Mason Porter's Blog

Saturday we are playing at the 49th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival. We are incredibly excited and honored to be a part of the festival. Headliners include Jeff Tweedy and Taj Mahal. We will be playing on the WXPN stage hosted by Helen Leicht along with some great local acts including Tin Bird Choir, Ben Arnold and more. Set time 1:15pm.

To celebrate the occasion, we have put together Story of the Rifle, an album comprised of traditional folk and cover songs limited to 50 copies. The album was recorded live over the weekend of June 12th and 13th, 2010, at Second Story Sound Studios by engineer Mike Bardzic. It was mixed by Bill Moriarty and mastered by Carl Staff. The songs on the album reflect what has bound us together as musicians and friends for four years now. The songs also represent a deep appreciation for the great songs and songwriters of the past and present who have inspired us and our craft. The CD will be available in the merchandise tent at the festival Friday though Sunday or while supplies last.

Here are a couple tracks to download for free:
Creole Belle
Wayfaring Stranger

“Winterfest - the best bluegrass festival in the Poconos - is back once again to help warm things up after the holidays with the hum of strings and the sound of American bluegrass music! Presented in association with the Pocono Bluegrass & Folk Society, this year’s festival is full of brilliant national and local bluegrass acts and includes eight bands and more than nine hours of music – topping it all off with a special headlining appearance by The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band.

Grammy award winner and legendary bluegrass artist Peter Rowan has developed into one of the major bluegrass artists of the last 50 years while accumulating a devoted, international fan base through his continuous stream of original recordings, collaborative projects, and constant touring. Joining Rowan (guitar) in The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band are Jody Stecher (mandolin), Keith Little (banjo), and Paul Knight (bass). The ensemble has been entertaining audiences with original songs executed in vibrant harmony.

Other artists scheduled to appear include Wilkes-Barre natives Cabinet as well as acoustic-bluegrass performers the Hickory Project. Additional artists performing on stage include Folk Spirits, Hillbilly Water, Mason Porter, Aimless Pursuit, and The Lost Ramblers.

Even more Winterfest events take place on January 29th and 31st throughout the Stroudsburg area! Please visit www.poconobluegrass.org for more information.

Come celebrate ten years of bluegrass in the ‘Burgs this January at the Sherman!”

Date: 1/30/10
SEATING: Reserved seating & General admission
Ticket prices: $35 reserved / $25 GA
Doors open at 12 noon.