Former Location –
San Anselmo was home to Marin’s premiere rock venue, the Lion’s Share, which was located near United Market. Many great performers played here including Van Morrison, Country Joe and the Fish and the Sons of Champlin. In 1969 Randy Newman shook off his shyness and played his first ever concert here.
Van Morrison was living close by in Fairfax and asked Michael Hunt, one of the owners, if he could perform at the club which only held about 150 people legally. Hunt was worried that having a big star like Van Morrison appear at his tiny club would be a catastrophe.
Hunt relented when Morrison agreed to appear with little or no publicity. Morrison would go on to perform at the club another dozen or so times over the next four years. His songs “Listen to the Lion
When Janis Joplin died, she left enough money in her will for a funeral party. It was held here at The Lion’s Share on October 26, 1971, The Grateful Dead performed.
The Lion’s Share
60 Red Hill Avenue
San Anselmo CA 94960
Ofoedian Den performed frequently at the Lion’s Share in the late 60’s and early 70’s and I remember radio broadcasts of our performances. Questions 1) is my memory correct about those broadcasts? 2) do recordings of any broadcasts exist?
There is a cast album of “The Birds” recorded at The Church in San Anselmo available on the internet. However, Ofoedian Den also demo recorded our repertoire at The Church around the same time in 1970. Likewise, we appeared on a television special entitled “The Sounds of Spring” recorded, I believe, at KQED studios in San Francisco between 1969-71 If anyone has ideas about where to find these recordings please contact me. Likewise, am interested in publicity and reviews. I remember a review in the Pacific Sun and another in the Independent Journal. Thanks for your help.
One of my bands ( Rage, ) recorded at The Church. IIRC it was a just demo for club owners. We also played the Lion’s Share a couple of nights.
Loved going there!! Was going to Avalon, Fillmore and Winterland in San Francisco quite a bit…and it was so nice to finally have a great place for music at home in Marin County. My brother in law, Don MacLeod, played there a couple of times with his band Timmy. Great place!!