This episode explores the theme of Women in Bluegrass. Liz has a fascinating discussion with Della Mae bandleader Kimber Ludiker where they cover everything from upcoming camps, new albums and tunes, the challenges of touring – and throwing pottery! And, once again, you can test your knowledge of bluegrass history with a quiz. Enjoy the episode!

Some Mentions in this Episode

Kimber Ludiker and Della Mae

Bluegrass Camp at the Ashokan Center 8/4-8/8/25

Alice Gerrard

Porch Stomp 2025

Lowell Folk Festival

Join Mike on his journey through the amazing 4-day music camp leading up to the iconic DelFest. Meet Chris Ward, the new fiddle player in the Del McCoury Band and Travelin' McCourys. Follow his progress through the Band Scramble, and along listen in on intriguing and informative conversations with instructors and musicians. Del Yeah!

Mentions in this Episode:

Screen Porch Pickers

There are so many great musicians and personalities here in the Bluegrass Borough - we wanted you give you a chance to meet a few. We chat with some of our favorite folks from around the jam circle. Listen in on the interesting and surprising conversations, and join us as we drop in on an iconic New York City jam.

Liz revisits her bluegrass roots, returning to her home town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We get to meet some of the amazing musicians and characters there, drop in on the jam scene, take a trip down memory lane with Liz and her sisters … and what’s this about potatoes? You’ll enjoy discovering a thriving bluegrass scene you may not have known about.

Some Mentions in this Episode:

Trish Imbrogno

Andy’s Ramble Bluegrass Band @ Delia’s Lounge 6/8/25

Music in this Episode (in order of appearance)

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"