Turnabout is fair play – Dave turns the mic on Mike and does an in-depth interview of his co-host. They get into Mike’s musical origin story, how he started his career as a podcast producer, the Bluegrass scene in Brooklyn NYC (the ‘Bluegrass Borough”) – and his phobia of recorder orchestras! It’s a fun and wide-ranging discussion with a lot of interesting give and take. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Mike Willner Bluegrass BKLYN podcast Liz Wolfe Bluegrass Jams Near Me

Events of Note: Wolf Jett @ Shasta Mountain Music: July 24 at McLeod Inn, CA RockyGrass Music Festival: July 24 – 26 in Lyons, CO Music in this Episode: “Cherokee Shuffle” – Trish Plays Bass, with Becky Buller “Tit Galop Pour Mamou” – The Balfa Brothers

Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved. follow @shastamountainmusic / contact howdy@shastamusic.org / visit shastamusic.org

This episode Dave and Mike go in-depth with Dan Gable, President of Peghead Nation, a platform providing quality online music instruction. Dan shares his story of working within the music industry as a journalist, his passion for acoustic roots music and ,with guitarist Scott Nygaard and Teja Gerken, creating an online pathway connecting students - from beginners to experienced musicians - with professional instruction. So, relax and enjoy the music! Mentioned in this Episode: Peghead Nation Dan Gabel Scott Nygaard

Events of Note: Wolf Jett @ Shasta Mountain Music: July 24 at McLeod Inn, CA RockyGrass Music Festival: July 24 – 26 in Lyons, CO Music in this Episode: “No Path Home” – Dan Gabel with Minus Mary “900 Miles” – Dan Gabel, with Minus Mary

Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved. follow @shastamountainmusic / contact howdy@shastamusic.org / visit shastamusic.org

Dave and Mike are excited to start Season 2 of Mountain Music Breakdown with an in-depth interview of Chris Jones, front man of Wolf Jett. He shares fascinating insights into the band's evolution from a Southern country acoustic string-band to a versatile festival powerhouse. They touch on the impacts of the pandemic and California fires, the healing energy in music, the diverse influences on Chris’ music, and more. Welcome back to the conversation - relax and enjoy the music! Mentioned in this Episode: Wolf Jett AJ Lee Shasta Mountain Music

Wolf Jett songs recommended by Chris: “One Sweet Day” “Nothin’ But Trouble” “Mean Ol’ River”

Events of Note: Wolf Jett @ Shasta Mountain Music: July 24 at McLeod Inn, CA RockyGrass Music Festival: July 24 – 26 in Lyons, CO Music in this Episode: “Straight Back Home to You” “Letting Go” with Jason Crosby

Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved. follow @shastamountainmusic / contact howdy@shastamusic.org / visit shastamusic.org

In this second episode Mike and Dave continue their fascinating discussion with bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis. During our interview we talk more about Laurie's friendships within the industry and her work with multiple musicians, including Linda Ronstadt and Kenny Baker. We also learn more about her life away from the stage. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode: Laurie Lewis Wintergrass Festival "O California" - Laurie Lewis and The Right Hands Glen Canyon Laurie Lewis and Katie Kallick - McLeod Inn on Saturday August 15th

Music in this Episode: "Look Down That Lonesome Road" - Laurie Lewis and The RIght Hands "Trees" - Laurie Lewis "Wheel of Life" - Laurie Lewis and The Right Hands

Mountain Music Breakdown is produced by Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

Sitting down with the legendary Laurie Lewis has been an honor for Mike and Dave. A renowned singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Laurie has for nearly four decades, gathered fans and honors. Pull up a seat and join the conversation!

"Laurie has shown how a woman can blend into any part of the classic bluegrass singing trio, and she showed us how a great voice could move fluidly between bluegrass and other types of music. She has shown how a Californian can appeal to traditional bluegrass audiences, as well as winning acclaim in the worlds of Americana and folk music."

Mentioned in this Episode: Laurie Lewis Berkely Community Theater “Musical Holdouts” documentary Sweets Mill Music Festival history

Events of Note: Never Come Down – McCloud River Inn, Saturday April 18th Sierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2nd Music in this Episode: “Your Eyes” – Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands “Who Will Watch the Home Place?”– Laurie Lewis on ‘True Stories’

Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

This week's interview is with Joe Suskind and Crystal Lariza, members of the award winning Portland-based band Never Come Down. Getting ready to kick off a busy tour season, the band sat down with Mike and Dave for a wide ranging interview. We talk about their life on the road, their unique blending of Americana and bluegrass sounds, songwriting and finding that sweet spot for their outstanding vocal harmonies. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Never Come Down RockyGrass Festival Shasta Mountain Music

Events of Note: Never Come Down – McCloud River Inn, Saturday April 18th Sierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2nd Music in this Episode: Music is from Never Come Down’s “Greener Pastures” album: “Greener Pastures” “Rise Up And Sing”

Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

This week Dave and Mike sit with one of Nashville's premier banjo players, Frank Evans. He’s appeared with Old Crow Medicine Show, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, and is currently touring with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. Don't just take our word for his virtuosity – Banjo Newsletter cites "Frank is one of the top banjo players of his generation."

When he's not touring, Frank is a beloved member of the local music and jam scene in Nashville. We're proud that Frank is an Advisory member to the Board for our nonprofit Shasta Mountain Music. Mentioned in this Episode: Frank Evans Cliff Top Festival American Banjo Camp Station Inn, Nashville Shasta Mountain Music

Events of Note: Nat Lefkoff – Redwood Galley Venue, Friday March 27th Never Come Down – McCloud River Inn, Saturday April 18th Sierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2nd Music in this Episode: “Cherry River Line” – Frank Evans & Rosalyn Dennett “Possum’s Tail is Bare” – Frank Evans & Rosalyn Dennett

Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.

Dave Reynolds sit down with musician, organizer, and activist Linda Leavitt and banjo maker / inventor Tom Nechville for an engaging discussion about music, craft, and community.

Presented by Shasta Mountain Music, the episode highlights artists, events, and instrument makers from the Pacific Northwest.

Mentioned in this Episode: Linda Leavitt Tom Nechville Cascade Bluegrass Shasta Mountain Music Wintergrass Festival IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Music in this Episode: "When the Day is Done" - Linda Leavitt, Tom Nechville & Friends

Mountain Music Breakdown is a production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN © Copyright 2026 Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.