Mason’s Corner

Mason Newton is that kind of person you meet and can’t stop telling people about. His love, energy, passion and knowledge for bluegrass music is so contagious but also so refreshing. He is one that brightens your day and leaves a lasting impression.

The Fredericksburg, VA native is on the path of graduating with a BA in Geospatial Analysis degree from the University of Mary Washington next year. Are you wondering the same thing I was, what is Geospatial Analysis? Well, his education and experience will make him a professional who analyzes the geographic data using tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), remote sensing, and three-dimensional stats to help companies make informed decisions. Yep, now that we have that covered, let’s learn more about Mason and his love for bluegrass.

Growing up in Fredericksburg, VA – a town full of history and strong community feel – Mason started attending bluegrass festival shortly after he was born. Playing and listening to CDs/DVDs of various bluegrass bands till they were worn out was a way of life. Listening to his dad play the banjo his entire life has given Mason a deep appreciation for the banjo. Mason feels that the banjo is one of the most important sounds needed in forming a tight, driving band, plus Mason would argue that it is the most bluegrass instrument.

At the young age of 10 or 11 yrs. old, Mason found himself being ‘star-struck’ while attending the Mr. B’s Bluegrass Festival in Ladysmith, VA. As the first festival Mason remembers attending (2005 or 2006), it was only fitting to have the honor of meeting Marty Stuart there. Mason had always been a huge fan of his music, both country and bluegrass.

Rhonda Vincent is the most inspirational person in the music world to Mason. Despite all of her accolades, a Grammy Award, Grand Ole Opry Member, multi-award-winning artist, and playing with top country stars, she always takes time to talk with people and snap photos after every one of her shows. Humbleness and respect are two key traits of Mason and she checks both boxes in ways that have inspired him greatly.

In 2013, Mason met the late great Sweet Brenda Lawson, radio host and widely known as one of the best emcees in the business. Two months later while attending the Amelia Bluegrass Festival, Sweet Brenda invited me up on stage and allowed him to help her introduce Rhonda Vincent and the Rage along with The Bluegrass Brothers. From that point on, Mason has been fortunate to emcee several festivals and events across the state of Virginia. The camaraderie between emcee, artists and fans is the most enjoyable part of emceeing. He loves mingling with people in the crowd and having the opportunity to not only meet but get to know some of the best names in bluegrass.

Over the past years Mason has been blessed to meet some of the finest musicians in the bluegrass world. While his connections with many have grown over the years, he still has many more he would love to meet. Two artists that he has always wanted to meet are Ricky Skaggs and Dan Tyminski. Mason is a huge fan of Ricky’s singing and considers him one of his favorite mandolin players. As for Dan, Mason respects how he has made a name for himself in ways that go beyond the bluegrass scene, most significantly with his work in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2000 film). On top of that, Dan surrounds himself with top notch musicians and seems like a laid-back guy overall.

As Mason embarks on a new adventure with “Mason’s Corner” here on Michelle Lee On Air, he could not thank all of his family and friends for their complete support. Supporting and having his back every step of his life has meant the world to him. “Thank you and I hope you will continue to support me in this new opportunity of spreading my love for bluegrass music”!