Mason Jennings
Presented by The Current
Friday, July 31, 2026
7 pm Doors // 8 pm Music
All Ages
$65 ($79.63 w. taxes/fees) Premium Seating
$55 ($68.07 w. taxes/fees) Preferred Reserved Seating
$35 ($43.85 w. taxes/fees) Advance General Admission
$40 ($46 w. taxes/fees) At The Door General Admission
Ticket purchases are final and non-refundable
One of Minnesota's most beloved troubadours, Mason Jennings, and his band return to The Parkway for a very special evening celebrating the release of his new album Dark Wings (his 18th release, out July 10), the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed album Boneclouds, and playing songs and telling stories spanning his whole career. Presented by The Current.
Due July 10 on Loosegroove Records, Dark Winds is Mason Jennings’ 18th release. Across 11 songs, the Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter grapples with trauma, faith, survival, and hope, while embracing a looser, more collaborative approach than many of his most recent recordings. The album was developed through a series of sessions with drummer Scott McPherson, best known for his work with Elliott Smith, Beck, and She & Him. The first single and accompanying video, “Say Goodbye To The Ground,” is out now.
“These last couple years have been destabilizing and challenging for most of us. In times of stress and grief and anger I continue to turn to, and have great faith in, the Creative Spirit and the power of hope and love in the human heart,” says Jennings. “That’s what this album is a result of and a testament to.”
Release in 2006, Boneclouds was a shift in Jennings’ sound, blending folk with experimental elements, incorporating more instrumentation and diverse arrangements. The album remains a fan favorite, along with wide critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and musical depth.
"I love song craft," says Mason Jennings, a longtime folksinger who has spent over two decades honing his craft both on stage and in the studio. "A song is like a boat on the water, and you're trying to make it float with as few pieces as possible. If you do it right, a song can be very healing."
For 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.
For Jennings, songwriting is about much more than just creating music. It is a path toward emotional clarity and personal transformation. "I've learned that it's OK to be my real self," he shares. "These songs reflect the struggle to take care of myself and be the person I truly am. It’s about accepting where I come from, and working to heal old wounds, so I can move forward in a healthier way."
As he continues to write and record, Jennings remains deeply connected to his roots in folk music while embracing new textures and ideas. His work, whether with a band or solo, reflects an ongoing exploration of sound, emotion, and the human experience. For him, the process of creating is just as important as the final result, an ever-evolving conversation between the artist and his audience, and between the artist and himself.
