Bluegrass BKLYN

For five weeks in the Summer - and now some weekends in the Fall – the Blue Ridge Mountains at Warren Wilson College come alive with music, dance, and the joy of learning at The Swannanoa Gathering. Mike and Kevin Kehrberg, Director of The Swannanoa Gathering, discuss the special magic of The Gathering that combines music education, culture, community and a deep connection to the roots of our favorite music. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode The Swannanoa Gathering Warren Wilson College Kevin Kehrberg Ron Pen Erynn Marshall Upcoming Events of Note: Weekend Workshop – Old Time String Band September 26th – 27th @ Warren Wilson College Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY IBMA World of Bluegrass – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Music in this Episode: ‘Swannanoa Tunnel’ – Bryan Sutton ‘Swannanoa Waltz’ – Rayna Gellert Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Liz talks with Marcel Ardans, the man behind ‘Lessons with Marcel’, about his unexpected journey from aspiring high school music teacher to successful bluegrass educator on YouTube. They dig into his practical—and reassuring!—ideas about practicing, teaching, and becoming a better musician, plus his newest adventure: co-directing a documentary exploring the fascinating world of competitive flatpicking. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Marcel Ardans ‘Lessons with Marcel’ YouTube channel Andy Hatfield’s ‘Turkey in the Straw’ Marcel’s lesson on ‘Turkey in the Straw’ Alan Shad’s ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY Upcoming Events of Note: Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC – We are Podcast In Residence Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY Music in this Episode: Music is found on Marcel’s “Traitor” album California Pencil Pusher Tell us Earl’s Impact on You …. Click here to schedule time with Mike Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Mike learns all about ReString Appalachia – an organization dedicated to getting quality instruments back in the hands of those who lost them due to natural and economic disasters. Executive Director Nicholas Edward Williams traces ReString’s history from September 2024 when Hurricane Helene devastated Appalachia to today. We also get to meet and hear the music of Pickers Anonymous, Nick’s band. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Nicholas Edward Williams ReString Appalachia Pickers Anonymous Guitar Center Foundation American Songcatcher Podcast Upcoming Events of Note: Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY Music in this Episode: All music is from Pickers Anonymous’ album “ Patchwork ” Policeman Cotton Mill Girls Hand Me Down My Walkin’ Cane Railroad Bill Wildwood Flower We are Podcast in Residence at Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2026 Tell us Earl’s Impact on You …. Click here to schedule time with Mike Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Another amazing Grey Fox story! Mike caught up with Reggie Guillaume – better known as Guitar 5000 – at Grey Fox where Reggie shared his vision and musical mission. This YouTube sensation asks random strangers a simple question – “Will you sing a song with me?”. An inspiring discussion filled with joy, hope, and musical bravery. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Guitaro 5000 Reggie’s YouTube Channel Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival Upcoming Events of Note: Swamp in the City Mini-Festival – September 29th @ Jalopy Theatre, Brooklyn Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC – We are Podcast In Residence Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY Music in this Episode: ‘Cherokee Shuffle’ – The Biscuit Eaters ‘You’ll Never Know’ – Reggie and Sandra Tell us Earl’s Impact on You …. Click here to schedule time with Mike Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Mike sits with Dobro legend Jerry Douglas and they go deep into all aspects of Jerry’s career, the bands he leads, the music he loves, his approach to learning and teaching, and much more. So much more that we had to break this epic exploration into two segments … here you have Part 1, and the rest will be published in a future episode. Also, Mike shares some hot tips and recent news about Peghead Nation … and a way for you to try their courses for free! Enjoy. Mentioned in this Episode Jerry Douglas The Earls of Leicester Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys The Country Gentlemen Vince Gill Alison Krauss James Taylor Bryan Sutton Upcoming Events of Note: Swamp in the City Mini-Festival – September 29th @ Jalopy Theatre, Brooklyn Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC – We are Podcast In Residence Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY Music in this Episode: “Some Old Day” – Jerry Douglas & The Earls of Leicester “Choctaw Hayride” – Alison Krauss & Union Station, with Jerry Douglas Tell us Earl’s Impact on You …. Click here to schedule time with Mike Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Liz talks with Tashi and Kaj Litch, winners of the 2026 Telluride Band Contest, about growing up immersed in music on a tiny Washington island and turning a childhood bluegrass dream into reality. They share how family, festivals, mentors, and a little brotherly rivalry shaped their musical path—and how they’re now finding their own sound somewhere between tradition and innovation. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode The Litch Brothers Telluride Bluegrass Upcoming Events of Note: Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY Music in this Episode: ‘Where’d You Go My Friend?’ – The Litch Brothers ‘June’ – The Litch Brothers Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Liz sits down with bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis for a wide-ranging conversation about the music she’s loved and played for more than 50 years. What makes bluegrass “bluegrass”? Do drums belong in our msuic? Why is picking valued more than singing? And how has the experience of women in bluegrass changed? Laurie also talks about her new album Oh California, her songwriting, and what it feels like to finally make peace with being called a “Legend.” Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Laurie Lewis The Ashokan Center Upcoming Events of Note: Silver Bay Wernick Method Camp – August 24th – 28th @ Silver Bay NY Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY Music in this Episode: All music is from the album “O California!” by Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands ‘O California!’ ‘Wheel of Life’ Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! 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 / liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com / visit bluegrassblyn.com / follow @bluegrassbklyn

Mike chats with Lake Carver and Lyla Cherry of the dynamic North Carolina-based band Carolina Detour. These talented and accomplished young musicians (they are both 16 year old!) reflect on a broad range of musical topics like performing, competing – and the challenges of fitting it all into a crowded school schedule. Hear the voices of the next generation of Bluegrass. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Carolina Detour Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Music in this Episode: “No Wrong Turn” – Carolina Detour 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! - 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Our last episode of Season 6! To end on a high note, Mike sits with Bronwyn – one of our greatest fiddle players – who is about to release her first album of songs she wrote or co-wrote! She delves into her motivations for pursuing this musical path, thoughts on learning and playing music – and how a bumpy bus ride led to a hit song! Plus, Mike and Liz reflect on season 6 and look forward to season 7. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Bronwyn Wendy Walker Pat McLaughlin The Milk Carton Kids Tractor Shed Studios Upcoming Events of Note: Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan Center Southern Week – August 16th – 22nd @ 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 Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY Music in this Episode: All music is from Bronwyn’s album “Rattlin’ Bones” “Gallitin Road” with TImbo “Sticks and Stones” “Johnny Ray” Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Festival Alert! The iconic Earl Scruggs Music Festival is coming up very soon – Friday September 4th through Sunday September 6th. Held at the Tryon Equestrian Center, the festival features amazing headliners, workshops, vendors, jamming – and Bluegrass BKLYN as Podcast-in-Residence! Mike speaks with Mary Beth Martin – Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center – and gets the whole story about the festival, the Earl Scruggs Museum and homeplace, and much more. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Earl Scruggs Music Festival – September 4th to 6th @ Mill Spring NC Music in this Episode: ‘Flint Hill Special” – Flatt & Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys “You Are My Flower” – Flatt & Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors - Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Liz talks with award-winning singer Brooke Aldridge about the heart behind the uplifting music she and husband Darin create together. Brooke shares how they choose songs that inspire hope, balance life on and off the stage, and build a musical partnership that's as strong as their harmonies. Plus – Bluegrass BKLYN will be Podcast-in-Residence at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Darin & Brooke Aldridge Songwriter Bernie Nelson Ashokan Center Upcoming Events of Note: Bluegrass Week – August 10th to 14th @ The Ashokan Center Southern Week – August 16th – 22nd @ 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 Wernick Method Jam Camp – September 25th – 27th @ Warick NY Music in this Episode: “Once in a While” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge “He’s Already There” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge “Wild Flower Too” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors - Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Mike gets to meet the Biscuit Eaters, a traditional bluegrass family band from North Carolina. Meredith Wilkerson (the “Band Mom”) shares her thoughts, along with guitarist Maggie (age 12), fiddler Silas (age 10) and dancing fiddler Molly (age 7). It’s a surprising and fascinating discussion covering their journey from family jam circle to festival bandstand to recording studio. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode The Biscuit Eaters Chester McMillian Mike Mitchell 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 music is from the Biscuit Eater’s album “North Carolina Kids” “Cherokee Shuffle” – The Biscuit Eaters “North Carolina Kids” – The Biscuit Eaters Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors - Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN 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 , liz@bluegrassjamsnearme.com visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

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

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

Liz talks with Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival organizer Shanna Connor 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

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

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

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

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

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