Country music star Brent McAthey is quietly - and happily - living his dream life in Mazatlán

Ever had a dream? Well, Canadian-born Brent McAthey is living his. His cool, laid-back approach to life was present from the moment I met him outside a local coffee shop. I’d read his informative website and came to the meeting expecting to see a tall, cowboy hat-wearing musician. Tall, yes, cowboy hat, no. Instead, we sat for just over an hour talking about his career, his dreams, his fans and Mazatlán. No stranger to Mexico, Brent - or “The Brenster,” as he’s called - has spent 26 of his Canadian winters in Mexico and now calls Mazatlán home. Brent enjoys 10 months of the year in sunny Mazatlán, where he plays to 300 or so patrons at The Purple Onion in the Golden Zone every Saturday night. In the summer season, he stills draws a great crowd, with an unheard-of fan base of locals, nationals and tourists alike.

Brent’s musical background is quite impressive. For an artist who has so many accolades, Brent seemed humbled by the whole experience. He’s been nominated for several Canadian Country Music Awards, including Best Country Artist (which he won twice), Best Producer, Best Single and Most Outstanding New Canadian Male Artist. His attitude towards his career and life is what seems to separate him from the rest: he’s determined, independent and loyal to his fans. When I asked him why he chose to live here, he spoke of the love he has for Mazatlán and his fans.

“I’m here in Mazatlán because I want to be here. This is where my heart is,” said Brent. He described the joy he gets from his Saturday night shows. “At the end of every performance, I thank everyone for coming. Without these people, there is no me. I’m so grateful for their support.”

His music has taken him around the world, from Mexico to all over Europe, Lithuania and beyond. Stretching 20 years, his career has produced a whopping 20 singles, all on his own record label. Brent’s been an independent artist since he started.

Nowadays, Brent’s chosen a different musical path, with a mellow, chilled swing to his music. His last three CDs have a tropical touch, with Mexican horns and lyrics that speak of Mazatlán sunsets, beaches and people. His latest CD, Smooth Sailin’ continues with this theme, with original songs like “Tequila and Coke” and “They Call Her Pacific.”

He told me how people still ask him why he doesn’t play more often, or doesn’t sign with a major record label. His answer is always the same.

“Mazatlán is where I want to be,” he said. “I’m not getting rich, but I live a good life. I still want to be able to do this 20, 30, 50 years from now.”

As for the future, he pictures himself making CDs every few years, still playing at The Onion and still enjoying his life in semi-retirement for many years to come. It’s not often you meet someone who seems to have their life all worked out, doing exactly what they want every day.

“I once had a dream to play at one of Calgary’s biggest country clubs,” said Brent. “A friend of mine said ‘Brent, so if you play there one time, then what? You have to reach higher.’ In time, I did play at that country club, so now, apart from living my dream here, I would love to one day open for Jimmy Buffet.”

So, if anyone knows Mr. Buffet, please let him know we have an outstanding artist living in Mazatlán waiting for his call …

Brent “The Brentster” McAthey plays at the Purple Onion, across from the Luna Palace in the Golden Zone, every Saturday night from 7:15 to 11 p.m. Call 669-913-2082 to reserve a table. CDs are available for purchase at all his shows. Info: www.purpleonion.com.mx or www.brentmcathey.ca.