Bluegrass BKLYN

Liz explores one of our favorite themes: the Next Generation of Bluegrass. From festival jams to family band practice, rising mandolin player Leopold Schwartz shares his experiences growing up in music. Then his mom, Amanda, joins the conversation to share the realities—and rewards—of keeping up with four musical children. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Leopold SchwartzThe Cattywampus Quartet family bandGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NYBluegrass Jams Near MeMusic in this Episode:“Daybreak in Dixie” – Leopold Schwartz with Ronnie & Heaven McCoury
We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox Festival!
We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Bluegrass 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 Jim Lauderdale to reflect on a lifetime in music—from touring and songwriting to working with artists like Ralph Stanley, George Jones, and Emmylou Harris. Jim shares stories, songwriting wisdom, and thoughtful perspectives on creativity, the impact of AI on the music industry, and what makes music truly human. Plus, we announce exciting news involving Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy!Mentioned in this Episode:Jim LauderdaleGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NYBluegrass Jams Near MeMusic in this Episode:“The Birds Know” – Jim Lauderdale with the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox Festival!
We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesWe exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reservedContact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

Big News!! Bluegrass BKLYN podcast has been named ‘Podcast-in-Residence’ at the 2026 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival! We are so excited and honored to be part of this iconic and historic event. Plans are in the works - interviews with the incredible line-up of artists, themed jams sessions, and the  “Tell Your Grey Fox Story” initiative. Drop by our table and say ‘Hi’. We look forward to seeing you around the jam circle - at Grey Fox!Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NYWe are proud to be Podcast in Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox 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
 

Liz sits down with Kira Grunenberg, accomplished music journalist, to explore her journey from classical training to writing about bluegrass, jazz, and beyond. They discuss improvisation, perfectionism, and how different musical worlds intersect—along with how the way we talk about music has changed over time. Join in the conversation and get the inside story … literally! Enjoy!
Mentioned in this Episode:Kira GrunenbergEvents 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 NYGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NYMusic in this Episode:“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings“June Apple” – Michael Daves, with Brittany HaasWe 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

An incredible interview with banjo legend Tony Trischka to wrap up Season 5 of our podcast. Mike gets to talk with this towering figure in the world of bluegrass, banjo virtuoso, and wonderful human being –Tony explores his musical journey, his banjo Mount Rushmore, the epic Earl Jam project … and some of the unusual merch at his concerts! We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed speaking with Tony. Mentioned in this Episode:Tony TrischkaEarl Jam 2Béla FleckMichael ClevelandSam BushSymphony Space in NYCDelfest AcademyEvents 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 NYGrey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NYMusic in this Episode:“Columbus Stockade Blues” – Tony Trischka, with Del McCoury“Brown’s Ferry Blues” – Tony Trischka, with Billy Strings“Maple On The Hill” – Tony Trischka, with Sister SadieWe 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
 

Liz and Mike recap Jam Jersey, diving into what it took to bring the event to life—from planning and structure to the jams themselves. They share what worked, what they learned, and offer practical advice for anyone thinking about hosting their own bluegrass event. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this Episode:Liz WolfeJordan RichmondPioneer Vally Flame ThrowersJam Jersey
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 NY
Music in this Episode:“Another Empty Bottle” – Raven and Red on their “We Rise Up” album“All About You” – Liz Wolfe and Mike McDonnall at Jam Jersey Open MicWe 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
 

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

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

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

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