Liz has an in-depth discussion with Avril Smith – lead guitar player in Della Mae – and they cover a lot of fascinating ground. Learn about Avril’s musical journey, her joining Della Mae, as well as her ‘other life’ working as an organizer and activist in the labor movement. And … what do our favorite A-list musicians do when they’re hanging around at home? Join the fun!

Music in this Episode:

You’ve been listening to some great music at the start of our episodes … but in 30 second clips! As a bonus, we’re posting the full-length versions of our introduction music for Season 4 and a bit beyond. Enjoy!

Mike and Liz reflect on the first year of the Bluegrass BKLYN podcast. They reflect on the most interesting, informative, and surprising episodes. It’s a short episode, but fun … so enjoy and join us in looking forward to 2026 filled with the music we love!

Mentions in this Episode:

Join Liz and get to know Tammy Rogers King, the dynamic fiddle player of The SteelDrivers. You’ll hear twin interviews; one conducted by Della Mae band leader and fiddler Kimber Ludiker and the other by Liz. They delve into every aspect of Tammy’s career - starting in a family band, formation of The SteelDrivers, songwriting, life on the road, being a woman in bluegrass … and winning a Grammy. Enjoy!

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Mentions in this Episode:

The SteelDrivers

“Outrun” on Sun Records

Della Mae

Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):

“When the Last Teardrop Falls” – The SteelDrivers

Mike is joined by three experienced music educators – Austin Scelzo, Matt Curley, and Liz Wolfe  -in a panel discussion covering all aspects of teaching and learning music. We get some surprising takes on the value of music theory, music education in public schools … and, why Mike took up the bassoon in junior high school! Listen in on this fun, informal and informative discussion. Enjoy!

Mentions in this Episode:

The Wernick Method

Summer Music Camps or Kids and Teems

Grants and Scholarships for Kids and Traditional Musicians

Bluegrass Jams Near Me

Creative Strings Academy Retreat – Asheville NC June – July 2026

Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):

Mike gets to talk with Altlanta-born / Brooklyn’s own Michael Daves. The noted Bluegrass master vocalist, guitar virtuoso, and educator catches us up on all his latest doings – everything from recording EPs, to leading his Artistworks bluegrass vocal school … to Wild Geraniums! Also, Liz shares her wisdom on the role of singing in jams – and why you can sing just fine even if you don’t think so. Enjoy!

Mentions in this Episode:

Alex Hargreaves / @alexhargreaves.music

Eric Alvar / @erikalvar

Bluegrass Jams Near Me

Jalopy Theatre / @jalopybrooklyn

Artistworks School of Bluegrass Vocals

Andy’s Ramble at Jalopy Theater, January 18th 2026

Della Mae at Jalopy Theater, January 28th 2026

Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):

Join Mike on his four-day journey to Hell … Fiddle Hell. This unique musical experience offers dozens and dozens of workshops with top-tier artists, non-stop jamming, a dozen music genres. Meet the organizers, teachers, vendors, music, and players who make this event so special. Enjoy!

Mentions in this Episode:

Fiddle Hell with information on Fiddle Hell On-Line

Bruce & Darol’s Great Big Fiddle Hang, North Adams MA – June 14th – 16th 2026

Mike and Liz get to hear two first-hand accounts of the birth of the bluegrass movement in New York, and how it grew and evolved over the years. Bluegrass singer and guitarist Gene Yellin was right there when our favorite music took root in iconic Washington Square Park. Fiddler Alan Kaufman tells us his journey through that historic time … only this time with knishes! Enjoy this fascinating piece of our musical history, told by those who lived it. 

Mentions in this Episode:

“Yodeling” with Jimmy Fallon and Brad Pitt

Andy’s Ramble at Jalopy Theater, January 18th 2026

Della Mae at Jalopy Theater, January 28th 2026

Music in this Episode (in order of Appearance):

Mike sits down with Olivier Demers, fiddler  - or violineur - of Le Vent du Nord and learns about the Quebecois style of roots music. Hear about the history of musical migration, fiddle tuning, touring with life balance … and foot tapping! Enjoy this fun and fascinating episode – and maybe add a new genre of music to your play list.

Mentions in this Episode:

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 Episode:

Flatfoot Flatbush – Starts at Flatbush and Carlton, December 21st