Bluegrass BKLYN

Straight outta Brooklyn! Join Mike’s fascinating conversation with Avery Ballotta of the progressive, creative, innovative trio Damn Tall Buildings. Hear about the band’s journey from busking on street corners and off-ramps, to the bandstand, to the recording studio … to Saudi Arabia! Then, Liz introduces us to Phyllis Elkind, one of our home grown, locally *well* known artists we think you should know too. Enjoy! 
Mentions in this Episode: Damn Tall Buildings / @gramtallbuildings Sunset Park Music School ‘The Universe is Hungry’ Phyllis Elkind on Facebook The Sentimentals  
Upcoming Events of Note: Fiddle Hell - Westford MA, November 13-16 Jam Jersey – Mawah NJ, March 20 – 22 Winter Clothing Drive Jam – Strong Rope Brewery (Red Hook), November 20th  Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance): “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “Blue Bayou” – Damn Tall Buildings  Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones 
Listen to Bluegrass BKLYN on The Sonic Planet radio Saturday @ 9AM Eastern
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA  contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group   © Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved 
 

In this episode, Liz takes you along to the iconic Podunk Bluegrass Festival in Goshen, Connecticut — a beloved gathering that’s been bringing world-class bluegrass to New England since 1996. From the delicious food options to the late-night jams echoing through the campgrounds, Podunk is pure bluegrass magic. Liz chats with one of the festival’s food vendors about feeding hungry pickers, visits the Housatonic Stage for a listen to the Hosmer Mountain Boys,a family-style band that keeps the local tradition alive, and stops by the Litchfield Stage to talk with festival organizer Jeff Horton. You’ll also hear her interview with The Rock Hearts, whose hard-driving traditional sound and tight harmonies have made them New England favorites. Stick around till the end for some late-night jamming and behind-the-scenes festival moments you won’t want to miss! https://podunkbluegrass.com
Bands Mentioned in this Episode:Hosmer Mountain Boys - Simon Brogie (banjo), Keegan Day (guitar), Cathy Day (fiddle), Tom Bowman (bass), Red Day (mandolin), and Paul Wolfe (percussion) https://www.hosmermountainboys.com
Rock Hearts - Joe Deetz (banjo), Alex MacLeod (guitar & lead vocals), Billy Thibodeau (mandolin, vocals), Rick Brodsky (bass), Austin Scelzo (fiddle, baritone vocals) https://rockheartsbluegrass.com   
Stillwater - Trip Nickel (guitar), Yoni Musher (mandolin), Kiera Luu (double bass), George Horvat (fiddle), Jack Pasternak (dobro) https://stillwaterband.comIntro Music:"Are You Lonesome Tonight" - Michael Daves from 'Early Morning Sum'
Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonescontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

We kick off season 4 Mike having a free-wheeling interview with bluegrass legends Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter.  The discussion ranges from thoughts on recording an album, to practice advice, to origin stories, to … pizza! Plus, Liz visits with Trish Plays Bass, our friend of the show who has news about her recent and upcoming music releases. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode:Jason Carter / @jasoncarterfiddleMichael Cleveland / @michaelclevelandfiddleTrish Plays Bass‘Carter & Cleveland’ on Fiddleman RecordsThe Sonic Planet Radio Ear Trumpet Labs / @eartrumpetlabs
Upcoming Events of Note:Fiddle Hell - Westford MA, November 13-16Jam Jersey – Mawah NJ, March 20 – 22Winter Clothing Drive Jam – Strong Rope Brewery (Red Hook), November 20thMusic in this Episode (in order of Appearance):‘Outrun the Rain’ – Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland, Vince Gill, Jaelee Roberts‘Kern County Breakdown’ – Jason Carter, Michel ClevelandPowered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphonescontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.comfollow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Mike takes a musical journey to the Land Down Under - speaking with Neil Adam, a Victoria-based musician and one of the organizers of CresFest music festival. They discuss musical traditions, festivals, bands …. and the Gold Rush! Hear an overview of some of the most authentic bluegrass bands in Australia. Enjoy the trip!
Mentioned in this Episode:Neil Adam CresFest / @cresfestaus The High Street Drifters /  @highstreetdriftersThe Davidson BrothersNine Mile CreekThe Water RunnersMustered Courage
Fiddle Hell – November 13 – 16, Westford MAJam Jersey – March 20 – 22 2-26, Mahwah NJBluegrass Jams Near MeThe Sonic Planet Radio – Hear Bluegrass BKLYN starting November 8th
Music in this Episode (in order of appearance):The High Street Drifters – Snakes ReachThe High Street Drifters – Back to the Hills Davidson Brothers – Davidson CountyNine Mile Creek – Leaving RosineThe Water Runners – South Coast DreamingMustered Courage -  Southern StyleThe High Street Drifters – Words for Leaving
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.comfollow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Liz goes in-depth with Darin Aldridge, half of the Darin & Brooke Aldridge singing duo. Listen in on their discussion as they cover how Darin and Brooke formed their singing (and marital) partnership, Darin’s time with the legendary Country Gentlemen, the role of singing in jams and in professional bands. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode:Darin & Brooke Aldridge /  @darinandbrookealdridgeThe Country GentlemenMusic in this Episode (in order of Appearance):“A Million Memories”- Darin & Brooke Aldridge featuring Vince Gill on “Talk of the Town”
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMAcontact mike@bluegrassbklyn.comfollow @bluegrassbklyn / Bluegrass BKLYN group© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

We enjoy a free-wheeling and broad ranging conversation with the Bluegrass Man for All Seasons, Rick Faris - singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, band leader and … luthier! Rick shares his views on everything from the dynamics of a family band, to the right tone for guitar wood, to getting his voice heard on radio and recordings. In a new segment - Heart and Mind Music -  Mike explores ways to overcome the mental and emotional challenges facing the older music student. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode:Rick Faris Music / @rick.faris.guitarRick Faris Guitar Co.Dark Shadow Recording / @darkshadowrecording‘The Practice of Practice’ by Johathan HarnumFiddle Hell – November 13 – 16 in Westford MADarin & Brooke Aldridge @ Westchester Bluegrass Club – Thursday, October 23Roots Radio on The Sonic PlanetBluegrass by the Bridge Open Jam in BrooklynBluegrass Jams Near Me
Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):All music in this episode is from Rick’s new album, “Life’s Parade”“The Rabbit Hole”“The Sound of Lonely”“On the Right Track”“The Story of my Life”“Bend, Don’t Break”
Episode Index:Interview with Rick Faris – 3’43”Heart and Mind Music – 25’18”Concluding Comments – 33’27”
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA Listen to us on Roots Radio – Saturday and Sunday 9AM Eastern – starting 11-8-25© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Want to start a jam? Already lead one and could use some pro tips? Listen and learn - in this Special Edition, Liz shares her considerable experience and wisdom on how to start a jam, keep it going, and lead it successfully. Everything from marketing and promotion ideas to nitty-gritty logistics you need to consider. Enjoy this very special Jam Talk!, and go forth and jam!Mentions in this Episode:Bluegrass Jams Near MeWernick MethodEmail Liz for a copy of her Jam Song BookMusic in this Episode (in order of Appearance):“Big Ball in Brooklyn!” – Damn Tall BuildingsBluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Mike and Liz visit the Ashokan Center, where music, nature, art, and history have thrived and grown for more than four decades. Listen in on their fascinating conversation with Jay Ungar -  composer of “Ashokan Farewell” – and Molly Mason – musician, organizer, and former Prairie Home Companion Biscuit – and follow the incredible saga of this iconic venue. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode:Ashokan Center / @ashokancenter  Fiddle Hell  - Westford MA, November 16th – 18thBanjo Weekend 2025 – Ashokan Center, November 7th to 9thJam-uary Weekend 2026 – Ashokan Center, January 16th to 18thOpen Space Institute / @openspaceinstituteRoots Radio on The Sonic PlanetBluegrass Jams Near MeBluegrass by the Bridge JamMusic in this Episode (in order of Appearance):“Ashokan Farewell” – Jay Ungar from ‘Harvest Home’
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

In this Special Edition Liz explores the deep connections between the history of America, the banjo, and America’s folk music. Meet Matthew Sabatella of Ballad of America, who traces the African roots of the banjo from the Caribbean, through 19th century minstrelry, the jazz age, to bluegrass, up to today. Join us on this fascinating journey. Enjoy. 
Mentions in this Episode: Ballad of America Smithstonian Folkways Bluegrass Jams Near Me   Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance): “Foggy Morning Breaking” – Alison Brown and Steve Martin on “On Banjo” “Ralph’s Banjo Special” – Alison Brown, Kristin Scott Benson and Gina Britt  
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved 

Mike and Liz got an education at this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass. Did you know IBMA has a charitable foundation, and awards numerous grants and scholarships? Or that they offer a Leadership Program, organize community fundraisers … all kinds of stuff. We hear from Brad Kolodner - IBMA Board member, Austin Scelzo – Momentum Award Winner to learn more. Mike and Liz haunt the late-night Rambles and Showcases where hand-picked bands show their stuff. They got to talk with – and hear songs by - The Midnight Run, Backline, and Unfaithful Servants. Listen, learn, and tap your feet.
Mentions in this Episode:IBMA World of BluegrassIBMA Foundation Job PostingBrad KolodnerBaltimore Old Time Music Festival, Baltimore MD April 17 – 18Austin ScelzoConnecticut Bluegrass Association Part By Heart AppAcoustic Coffee https://www.acoustic.coffee/Seth Mulder and Midnight RunBacklineThe Unfaithful ServantsWernick Method Jam Camp, Warwick NY October 10 – 12 Fiddle Hell, Westford MA November 13 - 16Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):“Columbus Stockade Blues” – Jake Jolliff Band on ‘The Jake Jolliff Band’“Liza Jane” – Hilary Hawke Band on ‘Lift Up This Old World’“Looking Past the Pain” – Seth Mulder and Midnight Run on “Coming on Strong’“Dark Rolling Deep” – Backline“Fallen Angel” – The Unfaithful Servants on ‘Fallen Angel’“Another Empty Bottle” – Raven and Red on ‘We Rise Up’
Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved