Mason Music Fest is coming to Avondale Brewery this Saturday, August 13th. The organization and partners behind the event have brought together a seriously stacked lineup. Jahnah Camille, Shaheed and DJ Supreme, Lady Legs, Gatlin, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, and The Brook & The Bluff are taking the stage to create a day that celebrates music, community, and a group of dedicated people that bring it all together. We were able to ask Will Mason, CEO of Mason Music, some questions about this great event.
Congratulations on 10 years of Mason Music! Did you think you'd be putting on such large events 10 years later?
Never! I am certainly a dreamer but my dreams 10 years ago were a little bit smaller- like 1 location and a student concert in the lawn in front of Doodles!
Tell us more about Mason Music and the work that y'all do. What inspires the organization and what are some of the most exciting developments you have seen in recent years?
We are a team of people who are dedicated to some basic ideals- that music is important, that it makes a difference, and that it should be fun. We have the privilege of working with some amazingly talented teachers and staff who all buy into those ideals. We are motivated by the call to make sure the next generation of musicians gets good training.
In recent years, we have been through a lot- we transitioned 1,000 students to virtual lessons over a weekend when Covid shutdowns hit, and had to completely shift our operations online. In a lot of ways, it strengthened our resolve as an organization because we all stuck with it and saw how vital music education is in the lives of our students and their families.
This festival has a seriously impressive lineup featuring favorite local and national names. How did you go about selecting the artists?
We drew out of a hat.
Totally kidding- we had some initial meetings with key team members who are plugged into the music scene and generated a list of artists we thought would be cool. I wanted to make sure we had at least one band with a meaningful connection to Mason Music, so of course The Brook and the Bluff were on the list. The rest of the team really helped build the bill from there.
Although music is a big part of the event, there is a lot more happening throughout the day as well! What are some things attendees should be getting excited about?
We are going to have some of our student bands play to kick off the day at 1:00 so you don’t want to miss that! We also have a hip hop educational exhibition, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, giant Jenga, connect four, and other yard games. Plus, we have some of the best food trucks and vendors lined up to keep people fed and having fun.
What do you love about doing this work in Birmingham specifically?
Birmingham is my home so it will always be special to me. One of my personal favorite things these days is seeing my friends’ kids picking up lessons and getting involved in our programs. That’s really rewarding and just cool.
Any words for the people who've supported Mason Music over the last decade?
THANK YOU!!! Mason Music wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for our students and their parents believing that music is worth it- worth the financial investment, the hard work of practicing and learning, and the time and energy driving to one more after-school activity. We have an amazing community that has been incredibly supportive and I am aware of how fortunate we are.
Is there any other information you want to share that may not be covered in these questions?
100% of the proceeds from Mason Music Fest will be donated to our nonprofit- Mason Music Foundation, a 501(c)3. This money will provide scholarships to students who qualify for financial assistance. Mason Music Foundation is in the process of renovating a space in Woodlawn to be our brand new Woodlawn Studio of Mason Music. This will be a shared space with our new venue, Woodlawn Theatre.
Cover image provided by Mason Music
