Mountain Music Breakdown Podcast

Bluegrass Legend: Laurie Lewis

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 LewisBerkely Community Theater“Musical Holdouts” documentarySweets Mill Music Festival history
Events of Note:Never Come Down – McCloud River Inn, Saturday April 18thSierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2ndMusic 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.

Never Come Down

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 DownRockyGrass FestivalShasta Mountain Music
Events of Note:Never Come Down – McCloud River Inn, Saturday April 18thSierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2ndMusic 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.

Banjo Virtuoso Frank Evans

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 EvansCliff Top FestivalAmerican Banjo CampStation Inn, NashvilleShasta Mountain Music
Events of Note:Nat Lefkoff – Redwood Galley Venue, Friday March 27th Never Come Down – McCloud River Inn, Saturday April 18thSierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2ndMusic 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.

Strings & Stories: Linda Leavitt and Tom Nechville

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 LeavittTom NechvilleCascade BluegrassShasta Mountain MusicWintergrass FestivalIBMA Leadership BluegrassMusic 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.

Behind the Scenes with Helen Ludé

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 ManagementShasta Mountain MusicAJ Lee & Blue SummitShelby MeansThe John Hartford Fiddle Tune ProjectIBMA World of BluegrassCalifornia Bluegrass AssociationPo’ Ramblin’ Boys
Events of Note:House of Hamill – McLeod River Inn, Thursday, March 19thBayou Bluegrass Festival – New Orleans, Saturday March 22ndSierra Grass – Ahwahnee, California, April 30th to May 2ndMusic 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.

Inside Shasta Mountain Music with Dave Reynolds

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 MusicJordan TiceGerry O’ConnorHouse of HamillNever Come DownShelby Means Wolf JettNina GerberLaurie LewisHattie CravenThe Rosa LeesCaltuckyThe Crooked JadesMusic 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.

George Schroder's Musical Journey

Mike and Dave welcome veteran songwriter George Schroder, a participant in 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 McCloud, California, and local venues around Mount Shasta, For more, follow @ShastaMountainMusic on Instagram or visit shastamusic.org.
Mentioned in this Episode:George SchroderShasta Mountain MusicThe McCloud River Inn Bed and BreakfastKate WolfJacob CollierAnoushka ShankarNickel CreekMusic 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.

Master Guitarist Jordan Tice

Welcome to our new podcast! Join Mike and Dave for their interview with Nashville-based musician, songwriter and ace guitarist Jordan Tice. Jordan shares his journey from a garage band rocker smashing guitars, to his career today as a sought after musician and cofounder of the Americana super group Hawktail. Jordan and his band are embarking on a West Coast tour that includes an evening on the Shasta Mountain Music stage in McCloud, California. Enjoy the music!
Mentioned in this episode:Shasta Mountain Music / @shastamountainmusicJordan Tice / @jordan.ticeBrittany Haas / @brittfiddleKenny FeinsteinJordan Tice at Shasta Mountain Music - February 25th @ 7PM
Music in this episode (In order of appearance)"Badlettsville" - Jordan Tice"Chicken Dog" - Jordan Tice
A production of Shasta Mountain Music, in conjunction with Bluegrass BKLYN LLC© Copyright Shasta Mountain Music, a 501(c)(3) non profit. All Rights Reserved.