Bluegrass BKLYN

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
 

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