Bluegrass BKLYN

S5E2 Bluegrass Artists You Should Know: Ira Gitlin!

Liz talks with musician, teacher, and bluegrass historian Ira Gitlin about his musical journey. Ira shares about performing with the Johnson Mountain Boys, his work documenting bluegrass history, and his passion for teaching the next generation of players. Along the way, he offers practical insights on musicianship, practice, and building community through jams and camps. Then, Mike and Liz recap their adventures at the Joe Val 2026 festival Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Ira Gitlin Johnson Mountain Boys1988 Lucketts VA Concert“Bluegrass, A History” by Neil RosenbergBluegrass Unlimited / @bluegrassunlimited Big Howdy BandBoston Bluegrass Union / @bbuorgBridges and Bows Violin ShopMissy Raines / @missyrainesStuart Duncan / @stubobduncanEvents of Note:Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJSilver Bay Wenick Method Camp – August 24th to August 28th @ Silver Bay, NY
Music in this Episode:“If I Lose” – Johnson Mountain Boys w/Ira Gitlin (14’30”)“Dust on the Roses” – Ira Gitlin
Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough” by NYC government! 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

S5M1 Iconic Venues: Cowgirl Seahorse

Tucked away in the South Street Seaport is one of New York’s iconic music venues - Cowgirl Seahorse Restaurant. Meet Gail Courtney and Steve Smith, who have worked for years to build up a music scene at this venue, providing support and encouragement to the entire bluegrass community. A real peek into the vibrant New York City bluegrass music scene. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Cowgirl Seahorse / @cowgirlseahorseSuss / @suss_bandPorch Stomp / @porchstompHuman Head Records / @humanheadnyc
Events of Note:Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ
Music in this Episode:“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings“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

S5E1 Bluegrass Legend Alice Gerrard!

Liz gets to speak with bluegrass pioneer Alice Gerrard for a wide-ranging conversation on music, legacy, and a lifetime in community. Alice reflects on her partnership with Hazel Dickens, her efforts to document traditional music, and on continuing to perform, write, and inspire. A warm, candid look at one of bluegrass music’s most influential voices. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Alice Gerrard / @alice.gerrardNorth Carolina Arts CouncilSouthern Music Research Org  Whole South Heritage WorksOld-Time Herald Magazine 
Music in this Episode:‘Custom Made Woman Blues’ – Alice Gerrard and Hazel Dickens‘Gallop to Kansas’ – Alice Gerrard
Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough” by NYC government! Click here to sign our petition ….
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We 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

S4M12 Women in Bluegrass: Laura Orshaw!

Iin this final episode in Season 5, Liz speaks with Laura Orshaw, vocalist, fiddle player and Artist In Residence at the Joe Val Festival presented by The Boston Bluegrass Union. They discuss Laura’s musical journey, educational activities, inspirations, experience as a woman in bluegrass… and plans for the big festival! Enjoy.Mentioned in this Episode:Laura Orshaw / @fiddlin_lauraJen LarsonBoston Bluegrass UnionDark Shadow Recording
Events of Note:Joe Val Festival – February 12th – 15thBruce Molsky @Westchester Bluegrass Club RESCHEDULED for February 15th
Music in this Episode:“Seeing the Best of You” – Laura Orshaw and The Slocan Ramblers“Red Bandana” – Laura Orshaw and the Slocan Ramblers
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 Linden 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

S4E12 Jim Pankey!

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 countess hopefuls on the course to banjo playing. Mike and Jim go in depth into how Jim tailors his teaching to how folks actually learn. Then, Liz and Mike re-cap their experience at the recent JAM-uary Weekend at the Ashokan Center, hosted by Austin Scelzo. Enjoy! 
Mentioned in this Episode:Jim Pankey / @wildjimboJim’s YouTube banjo lessonsJalopy TheatreThe Ashokan CenterAustin ScelzoBruno BruzzeseEvents of Note:Bruce Molsky @Westchester Bluegrass Club RESCHEDULED for February 15thOld-Time Square Dance @ Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Sunday February 15th SUBJECT TO SNOW DELAYMusic in this Episode:“Old Chattanooga” – Jim Pankey and the Hamilton County Ramblers“She Left Me Standing on the Mountain” – Jim Pankey and the Hamilton County Ramblers
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

S4M11 Rick Dollar!

Mike and Rick chop it up and talk about everything from podcasting to bluegrass musicians to museums to pickin' on the porch to ... NASCAR racing! Rick is the multifaceted host of 'The Rick Dollar Podcast Show' which brings interviews and insight into the world of bluegrass and it Apalachian roots. Enjoy this informal and informative discussion.Mentioned in this Episode:Rick Dollar Show Podcast / @rickdollarshowpodcastJunior Appalachian Musicians Gruhn GuitarsBilly StringsDan TyminskiMountain Grass Unit
Music in this Episode:“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings“Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass with Becky Buller
Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonescontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.comfollow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
 

S4E11 Women in Bluegrass: Celia Woodsmith!

Finally! Liz completes her Della Mae interview set with this fascinating conversation with Celia Woodsmith. Be prepared for a frank and personal discussion about her musical journey, joining Della Mae – and washboards! Plus, Mike and Liz celebrate bluegrass Grammy nominees with some music and some fun facts. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Celia Woodsmith / @celia.woodsmithDella Mae / @heyheydellamaeJalopy Theatre and School of MusicBluegrass by the Bridge Open Jam @ Delia’s LoungeLucinda’s Music BarBluegrass Jams Near Me
Events of Note:Della Mae @ Jalopy Theatre of Music, January 28th Jam-uary Wernick Bluegrass Weekend @ The Ashokan Center, January 16th – 18thBruce Molsky @ Westchester Bluegrass Club –January 18th
Music in this Episode:“Family Tree” – Della Mae“Kern County Breakdown” – Carter & Cleveland“Outrun” – The SteelDrivers“Headlight” – Della Mae
Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared the Bluegrass Borough … click here to sign our petitionPowered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonescontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.comfollow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
 

S4M10 Bruce Molsky!

Liz talks with Grammy-nominated master fiddler and Old-Time music legend Bruce Molsky. Listen in to get his take on personal interpretations of musical traditions from around the globe. Though best known for his work on the fiddle, Bruce is a multi-instrumentalist, including banjo and guitar, as well as an accomplished vocalist. We really loved getting to meet Bruce, we’re sure you will too. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Bruce Molsky  / @bruce_molskyDarol Anger / @darolangerfiddlerBerklee College of Music
Events of Note:Bruce Molsky @ Westchester Bluegrass Club –January 18th Bruce & Darol’s Great Bid Fiddle Hang – North Adams MA, June 14th – 18th
Music in this Episode:“Last of Calahan” – Bruce Molsky“Piney Mountain” – Bruce MolskyPowered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonescontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.comfollow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S4E10 Carl Ray Williams!

Something special in this episode – Mike gets to talk with Carl Ray Williams, a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Listen in as Carl tells of his long and winding road to success as a recording artist in the music business, a story of perseverance, faith, hard work, and a bit of luck! Plus, Liz and Mike and another Jam Talk, where they discuss how to prepare to bring a new song to a jam. Have fun!Mentioned in this Episode:Carl Ray Williams / @officialcarlrayCarl Ray’s Black Country Music Radio“Coming Home” on SpotifyDavid SussmanGlenn Spivak
Events of Note:Bruce Molsky @ Westchester Bluegrass Club –January 18th Andy’s Ramble @ Jalopy Theatre - January 18thDella Mae @ Jalopy Theatre – January 28th Jam Jersey @ Mahwah Doubletree Inn – March 20th – 22ndJam-Uary @ The Ashokan Center -  January 16th – 18th
Music in this Episode:“Mountainview Missionary Baptist Church” – Carl Ray“Get on Board” – Carl RayPowered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonescontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.comfollow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S4M9 Women in Bluegrass - Avril Smith!

Liz has an in-depth discussion with Avril Smith – lead guitar player in Della Mae – and they cover a lot of fascinating ground. Learn about Avril’s musical journey, her joining Della Mae, as well as her ‘other life’ working as an organizer and activist in the labor movement. And … what do our favorite A-list musicians do when they’re hanging around at home? Join the fun!Mentioned in this Episode:Avril Smith / @avrilplaysguitarKimber Ludiker / @kimberludikerAlison Brown / @alisononbanjoDella Mae / @heyheydellamaeDella Mae at Jalopy Theater – January 28th“Magic Accident” to be released on January 23rd
Music in this Episode:“Magic Accident” – Della Mae“16 Tons” – Della Mae, Avril Smith, Alison BrownPowered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonescontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.comfollow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved