One of our great fiddle players, Alex Hargreaves, tells us about his diverse musical journey that includes Texas-style fiddle competitions, and jazz bands, and bluegrass. We talk about touring, teaching, performing, and ... a proposal! Also, Liz and Mike compare notes on shows, events, and festivals coming up this Summer and Fall. We hope you enjoy the episode!

Mentions in this Episode:

Alex Hargreaves

'Malfunction Junction' - Billy Strings / Alex Hargreaves on 'Highway Prayers'

Mike and Liz get a chance to speak with Chris Jones, long time bluegrass musician, front man of 'Chris Jones and the Night Drivers', host of Sirius XM's 'Bluegrass Junction' channel, and songwriter. He touches on all areas of our favorite music, and provides fascinating insights from his unique perspective. 

Mentions in this Episode:

Liz and Mike continue to explore the theme of 'Women in Bluegrass' with an in-depth interview with Hilary Hawke, Brooklyn-based banjo virtuoso, band leader, and teacher. The topics range from cross-over Country music, women in jams, approach to learning and .... fish-net stockings(!). Mike offers you a challenge to your musical knowledge with a fun quiz. Enjoy the episode!

Some mentions in this episode:

Link to album Kickstarter:

We had an unbelievable time at Jam Jersey in April, and wanted to give you a recap. So much fun, so much music!

Our second season, how exciting! Your hosts Mike Willner and Liz Wolfe give some teasers on up-coming episodes. Theo Boguszewski, fiddler and organizer extraordinaire, gives background and a preview of the up-coming Porch Stomp - the annual iconic day of music and fun on NYC's Governors Island. Then, Mike drops in on the fun and funky Bluegrass by the Bridge jam to listen to some tunes and talk with the folks. We're so glad to be back, and hope you all enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed presenting it!

Some 'Mentions' from this Episode:

Hilary Hawke's latest album "Lift Up This World" on Kickstarter:

Kat Lewis

Mike and Liz are so excited to reach this amazing milestone! In this season finale, we meet Nate Lee, an IBMA Award winning mandolinist. He's got fascinating things to say about learning, teaching, and performing bluegrass music. Thank you to all our listeners, and Enjoy! See you all when we return for Season 2 on May 1st, 2025.

"The Practice of Practice"

Follow Jason Carter's musical journey,  the long-time fiddle player in the Del McCoury Band and the Travelin' McCourys who recently launched a solo career. How does a lad from Eastern Kentucky become one of our era's most exceptional musicians? What does it take to leave "the best job in Bluegrass" to go out on your own? And, what's up with the psychedelic overalls??? Join us and enjoy our in-depth discussion with Jason. Also, get caught up on shows, events, and jams in and around the Bluegrass Borough of Brooklyn NYC!

From Bay Ridge to Blue Ridge! Mike ventures down to Charlotte, North Carolina and encounters a vibrant and welcoming bluegrass music community. Join us as he meets the incredible fiddle maker Brad Robinson and talks fiddles, life, and dogs. We join a jam circle, chat with jammers, and find out about the Charlotte Folk Society. We drop by The Violin Shoppe and spend time with Glen Alexander, co-owner and champion fiddler.

Charlotte Folk Society

The Violin Shoppe

Galax Fiddle Convention

Jam Jersey

Music in order of hearing

'Worried Man Blues' - Steele Creek Jammers

'Wildwood Flower' - Carter Family

'East Virginia Blues' - Stanley Brothers

Your hosts Liz and Mike speak with some of the most amazing women in bluegrass today. We'll get their perspective on jamming etiquette, the increasing visibility of women in our music, leading a band, and where to get the best pizza in NYC (in one woman's opinion!). Enjoy this fascinating episode.

Grey Fox Festival: @greyfoxbluegrass https://greyfoxbluegrass.com/

Hilary Hawke: @highatmisshere https://www.hilaryhawkemusic.com/

Jalopy Theater: @jalopybrooklyn https://jalopytheatre.org/

Melody Berger: @melodiva42 https://www.facebook.com/melodyallegramusic/

Fringe Festival / End of all Flesh: https://tickets.frigid.nyc/event/6897:1099/

Mathilda's: @mathildabrooklyn  https://www.mathildebrooklyn.com/

Bluegrass by the Bridge Open Jam : @bluegrassbklyn https://www.facebook.com/groups/502898005440270 www.deliaslounge.com

Jam Jersey: https://www.facebook.com/events/1745484499566244 https://bluegrassjamsnearme.com/jamjersey/

Music in this episode (in order of hearing):

"Ain't no Ash will Burn" - Della Mae on 'This World Oft Can Be'

Hillary Hawke Band - live at Jalopy Theater 3/1/25

"How Mountain Girls Can Love" - Melody Berger & Christian Apuzzo live at Mathilda's 3/12/25

"Take me Back to Tulsa" - Maddie Denton and East Nash Grass live at Floyd County Store

"Squirrel Hunters" - John Hartman on 'Wild Hog in the Red Bush'

What a milestone! Bluegrass BKLYN podcast reaches Episode 6!  Join your hosts Mike Willner and Liz Wolfe as they explore the theme of "Home Grown & Locally Known", highlighting local members of the bluegrass community. You'll meet Sam Dallas and hear her thoughts on jamming, performing, and ... why play the bass?!? Ron and Liz recount how they built their sprawling Jampire uptown and beyond. It's a fun and interesting episode, jump in and enjoy!