Bluegrass BKLYN

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

S4E9 Addendum: Our Intro Music!

You’ve been listening to some great music at the start of our episodes … but in 30 second clips! As a bonus, we’re posting the full-length versions of our introduction music for Season 4 and a bit beyond. Enjoy!Selected Episode Introduction Music:‘Outrun the Rain’ – Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland, Vince Gill, Jaelee Roberts“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings5 String Wake-Up Call” – Shelby Means‘Coal Black Water’ – Missy Raines & Allegheny“Stoney Lonesome” – Andy Statman and Ricky Skaggs“Bienvenue” – Le Vent du Nord“Orphan Annie” – Nate Sabat on ‘Bass Fiddler’“I’ve Endured” – Michael Daves from ‘Early Morning Sun’ “Gone Home” – Gene Yellin and the Sentimentals“Second Fiddle Blues” – Austin Scelzo and Vickie Vaughn“Outrun” – The SteelDrivers“The Rabbit Hole’ – Rick Faris“Where the Soul of Man Never Dies” – Rick Snell and the Six Deadly Venoms“Girl’s Breakdown” –  Alison Brown“You’ve Rambled Too Long” – Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Country Band‘Fisher’s Hornpipe’ – Emory Lester & Mark Johnson
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

S4E9 2025 Wrap Up!

Mike and Liz reflect on the first year of the Bluegrass BKLYN podcast. They reflect on the most interesting, informative, and surprising episodes. It’s a short episode, but fun … so enjoy and join us in looking forward to 2026 filled with the music we love!
Mentions in this Episode:The Sonic Planet Radio Ear Trumpet Labs / @eartrumpetlabsSelected Episode Introduction Music:‘Outrun the Rain’ – Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland, Vince Gill, Jaelee Roberts“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings5 String Wake-Up Call” – Shelby Means‘Coal Black Water’ – Missy Raines & Allegheny“Stoney Lonesome” – Andy Statman and Ricky Skaggs“Bienvenue” – Le Vent du Nord“Orphan Annie” – Nate Sabat on ‘Bass Fiddler’“I’ve Endured” – Michael Daves from ‘Early Morning Sun’ “Gone Home” – Gene Yellin and the Sentimentals“Second Fiddle” – Austin Scelzo and Vickie Vaughn“Outrun” – The SteelDrivers“Rabbit Hole’ – Rick Faris“Where the Soul of Man Never Dies” – Rick Snell and the Six Deadly Venoms“Girl’s Breakdown” –  Alison Brown“You’ve Rambled Too Long” – Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Country Band‘Fisher’s Hornpipe’ – Emory Lester & Mark Johnson
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

S4M8 Tammy Rogers King!

Join Liz and get to know Tammy Rogers King, the dynamic fiddle player of The SteelDrivers. You’ll hear twin interviews; one conducted by Della Mae band leader and fiddler Kimber Ludiker and the other by Liz. They delve into every aspect of Tammy’s career - starting in a family band, formation of The SteelDrivers, songwriting, life on the road, being a woman in bluegrass … and winning a Grammy. Enjoy!
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Mentions in this Episode:Tammy Rogers King
The SteelDrivers
“Outrun” on Sun RecordsKimber Ludiker
Della MaeThe Ashokan Center / @ashokancenter
 
Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):“Outrun” – The SteelDrivers
“When the Last Teardrop Falls” – The SteelDriversPowered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesListen to Bluegrass BKLYN on The Sonic Planet Radio Saturday @ 9AM Eastern Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group © Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
 

S4M7 Let's Talk Music Education!

Mike is joined by three experienced music educators – Austin Scelzo, Matt Curley, and Liz Wolfe  -in a panel discussion covering all aspects of teaching and learning music. We get some surprising takes on the value of music theory, music education in public schools … and, why Mike took up the bassoon in junior high school! Listen in on this fun, informal and informative discussion. Enjoy!
 
Mentions in this Episode:Austin Scelzo / @austinscelzoMatt Curley / @matthew_curley
The Wernick Method
Summer Music Camps or Kids and Teems
Grants and Scholarships for Kids and Traditional Musicians
Bluegrass Jams Near Me
Events of Note:Jam-uary Weekend, The Ashokan Center – January 16-18Austin’s Fiddle Heaven – Pamona Beach FL March 13 - 15
Creative Strings Academy Retreat – Asheville NC June – July 2026
 
Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):“Second Fiddle Blues” – Austin Scelzo with Vickie Vaughn  “Where Do We Go From Here” – Austin Scelzo, On the Trail
Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesListen to Bluegrass BKLYN on The Sonic Planet Radio Saturday @ 9AM Eastern Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group © Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
 

S4E7 Michael Daves!

Mike gets to talk with Altlanta-born / Brooklyn’s own Michael Daves. The noted Bluegrass master vocalist, guitar virtuoso, and educator catches us up on all his latest doings – everything from recording EPs, to leading his Artistworks bluegrass vocal school … to Wild Geraniums! Also, Liz shares her wisdom on the role of singing in jams – and why you can sing just fine even if you don’t think so. Enjoy!
 
Mentions in this Episode:Michael Daves @michael.davesWild Geranium Records / @wildgeraniumrecords“Early Morning Sun”
Alex Hargreaves / @alexhargreaves.music
Eric Alvar / @erikalvarJacob Jolliff / @jacob.jolliff
Bluegrass Jams Near Me
Jalopy Theatre / @jalopybrooklyn
Artistworks School of Bluegrass Vocals
Events of Note:Flatfoot Flatbush, December 21stNew Year’s Winter Camp at the Ashokan Center, December 29th – January 1st 2026
Andy’s Ramble at Jalopy Theater, January 18th 2026
Della Mae at Jalopy Theater, January 28th 2026
 
Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):“I’ve Endured” – Michael Daves from ‘Early Morning Sun’ “Can’t Get There From Here” – Michael Daves from the upcoming release ‘Fables’
Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesListen to Bluegrass BKLYN on The Sonic Planet Radio Saturday @ 9AM Eastern Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group © Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S4M6 Fiddle Hell Recap!

Join Mike on his four-day journey to Hell … Fiddle Hell. This unique musical experience offers dozens and dozens of workshops with top-tier artists, non-stop jamming, a dozen music genres. Meet the organizers, teachers, vendors, music, and players who make this event so special. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode:David Reiner
Fiddle Hell with information on Fiddle Hell On-LineBruce MolskyDarol Anger
Bruce & Darol’s Great Big Fiddle Hang, North Adams MA – June 14th – 16th 2026Cat SlabodaLinden Frederick and his violins
Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesListen to Bluegrass BKLYN on The Sonic Planet Radio Saturday @ 9AM Eastern Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group © Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S4E6 NYC Bluegrass History!

Mike and Liz get to hear two first-hand accounts of the birth of the bluegrass movement in New York, and how it grew and evolved over the years. Bluegrass singer and guitarist Gene Yellin was right there when our favorite music took root in iconic Washington Square Park. Fiddler Alan Kaufman tells us his journey through that historic time … only this time with knishes! Enjoy this fascinating piece of our musical history, told by those who lived it. 
 
Mentions in this Episode:Gene Yellin / gyellin1@rcn.comHudson Vally Bluegrass AssociationAlan Kaufman / alanfiddler@gmail.com
“Yodeling” with Jimmy Fallon and Brad Pitt
Events of Note:Flatfoot Flatbush, December 21stNew Year’s Winter Camp at the Ashokan Center, December 29th – January 1st 2026
Andy’s Ramble at Jalopy Theater, January 18th 2026
Della Mae at Jalopy Theater, January 28th 2026
 
Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):“Gone Home” – The Sentimentals: Gene Yellin, Phyllis Elkind, Trip Henderson“Busted” Gene Yellin & Andy Statman“I Heard the Bluebirds Sing” – Gene Yellin and Phylis ElkindPowered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesListen to Bluegrass BKLYN on The Sonic Planet Radio Saturday @ 9AM Eastern Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group © Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S4M5 Le Vent du Nord!

Mike sits down with Olivier Demers, fiddler  - or violineur - of Le Vent du Nord and learns about the Quebecois style of roots music. Hear about the history of musical migration, fiddle tuning, touring with life balance … and foot tapping! Enjoy this fun and fascinating episode – and maybe add a new genre of music to your play list.
Mentions in this Episode:Le Vent du Nord / @leventdunordquebec‘Voisinages’ album on SpotifyLa Bottine SourianteMusic in this Episode (in order of Appearance):“Bienvenue” – Le Vent du Nord“Salut Réjéan” – Le Vent du Nord“Fleur Radieuse” – Le Vent du Nord “Du Nord au Sud’ – Le Vent du NordPowered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesListen to Bluegrass BKLYN on The Sonic Planet Radio Saturday @ 9AM Eastern Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group © Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

S4E5 Home Grown, Locally Known: Nate Sabat!

Liz sits down with bassist, vocalist, composer, and educator Nate Sabat, whose work spans bluegrass, folk, songwriting, and innovative solo bass performance. Nate shares the story behind his album Bass Fiddler—a bold project featuring only upright bass and voice. They touch on his roots in New York, his musical education at Berklee; his collaborations, and the joy of community-based jamming and national touring. Plus – we get to meet Landon, Sam, and Tom of the Brooklyn-based trio Down North Bluegrass. They are all excited about their forthcoming EP, and now we are too! Enjoy.
 
Mentions in this Episode:Nate Sabat / @natesabatBass FiddlerTray Wellington / @traywellingtonThe Foreign Landers / @theforeignlandersThe Young People’s Chorus of NYCBruce Molsky / @bruce_molskyDown North Bluegrass / @downnorthbluegrassDavid Chernack / @dchernackErik Alvar / @erikalvarConveyor Studios in BrooklynProspect Bar and GrillSaturn RoadJalopy TheaterEvents of Note:Nate Sabat with Eliza Edens - The Owl Music Parlor, December 14th
Flatfoot Flatbush – Starts at Flatbush and Carlton, December 21stJam Jersey – March 20th – 22nd 2026Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):“Orphan Annie” – Nate Sabat on ‘Bass Fiddler’“Year of the Ox” - Nate Sabat on ‘Bass Fiddler’“I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground” – Down North BluegrassPowered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonesListen to Bluegrass BKLYN on The Sonic Planet Radio Saturday @ 9AM Eastern Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group © Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved