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.

Dave and Mike have a wide ranging discussion with Helen Ludé of Wisteria Management. She takes us behind the scenes - the life of a touring band, John Hartford's musical legacy, managing major music events, and the future of bluegrass. Dave also provides a glimpse into the thriving musical community and scene in and around Shasta Mountain, California. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode: Wisteria Management Shasta Mountain Music AJ Lee & Blue Summit Shelby Means The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project IBMA World of Bluegrass California Bluegrass Association Po’ Ramblin’ Boys

Events of Note: House of Hamill – McLeod River Inn, Thursday, March 19th Bayou Bluegrass Festival – New Orleans, Saturday March 22nd Sierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2nd Music in this Episode: “Tear my Stillhouse Down” – AJ Lee & Blue Summit with Lindsay Lou “Little Country Town” – Alison Brown, Brittany Haas, Dominic Leslie, Jordan Tice, Paul Kowert “Up on the Mountain” – Shelby Means

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.

Mike sits down with Dave Reynolds, Executive Director of Shasta Mountain Music (and co-host of the podcast) to discuss a wide range of topics. Join in and learn about the origin of the organization, the amazing artists who will perform there in 2026 – and the Australian Gold Rush! Pull up a chair and enjoy the conversation, Mentioned in this Episode: Shasta Mountain Music Jordan Tice Gerry O’Connor House of Hamill Never Come Down Shelby Means Wolf Jett Nina Gerber Laurie Lewis Hattie Craven The Rosa Lees Caltucky The Crooked Jades Music in this Episode: “Wild Bill Jones” – Jordan Tice “Moving Cloud” – Gerry O’Connor “Joy to the Gentlemen” - House of Hamill “Greener Pastures” – Never Come Down “5-String Wake Up Call” - Shelby Means “Nothin’ But Trouble” – Wolf Jett “Deep Water” - Nina Gerber “Used to Be” - Laurie Lewis “Take Me Momma” – Hattie Craven “Ellie Mae” – The Rosa Lees “Don’t go on the Mountain” – Caltucky “Sand Lake” – The Crooked Jades

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.

Mike and Dave welcome veteran songwriter George Schroeder, a participant and witness of the transformative 1960's music scene in San Francisco. Hear his powerful sharing of his musical origin story, longtime collaboration with Kate Wolf, and ongoing work as a performer and songwriter.

Also, learn about Shasta Mountain Music's concert series in McLeod, California, and local venues around Mount Shasta, For more, follow @ShastaMountainMusic on Instagram or visit shastamusic.org.

Mentioned in this Episode: George Schroder Shasta Mountain Music The McLeod River Inn Bed and Breakfast Kate Wolf Jacob Collier Anoushka Shankar Nickel Creek Music in this Episode: "Redtail Hawk" - Kate Wolf

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.