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Bluegrass BKLYN: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Mike Willner
Check out the vibrant bluegrass music scene here in Brooklyn, NYC - and beyond. Join your hosts Mike Willner and Liz Wolfe to meet the musicians and teachers, explore the venues and events, and share the stories and community in the Bluegrass Borough .... and beyond. We’ll talk classic bluegrass, bluegrass-adjacent music, vendors, instruments, jam camps, current events, gear ... you know, all the good stuff! So give a listen, we’ll have a fine old time.
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- Today43 min
S6E11 Soulful Songwriter Darren Nicholson!
Meet Darren Nicholson, son of Western North Carolina who brings generations of pickin’ and singin’ to his music. Join the wide-ranging conversation about the soul of bluegrass, virtuosi showcases vs singable songs, and enjoy a game of ‘musical tag’ Darren and Mike play. Also, we’re proud to introduce our new sponsor – Peghead Nation on-line music school. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Darren Nicholson Darren’s album “Lonesome Trails & Tall Tales” Peghead Nation on-line music school Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN Upcoming Events of Note: Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WV Podunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CT Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan Center Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Music in this Episode: “All Trains Come to Pass” “Windows Have Pains” “Get Me Down the Line” “Any Highway” “I’ve Got No Tears Left to Cry” “Eager Overachiever” “Big Sky” “Dillsboro Blues” Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
- 3 days ago25 min
S6M10 Music Educator Harry Gambrill!
Whether you're new to bluegrass or looking to improve your jamming skills, Harry Gambrill shares practical wisdom drawn from years of teaching and performing. Learn how to build confidence, communicate in a jam, and stop waiting for the "perfect" moment to join in. Plus, find out more about the Wernick Method Silver Bay jam camp. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Harry Gambrill The Jersey Corn Pickers Upcoming Events of Note: AFBA Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival – July 30th to August 2nd @ Wind Gap PA Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WV Podunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CT Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan Center Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Music in this Episode: ‘Sweet Corn Picking’ – Harry Gambrill & The Jersey Corn Pickers “Bywater Breakdown” – Harry Gambrill & The Jersey Corn Pickers Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
- 5 days ago16 min
Festival Alert: Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival!
Liz talks with Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival organizer Shanna Conner about what makes this award-winning festival such a favorite among bluegrass fans. From world-class music and late-night picking to volunteers, community, and the bluegrass family, discover why so many people return to Podunk year after year. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Podunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CT Music in this Episode: “Slow Rolling Train” – J.M. Clifford “Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
- 1 weeks ago54 min
S6E10 Award-winning Singer Greg Blake!
Liz talks with award-winning vocalist and guitarist Greg Blake about the lessons he's learned from decades of performing, teaching, and making music. From what creates a great singer to the importance of rhythm guitar, audience connection, and finding your own musical voice, Greg shares thoughtful insights for musicians at every level. Plus, Liz and Mike look back on their experience as Podcast-in-Residence at this year's Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Greg Blake Special Consensus Grey Fox Music Festival Planning Stages, the festival event planners JM Clifford Della Mae Upcoming Events of Note: Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WV Podunk Bluegrass Festival – August 5th to 9th @ Goshen CT Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan Center AFBA Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival – July 30th to August 2nd @ Wind Gap PA Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Music in this Episode: ‘Victim of the Game’ – Greg Blake ‘Love Found Me’ – Greg Blake, with Becky Buller Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
- 1 weeks ago29 min
S6M9 Instant Replay - 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 countless hopefuls on the road to banjo playing. Mike and Jim go in depth into how Jim tailors his approach to how folks actually learn. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Jim Pankey / @wildjimbo Jim’s YouTube banjo lessons Events of Note: Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week - August 3 - 7 @ Elkins WV Ashokan Center Bluegrass Camp - August 10 - 14 @ Olivebridge NY Music in this Episode: "Slow Rolling Train" - JM Clifford "Cherokee Shuffle' - Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller Our Sponsors: We learn and grow on Peghead Nation online music learning platform We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
- 2 weeks ago44 min
S6E9 Master Mandolinist David Benedict!
Mike chats with David Benedict – mandolin master and well-known YouTube and Patreon personality. David delves into his musical roots, his somewhat DIY musical education, the impact of the pandemic on his career, his somewhat DIY band, and his somewhat DIY album. We learn about his band, the Foreign Landers as well as his upcoming concerts and tours. Plus – Mike tests you mandolin ear with a “Name That Mandolinist” quiz. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode David Benedict David’s YouTube channel The Foreign Landers Josh Clark, Sound Engineer Upcoming Events of Note: Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd – August 7th @ Elkins WV Ashokan Center Bluegrass Week – August 10th- August 14th @ Olivebridge NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th – September 6th @ Mill Spring NC Music in this Episode: “When the Morning Comes” – The Foreign Landers “In Such a Short Time” – East Nash Grass “Charleston Ramble” – Andy Statman “Rabbit in the Log” – Chris Thile & Michael Daves “Into the True Country” – David Benedict “Made to Wonder” – The Foreign Landers Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”! Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026 Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play Robinson Fiddles Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
- 2 weeks ago36 min
S6M8 2025 Telluride Band Contest Winner Rachel Sumner!
Liz sits down with singer / songwriter Rachel Sumner to reflect on the journey that shaped Rachel’s music and career - from volunteering at Telluride to winning its prestigious Band Contest. They discuss the courage it takes to write songs that tackle meaningful subjects, band chemistry, creative inspiration, and how they made their mark on one of bluegrass's biggest stages. Then Liz reflects on her own experience attending Telluride for the first time. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Rachel Sumner Telluride Bluegrass Festival Upcoming Events of Note: Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYC Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week – August 3rd to 7th @ Elkins WV Bluegrass Week – August 10th – 14th @ The Ashokan Center Music in this Episode: Music is from Rachel’s album “Traveling Light” “When I Was a Cowboy” “Yodelay” Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”! Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026 Our Sponsors: We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
- 3 weeks ago35 min
S6E8 Women in Bluegrass: Jen Larson!
Liz talks with bluegrass vocalist, songwriter, historian, and educator Jen Larson about her remarkable journey from New York City jam sessions to preserving bluegrass history. They discuss Jen's work on the first full biography of Hazel Dickens, her years performing in New York, the importance of welcoming jam communities, and her passion for education, archives, and ensuring bluegrass history is preserved for future generations. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Jen Larson Projects Augusta Heritage Center – Bluegrass Week – Auguest 3rd – 7th in Elikins WV Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum Upcoming Events of Note: Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYC Music in this Episode: “Rock Island Line” – Jen Larson “Burning House of Love” – Jen Larson Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”! Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026 Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play Robinson Fiddles Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn
About Bluegrass BKLYN
Check out the vibrant bluegrass music scene here in Brooklyn, NYC - and beyond. Join your hosts Mike Willner and Liz Wolfe to meet the musicians and teachers, explore the venues and events, and share the stories and community in the Bluegrass Borough .... and beyond. We’ll talk classic bluegrass, bluegrass-adjacent music, vendors, instruments, jam camps, current events, gear ... you know, all the good stuff! So give a listen, we’ll have a fine old time.
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