Mountain Music Breakdown Podcast

Co-Host Mike Willner

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 WillnerBluegrass BKLYN podcastLiz WolfeBluegrass Jams Near Me
Events of Note:Wolf Jett @ Shasta Mountain Music: July 24 at McLeod Inn, CARockyGrass Music Festival: July 24 – 26 in Lyons, COMusic 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

Dan Gabel of Peghead Nation

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 NationDan GabelScott Nygaard
Events of Note:Wolf Jett @ Shasta Mountain Music: July 24 at McLeod Inn, CARockyGrass Music Festival: July 24 – 26 in Lyons, COMusic 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

Chris Jones of Wolf Jett!

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 JettAJ LeeShasta 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, CARockyGrass Music Festival: July 24 – 26 in Lyons, COMusic 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

Bluegrass Legend: Laurie Lewis - Part 2

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 LewisWintergrass Festival"O California" - Laurie Lewis and The Right HandsGlen CanyonLaurie 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.

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.