Bluegrass BKLYN

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

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
 

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
 

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

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
 

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

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

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

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 ….
Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones
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

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