!
Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play Robinson FiddlesBluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn