Brian Mason: “I believe you should always make time for the things that matter.”
South Florida’s Brian Mason gets ready to take the stage at GDMAF’s annual fundraiser
TAMMYE NASH | Managing Editor
Nash@DallasVoice.com
South Florida-based singer Brian Mason is taking time out from a packed schedule on his home turf to head to Dallas as one of three guest performers taking to the stage at MetroBall 19 on Friday night, June 5.
Mason will be performing alongside Broadway and movie star Cheyenne Jackson and hometown fave Kameron Ross at the event, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at S4, 3911 Cedar Springs Road. MetroBall is the signature annual fundraiser for the Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund, a nonprofit organization focused on helping people with HIV/AIDS cover unexpected expenses that other AIDS service organizations can’t help with.
Since its founding in 1996, GDMAF has provided more than $2.5 million in emergency financial assistance to meet critical needs such as rent, utilities, medication and other essentials. General admission tickets at the door are $50, and that includes access to all the entertainment as well as the annual silent auction which helps up the totals.
For Mason, it’s quite a jaunt from South Florida to North Texas, but for him, he said, it’s time well spent. In the days leading up to MetroBall, Mason took a few minutes out of his hectic schedule to talk about the importance of charity work and more.
Dallas Voice: From your online presence, it sounds like you have a pretty busy schedule. Why did you want to make time in that schedule to perform at MetroBall? Brian Mason: My schedule is definitely full, but I believe you should always make time for the things that matter. MetroBall isn’t just another gig; it’s an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. I can see the impact GDMAF has had on so many people, so I was happy and honored to be asked to perform.
Google tells me that you are “a vocalist who blends pop with theatrical influences.” What does that blend look and sound like? What are your biggest influences, both musically and theatrically? Well, I do so many “request” shows, and that has really forced me to stretch my versatility to the max. The style of my voice, by nature, is shaped by R&B/pop influences, but I do use my musical theater training to tap into that “modern crooner” vibe.
My biggest influences range from Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston to Kelly Clarkson and Michael Bublé in the pop world. In the theater world, Shoshana Bean is QUEEN. And of course, Cheyenne Jackson is right up there!
What can the MetroBall audience expect from your performance here? I’m really excited to bring a mix of genres in a high energy blend of crowd favorites across multiple decades. My goal is to have at least one song that grabs the attention of each person in the room, from all different generations and backgrounds. You can expect to be dancing and grooving.
What is next for you? What projects are coming down the pike? Well, there are always new projects in the works, but locally in South Florida, I work from time to time on a creative team with D-Rock Productions, creating new shows and projects. In the meantime, I maintain my weekly residencies at Georgie’s Alibi and Pub on the Drive in Wilton Manors, as well as travelling for special events like Metroball! Keep your eyes out for some new music in the near future.
Is this your first time in Dallas? If so, is there something in particular about the city that you are looking forward to? And if this isn’t your first visit, what is it you are looking forward to seeing or doing again? I went to college in Oklahoma City, so my friend and I would venture down for some fun back in the day. I have heard so many amazing things about Dallas, specifically the gay community, so I am so excited to experience a little of that. There is something about Texas/Southern culture — including the food — that makes me excited, so I’m looking forward to it all!
And last, what have I not asked you about that you want to mention? I just want to say thank you to MetroBall and specifically Barry Robertson for inviting me to this amazing event. It really means a lot to be able to be a part of something so special. I really look forward to meeting everyone!