This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

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 leader of one of Marin's most popular and innovative bands, Tom Finch Group. His band, featuring Jason (J.J.) Jones, Andius Jent (Mill Valley Philharmonic), Marc Carmi Smith, Charles Moselle and Ben Isaacs (not playing 9/8) will open San Geronimo Valley Community Center’s Valley Family Jam Fest on Sunday, September 8th at 5pm, followed by all star group The Rock Collection featuring Lebo (ALO), Melvin Seals (JGB), Greg Anton (Zero), Stu Allen (Mars Hotel, JGB), Jason Crosby (Phil Lesh and Friends) and Robin Sylvester (Bob Weir & RatDog). The event benefits San Geronimo Valley Community Center’s food bank, human services and youth programs. Advance tickets $20, and can be found at SGVCC.org. The event is family friendly and all ages and will include a bounce house for children. Good Earth Natural Foods will vend delicious, affordable organic food. Tickets at the door are $25. Children 3-17 $5. Tickets are moving, advance purchase recommended. The event is sponsored by Jayli, WaccoBB.net, KWMR and Local Music Vibe.

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!

Find out what's happening in San Anselmo-Fairfaxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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".

Find out what's happening in San Anselmo-Fairfaxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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

Web: http://www.sgvcc.org/artsevents/centerevents.html

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.

Hannah Doress has been Events Programmer at San Geronimo Valley Community Center since 2005. She is also well known as director of Earth Day Marin and for her work as and for her promotional efforts for the Dipsea Hike for Zero Breast Cancer. She is a Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program and principal of Hannah Doress Events. She lives in Fairfax with her wife, Soprano Emily Bender and their son, chicken farmer Abraham Bender-Doress.




We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from San Anselmo-Fairfax