
Free Daily Podcast Summary
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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Liz talks with Grammy-winning songwriter, performer, and bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien about his remarkable musical journey—from accompanying Catholic folk masses as a teenager to becoming one of the most respected voices in acoustic music. They explore songwriting, creativity, touring, teaching, AI in music, and the deeply human connection at the heart of bluegrass. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Tim O’Brien’s Official Website Tim’s Songbook Upcoming Events of Note: Porch Stomp Folk Festival – June 20th @ Governors Island NYC Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYC Bayou Boogie Cajun / Creole Festival – June 19th to June 21st @ Goshen CT Music in this Episode: “Nellie Kane” – Tim O’Brien, with Hot Rize “Another Day” – Tim O’Brien Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”! We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026 We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins 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
This Festival Alert brings you the scoop on the Bayou Boogie Festival,It is New England’s newest Cajun & Zydeco Music & Dance Festival. Mike sits with Steve Riley - world famous accordion player and festival organizer - to get the story on this exciting event. The musicians of the Louisiana bayous are coming to the hills of Connecticut and we're giving you an advance peek! Enjoy. Info and tickets about the Bayou Boogie Festival More info on Steve Riley Productions Music Steve suggests for Cajun newbies: "Balfa Brothers Play Traditional Cajun Music" "Home Music with Spirits" by the Savoy Doucet Band "The Best of Clifton Chenier" Music by Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys in this edition: "Mamou Playboys Special" from their "Friday at Last" album "Oh Ma" - from their "Live at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival" album Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”! We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026 We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins 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
Mike gets to chat with Mary Lucey, member of the “WorldGrass” band TANASI. You’ll recognize the Appalachian roots and bluegrass instrumentation in their music. But there’s so much more … rhythms and melodies from all around the world blend and mix with those roots to create something new – and yet old at the same time. Pull up a chair and join the conversation. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: TANASI Debashish Bhattacharya Strawberry Music Festival Events of Note: Porch Stomp Folk Festival – June 20th @ Governors Island NYC Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to July 19th @ Oak Hill NYC Bayou Boogie Cajun / Creole Festival – June 19th to June 21st @ Goshen CT Music in this Episode: All music is from TANASI’s latest album “TANASI” “Rock the Cradle Joe / Ducks on the Mill Pond” “Mahala / Let’s Hold On” “Get Up / Ore Mi Kini Se” Click HERE to schedule time to “Tell Your Grey Fox Story”! We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2026 We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins 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
Liz dives deep with Brenna MacMillan into the realities of being a woman on tour in the bluegrass world. From songwriting and touring life to health, burnout, and creative inspiration, Brenna shares an honest and thoughtful look at life as a working musician. Plus: The Five Rules of Jamming. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Brenna MacMillan Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival: July 14th – 19th in Oak Hil NY Telluride Bluegrass Festival: June 18th – 21st in Telluride CO Podunk Bluegrass Festival: August 5th – 9th in Goshen CT Porch Stomp Folk Festival: June 20th in Governors Island NY Irish Haven Jam Sessions: Mondays 7:00 – 9:30PM Easten Music in this Episode: “Black Bear” – Brenna MacMillan, with Maddie Denton “Used to Live Here” – Brenna MacMillan We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox Festival! We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins 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
Liz explores one of our favorite themes: the Next Generation of Bluegrass. From festival jams to family band practice, rising mandolin player Leopold Schwartz shares his experiences growing up in music. Then his mom, Amanda, joins the conversation to share the realities—and rewards—of keeping up with four musical children. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Leopold Schwartz The Cattywampus Quartet family band Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NY Bluegrass Jams Near Me Music in this Episode: “Daybreak in Dixie” – Leopold Schwartz with Ronnie & Heaven McCoury We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox Festival! We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins B luegrass 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
Liz sits down with Jim Lauderdale to reflect on a lifetime in music—from touring and songwriting to working with artists like Ralph Stanley, George Jones, and Emmylou Harris. Jim shares stories, songwriting wisdom, and thoughtful perspectives on creativity, the impact of AI on the music industry, and what makes music truly human. Plus, we announce exciting news involving Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Jim Lauderdale Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NY Bluegrass Jams Near Me Music in this Episode: “The Birds Know” – Jim Lauderdale with the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys We are proud to be Podcast-in-Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox Festival! We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins 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
Big News!! Bluegrass BKLYN podcast has been named ‘Podcast-in-Residence’ at the 2026 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival! We are so excited and honored to be part of this iconic and historic event. Plans are in the works - interviews with the incredible line-up of artists, themed jams sessions, and the “Tell Your Grey Fox Story” initiative. Drop by our table and say ‘Hi’. We look forward to seeing you around the jam circle - at Grey Fox! Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NY We are proud to be Podcast in Residence at the 2026 Grey Fox Festival! We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact 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 Kira Grunenberg, accomplished music journalist, to explore her journey from classical training to writing about bluegrass, jazz, and beyond. They discuss improvisation, perfectionism, and how different musical worlds intersect—along with how the way we talk about music has changed over time. Join in the conversation and get the inside story … literally! Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Kira Grunenberg Events of Note: Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NY Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY BKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NY Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NY Music in this Episode: “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “June Apple” – Michael Daves, with Brittany Haas We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact 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
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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