Mason Via & Friends

Mason Via is a talented young musician/singer/songwriter out of Danbury, NC, who is on his rise to stardom. At the moment he has just released his debut CD, "Up, Up, Up", which contains only Mason's originals. Mason has recorded this CD at the studio of one of Ben Fold's past touring guitarists, Britt Uzzell, commonly known as Snüzz. Mason has been playing acoustic guitar since the age of 12. Being taught by his father, notable bluegrass musician David Via; winner of the 2009 International/American Folk Alliance Songwriters Contest, held at Mountain Stage and 3 time Chris Austin Songwriting contest winner(Merlefest). As well as being taught by accomplished musicians Rex Mcgee, Ryan Cavanagh, and Clay Jones. Mason's lyrics are considered by many to be the driving force behind the band's music, and his vocals back up the deep emotion that his lyrics possess. Mason Via & Friends play a wide variety of music with genre titles such as Soulful Acoustic, R&B(Rhythm and Bluegrass), Funky Folk, Indie Blues/Jazz; their musical horizons are never limited. Mason's Music has its own unique sound and when asked, most people are not sure how to categorize him. He has also been termed as a folk troubadour! The band makes it clear that they are trying to spread the vibration of love through ideas such as: equality, tolerance, sustainability, individualism, positivity, environmentalism, spirituality, community, truth, health, and the pursuit of happiness. The band is named “Mason Via & Friends” because Mason Via performs with various talented musicians from several different musical origins. Mason himself won 1st place in the Fall '14 Shakori Hills mandolin competition, placed in Male Vocal at Union Grove Fiddlers Convention '15, and placed in Guitar at Loudoun Bluegrass festival. The group has been featured many times on 90.9 WQFS Guilford College Radio's Carolina show, they have been featured on a UNC-TV segment promoting an establishment they were performing at (Jessup Mill), they have won the Shakori Hills Grassroots Fest Band Competition as well as their Front Porch Acoustic Stage Contest, they have won the Winston Salem Shuffle 3 times, and have shared lineups with bands such as Nahko & The Medicine for the People, Tim Obrien & Darrel Scott, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Donna The Buffalo, The Lonesome River Band, John Cowan, The Duhks, The Wood Brothers,etc. "Mason Via and Friends are among the next wave of young musical talent coming out of Stokes County and the Piedmont of North Carolina. Using a combination of impressive musicianship with strong vocals, the group has a dedicated following that is growing with every performance. Equally impressive are the selections of uniquely crafted original songs along with cover favorites using a new twist. A new young groove, with an authentic sound, Mason Via and Friends are no longer following the musical trends, but setting their very own." --Stokes County Arts Council "Mason Via is a talented song-writer and multi-instrumentalist from North Carolina, making his mark across the region in coffee houses, concert venues and festivals and was the winner of Shakori Hills’ Fall 2014 band contest. With an impressive group of supporting musicians, you will hear an eclectic blend of funky folk, blues and jazz influenced covers that will make you want to get up and boogie. But his original compositions are the most surprising! Check out his first CD!" - Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival Funky Folk from Danbury,NC with insightful lyrics, strong vocals, and a tight groove. This young troubadour is leading the next wave of musical talent.