Andrew Mason is a local musician that is passionate about music that makes a difference. His bio says he has been influenced by musicians like Woody Guthry and Bob Dylan, and the connection is easy to see. This is a young man who uses his art to express concern for what he cares about, check out his song of our well known Alhambra Way. Mason has been seen performing around the Bay Area and beyond. He’s a familiar performer at the Hotel Utah in SF, and Freight and Salvage in Berkeley.
[youtube:http://youtube.com/watch?v=aucmipm9aBE]
Enter the Martinez Beavers: Andy was inspired to follow the story back when they were up for execution. His familiar “don’t kill them beavers” appeared on CBS and others stations, and even made it into the recent Fox news clip. His voice was one of those that made people stop and think there were things here worth keeping.
One of the amazing things about that dynamic period of time is that people took dramatic steps independently to advocate for these beavers. There was no Worth A Dam and no webpage to organize anyone, people just acted on their own behalf. At the time I said it was like a “beehive” but I think now it was more like a “Beaver Colony”. No one was in charge, everyone did the work they were suited to, and it all came together without much planning or oversight. I’m grateful everyday for the people involved in that movement that I will never see or meet again. And I’m grateful for those that stuck around and became my friends.
I’m betting Andy will be in the second group. His CD, “Songs from Town”, is available now from Itunes. Why not check out his webpage or become a friend on his Myspace so we make him feel welcome!
