I'm a songwriter and acoustic guitar player who has been performing for 25 years with Saint John as my base, recording 10 records in the process. I've hosted a legendary open stage/talent incubator at Oleary's all this time and have been lucky enough to have been nominated and/or won ECMA and Music NB awards, including MNB folk/roots recording of the year in 2012.I've toured the UK 4 times, played across Canada and in parts of the US, including 2 successful Home Routes tours in northern Alberta and British Columbia. In November I return to China to play music and work on a commissioned song for Orbis International. I'm a storyteller and a prolific writer who values words immensely- recently having co written 3 songs on Jessica Rhaye's new record and have a cut of one my songs on Mike Biggar's new release as well. I've played many of the major festivals in the region including Stanfest and Harvest Jazz and Blues, and while my main focus has always been as a storyteller/songwriter I've got a very tight and talented 4 piece band for festival and larger venues. This past year I won Male Artist of the Year and Band of the Year for the Saint John region and saw the release of my new record- High Water Mark - with a sold out show at the Sanctuary Theatre (http://www.brentmason.ca/videos) and has featured shows at The Carleton at Harvest opening for Martha Wainright. This summer features a manistage band appearance at Area 506 and a shared gig with Jessica Rhaye at the legendary Trailside Cafe in PEI. Known as a consumate writer and storyteller, I'm excited for 2019!
I continue to mentor studentsin NB high school with my Music History and Songwriting Workshops, facillitating 3-6 week long residencies per year. For the past 5 years I have programmed the Rising Tide Festival in Fundy National Park
2020 has seen the completion of my 11th , Fireflies , the successful completion of my 3rd Home Routes tour in southwestern Bristish Columbia.An added bit of recognition in creative arts as I won the Writers Federation of New Brunswick Short Fiction competition and came runner up in the Poetry category. In spite of the pandemic, we all keep on truckin'!
