Mason Jennings
GENRE: Indie Folk Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Website
For Mason Jennings, songwriting has always been about creating a personal connection, both with his audience and with himself. Over the years, he’s become known for his unpretentious, emotive approach to folk music, combining introspective lyrics with acoustic melodies. He’s drawn comparisons to the greats of the genre, including Nick Drake, John Fahey, and Tom Waits, but Jennings' sound is distinctly his own, one that blends vulnerability with strength, simplicity with complexity.
Born in Honolulu and raised in Pittsburgh, Jennings’ musical journey began with a move to Minneapolis in the late 1990s, where he released his debut album and quickly gained attention for his raw, authentic sound. His contemporary take on classic folk resonated with listeners and fellow musicians alike, earning him fans like Jack Johnson and Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse. Over the years, his steady output of albums has solidified his reputation as one of the leading voices in the folk and Americana scenes.
Though his early work focused on solo acoustic arrangements, Jennings has also embraced more adventurous, genre-crossing projects. His collaboration with the synth-based supergroup Painted Shield marked a departure from his usual style, incorporating electronic elements and a more expansive sound. “Being in that band really freed me up as a solo artist,” he reflects. “It allowed me to experiment and return to the acoustic, stripped-back music that first inspired me.”
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Andrew St. James
GENRE: Indie Folk Spotify | YouTube
The voice of Andrew St. James is a wholly irrepressible and inimitable instrument. The San Francisco singer-songwriter has a nasally, coarse delivery that’s also nearly limitless in its range. He’s capable of blasting out through-the-rafters choruses while simultaneously sounding wounded and forlorn, making for a disarming combination of weary pathos and brimming defiance.
He's come a long way from his days as a member of the San Francisco Opera, where his musical career began as a crystalline preteen singing prodigy. Over the years, his voice has changed through a relentless performing schedule that includes plenty of late nights and long days. As a frequent habitué of Mission District performing venues, it’s almost like the grit and dust of that neighborhood has caked his insides, adding well-earned lassitude to his words.
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Doors 7PM // Show 8PM
Orchestra is fully reserved and seated. General Admission is standing room only. Mezzanine is on the second floor, reserved and fully seated. For more information please contact ticketing@guildtheatre.com