BIBLE HILL - Garrett Mason is looking forward to his homecoming when he hits the stage tonight at the Dutch Mason Blues Festival.
"When I play in Truro it's like a big family reunion. All these people I grew up with my whole life come out and I get to see them and catch up with them," he told the Truro Daily News.
"At the same time, it can be one of the toughest places I play too."
He said there could be added pressure playing in front of a large crowd and trying to please everybody. But he loves coming home to perform, especially at a concert named for his father, the Prime Minister of the Blues, Dutch Mason.
"My father would be so proud of it just to see how many people go," Garrett said of the event, now in its sixth year.
"I always hear good things from the people ... That's the main thing as long as the people come and they have a good time and they're happy, I know my old man would be happy."
Garrett has been part of the opening night lineup for each of the past five years but this year he will take the stage on the second night.
Traditionally, he has played Diddley Daddy, a tune his father used to play, but was not sure Thursday if he would play it this year. Garrett said he does not want to become predictable and wants to keep pleasing the crowd.
"I never think about a set list because it can all change as soon as you step on the stage," he said. "I just play it by the feel of what's happening at the moment. I'll just come up with a song in my head that I feel is right for the time."
Garrett is also looking forward to taking in the musical talent being showcased during the weekend, including James Harman, who is performing Sunday.
Mason has heard many stories about his father and his impact on others during his life and a lot will come up during the weekend festivities. He has heard some of the stories before, but every once and a while a new one will come along that really impresses him. He said those ones often are told from bass players who used to play with his father.
Garrett said he is currently playing his music and spending time in the studio coming up with new material.
jmalloy@trurodaily.com
