Shows
Bluegrass BKLYNS4E5 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...
2025-12-0438 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS4M4 Greg Kotis!Liz sits down with Greg Kotis - playwright behind Urinetown - discuss his unexpected journey into bluegrass and how it became a defining creative force. From picking up a banjo during the pandemic to weaving old-time tunes into original theatrical work, he shares how bluegrass reshaped his artistic life and inspired productions like The End of All Flesh and the fully improvised musical The Wayfaring Strangers. It’s a conversation about creativity, community, and the surprising places a single instrument can lead—and how a chance jam session forged a whole new chapter in his work. Enjoy!
Mentions...
2025-12-0118 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS4E4 Andy Statman!Ready for some musical inspiration? Listen to bluegrass legend Andy Statman's story on mastering multiple instruments and crossing musical borders. Andy also shares his philosophy on mastering a musical an achieving self-expression in your music. Also, we check in with the talented young musician Riyae Park to find out what this Bluegrass Brooklynite has been up to. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode:
Andy Statman Trio / @statmanandy
Barbes / @barbesbrooklyn
‘Bluegrass Tracks’ by Andy Statman
Riyae Park @riyae_music
11th Annual Roots ‘n’ Ruckus Festival – December 3 - 6
Jalopy Theater and School of Music
Bluegr...
2025-11-2740 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS4M3 Ear Trumpet Labs!Mike dives into the interesting and surprising world of … microphones! Philip Graham, proprietor of Ear Trumpet Labs provides a fascinating insight into the design, construction, and proper use of this essential part of our musical lives. Find out the inspiration for the classic iconic look of Ear Trumpet mics, and meet Dephina, Wanda, Nadine … all mics in the Ear Trumpet line up. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode:
Ear Trumpet Labs / @eartrumpetlabs
Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):
“Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings
“Another Empty Bottle” – Raven and Red
Powered...
2025-11-2427 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS4E3 Women in Bluegrass: Missy Raines!Join Liz in an amazing conversation with bluegrass legend Missy Raines - the first woman to be awarded IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year, winning it a total of ten times. She shares openly about growing up bluegrass, making it in the music industry … and learning to cuss! Then, Mike and Liz have a Jam Talk about their favorite songs to call in jams. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode:
Missy Raines / @missyraines
‘Love & Trouble’ by Missy Raines & Allegheny
‘Easy Standards Songbook’ download
Bluegrass BKLYN on FaceBook
Upcoming Events of Note:
AJ Lee...
2025-11-2036 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS4M2 Women in Bluegrass: Shelby Means!In this episode, Liz sits down with two standout voices in today’s acoustic music scene. First up is Shelby Means, whose soulful songwriting and unmistakable bass groove shines on her new album. They discuss stories behind the songs, her upcoming tour … and an alternative use for the banjo!
Next, Liz chats with Chris Coole of the Lonesome Ace String Band, one of today’s most respected old-time and bluegrass groups. Chris gives us a preview of the band’s upcoming show at the Westchester Bluegrass Club on November 21, and they cover everything from what makes their sound so rich...
2025-11-1636 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS4E2 Damn Tall Buildings!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:
2025-11-1342 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS4M1 Festival Recap - Podunk Bluegrass Festival!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 inte...
2025-11-1030 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS4E1 Carter and Cleveland!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 / @jasoncarterfiddle
Michael Cleveland / @michaelclevelandfiddle
Trish Plays Bass
‘Carter & Cleveland’ on Fiddleman Records
The Sonic Planet Radio
Ear Trumpet Labs / @eartrumpetlabs
Upcoming Events of Note:
Fiddle Hell...
2025-11-0645 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E12 Bluegrass Down Under!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 / @highstreetdrifters
The Davidson Brothers
Nine Mile Creek
The Water Runners
Mustered Courage
Fiddle Hell – November 13 – 16, Westford MA
Jam Jersey – March 20 – 22 2-26, Mahwah NJ
Blue...
2025-10-2331 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3SE5 Darin Aldridge!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 / @darinandbrookealdridge
The Country Gentlemen
Music 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 t...
2025-10-2024 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E11 Rick Faris!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.guitar
Rick Faris Guitar Co.
Dar...
2025-10-1635 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3SE4 Jam Talk!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 Me
Wernick Method
Email Liz for a copy of her Jam Song Book
Music in this Episode (in order...
2025-10-1324 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E10 Iconic Venues: The Ashokan Center!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 – 18th
Banjo Weekend 2025 – Ashokan Center, November 7th to 9th
Jam-uary Weekend 2026 – Ashokan Center, January 16th to 18th
Open Space Institute / @openspaceinstitute
Roots Radio on...
2025-10-0937 min
Bluegrass BKLYNSE3 Ballad of America!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”...
2025-10-0628 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E9 IBMA Event Recap!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...
2025-10-0247 min
Bluegrass BKLYNSE2 California Bluegrass Association!This special edition explores the work of the California Bluegrass Association. Executice Director Pete Ludé gives tells us about the Association … We were surprised and impressed with the many programs and initiatives they lead to help our musicians and sustain our music. Listen in and learn more.
Mentioned in this Episode:
California Bluegrass Association / @californiabluegrass
International Bluegrass Music Association / @intlbluegrass
Bluegrass Jams Near Me
Bluegrass BKLYN / @bluegrassbklyn
Music in this Episode – All kindly provided by local artists!
“Where the Soul of Man Never Dies” – Rick Snell and t...
2025-09-2920 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E8 Home Grown, Locally Known with Rick Snell!Everyone in New York and many around the country (and even the world) know about Mona’s Bluegrass Session. Mike gets to chat with Rick Snell – NYC-based guitarist and singer – host and organizer of that iconic session. Liz and Mike swap initial impressions of the 2025 IBMA World of Bluegrass and learn about … bluegrass coffee! Join the fun.
Some Mentions in this Episode:
Rick Snell / @ricksnell
Mona’s Bluegrass Session
International Bluegrass Music Association World of Bluegrass / @iintlbluegrass
Acoustic Coffee Company / @acousticcoffeecompany
Seth Mulder and Midnight Run / @midnightrun...
2025-09-2538 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E7 Women in Bluegrass: Alison Brown!In this very special episode Liz talks with Alison Brown, virtuoso banjo player, First Lady of Bluegrass, Grammy award winner. She shares her insight into our favorite music, the industry, the increasing role women in bluegrass – and encourages Liz to take up the banjo! Plus, Mike reviews the roots and predecessors of banjo-playing women.
Some Mentions in this Episode:
Alison Brown / @alisononbanjo
Banjo Basecamp: October 6 – 10 in North Adams MA
Alison’s Banjo School on Artistworks
IBMA World of Bluegrass: September 16 – 20 in Chattanooga TN
Fiddle Hell: November 16 -20 in Westford MA
Wernick Method J...
2025-09-1830 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E6 Martha Spencer and Lucas Pasley!Mike gets to chat with Martha Spencer, leader of the Wonderland Country Band, and fiddle player Lucas Pasley. They share about their musical roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains, self-expression in music, … and some surprising fiddle-playing techniques! Liz and Mike have another Jam Talk, where they discuss different jam cultures, finding the right jam for you, and … sousaphones. Join us!
Mentioned in this Episode:
Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Country Band / @marthaalice_in_wonderland
“Wonderland” by Martha Spencer
Lucas Pasley / Lucas on Patreon
Women in Roots Project
The Blue Ridg...
2025-09-1131 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E5 Emory Lester!Bluegrass legend and mandolin virtuoso Emory Lester shares his insights into the development of style and technique in bluegrass, his experiences playing with bluegrass royalty … and his belt-length hair and rock-and-roll career! Plus, we get to meet Brooklyn’s own Alex Deane (by way of Nashville TN), and discuss her growing up in bluegrass, and tips on jamming. Enjoy!
Mentions in this Episode:
Emory Lester
emorylester.com Emory Lester on Facebook
‘1863’ – Emory Lester & Mark Johnson
Alex Deane
@alexdeanemusic
Michael Daves
@michael.daves michaeldaves.com
...
2025-09-0437 min
Bluegrass BKLYNSE1: The Last Revel!Our very first Special Edition! We meet Lee Henke, Ryan Acker, and Vinny Donatelle of The Last Revel, who have been delivering driving music and emotionally powerful lyrics for years. They share about the band's history, song writing, touring, and their latest album 'Gone for Good'. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this episode:
The Last Revel
@thelastrevel thelastrevel.com
"Gone for Good" on Spotify
The Mercury Lounge East
Music in this Episode, in order of appearance:
'Solid Gone' - The Last Revel
'Simple Wheel' - The Last R...
2025-08-3117 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E4: Home Grown, Locally Known!Mike chats with some of our favorite local musicians and they share their musical journeys. Raven and Red (Mitchell Lane and Brittany Jones) are Tennessee transplants who have taken root and thrive here in the East. Emma Turoff is an extraordinary mandolinist who is Brooklyn born and bred. Also – how well do you know the Bluegrass Borough? Take Liz’s Brooklyn Quiz and find out!
Mentions in this Episode:
Raven and Red
ravenandred.com @raven_and_red
Emma Turoff
@emmaroseturroff youtube: @emmaroseturoff7760
Berklee College of Music
berklee.edu @berkleecollege
Fiddl...
2025-08-2830 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E3: Women in Bluegrass: Becky Buller!Liz chats with Becky Buller, 10-time IBMA award winner and fiddle virtuoso. They cover Becky’s life in bluegrass music, her new album “Songs that Sing Me”, what it’s like to win an IBMA award – and her daughter’s dance recital! We also learn about the Westchester Bluegrass Club, an amazing venue just north of New York City where we can go hear the top bluegrass musicians. Join us!
Mentions in this Episode
Becky Buller
@beckybullerofficial beckybuller.com
“Songs that Sing Me” on Dark Shadow Recordings
International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA...
2025-08-2131 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS3E2: Iconic Venues: Sunny's Bar!Liz and Mike kick off a new ‘Iconic Venues’ theme … and where else but at Sunny's Bar in Red Hook, Brooklyn! Liz interviews Tone (pronounce too-na) Johansen, the owner of Sunny's, who shares her musical background, her passion for bluegrass, and some advice for new jammers. Mike chats with Tim Davis, a longtime regular at Sunny's, who gives us a glimpse into the magic of the Sunny’s jam community. Join us!
Mentions in this Episode:
Sunny’s Bar Red Hook @sunnysbarofficial
“The Wind and the Rain – A Story about Sunny’s Bar”
“Homecoming” by To...
2025-08-1435 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS2E12: Tatiana Hargreaves!We meet Tati Hargreaves (yes, that Hargreaves), a brilliant fiddler and dedicated music educator who is helping to reshape the sound and repertoire of old time music and bluegrass! We explore her approach to teaching and learning, her career as competing in Texas Style fiddle contests, jamming - and how all that shapes her music today. Also, Liz and Mike get into some jam busting in the new segment "Jam Talk"! Enjoy the episode.
Mentions in this Episode:
Tatiana Hargreaves
@dragonfiddler
tatianahargreaves.com
Bluegrass by the Stroll @ Delia's Lounge 7/18/25
facebook.com...
2025-07-1734 min
Bluegrass BKLYNS1E1: Christian Apuzzo!Our first episode! We get to speak with Christian Apuzzo, the BKLYN-based singer, guitar player, band leader, jam leader ... Also, we have some fun with Bluegrass Mount Rushmore!
© Copyright 2025 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved
2025-01-2338 min