Bluegrass BKLYN

You might be as surprised as Mike was to learn about all the incredible work the IBMA Foundation does to support our favorite music. Listen in on his discussion with Cassie Wright, the Executive Director of the Foundation. She outlines the Foundation’s programs and objectives … and explains how she ended up playing banjo and dobro. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Cassie Lynn Wright IBMA Foundation Fox Crossing String Band Arnold Schultz Fund Strings for Dreams Events of Note: Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY 2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA Music in this Episode: “Somewhere” – Fox Crossing String Band “You Don’t Miss Your Water” – Fox Crossing String Band We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact [email protected] / 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 Amanda Cook—bandleader and President of Mountain Fever Records—about what it takes to balance life on the road with running a record label. She shares her journey from artist to industry leader, along with insights on structure, growth, and supporting other musicians in today’s bluegrass world. Plus, Mike and Liz have a ‘Jam Talk’ about unexpected situations that can bust any jam. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Amanda Cook Mountain Fever Records Bluegrass by the Bridge Jam Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Weekend Jam Camp – April 10th to 12th in New York City Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA 2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA Music in this Episode: “Odd One Out” – Amanda Cook Band “Out of my Bones” – Amanda Cook Band We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact [email protected] / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Who will be playing, recording, and teaching bluegrass music in the coming 20, 30 years? Meet Alani Sugar and Izaak Atlas Schwartz who represent the next generation of bluegrass music. Mike gets to chat with them to discuss their musical journeys, aspirations, and plans. He encounters their focus, discipline, and drive that will help them carry bluegrass into the future. But most importantly, we learn about their joy and love of our favorite music. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Alani Sugar “Ricky Tony” album by Alani Izaak Atlas Schwartz “Black Oak Ridge” album by Izaak Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Weekend Jam Camp – April 10th to 12th in New York City Fiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA 2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA Music in this Episode: “Liza Jane” – Hilary Hawke Band “Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact [email protected] / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Liz chats with the creators and attendees of the Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association (AFBA) Bluegrass Festival. They discuss how a small backyard jam turned into on unique sold-out festival, the vibrant and welcoming bluegrass community within the festival, the jamming and music stage cultures, and ... drag racing! Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Weekend Jam Camp – April 10th to 12th in New York City Fiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA 2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA Music in this Episode: Various songs by jammers at the 2026 AFBA Festival We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact [email protected] / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Join Mike behind the scenes at Mountain Home Music at Crossroads Recording Studio. He speaks with Jon Weisberger - A&R Director, and Clay Miller - Senior Engineer, at Mountain Home. They walk through the entire process of signing up with the label, working with the producer, recording in the studio, and releasing the final product. Fascinating conversation, we’re sure you’ll enjoy it. Mentioned in this Episode: Crossroads Label Group Jon Weisberger Chris Jones & the Night Drivers Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Fiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA Music in this Episode: “Are You Lonesome Tonight” – Michael Daves “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 [email protected] / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Mike gets to chat with Ned Luberecki, and there’s plenty to talk about – Ned’s musical journey, his passion for radio, his teaching and touring careers … and then some. We hope you enjoy listening to this wide-ranging interview as much as we enjoyed doing it. Mentioned in this Episode: Ned Luberecki Bluegrass Junction SiriusXM Becky Buller Dr. Demento Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Weekend Jam Camp with Liz – April 10th to 12th, New York City Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th @ Eunice LA Music in this Episode: “Earl’s Court” – Ned Luberecki “Take Five” – Ned Luberecki Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition …. We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact [email protected] / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Have a seat in the spacious concert hall at the iconic Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and settle in for an amazing jam! Players from age 7 to 70 (literally!) join jam leaders Melody Berger and Christian Apuzzo and share their music and songs. Get the inside story from Katherine Slingluff, BKCM jam organizer, and listen in on chats with jam leaders and players … and of course, enjoy the music! Mentioned in this Episode: Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Melody Berger Christian Apuzzo Sam Dallas Isabelle Clavo Events of Note: Fiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA Music in this Episode: All music in this episode is by the BKCM Jammers, some songs of note: “Old Home Place” – Sam Dallas on bass and vocals with the BKCM jammers “Lazy John” – Mina on fiddle and vocals “Welcome Table” – Melody Berger on fiddle and vocals We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact [email protected] / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

We explore the theme of Music, Mind & Spirit – to understand what we can do to optimize our improvement and growth as musicians. Mike talks with Andy Reiner, host of ‘The River of Suck’ podcast, who offers some amazing insights and a ton of great advice to help us follow our musical hearts. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Andy Reiner River of Suck podcast Rockygrass Festival Rapidgrass Bluegrass Jouneymen Events of Note: Fiddle Hell On-Line – April 9th to 12th Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA Music in this Episode: “Old Joe Clark” – Andy Reiner & Bethany Waickman “Still Write Your Name in the Sand” – Rapidgrass Contribute to the Boathouse Jam Fundraiser! Click here to donate! We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact [email protected] / 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, songwriter, and actor Allison Kelly about the bluegrass jam she hosts on Tuesday nights at Lucinda’s on NYC’s Lower East Side. Allison shares her journey from bass player to clawhammer banjoist and her work with Americana Women. Hear how the Lucinda’s jam grew into a thriving bluegrass community, and how jamming brings musicians together in today’s isolating world. Allison offers her take on why bluegrass jams can feel intimidating—especially for women, and why embracing mistakes is key to growing musical skills. Then, meet Kelly Swindall, creator of and managing partner at Lucinda’s, and hear her vision for a venue dedicated to authentic country and roots music. Mentioned in this Episode: Lucinda’s NYC Allison Kelly Kelly Swindall David Lutkin The Porch on Windy Hill New Ohio Band Americana Women Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd @ Doubletree Hilton, Mahwah NJ Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th @ Eunice LA Music in this Episode: Note: music in this episode is from Allison Kelly’s “Southpaw Green” album: “Orion” “Chicory Blue” Contribute to the Boathouse Jam Fundraiser! Click here to donate! Help us have Brooklyn *officially* declared “The Bluegrass Borough”! Click here to sign our petition …. We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact [email protected] / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

In this episode we explore the music we *also* love … Cajun and Creole music. Join the conversation with Mike and Joe Vidrine, Program Director of the Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week. Take a trip to the front porches, kitchens, and stages of southwest Louisiana where the music and culture are brought together. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Louisiana Folk Roots Dewey Balfa University of Louisiana Archives Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week – April 13th to 17th at Eunice LA Music in this Episode: “Les Veuves de la Coulée” – Dewey Balfa & Friends “’Tit Galop pour Mamou” – The Balfa Brothers 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 contact [email protected] / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

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 / @hillaryklug Grand Ole Opry / @opry Don Flemons Keith Secor Beast Games Brooklyn Contra / @brooklyncontradance Camp Friendship, Brooklyn Events of Note: Jam Jersey – March 20th to 22nd at Mahwah NJ Brooklyn Contra Dance twice-monthly dance – next on March 22nd in Brooklyn NY The 5 Borough Fling Annual Dance Festival – November 6th – 8th in Manhattan NY Music 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 microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact [email protected] / 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_fingers Lindsay Lou and the Flat Bellys The Ashokan Center Cowgirl Seahorse Mona’s Monday Nights Raven and Red Liz Rabson Schnore Christian Apuzzo Boathouse Jam / @boathousejam Gowanus 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 Billik Bluegrass jam at the Boathouse, featuring Alex Deane “Another Empty Bottle” – Raven and Red Powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins contact [email protected] / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved