By Kelly MacConomy
Virginia native and West End Alexandrian Jason Masi has been tirelessly making music since he left Longwood University 15 years ago to devote himself to writing and performing his original songs along with classic rock/folk and soul covers. He was the front man for the band, recording two albums and doing over 125 shows a year until he went solo in 2010.
With his rock/movie star good looks, vibrant vocals, and soulful lyrics, Jason has created a significant following locally and all around the DMV while becoming the virtual Van Morrison of the vineyard venues. Winery managers know if they book Jason Masi they will need to bring in extra tables and chairs. And wine. He packs the house inside and out- on the hottest summer days or after a crippling snowfall. If Jason is booked they will come.
Jason’s second and most popular CD “The Power of a Woman” is named for the song track inspired by his amazing wife Jennifer who is a passionate Wahoo, attorney, and pro bono director at the Children’s Law Center in DC. Jen taught sixth grade history and English in Charlottesville before attending law school at George Washington. “She makes my soul believe in a higher, greater truth…. That’s the power of a woman.” Jason and Jen love living in Alexandria. It’s a city with great restaurants and shops and history but it has a home town feel. Their favorite thing to do in Old Town is grab a pizza at Mia’s.
On November 30 at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Jason and his band are in concert for the public, celebrating the dropping of his new CD “Capture the Heart”. The title song is a tribute to the street musicians and musical traditions of New Orleans as the cradle of American Jazz, Blues, Dixieland, Zydeco and R&B and Bounce.
Locally, Jason has performed at Blackwall Hitch, O’Connell’s, and Sonoma Cellar in Old Town, also The Wharf, 9:30 Club, and The Hamilton in DC. He is a regular entertainer at The Barns at Hamilton, Bluemont, Breaux, Creek’s Edge, Doukenie, 50 West, Greenhill, Lost Creek, Northgate, Potomac Point, Quattro Goombas Winery/Brewery, Stone Tower and Sunset Hills Vineyards. He frequently performs at Parallel Wine and Whiskey in Ashburn and The Tasting Room Wine Bar and Shop in Reston, in addition to numerous area craft breweries and distilleries. Jason makes regular appearances at the Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Arlington as well.
Jason writes with poetic muse and vocally expresses the eloquence of music- especially the power of a single song. Almost invariably he is asked to play Leonard Cohen’s moving ballad “The Hallelujah.” Jason covers the elegy with an anguished, lamenting soulfulness that silences the boisterous ambiance of tasting-room venues. Jason sometimes performs the song on request for grieving friends and family gathered at a winery in celebration of a life lost. Other times it is requested as a favorite song for an anniversary or a birthday. Children gravitate to Jason in wide-eyed wonder and awe, like a Pied Piper with candy. He has a heart as expansive as his talent.
Catch Alexandria’s own Jason Masi this fall at your new favorite winery, brewery or sipping spot. He graciously takes requests. Ask for The Hallelujah. Or any Van Morrison. And tell him The Zebra sent you. Jason is available for private events and bookings. www.jasonmasi.com Email: [email protected]
