Interview: Tony Trischka

Backstage at RockyGrass 2026, KGNU's Fergus sits down with pioneering banjo player Tony Trischka to discuss Earl Jam 2, his project inspired by the private jam sessions between Earl Scruggs and John Hartford. Trischka shares the remarkable story of how he gained access to recordings of those historic sessions, reflects on memorable experiences performing and learning with Hartford, and talks about his approach to teaching, songwriting, and musical creativity. The conversation also looks ahead to Trischka's latest work, including new compositions based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson, offering a wide-ranging look at one of bluegrass music's most innovative and influential musicians (Air Date 7/24/26).