S7E11 Special Consensus Founder Greg Cahill!

What does it take to keep a bluegrass band going for more than 50 years? Liz sits down with Greg Cahill, banjo player and founder of Special Consensus, to talk about the band's remarkable history and the more than 50 musicians who have been part of it along the way. Greg shares some great stories about finding new band members, maintaining the Special C sound, and working with producer Alison Brown. They also discuss women in bluegrass, the art of singing harmony, and why Greg has no plans to put down his banjo anytime soon. Plus, hear about Special Consensus's upcoming December 6th show at the Westchester Bluegrass Club. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Learn more about Special Consensus, their recordings, and upcoming performances at https://specialc.com/. Upcoming Events of Note: Folk Music Jam & Clothing Drive – December 1st 6:30 PM @ Strong Rope Brewery 185 Van Dyke St. BKLYN NY Special Consensus at the Westchester Bluegrass Club – December 6th @ Westchester NY Vocal Masterclass with Greg Blake – December 7th @ New York NY Winter Village Music Camp  - January 7th – 10th @ Ithaca NY >>> Special offer for Bluegrass BKLYN listeners! Use promo code WVMC2027_BKLYN when registering for camp through 12/31/26 to get a 20% discount.   Music in this Episode: ‘Snowbird’ ‘Carolina in the Pines’ Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors  -> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <- https://www.pegheadnation.com/ We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! https://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/ Our Broadcast Partners: Sutton Ole Time Music Hour – our sister show in Granville TN  - Saturday nights @ 7PM Eastern https://www.facebook.com/suttonoletimemusichour/ The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern https://thesonicplanet.com/ © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact [email protected] / [email protected] visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Meet singer-songwriter Brendan Forrest. Liz first heard him at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, where she was immediately drawn to his original music and thoughtful lyrics. Brendan shares his journey from playing blues and rock in Chicago to living on a homestead in the Colorado mountains, and how Telluride changed the course of his life. They talk about his songwriting process, what makes bluegrass ‘bluegrass’, and the unique culture of the Telluride festival. Plus, hear some of Brendan's original songs, including one featuring Michael Cleveland on fiddle! Enjoy!   Mentioned in this Episode Official website: https://www.brendanforrest.com/ Music and recordings: https://www.brendanforrest.com/music All links (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/BrendanForrestOfficial Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bforrestmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCylWkn_8kAQU3o92BHVnTrw Upcoming Events of Note: Vocal Masterclass with Greg Blake – December 7th @ New York NY Winter Village Music Camp  - January 7th – 10th @ Ithaca NY >>> Special offer for Bluegrass BKLYN listeners! Use promo code WVMC2027_BKLYN when registering for camp through 12/31/26 to get a 20% discount.   Music in this Episode: ‘San Miguel’ ‘Lowdown Stray Dog Blues’ ‘Amabel Lee’ – with Michael Cleveland ‘Rice’s Rag’ Our Sponsors and Partners: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors  -> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <- https://www.pegheadnation.com/ We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! https://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/ Beard Guitars – only the finest resonator, lap steel, and acoustic guitars. Sutton Ole Time Music Hour – our sister show in Granville TN  - Saturday nights @ 7PM Eastern https://www.facebook.com/suttonoletimemusichour/ The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern https://thesonicplanet.com/ © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact [email protected] / [email protected] visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Ready for some old-time fiddle action? Mike gets to chat with Sami Braman, a renowned fiddler, recording artist, songwriter, and teacher. They get deep into her music career – including her being a seven-year-old band leader! – and her views on several important aspects of playing, learning, and sharing music. She will be teaching at the Winter Village Music Camp in January 2027, so you can learn more from her there. Enjoy!   Mentioned in this Episode Sami Braman https://samibraman.com/ The Onlies https://www.theonlies.com/ Slippery Hill – thousands of old-time tune recordings https://www.slippery-hill.com/ Winter Village Music  https://www.wintervillagemusic.org/ >>> Special offer for Bluegrass BKLYN listeners! Use promo code WVMC2027_BKLYN when registering for camp through 12/31/26 to get a 20% discount.   Upcoming Events of Note: Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers – November 28th @ Albert Music Hall, Ocean Twp NJ https://dearmaribella.com/ Vocal Masterclass with Greg Blake – December 7th @ New York NY https://bluegrassjamsnearme.com/gregblake/ Gowanus Boathouse Jam Winter Edition – 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 6PM @ Brooklyn NY  https://gowanusdredgers.org/jam/   Music in this Episode: Music is taken from Sami’s album ‘The Riveter’ and the Onlies self-titled album ‘Weevils in the Grits’ – Sam Braman with Brittany Haas ‘Billy in the Lowground’ – The Onlies Our Sponsors and Partners: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors  -> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <- https://www.pegheadnation.com/ We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! https://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/ Sutton Ole Time Music Hour – our sister show in Granville TN  - Saturday nights @ 7PM Eastern https://www.facebook.com/suttonoletimemusichour/ The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern https://thesonicplanet.com/ © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact [email protected] / [email protected] visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Liz talks with New Jersey based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Richard Peter Morris about his years playing in Brooklyn's bluegrass scene with M Shanghai String Band, his experiences as a recording engineer, and what finally inspired him to record decades of original songs. His new album, Gratuitous Grace, features several of his former bandmates, and he's already working on a second! Along the way, they talk about songwriting, the evolution of bluegrass, the importance of musical friendships, and how “shred-flation” is invading the bluegrass scene. Enjoy!  Mentioned in this Episode: Richard Peter Morris Find more on Richard at: website bandcamp Instagram Facebook Joe Brent, and his label, Adhyâropa Records Upcoming Events of Note: Vocal Masterclass with Greg Blake – December 7th @ New York NY Music in this Episode: All music is found on Richard’s album “Gratuitous Grace” Same Old Moon Holding On Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles Our Partners: Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TN The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact [email protected] / [email protected] visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Too much fun at IBMA! We're both still catching up so here's a replay of Liz's favorite episode: Liz talks with award-winning vocalist and guitarist Greg Blake about the lessons he's learned from decades of performing, teaching, and making music. From what creates a great singer to the importance of rhythm guitar, audience connection, and finding your own musical voice, Greg shares thoughtful insights for musicians at every level. Plus, Liz and Mike look back on their experience as Podcast-in-Residence at this year's Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Greg Blake Special Consensus Grey Fox Music Festival Planning Stages, the festival event planners JM Clifford Della Mae Upcoming Events of Note: Vocal Masterclass with Greg Blake - December 7th @ New York City Music in this Episode: ‘Victim of the Game’ – Greg Blake ‘Love Found Me’ – Greg Blake, with Becky Buller Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Our Partners: Beard Guitars - Only the finest resonator, lap steel, and acoustic guitars Sutton Ole Time Music Hour – our sister show in Granville TN  - Saturday nights @ 7PM Eastern The Sonic Planet – hear rebroadcasts of our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA Contact [email protected] / Visit bluegrassblyn.com / Follow @bluegrassbklyn

Mike and Liz are busy running around IBMA World of Bluegrass, so Mike selected this episode to replay for you: Mike gets to meet the delightful Biscuit Eaters, a traditional bluegrass family band from North Carolina. Meredith Wilkerson (the “Band Mom”) shares her thoughts, along with guitarist Maggie (age 12), fiddler Silas (age 10) and dancing fiddler Molly (age 7). It’s a surprising and fascinating discussion covering their journey from family jam circle to festival bandstand to recording studio. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode The Biscuit Eaters Chester McMillian Mike Mitchell Music in this Episode: All music is from the Biscuit Eater’s album “North Carolina Kids” “Cherokee Shuffle” – The Biscuit Eaters “North Carolina Kids” – The Biscuit Eaters Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors - Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN  We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact [email protected], [email protected] visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Get ready for a winter weekend filled with music Liz talks with Rick Manning and Bethany Parisi about Winter Village Music Camp, happening January 7–10, 2027, in Ithaca, NY. With over 120 workshops covering bluegrass, old-time, Irish music, singing, songwriting, and more, there's something for everyone! The outstanding faculty includes the Gibson Brothers, Michael Daves, and Jake Blount, plus concerts, jamming, and a welcoming community for musicians of all levels. And … Liz is going, too! Enjoy, and we hope to see you there!   Mentioned in this Episode For the full workshop schedule, faculty lineup, and registration information, visit wintervillagemusic.org. Special offer for Bluegrass BKLYN listeners! Use promo code WVMC2027_BKLYN when registering for camp. Upcoming Events of Note: IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Festival – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Inaugural Jam at the new BKCM Campus – October 25th, 5:30PM @ 963 President Street Vocal Masterclass with Greg Blake – December 7th @ New York NY Music in this Episode: ‘Cherokee Shuffle’ – The Biscuit Eaters ‘Liza Jane’ – Hilary Hawke Our Sponsors and Partners: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors  -> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <- We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Sutton Ole Time Music Hour – our sister show in Granville TN  - Saturday nights @ 7PM Eastern The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact [email protected] / [email protected] visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Mike chats with Heather and Tony of the Red Camel Collective, last year's IBMA New Artist of the Year. They share their musical journeys, from Heather's first record at age 12 to Tony relearning the banjo after losing his sight. Plus, we listen to some songs they personally selected that define the Collective’s style. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Red Camel Collective “The Songwriter’s Handbook” by Tom T. Hall Upcoming Events of Note: IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Festival – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Inaugural Jam at the new BKCM Campus – October 25th, 5:30PM @ 963 President Street Vocal Masterclass with Greg Blake – December 7th @ New York NY Music in this Episode: All music in this episode is by The Red Camel Collective Walk Out in the Rain Finding Your Way Home Roll On Mississippi Daughter of the Stars My Point of View Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles Our Partners: Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TN – our sister show The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact [email protected] / [email protected] visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

It's never too late to start making music, and Lee Stivers is living proof! From picking up her first mandolin at 42 to recording an album, building bluegrass communities, and starting a band in Puerto Vallarta, Lee has embraced every opportunity music has brought her way. She and Liz talk about singing with confidence, making room for women in bluegrass, and how music became a source of strength during an extraordinarily difficult chapter of her life. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode Lee on Instagram, Facebook and LinkTree Website for their album “Something Tells Me Everything Will Be Alright” IBMA Leadership Bluegrass program Upcoming Events of Note: IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Festival – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Music in this Episode: All songs are from Amy and Lee’s album “Something Tells Me Everything Will be Alright” “Cornbread and Butterbeans” “Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor” Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles Our Partners: Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TN – our sister show The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact [email protected] / [email protected] visit bluegrassblyn.com follow @bluegrassbklyn

Kenny Feinstein has never taken the conventional route. The Water Tower bandleader tells Liz how a punk-rock kid became obsessed with old-time and bluegrass, built a fan base playing LA freeway off-ramps, traded CDs for gas money while touring, and eventually took the stage at Telluride. Along the way, Kenny turned what he learned about promoting music into a marketing business and a new book, More Than Talent. Plus, hear about his traditional bluegrass solo album, Lonesome LA Cowboy. Enjoy! Mentioned in this Episode “More Than Talent” guide book by Kenny Water Tower Work Smarter Music Marketing Kenny’s “Snoop Dogg” video Water Tower’s hidden tattoo site Telluride Documentary  Water Tower on FaceBook, on Instagram, on TikTok Upcoming Events of Note: IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference and Festival – October 20th – 24th @ Chattanooga TN Balsam Range Art of Music Festival – December 3rd – 5th @ Lake Junaluska NC Music in this Episode: All songs are from Water Tower’s album “Lonesome L.A. Cowboy” ‘Lonesome L.A. Cowboy’ with Beebs ‘I’m Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail’ with Michael Daves Our Sponsors: We learn and grow with Peghead Nation's online courses and world-class instructors >>> Discount code for our listeners: BKLYN <<< We’re powered by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones – that’s why we sound so good! Mike exclusively plays Robinson Fiddles Our Partners: Sutton Ole Time Radio Hour – our sister show in Granville TN The Sonic Planet – hear our show Saturdays and Sundays @ 9AM Eastern © Copyright 2026 Bluegrass BKLYN LLC, all rights reserved Bluegrass BKLYN is a Professional Member of the IBMA contact [email protected], [email protected] visit bluegrassblyn.com  / follow @bluegrassbklyn