Bluegrass BKLYN

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
 

S5E5 Dancing Fiddler Hillary Klug!

Mike and Hillary explore the unusual and interesting origin story of The Dancing Fiddler … and thank goodness for overpriced Nashville parking garages! She presents an very personal and revealing glimpse into her world – everything from the physical demands of dancing and fiddling, to the joy of learning new skills, to dealing with internet trolls. Then Dana Miller and Joe Rinehart of Brooklyn Contra to delve into the deep connection between our favorite music and the dancing it serves. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this Episode:Hillary Klug / @hillaryklugGrand Ole Opry / @opryDon FlemonsKeith SecorBeast GamesBrooklyn Contra / @brooklyncontradanceCamp Friendship, Brooklyn
Events of Note:Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJBrooklyn Contra Dance twice-monthly dance – next on March 22nd in Brooklyn NYThe 5 Borough Fling Annual Dance Festival – November 6th – 8th in Manhattan NYMusic in this Episode:Music is from Hillary’s upcoming album “The Dancing Fiddler”“Le Petit Chat Gris (The Little Grey Cat)”“Crawdad Song”- with Don Flemons and Keith Secor
Contribute to the Boathouse Jam 2026 Fundraiser! Click here to donate!
Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition ….
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

S5M4 Bluegrass Podcasting!

Liz leads a panel discussion with Kieth Billik - host of Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast, and Mike Willner – co-host of Bluegrass BKLYN. Everyone gets involved, covering the fun and challenges of creating, producing, and hosting a bluegrass podcast. Also, in a segment on ‘Jam Focus’, Mike talks with Liz Rabson Schnore and Christian Apuzzo about the celebrated Boathouse Jam. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this Episode:Picky Fingers Podcast / @picky_fingersLindsay Lou and the Flat BellysThe Ashokan Center Cowgirl Seahorse Mona’s Monday NightsRaven and RedLiz Rabson SchnoreChristian ApuzzoBoathouse Jam / @boathousejamGowanus Dredgers Canoe Club
Contribute to the Boathouse Jam Fundraiser! Click here to donate!
Events of Note:Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ
Music in this Episode:“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings“Freshly Picked” - podcast theme song, Kieth Billik“8th of February” – banjo solo, Kieth BillikBluegrass jam at the Boathouse, featuring Alex Deane“Another Empty Bottle” – Raven and Red
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
 

S5E4 Bassist Nelson Williams!

Liz sits with bassist and teacher Nelson Williams to discusses his musical path from French horn and classical bass in Baton Rouge to roots, jazz, and bluegrass influences, his work with Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, and the New Dangerfield project. Nelson reflects on being a Black musician in bluegrass and issues of history, access, and belonging. Mike gets the low-down on the Bayou Bluegrass Festival from Delta Hayride Association President, Michael Naquin. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode:Nelson WilliamsChris Jones & The Night DriversThe New DangerfieldDelta Hayride AssociationBayou Bluegrass Festival
Events of Note:Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd @ Doubletree Hotel, Mahwah NJCamp Bluegrass Pride 2026 – June 21st to 26th @ Astoria, Oregon
Music in this Episode:“Jenna’s Waltz” – The New Dangerfield
Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition ….
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
 

US Navy Banjo Player Chief Stiltner!

Liz sits down with Chief Musician Haley Stiltner, banjo player for the U.S. Navy Band’s country and bluegrass ensemble, Country Current. Chief Stiltner shares her journey from festival jams and East Tennessee State University to becoming the only billeted banjo player in the entire U.S. military.
They talk about auditioning for the Navy, nine weeks of boot camp at age 28, life as a Navy musician in Washington, D.C., and what it means to “take the Navy where ships can’t go.” She reflects on playing the Grand Ole Opry, honoring veterans through music, and how being surrounded by elite musicians has elevated her banjo playing to a new level. It’s a conversation about discipline, service, bluegrass tradition, and the unexpected paths a music career can take.
Mentioned in this Episode:Official Navy Band websiteCountry Current — official U.S. Navy Band channelCountry Current live performances & festival setsCountry Current Grand Ole Opry clips (2022 appearance)
Music in this Episode:"East Virginia Blues" - USN Band Country Current Band at Lakes Music Festival
Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition ….
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

S5E3 Master Songwriter Mike Mitchell!

We have an engaging and very personal conversation with songwriter, recording artist, fiddle player, and band leader Mike Mitchell. We were inspired by his frank and open sharing of his musical journey, songwriting challenges, and his dedication to support and mentor bluegrass’s future generations. Plus, Mike helps you lose those excuses that are keeping you from fulfilling your musical potential. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Mike Mitchell BandFloyd School of Music Rick LangMountain Fever RecordsBecky BullerIBMA Leadership Bluegrass
Events of Note:Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ
Music in this Episode:All selections are from The Mike Mitchell Band’s upcoming album “Love Songs, Torch & Bluegrass”“I’ll Take Virginia”“Cold Frosty Morning”“Bridge I Can’t Burn”
Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition ….
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
 

S5M2 Music we Also Love: Shane Hayes

Meet the accordion-playing front man for the famous Irish band ‘Socks in the Frying Pan’ – Shane Hayes. We cover so many fascinating topics with Shane … the band’s quirky origin story, Irish jam culture, song writing, touring and much more. Shane explains how the song selection came to be known as “Beetlejig Beetlejig, Beetlejig” … but continues to hold the secret of the band name’s meaning! We thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, we think you will too. Mentioned in this Episode:Socks in the Frying Pan / @socksmusicBertrand Gaillard AccordionsLouisiana International FestivalFlaco JiménezWalnut Valley Festival
Events of Note:Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ
Music in this Episode:“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings“Beetlejig, Beetlejig, Beetlejig” – Socks in the Frying Pan“Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller
Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough” by NYC government! Click here to sign our petition ….
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