Minto Country Music Wall of Fame

Frank, also known as "Papa" is a very well known local musician was born October 14, 1937 the son of the late Nellie and Cecil Maston. He has been playing since he was 14 years old when his Uncle Bill (Bucky) Powers showed Frankie his first chords on a guitar and started teaching him the fiddle and accordian. From that time on he has been entertaining family and friends constantly. Ask anyone and they will tell you that Frankie loves music. During the early years he played for awhile with Earl and Fidele LeBlanc and just happened to meet his future wife Rita in the process. In 1974 he formed a band named "The Minto Ramblers" and played Fredericton, Oromocto, Gagetown, Minto and Chipman. When their drummer resigned, a new band was created called "Heat Wave" and they were active until the early 80's.

“The Frank Maston & Country Clover Band” consists of Frank, his wife Rita on bass, and brother in law Earl LeBlanc playing lead guitar, and mandolin and keyboard player Alden Simmons. They play all local venues, whether it's a Cancer Telethon, Christmas Telethon, Church Fundraiser, entertaining seniors at the WG Bishop Nursing Home, North Minto Residence, Fun Days in Minto or just a family and friends get together in Papa's basement or at the cottage at Wuhrs Beach. Frank can be counted on to brighten up any occasion.

Frank's love of music is evident when you take into consideration the hours he has spent teaching his granddaughter, Katelyn Farrell, to sing and perform. "The Frank Maston Band" has performed many places with Katelyn as special guest. Katelyn and Papa have been entertainers on many fundraisers, telethons and have been featured on television. The group has released a CD featuring Katelyn called “My Papa and Me” that is very popular with their fans. At the present time Frank is teaching his grandson Christopher to sing and play the fiddle.

Frank still resides in Minto with his wife Rita – they have been married for 46 years and have raised 3 children – Brenda (Albert), Ricky (Kathy), and Sherry (Wayne). Frank and Rita are proud grandparents to 5 grandchildren. He has a strong commitment to family and community and Frank’s willingness to share his talent makes him a special member of Minto's Country Music Wall of Fame.