Health & Fitness
From Baez to Big Brother: versatile guitarist Tom Finch rallies with his Group to support San Geronimo Valley Community Center
Interview: popular Marin musician Tom Finch tells all ahead of Sun. Sept. 8th Valley Family Jam Fest ft. Tom Finch Group (members Big Brother HC, MV Philharmonic) & The Rock Collection (members ALO, JGB, RatDog, Zero) @San Geronimo Valley Comty Ctr
Tom Finch is a member of 60's rock icons Big Brother and the Holding Company and has shared stages with Joan Baez, guitar-shredding idol Joe Satriani and other luminaries like Jose Neto, Terry Hagerty, David Laflame and Norton Buffalo. Finch radiates a warmth and enjoyment of his craft, which makes his audience feel a part of something, which is reinforced by his compellingly danceable world rock sound. Finch is also known locally as a fixture at the Lagunitas School Open Classroom as a past parent and ongoing music teacher.
Hannah: How did you get chosen for the Gulf Coast Hall of Fame?
Tom: It was my 2nd or 3rd year playing with Big Brother and the Holding Company and the band was inducted into the GCM Hall of Fame in Port Arthur Texas, where Janis Joplin was born. It was a great honor and a fun ceremony with Limos and Champagne and all sorts of Pomp and Circumstance!
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Hannah: You’ve played with some household names – any fun memories?
Tom: Being with Ray Manzarek back stage hearing stories about Jim Morrison and hanging with Iron Butterfly and hearing them complain about having to play In A Gadda Da Vida "again".
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Hannah: How do you see the role of music in society?
Tom: I see music as a crucial role in society! I feel that in general we spend far too much time in our minds.. thinking critically and not nearly enough time playing and taking things lightly. Society over-emphasizes productivity! Music reminds us that there is great value in creativity and individual expression! ART!!!
Hannah: What’s something people might not guess about you?
Tom: Hmmmmm, I love Sci-fi and Disc Golf. I played Banjo before guitar.
Hannah: What’s your #1 piece of advice for your music students?
Tom: Keep it fun... and keep it up!Hannah: Who are your musical idols?
Tom: Some of my heroes are Jimmy Page, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, John Scofield, Kevin Eubanks and Pat Metheney to name just a few
Hannah: What are your plans for Tom Finch Group?
Tom: We are currently working on a new album and looking forward to expanding our audience and performance opportunities! Looking forward to sharing bills with other successful groups and toward next summer and getting into some of the larger festivals!
Hannah: What inspires you in creating and performing music?
Tom: First and foremost I love the creative process. I have always been moved to create music, I guess you could say I have always heard and felt music and it is a great pleasure to share my inspiration with others and find that they are moved by it as well!
Hannah: Why are you supporting the San Geronimo Valley Community Center with this performance? Anything you are excited about in particular about this show?
Tom: I fully support the SGVCC and all of the great work that they do! This is sure to be a sweet family scene and I am excited to hear the Rock Collection... such a great cast of players!
***Tickets are moving briskly - get yours here.
Be on time at 5pm to enjoy Tom Finch Group's full set!
RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends here.
Contact San Geronimo Valley Community Center
Phone: 415-488-8888
Like SGVCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Geronimo-Valley-Community-Center-Arts-Events/144876422272511?ref=ts&fref=ts
For more information about the show or the San Geronimo Valley Community Center please visit their website or call 415-488-8888. Like them on Facebook.