Liz and Mike recap Jam Jersey, diving into what it took to bring the event to life—from planning and structure to the jams themselves. They share what worked, what they learned, and offer practical advice for anyone thinking about hosting their own bluegrass event. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode: Liz Wolfe Jordan Richmond Pioneer Vally Flame Throwers Jam Jersey

Events of Note: Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NY Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY BKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NY

Music in this Episode: “Another Empty Bottle” – Raven and Red on their “We Rise Up” album “All About You” – Liz Wolfe and Mike McDonnall at Jam Jersey Open Mic We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

Dozens of classes, hundreds of students, scores of talented musicians teaching … the Community School of Music at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music is a perfect alloy of inspiration and instruction. Plus, they nurture a top-tier Bluegrass Program for adults and kids. From young learners to seasoned musicians, BKCM's Community Music School has something for everyone. Mike sits with Brian Drye, Executive Director of the music school, to get the inside story. Enjoy

Mentioned in this Episode: Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Brian Drye, Executive Director of the Community Music School Katherine Slingluff, Bluegrass Coordinator Open Stages Music Festival

Events of Note: Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NY Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY BKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NY Registration for the Fall session of the Bluegrass Program starts July 17th 2026

Music in this Episode: “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “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 mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / 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 Barrett Smith, bass player and long-time member of the Steep Canyon Rangers. He shares his thoughts and feelings on a broad range of topics, including the challenges facing musicians starting out today, the experience of playing music with Steve Martin … and how a classical guitar player wound up as a bluegrass bassist! Enjoy. Mentioned in this Episode: Steep Canyon Rangers Steve Martin Mountain Song Festival “Next Act” – New release by Steep Canyon Rangers Bluegrass Jams Near Me Events of Note: Birdfest – May 1st to 2nd at Pinewood SC Liz Wolfe and the City College Pickers at Mary O’s Pub – May 5th at 9PM at New York NY Swamp in the City Cajun & Creole Music Festival – May 7th to 10th at Red Hook, Brooklyn NY BKCM “Open Stages” Music Festival – May 9th at Park Slope, Brooklyn NY Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – July 15th to 19th at Oak Hill NY 2026 AFBA Bluegrass Festival – July 30th – August 2nd at Wind Gap PA

Music in this Episode: “Next Act” – Steep Canyon Rangers “Circling the Drain” – Steep Canyon Rangers

We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / 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 Ken White, Executive Director of IBMA, about his journey from lifelong bluegrass player to leading the organization at the center of the bluegrass world. They explore how the IBMA supports artists and industry professionals, their Leadership Bluegrass program, the impact of World of Bluegrass annual event, and what’s ahead for the music we love. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Ken White IBMA Trust Fund 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: “Big Ball in Brooklyn” – Damn Tall Buildings “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 mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / 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 the iconic American Fiddler, Andy Leftwich. They cover all kinds of topics, including Andy’s incredible musical experiences, how best to learn a musical genre, some projects of historic scale … and coping with the shellac shortage during World War 2! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! Mentioned in this Episode: Andy Leftwich The American Fiddler Porch Stomp for events and jams Bluegrass Jams Near Me

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: “Aced” – Andy Leftwich “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” – J.S. Bach performed by Andy Leftwich on mandolin “Sally Goodin’” – Andy Leftwich with Kentucky Thunder “Highland Rim” – Andy Leftwich

We are powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones We exclusively play fiddles from Brad Robinson Fiddles and Linen Frederick Violins Contact mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved

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 mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / 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 mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / 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 mike@bluegrassbklyn.com / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved